bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Pediococcus pentosaceus YF01 on the exercise capacity of mice through the regulation of oxidative stress and alteration of gut microbiota
Authors: Yang Xiaoguang , Wang Yeni , Yang Yuhua
Published: June 2024

Using treadmill training, this study replicated human exercise conditions and triggered exercise-induced fatigue in mice to examine the potential of Pediococcus pentosaceus YF01 in delaying this fatigue by regulating oxidative stress and its impact on the exercise capacity and gut microbiota of mice. The exercise capacity of mice was tested by conducting exhaustion tests, determining histopathological changes in mouse tissues, detecting the levels of serum biochemical markers, and evaluating the mRNA expression levels of relevant genes. YF01 prolonged the exhaustion time of mice, increased the serum levels of oxidative stress-related markers T-AOC, CAT, and GSH, as well as GLU and LA levels in the mice. YF01 decreased the levels of hepatic-related markers AST and ALT, as well as exercise-related markers LDH, BUN, UA, and CRE in the mice. YF01 upregulated the mRNA expression of MyHc I, SIRT1, and PGC in muscle tissues, as well as SOD1, SOD2, and CAT in both liver and muscle tissues. YF01 also downregulated the mRNA expression of MyHc IIa, MyHc IIb, and MyHc IIx in muscle tissues. Furthermore, YF01 increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae in the gut microbiota of mice. In conclusion, P. pentosaceus YF01 may affect the exercise capacity of mice by modulating oxidative stress levels, thereby offering novel ideas for developing of sports science and human health.
Inoculation with Bacillus megaterium CNPMS B119 and Bacillus subtilis CNPMS B2084 improve P-acquisition and maize yield in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira-Paiva Christiane Abreu , Bini Daniel , de Sousa Sylvia Morais , Ribeiro Vitória Palhares , dos Santos Flávia Cristina , de Paula Lana Ubiraci Gomes , de Souza Fabiane Ferreira , Gomes Eliane Aparecida , Marriel Ivanildo Evódio
Published: June 2024

Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for plant growth, yet its uptake is often hindered by soil factors like clay minerals and metal oxides such as aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and calcium (Ca), which bind P and limit its availability. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have the unique ability to convert insoluble P into a soluble form, thereby fostering plant growth. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of inoculation of Bacillus megaterium B119 (rhizospheric) and B. subtilis B2084 (endophytic) via seed treatment in enhancing maize yield, grain P content, and enzyme activities across two distinct soil types in field conditions. Additionally, we investigated various mechanisms contributing to plant growth promotion, compatibility with commercial inoculants, and the maize root adhesion profile of these strains. During five crop seasons in two experimental areas in Brazil, Sete Lagoas-MG and Santo Antônio de Goiás-GO, single inoculations with either B119 or B2084 were implemented in three seasons, while a co-inoculation with both strains was applied in two seasons. All treatments received P fertilizer according to plot recommendations, except for control. Both the Bacillus strains exhibited plant growth-promoting properties relevant to P dynamics, including phosphate solubilization and mineralization, production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like molecules, siderophores, exopolysaccharides (EPS), biofilms, and phosphatases, with no antagonism observed with Azospirillum and Bradyrizhobium. Strain B2084 displayed superior maize root adhesion compared to B119. In field trials, single inoculations with either B119 or B2084 resulted in increased maize grain yield, with relative average productivities of 22 and 16% in Sete Lagoas and 6 and 3% in Santo Antônio de Goiás, respectively. Co-inoculation proved more effective, with an average yield increase of 24% in Sete Lagoas and 11% in Santo Antônio de Goiás compared to the non-inoculated control. Across all seasons, accumulated grain P content correlated with yield, and soil P availability in the rhizosphere increased after co-inoculation in Santo Antônio de Goiás. These findings complement previous research efforts and have led to the validation and registration of the first Brazilian inoculant formulated with Bacillus strains for maize, effectively enhancing and P grain content.
Machine vision-based gait scan method for identifying cognitive impairment in older adults
Authors: Qin Yuzhen , Zhang Haowei , Qing Linbo , Liu Qinghua , Jiang Hua , Xu Shen , Liu Yixin , He Xiaohai
Published: June 2024

Objective

Early identification of cognitive impairment in older adults could reduce the burden of age-related disabilities. Gait parameters are associated with and predictive of cognitive decline. Although a variety of sensors and machine learning analysis methods have been used in cognitive studies, a deep optimized machine vision-based method for analyzing gait to identify cognitive decline is needed.

Methods

This study used a walking footage dataset of 158 adults named West China Hospital Elderly Gait, which was labelled by performance on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. We proposed a novel recognition network, Deep Optimized GaitPart (DO-GaitPart), based on silhouette and skeleton gait images. Three improvements were applied: short-term temporal template generator (STTG) in the template generation stage to decrease computational cost and minimize loss of temporal information; depth-wise spatial feature extractor (DSFE) to extract both global and local fine-grained spatial features from gait images; and multi-scale temporal aggregation (MTA), a temporal modeling method based on attention mechanism, to improve the distinguishability of gait patterns.

Results

An ablation test showed that each component of DO-GaitPart was essential. DO-GaitPart excels in backpack walking scene on CASIA-B dataset, outperforming comparison methods, which were GaitSet, GaitPart, MT3D, 3D Local, TransGait, CSTL, GLN, GaitGL and SMPLGait on Gait3D dataset. The proposed machine vision gait feature identification method achieved a receiver operating characteristic/area under the curve (ROCAUC) of 0.876 (0.852–0.900) on the cognitive state classification task.

Conclusion

The proposed method performed well identifying cognitive decline from the gait video datasets, making it a prospective prototype tool in cognitive assessment.
The transmission line foreign body detection algorithm based on weighted spatial attention
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Tian Haiyang , Yin Tongtong , Song Zhaoyu , Hauwa Abdullahi Suleiman , Zhang Haiyan , Gao Shangbing , Zhou Liguo
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The secure operation of electric power transmission lines is essential for the economy and society. However, external factors such as plastic film and kites can cause damage to the lines, potentially leading to power outages. Traditional detection methods are inefficient, and the accuracy of automated systems is limited in complex background environments.

Methods

This paper introduces a Weighted Spatial Attention (WSA) network model to address the low accuracy in identifying extraneous materials within electrical transmission infrastructure due to background texture occlusion. Initially, in the model preprocessing stage, color space conversion, image enhancement, and improved Large Selective Kernel Network (LSKNet) technology are utilized to enhance the model's proficiency in detecting foreign objects in intricate surroundings. Subsequently, in the feature extraction stage, the model adopts the dynamic sparse BiLevel Spatial Attention Module (BSAM) structure proposed in this paper to accurately capture and identify the characteristic information of foreign objects in power lines. In the feature pyramid stage, by replacing the feature pyramid network structure and allocating reasonable weights to the Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN), the feature fusion results are optimized, ensuring that the semantic information of foreign objects in the power line output by the network is effectively identified and processed.

Results

The experimental outcomes reveal that the test recognition accuracy of the proposed WSA model on the PL (power line) dataset has improved by three percentage points compared to that of the YOLOv8 model, reaching 97.6%. This enhancement demonstrates the WSA model's superior capability in detecting foreign objects on power lines, even in complex environmental backgrounds.

Discussion

The integration of advanced image preprocessing techniques, the dynamic sparse BSAM structure, and the BiFPN has proven effective in improving detection accuracy and has the potential to transform the approach to monitoring and maintaining power transmission infrastructure.
Age-related alterations in efferent medial olivocochlear-outer hair cell and primary auditory ribbon synapses in CBA/J mice
Authors: Dörje Nele Marie , Shvachiy Liana , Kück Fabian , Outeiro Tiago F. , Strenzke Nicola , Beutner Dirk , Setz Cristian
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hearing decline stands as the most prevalent single sensory deficit associated with the aging process. Giving compelling evidence suggesting a protective effect associated with the efferent auditory system, the goal of our study was to characterize the age-related changes in the number of efferent medial olivocochlear (MOC) synapses regulating outer hair cell (OHC) activity compared with the number of afferent inner hair cell ribbon synapses in CBA/J mice over their lifespan.

Methods

Organs of Corti of 3-month-old CBA/J mice were compared with mice aged between 10 and 20 months, grouped at 2-month intervals. For each animal, one ear was used to characterize the synapses between the efferent MOC fibers and the outer hair cells (OHCs), while the contralateral ear was used to analyze the ribbon synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and type I afferent nerve fibers of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Each cochlea was separated in apical, middle, and basal turns, respectively.

Results

The first significant age-related decline in afferent IHC-SGN ribbon synapses was observed in the basal cochlear turn at 14 months, the middle turn at 16 months, and the apical turn at 18 months of age. In contrast, efferent MOC-OHC synapses in CBA/J mice exhibited a less pronounced loss due to aging which only became significant in the basal and middle turns of the cochlea by 20 months of age.

Discussion

This study illustrates an age-related reduction on efferent MOC innervation of OHCs in CBA/J mice starting at 20 months of age. Our findings indicate that the morphological decline of efferent MOC-OHC synapses due to aging occurs notably later than the decline observed in afferent IHC-SGN ribbon synapses.
Beyond the surface: how ex-vivo diffusion-weighted imaging reveals large animal brain microstructure and connectivity
Authors: Behroozi Mehdi , Graïc Jean-Marie , Gerussi Tommaso
Published: June 2024

Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI) is an effective and state-of-the-art neuroimaging method that non-invasively reveals the microstructure and connectivity of tissues. Recently, novel applications of the DWI technique in studying large brains through ex-vivo imaging enabled researchers to gain insights into the complex neural architecture in different species such as those of Perissodactyla (e.g., horses and rhinos), Artiodactyla (e.g., bovids, swines, and cetaceans), and Carnivora (e.g., felids, canids, and pinnipeds). Classical in-vivo tract-tracing methods are usually considered unsuitable for ethical and practical reasons, in large animals or protected species. Ex-vivo DWI-based tractography offers the chance to examine the microstructure and connectivity of formalin-fixed tissues with scan times and precision that is not feasible in-vivo. This paper explores DWI’s application to ex-vivo brains of large animals, highlighting the unique insights it offers into the structure of sometimes phylogenetically different neural networks, the connectivity of white matter tracts, and comparative evolutionary adaptations. Here, we also summarize the challenges, concerns, and perspectives of ex-vivo DWI that will shape the future of the field in large brains.
The noisy encoding of disparity model predicts perception of the McGurk effect in native Japanese speakers
Authors: Magnotti John F. , Lado Anastasia , Beauchamp Michael S.
Published: June 2024

In the McGurk effect, visual speech from the face of the talker alters the perception of auditory speech. The diversity of human languages has prompted many intercultural studies of the effect in both Western and non-Western cultures, including native Japanese speakers. Studies of large samples of native English speakers have shown that the McGurk effect is characterized by high variability in the susceptibility of different individuals to the illusion and in the strength of different experimental stimuli to induce the illusion. The noisy encoding of disparity (NED) model of the McGurk effect uses principles from Bayesian causal inference to account for this variability, separately estimating the susceptibility and sensory noise for each individual and the strength of each stimulus. To determine whether variation in McGurk perception is similar between Western and non-Western cultures, we applied the NED model to data collected from 80 native Japanese-speaking participants. Fifteen different McGurk stimuli that varied in syllable content (unvoiced auditory “pa” + visual “ka” or voiced auditory “ba” + visual “ga”) were presented interleaved with audiovisual congruent stimuli. The McGurk effect was highly variable across stimuli and participants, with the percentage of illusory fusion responses ranging from 3 to 78% across stimuli and from 0 to 91% across participants. Despite this variability, the NED model accurately predicted perception, predicting fusion rates for individual stimuli with 2.1% error and for individual participants with 2.4% error. Stimuli containing the unvoiced pa/ka pairing evoked more fusion responses than the voiced ba/ga pairing. Model estimates of sensory noise were correlated with participant age, with greater sensory noise in older participants. The NED model of the McGurk effect offers a principled way to account for individual and stimulus differences when examining the McGurk effect in different cultures.
New alternatives to holder pasteurization in processing donor milk in human milk banks
Authors: Moro Guido E. , Girard Melissa , Peila Chiara , Garcia Nadia , Escuder-Vieco Diana , Keller Kristin , Cassidy Tanya , Bertino Enrico , Boquien Clair-Yves , Buffin Rachel , Calvo Javier , Gaya Antoni , Gebauer Corinna , Lamireau Delphine , Lembo David , Picaud Jean-Charles , Wesolowska Aleksandra , Arslanoglu Sertac , Cavallarin Laura , Giribaldi Marzia
Published: June 2024

Infectious and toxicological risks are the main potential hazards that operators of Human Milk Banks (HMBs) encounter and must eliminate. HMBs are trying to implement procedures that allow to manage and sanitize human milk without altering significantly its nutritional and biologically protective components, obtaining a product characterized by a valid balance between safety and biological quality. The history of human milk processing is linked to the origins of HMBs themselves. And although other forms of sterilization were used originally, pasteurization soon became the recognized most effective means for sanitizing milk: all the milk that arrives at the HMB must be pasteurized. Holder pasteurization (HoP) is the most used methodology, and it is performed using low temperature and long time (+62.5°C for 30 min). With HoP some bioactive milk components are lost to varying degrees, but many other precious bioactive compounds are completely or partially preserved. To improve the quality of human milk processed by HMBs, maintaining in the meantime the same microbiological safety offered by HoP, new technologies are under evaluation. At present, High-Temperature Short-Time pasteurization (HTST) and High-Pressure Processing are the most studied methodologies. HTST is already utilized in some HMBs for daily practical activity and for research purposes. They seem to be superior to HoP for a better preservation of some nutritional and biologically protective components. Freeze-drying or lyophilization may have advantages for room temperature storage and transportation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the advancement regarding the processing of DHM with a literature search from 2019 to 2022. The effects of the new technologies on safety and quality of human milk are presented and discussed. The new technologies should assure microbiological safety of the final product at least at the same level as optimized HoP, with an improved preservation of the nutritional and bioactive components of raw human milk.
Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule inhibits rheumatoid arthritis by regulating intestinal flora and improving intestinal barrier
Authors: Peng Yanhui , Huang Yurong , Li Hui , Li Chen , Wu Yajie , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Wang Xiao , Liao Faxue , Miao Chenggui
Published: June 2024

Background

Changes in intestinal flora and intestinal barrier in patients with preclinical and diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suggest that intestinal flora and intestinal barrier play an important role in the induction and persistence of RA. Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule (HQC) is a clinically effective herbal formula for the treatment of RA, but its therapeutic mechanism has not been fully clarified.

Materials and methods

In this study, real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR), 16SrRNA sequencing, Western blot (WB), immunofluorescence and other methods were used to investigate whether HQC inhibited RA.

Results

Based on research in collages-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice, human colon cancer cell line (Caco-2), and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from RA patients, we found that intestinal flora was disturbed in CIA model group, intestinal barrier was damaged, and lipolyaccharide (LPS) level was increased, and HQC could regulate intestinal flora and intestinal barrier and reduce LPS translocation into blood. Antibiotic depletion weakened the anti-RA effect of HQC, and HQC fecal microbiota transplantation alleviated RA pathology. In addition, LPS increased the expression of RA pathologic factors MMP3, Fibronectin and inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8, indicating that elevated peripheral blood level of LPS was related to RA pathology.

Conclusion

The dysregulation of intestinal flora and the disruption of intestinal barrier are significant factors in the development of RA. HQC improves RA by regulating intestinal flora, intestinal barrier and inhibiting LPS translocation into blood. The study unveiles RA’s new pathogenesis and laid a scientific groundwork for advancing HQC therapy for RA.
Metabolic reprogramming in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Sun Xiangyu , Li Zehui , Yu Huidong , Li Wenya , Xu Yan
Published: June 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignancy with high incidence in China. Due to the lack of effective molecular targets, the prognosis of ESCC patients is poor. It is urgent to explore the pathogenesis of ESCC to identify promising therapeutic targets. Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of ESCC, providing a novel perspective for revealing the biological features of ESCC. In the hypoxic and nutrient-limited tumor microenvironment, ESCC cells have to reprogram their metabolic phenotypes to fulfill the demands of bioenergetics, biosynthesis and redox homostasis of ESCC cells. In this review, we summarized the metabolic reprogramming of ESCC cells that involves glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism and explore how reprogrammed metabolism provokes novel opportunities for biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of ESCC.
Thermal and non-thermal DM production in non-standard cosmologies: a mini review
Authors: Arcadi Giorgio
Published: June 2024

We provide a short review of some aspects of dark matter (DM) production in non-standard cosmology. Considering the simplest Higgs portal model as a definite particle physics setup, we consider the impact on the parameter space corresponding to the correct relic density and the complementary experimental constraints of the presence, during thermal production, of an exotic component dominating the energy density of the universe. In the second part of the work, we will focus on the case that such an exotic component satisfies the equation of state of matter and can produce DM non-thermally.
A method for measuring banana pseudo-stem phenotypic parameters based on handheld mobile LiDAR and IMU fusion
Authors: Yang Zhou , Jiang Qiming , Duan Jieli , Jin Mohui , Fu Han , Xu Xing
Published: June 2024

Diameter and height are crucial morphological parameters of banana pseudo-stems, serving as indicators of the plant’s growth status. Currently, in densely cultivated banana plantations, there is a lack of applicable research methods for the scalable measurement of phenotypic parameters such as diameter and height of banana pseudo-stems. This paper introduces a handheld mobile LiDAR and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-fused laser scanning system designed for measuring phenotypic parameters of banana pseudo-stems within banana orchards. To address the challenges posed by dense canopy cover in banana orchards, a distance-weighted feature extraction method is proposed. This method, coupled with Lidar-IMU integration, constructs a three-dimensional point cloud map of the banana plantation area. To overcome difficulties in segmenting individual banana plants in complex environments, a combined segmentation approach is proposed, involving Euclidean clustering, Kmeans clustering, and threshold segmentation. A sliding window recognition method is presented to determine the connection points between pseudo-stems and leaves, mitigating issues caused by crown closure and heavy leaf overlap. Experimental results in banana orchards demonstrate that, compared with manual measurements, the mean absolute errors and relative errors for banana pseudo-stem diameter and height are 0.2127 cm (4.06%) and 3.52 cm (1.91%), respectively. These findings indicate that the proposed method is suitable for scalable measurements of banana pseudo-stem diameter and height in complex, obscured environments, providing a rapid and accurate inter-orchard measurement approach for banana plantation managers.
Corn leaf disease: insightful diagnosis using VGG16 empowered by explainable AI
Authors: Tariq Maria , Ali Usman , Abbas Sagheer , Hassan Shahzad , Naqvi Rizwan Ali , Khan Muhammad Adnan , Jeong Daesik
Published: June 2024

The agricultural sector is pivotal to food security and economic stability worldwide. Corn holds particular significance in the global food industry, especially in developing countries where agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy. However, corn crops are vulnerable to various diseases that can significantly reduce yields. Early detection and precise classification of these diseases are crucial to prevent damage and ensure high crop productivity. This study leverages the VGG16 deep learning (DL) model to classify corn leaves into four categories: healthy, blight, gray spot, and common rust. Despite the efficacy of DL models, they often face challenges related to the explainability of their decision-making processes. To address this, Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) is employed to enhance the model's transparency by generating intuitive and human-readable heat maps of input images. The proposed VGG16 model, augmented with LRP, outperformed previous state-of-the-art models in classifying corn leaf diseases. Simulation results demonstrated that the model not only achieved high accuracy but also provided interpretable results, highlighting critical regions in the images used for classification. By generating human-readable explanations, this approach ensures greater transparency and reliability in model performance, aiding farmers in improving their crop yields.
The politics of resentment: what is it and how is it mobilized by populist radical right-wing parties in different contexts?
Authors: Damhuis Koen , Rashkova Ekaterina R.
Published: June 2024

The role of emotions in politics is drawing increasing scholarly attention. Yet, despite this heightened interest, the ways in which politicians concretely appeal to emotions of their target audience are still blurry. Let aside how they do so in different contexts. This article focuses on an affect that is frequently mentioned as the key driver explaining the electoral appeal of populist radical right-wing parties (PRRPs): resentment. In that respect, several authors have used the term “the politics of resentment,” even though the exact definition of resentment often remains unclear. In this article, we theorize what resentment precisely is and how it is used politically, and hypothesize how it is mobilized in different ways by PRR parties in different contexts. Empirically, then, we employ content analysis to study a corpus of party documents of PRRPs in three West and two East European countries from 2004 onwards and identify three types of resentment mobilized by the radical right: (1) redistributive resentment; (2) recognitory resentment; and (3) retributive resentment. Despite being expressed in a more heterogeneous way than we theoretically expected, these forms of resentment share important commonalities that, we argue, can help to better understand the electoral appeal of radical right-wing parties.
Diversity, dissent, and fragmentation in the #MeToo movement: the role of collective and individual dimensions
Authors: Bliuc Ana-Maria , Hamilton Tayla , Muntele Daniela
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In this research, we examine how intragroup fragmentation, which is the division of a group into smaller subgroups, interacts with different forms of action against gender inequality. We focused on two types of action: actions that promote social change and actions that encourage retribution.

Methods

We investigated these processes within the #MeToo social movement using data collected in Australia (N = 363) and Romania (N = 135). In both samples, we measured antecedents of ’group consciousness’ (previous experience with discrimination, empathic concern, and perspective taking) and its indicators (social identification, perceived group efficacy beliefs, and group emotions such as anger and contempt). As indicators of intragroup fragmentation, we measured endorsement of different categories of group behaviors such as pro-social change action versus pro-retribution action. To assess the predictive power of motivations for joining the movement (antecedents of group consciousness) and of group consciousness for either pro-social or retributive actions, we tested several structural equation models (SEMs).

Results

Our results indicate that the motivations for joining such social movements were more complex than anticipated, with perspective-taking emerging as a significant differentiator. Our analyses further show that different dimensions of group consciousness could predict support for either pro-social or retributive actions.

Discussion

These findings highlight the complexity of the intragroup processes in newly emerging, modern social movements such as #MeToo. Our findings have implications for the study of membership dynamics in social movements and suggest that strategies to mobilise support should be tailored to these complexities. Overall, this research contributes to the current understanding of intragroup dynamics in contemporary social movements, thereby providing insights that could inform both grassroots mobilisation strategies and policy interventions aiming to increase gender equality.
Experiences and observations from a care point for displaced Ukrainians: a community case study in Antwerp, Belgium
Authors: Morreel Stefan , Verhoeven Veronique , Bastiaens Hilde , Monten Katrien , van Olmen Josefien
Published: June 2024

Background

A total of 7,307 Ukrainian refugees moved to Antwerp, Belgium, during the study period (01 April 2022 to 31 December 2022). The city’s administration set up three care centers where these people were introduced to the Belgian primary care system, a medical file was created, and acute/preventive/chronic care was delivered. This community case study analyzes the organization and contents of care and reflects upon its meaning for the mainstream healthcare system.

Methods

This is an observational study using routine electronic medical record data to measure the uptake of care. For a sample of 200 subjects, a retrospective chart review was conducted.

Participants

All refugees with a medical file at one of the three participating care centers were included.

Main outcomes

For the observational study, 2,261 patients were reached (30% of the potential users), and 6,450 contacts were studied. The nurses (including midwives) conducted 4,929 out of 6,450 (76%) of all consultations, while the general practitioners (GPs) conducted 1,521 out of 6,450 (24%). Of the nurse consultations, 955 (19%) were followed by another nurse consultation and 866 (18%) by a GP consultation. In the structured case reviews, most contacts were concerned with acute problems (609 out of 1,074, 57%). The most prevalent reasons for encounters and diagnoses were typical primary care issues. The nurses were able to manage half of the cases independently (327, 55%), referred 37% (217) of cases to the GP, and consulted a GP (live, by telephone, or a dedicated app) for 8% (48) of cases. GPs mostly prescribed drugs, referred to a medical specialist, and advised over-the-counter drugs, while nurses more often advised over-the-counter drugs (mostly paracetamol, nose sprays, and anti-inflammatory drugs), provided non-medical advice, or ordered laboratory tests.

Discussion

The medical care points delivered mostly typical acute primary care in this first phase, with a key role for nurses. The care points did not sufficiently take up chronic diseases and mental health problems. These results will inform policymakers on the use of primary care centers for newly arriving patients in times of a large influx. A nurse-first model seems feasible and efficient, but evaluation of safety and quality of care is needed. Once the acute phase of this crisis fades away, questions about the comprehensiveness, continuity, and integration of care for migrants remain relevant.
School pressure and psychosomatic complaints among Swedish adolescents: does physical activity play a buffering role?
Authors: Birgersson Alicia , Landberg Jonas , Låftman Sara Brolin
Published: June 2024

Background

School pressure is a significant stressor in the lives of adolescents, recognised to be associated with psychosomatic complaints. Therefore, the exploration of potential buffering factors is a relevant task. This study aimed to examine the association between school pressure and psychosomatic complaints and the potentially moderating role of physical activity in a Swedish national sample of adolescents.

Methods

Data were derived from the 2017/2018 Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, involving 3,745 participants aged 11–15 years. School pressure and physical activity were measured using single items. Psychosomatic complaints were assessed through an additive index based on the frequency of eight complaints. Covariates included gender, grade, and family affluence.

Results

Linear regression analyses demonstrated a positive graded association between school pressure and psychosomatic complaints, while an inversely graded association was observed between physical activity and psychosomatic complaints. Physical activity did, however, not moderate the link between school pressure and psychosomatic complaints.

Conclusion

Even though physical activity did not serve as a buffer, the direct effects of school pressure and physical activity on psychosomatic complaints suggest that supporting young people in managing school demands and promoting their engagement in physical activities could be effective measures in alleviating psychosomatic complaints.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of burns in adults: a 6-year retrospective study in a major burn center in Suzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Yong , Su Jiandong , Liu Yunfeng , Sun Ran , Sun Ruizhu
Published: June 2024

Background

Burns are a prevalent form of unintentional injury and a significant public health concern in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of adult burn patients at a major center in Eastern China.

Methods

This 6-year retrospective study analyzed patients with varying degrees of burns between January 2017 and December 2022 at the Suzhou Burns and Trauma Center. The study extracted demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data from electronic medical records for analysis.

Results

The study included 3,258 adult patients, of which 64.3% were male. The largest age group affected 30–59-year-old adults (63.04%). Scalds were the leading cause of burns (1,346, 41.31%), followed by flames (1,271, 39.01%). The majority of burn hospitalizations were those with moderate burns (1791, 54.97%). The morbidity rate was low at 0.68%, while mortality was strongly associated with age, etiology, and total body surface area. Patients with certain types of burns, such as explosions, hot crush injuries, and electric burns had more operations, longer lengths of hospital stay, and higher costs compared to those with scalds and flame injuries.

Conclusion

Different prevention strategies should be formulated according to different etiologies, ages, and genders.
A meta-narrative review of research traditions on hidden workers in aging population for transdisciplinary implementation research
Authors: Lee Sora , Kang Woojin
Published: June 2024

Hidden workers are defined as the three vulnerable subgroups of workers: the underemployed, the unemployed, and the discouraged workers. Hidden workers indeed the group with multiple identities; a transitioning retiree, jobseeker, caring for some, who may also have long term health conditions and ethnic minority all at the same time. Designing an intervention for this group necessitates the transdisciplinary knowledge. Transdisciplinary knowledge is crucial because it can inform how the intersectoral challenges might be addressed in interventions, and how the intersectoral implementation design and evaluation on hidden workers might be designed. This paper maps the intellectual landscape of the hidden workers in aging population literature to identify key disciplinary research clusters; and to find out how those research clusters are investigating hidden workers. With the meta-narrative review methodology on studies retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, five research clusters were identified: (1) public health approaches to hidden workers, (2) welfare state and aging workforce, (3) older jobseekers, (4) life course perspective, (5) retirement transitions. Each research cluster focuses on different aspects of hidden workers, with varying research questions and rationales. These include conceptualising the determinants of the hidden workers in aging populations and the complex interrelation with public health. Furthermore, we suggest an analytical framework to allow for better understanding between the research traditions based on (1) the chosen socioecological level of analysis, (2) whether the research question is on the determinant for hidden workers or on the outcome of being hidden and (3) the chronosystem (early/middle/later life) timeframe of research question that is addressed. Through this study, we can identify the main issues faced by hidden workers among the older adults and the measures to address these issues as well as opening up a possibility for cross-sectoral policy responses.
Characterization and inter-strain variability in ichthyotoxicity of Heterocapsa ovata (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) from temperate waters of South Australia
Authors: Verma Arjun , Gaiani Greta , Hoppenrath Mona , Dorantes-Aranda Juan Jose , Smith Kirsty , Kohli Gurjeet Singh , Wilkinson Clinton , Hallegraeff Gustaaf Marinus , Murray Shauna Ann
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming species and populations exhibit substantial intraspecific functional trait variation, which can confer eco-evolutionary advantages. Phenotypic variability among populations can buffer the immediate detrimental effects of environmental fluctuations, with more diverse populations expected to survive changing conditions more efficiently than their uniform counterparts.

Methods

In February 2014, a mixed fish-killing dinoflagellate bloom occurred in the temperate waters of Coffin Bay, South Australia, causing the death of oysters and fish in the area. The bloom was dominated by Karenia mikimotoi and a cryptic species of Heterocapsa. Twenty-one monoclonal Heterocapsa isolates were established from the site and identified as H. ovata using microscopy and universal ribosomal markers (ITS/5.8S and LSU D1/D3 rDNA regions; SSU and cob were used for amplicon sequencing). These isolates were tested for ichthyotoxicity using a bioassay based on cells from the gills of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Culture fraction preparations (whole cells, supernatant, and lysed cells) were analyzed to determine ichthyotoxicity levels.

Results

The highest ichthyotoxicity was observed in lysed cells, with surprisingly high inter-strain variability. This suggests that different strains of H. ovata have varying levels of toxicity.

Discussion

Results from this study expand our understanding of the adaptive strategies of HAB species and enable predictions of future population dynamics under changing climatic conditions. The substantial phenotypic variability among H. ovatastrains highlights the potential for diverse responses to environmental stressors, underscoring the importance of considering intraspecific variation in ecological and evolutionary studies of HABs.
Modeling the economic performance of small ruminant pastoralist flocks and financial impact of changes in reproductive performance and mortalities in Kajiado county, Kenya
Authors: Arnold Jean-Christophe , Onono Joshua , Ballesteros Cristina , Aboge Gabriel , Alarcon Pablo
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the economic performance of pastoralist small ruminant flocks in Kajiado county, Kenya, and the financial impact of mortalities and changes in performance indicators. A survey of 129 pastoralist small ruminant flocks captured production and economic data for a 12-month period via interview. Simulation models were then developed for flocks with different performance levels and trading activities. Their gross margins, and the financial impact from mortalities, were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for select performance indicators to assess their relative economic importance. On average, pastoralists who were not purchasing supplementary feed (79% of flocks) had gross margins of KSh 3,016 – KSh 3,123 per reproductive female. Goat production generated 2.43–2.51 times greater returns than sheep production. High efficiency mixed flocks achieved 2.04–2.06 times greater returns than medium efficiency flocks, and 12.19–14.25 times greater returns than low efficiency flocks. Pastoralist-only flocks had 3.82–4.01 times greater returns than pastoralist-traders. Financial losses due to mortality were on average 17.81% of the starting flock value. Fecundity and abortion rates in sheep, and parturition rate in goats, had the greatest economic impact. The developed models could support decision-making toward improving the economic performance of pastoralist flocks and the evaluation of interventions and external shocks.
Adaptative Skills and Global Functioning of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors in Europe: A Systematised Review
Authors: Prod’hom Dimitri , Rosselet Amoussou Joëlle , Plessen Kerstin Jessica , Cuissart de Grelle Noémie , Gaultier Sydney
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This systematised review aimed to examine European literature reporting data about adaptative skills and global external functioning of unaccompanied minors (UAMs).

Methods

We conducted a systematised screening of four databases (APA PsycINFO Ovid, Medline Ovid ALL, Embase.com and Web Of Science Core Collection) using a research strategy including social, scholarly and behavioural abilities as well as externalising problems associated with the target population of UAMs. Thirty articles were included using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Our review showed that despite high levels of internalising disorders, socio-behavioural and educational adjustment of UAMs remained positive. It demonstrated how this population displays a strong desire for academic success and prosocial behaviours instead of aggressivity in everyday life. Nevertheless, our review drew attention to the strong tendency of UAMs to internalise their disorders and display chronic distress and problematic behaviours which increased with time spent in the host country.

Conclusion

Our study draws attention to the risk of underestimating the real mental health needs of refugees, due to preserved external functioning combined with significant settlement pressures.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Is Associated With Better Waitlist Management of Liver Transplant Candidates With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: El Hajji Sofia , Lacotte Stéphanie , Moeckli Beat , Cauchy François , Compagnon Philippe , Toso Christian
Published: June 2024

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) reduces portal hypertension complications. Its impact on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We evaluated 42,843 liver transplant candidates with HCC from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (2002–2022). 4,484 patients with and without TIPS were propensity score-matched 1:3. Analysing wait-list changes in total tumor volume, HCC count, and alpha-fetoprotein levels, and assessing survival from listing and transplantation; TIPS correlated with a decreased nodule count (−0.24 vs. 0.04, p = 0.028) over a median wait period of 284 days (IQR 195–493) and better overall survival from listing (95.6% vs. 91.5% at 1 year, p < 0.0001). It was not associated with changes in tumor volume (0.28 vs. 0.11 cm³/month, p = 0.58) and AFP (14.37 vs. 20.67 ng/mL, p = 0.42). Post-transplant survival rates (91.8% vs. 91.7% at 1 year, p = 0.25) and HCC recurrence (5.1% vs. 5.9% at 5 years, p = 0.14) were similar, with a median follow-up of 4.98 years (IQR 2.5–8.08). While TIPS was associated with a reduced nodule count and improved waitlist survival, it did not significantly impact HCC growth or aggressiveness. These findings suggest potential benefits of TIPS in HCC management, but further studies need to confirm TIPS safety.
Study on Dynamic Scanning Trajectory of Large Aerospace Parts Based on 3D Scanning
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Yang , Qu Ligang , Wang Minghai , Lv Guangming , Su Pengfei
Published: June 2024

The aim of manufacturing large aerospace parts for the three-dimensional scanning field demands high precision and efficiency. However, it may be more challenging to meet the full coverage of the measurement problems for large aerospace parts with the scanning range of traditional three-dimensional scanning methods. This paper establishes a dynamic posturing scanning measurement system for large aerospace parts with a six-degree-of-freedom posturing platform and a six-degree-of-freedom industrial robot linkage. It establishes a mathematical model of dynamic three-dimensional scanning posturing. It proposes a platform attitude adjustment strategy based on the field of view angle of a 3D scanner during the adjustment of a six-degree-of-freedom platform. The dynamic scanning path planning is carried out using the three-dimensional spatial decomposition method, and the vector coordinates of the critical points at the edges of the missing areas of the scan are used to re-scan the missing areas to establish the dynamic scanning paths of large aerospace parts. It is experimentally verified that the system can realize the dynamic scanning of complex curved large aerospace parts. The experimental results show that the measurement efficiency is improved by more than 75%, and the point cloud coverage of the scanning reconstruction is improved by 18% for large aerospace components with complex surfaces.
Design of an Automatic Sealing Mechanism for Extraterrestrial Sample-Collecting Robot
Authors: Mu Yujian , Yuan Zihao , Mu Ruinan , Zhao Haifeng , Ning Zhitao , Li Xihan , Gan Tianyue , Du Tao , Wang Zhiqiang , Han Rujin , Shen Zhenxing
Published: June 2024

Returning extraterrestrial samples to Earth for analysis is crucial for planetary geological research and resource utilization. However, during their return journey, these samples undergo significant environmental changes, such as varying pressure, temperature, impact, and vibration. Hence, a dependable sealing technique that preserves sample integrity without requiring high-powered tools is necessary. This article aims to develop an automatic sealing system for collecting extraterrestrial samples, conducting parametric design and mechanical analysis on two types of proposed sealing structures with minimal sealing force as the benchmark. Additionally, the system will undergo validation through sealing and leakage detection experiments. An automated sealing system, capable of storing samples in multiple sampling tubes, is assembled for the extraterrestrial sampling device.
Low-Alcohol and Nonalcoholic Wines: From Production to Cardiovascular Health, along with Their Economic Effects
Authors: Silva Paula
Published: June 2024

This review aims to create a communication tool for low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wine production, catering to scientists, educators, students, and wine producers in the field. With health concerns regarding alcohol consumption, the need for information on low-alcohol wines is essential. This paper outlines the methods for the pre-fermentation (leaf area reduction, early grape harvest, grape must dilution, filtration of grape juice and addition of glucose oxidase), mid-fermentation (employing non-saccharomyces yeasts, using genetically modified yeasts through metabolic engineering, and controlling yeast nutrition), and post-fermentation (nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, osmotic distillation, pervaporation, spinning cone column, vacuum distillation, and multi-stage membrane-based systems) stages and their effects on wine quality. It also presents evidence of the impact of alcoholic, low-alcohol, and nonalcoholic wines on cardiovascular health. Finally, the potential market for low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines is discussed. Key findings indicate a shift toward low-alcohol alternatives due to health, economic, and social factors and consumer interest in healthier lifestyles. Low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines offer health benefits, particularly cardiovascular health, presenting an opportunity for winemakers to cater to a health-conscious market. From an economic perspective, the low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wine market is poised to grow and diversify its revenue streams. The development of high-quality low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines, which can command premium prices, enhances profitability. The changing regulatory landscape in Europe, with a focus on transparency in alcohol labeling and nutritional information, aligns with the new consumer preferences and regulatory standards.