bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single center case series of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus, patterns of disease onset and long-term clinical outcome
Authors: Marsiglio John , McPherson Jordan P. , Kovacsovics-Bankowski Magdalena , Jeter Joanne , Vaklavas Christos , Swami Umang , Grossmann Douglas , Erickson-Wayman Alyssa , Soares Heloisa P. , Kerrigan Katie , Gibson Berit , Doherty Jennifer Anne , Hyngstrom John , Hardikar Sheetal , Hu-Lieskovan Siwen
Published: August 2023

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a rare, but serious immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Our goal was to characterize treatment outcomes associated with ICI-induced T1DM through analysis of clinical, immunological and proteomic data.

Methods

This was a single-center case series of patients with solid tumors who received ICIs and subsequently had a new diagnosis of T1DM. ICD codes and C-peptide levels were used to identify patients for chart review to confirm ICI-induced T1DM. Baseline blood specimens were studied for proteomic and immunophenotypic changes.

Results

Between 2011 and 2023, 18 of 3744 patients treated at Huntsman Cancer Institute with ICIs were confirmed to have ICI-induced T1DM (0.48%). Eleven of the 18 patients received anti-PD1 monotherapy, 4 received anti-PD1 plus chemotherapy or targeted therapy, and 3 received ipilimumab plus nivolumab. The mean time to onset was 218 days (range 22-418 days). Patients had sudden elevated serum glucose within 2-3 weeks prior to diagnosis. Sixteen (89%) presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. Three of 12 patients had positive T1DM-associated autoantibodies. All patients with T1DM became insulin-dependent through follow-up. At median follow-up of 21.9 months (range 8.4-82.4), no patients in the melanoma group had progressed or died from disease. In the melanoma group, best responses were 2 complete response and 2 partial response while on active treatment; none in the adjuvant group had disease recurrence. Proteomic analysis of baseline blood suggested low inflammatory (IL-6, OSMR) markers and high metabolic (GLO1, DXCR) markers in ICI-induced T1DM cohort.

Conclusions

Our case series demonstrates rapid onset and irreversibility of ICI-induced T1DM. Melanoma patients with ICI-induced T1DM display excellent clinical response and survival. Limited proteomic data also suggested a unique proteomic profile. Our study helps clinicians to understand the unique clinical presentation and long-term outcomes of this rare irAE for best clinical management.
Reduced viscosity steadily weakens oceanic currents
Authors: Ren Diandong , Hu Aixue
Published: August 2023

The viscosity of both air and water is temperature dependent. A rising temperature leads to an increased viscosity for air but a decreased viscosity for water. As climate becomes warmer, this increased air viscosity can partly inhibit the reduction of wind stress over the ocean, and the reduced water viscosity causes less downward momentum and heat transport. As these opposing effects of warming on air and water viscosity are not included in the state-of-the-art climate models, the understanding of their potential impacts on the response of the climate system to the anthropogenic warming is lacking. Here, via analyzing the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation oceanic reanalysis dataset, we show that the ocean heat content increases at a rate of ~1.3 × 1022 J/yr over 35 years, which leads to a continuous reduction of oceanic viscosity. As a result, the ocean vertical shear enhances with a shoaling of the mixed layer depth and a reduced vertical linkage in the ocean. Our calculations show a reduction of the oceanic kinetic energy at a rate of ~2.4 × 1016 J/yr. Potentially, this could generate far-reaching impacts on the energy storage of the climate system and, hence, could pace the global warming. Thus, it is important to include the temperature-dependent viscosity in our climate models. Freshwater discharged from polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers also contributes to the reduction in oceanic viscosity but, at present, to a lesser extent than that in oceanic warming. Reduced oceanic viscosity, therefore, is an important, but hitherto overlooked, response to a warming climate and contributes to many recent weather extremes including heavier rainfall rates in hurricanes, slackening of the polar vortex, and oceanic heat waves.
Relaxation behavior of biaxially stretched PLA film during the heat setting stage
Authors: Xie Zhenyan , Liao Guangkai , Liu Jiaxin , Li Bowen , Cui Lingna , Liu Yuejun
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the relaxation behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) film in the heat-setting stage of biaxial stretching was studied. Firstly, the polylactic acid casting films were stretched synchronously in different ratios. We found that the Machine direction (MD) and Transverse direction (TD) stress relaxation curves exhibited a separation trend with the increase in the stretching ratio, and the relaxation amplitude increased gradually. Then, the stress relaxation curves were fitted by the expansion exponential equation (KWW equation). The results showed that the coefficient used to characterize the homogeneity of stress relaxation increased with the increase in the stretching ratio, and the homogeneity in Machine direction was better than that in Transverse direction. Finally, we analyzed the evolution of rheological units and the activation energy spectrum during stress relaxation. We found that the volume of rheological units gradually decreased with the increase in the stretching ratio. The activation energy spectrum exhibited a Gaussian distribution, and the symmetry axis of distribution curves shifted to the high energy. The above results would be of great significance in further understanding the deformation mechanism of polylactic acid film during biaxial stretching and providing theoretical guidance for the preparation of high-performance BOPLA films.
Music-based multicomponent exercise training for community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive decline: a feasibility study
Authors: Park Kyoung Shin , Buseth Lake , Hong Jiyeong , Etnier Jennifer L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This study explored the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a music-based, multicomponent exercise intervention among community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.

Methods

16 older adults aged 85±9 years with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment received music-based multicomponent exercise training for 20 weeks at an independent living facility. Participants received aerobic, resistance, and balance training paired with beat-accentuated music stimulation. Participants’ adherence to the training was tracked down and their cognitive and physical functioning and health-related quality of life were assessed at pre- and post-test.

Results

3 participants withdrew due to unexpected issues unrelated to the intervention and thus 13 participants (7 females) attended an average of 4.6 days/week over 20 weeks and reported high satisfaction with the intervention (90.6%). Participants showed significant improvement in global cognition, cognitive processing speed, and walking endurance/aerobic fitness at post-test.

Discussion

These findings support the feasibility of music-based, multicomponent exercise training for older adults in an independent living facility and set the stage for future studies to test the efficacy of music on physical activity and ensuing health outcomes. We conclude that music-based, multicomponent exercise training can be beneficial for community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive decline. As a form of rhythmic auditory stimulation, beat-accentuated music can be combined with exercise training to manipulate exercise tempo and may provide a source of motivation to help older adults adhere to exercise.
Next-generation sequencing: what are the needs in routine clinical microbiology? A survey among clinicians involved in infectious diseases practice
Authors: Michel Charlotte , Martin Charlotte , Smeesters Pierre , Goffard Jean-Christophe , Demuyser Thomas , Hallin Marie
Published: August 2023

Background

The translation of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) from research to clinical microbiology is increasing rapidly, but its integration into routine clinical care struggles to catch-up. A challenge for clinical laboratories is that the substantial investments made in the required technologies and resources must meet both current and forthcoming needs.

Methods

To get a clinical perspective of these needs, we have sent a survey to infectious diseases clinicians of five hospitals, covering the following topics: NGS knowledge, expected syndromes and patients foreseen to benefit from NGS, and expected impact on antimicrobial prescription.

Results

According to clinicians, benefits of NGS are mostly expected in neurological and respiratory infections diagnostics.

Conclusion

A better dialog between microbiologists and clinicians about hopes and limits of NGS in microbiology may help identifying key investments needed for clinical laboratories, today and tomorrow.
Common sleep disorders in pregnancy: a review
Authors: Kember Allan J. , Elangainesan Praniya , Ferraro Zachary M. , Jones Claire , Hobson Sebastian R.
Published: August 2023

In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of common sleep disorders during pregnancy, including their characterization, prevalence, risk factors, and possible contribution to maternal and fetal outcomes. We conducted a quasi-systematic literature search of the MEDLINE database and identified 744 studies from 1991 through 2021, inclusive, that met our inclusion criteria. We synthesized the existing literature on sleep disorders during pregnancy and highlighted controversies, research gaps, and needed clinical developments. Our review covers a range of sleep disorders, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders. We discuss the prevalence of these disorders in pregnancy and their potential impact on maternal and fetal health outcomes. We also explore the relationship between sleep disorders, pre-pregnancy comorbidities such as obesity, and pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. In addition to summarizing the existing literature on sleep disorders during pregnancy, we also highlight opportunities for further research in this area. We suggest that future studies should strive to employ validated and objective measurement tools for sleep disorders and prioritize utilization of longitudinal methods with participant follow-up through postpartum, mid-life, menopause, and beyond. We also put forward investigation into the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on reproductive physiology and early pregnancy outcomes as an area of important work. Overall, our review provides valuable insights on sleep and reproduction and into common sleep disorders during pregnancy and their potential impact on maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Minimal effect of sleep on the risk of age-related macular degeneration: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Rong-Cheng , Li Fen-Fen , Wu Yi-Qing , Yi Quan-Yong , Huang Xiu-Feng
Published: August 2023

Aims

Observational studies have shown that sleep pattern is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but whether sleep pattern is a causal factor for AMD remains unclear. This study aims to use Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the potential causal relationship between sleep traits and AMD.

Methods

This is a two-sample MR study. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with AMD and early AMD were selected as the outcome from two different genome-wide association studies (GWAS): the early AMD GWAS with 14,034 cases and 91,214 controls, and AMD GWAS with 3,553 cases and 147,089 controls. The datasets of sleep duration, daytime dozing, and sleeplessness were used as exposure, which comprised nearly 0.46 million participants. Inverse-variance weighted method was used as the main result, and comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to estimate the robustness of identified associations and the impact of potential horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

Through MR analysis, we found that sleep duration was significantly associated with AMD (OR = 0.983, 95% CI = 0.970–0.996, P-value = 0.01). We also found suggestive evidence for the association of genetically predicted sleep duration with early AMD, which showed a consistent direction of effect with a marginal significance (OR = 0.724, 95% CI = 0.503–1.041, P-value = 0.08). Sensitivity analyses further supported the robustness of the causal relationship between sleep duration and AMD. However, we were unable to determine the relationship between daytime dozing or sleeplessness and AMD (including early AMD) (P-value > 0.05).

Conclusion

Sleep duration affects the causal risk for AMD; that is, longer sleep duration reduces the risk of AMD, while shorter sleep duration increases the risk of AMD. Although the influence is minimal, keeping adequate sleep duration is recommended, especially for patients with intermediate or advanced AMD.
General anesthesia alters CNS and astrocyte expression of activity-dependent and activity-independent genes
Authors: Jiwaji Zoeb , Márkus Nóra M. , McQueen Jamie , Emelianova Katie , He Xin , Dando Owen , Chandran Siddharthan , Hardingham Giles E.
Published: August 2023

General anesthesia represents a common clinical intervention and yet can result in long-term adverse CNS effects particularly in the elderly or dementia patients. Suppression of cortical activity is a key feature of the anesthetic-induced unconscious state, with activity being a well-described regulator of pathways important for brain health. However, the extent to which the effects of anesthesia go beyond simple suppression of neuronal activity is incompletely understood. We found that general anesthesia lowered cortical expression of genes induced by physiological activity in vivo, and recapitulated additional patterns of gene regulation induced by total blockade of firing activity in vitro, including repression of neuroprotective genes and induction of pro-apoptotic genes. However, the influence of anesthesia extended beyond that which could be accounted for by activity modulation, including the induction of non activity-regulated genes associated with inflammation and cell death. We next focused on astrocytes, important integrators of both neuronal activity and inflammatory signaling. General anesthesia triggered gene expression changes consistent with astrocytes being in a low-activity environment, but additionally caused induction of a reactive profile, with transcriptional changes enriched in those triggered by stroke, neuroinflammation, and Aß/tau pathology. Thus, while the effects of general anesthesia on cortical gene expression are consistent with the strong repression of brain activity, further deleterious effects are apparent including a reactive astrocyte profile.
Addressing mood and fatigue in return-to-work programmes after stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Nicole Yun Ching , Dong YanHong , Kua Zaylea Zhong Jie
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Return-to-work is a key rehabilitation goal for many working aged stroke survivors, promoting an overall improvement of quality of life, social integration, and emotional wellbeing. Conversely, the failure to return-to-work contributes to a loss of identity, lowered self-esteem, social isolation, poorer quality of life and health outcomes. Return-to-work programmes have largely focused on physical and vocational rehabilitation, while neglecting to include mood and fatigue management. This is despite the knowledge that stroke results in changes in physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning, which all impact one’s ability to return to work. The purpose of this systematic review is to conduct a comprehensive and up-to-date search of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of return-to-work programmes after stroke. The focus is especially on examining components of mood and fatigue if they were included, and to also report on the screening tools used to measure mood and fatigue.

Method

Searches were performed using 7 electronic databases for RCTs published in English from inception to 4 January 2023. A narrative synthesis of intervention design and outcomes was provided.

Results

The search yielded 5 RCTs that satisfied the selection criteria (n = 626). Three studies included components of mood and fatigue management in the intervention, of which 2 studies found a higher percentage of subjects in the intervention group returning to work compared to those in the control group. The remaining 2 studies which did not include components of mood and fatigue management did not find any significant differences in return-to-work rates between the intervention and control groups. Screening tools to assess mood or fatigue were included in 3 studies.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings demonstrated that mood and fatigue are poorly addressed in rehabilitation programmes aimed at improving return-to-work after stroke, despite being a significant predictor of return-to-work. There is limited and inconsistent use of mood and fatigue screening tools. The findings were generally able to provide guidance and recommendations in the development of a stroke rehabilitation programme for return-to-work, highlighting the need to include components addressing and measuring psychological support and fatigue management.
Inter-subject correlations of EEG reflect subjective arousal and acoustic features of music
Authors: Ueno Fuyu , Shimada Sotaro
Published: August 2023

Background

Research on music-induced emotion and brain activity is constantly expanding. Although studies using inter-subject correlation (ISC), a collectively shared brain activity analysis method, have been conducted, whether ISC during music listening represents the music preferences of a large population remains uncertain; additionally, it remains unclear which factors influence ISC during music listening. Therefore, here, we aimed to investigate whether the ISCs of electroencephalography (EEG) during music listening represent a preference for music reflecting engagement or interest of a large population in music.

Methods

First, we selected 21 pieces of music from the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart of 2017, which served as an indicator of preference reflecting the engagement and interest of a large population. To ensure even representation, we chose one piece for every fifth song on the chart, spanning from highly popular music to less popular ones. Next, we recorded EEG signals while the subjects listened to the selected music, and they were asked to evaluate four aspects (preference, enjoyment, frequency of listening, and arousal) for each song. Subsequently, we conducted ISC analysis by utilizing the first three principal components of EEG, which were highly correlated across subjects and extracted through correlated component analysis (CorrCA). We then explored whether music with high preferences that reflected the engagement and interest of large population had high ISC values. Additionally, we employed cluster analysis on all 21 pieces of music, utilizing the first three principal components of EEG, to investigate the impact of emotions and musical characteristics on EEG ISC during music listening.

Results

A significant distinction was noted between the mean ISC values of the 10 higher-ranked pieces of music compared to the 10 lower-ranked pieces of music [t(542) = −1.97, p = 0.0025]. This finding suggests that ISC values may correspond preferences reflecting engagement or interest of a large population. Furthermore, we found that significant variations were observed in the first three principal component values among the three clusters identified through cluster analysis, along with significant differences in arousal levels. Moreover, the characteristics of the music (tonality and tempo) differed among the three clusters. This indicates that the principal components, which exhibit high correlation among subjects and were employed in calculating ISC values, represent both subjects’ arousal levels and specific characteristics of the music.

Conclusion

Subjects’ arousal values during music listening and music characteristics (tonality and tempo) affect ISC values, which represent the interest of a large population in music.
Effects of patterned electrical sensory nerve stimulation and static stretching on joint range of motion and passive torque
Authors: Saito Akira , Mizuno Takamasa
Published: August 2023

Static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching techniques can modulate specific neural mechanisms to improve the range of motion. However, the effects of modulation of these neural pathways on changes in the range of motion with static stretching remain unclear. Patterned electrical stimulation of the sensory nerve induces plastic changes in reciprocal Ia inhibition. The present study examined the effects of patterned electrical stimulation and static stretching on a range of motion and passive torque in plantarflexion muscles. The subjects were 14 young men (age 20.8 ± 1.3 years). The effects of patterned electrical stimulation (10 pulses at 100 Hz every 1.5 s) or uniform electrical stimulation (one pulse every 150 ms) to the common peroneal nerve for 20 min on reciprocal Ia inhibition of the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) were examined. Reciprocal Ia inhibition was evaluated as short-latency suppression of the soleus H-reflex by conditioning stimulation of the common peroneal nerve. Then, the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (patterned electrical stimulation or uniform electrical stimulation) or prolonged resting (without electrical stimulation) and static 3-min stretching on the maximal dorsiflexion angle and passive torque were investigated. The passive ankle dorsiflexion test was performed on an isokinetic dynamometer. Stretch tolerance and stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit were evaluated by the peak and slope of passive torques, respectively. Patterned electrical stimulation significantly increased reciprocal Ia inhibition of soleus H-reflex amplitude (9.7 ± 6.1%), but uniform electrical stimulation decreased it significantly (19.5 ± 8.8%). The maximal dorsiflexion angle was significantly changed by patterned electrical stimulation (4.0 ± 1.4°), uniform electrical stimulation (3.8 ± 2.3°), and stretching without electrical stimulation (2.1 ± 3.3°). The increase in stretch tolerance was significantly greater after patterned electrical stimulation and uniform electrical stimulation than after stretching without electrical stimulation. Stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit was significantly decreased by patterned electrical stimulation, uniform electrical stimulation, and stretching without electrical stimulation. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and static stretching improve stretch tolerance regardless of the degree of reciprocal Ia inhibition.
Insulin resistance surrogate markers and risk of hyperuricemia among patients with and without coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghorbani Zeinab , Mirmohammadali Seyedeh Nooshan , Shoaibinobarian Nargeskhatoon , Rosenkranz Sara K. , Arami Samira , Hekmatdoost Azita , Mahdavi-Roshan Marjan
Published: August 2023

Background

Although emerging evidence emphasizes the associations between both insulin resistance and hyperuricemia with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, no definite relationship has yet been established. In this respect, time-efficient and affordable methods to estimate insulin resistance (IR) status, and to predict risk of hyperuricemia, are needed. Thus, the goal of this investigation was to examine the associations between IR, as assessed by novel surrogate markers [triglyceride-glucose (TyG) and TyG–body mass index (TyG-BMI)], and risk of hyperuricemia in patients with and without diagnosed CAD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the medical records of 1,170 patients who were referred to the cardiology outpatient clinic. Medical records, anthropometrics, and serum analytes were determined at the initial visit. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid ≥ 5.6 mg/dL. IR was estimated through surrogate markers (TyG and TyG-BMI). Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between these indices and odds of hyperuricemia among patients with and without CAD.

Results

Overall, 814 angiographically-confirmed CAD cases (mean age (SD) = 52 (8)yrs) were compared with 356 patients without CAD (mean age (SD) = 48 (8)yr). There were positive associations between TyG and TyG-BMI indices and odds of hyperuricemia in CAD patients after controlling for confounders (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.02–2.51; p-value = 0.036; and aOR = 1.83; 95%CI: 1.24–2.70; p-value = 0.002, third tertiles for TYG and TYG-BMI, respectively).

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that higher levels of the IR surrogate markers, TyG and TyG-BMI, are associated with higher odds of hyperuricemia in patients with CAD. However, given the cross-sectional design of this study, the sensitivity and specificity of these novel markers could not be determined for confirming the diagnosis of IR and hyperuricemia, further studies are needed to determine such outcomes and to confirm the current findings.
Elucidating the interactive impact of tillage, residue retention and system intensification on pearl millet yield stability and biofortification under rainfed agro-ecosystems
Authors: Yogi Akshay K. , Bana Ram Swaroop , Godara Samarth , Sangwan Seema , Choudhary Anil K. , Nirmal Ravi C. , Bamboriya Shanti D. , Shivay Yashbir S. , Singh Deepak , Singh Teekam , Yadav Achchhelal , Nagar Shivani , Singh Nirupma
Published: August 2023

Micronutrient malnutrition and suboptimal yields pose significant challenges in rainfed cropping systems worldwide. To address these issues, the implementation of climate-smart management strategies such as conservation agriculture (CA) and system intensification of millet cropping systems is crucial. In this study, we investigated the effects of different system intensification options, residue management, and contrasting tillage practices on pearl millet yield stability, biofortification, and the fatty acid profile of the pearl millet. ZT systems with intercropping of legumes (cluster bean, cowpea, and chickpea) significantly increased productivity (7–12.5%), micronutrient biofortification [Fe (12.5%), Zn (4.9–12.2%), Mn (3.1–6.7%), and Cu (8.3–16.7%)], protein content (2.2–9.9%), oil content (1.3%), and fatty acid profile of pearl millet grains compared to conventional tillage (CT)-based systems with sole cropping. The interactive effect of tillage, residue retention, and system intensification analyzed using GGE statistical analysis revealed that the best combination for achieving stable yields and micronutrient fortification was residue retention in both (wet and dry) seasons coupled with a ZT pearl millet + cowpea–mustard (both with and without barley intercropping) system. In conclusion, ZT combined with residue recycling and legume intercropping can be recommended as an effective approach to achieve stable yield levels and enhance the biofortification of pearl millet in rainfed agroecosystems of South Asia.
Exploring the mechanism of Suanzaoren decoction in treatment of insomnia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Wang Shuxiao , Zhao Yan , Hu Xingang
Published: August 2023

Objective: To explore the functional mechanisms of Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) for treating insomnia using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods: The active ingredients and corresponding targets of SZRD were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, and then, the names of the target proteins were standardized using the UniProt database. The insomnia-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards, DisGeNET, and DrugBank databases. Next, a Venn diagram comprising the drug and disease targets was created, and the intersecting targets were used to draw the active ingredient-target network diagram using Cytoscape software. Next, the STRING database was used to build a protein-protein interaction network, followed by cluster analysis using the MCODE plug-in. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, Integrated Discovery (i.e., DAVID), and the Metascape database were used for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. AutoDock Vina and Pymol software were used for molecular docking.

Results: SZRD contained 138 active ingredients, corresponding to 239 targets. We also identified 2,062 insomnia-related targets, among which, 95 drug and disease targets intersected. The GO analysis identified 490, 62, and 114 genes related to biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions, respectively. Lipid and atherosclerosis, chemical carcinogen-receptor activation, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction were the most common pathways in the KEGG analysis. Molecular docking demonstrated that the primary active components of SZRD for insomnia had good binding capabilities with the core proteins in PPI network.

Conclusion: Insomnia treatment with SZRD involves multiple targets and signaling pathways, which may improve insomnia by reducing inflammation, regulating neurotransmitters.
Aptitude measurement: is measurement validity compromised in the morning
Authors: Sideridis Georgios , Jaffari Fathima
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the General Aptitude Test (GAT), a national instrument for the measurement of aptitude/achievement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a function of daytime testing. Participants were 722 students who took on the GAT across morning and evening administrations in a within-person pre-post design. Participants were matched for gender, parental education, and test center characteristics (i.e., size). The GAT was tested for its psychometric properties and its measurement invariance across time of day. Results pointed to a significant misfit using an exact invariance protocol. Specifically, there was a large number of non-invariant items pointing to Differential Item Functioning (DIF). Second, internal consistency reliabilities were consistently lower during morning testing compared to evening testing as evidenced using both statistical and visual means. Concerns about dimensionality were also raised for the morning compared to the evening administration. Last, comparison of performance levels indicated that morning testing was associated with significant decrements in performance across all domains compared to performance levels during evening testing. The results have implications for the validity of measurement and public testing policy if test validity during morning administration is compromised.
Emodiversity evaluation of remote workers through health monitoring based on intra-day emotion sampling
Authors: Minusa Shunsuke , Yoshimura Chihiro , Mizuno Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In recent years, the widespread shift from on-site to remote work has led to a decline in employees’ mental health. Consequently, this transition to remote work poses several challenges for both employees and employers. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for techniques to detect declining mental health in employees’ daily lives. Emotion-based health assessment, which examines emotional diversity (emodiversity) experienced in daily life, is a possible solution. However, the feasibility of emodiversity remains unclear, especially from the perspectives of its applicability to remote workers and countries other than Europe and the United States. This study investigated the association between subjective mental health decline and emotional factors, such as emodiversity, as well as physical conditions, in remote workers in Japan.

Method

To explore this association, we conducted a consecutive 14-day prospective observational experiment on 18 Japanese remote workers. This experiment comprised pre-and post-questionnaire surveys, physiological sensing, daytime emotion self-reports, and subjective health reports at end-of-day. In daytime emotion self-reports, we introduced smartphone-based experience sampling (also known as ecological momentary assessment), which is suitable for collecting context-dependent self-reports precisely in a recall bias-less manner. For 17 eligible participants (mean ± SD, 39.1 ± 9.1 years), we evaluated whether and how the psycho-physical characteristics, including emodiversity, changed on subjective mental health-declined experimental days after analyzing descriptive statistics.

Results

Approximately half of the experimental days (46.3 ± 18.9%) were conducted under remote work conditions. Our analysis showed that physical and emotional indices significantly decreased on mental health-declined days. Especially on high anxiety and depressive days, we found that emodiversity indicators significantly decreased (global emodiversity on anxiety conditions, 0.409 ± 0.173 vs. 0.366 ± 0.143, p = 0.041), and positive emotional experiences were significantly suppressed (61.5 ± 7.7 vs. 55.5 ± 6.4, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Our results indicated that the concept of emodiversity can be applicable even to Japanese remote workers, whose cultural background differs from that of individuals in Europe and the United States. Emodiversity showed significant associations with emotion dysregulation-related mental health deterioration, suggesting the potential of emodiversity as useful indicators in managing such mental health deterioration among remote workers.
Study on thermal health and its safety management mode for the working environment
Authors: Wang Jue , Jiang Cheng , Yang Guang , Bai Gang , Yu Shixuan
Published: August 2023

Thermal health concerns have gained significant attention due to the heightened health risks faced by workers who are exposed to extreme thermal environments for prolonged periods. To ensure the occupational health and safety of such workers, and to enhance work efficiency, it is imperative to examine the characteristics of thermal health in the working environment. This study proposes three key elements of thermal health in the working environment, namely thermal health states, absence of heat-related illnesses, and heat adaptability, which can be used to develop a safety management framework for thermal health. By exploring the interconnections between these elements, the study summarizes their features and outlines the necessary precautions to safeguard them. The PDCA (plan/do/check/action) cycle management mode is utilized as a framework, with the three components of thermal health forming the core, to establish a safety management mode for thermal health. To ensure that employees work in a safe, healthy, comfortable, and productive environment, the assessment and control objectives of the thermal environment are regularly revised through the use of labor protection technology and thermal environment control technology. This paper presents a PDCA cycle safety management mode based on the characteristics of thermal health, which offers novel insights and approaches for assessing and managing workers’ thermal health.
Integrating resource oriented sanitation technologies with urban agriculture in developing countries: measuring the governance capacity of Arba Minch City, Ethiopia
Authors: Ejigu Abrham Kassa , Yeshitela Kumelachew
Published: August 2023

This research study aims to assess the capacity of Arba Minch City to adopt resource-oriented sanitation technology and integrate it with urban agriculture. The overarching goal is to promote sustainable urban development by not only using resources efficiently but also recovering resources from urban waste streams. To measure the city's governance capacity, the study employs a Governance Capability Framework (GCF), which identifies nine conditions and three indicators for each condition across three dimensions: knowing, wanting, and enabling. The framework helps assess the city's capacity for governance throughout the integration of urban agriculture with ecological sanitation (ecosan) technology. The research employs a triangle strategy, which consists of desk research, gray and scientific literature review, and a semi-structured interview with 27 indicators. By employing these strategies, the research evaluates Arba Minch's governance capacity to implement ecological sanitation integration with urban agriculture. The findings of the study show that Arba Minch City's governance capacity to integrate ecosan with urban farming is affected by several factors. These factors include a lack of systematic monitoring and evaluation of previous projects, fragmentation of policy tools to govern the integration of the system, and a lack of adequate public sector participation. Additionally, there is no government body responsible for integrating the system, and various non-governmental organizations play a significant role in financing, organizing, and implementing the system. On the user side, the study reveals a behavioral gap in adapting to resource-oriented sanitation technology and recovered organic fertilizer. The findings suggest that long-term system management requires a strong, active, and well-trained community group capable of taking on the role and responsibility of running similar projects. Furthermore, to mitigate the policy fragmentation challenge, policy harmonization and integration among actors to negotiate, deliberate, and agree on measures to be taken are critical. In conclusion, the study suggests that similar project developers should investigate the factors that motivate users of new technology and influence their behavioral changes. Ultimately, the study recommends a more comprehensive approach to resource-oriented sanitation technology and urban agriculture integration that takes into account governance capacity and community engagement.
Nutritional quality of indigenous legume browse in southern Ethiopia: farmers’ preference and correlation of local valuation of feed value with scientific indicators
Authors: Abraham Getachew , Kechero Yisehak , Andualem Dereje
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Developing a technology for fodder trees and shrubs tailored to farmers’ preferences is best done with their input, perceptions, and interests in mind.

Objective

The research aimed to determine farmer preferences for indigenous legumes, fodder trees, and shrubs (ILFTS) and to examine the relationship between feed valuation and scientific parameters.

Methods

A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 10 farmers in each agroecological zone to determine the benchmarks for the preference ratings. The respondent farmers used the preference score sheet to rate all ILFTS on an individual basis. Twenty farmers with extensive experience in ILFTS took part in the preference score rating of each plant species in each agroecosystems. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), metabolizable energy (ME) and condensed tannin (CT) content of the samples were determined. The standard two-stage in vitro Tilley and Terry method was used to measure the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of samples. Digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD) and ME values were estimated using standard models. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the variation among the species in agroecosystems. Tukey HSD tests were used for mean separation.

Results and discussions

Farmers evaluated the ILFTS using a variety of parameters, according to the study (feed value, growth rate, biomass output, compatibility, and multifunctionality). The farmers’ ILFTS preference score on the evaluation criteria differed considerably (p<0.05) with species in agroecosystems. The CP, ash, and ME values of ILFTS in the study were moderate to high although exhibited a wide variation among the species in agroecosystems. The CP content was above the minimum requirement (8%) to support the normal function of rumen microorganisms. Moreover, CP content exhibited a positive significant correlation with IVDMD, IVOMD, and DOMD, unlike CT and ADL which exhibited a negative significant correlation. Conversely, the DM, OM, CP, IVDMD, IVOMD, DOMD, and ME were shown a positive significant correlation with farmers’ feed value preference score, unlike the ADL and CT which exhibited a negative significant correlation.

Conclusions

Farmers’ indigenous knowledge of feed value is therefore relevant for judging the nutritive value of the ILFTS and could complement the scientific indicators.
Robust Coffee Rust Detection Using UAV-Based Aerial RGB Imagery
Authors: Rodriguez-Gallo Yakdiel , Escobar-Benitez Byron , Rodriguez-Lainez Jony
Published: August 2023

Timely detection of pests and diseases in crops is essential to mitigate severe damage and economic losses, especially in the context of climate change. This paper describes a method for detecting the presence of coffee leaf rust (CLR) using two databases: RoCoLe and a database obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with an RGB camera. The developed method follows a two-stage approach. In the first stage, images are processed using ImageJ software, while, in the second phase, Python is used to implement morphological filters and the Hough transform for rust identification. The algorithm’s performance is evaluated using the chi-square test, and its discriminatory capacity is assessed through the generation of a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, Cohen’s kappa method is used to assess the agreement among observers, while Kendall’s rank correlation coefficient (KRCC) measures the correlation between the criteria of the observers and the classifications generated by the method. The results demonstrate that the developed method achieved an efficiency of 97% in detecting coffee rust in the RoCoLe dataset and over 93.5% in UAV images. These findings suggest that the developed method has the potential to be implemented in the future on a UAV for rust detection.
Overview of Probiotic Strains of Weizmannia coagulans, Previously Known as Bacillus coagulans, as Food Supplements and Their Use in Human Health
Authors: Fijan Sabina , Fijan Tamara , Connil Nathalie
Published: August 2023

Weizmannia coagulans, previously known as Bacillus coagulans and before that as Lactobacillus sporogenes, is a spore-forming, lactic acid-producing, Gram-positive, bacillus-shaped bacterial species with several known probiotic strains, including GBI-30, 6086 Unique IS-2, MTCC 5856, LBSC (DSM 17654), TBC169, SNZ 1969, BC30, and T11. This review focusses on the health benefit of these strains. A total of 53 clinical trials were found to use various strains of Weizmannia coagulans. However, 19 of these clinical trials did not provide strain information. Clinical evidence has shown that supplementation with strains of Weizmannia coagulans resulted in statistically significant health effects in the probiotic groups compared to the placebo. Several health benefits of the Weizmannia coagulans strains were found including relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, function recovery treatment of non-fatty liver disease, after surgery or in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, quality of life and glucose- and lipid-related biomarkers related to overweight or obese participants or diabetic patients, absorption of protein or muscle integrity and improvement of peri- and post-menopausal symptoms. The main mechanism of action is the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and host immunity. However, in terms of several clinical studies involving small patient populations, others did not provide strain information. Larger, well-designed clinical studies are warranted to support the health benefits of Weizmannia coagulans strains.
Role of Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the Comprehensive Management of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Gopakumar Harishankar , Jahagirdar Vinay , Koyi Jagadish , Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Goyal Hemant , Sharma Neil R. , Perisetti Abhilash
Published: August 2023

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), also called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), are relatively uncommon, heterogenous tumors primarily originating in the gastrointestinal tract. With the improvement in technology and increasing use of cross-sectional imaging and endoscopy, they are being discovered with increasing frequency. Although traditionally considered indolent tumors with good prognoses, some NENs exhibit aggressive behavior. Timely diagnosis, risk stratification, and management can often be a challenge. In general, small NENs without local invasion or lymphovascular involvement can often be managed using minimally invasive advanced endoscopic techniques, while larger lesions and those with evidence of lymphovascular invasion require surgery, systemic therapy, or a combination thereof. Ideal management requires a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the stage and grade of the tumor. With the recent advancements, a therapeutic advanced endoscopist can play a pivotal role in diagnosing, staging, and managing this rare condition. High-definition white light imaging and digital image enhancing technologies like narrow band imaging (NBI) in the newer endoscopes have improved the diagnostic accuracy of traditional endoscopy. The refinement of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) over the past decade has revolutionized the role of endoscopy in diagnosing and managing various pathologies, including NENs. In addition to EUS-directed diagnostic biopsies, it also offers the ability to precisely assess the depth of invasion and lymphovascular involvement and thus stage NENs accurately. EUS-directed locoregional ablative therapies are increasingly recognized as highly effective, minimally invasive treatment modalities for NENs, particularly pancreatic NENs. Advanced endoscopic resection techniques like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic submucosal resection (EMR), and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) have been increasingly used over the past decade with excellent results in achieving curative resection of various early-stage gastrointestinal luminal lesions including NENs. In this article, we aim to delineate NENs of the different segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, gastric, pancreatic, and small and large intestine) and their management with emphasis on the endoscopic management of these tumors.