bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent trends in the nanozeolites-based oxygen concentrators and their application in respiratory disorders
Authors: Yadav Virendra Kumar , Choudhary Nisha , Inwati Gajendra Kumar , Rai Ashita , Singh Bijendra , Solanki Bharat , Paital Biswaranjan , Sahoo Dipak Kumar
Published: April 2023

Medical-grade oxygen is the basic need for all medical complications, especially in respiratory-based discomforts. There was a drastic increase in the demand for medical-grade oxygen during the current pandemic. The non-availability of medical-grade oxygen led to several complications, including death. The oxygen concentrator was only the last hope for the patient during COVID-19 pandemic around the globe. The demands also are everlasting during other microbial respiratory infections. The yield of oxygen using conventional molecular zeolites in the traditional oxygen concentrator process is less than the yield noticed when its nano-form is used. Nanotechnology has enlightened hope for the efficient production of oxygen by such oxygen concentrators. Here in the current review work, the authors have highlighted the basic structural features of oxygen concentrators along with the current working principle. Besides, it has been tried to bridge the gap between conventional oxygen concentrators and advanced ones by using nanotechnology. Nanoparticles being usually within 100 nm in size have a high surface area to volume ratio, which makes them suitable adsorbents for oxygen. Here authors have suggested the use of nano zeolite in place of molecular zeolites in the oxygen concentrator for efficient delivery of oxygen by the oxygen concentrators.
Solar radiation explains litter degradation along alpine elevation gradients better than other climatic or edaphic parameters
Authors: Semeraro Sarah , Kipf Pascal , Le Bayon Renée-Claire , Rasmann Sergio
Published: April 2023

Organic matter (OM) decomposition has been shown to vary across ecosystems, suggesting that variation in local ecological conditions influences this process. A better understanding of the ecological factors driving OM decomposition rates will allow to better predict the effect of ecosystem changes on the carbon cycle. While temperature and humidity have been put forward as the main drivers of OM decomposition, the concomitant role of other ecosystem properties, such as soil physicochemical properties, and local microbial communities, remains to be investigated within large-scale ecological gradients. To address this gap, we measured the decomposition of a standardized OM source – green tea and rooibos tea – across 24 sites spread within a full factorial design including elevation and exposition, and across two distinct bioclimatic regions in the Swiss Alps. By analyzing OM decomposition via 19 climatic, edaphic or soil microbial activity-related variables, which strongly varied across sites, we identified solar radiation as the primary source of variation of both green and rooibos teabags decomposition rate. This study thus highlights that while most variables, such as temperature or humidity, as well as soil microbial activity, do impact decomposition process, in combination with the measured pedo-climatic niche, solar radiation, very likely by means of indirect effects, best captures variation in OM degradation. For instance, high solar radiation might favor photodegradation, in turn speeding up the decomposition activity of the local microbial communities. Future work should thus disentangle the synergistic effects of the unique local microbial community and solar radiation on OM decomposition across different habitats.
Ferroptosis-related genes in cervical cancer as biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of gynecological tumors
Authors: Han Songtao , Wang Senyu , Lv Xiang , Li Dan , Feng Yangchun
Published: April 2023

Background: Ferroptosis has been identified as a potent predictor of cancer prognosis. Currently, cervical cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors in women. Enhancing the prognosis for patients experiencing metastasis or recurrence is of critical importance. Consequently, investigating the potential of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) as prognostic biomarkers for cervical cancer patients is essential.

Methods: In this study, 52 FRGs were obtained from the GSE9750, GSE7410, GSE63514, and FerrDb databases. Six genes possessing prognostic characteristics were identified: JUN, TSC22D3, SLC11A2, DDIT4, DUOX1, and HELLS. The multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to establish and validate the prognostic model, while simultaneously performing a correlation analysis of the immune microenvironment.

Results: The prediction model was validated using TCGA-CESC and GSE44001 datasets. Furthermore, the prognostic model was validated in endometrial cancer and ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma cases. KM curves revealed significant differences in OS between high-risk and low-risk groups. ROC curves demonstrated the stability and accuracy of the prognostic model established in this study. Concurrently, the research identified a higher proportion of immune cells in patients within the low-risk group. Additionally, the expression of immune checkpoints (TIGIT, CTLA4, BTLA, CD27, and CD28) was elevated in the low-risk group. Ultimately, 4 FRGs in cervical cancer were corroborated through qRT-PCR.

Conclusion: The FRGs prognostic model for cervical cancer not only exhibits robust stability and accuracy in predicting the prognosis of cervical cancer patients but also demonstrates considerable prognostic value in other gynecological tumors.
Functional balance training in people with Parkinson’s disease: a protocol of balanceHOME randomized control trial with crossover
Authors: Monleón Guinot Sara , San Martín Valenzuela Constanza , Aranda Asensi Vivina , de Salazar Antón Concepción , Villanueva Navarro Manuel , Tomás Jose M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Balance disturbances in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are usually assessed in a single-task as well as standard balance physiotherapy is carried out in isolated environments. Conversely, daily activities are developed in highly challenging environments. Although functional balance training (FBT) is included in the latest protocols, several methodological issues have not yet been considered. In the proposed single-blinded randomized control trial with crossover (NCT04963894), the aims are (1) to quantify the effects achieved by domiciliary FBT (balanceHOME program) in participants with and without cognitive impairment, and (2) to compare them with the effects of a passive-control period and a conventional face-to-face physiotherapy program for PD.

Methods

The initial recruitment was estimated at 112 people with idiopathic PD. Two-thirds of the participants will be randomized to one of the two groups to make the crossover. In contrast, the other third will do a face-to-face group program only. The balanceHOME protocol consists of challenging balance exercises incorporated into functional daily tasks, developed in-home and conducted two times per week for 60-min over an 8-weeks period. The primary strategy will consist of splitting functional tasks of daily life into static and dynamic balance components, besides standardized facilitate and disturbing strategies to execution of each exercise. Biomechanics and clinical performance of balance and gait, perception of quality of life, cognitive and mental functioning, and severity of PD will be measured at baseline (T0), post-8 weeks training (T1), and follow-up (T2).

Results

The primary outcome of the study will be the center of pressure sway area. The secondary outcomes consist of biomechanics and clinical variables related to static and dynamic balance. Outcomes from biomechanical of gait, quality of life, cognitive and mental state, and severity of PD, represent the tertiary outcomes.

Discussion

The balanceHOME program standardizes the FBT in demanding and daily environments for people with PD who prefer individualized treatment from home. This is the first time that the effects of group versus individual balance rehabilitation have been compared in people with and without cognitive impairment and evaluated in complex environments. This still-to-be-finished study will open the possibility of new strategies according to changes in post-pandemic therapeutic approaches.
Hippocampal area CA2: interneuron disfunction during pathological states
Authors: Piskorowski Rebecca A. , Chevaleyre Vivien
Published: April 2023

Hippocampal area CA2 plays a critical role in social recognition memory and has unique cellular and molecular properties that distinguish it from areas CA1 and CA3. In addition to having a particularly high density of interneurons, the inhibitory transmission in this region displays two distinct forms of long-term synaptic plasticity. Early studies on human hippocampal tissue have reported unique alteration in area CA2 with several pathologies and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we present recent studies revealing changes in inhibitory transmission and plasticity of area CA2 in mouse models of multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and propose how these changes could underly deficits in social cognition observed during these pathologies.
Systems Thinking in an era of climate change: Does cognitive neuroscience hold the key to improving environmental decision making? A perspective on Climate-Smart Agriculture
Authors: Lalani Baqir , Gray Steven , Mitra-Ganguli Tora
Published: April 2023

Systems Thinking (ST) can be defined as a mental construct that recognises patterns and connections in a particular complex system to make the “best decision” possible. In the field of sustainable agriculture and climate change, higher degrees of ST are assumed to be associated with more successful adaptation strategies under changing conditions, and “better” environmental decision making in a number of environmental and cultural settings. Future climate change scenarios highlight the negative effects on agricultural productivity worldwide, particularly in low-income countries (LICs) situated in the Global South. Alongside this, current measures of ST are limited by their reliance on recall, and are prone to possible measurement errors. Using Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), as an example case study, in this article we explore: (i) ST from a social science perspective; (ii) cognitive neuroscience tools that could be used to explore ST abilities in the context of LICs; (iii) an exploration of the possible correlates of systems thinking: observational learning, prospective thinking/memory and the theory of planned behaviour and (iv) a proposed theory of change highlighting the integration of social science frameworks and a cognitive neuroscience perspective. We find, recent advancements in the field of cognitive neuroscience such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) provide exciting potential to explore previously hidden forms of cognition, especially in a low-income country/field setting; improving our understanding of environmental decision-making and the ability to more accurately test more complex hypotheses where access to laboratory studies is severely limited. We highlight that ST may correlate with other key aspects involved in environmental decision-making and posit motivating farmers via specific brain networks would: (a) enhance understanding of CSA practices (e.g., via the frontoparietal network extending from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to the parietal cortex (PC) a control hub involved in ST and observational learning) such as tailoring training towards developing improved ST abilities among farmers and involving observational learning more explicitly and (b) motivate farmers to use such practices [e.g., via the network between the DLPFC and nucleus accumbens (NAc)] which mediates reward processing and motivation by focussing on a reward/emotion to engage farmers. Finally, our proposed interdisciplinary theory of change can be used as a starting point to encourage discussion and guide future research in this space.
Antibody-based cancer immunotherapy by targeting regulatory T cells
Authors: Li Quanxiao , Lu Jun , Li Jinyao , Zhang Baohong , Wu Yanling , Ying Tianlei
Published: April 2023

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are among the most abundant suppressive cells, which infiltrate and accumulate in the tumor microenvironment, leading to tumor escape by inducing anergy and immunosuppression. Their presence has been correlated with tumor progression, invasiveness and metastasis. Targeting tumor-associated Tregs is an effective addition to current immunotherapy approaches, but it may also trigger autoimmune diseases. The major limitation of current therapies targeting Tregs in the tumor microenvironment is the lack of selective targets. Tumor-infiltrating Tregs express high levels of cell surface molecules associated with T-cell activation, such as CTLA4, PD-1, LAG3, TIGIT, ICOS, and TNF receptor superfamily members including 4-1BB, OX40, and GITR. Targeting these molecules often attribute to concurrent depletion of antitumor effector T-cell populations. Therefore, novel approaches need to improve the specificity of targeting Tregs in the tumor microenvironment without affecting peripheral Tregs and effector T cells. In this review, we discuss the immunosuppressive mechanisms of tumor-infiltrating Tregs and the status of antibody-based immunotherapies targeting Tregs.
A radiomics nomogram for predicting cytokeratin 19–positive hepatocellular carcinoma: a two-center study
Authors: Zhang Liqing , Zhou Heshan , Zhang Xiaoqian , Ding Zhongxiang , Xu Jianfeng
Published: April 2023

Objectives

We aimed to construct and validate a radiomics-based nomogram model derived from gadoxetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images to predict cytokeratin (CK) 19–positive (+) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and patients’ prognosis.

Methods

A two-center and time-independent cohort of 311 patients were retrospectively enrolled (training cohort, n = 168; internal validation cohort, n = 72; external validation cohort, n = 71). A total of 2286 radiomic features were extracted from multisequence MR images with the uAI Research Portal (uRP), and a radiomic feature model was established. A combined model was established by incorporating the clinic-radiological features and the fusion radiomics signature using logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of these models. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess 1-year and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the cohort.

Results

By combining radiomic features extracted in DWI phase, arterial phase, venous and delay phase, the fusion radiomics signature achieved AUCs of 0.865, 0.824, and 0.781 in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts. The final combined clinic-radiological model showed higher AUC values in the three datasets compared with the fusion radiomics model. The nomogram based on the combined model showed satisfactory prediction performance in the training (C-index, 0.914), internal (C-index, 0.855), and external validation (C-index, 0.795) cohort. The 1-year and 2-year PFS and OS of the patients in the CK19+ group were 76% and 73%, and 78% and 68%, respectively. The 1-year and 2-year PFS and OS of the patients in the CK19-negative (−) group were 81% and 77%, and 80% and 74%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed no significant differences in 1-year PFS and OS between the groups (P = 0.273 and 0.290), but it did show differences in 2-year PFS and OS between the groups (P = 0.032 and 0.040). Both PFS and OS were lower in CK19+ patients.

Conclusion

The combined model based on clinic-radiological radiomics features can be used for predicting CK19+ HCC noninvasively to assist in the development of personalized treatment.
Identification of an in vitro artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 R515K mutant parasite in Senegal
Authors: Sene Seynabou D. , Pouye Mariama N. , Martins Rafael Miyazawa , Diallo Fatoumata , Mangou Khadidiatou , Bei Amy K. , Barry Alioune , Faye Oumar , Ndiaye Oumar , Faye Ousmane , Sall Amadou A. , Lopez-Rubio Jose-Juan , Mbengue Alassane
Published: April 2023

The emergence of artemisinin partial resistance (ART-r) in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites has substantially compromised the efficacy of antimalarial treatments across southeast Asia (SE Asia). The spread of ART-r within the African continent could jeopardize past progress made in reducing worldwide malaria burden. A clinical index malaria case was identified in Kaolack, Senegal with persistent fever after complete artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) treatment. Fifteen malaria-infected blood samples were collected by Institut Pasteur Dakar’s Senegalese sentinel surveillance system, from different healthcare centers surrounding the index case. We have identified one Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolate carrying R515K mutation in the artemisinin resistance gene PfKelch13. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing was carried out and transgenic Pf3D7Pfkelch13R515K was tested for in vitro standard Ring-stage Survival Assay (RSA0-3hpi). Gene editing has confirmed that PfKelch13R515K drove increased in vitro RSA0-3hpi value. In this article, we report the functional significance of PfKelch13R515K mutation in an African context.
Transition of pediatric patients with bronchiectasis to adult medical care in the Northern Territory: A retrospective chart audit
Authors: Schutz Kobi L. , Fancourt Nicholas , Chang Anne B. , Morris Peter , Buckley Rachel , Biancardi Edwina , Roberts Kathryn , Cush James , Heraganahally Subash , McCallum Gabrielle B.
Published: April 2023

Background

Bronchiectasis is increasingly being recognized to exist in all settings with a high burden of disease seen in First Nations populations. With increasing numbers of pediatric patients with chronic illnesses surviving into adulthood, there is more awareness on examining the transition from pediatric to adult medical care services. We undertook a retrospective medical chart audit to describe what processes, timeframes, and supports were in place for the transition of young people (≥14 years) with bronchiectasis from pediatric to adult services in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia.

Methods

Participants were identified from a larger prospective study of children investigated for bronchiectasis at the Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, from 2007 to 2022. Young people were included if they were aged ≥14 years on October 1, 2022, with a radiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis on high-resolution computed tomography scan. Electronic and paper-based hospital medical records and electronic records from NT government health clinics and, where possible, general practitioner and other medical service attendance were reviewed. We recorded any written evidence of transition planning and hospital engagement from age ≥14 to 20 years.

Results

One hundred and two participants were included, 53% were males, and most were First Nations people (95%) and lived in a remote location (90.2%). Nine (8.8%) participants had some form of documented evidence of transition planning or discharge from pediatric services. Twenty-six participants had turned 18 years, yet there was no evidence in the medical records of any young person attending an adult respiratory clinic at the Royal Darwin Hospital or being seen by the adult outreach respiratory clinic.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an important gap in the documentation of delivery of care, and the need to develop an evidence-based transition framework for the transition of young people with bronchiectasis from pediatric to adult medical care services in the NT.
Single-leg cycling to maintain and improve function in healthy and clinical populations
Authors: Heidorn C. Eric , Elmer Steven J. , Wehmanen Kyle W. , Martin James C. , McDaniel John
Published: April 2023

Exercise with reduced muscle mass facilitates greater muscle-specific adaptations than training with larger muscle mass. The smaller active muscle mass can demand a greater portion of cardiac output which allows muscle(s) to perform greater work and subsequently elicit robust physiological adaptations that improve health and fitness. One reduced active muscle mass exercise that can promote greater positive physiological adaptations is single-leg cycling (SLC). Specifically, SLC confines the cycling exercise to a smaller muscle mass resulting in greater limb specific blood flow (i.e., blood flow is no longer “shared” by both legs) which allows the individual to exercise at a greater limb specific intensity or for a longer duration. Numerous reports describing the use of SLC have established cardiovascular and/or metabolic benefits of this exercise modality for healthy adults, athletes, and individuals living with chronic diseases. SLC has served as a valuable research tool for understanding central and peripheral factors to phenomena such as oxygen uptake and exercise tolerance (i.e., V̇O2peakand V̇O2slow component). Together, these examples highlight the breadth of applications of SLC to promote, maintain, and study health. Accordingly, the purpose of this review was to describe: 1) acute physiological responses to SLC, 2) long-term adaptations to SLC in populations ranging from endurance athletes to middle aged adults, to individuals living with chronic disease (COPD, heart failure, organ transplant), and 3) various methods utilized to safely perform SLC. A discussion is also included on clinical application and exercise prescription of SLC for the maintenance and/or improvement of health.
Perception of disease, dyadic coping, and the quality of life of oncology patients in the active treatment phase and their life partners: an approach based on the actor-partner interdependence model
Authors: Ştefănuţ Adelina Mihaela , Vintilă Mona , Bădău Larisa Maria , Grujic Daciana , Oprean Cristina Marinela , Goian Cosmin , Sârbescu Paul
Published: April 2023

Objective

The aim of this study based on the Systemic Transactional Model was to examine the relationship between dyadic coping and (1) disease perception and (2) quality of life of a sample of cancer patients and their life partners.

Method

This cross-sectional study included 138 oncological dyads. The following questionnaires were used: Stress Appraisal Measure, Dyadic Coping Inventory, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30. Data collected was analysed by applying the actor-partner interdependence model.

Results

The perception of the disease as a threat as well as its centrality significantly negatively influences the positive forms of dyadic coping whilst the perception of the disease as a challenge has a significant positive influence on them. Dyadic coping does not influence symptoms but has significant influences on global health/quality of life.

Conclusion

This study has highlighted new information regarding how couples cope with cancer. The results encourage the inclusion of the perception of the disease and dyadic coping in interventions that aim to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their life partners.
Understanding the benefits of extrinsic emotion regulation in depression
Authors: Massarwe Atheer , Cohen Noga
Published: April 2023

Depression is a serious psychiatric illness that negatively affects people’s feelings, thoughts, and actions. Providing emotion regulation support to others, also termed Extrinsic Emotion Regulation (EER), reduces depressive symptoms such as perseverative thinking and negative mood. In this conceptual review paper, we argue that EER may be especially beneficial for individuals with depression because it enhances the cognitive and affective processes known to be impaired in depression. Behavioral studies have shown that EER recruits processes related to cognitive empathy, intrinsic emotion regulation (IER), and reward, all impaired in depression. Neuroimaging data support these findings by showing that EER recruits brain regions related to these three processes, such as the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex which is associated with IER, the ventral striatum, which is associated with reward-related processes, and medial frontal regions related to cognitive empathy. This conceptual review paper sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of EER for individuals with depression and therefore offers novel avenues for treatment.
Animate monitoring is not uniform: implications for the animate monitoring hypothesis
Authors: Loucks Jeff , Reise Berit , Gahite Rosselle , Fleming Shaun
Published: April 2023

The animate monitoring hypothesis (AMH) purports that humans evolved specialized mechanisms that prioritize attention to animates over inanimates. Importantly, the hypothesis emphasizes that any animate—an entity that can move on its own—should take priority in attention. While many experiments have found general support for this hypothesis, there have yet been no systematic investigations into whether the type of animate matters for animate monitoring. In the present research we addressed this issue across three experiments. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 53) searched for an animate or inanimate entity in a search task, and the animate was either a mammal or a non-mammal (e.g., bird, reptile, insect). Mammals were found significantly faster than inanimates, replicating the basic AMH finding. However, they were also found significantly faster than non-mammals, who were not found faster than inanimates. Two additional experiments were conducted to probe for differences among types of non-mammals using an inattentional blindness task. Experiment 2 (N = 171) compared detection of mammals, insects, and inanimates, and Experiment 3 (N = 174) compared birds and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). In Experiment 2, mammals were spontaneously detected at significantly higher rates than insects, who were detected at only slightly higher rates than the inanimates. Furthermore, when participants did not consciously identify the target, they nonetheless could correctly guess the higher level category of the target (living vs. nonliving thing) for the mammals and the inanimates, but could not do so for the insects. We also found in Experiment 3 that reptiles and birds were spontaneously detected at rates similar to the mammals, but like insects they were not identified as living things at rates greater than chance when they were not consciously detected. These results do not support a strong claim that all animates are prioritized in attention, but they do call for a more nuanced view. As such, they open a new window into the nature of animate monitoring, which have implications for theories of its origin.
Training and experience outperform literacy and formal education as predictors of community health worker knowledge and performance, results from Rongo sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Rogers Ash , Goore Lou L. , Wamae Jane , Starnes Joseph R. , Okong’o Stephen O , Okoth Vincent , Mudhune Sandra
Published: April 2023

Introduction

There is a growing recognition that Community Health Workers are effective at improving health outcomes and expanding health access. However, the design elements that lead to high-quality Community Health Worker programing are relatively understudied. We looked at the predictors of Community Health Worker knowledge of obstetric and early infant danger signs as well as performance in achieving antenatal care and immunization uptake among their clients.

Methods

The study takes place in the context of an intervention implemented jointly by Lwala Community Alliance and the Kenya Ministry of Health which sought to professionalize Community Health Worker cadres through enhanced training, payment, and supervision. There were four cohorts included in the study. Two cohorts started receiving the intervention prior to the baseline, one cohort received the intervention between the baseline and endline, and a final cohort did not receive the intervention. Data on Community Health Worker demographics, knowledge tests, and key performance indicators were collected for 234 Community Health Workers. Regression analyses were used to explore education, literacy, experience, training, and gender as potential predictors of CHW performance.

Results

We found that clients of Community Health Workers trained through the intervention were 15% more likely to be fully immunized and 14% more likely to have completed four or more antenatal care visits. Additionally, recency of training and experience caring for pregnant women were associated with increased Community Health Worker knowledge. Finally, we found no association between gender and CHW competency and tenuous associations between education/literacy and Community Health Worker competency.

Discussion

We conclude that the intervention was predictive of increased Community Health Worker performance and that recency of training and experience were predictive of increased knowledge. Though education and literacy are often used in the selection processes of Community Health Workers globally, the link between these characteristics and Community Health Worker knowledge and performance are mixed. Thus, we encourage further research into the predictive value of common Community Health Worker screening and selection tools. Further, we encourage policymakers and practitioners to reconsider the use of education and literacy as means of Community Health Worker selection.
The effects of ART on the dynamics of lipid profiles in Chinese Han HIV-infected patients: comparison between NRTI/NNRTI and NRTI/INSTI
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Wei Baozhu , Liang Wei , Chen Tielong , Deng Liping , Zhao Min , Wan Jing
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This article aimed to compare the prevalence of dyslipidemia and determine risk factors associated with lipid levels in a cohort of HIV-infected patients receiving two different antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor/non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI/NNRTI) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor/integrase strand transfer inhibitor (NRTI/INSTI).

Methods

This longitudinal study analyzed 633 HIV-infected patients with complete blood lipid profile records for at least 1 year at the ART clinic of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China, from June 2018 to March 2021. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, body weight, height, current/former/non-smoker, current drinker, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, were extracted from electronic medical records. Laboratory tests included hematology, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Lipoprotein(a) and CD4 cell count. The observation duration of this study was a maximum of 33 months. Data comparisons were performed using the Chi-square test, Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. Generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) and value of p < 0.05 were used to determine factors associated with serum lipid profiles.

Results

In this study, the effect of the NNRTIs group on the lipid profile over time was mainly an increase in TC and HDL-C, while a decrease in TC/HDL-C and LDL/HDL-C. However, the INSTIs group had higher mean TC and lower HDL-C compared to the NNRTIs group, with significantly increased levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C. In the analysis of dyslipidemia rates, there were significant differences in the prevalence of abnormal TG and TC/HDL-C in HIV-infected patients receiving two different ART regimen groups during different follow-up periods. Dyslipidemia, defined as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-C, was more prevalent in the INSTIs group, with a higher risk of developing hypertriglyceridemia and a higher TC/HDL-C ratio compared to the NNRTIs group. GLMM analysis suggested significantly higher TG values in the INSTIs group (estimated 0.36[0.10, 0.63], SE 0.14, p = 0.008) compared to the NNRTIs group, even after adjusting for other covariates. In addition, GLMM analysis also showed that age, gender, BMI, CD4 count, and ART duration were associated with dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, treatment with both commonly-used ART regimens can increase the mean values of lipid profiles and the risk of dyslipidemia. The findings indicated that TG values were significantly higher in the INSTIs group than in HIV-infected patients receiving the NNRTIs regimens. Longitudinal TG values are independently associated with the clinical types of ART regimens.

Clinical Trial Number: ChiCTR2200059861.
Pyrethroid genetic resistance in the dengue vector (Aedes aegypti) in Posadas, Argentina
Authors: Fay Jessica V. , Espinola Sonia L. , Boaglio María V. , Blariza María J. , Lopez Karen , Zelaya Fabian , Kulkarni Manisha A. , Argüelles Carina F. , Ferreras Julian A. , Miretti Marcos M.
Published: April 2023

Pyrethroids are extensively used to control adult populations of the arboviral vector Aedes aegypti, raising concerns regarding the increasing frequency and distribution of insecticide resistance mutations (kdr: knock-down resistance) in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene (Nav). The widespread use of pyrethroids imposes a threat to the success of mosquito control and the environment. In this study, we investigated the presence of two kdr mutations (V1016I and F1534C) in the Nav gene and their distribution across four neighborhoods in Posadas, Argentina, with different Ae. aegypti abundance and contrasting socioeconomic status (SES). Alleles at each locus were interrogated using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays in DNA extracted from adult females collected in a longitudinal study. We report the presence of both pyrethroid resistance alleles (kdr 1016I = 29.08%; kdr 1534C = 70.70%) among adult females. The frequency of combined kdr genotypes reveals that approximately 70% of local adult females have enhanced resistance to pyrethroids. Both, the proportion of resistant adult females (with at least one kdr allele in each locus) and Ae. aegypti abundance showed an uneven distribution between neighborhoods with different SES (p < 0.001). In high-SES neighborhoods, we found more mosquitoes and a higher frequency of pyrethroid resistance, possibly as a consequence of different public health interventions, social habits, and insecticide use. This is the first report of kdr mutations in Ae. Aegypti in the northeast region of Argentina. Our results focus on the need for within-population (city) distribution analyses of kdr mutations and highlight the relevance of incorporating insecticide resistance monitoring within the Integrated Vector Management initiative.
Case report: Recovery and sequential imaging of a patient with osmotic demyelination syndrome
Authors: Harris Stephanie , Dupanloup Adrien , Liao Pen-Ting , Jukier Tom
Published: April 2023

A 4-year-old neutered-male Australian Shepherd was presented to an emergency and referral hospital for an acute onset of neurologic signs and abnormal mentation. Seven days prior, the patient had been diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism and was treated accordingly at another hospital. Based on recent clinical history, the neurologic signs were consistent with thalamic and brainstem deficits and suspected to be caused by osmotic demyelination syndrome secondary to rapid correction of hyponatremia. A brain MRI confirmed lesions consistent with osmotic demyelination syndrome. The patient's clinical signs initially worsened, and he required intensive nursing care with multimodal sedation, close monitoring of electrolytes and tailored fluid therapy. The patient recovered and was discharged on day seven of hospitalization. Four and a half months later, re-evaluation of the patient showed complete resolution of the neurological deficits with a now unremarkable neurological exam, and follow-up MRI revealed still present, yet improved bilateral thalamic lesions. This is the first known veterinary case report of sequential brain imaging of a dog that has recovered from osmotic demyelination syndrome. In humans, patients can have evidence of near to full clinical recovery, yet imaging findings may still be abnormal several months after recovery. This report details similar imaging findings in a canine with improved clinical signs, despite persistent lesions on brain MRI. Prognosis of canines with osmotic demyelination syndrome may be better than previously perceived, despite the severity of clinical signs and brain lesions apparent on MRI.
Experimental Study on Reaction Kinetic Characteristics of RP-3 Fuel Vapor Catalyst
Authors: Peng Xiaotian , Fan Donghao , Hu Xuecheng , Feng Shiyu , Peng Hao , Wang Chenchen
Published: April 2023

Oxygen-consuming inerting technology is expected to be the primary method for suppressing aircraft fuel tank fires and explosions in the next generation, with the catalytic reactor serving as its core component. However, the catalytic properties of the developed catalyst have yet to be thoroughly studied, and a primary reaction kinetic equation is needed to support further investigation of the reactor. Thus, this study focuses on the performance of the developed catalyst for RP-3 fuel vapor, with a test bench built to analyze its reaction kinetic characteristics. Initially, we tested the steady-state variation in the fuel vapor concentration (FVC) with fuel temperature and fitted an empirical equation, providing fundamental data for subsequent experiments. Subsequently, we studied the impact of critical parameters, such as the FVC, oxygen concentration (OC), CO2 concentration, and reaction temperature, on the reaction performance. The results demonstrate that the reaction rate is positively correlated with the FVC, OC, and reaction temperature, while CO2 has no impact on the catalytic reaction characteristics. Finally, a kinetic equation for the developed catalyst is summarized based on the experimental data, providing a fundamental equation for simulating research on the catalytic reactor and the oxygen-consuming inerting system.
The Use of Organic Additives for Replanted Soil in Apple Tree Production in a Fruit Tree Nursery
Authors: Zydlik Zofia , Zydlik Piotr , Jarosz Zbigniew , Wieczorek Robert
Published: April 2023

How soil is used affects its production characteristics in the future. Under ARD (Apple Replant Disease) conditions, replanted soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties deteriorate. Their improvement is possible through, for example, increasing the content of organic matter in the soil. The study aimed to assess the effect of two organic additives for replanted soil on its physical, chemical and biological properties, as well as on the vegetative growth of apple trees of the ‘Gala Schniga SchniCo(s)’ cultivar grafted on M.9 rootstock. The experiment was performed in 2021, in western Poland, on a nursery farm. The trees were planted in pots filled with soil from two stations: soil previously used for the production of apple trees (replanted soil) and nursery material (agricultural soil) unused for production so far. To fertilise it, three different portions of biocarbon and Carbomat Eco soil conditioner were added to the replanted soil. The experiment showed that apple trees grown on replanted soil had fewer side shoots, a smaller leaf area and a lower mass of leaves than those grown on agricultural soil. Furthermore, supplementation of replanted soil with organic additives caused a significant increase in its enzymatic activity and respiration, increased the rate of photosynthesis and improved several parameters determining the strength of vegetative growth in apple trees.
Challenges of Pasture Feeding Systems—Opportunities and Constraints
Authors: Wróbel Barbara , Zielewicz Waldemar , Staniak Mariola
Published: April 2023

Grazing plays an important role in milk production in most regions of the world. Despite the importance of grazing, current trends in livestock farming in Europe are causing a decline in the popularity of pasture-based feeding of dairy cows. This paper aims to provide an overview of the challenges faced by the pasture feeding system under climate change. Grazing lands provide ecosystem services including regulation and storage of water flows, nutrient cycling, and C sequestration. Livestock grazing is the most important factor shaping and stabilizing pasture biodiversity. Some opportunities for pasture feeding are the health-promoting and nutritional qualities of milk and milk products, especially milk from pasture-fed cows. The beneficial effects of pasture feeding on animal health and welfare are not insignificant. Available organizational innovations can help better manage livestock grazing and, above all, better understand the impact of the grazing process on the environment and climate change.
The Contribution of Agronomic Management to Sustainably Intensify Egypt’s Wheat Production
Authors: Abdalla Ahmed , Becker Mathias , Stellmacher Till
Published: April 2023

In Egypt, recent shortfalls in the wheat supply from Russia and Ukraine have necessitated substantial increases in domestic production. As agricultural practices influence the yield of bread wheat, we assessed current production strategies in the wheat-based systems of Egypt and investigated their effects on wheat productivity in four study areas in the Nile Delta. We used a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 246 wheat-producing farmers and applied structured questionnaires to assess farming practices and crop performance attributes. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, analysis of variances, and multiple regression models. Wheat farmers were on average 56 years old with about 30 years of farming experience. Land holdings were rather small, with an average of 1.05 hectares and a mean wheat yield of 6.4 metric tons (t)/hectare (ha). Farmers devote <20% of their cropland area to wheat. Of the large observed variation in wheat yield (4.2–8.5 t/ha), 59% was explained by differences in applied cropping practices in the multiple regression model. The application of mineral fertilizers was mostly inappropriate and unbalanced, with an overuse of nitrogen and phosphorus, the complete absence of potassium and micronutrient fertilizers, and insufficient rates of applied organic amendments. The type of the preceding summer crop and the irrigation frequency were found to be the most influencing factors, explaining 7.5% and 38% of the variation in wheat yields. The majority of farmers with low wheat yields irrigated their crops twice per season, while only 7% of high-yielding farmers applied the recommended irrigation frequency of >5 times per season. Most farmers had poor knowledge of modern agronomic practices and inadequate access to information. To enhance domestic production in Egypt, there is a need for fiscal incentives, permitting or stimulating wheat-producing farmers to devote larger shares of their cropland to wheat cultivation. In addition, policies must enable wheat producers to improve their productivity by implementing adequate and sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotations, balanced mineral nutrient supply, and the use of organic amendments. However, the most important factors are interventions and technologies that improve provision and increase the use efficiency of irrigation water.
Functional and Quality Assessment of a Spore Harvester for Entomopathogenic Fungi for Biopesticide Production
Authors: Diego-Nava Fidel , Granados-Echegoyen Carlos , Ruíz-Vega Jaime , Aquino-Bolaños Teodulfo , Pérez-Pacheco Rafael , Díaz-Ramos Alejo , Alonso-Hernández Nancy , Arroyo-Balán Fabián , López-Hernández Mónica Beatriz
Published: April 2023

The Green Revolution led to an increased use of synthetic pesticides, causing environmental pollution. As an alternative, biopesticides made from entomopathogenic agents such as fungi have been sought. This study aimed to design and evaluate the performance of a harvester machine for efficiently collecting entomopathogenic spores of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana grown on rice and corn substrates. The spore yield was estimated, and a spore count and a colony-forming unit (CFU) count were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the mean values of spores obtained from different combinations of solid substrate and fungi. The Corn-Metarhizium combination produced 34.15 g of spores per kg of substrate and 1.51 × 109 CFUs mL−1. Similarly, the Rice-Metarhizium combination produced 57.35 g per kg and 1.59 × 109 CFUs mL−1. Meanwhile, the Corn-Beauveria combination yielded 35.47 g per kg and 1.00 × 109 CFUs mL−1, while the Rice-Beauveria combination had a yield of 38.26 g per kg and 4.50 × 108 CFUs mL−1. Based on the reported results, the Rice-Metarhizium combination appears to be the most effective, yielding the highest number of harvested spores per kg of substrate. The study estimated a total cost of approximately $409.31 for manufacturing the harvester, considering only the cost of the materials. These results could potentially increase the availability and affordability of entomopathogenic fungi in integrated pest management.
Apple Leaf Disease Identification in Complex Background Based on BAM-Net
Authors: Gao Yuxi , Cao Zhongzhu , Cai Weiwei , Gong Gufeng , Zhou Guoxiong , Li Liujun
Published: April 2023

Apples are susceptible to infection by various pathogens during growth, which induces various leaf diseases and thus affects apple quality and yield. The timely and accurate identification of apple leaf diseases is essential to ensure the high-quality development of the apple industry. In practical applications in orchards, the complex background in which apple leaves are located poses certain difficulties for the identification of leaf diseases. Therefore, this paper suggests a novel approach to identifying and classifying apple leaf diseases in complex backgrounds. First, we used a bilateral filter-based MSRCR algorithm (BF-MSRCR) to pre-process the images, aiming to highlight the color and texture features of leaves and to reduce the difficulty of extracting leaf disease features with subsequent networks. Then, BAM-Net, with ConvNext-T as the backbone network, was designed to achieve an accurate classification of apple leaf diseases. In this network, we used the aggregate coordinate attention mechanism (ACAM) to strengthen the network’s attention to disease feature regions and to suppress the interference of redundant background information. Then, the multi-scale feature refinement module (MFRM) was used to further identify deeper disease features and to improve the network’s ability to discriminate between similar disease features. In our self-made complex background apple leaf disease dataset, the proposed method achieved 95.64% accuracy, 95.62% precision, 95.89% recall, and a 95.25% F1-score. Compared with existing methods, BAM-Net has higher disease recognition accuracy and classification results. It is worth mentioning that BAM-Net still performs well when applied to the task of the leaf disease identification of other crops in the PlantVillage public dataset. This indicates that BAM-Net has good generalization ability. Therefore, the method proposed in this paper can be helpful for apple disease control in modern agriculture, and it also provides a new reference for the disease identification of other crops.