bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences at Early Old Stage in Glycolipid Metabolism and Fatty Liver in Offspring Prenatally Exposed to Chinese Great Famine
Authors: Zhang Yumeng , Pu Jianhong , Ding Yi , Wu Lei , Yin Yongxiang , Sun Mingya , Gu Ying , Zhang Daiyi , Zhang Ze , Zheng Qiutong , He Qinyuan , Xu Ting , He Yun , Su Hongyu , Zhou Xiuwen , Li Lingjun , Ye Yang , Li Jingyang , Xu Zhice
Published: June 2022

Background

About 50 years ago, Chinese Great Famine (CGF) affected the entire population in China, and its long-term influence on the offspring has attracted significant attention for research. However, information on possible metabolic differences between sexes is limited. This study explored whether there might be sex differences in the risks of development of glucolipid metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver following prenatal exposure to CGF.

Materials and Methods

There were 11,417 subjects around 55 years of age (6,661 women and 4,756 men). They were divided as the exposed group in which the fetal stage was in CGF, and the unexposed group included those born after CGF. Analysis focused on comparisons between sexes.

Results

Compared to the unexposed group, the BMI and triglyceride (P < 0.05) in men were higher in exposed group, while waist circumference and blood sugar (P < 0.05) in the exposed women were significantly higher. With the ages being properly balanced, the risks of glycolipid metabolic dysfunction were significantly higher in both men and women in the exposed than in the unexposed group (P < 0.001). Prenatal exposure to CGF significantly increased risks of abnormal BMI (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 2.305–2.93), blood sugar (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 1.050–1.401), triglycerides (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 1.006–1.245), and fatty liver (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.121–1.390) in men, and increased risks of abnormal blood sugar (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 1.024–1.689) and positive urine sugar (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 1.062–6.211) in women. Height and body weight were either the same or higher in the exposed subjects compared with the unexposed ones, regardless of sexes.

Conclusion

This study is the first to identify sex differences in the long-term effects of CGF on metabolism and fatty liver. Importance of the findings include the benefits of prescribing medicine for the early prevention of certain diseases for each sex before aging based on the differences revealed. This study also shows “catch-up growth” in the offspring prenatally exposed to CGF as possible mechanisms underlying the long-term effects.
Personalized Nutrition Intervention Improves Health Status in Overweight/Obese Chinese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kan Juntao , Ni Jiayi , Xue Kun , Wang Feijie , Zheng Jianheng , Cheng Junrui , Wu Peiying , Runyon Matthew K. , Guo Hongwei , Du Jun
Published: June 2022

Background

Overweight and obesity increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Personalized nutrition (PN) approaches may provide tailored nutritional advice/service by focusing on individual's unique characteristics to prevent against NCDs.

Objective

We aimed to compare the effect of PN intervention with the traditional “one size fits all” intervention on health status in overweight/obese Chinese adults.

Methods

In this 12-week randomized controlled trial, 400 adults with BMI ≥24 kg/m2 were randomized to control group (CG, n = 200) and PN group (PNG, n = 200). The CG received conventional health guidance according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents and Chinese DRIs Handbook, whereas the PNG experienced PN intervention that was developed by using decision trees based on the subjects' anthropometric measurements, blood samples (phenotype), buccal cells (genotype), and dietary and physical activity (PA) assessments (baseline and updated).

Results

Compared with the conventional intervention, PN intervention significantly improved clinical outcomes of anthropometric (e.g., body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference) and blood biomarkers (e.g., blood lipids, uric acid, homocysteine). The improvement in clinical outcomes was achieved through behavior change in diet and PA. The subjects in the PNG had higher China dietary guidelines index values and PA levels. Personalized recommendations of “lose weight,” “increase fiber” and “take multivitamin/mineral supplements” were the major contributors to the decrease of BMI and improvement of lipid profile.

Conclusion

We provided the first evidence that PN intervention was more beneficial than conventional nutrition intervention to improve health status in overweight/obese Chinese adults. This study provides a model of framework for developing personalized advice in Chinese population.

Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900026226).
Dose-Response Relationship Between Oral Lutein Intake and Plasma Lutein Concentration: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xiong Ke , Zhao Yanhui , Hu Shouna , Ma Aiguo , Ma Yan
Published: June 2022

Lutein was shown to provide health benefits for a few diseases. The dose-response relation of oral lutein intake in humans has rarely been reported. The objective is to investigate the dose-response relation between oral lutein intake and plasma lutein concentration in humans. Forty subjects were recruited from Qingdao University, China in 2014. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups: (1–3) consuming 10, 20, or 40 mg lutein by one, two, or four capsules of lutein A, respectively; (4) consuming 20 mg lutein by two capsules of lutein B (containing 280 mg n-3 fatty acid). After a single oral dose, plasma lutein concentrations were measured at 9-time points. The raise of plasma lutein concentration by a 40 mg dose was significantly higher than by a 10 or 20 mg dose. Plasma lutein concentrations were not significantly different between taking 20 mg lutein A and 20 mg lutein B. A dose-response relation was demonstrated between oral lutein administration and plasma lutein concentration. The dose-response relation was more pronounced among men. The current work provides a scientific basis for recommending a dietary intake level of lutein. Future work should validate the results in other ethnic and age groups.
Biological Actions, Implications, and Cautions of Statins Therapy in COVID-19
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Yan Wanyao , Shi Jiajian , Wang Shun , Peng Anlin , Chen Yuchen , Huang Kun
Published: June 2022

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed worse prognosis and higher mortality in individuals with obesity. Dyslipidemia is a major link between obesity and COVID-19 severity. Statins as the most common lipid regulating drugs have shown favorable effects in various pathophysiological states. Importantly, accumulating observational studies have suggested that statin use is associated with reduced risk of progressing to severe illness and in-hospital death in COVID-19 patients. Possible explanations underlie these protective impacts include their abilities of reducing cholesterol, suppressing viral entry and replication, anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory effects, as well as anti-thrombosis and anti-oxidative properties. Despite these benefits, statin therapies have side effects that should be considered, such as elevated creatinine kinase, liver enzyme and serum glucose levels, which are already elevated in severe COVID-19. Concerns are also raised whether statins interfere with the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Randomized controlled trials are being conducted worldwide to confirm the values of statin use for COVID-19 treatment. Generally, the results suggest no necessity to discontinue statin use, and no evidence suggesting interference between statins and COVID-19 vaccines. However, concomitant administration of statins and COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid may increase statin exposure and the risk of adverse effects, because most statins are metabolized mainly through CYP3A4 which is potently inhibited by ritonavir, a major component of Paxlovid. Therefore, more clinical/preclinical studies are still warranted to understand the benefits, harms and mechanisms of statin use in the context of COVID-19.
Development of a Nationally Agreed Core Clinical Dataset for Childhood Onset Uveitis
Authors: Solebo Ameenat Lola , Kellett Salomey , Rahi Jugnoo , Pattani Reshma , Edelsten Clive , Dick Andrew D. , Denniston Alastair ,   The Pediatric Ocular Inflammation UNICORN Study Group
Published: June 2022

Background

Childhood onset uveitis comprises a group of rare inflammatory disorders characterized by clinical heterogeneity, chronicity, and uncertainties around long term outcomes. Standardized, detailed datasets with harmonized clinical definitions and terminology are needed to enable the clinical research necessary to stratify disease phenotype and interrogate the putative determinants of health outcomes. We aimed to develop a core routine clinical collection dataset for clinicians managing children with uveitis, suitable for multicenter and national clinical and experimental research initiatives.

Methods

Development of the dataset was undertaken in three phases: phase 1, a rapid review of published datasets used in clinical research studies; phase 2, a scoping review of disease or drug registries, national cohort studies and core outcome sets; and phase 3, a survey of members of a multicenter clinical network of specialists. Phases 1 and 2 provided candidates for a long list of variables for the dataset. In Phase 3, members of the UK's national network of stakeholder clinicians who manage childhood uveitis (the Pediatric Ocular Inflammation Group) were invited to select from this long-list their essential items for the core clinical dataset, to identify any omissions, and to support or revise the clinical definitions. Variables which met a threshold of at least 95% agreement were selected for inclusion in the core clinical dataset.

Results

The reviews identified 42 relevant studies, and 9 disease or drug registries. In total, 138 discrete items were identified as candidates for the long-list. Of the 41 specialists invited to take part in the survey, 31 responded (response rate 78%). The survey resulted in inclusion of 89 data items within the final core dataset: 81 items to be collected at the first visit, and 64 items at follow up visits.

Discussion

We report development of a novel consensus core clinical dataset for the routine collection of clinical data for children diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis. The development of the dataset will provide a standardized approach to data capture able to support observational clinical studies embedded within routine clinical care and electronic patient record capture. It will be validated through a national prospective cohort study, the Uveitis in childhood prospective national cohort study (UNICORNS).
Management of Inedible Airway Foreign Bodies in Pediatric Rigid Bronchoscopy: Experience From a National Children's Regional Medical Center in China
Authors: Xu Bin , Wu Lei , Bi Jing , Liu Jia , Chen Cao , Lin Lexi , Chen Chao , Qiu Fei , Shang Shiqiang
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of inedible airway foreign bodies in pediatric rigid bronchoscopy to facilitate the improvement of management and technology. This retrospective analytical study was performed from January 2017 to June 2020. All admissions of pediatric patients (age<18 years) with foreign-body aspiration diagnosis codes ([ICD]-10:T17 300, T17 400, T17 500 and T17 900) and procedure codes (33.7801) were extracted. Age, sex, preoperative history and imaging data, surgical records, length of hospital stay, reoperations and postoperative complications were included. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20. A total of 1237 patients were hospitalized and underwent rigid bronchoscopy. Forty-five (3.6%) patients with inedible foreign bodies in the airway were confirmed. There were no significant differences in sex, time of onset and length of hospital stay between the inedible and edible foreign body groups, except for age and a definite history of foreign body aspiration (P = 0.000). Coughing, wheezing and fever were the common clinical symptoms in all patients. The following were the common locations of inedible foreign bodies: right bronchus (22/45), left bronchus (18/45), trachea (3/45) and larynx (2/45). The most frequent inedible foreign bodies were parts of a pen (15/45), a light-emitting diode (7/45) and plastic parts of toys (6/45). Vocal cord injury and a laryngeal web were observed in one case each.

Conclusion

Rigid bronchoscopy is the method of choice for the removal of inedible foreign bodies. Adequate preoperative assessment to rely on CT scans, skillful operation techniques to avoid damaging and active management of postoperative complications are important for the success of the procedure.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies Novel SCN1A and CACNB4 Genes Mutations in the Cohort of Saudi Patients With Epilepsy
Authors: Naseer Muhammad Imran , Abdulkareem Angham Abdulrhman , Rasool Mahmood , Algahtani Hussein , Muthaffar Osama Yousef , Pushparaj Peter Natesan
Published: June 2022

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder described as recurrent seizures mild to severe convulsions along with conscious loss. There are many different genetic anomalies or non-genetic conditions that affect the brain and cause epilepsy. The exact cause of epilepsy is unknown so far. In this study, whole-exome sequencing showed a family having novel missense variant c.1603C>T, p. Arg535Cys in exon 10 of Sodium Voltage-Gated Channel Alpha Subunit 1 (SCN1A) gene. Moreover, targeted Sanger sequencing analysis showed c.1212A>G p.Val404Ile in SCN1A gene in 10 unrelated patients and a mutation in Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Auxiliary Subunit Beta 4 gene where one base pair insertion of “G” c.78_79insG, p.Asp27Glyfs*26 in the exon 3 in three different patients were observed from the cohort of 25 epileptic sporadic cases. The insertion changes the amino acid sequence leading to a frameshift mutation. Here, we have described, for the first time, three novel mutations that may be associated with epilepsy in the Saudi population. The study not only help us to identify the exact cause of genetic variations causing epilepsy whereas but it would also eventually enable us to establish a database to provide a foundation for understanding the critical genomic regions to control epilepsy in Saudi patients.
Jets and Jet Substructure at Future Colliders
Authors: Bonilla Johan , Chachamis Grigorios , Dillon Barry M. , Chekanov Sergei V. , Erbacher Robin , Gouskos Loukas , Hinzmann Andreas , Höche Stefan , Huffman B. Todd , Kotwal Ashutosh. V. , Kar Deepak , Kogler Roman , Lange Clemens , LeBlanc Matt , Lemmon Roy , McLean Christine , Nachman Benjamin , Neubauer Mark S. , Plehn Tilman , Rappoccio Salvatore , Roy Debarati , Roloff Jennifer , Stark Giordon , Tran Nhan , Vos Marcel , Yeh Chih-Hsiang , Yu Shin-Shan
Published: June 2022

Even though jet substructure was not an original design consideration for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments, it has emerged as an essential tool for the current physics program. We examine the role of jet substructure on the motivation for and design of future energy Frontier colliders. In particular, we discuss the need for a vibrant theory and experimental research and development program to extend jet substructure physics into the new regimes probed by future colliders. Jet substructure has organically evolved with a close connection between theorists and experimentalists and has catalyzed exciting innovations in both communities. We expect such developments will play an important role in the future energy Frontier physics program.
Segmental Frequency Modulated Probe for Non-Local Effect Reduction in a Pulse-Coded Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analyzer
Authors: Li Zonglei , Zhou Yin , Ye Jia , Hua Zexi , Yan Lianshan
Published: June 2022

Non-local effect is an important issue for a pulse-coded Brillouin optical time domain analyzer. Segmental frequency modulated probe, with a dedicated frequency step of half the natural Brillouin linewidth of the sensing fiber, is proposed to solve this issue. It can provide a wideband Brillouin gain as well as loss in the frequency band of the pump to alleviate pump distortions and thus non-local effects. This method can narrow the bit interval towards a level limited by the time of the Brillouin gain transition due to frequency switching, resulting in a bit interval as short as 900 ns for a 225 MHz frequency scanning range. A hot spot at the far fiber end is successfully detected even the probe power reaches −3 dBm under a cumulated Brillouin gain of 267.4%.
Development of a Novel Vital-Signs-Based Infection Screening Composite-Type Camera With Truncus Motion Removal Algorithm to Detect COVID-19 Within 10 Seconds and Its Clinical Validation
Authors: Unursaikhan Batbayar , Amarsanaa Gereltuya , Sun Guanghao , Hashimoto Kenichi , Purevsuren Otgonbat , Choimaa Lodoiravsal , Matsui Takemi
Published: June 2022

Background:To conduct a rapid preliminary COVID-19 screening prior to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test under clinical settings, including patient’s body moving conditions in a non-contact manner, we developed a mobile and vital-signs-based infection screening composite-type camera (VISC-Camera) with truncus motion removal algorithm (TMRA) to screen for possibly infected patients.

Methods:The VISC-Camera incorporates a stereo depth camera for respiratory rate (RR) determination, a red–green–blue (RGB) camera for heart rate (HR) estimation, and a thermal camera for body temperature (BT) measurement. In addition to the body motion removal algorithm based on the region of interest (ROI) tracking for RR, HR, and BT determination, we adopted TMRA for RR estimation. TMRA is a reduction algorithm of RR count error induced by truncus non-respiratory front-back motion measured using depth-camera-determined neck movement. The VISC-Camera is designed for mobile use and is compact (22 cm × 14 cm × 4 cm), light (800 g), and can be used in continuous operation for over 100 patients with a single battery charge. The VISC-Camera discriminates infected patients from healthy people using a logistic regression algorithm using RR, HR, and BT as explanatory variables. Results are available within 10 s, including imaging and processing time. Clinical testing was conducted on 154 PCR positive COVID-19 inpatients (aged 18–81 years; M/F = 87/67) within the initial 48 h of hospitalization at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia and 147 healthy volunteers (aged 18–85 years, M/F = 70/77). All patients were on treatment with antivirals and had body temperatures <37.5°C. RR measured by visual counting, pulsimeter-determined HR, and BT determined by thermometer were used for references.

Result:10-fold cross-validation revealed 91% sensitivity and 90% specificity with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97. The VISC-Camera-determined HR, RR, and BT correlated significantly with those measured using references (RR:r= 0.93,p< 0.001; HR:r= 0.97,p< 0.001; BT:r= 0.72,p< 0.001).

Conclusion:Under clinical settings with body motion, the VISC-Camera with TMRA appears promising for the preliminary screening of potential COVID-19 infection for afebrile patients with the possibility of misdiagnosis as asymptomatic.
Differential Predictive Effect of Self-Regulation Behavior and the Combination of Self- vs. External Regulation Behavior on Executive Dysfunctions and Emotion Regulation Difficulties, in University Students
Authors: de la Fuente Jesús , Martínez-Vicente José Manuel , Pachón-Basallo Mónica , Peralta-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Vera-Martínez Manuel Mariano , Andrés-Romero Magdalena P.
Published: June 2022

The aim of this research was to establish linear relations (association and prediction) and inferential relations between three constructs at different levels of psychological research –executive dysfunction(microanalysis),self-regulation(molecular level), andself-vs.external regulation(molar level), in the prediction of emotion regulation difficulties. We hypothesized that personal and contextual regulatory factors would be negatively related to levels of executive dysfunction and emotion regulation difficulties; by way of complement, non-regulatory and dysregulatory personal, and contextual factors would be positively related to these same difficulties. To establish relationships, we used a retrospective,ex postfacto design, where 298 university students voluntarily participated by completing standardized self-reports. Linear and structural correlational, predictive analyses were performed, as well as inferential analyses. Results were consistent and validated the proposed hypotheses, for both association and prediction. The most important result refers to the discriminant value of the five-level combination heuristic for predicting Executive Function and External (contextual) Dys-Regulation. In conclusion: (1) both personal and contextual regulation factors must be analyzed in order to better understand the variation in executive functions and emotion regulation difficulties; (2) it is important to continue connecting the different levels of the constructs referring to self-regulation, given their complementary role in the behavioral analysis of regulation difficulties.
Subjective Well-Being and Schools in South Africa: A Post-COVID-19 Analysis
Authors: Morales-Olivares Rommy , Aguirre-Nuñez Carlos , Nuñez-Carrasco Lorena , Ulloa-León Felipe
Published: June 2022

From the analysis of the Wave 5 National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey 2021 dataset, the study conducted in South Africa, we developed a model of analysis based on three dimensions, namely, subjective well-being, material living conditions, and importance attributed to education during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional analysis of the data for Gauteng area indicates that the dimension of subjective well-being of families in South Africa—even in relation to the factors such as conditions of deprivation (e.g., hunger)—does not necessarily influence the importance the respondents attach to their children’s education, this as reflected in whether or not they send them to school when COVID-19 restrictions allowed for schools to come back to face-to-face teaching. Subjective well-being of parents and guardians is, however, a predictor of concern about their children’s education and future. Our working hypothesis is that, although there is little evidence that subjective well-being has a significant association with the respondents’ willingness for their children to continue their schooling, there is a significant indirect effect of subjective well-being—which is especially determined by the gender as well as of the living material conditions—and the greater or lesser importance that the respondents attribute to their children’s education. Likewise, and in more general terms, subjective well-being is clearly related to gender, with women having the lowest levels of subjective well-being.
Research on the Intervention and Prevention of College Students' Mental Health Crisis From the Perspective of Ideological and Physical Education
Authors: Yu Jiang
Published: June 2022

Present study has aimed to understand the intervention and prevention of the mental health crisis of college students. For this purpose, this study has checked the effect of trust in wellbeing information on preventive behavior and mental wellbeing. The target population taken for this study is the students of colleges situated in Mainland in China. The data was collected from the 458 students of the college. Smart PLS has been employed on the data to get the results using partial least square structural equation modeling. For this purpose, the data were analyzed in two stages, i.e., measurement model stage and the structural model stage. Results of this study have revealed that trust in wellbeing information plays a significant and positive role in setting preventive behavior and the mental wellbeing of students. Further, it has also been revealed that preventive behavior also plays a significant and positive role in mental wellbeing. Additionally, preventive behavior has been found as an important mediating variable among the relationship of trust in wellbeing information and mental wellbeing. Moreover, family support is crucial by positively moderating the relationship between preventive behavior and mental wellbeing. Many practical implications have been found among which the foremost is that the education institutes must undertake those efforts that aim to ensure the fairness in the information spread regarding the mental wellbeing during seminars, workshops and administration should play a positive role responsible for strengthening the mental health of students by managing ideas, improving student education management, innovating management techniques and methods.
Effects of Meteorological Factors and Atmospheric Pollution on Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Urumqi Region
Authors: Ren Fang-rong , Abodurezhake Yakup , Cui Zhe , Zhang Miao , Wang Yu-yu , Zhang Xue-rong , Lu Yao-qin
Published: June 2022

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a febrile rash infection caused by enteroviruses, spreading mainly via the respiratory tract and close contact. In the past two decades, HFMD has been prevalent mainly in Asia, including China and South Korea, causing a huge disease burden and putting the lives and health of children at risk. Therefore, a further study of the factors influencing HFMD incidences has far-reaching implications. In existing studies, the environmental factors affecting such incidences are mainly divided into two categories: meteorological and air. Among these studies, the former are the majority of studies on HFMD. Some scholars have studied both factors at the same, but the number is not large and the findings are quite different.

Methods

We collect monthly cases of HFMD in children, meteorological factors and atmospheric pollution in Urumqi from 2014 to 2020. Trend plots are used to understand the approximate trends between meteorological factors, atmospheric pollution and the number of HFMD cases. The association between meteorological factors, atmospheric pollution and the incidence of HFMD in the Urumqi region of northwest China is then investigated using multiple regression models.

Results

A total of 16,168 cases in children are included in this study. According to trend plots, the incidence of HFMD shows a clear seasonal pattern, with O3 (ug/m3) and temperature (°C) showing approximately the same trend as the number of HFMD cases, while AQI, PM2.5 (ug/m3), PM10 (ug/m3) and NO2 (ug/m3) all show approximately opposite trends to the number of HFMD cases. Based on multiple regression results, O3 (P = 0.001) and average station pressure (P = 0.037) are significantly and negatively associated with HFMD incidences, while SO2 (P = 0.102), average dew point temperature (P = 0.072), hail (P = 0.077), and thunder (P = 0.14) have weak significant relationships with them.
Spectroscopy Approaches for Food Safety Applications: Improving Data Efficiency Using Active Learning and Semi-supervised Learning
Authors: Zhang Huanle , Wisuthiphaet Nicharee , Cui Hemiao , Nitin Nitin , Liu Xin , Zhao Qing
Published: June 2022

The past decade witnessed rapid development in the measurement and monitoring technologies for food science. Among these technologies, spectroscopy has been widely used for the analysis of food quality, safety, and nutritional properties. Due to the complexity of food systems and the lack of comprehensive predictive models, rapid and simple measurements to predict complex properties in food systems are largely missing. Machine Learning (ML) has shown great potential to improve the classification and prediction of these properties. However, the barriers to collecting large datasets for ML applications still persists. In this paper, we explore different approaches of data annotation and model training to improve data efficiency for ML applications. Specifically, we leverage Active Learning (AL) and Semi-Supervised Learning (SSL) and investigate four approaches: baseline passive learning, AL, SSL, and a hybrid of AL and SSL. To evaluate these approaches, we collect two spectroscopy datasets: predicting plasma dosage and detecting foodborne pathogen. Our experimental results show that, compared to the de facto passive learning approach, advanced approaches (AL, SSL, and the hybrid) can greatly reduce the number of labeled samples, with some cases decreasing the number of labeled samples by more than half.
Permafrost and Draining Lakes in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Swanson David K.
Published: June 2022

In the Arctic, the ground is frozen most of the year. Only the top layer of soil thaws each summer. This frozen ground, called permafrost, contains a lot of frozen water (ice). There are many small lakes in the Arctic, in low spots formed from melted ice. But melting ice does not just create lakes, it can destroy them too. Melting permafrost can create gullies that let the water drain out of a lake. Most lakes in the Arctic are far from where people live, so we watch them using pictures taken from satellites. Recently, we have seen the water drain out of many lakes, which can affect plants and animals. We measure the number and size of drained lakes caused by thawing permafrost to understand how the Arctic is changing.
Root Border Cells as a Convenient Single Cell System to Study Plant-Environmental Interactions: A Case Study for Aluminum Tolerance
Authors: Feng Yingming , Chen Xingyun , Li Xuewen , Li Yalin , Nong Wei , Tang Jiao , Han Hongxiang , Shi Lei , Shabala Sergey , Yu Min
Published: June 2022

Root border cells (RBCs) are a group of cells that originated from the root cap meristem, which are developed by genetic regulation and play a variety of biological functions. Being composed of a homologous single cell population with high metabolic activity and intact cell walls, RBCs represent a highly useful tool for studying various aspects of plant mineral absorption and utilization, as well as plant-soil-microbiome interactions in the rhizosphere. Research on RBCs also promise to become a hotspot in the context of understanding root adaptive responses to hostile environments. In order to take advantage of RBCs as an ideal single cell system in plant-environmental interactions, we summarized the production and function of RBCs and built-up the methodology for RBCs culturing, purification, and quantity control for plant research. The latter is done by using a case study of the application of RBCs to study mechanisms of Al toxicity in plants. This work offers plant scientists a new cognition of adopting RBCs as a convenient single cell system for the multidisciplinary research including (but not limited to) plant physiology, development and genetics, nutrition, and stress and adaptation. Root border cells (RBCs) are derived from the root cap and represent a population of living cells with special physiological activity and biological roles that are different from the root cap cells per se. After being separated from the root cap, RBCs become more active in metabolism than the progenitor root cap cells; for example, they incorporate labeled amino acids into protein 2.6-fold more efficiently than the cells of the root cap. In addition, mRNA and protein were differentially expressed between root cap cells and RBCs. Since the production of RBCs is genetically regulated and RBCs played a variety of biological functions in resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses occurred in the rhizosphere, RBCs were suggested as an ideal single cell system for the study the response of plant root cells to nutrient availability, environmental stresses, and in plant-microbial interactions. Some studies revealed that RBCs, which development is regulated by endogenous and exogenous signals, are biologically viable in the majority of higher plant species. This work reviews the research on RBCs in plant environment interaction and describes the case study of RBCs as a convenient single cell system to study plant responses to Al toxicity.
Sleep Quality and Sleep Behaviors in Varsity Athletes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rebello Lyndon J. , Roberts Andrew W. , Fenuta Alyssa M. , Cote Anita T. , Bodner Michael E.
Published: June 2022

Sleep hygiene practices may hinder university athletes from obtaining quality sleep to support health and performance. We sought to provide a comprehensive evaluation of sleep quality and behaviors in varsity athletes using validated sleep questionnaires: the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ). Sixty-four (n = 64) athletes participated (54% female; 71% Caucasian). The mean age was 20.3 ± 1.7 years and the mean BMI was 23.3 ± 3.3. Fifty-one percent met the threshold for adequate sleep (7+ h) and 54% reported being somewhat/very satisfied with sleep quality. Global scores for ASSQ Sleep Difficulty and ASBQ sleep behaviors were significantly correlated (r = 0.31; p = 0.014) and not significantly different across age, academic year, or residence. According to the ASSQ, 11% and 24% were classified as having severe or moderate sleep problems, respectively. The ASBQ categorized 62% as having “poor” sleep behaviors. Notable sleep-influencing factors included a high frequency of emotional/cognitive processing of sport-performance issues (46.9%), frequent use of light-emitting devices before bed (90%), training after 7 pm (65%), and the use of sleep medication (19%). Half of the university athletes did not meet the thresholds for adequate sleep, and some may require a referral for clinical sleep issues. The majority of these athletes' sleep behaviors do not promote adequate sleep. The ASSQ shows utility to assess gradations in clinical sleep difficulty; the ASBQ could be used in concert with the ASSQ to discern “cognitive and physiological arousal” targets for use in educational workshops designed to promote optimal sleep hygiene in university athletes.
Ameliorative Effects of Bovine Lactoferrin on Benzene-Induced Hematotoxicity in Albino Rats
Authors: Elazab Mohamed F. Abou , Elbaiomy Asmaa E. A. , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Dahran Naief , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb , Mokhbatly Abdallah A.
Published: June 2022

Benzene (Bz) is one of the major products of the petrochemical industry globally, which induces aplastic anemia and leukemia in humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) on Bz-induced hematotoxicity in albino rats. Eighty male rats were randomly divided into eight groups: corn oil group [2 mL/kg body weight (BW)], bLf groups (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW), Bz group (Bz 2 mL/kg BW; corn oil 2 mL/kg BW), and Bz + bLf groups (Bz 2 mL/kg BW; corn oil 2 mL/kg BW; bLf 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW). Hematobiochemical results exhibited marked pancytopenia, a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, α2- and γ-globulin, ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and an increase in serum bioactivities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and erythropoietin hormone levels in Bz-treated rats. Histopathological examination revealed a marked reduction in all hematopoietic cell lines in the bone marrow (BM), necrosis in the white pulp of the spleen and cytosolic hydrops, and apoptosis of hepatocytes in the Bz-treated group. Rats treated with bLf (300 mg/kg BW) revealed marked increases in total protein, albumin, α2- and γ-globulin, ferritin, serum iron, and TIBC levels and decreases both in ALP and LDH bioactivities and erythropoietin hormone levels compared with the Bz-treated group. Histopathological results were concomitant with hematobiochemical parameters in rats treated with bLf (300 mg/kg BW), almost showing restoration of the normal cellularity of BM, the architecture of red and white pulps of the spleen, and even the normal hypertrophy of hepatocytes compared with the control groups. To conclude, bLf (300 mg/kg BW) can be recommended to treat Bz-induced hematotoxicity.
Dogs as a Natural Animal Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Löscher Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease in both humans and domestic dogs, making dogs an ideal translational model of epilepsy. In both species, epilepsy is a complex brain disease characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate spontaneous recurrent epileptic seizures. Furthermore, as in humans, status epilepticus is one of the more common neurological emergencies in dogs with epilepsy. In both species, epilepsy is not a single disease but a group of disorders characterized by a broad array of clinical signs, age of onset, and underlying causes. Brain imaging suggests that the limbic system, including the hippocampus and cingulate gyrus, is often affected in canine epilepsy, which could explain the high incidence of comorbid behavioral problems such as anxiety and cognitive alterations. Resistance to antiseizure medications is a significant problem in both canine and human epilepsy, so dogs can be used to study mechanisms of drug resistance and develop novel therapeutic strategies to benefit both species. Importantly, dogs are large enough to accommodate intracranial EEG and responsive neurostimulation devices designed for humans. Studies in epileptic dogs with such devices have reported ictal and interictal events that are remarkably similar to those occurring in human epilepsy. Continuous (24/7) EEG recordings in a select group of epileptic dogs for >1 year have provided a rich dataset of unprecedented length for studying seizure periodicities and developing new methods for seizure forecasting. The data presented in this review substantiate that canine epilepsy is an excellent translational model for several facets of epilepsy research. Furthermore, several techniques of inducing seizures in laboratory dogs are discussed as related to therapeutic advances. Importantly, the development of vagus nerve stimulation as a novel therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy in people was based on a series of studies in dogs with induced seizures. Dogs with naturally occurring or induced seizures provide excellent large-animal models to bridge the translational gap between rodents and humans in the development of novel therapies. Furthermore, because the dog is not only a preclinical species for human medicine but also a potential patient and pet, research on this species serves both veterinary and human medicine.
Transformative Encounters: A Narrative Review of Involving People Living With HIV/AIDS in Public Health Teaching
Authors: Namer Yudit , Drüke Florian , Razum Oliver
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To collate the experiences of involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in academic public health teaching to inform future public health education models involving people affected by long-term effects of other pandemics. Our goal is to describe interventions in a way that makes them accessible to potential public health teachers hoping to adapt patient involvement paradigms in their teaching of chronic illness brought on by infectious diseases.

Methods: Narrative review based on a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar up to September 2021. Fifteen articles that contained a description of a health educational intervention on HIV/AIDS that actively involved PLWHA were included.

Results: Interventions either involved PLWHA as teachers and program/curriculum developers or incorporated experiential elements in which students have genuine contact with PLWHA. Creating safe spaces, recognizing PLWHA as experts, relating to each other differently were common transformative elements.

Conclusion: Involving PLWHA in public health teaching have transformative and empowering outcomes, both for PLWHA and for learners. This finding should inform new teaching programs that will address the long-term effects of other pandemics such as COVID-19.
Cytomegalovirus Management in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Pre-COVID-19 Survey From the Working Group of the European Society for Organ Transplantation
Authors: Grossi Paolo Antonio , Kamar Nassim , Saliba Faouzi , Baldanti Fausto , Aguado Jose M. , Gottlieb Jens , Banas Bernhard , Potena Luciano
Published: June 2022

Infections are leading causes of morbidity/mortality following solid organ transplantation (SOT) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) is among the most frequent pathogens, causing a considerable threat to SOT recipients. A survey was conducted 19 July–31 October 2019 to capture clinical practices about CMV in SOT recipients (e.g., how practices aligned with guidelines, how adequately treatments met patients’ needs, and respondents’ expectations for future developments). Transplant professionals completed a ∼30-minute online questionnaire: 224 responses were included, representing 160 hospitals and 197 SOT programs (41 countries; 167[83%] European programs). Findings revealed a heterogenous approach to CMV diagnosis and management and, sometimes, significant divergence from international guidelines. Valganciclovir prophylaxis (of variable duration) was administered by 201/224 (90%) respondents in D+/R− SOT and by 40% in R+ cases, with pre-emptive strategies generally reserved for R+ cases: DNA thresholds to initiate treatment ranged across 10–10,000 copies/ml. Ganciclovir-resistant CMV strains were still perceived as major challenges, and tailored treatment was one of the most important unmet needs for CMV management. These findings may help to design studies to evaluate safety and efficacy of new strategies to prevent CMV disease in SOT recipients, and target specific educational activities to harmonize CMV management in this challenging population.
Effect of Artificial Light Treatment on the Physiological Property and Biological Activity of the Aerial and Underground Parts of Atractylodes macrocephala
Authors: Hwang Myeong Ha , Seo Ji Won , Han Kyeong Jae , Kim Myong Jo , Seong Eun Soo
Published: June 2022

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. is primarily used as a raw material in herbal medicine to treat digestive diseases. To improve the functionality of A. macrocephala, its growth patterns under artificial light were studied. A. macrocephala grew better under MEL light, with the highest chlorophyll content (57.07 ± 0.65 SPAD), than under other artificial light sources. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 2000 μg·mL−1 underground extract treated with LED-red light was the highest (95.3 ± 1.1%). Furthermore, the total phenol and flavonoid contents of underground extract treated with LED-green light were the highest at 24.93 ± 0.3 mg GAE·g−1 and 11.2 ± 0.3 mg QE·g−1, respectively. Moreover, in the analysis of whitening activity, the tyrosinase inhibition rate of 5000 μg·mL −1 extract treated with LED-red light was the highest (84.6 ± 2.9%). In anti-inflammatory activity assay, LPS- induced RAW 264.7 cells exposed to 100 μg·mL−1 extract treated with fluorescent light showed the lowest NO levels (2.97 ± 0.14%). Finally, the expression of iNOS and COX-2, which are related to anti-inflammatory activity, was suppressed in cells exposed to artificial light-treated extract compared with that in controls, indicating potent anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, growth under artificial light can improve the various biological functions of A. macrocephala.
An Overview of High-Entropy Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Alloying Followed by the Characterization of Their Microstructure and Various Properties
Authors: Rajendrachari Shashanka
Published: June 2022

Some modern alloys, such as high-entropy alloys (HEAs), are emerging with greater acceleration due to their wide range of properties and applications. HEAs can be prepared from many metallurgical operations, but mechanical alloying is considered to be one of the most simple, economical, popular, and suitable methods due to its increased solid solubility, nano-crystalline structure, greater homogeneity, and room-temperature processing. Mechanical alloying followed by the consolidation of HEAs is crucial in determining the various surface and mechanical properties. Generally, spark plasma sintering (SPS) methods are employed to consolidate HEAs due to their significant advantages over other conventional sintering methods. This is one of the best sintering methods to achieve greater improvements in their properties. This review discusses the mechanical alloying of various HEAs followed by consolidation using SPS, and also discusses their various mechanical properties. Additionally, we present a brief idea about research publications in HEA, and the top 10 countries that have published research articles on HEAs. From 2010 to 18 April 2022, more than 7700 Scopus-indexed research articles on all the fields of HEA and 130 research articles on HEA prepared by mechanical alloying alone have been published.
Effects of Stocking Density on the Growth Performance, Physiological Parameters, Redox Status and Lipid Metabolism of Micropterus salmoides in Integrated Rice–Fish Farming Systems
Authors: Jia Rui , Wang Long , Hou Yiran , Feng Wenrong , Li Bing , Zhu Jian
Published: June 2022

Stocking density has been identified as one of the main factors affecting fish growth, welfare and behavior. However, few studies have focused on the effects of stocking density on fish health in integrated rice–fish farming systems. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different stocking densities on the growth performance, physiological parameters, redox status and lipid metabolism of Micropterus salmoides in an integrated rice–fish farming system. The fish were reared at three densities: low density (LD, 40 g/m3), medium density (MD, 80 g/m3) and high density (HD, 120 g/m3) for 90 days. At the end of the experiment, fish reared in the MD and HD groups showed lower growth performance than those from the LD group. The HD treatment significantly altered the physiological parameters, including glucose and lactate. Meanwhile, the HD treatment induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation after 90 days of farming. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that HD treatment led to abnormal lipid metabolism. Interestingly, we found the suppression of three key pathways related to lipid metabolism, including the PPAR, insulin and adipocytokine signaling pathways, in the HD group. Overall, our data indicated that the HD treatment inhibited growth and caused physiological responses, oxidative stress and abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism in M. salmoides in an integrated rice–fish farming system.
A Calculation Model of Grout Migration Height for Post-Grouting Technology
Authors: Huang Sheng-Gen , Zhang Tao , Cao Hui
Published: June 2022

Post-grouting technology has been extensively used in geotechnical engineering to improve the bearing capacity of various piles, which overcomes the technical limitations of the bored piles and recovers the mechanical performance of strata. A considerable amount of earlier research has been conducted to investigate the bearing behavior and reinforcement mechanism of the grouted piles, while very few studies focus on the reinforcement area of post-grouting technique. The theoretical analysis on reinforcement area is of great significance, which is beneficial to correlate the grouting parameters with pile bearing capacity with a target of saving cost and acquiring an optimized design. This paper conducted a theoretical analysis on the grout migration height, and then proposed a new predictive model to estimate the ultimate migration height of cement slurry, where the grout rising process is considered as the flow of Bingham fluid in an axial annular space. A field test was conducted to verify the applicability of the proposed model, and the comparison results revealed that the calculated height is slightly overestimated as compared to the actual values, but it is acceptable in engineering design. The grouting pressure loss and induced permeation was warranted to be studied in future.