bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of metabolic risk factors, lipid indices, healthy eating index and physical activity among premenopausal, menopausal, and Postmenopausal women
Authors: Moradi Leila , Hashemi Sayed Jalal , Zaman Ferdos , Alipour Meysam , Farhangiyan Zahra , Sharifzadeh Maryam
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases increases with age in women, especially at menopause. Metabolic syndrome is one of the important factors that cause heart disease. Therefore, the importance screening of people at risk of this syndrome, especially with cheap tests, led to the introduction of new cardio metabolic indicators such as AIP, TyG and WWI. Also, due to the importance of healthy eating and physical activity in preventing metabolic syndrome, more emphasis should be placed on their use.Methods In this cross-sectional study, the number of 4732 women participating in the Hoveyzeh cohort study, after considering the entry and exit criteria, were placed into three groups: pre-menopausal (n = 736), menopausal (n = 396) and post-menopausal (n = 917).Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 43.3%, 55.6%, and 62.8% in pre menopause, menopause, and post menopause, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension (50.2%), dyslipidemia (61.2%), diabetes (37.7%) and abdominal obesity according to the Iranian definition (75.9%) was higher after menopause than before menopause. Cardiovascular disease had the highest prevalence after menopause (23%). The WWI index had the highest OR among the indices with a value of 2.94 and 1.93 in menopause and after menopause, respectively. (P < 0.001). In the HEI-2015 survey, the consumption of total fruit, vegetables, seafood and protein in premenopausal women was more than after menopause, and the consumption of foods containing sugar in menopause was more than in premenopausal women. The amount of physical activity had the highest and lowest values ​​in pre menopause and post-menopause, respectively. (P < 0.001)Conclusion Menopause leads to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The indices of AIP, TyG index, WWI and physical activity increase in women after menopause compared to before menopause. TyG-INDEX ،WWI ،HEI-2015 healthy eating index in this study did not show significant differences between groups after multi-regression analysis.
Textural analysis of MR images as an additional evaluation tool of Parotid Glands in Sjögren's Syndrome in children and adolescents - initial findings
Authors: Grzywińska Małgorzata , Tuzimek Magdalena , Pomorska Anna , Irga-Jaworska Ninela , Świętoń Dominik
Published: May 2023

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often a reference imaging method in soft tissue pathologies, particularly of the head and neck region. A significant increase in MRI popularity is observed, especially concerning salivary gland pathologies like neoplasm or chronic inflammatory processes of salivary glands like in Sjogren syndrome. The development of MRI techniques like MR sialography set a new non-invasive method alternative to classical sialography, especially in advanced cases. Another rising MRI technique - texture analysis - appears to be a promising tool in assessing structural changes in parenchymal organs and can be an additional parameter for assessing the inflammatory process in salivary glands. This research aimed to explore the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), based on T2 weighted images MRI sialography of parotid in children with and without Sjögren's Syndrome (SS). Both groups (20 healthy and 36 patients with SS) underwent 3.0 Tesla MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (b = 0, 500 and 1000 s/mm2) and T2-weighted imaging. First-order statistics (FSO), second-order, and higher-order statistical texture analysis of the bilateral parotid glands were performed through texture analysis. A multimodal analysis, including texture analysis (TA) clinical classification; MRI evaluation for this disease entity to identify factors of disease activity. The examination group with SS was divided by the Tonami scale. The parotid ADC values from whole volume ROI were significantly lower in group 1 than in the higher activity group. The lowest kurtosis values in the highest grade of the Tonami Scale were found. The FSO parameters showed a positive correlation in TA from T2 weighted images- a moderate correlation with individual parameters. Our findings make TA a promising tool for assessing the grade of parotid gland inflammation. However, the effect of binning and ROI (region of interest) size is yet to be determined and needs further studies.
Nonlinearity Association between Hyperuricemia and All-cause Mortality of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Liu Ya-Fei , Han Liang , Geng Yin-Hong , Wang Huan-Huan , Yan Jia-Hui , Tu Sheng-Hao
Published: May 2023

Background: Controversy surrounds the role of serum uric acid and whether treatment intervention is favorable in retarding the progress of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The association of serum uric acid levels and CKD patients’ mortality risk needs to furtherly be determined by large sample cohort studies. Methods: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants with CKD patients from 1998 to 2017 were enrolled to the study. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to reveal the association of serum uric acid concentrations and CKD mortality risks. Results: 9891 CKD patients were enrolled to the study and 3698 individuals deceased during the follow-up. Increasing serum uric acid levels are independently relevant to higher mortality risks of CKD patients (HR per SD increase). A restricted cubic spline curve showed a nonlinear association between serum uric acid and CKD mortality risks (pfor nonlinearity = 0.046). CKD patients with higher levels of serum uric acid (≥ 5.900 mg/dL) show a significant increment of mortality risks (HR = 1.102, 95% CI: 1.043-1.165). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results were stable and robust. Conclusions: High serum uric acid levels (≥ 5.900 mg/dL) may be associated with increasing mortality risks in CKD patients. CKD populations with high serum uric acid may benefit from lowering the serum uric acid.
Identification and validation of autophagy-related genes in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Xu Wanjing , Sun Yuhao , Zhao Shuang , Zhao Jun , Zhang Juanmei
Published: May 2023

Background As the most common type of glaucoma, the etiology of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) has not been unified. Autophagy may affect the occurrence and development of POAG, while the specific mechanism and target need to be further explored.Methods The GSE27276 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the autophagy gene set from the GeneCards database were selected to screen differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs) of POAG. Hub DEARGs were selected by constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and utilizing GSE138125 dataset. Subsequently, immune cell infiltration analysis, genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and other analyses were performed on the hub genes. Eventually, animal experiments were performed to verify the mRNA levels of the hub genes by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Results A total of 67 DEARGs and 2 hub DEARGs, HSPA8 and RPL15, were selected. The hub genes were closely related to the level of immune cell infiltration. GWAS analysis confirmed that the causative regions of the 2 hub genes in glaucoma were on chromosome 11 and chromosome 3, respectively. GSEA illustrated that pathways enriched for highly expressed HSPA8 and RPL15 contained immunity, autophagy, gene expression and energy metabolism-related pathways. qRT-PCR confirmed that the expression of HSPA8 and RPL15 in the rat POAG model was consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis.Conclusions This study indicated that HSPA8 and RPL15 may affect the progression of POAG by regulating autophagy and provided new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatment of POAG.
DAPT improves behavioral abnormalities and rescues the hippocampal Oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation in cuprizone-induceddemyelination mouse model
Authors: Chen Fei-fei , Che Ying , Mi Xiao-juan , Wu Xiao-min , Zhang Chun , Shao Yu , Wei Hui-ling , Feng Zi-qi , Li Jun-jie , Liu Juan
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) differentiation dysfunction is closely related to demyelinating diseases and cognitive dysfunction. P75 neurotrophin receptor (P75NTR) is a prototypical co-receptor that induces Schwann cell death via γ-secretase-dependent regulated intramembrane proteolysis. This study hypothesizes that P75NTR may also assists in inhibiting OPCs differentiation.Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were fed 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) continuously for 6 weeks to establish the acute demyelinating model (CPZ mice). Morris Water Maze and Elevated Plus Maze tests were used to assess the behavioral changes of these mice. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the OPCs and oligodendrocytes (OLs) protein markers. Furthermore, γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT (GSI-IX) was injected into the hippocampus at the fifth week of establishing the demyelinating model to investigate the effects of DAPT on OPCs differentiation and the mice’s behavioral changes.Results CPZ mice performed abnormal behavioral changes, and the protein expression of the OLs marker 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) decreased. However, the OPCs marker neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) protein expression increased. After DAPT treatment, the abnormal behavior improved, CNPase increased, and NG2 decreased.Conclusions P75 cleavage plays an inhibitory role during the OPCs differentiation resulting in inefficient OPCs differentiation and recurrent demyelinating diseases.
Two lineages of Lemna aequinoctialis sensu lato (Araceae, Lemnoideae) based on physiology, morphology, and phylogeny
Authors: Shiga Takashi , Lee Yuri , Kato Syou , Kim Jae Young , Shimono Yoshiko
Published: May 2023

Lemna aequinoctialis Welw. is a widely spread species that has diverse physiological and molecular properties. In this study, physiological and morphological analyses were conducted by inducing flowering, and molecular analysis was done based on two chloroplast DNA loci (atpF − atpH intergeneric spacer, matK) of L. aequinoctialis sensu lato from 70 strains found in 70 localities in Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the US. 752 flowering fronds from 13 strains were observed based on axenic conditions. Two different trends in flower organ development, protogyny and adichogamy, were detected in these strains. Their physiological traits were divided into two groups, showing different morphological features based on frond thickness, root cap, and anther sizes. Molecular analysis showed two lineages corresponding to two physiological groups. These were identified as L. aequinoctialis sensu Beppu et al. (1985)d aoukikusa Beppu et Murata based on the description of the nomenclature of L. aoukikusa. These were concluded as independent taxa and can be treated as different species. Furthermore, the distribution of L. aoukikusa is not only limited to Japan.
Fine Structural Characteristics of the Chorionic Microspheres on the Egg Surface of the Orb Web Spider Trichonephila clavata
Authors: LEE Seung-Min , Moon Myung-Jin
Published: May 2023

The eggs laid by the orb web spider Trichonephila clavata must overwinter in very harsh weather conditions before hatching, but there does not seem to be any protection like a compact silk case covering the entire eggmass. Instead, the surface of the eggmass is completely coated with a milky coating called chorionic microspheres (CM). Therefore, we investigated the fine structural characteristics of CM to demonstrate the role of their ecological importance. Although the CM exhibits an uneven size distribution in outer eggmass, the chorionic surface is evenly covered with a single layer with a diameter of 2.3 µm approximately. The surface structure of aggregated CM shows short papillary projections demonstrating segmental adhesion of mucous components. CM is insoluble in water but partially soluble in absolute ethanol, and its spherical structure is completely decomposed by HFIP, a strong organic solvent. Since our fine structural observations clearly show that CM is not derived from vitellogenic or choriogenetic processes, the CM adhesive coatings during ovipositional process appears to be equivalent to cocoon silk for various protective functions in silken eggcase.
Comparison of Saddle flap technique versus Vestibular Incision Sub-Periosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) technique with advanced platelet rich fibrin (A-PRF), for treatment of multiple gingival recessions under surgical operating microscope – A Split Mouth Study.
Authors: Vundavalli Sravanthi , Penmetsa Gautami S , P Mohan Kumar , Boddeda Anusha , Sruthim NVS , Gera Dinesh
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND Root coverage procedures have become an integral part for the management of gingival recessions. Treating multiple recessions is the most challenging scenario. For several reasons it is a matter of concern for both patients and clinicians. New surgical techniques for treating multiple recessions have been proposed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of root coverage obtained using VISTA with PRF and Saddle flap with PRF in treating multiple gingival recessions.METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective randomized controlled, single-blinded comparative study where 108 recession defects were included. Patients were randomized into VISTA and Saddle groups respectively. Recession depth(RD), Recession width(RW), Width of keratinized tissue(WKT), Thickness of keratinized gingiva(TKG), Percentage of root coverage(%RC), and Complete root coverage(CRC) were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months.RESULTS Both groups showed significant improvement in all the clinical parameters. Inter-group comparison showed better performance in VISTA group in terms of RD,%RC,TKG,WKT, (p < 0.001) compared to Saddle group.CONCLUSION VISTA with PRF showed predictable results in terms of all the root coverage parameters. Saddle flap technique could provide a viable and predictable approach in treating multiple gingival recessions.
Reversal learning in ant colonies
Authors: Santos Cristina , Rajagopal Supraja , Sanabria Federico , Sasaki Takao
Published: May 2023

Reversal learning has been studied in many species, often as an indicator of their behavioral flexibility. Although this research typically focuses on individuals, groups of social animals, especially social insects, are often considered to have similar learning capabilities. Associative learning has been rarely studied in ant colonies and their behavioral flexibility is still to be assessed. In this study, we investigated behavioral flexibility of ant colonies (Temnothorax rugatulus) in a reversal learning task using a two-corridor maze with distinctive visual and tactile cues indicating the location of food. Ant colonies readily learned to discriminate between these cues and subsequently learned their reversal. Reversal performance was maintained after a 5-day retention interval, but not after a 10-day interval. These results show that the two-corridor maze used in this study can serve to assess colony-level learning in ants.
A real and rare type of complete duplication of portal vein: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Jianan , Yang Siwei , Su Tianhao , Jin Long
Published: May 2023

Duplication of the portal vein is a rare type of congenital anomaly of the portal system. Herein, we present a rare type of complete portal vein duplication in a 71-year-old female patient complaining of longstanding abdominal distension and dyspepsia and illuminate the mechanism underlying severe complication in embryonic portal vein development. Interventional radiological procedures excluded other probable pathological alternations. Understanding the embryonic development of the portal vein and timely intervention are essential to manage such patients.
On the Behavior of Bauxite Tailings under High Stresses
Authors: Gonçalves Rosanne Rodrigues Santos Maciel , Festugato Lucas , Dutra Matheus de Rezende , Hoch Bruna Zakharia , Filho Hugo Carlos Scheuermann , Schnaid Fernando
Published: May 2023

Despite the vital importance to the contemporary economy, some drawbacks are mainly associated with the waste derived from mining activity. Essentially, this waste consists of tailings that end up being hydraulically disposed of in large impoundments, the tailings dams. Thence, as the dams are enlarged to accommodate higher amounts of materials, the stress states at which the deposited tailings are submitted change. This may be a concern for the stability of such structures once the geotechnical behavior of this sort of material may be complex and difficult to predict considering the existing approaches. Thus, the present study concerns the mechanical response of bauxite tailings under a wide span of stresses, ranging from 25 kPa to 4,000 kPa. One-dimensional compression tests, CIU, and CID triaxial tests were carried out on undisturbed and remolded samples of the bauxite tailings. The after-shearing grain size distribution was, as well, characterized. The results have shown a stress-dependency of the critical state friction angle for the intact material which may be related to fabric alterations derived from structure deterioration and particle breakage.
The effects of bleaching strategies on the teeth metabolome
Authors: Gomes Paulo Wender Portal , Zuffa Simone , Baumeister Anelize , Caraballo-Rodríguez Andrés Mauricio , Zhao Haoqi Nina , Mannochio-Russo Helena , North Michael , Dogo-isonagie Cajetan , Patel Om , Lavender Stacey , Pimenta Paloma , Gronlund Jennifer , Pilch Shira , Maloney Venda , Dorrestein Pieter C.
Published: May 2023

White teeth can give confidence and tend to be associated with a healthier lifestyle in modern society. Therefore, modern tooth bleaching strategies have been developed, including the use of hydrogen peroxide and peroxymonosulfate. Although both molecules are oxidizing agents, their effects on the molecular composition of the stained teeth are yet to be determined. In this study, the molecular profiles of teeth bleached with these two different bleaching procedures were compared using liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). GNPS spectral libraries and SIRIUS were used to perform metabolite annotation. The analysis revealed amino acids, dipeptides, and derivatives in peroxymonosulfate and H2O2 treated samples were altered compared to non-bleached sample controls. Additionally, the two bleaching methods led to distinct molecular profiles. For example, diterpenoids were more prevalent after peroxymonosulfate treatment, while treatment with H2O2 resulted in a greater abundance of alkaloids. This work elucidates the biochemical changes resulting from different tooth-whitening strategies.
Risk factors of early bacterial infection and analysis of bacterial composition, distribution and drug susceptibility after liver transplantation
Authors: Liu Min , Li Cuiying , Liu Jing , Wan Qiquan
Published: May 2023

Objective This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infection after liver transplantation through analyzing the pathogenic distribution, drug sensitivity and risk factors of bacterial infection after liver transplantation.Method We collected clinical data from 207 recipients following liver transplantation in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2019 to December 2021 and analyzed the composition and distribution of bacterial pathogens, drug resistance and risk factors of infection.Results A total of 90 bacterial infections occurred in 55 recipients within two months after liver transplantation, and the incidence of bacterial infection was 26.6% (55/207). The gram-negative bacteria (46/90, 51.1%) were more prevalent than the gram-positive bacteria (44/90, 48.9%). Most common site of infection was abdominal/biliary tract (26/90, 28.9%), lung (22/90, 22.4%) and urinary tract (22/90, 22.4%). Fourteen cases (6.8%) died after liver transplantation. Klebsiella pneumoniae (17/90, 18.9%) was the most frequent gram-negative bacteria causing infection in liver transplant recipients and Most of gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to amikacin, minocycline, tigecycline and polymyxin B. The most common gram-positive bacteria was Enterococcus faecium (30/90, 33.3%) and the most of the gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, tigecycline and linezolid. Univariate analysis revealed that bacterial infection was associated with female, age (≥ 50 years old), preoperative albumin (≤ 30 g/L), operation duration (≥ 400 min), intraoperative blood loss (≥ 3000 ml) and postoperative ventilator support. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that female (OR = 3.149, 95% CI: 1.418–6.993, P = 0.005), operation duration (≥ 400 min) (OR = 2.393, 95% CI: 1.202–4.765, P = 0.013) and intraoperative blood loss (≥ 3000 ml) (OR = 2.052, 95% CI: 1.007–4.183, P = 0.048) were independent risk factors for bacterial infection after liver transplantation.Conclusion The incidence of early bacterial infection after liver transplantation was high, and the infection sites were mainly abdominal/biliary tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract. The most common pathogenic bacterium was gram-negative bacterium. Female, operation duration (≥ 400 min) and intraoperative blood loss (≥ 3000 ml) were independent risk factors for bacterial infection after liver transplantation. Improving surgical technique, shortening operation time and reducing intraoperative blood loss might play a positive role in reducing bacterial infection after liver transplantation.
Are Ready Biodegradation Tests Effective Screens for Non-persistence in All Environmental Compartments?
Authors: Martin-Aparicio Alberto , Camenzuli Louise , Hughes Christopher , Pemberton Emma , Saunders David , Wang Neil , Lyon Delina Y.
Published: May 2023

Background Persistence assessment is a cornerstone of chemical hazard and risk assessment in numerous regulatory frameworks, as the longevity of a substance in the environment relates to exposure and ultimately the risk it poses. A chemical that is readily biodegradable is commonly assumed to undergo rapid and ultimate biodegradation under most environmental conditions. Ready biodegradability tests (RBT), such as the OECD 301 test series, are used to quickly screen out non-Persistent substances and focus regulatory scrutiny on the most hazardous substances. The stringency of the RBT as a screen for all environmental compartments is paramount to ensure that there are no readily biodegradable yet Persistent substances. To assess this stringency in practice, we here describe a systematic comparison of substances with both RBT data and biodegradation simulation test data for soil, sediment or water compartments to see whether there are any substances which are readily biodegradable yet meet EU REACH regulatory Persistence criteria in any specific environmental compartment.Results A rough assembly of data extracted from the ECHA database showed that, out of 164 substances with both RBT and simulation test data, there were 8 substances that were readily biodegradable but Persistent (based on the most conservative result) in a compartment. However, many of the underpinning simulation study information were not high-quality guideline studies and had conflicting simulation test data. To more accurately compare the RBT and simulation testing outcomes, strict quality criteria on the RBT and simulation tests were applied, which limited the data set to about one-third.Conclusions Using these curated test data, there were no readily biodegradable substances that were Persistent in any compartment. This assessment does not obviate the need for weight-of-evidence assessment in regulatory decision making, but a strict side-by-side comparison of the available data supports the stringency and effectiveness of RBTs to identify non-Persistent chemicals in all relevant environmental compartments.
Separability And Compactness, Estimates for the Eigenvalues And Singular Numbers (s-numbers) of a Resolvent of a Class of Singular Parabolic Operators
Authors: Muratbekov Mussakan , Muratbekov Madi , Igissinov Sabit
Published: May 2023

In this paper we study a singular parabolic operator$$Lu=\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}-\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2}+q(x)u$$initially defined on $C^{\infty}_{0,\pi}(\bar{\Omega})$, where $\bar{\Omega}=\{(t,x):-\pi\leq t\leq \pi, -\infty0$ is a constant.
{\bf Example.} $q(x)=e^{1000|x|}, -\infty
Swallowtail butterflies' initial stage of speciation is influenced by adaptation to plant-defensive substances
Authors: Ozaki Katsuhisa , Matsumoto Natsushi , Kotera Masaaki
Published: May 2023

Swallowtail butterflies are all phytophagous, and their evolution has been influenced by adaptations to the defensive substances of plants. Among the 31 genera in the Papilionidae family, approximately 80% (26 genera) have diversified at the genus level using magnoliid plants. In contrast, the genus Papilio has mainly diversified at the species level on the Rutaceae, with several species shifting into the Apiaceae. We collected data on the defensive chemicals of plants from public databases, summarised them by family, and clustered them using unsupervised machine learning techniques. Our analysis revealed that the phylogenetically distant Fabaceae, Rutaceae, and Apiaceae are similar in toxicity, characterised by the presence of furanocoumarins in these plants. We propose that species belonging to the genus Papilio adapted to the Rutaceae and Apiaceae by appropriating detoxification mechanisms acquired by their common ancestor, the Fabaceae-phagous butterfly.
Associations of self-reported happiness with body mass index and obesity risks among young adults in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chi-Fang , Lo Kai-Yang , Su Yan-Jhu , Yeh Ding-Peng , Kao Hsiao-Fang , Lin I-Tung , Ho Chien-Chang , Shieh Jiann-Cherng , Lee Po-Fu
Published: May 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of self-reported happiness with body mass index and obesity risks among young adults aged in Taiwan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data sets from the Taiwan National Physical Activity Survey, a nationally representative survey of Taiwan's population. A total of 10,638 young adults aged 18-44 years were ultimately enrolled in this study from August to October 2020. Demographic characteristics, self-reported health status, self- evaluations (comprising height, body weight, and happiness), and zip code of residence were among the data obtained through the national telephone survey.
Results: The results showed that after adjusting for potential confounders in the unhappy group, the obesity was significantly associated with happiness. (odds ratio [OR] = 0.637, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0494-0.820, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The present study revealed that body component and obesity risk are the factors affecting happiness among young adults in Taiwan. Moreover, obesity showed the negative correlation with happiness after adjusting for confounding factors.
Effectiveness of Spinal Manipulation and Biopsychosocial Self-Management compared to Medical Care for Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial Study Protocol
Authors: Bronfort Gert , Delitto Anthony , Schneider Michael , Heagerty Patrick , Chou Roger , Connett John , Evans Roni , George Steven , Glick Ronald , Greco Carol , Hanson Linda , Keefe Francis , Leininger Brent , Licciardone John , McFarland Christine , Meier Eric , Schulz Craig , Turk Dennis
Published: May 2023

Background
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is widespread, costly, and burdensome to patients and health systems. Little is known about non-pharmacological treatments for the secondary prevention of cLBP. There is some evidence that treatments addressing psychosocial factors in higher risk patients are more effective than usual care. However, most clinical trials on acute and subacute LBP have evaluated interventions irrespective of prognosis.
Methods
We have designed a phase 3 randomized trial with a 2x2 factorial design. The study is also a Hybrid type 1 trial with focus on intervention effectiveness while simultaneously considering plausible implementation strategies. Adults (n = 1000) with acute/subacute LBP at moderate to high risk of chronicity based on the STarT Back screening tool will be randomized in to 1 of 4 interventions lasting up to 8 weeks: supported self-management (SSM), spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), both SSM and SMT, or medical care. The primary objective is to assess intervention effectiveness; the secondary objective is to assess barriers and facilitators impacting future implementation. Primary effectiveness outcome measures are: (1) average pain intensity over 12 months post-randomization (pain, numerical rating scale); (2) average low back disability over 12 months post-randomization (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire); (3) prevention of cLBP that is impactful at 10–12 months follow-up (LBP impact from the PROMIS-29 Profile v2.0). Secondary outcomes include: recovery, PROMIS-29 Profile v2.0 measures to assess pain interference, physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and ability to participate in social roles and activities. Other patient-reported measures include LBP frequency, medication use, healthcare utilization, productivity loss, STarT Back screening tool status, patient satisfaction, prevention of chronicity, adverse events, and dissemination measures. Objective measures include the Quebec Task Force Classification, Timed Up & Go Test, the Sit to Stand Test, and the Sock Test assessed by clinicians blinded to the patients’ intervention assignment.
Discussion
By targeting those subjects at higher risk this trial aims to fill an important gap in the scientific literature regarding the effectiveness of promising non-pharmacological treatments compared to medical care for the management of patients with an acute episode of LBP and the prevention of progression to a severe chronic back problem.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03581123
Enhanced in Vivo Blood Brain Barrier Transcytosis of Macromolecular Cargo Using an Engineered pH-sensitive Mouse Transferrin Receptor Binding Nanobody
Authors: Esparza Thomas J. , Su Shiran , Francescutti Caroline M. , Rodionova Elvira , Kim Joong Hee , Brody David L.
Published: May 2023

Background The blood brain barrier limits entry of macromolecular diagnostic and therapeutic cargos. Blood brain barrier transcytosis via receptor mediated transport systems, such as the transferrin receptor, can be used to carry macromolecular cargos with variable efficiency. Transcytosis involves trafficking through acidified intracellular vesicles, but it is not known whether pH-dependent unbinding of transport shuttles can be used to improve blood brain barrier transport efficiency.Methods A mouse transferrin receptor binding nanobody, NIH-mTfR-M1, was engineered to confer greater unbinding at pH 5.5 vs 7.4 by introducing multiple histidine mutations. The histidine mutant nanobodies were coupled to neurotensin for in vivo functional blood brain barrier transcytosis testing via central neurotensin-mediated hypothermia in wild-type mice. Multi-nanobody constructs including the mutant M1R56H, P96H, Y102H and two copies of the P2X7 receptor-binding 13A7 nanobody were produced to test proof-of-concept macromolecular cargo transport in vivo using quantitatively verified capillary depleted brain lysates and in situ histology.Results The most effective histidine mutant, M1R56H, P96H, Y102H -neurotensin, caused > 8°C hypothermia after 25 nmol/kg intravenous injection. Levels of the heterotrimeric construct M156,96,102His-13A7-13A7 in capillary depleted brain lysates peaked at 1 hour and were 60% retained at 8 hours. A control construct with no brain targets was only 15% retained at 8 hours. Addition of the albumin-binding Nb80 nanobody to make M1R56H, P96H, Y102H -13A7-13A7-Nb80 extended blood half-life from 21 minutes to 2.6 hours. At 30–60 minutes, biotinylated M1R56H, P96H, Y102H -13A7-13A7-Nb80 was visualized in capillaries using in situ histochemistry, whereas at 2–16 hours it was detected in diffuse hippocampal and cortical cellular structures. Levels of M1R56H, P96H, Y102H-13A7-13A7-Nb80 reached more than 3.5 percent injected dose/gram of brain tissue after 30 nmol/kg intravenous injection. However, higher injected concentrations did not result in higher brain levels, compatible with saturation and an apparent substrate inhibitory effect.Conclusion The pH-sensitive mouse transferrin receptor binding nanobody M1R56H, P96H, Y102H may be a useful tool for rapid and efficient modular transport of diagnostic and therapeutic macromolecular cargos across the blood brain barrier in mouse models. Additional development will be required to determine whether this nanobody-based shuttle system will be useful for imaging and fast-acting therapeutic applications.
Enhancement of Biodiesel Production from Fusarium oxysporum NRC 2017 with Various Mutagenesis and Optimization of the Cultural Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Abdelhamid Sayeda Abdelrazek , El-Shatoury Einas Hamed , Asker Mohsen Selim , Abd-El-Aal Samir Khalef , Attallah Ashraf Gamil , Mohamed Sahar Saleh , Elsoud Mostafa Mostafa Abo
Published: May 2023

Background: Climate change is still a problem we face that has an impact on us every day even as our world develops technologically. Energy has been and will continue to be a key engine of economic growth. The greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from biodiesel are less than those of fossil fuels. The objective was to improve biodiesel production from a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum NRC 2017 using the bagasse hydrolysate of Bacillus cereus 3SME as a cheap carbon source.
Results: To enhance lipid accumulation in F. oxysporum NRC 2017, four mutagenic agents were used: gamma radiation (Ɣ ray); ethidium bromide (Et Br); ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS); and sodium azide (NaN3). Using the Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) as a molecular biomarker, the findings demonstrated a significant difference between the F. oxysporum NRC 2017 wild type and induced mutants examined. The culture conditions were optimized for F. oxysporum NRC 2017 and F. oxysporum NRC 2017-1, F. oxysporum NRC 2017-2, and F. oxysporum NRC 2017-3 using the response surface methodology (RSM) and the maximum lipid content (g/l) was 2.40, 3.47, 3.81, and 2.63, respectively. According to gas chromatography (GC) analysis, the biodiesel compositions produced from the F. oxysporum NRC 2017 wild type and its mutants exhibited generally C16-C18 and were suitable for biodiesel synthesis. F. oxysporum NRC 2017 and mutant biodiesels indicated physical features that were close to those of standard biodiesel.
Conclusion: The biodiesels produced from the F. oxysporum NRC 2017 and its mutants could be used for large scale as eco-friendly products from a cheap carbon source.
Seed Nanopriming Using Silica Nanoparticles: Effects in Seed Germination and Physiological Properties of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Hasanaklou Nasibeh , Mohagheghi Vahid , Hasanaklou Hourieh Tavakoli , Ma'mani Leila , Malekmohammadi Marjan , Moradi Foad
Published: May 2023

Stevia is one of the most dominant medicinal and industrial plants. However, poor seed emergence is the main impediment to obtain a high yield in stevia. Seed priming techniques represent very important strategies to ensure seed productivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of Si nutrient sources including bulk silicon dioxide (bSiO2), and two different silica nanoparticles including nSiO2 (I) and nSiO2 (II) at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm in improving emergence, seedling growth, antioxidant enzymes activity, and biochemical attributes. Hence, the effect of seed nanopriming was investigated on germination parameters in stevia using two experiments carried out in a completely randomized design with three replicates. All nanoprimed stevia seedlings had significantly improved germination percentage, root and shoot dry weight, and seedling vigor compared to controls. As well, sucrose concentration, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) activity were increased by seed nanopriming especially when seeds were primed by nSiO2 (I) at concentration of 10 ppm, respectively. However, there was a reduction in germination parameters in high concentrations of NPs. On the other hand, bSiO2 showed less effect on increasing germination, seedling growth, antioxidant activities, and biochemical attributes of stevia compared to nanopriming with nSiO2 (I), and nSiO2 (II). Thus, this study proved that seed priming with nSiO2 (I) at 10 ppm were more effective in improving germination percentage and rate, root and shoot dry weight, biochemical attributes, and enzymes activities (α-amylase, CAT, and POX). The highest concentration of nanopriming led to oxidative damage with increasing H2O2 concentration. It was suggested that seed priming with nSiO2 (I) at optimal concentrations improved the seed germination by improving the antioxidant system and starch metabolism, which protects plants from oxidative damage.
Does alien invasive species (Lantana camara L.) impact natural regeneration and soil properties
Authors: Rashmitha H. R. , Sathish B N , Ashwath M N
Published: May 2023

Invasive plant species are considered one of the important threats to global biodiversity. Lantana camara L. is an alien invasive species spread across India. The spreading patterns of Lantana indicate a serious threat to native plant biodiversity and regeneration. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of Lantana invasion on natural regeneration and soil properties in two forest types (dry deciduous and moist deciduous) of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India. Four levels of lantana infestation that is, highly infested, moderately infested, lantana uprooted areas and areas without lantana infestation were considered for the present study. To assess the regeneration status, five sub quadrates of 2×2 m was laid in each main quadrats of 20 m ×20m. Four soil samples were randomly collected at 0-15 cm and 15- 30 cm depths, and a composite sample was made for analysing different soil physicochemical properties. The highest density of regenerates was observed in Lantana uprooted areas (1121±108.79 stems ha-1) followed by moderately infested areas (660±108.79 stems ha-1) in dry deciduous forests. In moist deciduous forests, the highest density of regenerates was observed in non-infested areas (845±73.31 stems ha-1) followed by uprooted areas (740±73.31 stems ha-1). It was noticed that higher canopy openings had higher Lantana infestation. Maximum soil moisture content, bulk density, pH and electric conductivity were observed in highly infested areas, but the percentage of organic carbon and organic matter was highest in non-infested areas. The study shows that the higher Lantana infestation is affected by natural regeneration, and Lantana uprooting is favouring natural regeneration.
Development of Sandy Soil Properties Over Time within Subtropical Residential Landscapes
Authors: Bacon Allan R. , Enloe Heather A. , Fox Ronald A. , Bean Eban Z.
Published: May 2023

Urbanization is homogenizing residential developments and soils across a wide climate gradient of the United States. Land development practices commonly install landscapes on low quality compacted fill material. While previous research shows that soil quality beneath urban lawns improves over time, studies used golf courses to represent lawns or sampled across variable development and management styles. Limited data on sandy soil quality within residential landscapes in subtropical climate warranted investigation. To evaluate the effect of age on residential soil characteristics, two residential developments from Central and Southwest Florida were selected based on known lot ages up to 31 years. Soil samples (0 to 30 cm) were collected from landscape beds and lawns, along with lawn of common areas, to evaluate bulk density and organic matter over time. Though landscape beds typically require less management, soil characteristics were similar between lawns and landscape beds, suggesting similar processes. Bulk densities decreased by 22–34% and 9–20% within the upper (0–15 cm) and lower (15–30 cm) soil depths, respectively. Upper layer soil carbon accumulation rates ranged from 0.060–0.156 kg C m− 2yr− 1, comparable to previous studies but did not exceed 0.021 kg C m− 2yr− 1or were not significant for greater depths. The results of this study are representative of past chronosequence studies conducted in cooler climates with fine soil texture. Sandy soil texture and warm climate do not govern carbon sequestration rates, but instead vegetation type and landscape management practices overcome these conditions.
Different journeys, same struggle: Practitioner experiences in environmental justice policy, assessment, and decision-making
Authors: Yarbrough P.E. Collin , Smith-Collin Ph.D Janille
Published: May 2023

Over the past two decades, environmental justice (EJ) has been seen as an important concept for ensuring transportation infrastructure planning does not perpetuate a legacy of disproportionately impacting low income and/or minority communities in the United States. However, state-centered EJ research often focuses on quantitative methods for carrying out EJ analysis, focusing less on qualitative assessments of agency practitioners responsible for performing EJ work. We present a qualitative case study grounded in semi-structured interviews with nineteen EJ and community impact assessment practitioners at state departments of transportation (DOTs) across the United States. Four major themes arose surrounding practitioner role specialization, agency context, tool and data availability, and assessment of disproportionate impacts. Challenges and opportunities identified in the study provide practitioners and state DOTs with operational lenses to evaluate how to further justice and equity in the transportation project delivery process.
The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Obesity Treatment: 10 Years-Follow-up After Surgery
Authors: Catarino Diana , Lavrador Mariana , Rodrigues Dírcea , Paiva Isabel
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease associated with several complications. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity, leading to evident reduction of morbidity and mortality of patients. There are few long-term follow-up studies. This study aims to evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on the anthropometric and metabolic parameters, during ten years of follow-up of patients who underwent surgery.Methods Retrospective study including patients followed at the obesity consultation, that underwent bariatric surgery between 2003–2007, with a follow-up of 10 or more years. Anthropometric parameters were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL); as well as metabolic parameters: type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), arterial hypertension and dyslipidaemia; before surgery, one, five and ten years after surgery.Results The study included 30 patients (24 females). Age at the time of surgery: 54.1 ± 9.1 years; follow-up during 12.2 ± 1.6 years. Of these patients, 53.3% underwent gastric bypass, 33.3% gastric band, 10% gastric sleeve and 3.3% biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Before surgery the BMI was 50.2 ± 6.9 kg/m2 and the %BF was 56,2 ± 11.9%. There was significant reduction of BMI (p < 0,001) and %BF (p < 0,001) one year later, and that reduction remained significant after five and ten years of follow-up. The %EWL in the first year was 66.0 ± 19.3%, at five years it was 62.0 ± 23.7% and at 10 years it was 55,3 ± 23,0%, with a significant difference at 10 years versus one year (p = 0,004). Regarding diabetes, there was total remission one year after surgery. The long-term remission was 33%, with a reduction on the number of drugs. 80% of patients were hypertensive before surgery and one year later there was a reduction to 36.7%. The highest reduction on percentage of hypertensive patients was achieved one year later. At long term follow-up there was a significant reduction on the number of drugs. 76.6% of patients had dyslipidaemia before surgery and one year later there was a reduction to 33,3%. The highest reduction occurring one year later.Conclusion This study showed the long-term efficacy of bariatric surgery for obesity treatment, leading to a significant reduction of the BMI and %BF and an improvement of the associated comorbidities.
Time-varying Determinants of Changes in E-cigarette Relative Harm Perception among US Young Adults
Authors: Li Wei , Osibogun Olatokunbo
Published: May 2023

Background
Current e-cigarette use has increased among young adults in the United States (US) despite a consistent decrease in perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes over time. This study examined time-varying predictors associated with the changes in e-cigarette relative harm perception over time among US young adults.
Methods
Data were from the 2013-2018 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study for young adults (18-24 years). A time-varying effect model (TVEM) was applied to examine the association between the relative harm perception change and the associated time-varying predictors.
Results
Of the 8,427 young adults, the prevalence of those who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes decreased from 50.3% in Wave 1 (2013-2014) to 27.7% in Wave 4 (2016-2018). Young adults who were male were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes over time (OR=1.58; 95%CI: 1.53-1.64). In addition, the changes in e-cigarette relative harm perception were less noticeable among those with advanced degrees, who had non-combustible smoke-free home rules, who held negative tobacco-related attitudes, and those who were current e-cigarette users or ever used alcohol (all p-values<0.05).
Conclusions
A decline was observed in US young adults who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes from the PATH Study across four waves (2013-2018). The study findings underscore the importance of risk communication that focuses on harm perception profiles and the need for appropriate interventions to balance the considerations of e-cigarette use among young adults.
Value Chain Analysis of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: The Case of Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis L.) in Ethiopia
Authors: Geyo Guta Bukero
Published: May 2023

The study was conducted in two districts of which one was from Finfine surrounding area Oromia special zone of Oromia region and the other was from Guraghe zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region. farming system was used as a criterion to stratify the target society in order to make them relatively homogenous. Sample size was determined to be 137 households after target population and resource availability known. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, percentage, and standard deviation was used. Inferential statistics such as t-test and chi-square coupled with value chain mapping and profit margin was used for analyzing the data. The value chains for Rosemary herbal products have some unique characteristics, which seem to have had little impact on the discussion about value chains in the socioeconomic that it is a market often dominated by small and medium sized enterprises, and one which is governed by diverse regulations relating to the products quality and health claims. The market requires suppliers to adhere to collectors’ terms (quantity and quality), proper packaging, and consistency on product, price, and delivery. To create competitive advantage, the value chain must become more dynamic, innovative, and efficient. In addition, the MAPs industry must establish effective channels of communication among value chain actors to allow them to respond quickly to shift market demands.