bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between fatty acids levels in chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, quail and turkey egg yolks and post‐thawed quality of ram semen
Authors: Swelum Ayman A. , Ba‐Awadh Hani A. , Olarinre Isiaka O. , Saadeldin Islam M. , Alowaimer Abdullah N.
Published: July 2023

The comparison between adding egg yolks (EY) of chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, Japanese quail or turkey to the Tris glycerol extender on the quality of ram semen before freezing and post‐thawing was evaluated. The correlation between fatty acids levels in egg yolks of different avian species and the post‐thawed quality of ram semen was studied. The pooled ejaculates collected from five rams were extended with Tris EY glycerol extenders containing the EY of chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, quail or turkey and cryopreserved at −196°C. The straws were evaluated before freezing and post‐thawing for sperm motility using a sperm cell analyser, vitality using a FluoVit kit and abnormality using a SpermBlue stain besides plasma‐membrane and DNA integrities using a hypo‐osmotic swelling test and a Halomax kit, respectively. The moisture, ash, protein and fatty acid (FA) contents of EY of chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, quail and turkey were analysed using a gas chromatograph. The chicken and quail EY extenders significantly improved the total progressive motility (32.05 ± 1.41 and 31.68 ± 1.43, respectively), vitality, plasma membrane and DNA integrities and abnormalities of post‐thawing ram semen in comparison with other EY extenders. Pigeon EY had the lowest saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in comparison with the other types of EYs. The chicken and turkey EYs had the lowest percentage of (monounsaturated fatty acids) MUFAs in comparison with the other types of EYs. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was observed in the turkey, pigeon and chicken EYs which were considered double or triple their percentage in duck and goose EYs, respectively. Significant positive correlations existed between SFAs levels and total motility, vitality, plasma membrane functionality and DNA integrity (0.77, 0.80, 0.67, 0.52, respectively). Significant negative correlations existed between gondoic EY levels and total motility, vitality, plasma membrane functionality and DNA integrity. In conclusion, the EYs of duck, goose, pigeon or turkey cannot substitute the chicken EY in ram semen extenders as they gave lower post‐thawing quality. The quail EY can be used as a good replacer for chicken EY in the extender used for cryopreservation of ram semen. The EY composition of FAs can significantly affect the quality of ram semen post‐thawing.
On sufficient conditions for spanning structures in dense graphs
Authors: Lang Richard , Sanhueza‐Matamala Nicolás
Published: July 2023

We study structural conditions in dense graphs that guarantee the existence of vertex‐spanning substructures such as Hamilton cycles. It is easy to see that every Hamiltonian graph is connected, has a perfect fractional matching and, excluding the bipartite case, contains an odd cycle. A simple consequence of the Robust Expander Theorem of Kühn, Osthus and Treglown tells us that any large enough graph that robustly satisfies these properties must already be Hamiltonian. Our main result generalises this phenomenon to powers of cycles and graphs of sublinear bandwidth subject to natural generalisations of connectivity, matchings and odd cycles. This answers a question of Ebsen, Maesaka, Reiher, Schacht and Schülke and solves the embedding problem that underlies multiple lines of research on sufficient conditions for spanning structures in dense graphs. As applications, we recover and establish Bandwidth Theorems in a variety of settings including Ore‐type degree conditions, Pósa‐type degree conditions, deficiency‐type conditions, locally dense and inseparable graphs, multipartite graphs as well as robust expanders.
Satellite reveals a steep decline in China’s CO
2
emissions in early 2022
Authors: Li Hui , Zheng Bo , Ciais Philippe , Boersma K. Folkert , Riess T. Christoph V. W. , Martin Randall V. , Broquet Gregoire , van der A Ronald , Li Haiyan , Hong Chaopeng , Lei Yu , Kong Yawen , Zhang Qiang , He Kebin
Published: July 2023

Response actions to the coronavirus disease 2019 perturbed economies and carbon dioxide (CO
2
) emissions. The Omicron variant that emerged in 2022 caused more substantial infections than in 2020 and 2021 but it has not yet been ascertained whether Omicron interrupted the temporary post-2021 rebound of CO
2
emissions. Here, using satellite nitrogen dioxide observations combined with atmospheric inversion, we show a larger decline in China’s CO
2
emissions between January and April 2022 than in those months during the first wave of 2020. China’s CO
2
emissions are estimated to have decreased by 15% (equivalent to −244.3 million metric tons of CO
2
) during the 2022 lockdown, greater than the 9% reduction during the 2020 lockdown. Omicron affected most of the populated and industrial provinces in 2022, hindering China’s CO
2
emissions rebound starting from 2021. China’s emission variations agreed with downstream CO
2
concentration changes, indicating a potential to monitor CO
2
emissions by integrating satellite and ground measurements.
Genome sequence of
Coxiella burnetii
KZQ2 isolated from a clinical strain in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Han Du-Gyeong , Kim Seong-Han , Jeon Se-Mi
Published: July 2023

The genome of
Coxiella burnetii
KZQ2, isolated from clinical patients in Korea, is 2.04 MB long. Multispacer types were ST77, and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that KZQ2 is closely related to the CbuK_Q154 chronic strain isolated from human endocarditis patients in the USA.
Central exclusive diffractive p $$\bar{p}$$ production in the Regge-eikonal model in the “scalar” proton approximation
Authors: Ryutin R. A.
Published: July 2023

Central exclusive diffractive production (CEDP) of proton–anti-proton pairs is calculated in the Regge-eikonal approach taking into account continuum and possible $$f_0(2100)$$

f
0

(
2100
)

resonance. We use the simple model with the “scalar” proton. Data from ISR and STAR are analysed and compared with theoretical descriptions. Some predictions for the LHC at 13 TeV are also presented. We briefly discuss possible nuances, problems and prospects for investigations of this process at present and future hadron colliders.
Quark mixing angles and weak CP-violating phase vs quark masses: Potential approach
Authors: Altshuler Boris L.
Published: July 2023

It is shown that the following experimentally viable expressions for quark mixing angles [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and CP-violating phase [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] may be derived as stable points of certain fourth power in [Formula: see text] flavor-invariant potentials built with traces of 3 [Formula: see text] 3 quark up and down mass matrices and the Jarlskog invariant. There is no fine-tuning, potentials’ dimensionless constants are the integer numbers not above 10.
Performance Analysis of Multicore Processor Using FOFO-Based Approximate Compatible ALU
Authors: Senthilmurugan S. , Gunaseelan K.
Published: July 2023

Modern electronic devices are supported by multicore processors and they have become an unavoidable part of recent technologies. The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is one of the indispensable parts of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) which performs most of the operations. Operations like multiplications, and exponentials consume more power than other normal operations. Power management is one of the major challenges in designing processors. To maximize speed and reduce power consumption, a new technique in Multiplier and ALU incorporated with a multicore processor has been proposed. The Proposed Approximate Compatible ALU (ACALU) is designed to perform specified operations that consume more power, using an advanced multiplication technique called the First One First Operand (FOFO) method. The selection process of eight bits is done by the FOFO method followed by error detection and error approximation is performed to get the accurate output. The ACALU performs these operations in the Approximate Computing Mode which utilizes only eight bits for the operations, thus reducing the power consumption. The results of several analyses between multipliers, ALUs, and microprocessors are provided. As we optimize the multiplier and ALU unit, the multicore processor is also enhanced. The proposed multicore processor is compared with the AMD processor and the latest INTEL processor and the comparison results show that the proposed technique is 95.2% and 97.8% more efficient than the existing processors. Thus, the power consumption is minimized and the performance speed is increased in the proposed multicore processor.
Gravitational wave production after inflation for a hybrid inflationary model
Authors: Thomas Rinsy , Thomas Jobil , Surendran Supin P. , Joy Minu
Published: July 2023

We discuss a cosmological scenario with a stochastic background of gravitational waves sourced by the tensor perturbation due to a hybrid inflationary model with cubic potential. The tensor-to-scalar ratio for the present hybrid inflationary model is obtained as [Formula: see text]. Gravitational wave spectrum of this stochastic background, for large-scale CMB modes, [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] is studied. The present-day energy spectrum of gravitational waves [Formula: see text] is sensitively related to the tensor power spectrum and r which is, in turn, dependent on the unknown physics of the early cosmos. This uncertainty is characterized by two parameters: [Formula: see text] logarithmic average over the primordial tensor spectral index and [Formula: see text] logarithmic average over the effective equation-of-state parameter. Thus, exact constraints in the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] plane can be obtained by comparing theoretical constraints of our model on r and [Formula: see text]. We obtain a limit on [Formula: see text] around the modes probed by CMB scales.
Implementation and Verification of Real-Time Hybrid Simulation for the Dynamic Performance Assessment of Base-Isolated Structures
Authors: Liu Y. H. , Lai Z. F. , Mercan O. , Tan P. , Zhou F. L.
Published: July 2023

Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) is an economical and reliable method for the evaluation of structural dynamic performances, and the fixed analytical substructure model is often used in RTHS which may affect the accuracy of results. In this study, a real-time hybrid simulation platform (RTHSP) developed by configuring a generic National Instruments (NI) controller with hybrid programming strategy is presented in detail. The dynamic performances of a scaled base isolated structure, where the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) was used to update the analytical substructure Bouc–Wen model during the RTHSs was evaluated by presented RTHSP. RTHS of a base-isolated structure was performed where a lead rubber bearing (LRB) was tested physically as the experimental substructure of a part of the isolation layer and the superstructure with the rest of the isolation layer model updated by UKF was considered as the analytical substructure. Under the excitation of three natural earthquakes, the RTHSs with and without UKF updating were compared and analyzed the differences between the two. The results indicated that the displacements of experimental substructure generated by RTHS with UKF updating are the largest, while the relative displacements and acceleration of superstructure are the smallest overall, and the dynamic characteristics of the isolation layer of the analysis substructure updated by UKF are different from that without updated, which reflected the more authentic dynamic mechanical performance of the base-isolated structure under earthquake excitation. In addition, the RTHSP and the hybrid programming strategy are verified to be reliable in tests and experiments, and the components and implementation of a RTHSP for base-isolated structures is described in detail, providing a reference for research on RTHS method.
From Incivility to Turnover Intentions among Nurses: A Multifoci and Self-Determination Perspective
Authors: Jiang Lixin , Xu Xiaohong (Violet) , Jacobs Stephen
Published: July 2023

Purpose. We investigate the associations between incivility from multiple sources (i.e., doctors, supervisors, fellow nurses, and patients/visitors) and nurse turnover intentions. We take a self-determination perspective to explore whether psychological needs for autonomy, belongingness, and competence explain the relationship between incivility and turnover intentions. Finally, we examine whether incivility from doctors, supervisors, fellow nurses, and patients/visitors may primarily relate to one of the three basic psychological needs and whether the autonomy need may have the strongest relationship with turnover intentions. Design. A three-wave time-lagged design was used. Each measurement point was separated by one workweek. New Zealand nurses were asked to evaluate their workplace incivility at Time 1, three basic psychological needs at Time 2, and turnover intentions at Time 3. Findings. Supervisor incivility directly related to turnover intentions. The autonomy need was the only significant mechanism underlying the relationships of incivility from doctors, supervisors, and fellow nurses with turnover intentions. In addition, doctor incivility related to the autonomy need, patient/visitor incivility was not significantly related to any psychological needs, and incivility from fellow nurses and supervisors related to psychological needs for belongingness and autonomy. Originality. This study takes a multifoci perspective to examine nurse incivility from multiple sources. The novelty lies in the introduction of self-determination theory to the understanding of workplace incivility. Finally, we turn the spotlight on the importance of examining whether incivility from different sources may be primarily related to different psychological needs and whether the autonomy need plays a key role in turnover intentions.
Vascular Aging Is Accelerated in Hematological Cancer Survivors Who Undergo Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Climie Rachel E. , Dillon Hayley T. , Horne-Okano Yuki , Wallace Imogen , Avery Sharon , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , La Gerche Andre , Howden Erin J.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Survivors of allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) receive intensive cancer treatments that are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. Markers of vascular age can indicate early signs of adverse (cardio)vascular changes; however, the impact of SCT on these makers is unknown. We aimed to determine the short (3 months) and longer-term (≥2 years) effect of SCT on markers of vascular age in hematologic cancer survivors compared with an age-matched noncancer control group.

METHODS:

The short-term effects of SCT, markers of vascular age (aortic compliance, arterial elastance, and ventricular-vascular coupling) were assessed via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac and aortic volumes) before and ≈3 months post-SCT in 13 short-term survivors and compared with 11 controls. The longer-term impact was assessed by comparing 14 long-term survivors (6.5 [2–20] years post-SCT) to the short-term survivors (post-SCT) and controls (n=16).

RESULTS:

The groups were similar for age and body mass index. In the short-term survivors, no significant group-by-time interactions were observed for any markers of vascular aging from pretransplant to posttransplant (net difference for change in compliance between groups −0.07 [95% CI, −1.49 to 1.35]). For the time-course analysis, aortic compliance was significantly lower in both SCT groups (overall
P
=0.007) compared with controls, whereas ventricular-vascular coupling was higher in both survivor groups as was arterial elastance in long-term SCT survivors (ie, worse;
P
<0.01 for all).

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence of an accelerated vascular aging phenotype in allogeneic SCT survivors and provides insight into the increased burden of cardiovascular disease among hematologic cancer survivors.
Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Relation to Cumulative Blood Pressure Exposure and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shi Huijing , Cui Liufu , Hui Ying , Wu Shouling , Li Xiaoshuai , Shu Rong , Song Haicheng , Wang Jierui , Yu Ping , Chen Shuohua , Li Jing , Yang Ling , Wang Zhenchang , Yang Qing , Gao Yuxia
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Hypertension and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are thought to be associated with cognitive impairment. However, the correlations among hypertension, EPVS, and cognitive impairment have not been studied yet. We aimed to investigate the relationships between cumulative blood pressure (cBP) exposure with EPVS and cognitive impairment and whether EPVS may mediate the relationship between cBP and cognitive impairment.

METHODS:

A total of 1507 subjects from the Kailuan prospective cohort study were enrolled. cBP was calculated from 2006 to 2022. The effects of cBP, EPVS scores, and cognitive impairment were evaluated using a logistic regression model. The relationships among cBP, EPVS score, and cognitive impairment were analyzed using a mediation model.

RESULTS:

An increase in cBP was positively correlated with an increase in EPVS score. For every SD increase in cBP, the odds ratios (95% CI) of increased EPVS score of the centrum semiovale were 1.67 (1.43–1.95), 1.63 (1.4–1.9), and 1.35 (1.17–1.56), respectively; the odds ratios (95% CI) of increased EPVS score of the basal ganglia were 1.83 (1.56–2.15), 2.01 (1.7–2.36), and 1.31 (1.13–1.52), respectively; and the odds ratios (95% CI) of developing cognitive impairment were 1.28 (1.06–1.53), 1.13 (0.95–1.34), and 1.28 (1.07–1.5), respectively. Basal ganglia-EPVS score accounted for 10.46% to 18.32% of the mediating effects on the relationships of cBP/SD with cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS:

High cBP exposure was an independent risk factor for EPVS, and basal ganglia-EPVS score mediated the effects of cBP on cognitive impairment.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.
IMERG Precipitation Improves the SMAP Level-4 Soil Moisture Product
Authors: Reichle Rolf H. , Liu Qing , Ardizzone Joseph V. , Crow Wade T. , De Lannoy Gabrielle J. M. , Kimball John S. , Koster Randal D.
Published: July 2023

The NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission Level-4 Soil Moisture (L4_SM) product provides global, 9-km resolution, 3-hourly surface and root-zone soil moisture from April 2015 to the present with a mean latency of 2.5 days from the time of observation. The L4_SM algorithm assimilates SMAP L-band (1.4 GHz) brightness temperature (Tb) observations into the NASA Catchment land surface model as the model is driven with observation-based precipitation. This paper describes and evaluates the use of satellite- and gauge-based precipitation from the NASA Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) products in the L4_SM algorithm beginning with L4_SM Version 6. Specifically, IMERG is used in two ways: (i) The L4_SM precipitation reference climatology is primarily based on IMERG-Final (Version 06B) data, replacing the Global Precipitation Climatology Project Version 2.2 data used in previous L4_SM versions, and (ii) the precipitation forcing outside of North America and the high latitudes is corrected to match the daily totals from IMERG, replacing the gauge-only, daily product or uncorrected weather analysis precipitation used there in earlier L4_SM versions. The use of IMERG precipitation improves the anomaly time series correlation coefficient of L4_SM surface soil moisture (versus independent satellite estimates) by 0.03 in the global average and by up to ∼0.3 in parts of South America, Africa, Australia, and East Asia, where the quality of the gauge-only precipitation product used in earlier L4_SM versions is poor. The improvements also reduce the time series standard deviation of the Tb observation-minus-forecast residuals from 5.5 K in L4_SM Version 5 to 5.1 K in Version 6.

Significance Statement

Soil moisture links the land surface water, energy, and carbon cycles. NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite observations and observation-based precipitation data are merged into a numerical model of land surface water and energy balance processes to generate the global, 9-km resolution, 3-hourly Level-4 Soil Moisture (L4_SM) data product. The product is available with ∼2.5-day latency to support Earth science research and applications, such as flood prediction and drought monitoring. We show that a recent L4_SM algorithm update using satellite- and gauge-based precipitation inputs from the NASA Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) products improves the temporal variations in the estimated soil moisture, particularly in otherwise poorly instrumented regions in South America, Africa, Australia, and East Asia.
Effectiveness of a group intervention for lexical enrichment in 6-to-10-year-old children with developmental language disorder
Authors: Ardanouy Estelle , Delage Hélène , Zesiger Pascal
Published: July 2023

Many children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have a vocabulary deficit. One of the most effective interventions for increasing children's lexicon size is the semantic and phonological approach, an approach that has been used mainly with adolescents. The goals of our study are (1) to test whether the semantic-phonological approach coupled with rich vocabulary instruction is effective with younger children with DLD on words learned during the training and (2) to check whether the gains can be maintained over the long term. A group of eight French-speaking children (aged 6 to 10), with a diagnosis of DLD, underwent a phonological-semantic group intervention over 5 months. Four lists (vegetables, animals, school materials, and sports) of words were trained, each category involving 3-hour sessions. Five-word lists (L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5) corresponded to the four trained categories and one served as control. When L1 words were trained, L2 served as the control list; then when L2 words were trained, L3 was the control list, and so on. The group results indicated significant improvement on the four trained lists once intervention was introduced, and no improvement on the control lists. All effects were maintained over the long term at the delayed posttest. Individual outcomes were dependent on children's cognitive and language profiles. Vocabulary training thus allowed young French-speaking children with DLD to enrich their vocabulary on specific measures. The implications of the results are discussed at the group and individual level.
How I treat non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia
Authors: Saliba Antoine N. , Musallam Khaled M. , Taher Ali T.
Published: July 2023

The intricate interplay of anemia and iron overload under the pathophysiological umbrella of ineffective erythropoiesis in non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) results in a complex variety of clinical phenotypes that are challenging to diagnose and manage. In this article, we use a clinical framework rooted in pathophysiology to present 4 common scenarios of patients with NTDT. Starting from practical considerations in the diagnosis of NTDT, we delineate our strategy for the longitudinal care of patients who exhibit different constellations of symptoms and complications. We highlight the use of transfusion therapy and novel agents, such as luspatercept, in the patient with anemia-related complications. We also describe our approach to chelation therapy in the patient with iron overload. Although tackling every specific complication of NTDT is beyond the scope of this article, we touch on the management of the various morbidities and multisystem manifestations of the disease.
An in vitro model of human hematopoiesis identifies a regulatory role for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Khan D M Isha Olive , Karmaus Peer W. F. , Bach Anthony , Crawford Robert B. , Kaminski Norbert E.
Published: July 2023

In vitro models to study simultaneous development of different human immune cells and hematopoietic lineages are lacking. We identified and characterized, using single-cell methods, an in vitro stromal cell–free culture system of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) differentiation that allows concurrent development of multiple immune cell lineages. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand–activated transcription factor influencing many biological processes in diverse cell types. Using this in vitro model, we found that AHR activation by the highly specific AHR ligand, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, drives differentiation of human umbilical cord blood–derived CD34+ HSPCs toward monocytes and granulocytes with a significant decrease in lymphoid and megakaryocyte lineage specification that may lead to reduced immune competence. To our knowledge, we also discovered for the first time, using single-cell modalities, that AHR activation decreased the expression of BCL11A and IRF8 in progenitor cells, which are critical genes involved in hematopoietic lineage specification processes at both transcriptomic and protein levels. Our in vitro model of hematopoiesis, coupled with single-cell tools, therefore allows for a better understanding of the role played by AHR in modulating hematopoietic differentiation.
Psychometric evaluation of the postpartum specific anxiety scale – research short-form among Iranian women (PSAS-IR-RSF)
Authors: Mashayekh-Amiri Sepideh , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Davies Siân M , Silverio Sergio A. , Fallon Victoria , Montazeri Maryam , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: July 2023

Background

The increasing prevalence of postpartum anxiety as a common psychological problem affects a large part of women’s lives. Despite the existence of tools in this field, but due to the lack of specificity in reflecting postpartum anxiety, it is necessary to have a specific tool to screen it. Since the psychometric evaluation of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale-Research Short-Form (PSAS-RSF) among Iranian women has not been assessed in Iran until now, so we decided to conduct this study with the aim of psychometric evaluation of the PSAS-IR-RSF.

Methods

We included 180 women (six weeks to six months postpartum) in the study by random sampling during the period from December 2021 to June 2022. We examined the validity of the PSAS-IR-RSF tool in terms of face, content and construct (through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses). We used internal consistency and test-retest reliability to determine the reliability of the scale.

Results

In the present study, content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) of the PSAS-IR-RSF tool were equal to 0.91 and 0.97, respectively. We extracted a four-factor structure through the process of exploratory factor analysis. The values of fitting indices confirmed the validity of the model. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was equal to 0.72 and intra-class correlation coefficient (with 95% confidence interval) was 0.97 (0.98 to 0.93).

Conclusions

The Persian version of the PSAS-IR-RSF is a valid and reliable tool for the specific evaluation of postpartum anxiety among Iranian women.
The short and long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention in children with mental illnesses: a randomized controlled trial (Movementss study)
Authors: van Tetering Emilie M. A. , Muskens Jet B. , Deenik Jeroen , Pillen Sigrid , Cahn Wiepke , von Rosenstiel Inès , Oomen Mieke , Rommelse Nanda N. , Staal Wouter G. , Klip Helen
Published: July 2023

Background

A lifestyle including poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive gaming and inadequate sleep hygiene is frequently seen among Dutch children. These lifestyle behaviors can cause long-term health problems later in life. Unhealthy lifestyle and poor physical health are even more prevalent among children with mental illness (MI) such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety. However, research on lifestyle interventions among children with MI is lacking. As a result, there are currently no guidelines, or treatment programs where children with MI and poor lifestyle can receive effective support. To address these issues and to provide insight into the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in children with MI and their families, the Movementss study was designed. This paper describes the rationale, study design, and methods of an ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (1 year) effects of a lifestyle intervention with care as usual (CAU) in children with MI and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Methods

A total of 80 children (6–12 years) with MI according to DSM-V and an unhealthy lifestyle are randomized to the lifestyle intervention group or CAU at a specialized child and adolescent mental hospital. The primary outcome measure is quality of life measured with the KIDSCREEN. Secondary outcomes include emotional and behavior symptoms, lifestyle parameters regarding diet, physical activity, sleep, and screen time, cognitive assessment (intelligence and executive functions), physical measurements (e.g., BMI), parenting styles, and family functioning, prior beliefs, adherence, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Assessments will take place at the start of the study (T0), after 12 weeks (T1), six months (T2), and 12 months of baseline (T3) to measure long-term effects.

Discussion

This RCT will likely contribute to the currently lacking knowledge on lifestyle interventions in children with MI.

Trial registration

trialsearch.who.int/ NL9822. Registered at November 2nd, 2021.
Stapler port position determination using 3-dimensional virtual simulation software in robot-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Kawada Masaya , Mori Yuki
Published: July 2023

Background

In robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) lobectomy using a robotic stapler, stapling is difficult when the stapler port place is close to the resection target vessel. We examined whether three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) software enables stapler port place determination for stapling.

Methods

Seventy-three patients who underwent RATS lobectomy were enrolled. The SureForm 45 Curved-Tip stapler (136 mm from the remote center to the anvil tip) was used. The virtual distance between the resection target vessel and stapler port place (VD) was preoperatively measured with 3D-CT software. The stapler port place was the most cranial intercostal space with a VD ≥ 136 mm. The actual distance between the resection target vessel and anvil tip (AD) was measured intraoperatively. We examined the associations of the difficulty in stapling with VD, AD, chest wall damage, and clinical features.

Results

Stapling was easier with a larger anteroposterior thoracic diameter and AD. The cut-off VD and AD for smooth stapling were 142 mm and 6 mm. Chest wall damage was frequently observed at the caudal and dorsal side ports.

Conclusions

As the stapler port place is located more caudally, stapling becomes easier. However, chest wall damage increases. If the stapler port place is positioned at a site ensuring VD ≥ 142 mm by 3D-CT software, smooth stapling may be possible with a decreased incidence of chest wall damage.
Machine learning-based mortality prediction models for smoker COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sharifi-Kia Ali , Nahvijou Azin , Sheikhtaheri Abbas
Published: July 2023

Background

The large number of SARS-Cov-2 cases during the COVID-19 global pandemic has burdened healthcare systems and created a shortage of resources and services. In recent years, mortality prediction models have shown a potential in alleviating this issue; however, these models are susceptible to biases in specific subpopulations with different risks of mortality, such as patients with prior history of smoking. The current study aims to develop a machine learning-based mortality prediction model for COVID-19 patients that have a history of smoking in the Iranian population.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted across six medical centers between 18 and 2020 and 15 March 2022, comprised of 678 CT scans and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients that had a history of smoking. Multiple machine learning models were developed using 10-fold cross-validation. The target variable was in-hospital mortality and input features included patient demographics, levels of care, vital signs, medications, and comorbidities. Two sets of models were developed for at-admission and post-admission predictions. Subsequently, the top five prediction models were selected from at-admission models and post-admission models and their probabilities were calibrated.

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate for smoker COVID-19 patients was 20.1%. For “at admission” models, the best-calibrated model was XGBoost which yielded an accuracy of 87.5% and F1 score of 86.2%. For the “post-admission” models, XGBoost also outperformed the rest with an accuracy of 90.5% and F1 score of 89.9%. Active smoking was among the most important features in patients’ mortality prediction.

Conclusion

Our machine learning-based mortality prediction models have the potential to be adapted for improving the management of smoker COVID-19 patients and predicting patients’ chance of survival.
Differential subgenome expression underlies biomass accumulation in allotetraploid Pennisetum giganteum
Authors: Xing Longsheng , Wang Meijia , He Qiang , Zhang Hongyu , Liang Hanfei , Zhou Qinghong , Liu Yu , Liu Ze , Wang Yu , Du Cailian , Xiao Yao , Liu Jianan , Li Wei , Liu Guixia , Du Huilong
Published: July 2023

Background

Pennisetum giganteum (AABB, 2n = 4x = 28) is a C4 plant in the genus Pennisetum with origin in Africa but currently also grown in Asia and America. It is a crucial forage and potential energy grass with significant advantages in yield, stress resistance, and environmental adaptation. However, the mechanisms underlying these advantageous traits remain largely unexplored. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly of the allotetraploid P. giganteum aiming at providing insights into biomass accumulation.

Results

Our assembly has a genome size 2.03 Gb and contig N50 of 88.47 Mb that was further divided into A and B subgenomes. Genome evolution analysis revealed the evolutionary relationships across the Panicoideae subfamily lineages and identified numerous genome rearrangements that had occurred in P. giganteum. Comparative genomic analysis showed functional differentiation between the subgenomes. Transcriptome analysis found no subgenome dominance at the overall gene expression level; however, differentially expressed homoeologous genes and homoeolog-specific expressed genes between the two subgenomes were identified, suggesting that complementary effects between the A and B subgenomes contributed to biomass accumulation of P. giganteum. Besides, C4 photosynthesis-related genes were significantly expanded in P. giganteum and their sequences and expression patterns were highly conserved between the two subgenomes, implying that both subgenomes contributed greatly and almost equally to the highly efficient C4 photosynthesis in P. giganteum. We also identified key candidate genes in the C4 photosynthesis pathway that showed sustained high expression across all developmental stages of P. giganteum.

Conclusions

Our study provides important genomic resources for elucidating the genetic basis of advantageous traits in polyploid species, and facilitates further functional genomics research and genetic improvement of P. giganteum.
Flavour by design: food-grade lactic acid bacteria improve the volatile aroma spectrum of oat milk, sunflower seed milk, pea milk, and faba milk towards improved flavour and sensory perception
Authors: Tangyu Muzi , Fritz Michel , Tan Jan Patrick , Ye Lijuan , Bolten Christoph J. , Bogicevic Biljana , Wittmann Christoph
Published: July 2023

Background

The global market of plant-based milk alternatives is continually growing. Flavour and taste have a key impact on consumers’ selection of plant-based beverages. Unfortunately, natural plant milks have only limited acceptance. Their typically bean-like and grassy notes are perceived as “off-flavours” by consumers, while preferred fruity, buttery, and cheesy notes are missing. In this regard, fermentation of plant milk by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) appears to be an appealing option to improve aroma and taste.

Results

In this work, we systematically studied LAB fermentation of plant milk. For this purpose, we evaluated 15 food-approved LAB strains to ferment 4 different plant milks: oat milk (representing cereal-based milk), sunflower seed milk (representing seed-based milk), and pea and faba milk (representing legume-based milk). Using GC‒MS analysis, flavour changes during anaerobic fermentations were studied in detail. These revealed species-related and plant milk-related differences and highlighted several well-performing strains delivered a range of beneficial flavour changes. A developed data model estimated the impact of individual flavour compounds using sensory scores and predicted the overall flavour note of fermented and nonfermented samples. Selected sensory perception tests validated the model and allowed us to bridge compositional changes in the flavour profile with consumer response.

Conclusion

Specific strain-milk combinations provided quite different flavour notes. This opens further developments towards plant-based products with improved flavour, including cheesy and buttery notes, as well as other innovative products in the future. S. thermophilus emerged as a well-performing strain that delivered preferred buttery notes in all tested plant milks. The GC‒MS-based data model was found to be helpful in predicting sensory perception, and its further refinement and application promise enhanced potential to upgrade fermentation approaches to flavour-by-design strategies.
Environmental exposures in early-life and general health in childhood
Authors: Amine Ines , Guillien Alicia , Philippat Claire , Anguita-Ruiz Augusto , Casas Maribel , de Castro Montserrat , Dedele Audrius , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Granum Berit , Grazuleviciene Regina , Heude Barbara , Haug Line Småstuen , Julvez Jordi , López-Vicente Mónica , Maitre Léa , McEachan Rosemary , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Stratakis Nikos , Vafeiadi Marina , Wright John , Yang Tiffany , Yuan Wen Lun , Basagaña Xavier , Slama Rémy , Vrijheid Martine , Siroux Valérie
Published: July 2023

Background

Early-life environmental exposures are suspected to be involved in the development of chronic diseases later in life. Most studies conducted so far considered single or few exposures and single-health parameter. Our study aimed to identify a childhood general health score and assess its association with a wide range of pre- and post-natal environmental exposures.

Methods

The analysis is based on 870 children (6–12 years) from six European birth cohorts participating in the Human Early-Life Exposome project. A total of 53 prenatal and 105 childhood environmental factors were considered, including lifestyle, social, urban and chemical exposures. We built a general health score by averaging three sub-scores (cardiometabolic, respiratory/allergy and mental) built from 15 health parameters. By construct, a child with a low score has a low general health status. Penalized multivariable regression through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was fitted in order to identify exposures associated with the general health score.

Findings

The results of LASSO show that a lower general health score was associated with maternal passive and active smoking during pregnancy and postnatal exposure to methylparaben, copper, indoor air pollutants, high intake of caffeinated drinks and few contacts with friends and family. Higher child’s general health score was associated with prenatal exposure to a bluespace near residency and postnatal exposures to pets, cobalt, high intakes of vegetables and more physical activity. Against our hypotheses, postnatal exposure to organochlorine compounds and perfluorooctanoate were associated with a higher child’s general health score.

Conclusion

By using a general health score summarizing the child cardiometabolic, respiratory/allergy and mental health, this study reinforced previously suspected environmental factors associated with various child health parameters (e.g. tobacco, air pollutants) and identified new factors (e.g. pets, bluespace) warranting further investigations.
GDF-11 downregulates placental human chorionic gonadotropin expression by activating SMAD2/3 signaling
Authors: Wu Ze , Zhang Lingling , Jia Yuanyuan , Bi Beibei , Fang Lanlan , Cheng Jung-Chien
Published: July 2023

Background

The production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by the placental trophoblast cells is essential for maintaining a normal pregnancy. Aberrant hCG levels are associated with reproductive disorders. The protein of hCG is a dimer consisting of an α subunit and a β subunit. The β subunit is encoded by the CGB gene and is unique to hCG. Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is expressed in the human placenta and can stimulate trophoblast cell invasion. However, whether the expression of CGB and the production of hCG are regulated by GDF-11 remains undetermined.

Methods

Two human choriocarcinoma cell lines, BeWo and JEG-3, and primary cultures of human cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells were used as experimental models. The effects of GDF-11 on CGB expression and hCG production, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were explored by a series of in vitro experiments.

Results

Our results show that treatment of GDF-11 downregulates the expression of CGB and the production of hCG in both BeWo and JEG-3 cells as well as in primary CTB cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that both ALK4 and ALK5 are required for the GDF-11-induced downregulation of CGB expression. In addition, treatment of GDF-11 activates SMAD2/3 but not SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathways. Moreover, both SMAD2 and SMAD3 are involved in the GDF-11-downregulated CGB expression. ELISA results show that the GDF-11-suppressed hCG production requires the ALK4/5-mediated activation of SMAD2/3 signaling pathways.

Conclusions

This study not only discovers the biological function of GDF-11 in the human placenta but also provides important insights into the regulation of the expression of hCG.
Elucidating shared biomarkers and pathways in kidney stones and diabetes: insights into novel therapeutic targets and the role of resveratrol
Authors: Shen Shanlin , Wei Jiafeng , Kang Weiting , Wang Tengteng
Published: July 2023

Background

The pathogenic mechanisms shared between kidney stones and diabetes at the transcriptional level remain elusive, and the molecular mechanisms by which resveratrol exerts its protective effects against these conditions require further investigation.

Methods

To address these gaps in knowledge, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of microarray and RNA-seq datasets to elucidate shared biomarkers and biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of kidney stones and diabetes. An assortment of bioinformatic approaches was employed to illuminate the common molecular markers and associated pathways, thereby contributing to the identification of innovative therapeutic targets. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of resveratrol in preventing these conditions was conducted using molecular docking simulation and first-principles calculations.

Results

The study identified 11 potential target genes associated with kidney stones and diabetes through the intersection of genes from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) screening. Among these, Interleukin 11 (IL11) emerged as a pivotal hub gene and a potential diagnostic biomarker for both conditions, particularly in males. Expression analysis of IL11 demonstrated elevated levels in kidney stones and diabetes groups compared to controls. Additionally, IL11 exhibited correlations with specific cell types and differential expression in normal and pathological conditions. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) highlighted significant disparities in biological processes, pathways, and immune signatures associated with IL11. Moreover, molecular docking simulation of resveratrol towards IL11 and a first-principles investigation of Ca adsorption on the resveratrol surface provided structural evidence for the development of resveratrol-based drugs for these conditions.

Conclusions

Overall, this investigation illuminates the discovery of common molecular mechanisms underlying kidney stones and diabetes, unveils potential diagnostic biomarkers, and elucidates the significance of IL11 in these conditions. It also provides insights into IL11 as a promising therapeutic target and highlights the role of resveratrol. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to enhance our understanding of IL11 targeting mechanisms and address any limitations in the study.
Artificial intelligence in cardiovascular diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Yin Yuzhe , Yang Qiwei , Huo Tianqi
Published: July 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI), the technique of extracting information from complex database using sophisticated computer algorithms, has incorporated itself in medical field. AI techniques have shown the potential to accelerate the progression of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease and so on. In clinical scenario, AI have been proved to apply well in CVD diagnosis, enhance effectiveness of auxiliary tools, disease stratification and typing, and outcome prediction. Deeply developed to capture subtle connections from massive amounts of healthcare data, recent AI algorithms are expected to handle even more complex tasks than traditional methods. The aim of this review is to introduce current applications of AI in CVDs, which may allow clinicians who have limited expertise of computer science to better understand the frontier of the subject and put AI algorithms into clinical practice.
Early discontinuation of long-acting reversible contraceptives at four government hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Sisay Adane , Teshome Abel , Bizuneh Hailemichael , D.Compton Sarah
Published: July 2023

Objective

Given high unmet need for contraception in Ethiopia, this study aimed to determine prevalence and factors associated with early discontinuation of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).

Methods

This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 389 participants using exit interviews with clients presenting for removal of LARC at the family planning clinic of four government hospitals in Addis Ababa.

SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were computed.

Result

Among the 389 clients, 236 (60.7%) discontinued early. In multivariate regression, lack of pre-insertion counseling on side effects (AOR = 3.5, p = 0. 000; 95% C.I = 1.8—6.8), presence of side effects (AOR = 1.9, p = 0. 017; 95% C.I = 1. 1- 3.4), history of abortion (AOR = 3.5, p = 0. 001; 95% C.I = 1. 6- 7.4); and no prior contraception use (AOR = 2.9, p = 0. 000; 95% C.I = 1. 6- 5.3) were positively associated with early discontinuation. Whereas insertion outside of Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (AOR = 0.4, p = 0. 000; 95% C.I = 0. 2- 0.6), and influence on choice of contraceptives by others (AOR = 0.2, p = 0. 000; 95% C.I = 0. 2- 0.4) were negatively associated with early discontinuation.

Conclusion

Early discontinuation of LARC was high among study participants. Counseling about possible side effects and giving women the opportunity to decide their own choice of contraception might help in reducing early discontinuation.