bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture may alleviate inflammatory pain by inhibiting the expression of P2RY14 in the primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Hou Shuai , Zhou Ruizhu , He Liuxuan , Chen Cuiyuan , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Yang Sha , Yin Haiyan , Yu Shuguang
Published: July 2024

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been successfully used to treat painful conditions. However, its analgesic mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we established a Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain model. After CFA injection, P2RY14 was upregulated in primary somatosensory cortex of hindlimb (S1HL). EA, not sham EA, alleviated the nociceptive thermal hyperalgesia and reduced the upregulation of P2RY14 of CFA mice. Injection of P2RY14 agonist uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) into bilateral S1HL reversed EA-induced analgesia. Our results demonstrate that EA-induced analgesia of CFA-induced pain can be achieved by downregulation of P2RY14 in the S1HL.
Wealth Gradient in Drinking Water Quality in African Countries
Authors: Soori Bhowmik Sujey
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the wealth gradient in having enhanced drinking water at point of use and compares that gradient between rainy and dry seasons. Pooling nationally representative survey data from 14 African countries, I show that households in the richest quintile are associated with a 21.2 percentage point increase in the probability of having enhanced drinking water at point of use compared to the poorest households in the dry season and I show a differential wealth gradient in the rainy season. However, due to substantial variation across countries, this estimate is close to zero and is statistically insignificant when including country fixed effects. I study a household’s endogenous decision to treat the water or choose a better source to examine the mechanisms driving the wealth gradient: I show the wealth gradient is driven by households in the fourth and fifth quintile being more likely to use better water sources compared to households in the poorer wealth quintiles, consistent with and without the country fixed effects. In contrast, the estimate for the decision to treat the water is not consistent with and without the country fixed effects. These results highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address disparities in drinking water quality African countries, particularly in poorer households.
JEL codes: Q2, Q25, Q5, Q53
Metagenomic analysis of colonic tissue and stool microbiome in patients with colorectal cancer in a South Asian population
Authors: Gamage Bawantha Dilshan , Ranasinghe Diyanath , Sahankumari AGP , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: July 2024

Background
The gut microbiome is thought to play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, as the gut microbiome varies widely based on diet, we sought to investigate the gut microbiome changes in patients with CRC in a South Asian population.
Methods
The gut microbiome was assessed by 16s metagenomic sequencing targeting the V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA in stool samples (n = 112) and colonic tissue (n = 36) in 112 individuals. The cohort comprised of individuals with CRC (n = 24), premalignant lesions (n = 10), healthy individuals (n = 50) and in those with diabetes (n = 28).
Results
Overall, the relative abundances of genus Fusobacterium (p < 0.001), Acinetobacter (p < 0.001), Escherichia-Shigella (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in gut tissue, while Romboutsia (p < 0.01) and Prevotella (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in stool samples. Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were the most abundant genera found in stool samples in patients with CRC. Patients with pre-malignant lesions had significantly high abundances of Christensenellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Mollicutes and Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.001) compared to patients with CRC, and healthy individuals. Romboutsia was significantly more abundant (p < 0.01) in stool samples in healthy individuals compared to those with CRC and diabetes.
Conclusion
Despite marked differences in the Sri Lankan diet compared to the typical Western diet, Bacteroides and Fusobacterium species were the most abundant in those with CRC, with Prevotella species, being most abundant in many individuals. We believe these results pave the way for possible dietary interventions for prevention of CRC in the South Asian population.
Gut microbiota mediating the effect of chronic kidney disease on cognitive dysfunction: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Lv , Wang Zhitian , Wang Mengxue , Li Xiao-li , Ren Qingguo
Published: July 2024

Background
The relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cognitive dysfunction is still debated, and the mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction caused by CKD are still not fully understood.
Methods
This study aimed to explore the potential genetic causality between CKD and cognitive dysfunction using two-sample Mendelian randomization. Furthermore, mediated Mendelian randomization was used to investigate potential genetic mechanisms.
Results
Our study utilizes a two-step Mendelian randomization approach to establish a causal link between chronic kidney disease and cognitive dysfunction, with the gut microbiome playing a pivotal mediating role. The study underscores the intricate relationship between renal function markers—particularly creatinine, which paradoxically correlates positively with cognitive performance—and cognitive health, while also pointing to the modifiable nature of specific gut microbes, such as the Eubacterium fissicatena group, as potential influencers of cognitive decline. Additionally, methanogens' presence in diseases and their dual role in inflammation suggest a complex impact on health that warrants deeper investigation.
Conclusions
The study found a causal link between CKD and cognitive dysfunction, with the gut microbiome acting as a mediator.
A new solution in recovering video to video by hash method
Authors: Gharahsouflou Aboulfazl , Maihami Vafa , Khamforoosh Keyhan
Published: July 2024

Every day, with the advancement of visual equipment, large amounts of data generated in the form of films and videos and uploaded to the Internet. Extracting the desired video from an image has become an important challenge, and so, many specialists and experts have tried to provide various solutions, each with its strengths and weaknesses. A content-based video retrieval system consists of three basic steps: key frame extraction, important features extraction and similarity comparison. Hashing is one of the methods used for retrieving data, which is mostly used to retrieve images. In this paper, we propose a new framework using the hashing method to solve the video retrieval problem, which takes advantage of a multidimensional (3D) CNN to obtain the spatial and temporal features of the video. In the proposed method, the features extracted from each key form are transferred using the Hashing function to a binary space by the pre-trained network to receive the compressed binary codes of the video. We have done some test on the two video datasets THUMOS'14 and UCF-101, and the results show that the in proposed method than the existing methods, the value of mAP in the THUMOS'14 dataset increased 0.61% and 0.62%. in UCF-101 dataset.
Returns of parental education on children’s development by cultural inheritance and ethnic background
Authors: Jahromi Maria , Bayarjargal Ariun-Erdene
Published: July 2024

Parents’ education and the time they spend with their children are crucial for child development and human capital formation. We examine the returns of parental education on children’s cognitive devel- opment and academic performance, and how these effects vary by ethnicity. Using longitudinal data, random e↵ects models and Augmented Value Added models, we identify persistent test score gaps by ethnicity and by parental education which feed into later education and labor market outcomes. The gaps remain after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and ability. Asian children outperform due to larger time investments, selection into better schools and parenting styles. Indigenous children tend to underperform due to a complex interplay of lower financial resources, lower time investments and parenting styles. On average, parental education facilitates the intergenerational transmission of human capital across ethnic groups in similar ways. However, quintile regressions identify diminished returns to parental education for Indigenous children at the upper end of the test score distribution. Our results have policy implications with respect to structural barriers and equity in the education system.
JEL classifications: I24, I26, J15, J18
Psychometric properties of the Korean version of the pre-sleep arousal scale in electronic cigarette or heated tobacco product users
Authors: Kim Namhee , Lee Bo Gyeong
Published: July 2024

Background
The pre-sleep arousal scale (PSAS) is one of the tools that is commonly used to evaluate sleep quality. In the current work, we examined the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the PSAS.
Methods
We performed a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data that was collected from 286 adults aged 19 to 70 years old who used electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or heated tobacco products (HTPs). For psychometric evaluation of the PSAS, the original PSAS was translated into Korean (K-PSAS). Construct validity was confirmed by explorative factor analysis, and the association between the K-PSAS and other convergent measures (e.g., insomnia sleep index, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and hospital anxiety and depression scale) was also evaluated. The K-PSAS scores were also in terms of good or bad sleepers. Reliability was examined based on the corrected item-total correlation coefficient and Cronbach's α.
Results
The K-PSAS-16 was extracted into two factors consisting of the same items as the original PSAS. Item 13 had a low corrected item-total correlation coefficient of -0.10. The factor loadings of item 13 were analysed as -0.10 for somatic arousal and − 0.05 for cognitive arousal. The correlation coefficient between K-PSAS-15 excluding item 13 and other convergent measures ranged from 0.43 to 0.70. Compared to good sleepers, bad sleepers showed significantly higher K-PSAS-15 overall scores as well as significantly higher score on all items. The Cronbach's α of the K-PSAS-15 was found to be 0.91, while somatic arousal and cognitive arousal were 0.87 and 0.90, respectively.
Conclusion
The K-PSAS-15 is a meaningful tool that can be used to measure the pre-sleep arousal level of e-cigarette or HTP users in Korea.
A comprehensive analysis and optimization of coal-biomass mixed fuel for sustainable power generation
Authors: Datta Arghya , Gajera Bhautik , Saikia Manmit , Patra Tapas , Sarma Anil Kumar
Published: July 2024

Forest biomass in India remains grossly underutilized for bioenergy due to infrastructure, technological limitations, and competing land uses. Meghalaya, a state rich in forest cover, faces a similar issue. Additionally, with low-quality coal reserves available in Meghalaya, co-combustion with abundant forest biomass in thermal plants presents a practical solution for achieving energy independence in the state. A feasibility study explored the co-combustion of Meghalayan coal with pinewood charcoal, pine cone, and pine needle to increase calorific value while minimizing ash, sulphur, and chloride content. A multi-objective genetic algorithm utilising an artificial neural network and a response surface methodology model was developed to identify optimal mixture compositions corresponding to specified output criteria. By maximizing pine needle and pine cone usage while minimizing pinewood charcoal, an optimal mixture comprising 50% coal, 10% pinewood charcoal, 23.49% pine cone, and 16.52% pine needle was obtained. The optimal mixture yielded a maximum calorific value of 3873.70 kcal/kg, with minimum chloride (236.39 mg/kg), ash (32.05%), and sulphur (3444.7 mg/kg) content.
WITHDRAWN: Surface hydrophobization of pulp paper and nanofibrillated cellulose(CNF) films using blocked diisocyanates
Authors: de Souza Gustavo , de Carvalho Antonio José Felix , Kramer Ricardo Klaus
Published: July 2024

Cellulose fibers and cellulose nanofibrillated (CNF) stand at the forefront of sustainable material innovation, thanks to their unique structural properties that pave the way to produce remarkable all-cellulose products. Despite their promising attributes, challenges such as high hydrophilicity and lower durability in wet conditions highlight the need for simple and cost-effective hydrophobization techniques. In this study, we explore the potential of a novel two-step hydrophobization process of pulp paper and CNF films using blocked isocyanate chemistry. 4,4-Methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) was employed along with phenol and linear chain alcohols to produce blocked diisocyanates adducts. Alkylic groups with chain lengths varied from 3 to 18 carbons was produced and characterized through FT-IR, Liquid 1H-NMR and TGA. The hydrophobization process involved dipping samples of pulp paper and CNF films in the adduct solution for a few seconds followed by heating at 170 °C. The resultant hydrophobized papers and films were analyzed employing FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle (WCA). The analyses revealed that the effectiveness of the hydrophobization was intricately linked to the length of the adduct moiety and the inherent roughness of the cellulose surfaces. Hydrophobized pulp paper exhibited WCAs ranging from 109° to 144° reaching near superhydrophobic state in comparison to WCA 0° observed for the hydrophilic ones. Similarly, hydrophobized CNF films showed WCAs between 93° and 114°, significantly higher than the 50° of the pristine CNF films. Once both cellulose surfaces were treated with the same adducts, the difference in WCA values from pulp paper to CNF films is attributed to surface roughness: pulp paper, with a rougher surface of 75 nm, had higher WCAs, whereas the CNF films, with a smoother surface near 20 nm, had lower WCAs. This study not only sheds light on the critical role of chemical modification in enhancing the water resistance of cellulose-based materials but also opens new avenues for the development of cellulose products with enhanced durability and sustainability.
The Urbanization Crisis and the Transformation of Urban Settlement System in Khabarovsk Krai in the 1990s – 2010s
Authors: Breslavsky Anatoliy S. ,   Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

The post-Soviet history of the urbanization process in Russia is still poorly understood both empirically and conceptually. The scarce geography of regional studies, the low level of integration of domestic scientists into international discussions still limit our ability to construct medium-level theories explaining the multi-vector trends in the development of Russian cities and urban-type settlements in the 1990s–2010s. The specific experience of urbanization of the regions of the Far East in this regard seems to be highly important due to its historical and regional originality. The article focuses on the processes of transformation of urban settlement system in the Khabarovsk Krai in the late 1980s–2010s. The study is based on the complex of methods of historical science;its source base includes official statistical data and regulatory documents of the federal, regional and local levels. The author concludes that the last three decades in the history of urban settlements of Khabarovsk Krai can be defined as a period of urbanization crisis. Substantially, this crisis manifested in the loss by cities and urban-type settlements of the region of part (and somewhere, all) of the city-forming enterprises – the economic base, prospects for economic growth; in the reorganization of 14 out of 31 urban-type settlements into rural settlements; in a significant reduction in the population of 6 out of 7 cities (except Khabarovsk) and all urban-type settlements of the region. Not a single new urban-type settlement was created in the region in the 1990s–2010s, and the existing ones did not receive any real grounds for receiving the city status. Only Khabarovsk remains the main support of the region, generating agglomeration and suburbanization processes around it. At the same time, due to Komsomolsk-on-Amur and, to a lesser extent, small towns in the region, the urban settlement system in the region still remains polycentric.
Urea Cocrystals as a Potential Fertilizer for Turfgrass: Responses of ‘Tifway’ Hybrid Bermudagrass and Nitrogen Release Behavior
Authors: Hejl Reagan W. , Farias Julia , Baltrusaitis Jonas , Williams Clinton F. , Eisa Mohamed , Ragauskaitė Dovilė , Serba Desalegn D.
Published: July 2024

Urea cocrystal materials are a potential fertilizer source that has shown to decrease environmental nitrogen losses. Novel nitrogen (N)-containing urea cocrystal fertilizers, CaSO4·4urea (UC1) and Ca(H2PO4)2·4urea (UC2), were synthesized using the mechanochemical method to form stable urea cocrystals to be tested as a fertilizer source for turfgrass. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the response of ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. traansvalensis Burt Davy) to N fertilization by urea cocrystals and traditional coated urea products (MU·PCU, methylene urea, urea, polymer-coated urea; PCU, polymer-coated urea, urea) supplied at two rates at the beginning of two, 10-week study periods conducted under a greenhouse setting and 2) investigate N release behavior of urea and two cocrystal products using a rapid water release test. In the turfgrass response study conducted in the greenhouse, improved turfgrass quality above the minimum quality threshold was observed when averaging across all products. For normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), cocrystal outperformed all other products in the summer study and both cocrystal products outperformed the traditional product (MU·PCU) in the winter study. Further, both cocrystal products showed favorable growth responses compared with the commercial products provided by positive clipping production and vertical extension rates. In the nitrogen release experiment, a rapid water release test revealed the N release peak of urea was significantly higher than both UC1 and UC2. Furthermore, significantly higher N was leached from urea (15% loss) compared with both UC1 and UC2 (≈8% loss). Results from both studies provide evidence supporting suitability of urea cocrystal application on bermudagrass and potential as a slow-release fertilizer source through sustained turfgrass vigor, growth, decreased N release peak, and decreased leaching losses.
Blooming Business: How Consumer Satisfaction Shapes Online Plant and Cut Flower Spending
Authors: Rihn Alicia L. , Behe Bridget K. , Knuth Melinda , Huddleston Patricial
Published: July 2024

Online sales of plants are relatively new compared with other products. An online survey was used to measure online and in-store plant/flower spending from 1290 participants. Participants were satisfied with their online plant/flower purchases and spent $31.86 more on plants/flowers through online retailers than in stores. Participants’ social media use increased their in-store plant/flower spending but not online spending. Using Amazon, Google, and farm-direct online retailers increased both in-store and online plant/flower spending. Demographic characteristics did not influence online or in-store spending, except income which had a positive effect.
Waste Separation and Perceptions of Environmental Health in a College Floral Design Course
Authors: Nickels Anna Foster , Etheredge Coleman L. , DelPrince James , Harkess Richard , Morrison Carley
Published: July 2024

Industries have found themselves under a microscope because consumers are basing more of their purchasing decisions on a company’s sustainability practices. The floral industry is perceived as being environmentally friendly by consumers. However, based on waste production, the life cycle of fresh merchandise, and the carbon footprint of flowers shipped across the world, this purchasing assumption is not entirely true. To align with consumer perceptions and become more sustainable, the industry must adapt to include more sustainable practices. New and experienced florists alike must determine how they can make slight changes in their businesses to become more environmentally savvy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the introduction of more sustainable waste practices into a college floral design course influenced the students’ perceptions of environmental health. Two groups of students enrolled in the basic floral design course at Mississippi State University completed a survey about environmental health at the start and at the end of the semester. However, one group sorted their laboratory wastes into compostable material and landfill material. The results of this study indicated that students who separated their floral waste maintained the same level of environmental concern throughout the testing period, whereas the environmental health scores of those who did not separate their waste declined slightly. The results also indicated that the participants who did not separate their floral waste had lower mean scores at the beginning and at the end of the study. Finally, the results of this study indicated that students who separated floral waste were ranked as having high environmental concern compared to those who did not separate their floral waste in the laboratory.
Determining Need: Opportunities for Connecticut Invasive Plant Programming
Authors: Tomis Sara M. , Kurtz Lauren E. , Siegel-Miles Alyssa J. , Wallace Victoria H.
Published: July 2024

The University of Connecticut Extension Sustainable Landscapes program seeks to develop an invasive plant training program to equip stakeholder groups of varied experiential backgrounds with the information needed to evaluate, manage, and mitigate populations of invasive species in Connecticut. A mixed methods needs assessment was conducted to explore diverse viewpoints about invasive plant education. Data were collected from 233 survey respondents and three focus group interviews. Landscape professional/contractors and municipal employees totaled 41.1% of respondents when combined, and home gardeners totaled 27.9%. The greatest programmatic need identified by survey respondents was invasive plant management options and strategies, with Japanese knotweed considered the most problematic invasive plant from a list of 16 species. Focus group participants expressed enthusiasm about targeted educational programming, such as efforts focused on land management principles, species identification, state regulatory agencies, and pesticide application. Many shared the need for enhanced public education efforts and resource availability. A hybrid approach, including virtual and in-person components, was recommended as the ideal delivery modality for an invasive plant training program.
miRNAs and indicators of mineral metabolism in the population of dialysis patients
Authors: Rind A. R. , Essaian A. M. , Zaraiskii M. I.
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death in patients on renal replacement dialysis therapy. The vast majority of patients with CKD 5D have left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is a predisposing factor to diastolic dysfunction, heart failure (HF), arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. In recent years, a significant role in the development of cardiovascular pathology in CKD has been attributed to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Mineral bone correction may have a beneficial effect on LVH.

Aim. To evaluate the associations between indices of mineral-bone metabolism and cardiac echocardiography parameters in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) with hemo- and peritoneal dialysis, receiving and not receiving phosphate binders.

Materials and methods. The study included 75 patients, of whom 53 received treatment with program hemodialysis (HD), 22 with peritoneal dialysis (PD). The control group consisted of 28 healthy volunteers. 43 patients were treated with phosphate binders. Of all patients receiving treatment aimed at correcting hyperphosphatemia, 22 received sevelamer carbonate: 86% of patients took sevelamer carbonate at a dose of 4800 mg/day and 14% at a dose of 2400 mg/day. All biochemical parameters were determined on an automatic biochemical analyzer; FGF-23 was also determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the level of intact PTH was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Instrumental studies included echocardiography.

Results. In patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVMM in the group of patients on hemodialysis 206.6 [120.0; 300.0], in the group on peritoneal dialysis 176.2 [134.0; 204.0]) the level of FGF-23 was significantly increased (p = 0.005). In the group of patients receiving sevelamer carbonate, there was a decrease in the incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy, lower levels of FGF-23 (12.4 ± 5.9), in contrast to the group that did not receive this drug (23 ± 7.3; p = 0.003 ) and PTH (110 ± 27 ng/ml, in the group that did not receive the drug – 340 ± 15; p = 0.01).

Conclusions. The use of phosphate binders, in particular sevelamer carbonate, is associated with a decrease in left ventricular hypertrophy and lower levels of FGF-23.
EFFICIENT AND REUSABLE MATERIALS WITH PYROCHLORE STRUCTURE FOR REMOVING RED DYE FROM AQUEOUS MEDIA
Authors: Firmino Valber , Fernandes Júlia , Souza Marcelo , Garrido Pedrosa Anne
Published: July 2024

Mixed oxides of pyrochlore structure of the type La2Zr2O7 and La2M0.3Zr1.7O7 (M = Fe or Ni) were synthesized through the modified proteic method and calcined at 900 °C for 2 h, this is a synthesis route not yet explored for materials with this structure and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy images, point of zero charge (PZC) and specific surface area. Its abilities to remove pollutants from aqueous media by adsorption process were investigated using a model compound. Data analysis revealed that the synthesized materials correspond to the pyrochlore phase (La2Zr2O7). They present particulate morphology with grains of different sizes and pores in their structure. The results of the adsorption studies show that the materials are efficient adsorbents for the removal of model compound in aqueous media, with efficiency above 90%. The adsorption kinetics of the compound in the adsorbents was studied. The materials were applied in reuse studies five times and maintained high efficiencies, highlighting the better performance presented by the material without doping. The obtained adsorbents were also submitted to removal of contaminants of industrial effluent tests and compared with the silica gel and activated carbon materials and also proved to be promising materials.
influence of work motivation on employee performance after mutation at PT PLN (PERSERO) UIK SBS
Authors: Fitriandi Tan , Widiyanti Marlina , Hadjri Muhammad Ichsan , Yusuf M
Published: July 2024

This study aims to analyze the effect of work motivation on employee performance after mutation at PT PLN (Persero) South Sumatra Generating Unit (UIK SBS). The method used in this research is a quantitative method with a causality approach. The data used is primary data obtained through a questionnaire with a Likert scale distributed to all employees of PT PLN (Persero) UIK SBS. Data analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression to determine the effect of the independent variable (work motivation) on the dependent variable (employee performance). The results showed that work motivation has a positive and significant influence on employee performance. This finding indicates that increasing work motivation can improve employee performance, so companies are expected to formulate effective strategies to increase work motivation to achieve optimal performance.
Evaluación de buenas prácticas de ordeño (BPO) y su efecto en la calidad de la leche fresca (cruda) en predios de pequeños ganaderos de Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Calderon Rangel Alfonso , Suárez Grisales Jorge Andrés , Bustamante Yánez Moris de Jesús , Martínez-Humanez Nicolas , Palomino Cantillo Miguel
Published: July 2024

El proyecto se ejecutó en el corregimiento de Leticia, una de las zonas más importantes de Montería en la producción de leche y que se caracteriza por sus malos indicadores, generando esto brechas tecnológicas en comparación con otros sistemas ganaderos. Con la implementación de las escuelas de campo, estrategia de educación no formal, se generó un ambiente de aprendizaje entre productores y técnicos. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de dicha intervención educativa en buenas prácticas de ordeño, sobre la salud de la ubre y la calidad microbiológica de la leche en fincas de pequeños productores de Montería, Córdoba, Colombia. La recolección de la información de campo se desarrolló en tres fases: pretest, donde se hizo una encuesta y una primera toma de muestras; intervención, donde se efectuó una capacitación mediante escuelas de campo en diferentes protocolos y postest, donde se hizo una evaluación final mediante una encuesta y una segunda toma de muestras para valorar la sanidad de las ubres y la calidad microbiológica; todas estas mediciones se analizaron en un laboratorio certificado. Mediante un estudio analítico, se recolectaron 144 encuestas y 144 muestras de leche cruda en el pretest, de igual manera sucedió en el postest, y los datos fueron procesados mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial en el software Infostat. Como resultado, las variables células somáticas y mesófilos fueron menores en el postest. El acompañamiento técnico permitió implementar buenas prácticas de ordeño y vincular a pequeños productores con mercados formales de la cadena láctea.
The Effect of Walking on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Zijun , Zheng Xiaoxiang , Ding Hanyue , Zhang Dexing , Cheung Peter Man-Hin , Yang Zuyao , Tam King Wa , Zhou Weiju , Chan Dicken Cheong-Chun , Wang Wenyue , Wong Samuel Yeung-Shan
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous literature lacks summative information on the mental health benefits achieved from different forms of walking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different forms of walking in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Methods

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of walking on depressive and anxiety symptoms. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched on April 5, 2022. Two authors independently screened the studies and extracted the data. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to synthesize the data. Results were summarized as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs in forest plots. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results

This review included 75 RCTs with 8636 participants; 68 studies reported depressive symptoms, 39 reported anxiety symptoms, and 32 reported both as the outcomes. One study reported the results for adolescents and was not included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results for adults indicated that walking could significantly reduce depressive symptoms (RCTs: n=44; SMD −0.591, 95% CI −0.778 to −0.403; I2=84.8%; τ2=0.3008; P<.001) and anxiety symptoms (RCTs: n=26; SMD −0.446, 95% CI −0.628 to −0.265; I2=81.1%; τ2=0.1530; P<.001) when compared with the inactive controls. Walking could significantly reduce depressive or anxiety symptoms in most subgroups, including different walking frequency, duration, location (indoor or outdoor), and format (group or individual) subgroups (all P values were <.05). Adult participants who were depressed (RCTs: n=5; SMD −1.863, 95% CI −2.764 to −0.962; I2=86.4%; τ2=0.8929) and those who were not depressed (RCTs: n=39; SMD −0.442, 95% CI −0.604 to −0.280; I2=77.5%; τ2=0.1742) could benefit from walking effects on their depressive symptoms, and participants who were depressed could benefit more (P=.002). In addition, there was no significant difference between walking and active controls in reducing depressive symptoms (RCTs: n=17; SMD −0.126, 95% CI −0.343 to 0.092; I2=58%; τ2=0.1058; P=.26) and anxiety symptoms (14 RCTs, SMD −0.053, 95% CI −0.311 to 0.206, I2=67.7%, τ2=0.1421; P=.69).

Conclusions

Various forms of walking can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the effects of walking are comparable to active controls. Walking can be adopted as an evidence-based intervention for reducing depression and anxiety. More evidence on the effect of low-intensity walking is needed in the future.
Artificial Intelligence–Augmented Clinical Decision Support Systems for Pregnancy Care: Systematic Review
Authors: Lin Xinnian , Liang Chen , Liu Jihong , Lyu Tianchu , Ghumman Nadia , Campbell Berry
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite the emerging application of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in pregnancy care and the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) over the last decade, it remains understudied regarding the role of AI in CDSS specialized for pregnancy care.

Objective

To identify and synthesize AI-augmented CDSS in pregnancy care, CDSS functionality, AI methodologies, and clinical implementation, we reported a systematic review based on empirical studies that examined AI-augmented CDSS in pregnancy care.

Methods

We retrieved studies that examined AI-augmented CDSS in pregnancy care using database queries involved with titles, abstracts, keywords, and MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms. Bibliographic records from their inception to 2022 were retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE (n=206), Embase (n=101), and ACM Digital Library (n=377), followed by eligibility screening and literature review. The eligibility criteria include empirical studies that (1) developed or tested AI methods, (2) developed or tested CDSS or CDSS components, and (3) focused on pregnancy care. Data of studies used for review and appraisal include title, abstract, keywords, MeSH terms, full text, and supplements. Publications with ancillary information or overlapping outcomes were synthesized as one single study. Reviewers independently reviewed and assessed the quality of selected studies.

Results

We identified 30 distinct studies of 684 studies from their inception to 2022. Topics of clinical applications covered AI-augmented CDSS from prenatal, early pregnancy, obstetric care, and postpartum care. Topics of CDSS functions include diagnostic support, clinical prediction, therapeutics recommendation, and knowledge base.

Conclusions

Our review acknowledged recent advances in CDSS studies including early diagnosis of prenatal abnormalities, cost-effective surveillance, prenatal ultrasound support, and ontology development. To recommend future directions, we also noted key gaps from existing studies, including (1) decision support in current childbirth deliveries without using observational data from consequential fetal or maternal outcomes in future pregnancies; (2) scarcity of studies in identifying several high-profile biases from CDSS, including social determinants of health highlighted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and (3) chasm between internally validated CDSS models, external validity, and clinical implementation.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Home-Based Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Monitoring Option: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cannon Chase , Holzhauer Katherine , Golden Matthew
Published: July 2024

Background

HIV prevention is a public health priority. Despite progress in recent years, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use remains suboptimal especially among groups disproportionately impacted by new HIV diagnoses such as gender and sexual minorities of color. Multiple barriers including a lack of PrEP providers and challenges with attending quarterly monitoring visits contribute to low PrEP uptake and retention. Home-based PrEP (HB-PrEP) services could reduce stigma, increase convenience, expand health system capacity for PrEP care, and improve PrEP retention.

Objective

Home Option Testing for PrEP (HOT4PrEP) is a hybrid randomized controlled trial (RCT) that aims to examine whether HB-PrEP care is acceptable to PrEP users, feasible to implement in a sexual health clinic setting, and impacts PrEP retention.

Methods

The RCT will recruit 458 persons currently taking or soon to initiate PrEP at a sexual health clinic in Seattle, Washington, and randomize them to continue the standard of care or have the option to use HB-PrEP for 2 of 3 triannual PrEP follow-up visits. Participants in the intervention arm will be sent home kits containing gonorrhea and chlamydia swabs and Tasso devices for blood self-collection. The primary outcome is PrEP retention between groups at 20 months; secondary outcomes include user satisfaction and acceptability, feasibility, self-reported PrEP adherence, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence. Interviews with PrEP users and clinic staff will elucidate barriers and facilitators of implementation.

Results

The HOT4PrEP RCT began enrolling in March 2022, was on hold during the height of the US mpox epidemic, then resumed enrollment in December 2022. Of the first 100 enrollees, the median age is 34 years, and most are cisgender gay men (89/100, 89%) with at least some college education (91/100, 91%). Among the 49 participants randomized to the HB-PrEP option, 33 (67%) chose to self-collect samples at home at least once, of whom 27 (82%) successfully returned test kits for HIV and STI testing. Primary PrEP retention and qualitative analyses are ongoing.

Conclusions

Implementation of HB-PrEP into a high-volume sexual health clinic seems to be feasible and acceptable to early RCT enrollees. This strategy has the potential to address individual and systemic barriers associated with initiating and persisting on PrEP, such as increasing sexual health agency and expanding clinical capacity to serve greater numbers of PrEP users.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05856942; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05856942

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/56587
Evaluating entomological measures and cypermethrin use in pest control
Authors: Susanto Agus , Kesuma Agung Puja , Zufri Armen , Putra Rizki Maisar , Wahono Tri , Astuti Endang Puji
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study aims to analyze entomological indicators and the susceptibility status of the Aedes aegypti mosquito to cypermethrin in the Tanjung Balai Karimun Port Health Office area.
Methods: This type of study is observational, using a cross-sectional design approach. Entomology indicator data collection is carried out routinely every month by observing containers in each building both inside and outside. The vulnerability test uses the WHO susceptibility test method.
Results:  The results of entomological indicators in the perimeter area showed no density of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. In contrast, the density of larvae in the buffer area was low to moderate. A susceptibility test showed that 0.05% cypermethrin was still susceptible to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the efficacy of the current control measures implemented in the study area and emphasize the critical need for continuous monitoring and surveillance. Maintaining such efforts is paramount for sustaining effective mosquito control initiatives and mitigating the potential risks posed by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, thereby reducing the threat of vector-borne disease.
The Relationship between Physical Exercise and Subjective Well-being: a Meta-Analysis based on The Chinese Student Population
Authors: Ran Zhengban , Zhou Anli , Ran Chenggang , Ling Chen , Qin Chaoling
Published: July 2024

Using the method of meta-analysis to explore the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being, after searching and screening, as of December 2023, a total of 534 subject-related literature was searched, and 46 articles were included in the literature, with 38,291 subjects, which were analyzed by the random-effects model selected from the results of the test of homogeneity, and the study found that: there is a certain degree of positive correlation between physical exercise and subjective well-being (r=0.269, 95% CI = [0.222, 0.313]), and the instrument for measuring subjective well-being can significantly affect the relationship, but the age and gender of the subjects do not have a significant effect on the two. The results of the study demonstrated a positive relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being, supporting the goal orientation theory. A wider range of studies such as experimental studies should be included in the future to test the relationship.
Calidad de Vida en Adultos Jóvenes con TDAH: Revisión Sistemática
Authors: Martínez Martínez Julieta
Published: July 2024

El TDAH es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo que se caracteriza por un patrón perseverante de fallos atencionales, hiperactividad e impulsividad y que interfiere con el funcionamiento y desarrollo del individuo, la sintomatología va evolucionando con la edad, por lo que los síntomas que se podrían presentar en la infancia probablemente cambien. Los adultos con TDAH tienen un mayor riesgo de tener un nivel socioeconómico bajo y una disminución en logros académicos, niveles de educación y empleos funcionales, además de presentar cambios frecuentes de trabajo, mayores tasas de desempleo, comportamiento antisocial, arrestos, conflictos interpersonales y tasas más altas de divorcio y separación conyugales, lo que lleva a una baja calidad de vida, ya que sus percepciones con respecto a su posición en la vida en el contexto cultural y en relación con sus metas, expectativas, estándares y preocupaciones en las dimensiones de salud física, nivel de independencia, relaciones sociales y creencias personales se ven  afectadas por las características propias de tal condición y sus comorbilidades con otras entidades psiquiátricas como depresión y ansiedad. El objetivo en esta revisión sistemática es identificar los efectos que tiene el TDAH en la calidad de vida de adultos jóvenes.
Enseñanza-aprendizaje virtual del componente experimental de la Química: una estrategia didáctica
Authors: Batista Zaldívar Mario Adelfo , Giler Intriago Sonia Nathaly , Luzardo Gorozabel Binnie Patricia , Ruperti Montesdeoca Juan Pablo , Sacoto Palacio Gisella Larissa , Lucas Pachay Pedro Vicente , Falconí Vélez Miguel Andrés
Published: July 2024

La pandemia inducida por el COVID-19 provocó que el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en las universidades se realice a través de la modalidad virtual. El aprendizaje experimental de las ciencias químicas bajo esta modalidad constituye un reto para los estudiantes, pues las prácticas de laboratorio están diseñadas para desarrollarse de manera presencial. El objetivo de esta investigación fue elaborar una estrategia didáctica para la enseñanza del componente experimental de la química en la modalidad virtual. Para ello se utilizaron software de simulación (VirtualLab ChemCollective), software de grabación (Zoom Meetings y Google Meet), software de edición de video (Camtasia, Ice Cream Video Editor) y la plataforma Moodle. Se implementaron las cuatro fases de la estrategia didáctica elaborada, que incluyó toda la documentación necesaria para ello (cronograma, guías de estudio, material didáctico, entre otros) y se aplicó una encuesta a 980 estudiantes que participaron en el estudio. Una vez evaluada la estrategia didáctica, la asistencia a clase fue del 88,6 por ciento, la nota media obtenida por los estudiantes fue de 7,8 puntos sobre 10 posibles; el 78,0 por ciento del total, y más del 94 % de los educandos encuestados se mostraron satisfechos con la calidad del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del componente experimental realizado virtualmente. Se concluyó que la asistencia tuvo un comportamiento similar en el semestre evaluado en comparación con el periodo anterior, por lo que la modalidad virtual utilizada en el semestre analizado no influyó en la retención de los estudiantes, y que la calificación promedio se incrementó en 4,4 %; lo que corrobora la efectividad de la estrategia didáctica aplicada.
Enhancing Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Fruit Trees Using Microbial Biostimulants
Authors: Albasri Hibah M. , Mawad Asmaa M.M. , Aldaby Eman S.E.
Published: July 2024

Global climate change has significantly reduced the yield of many crops due to various abiotic stressors. These stressors include water-related issues such as drought and flooding, thermal changes like extremely low and high temperatures, salinity, and adverse soil pH conditions including alkalinity and acidity. Biostimulants have emerged as promising and effective tools for mitigating the damage caused by these abiotic stressors in plants, ultimately enhancing both the quantity and quality of crops. Biostimulants are naturally derived substances that include humic acid, protein hydrolysates, nitrogenous compounds, seaweed extracts, beneficial bacteria, and molds. Even at low concentrations, biostimulants play a critical role in activating important plant enzymes, inducing antioxidant defenses, improving water relations and photosynthetic activity, stimulating hormone-like activities (particularly auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins), and modulating root system development. This review discusses the physiological effects of microbial biostimulants on the quality and productivity of fruit crops, as well as their experimental applications.
Unraveling the spatial dynamics of regional economic disparities in East Java
Authors: Hadi Priyono Teguh , Santoso Edy , Istyani Nanik , Jumiati Aisah , Purtomo Somaji Rafael
Published: July 2024

The objective of this research was to analyze the determinants of regional disparities in East Java Province. This study utilized panel data, incorporating research locations across 38 regencies in East Java, with a data series spanning from 2016 to 2020. Spatial panel data models were employed to address the research objective, specifically examining the impact of spatial and non-spatial factors on disparities in East Java. The study's findings indicated that the Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) model was the most effective for estimating disparities in the region. The effects of each variable are as follows: the average duration of schooling and investment had positive and significant effects on disparities, while the variable of open unemployment rate did not exhibit any significant effect. Additionally, there is a spatial effect in the form of an endogenous interaction effect, signifying that the extent of disparities is influenced by the disparities in neighboring areas.
Pengaruh positive thinking dalam meningkatkan self acceptance pada siswa
Authors: Baiq Hardianti  , Ahmad Munjirin
Published: July 2024

This study is motivated by the researcher’s attention to class XII MA NWDI Sakra students who have low self-acceptance.So this study aims to determine the effect of positive thinking in increasing the self-acceptance of class XII MA NWDISakra students. This research was conducted at MA NWDI Sakra with a population of 63 students and the sample usedwas as many as the population, namely 63 students because the population was less than 100. This study shows thatthe Kolmogorov Smirnov calculation obtained p = 0.200¿ 0.05 which means that the data distribution has been normallydistributed so that data analysis with the t-test (Paired Sample t-test) can be done using the help of SPSS version 25.The results of this study state that positive thinking affects increasing self-acceptance in class XII MA NWDI Sakrastudents.