bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water quality and habitat drive phytoplankton taxonomic and functional group patterns in the Yangtze River
Authors: Gao Wenqi , Xiong Fangyuan , Lu Ying , Xin Wei , Wang Haihua , Feng Gangpeng , Kong Chiping , Fang Lei , Gao Xiaoping , Chen Yushun
Published: February 2024

Background

Although phytoplankton are important primary producers in food webs, they are relatively less studied in large rivers compared to other types of systems. To fill this research gap, we studied phytoplankton taxonomic and functional composition and their relationships with water quality, habitat, climate, and land use across 30 river sections in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River during 2017–2018.

Results

Major observed phytoplankton groups were cyanobacteria, bacillariophyta, and chlorophyta. Phytoplankton total abundance, total biomass, and species richness significantly decreased in the dry season compared to the wet season, with the species and functional composition differing significantly between seasons. Phytoplankton species differences between seasons were mainly contributed by Oscillatoria sp., Pseudanabaena sp., and Melosira granulata. The dfferences in phytoplankton functional groups between seasons were mainly contributed by P (including Closterium sp., Melosira sp.), Lo (including Merismopedia sp., Peridinium sp., Ceratium sp., and Gymnodinium sp.), and J (including Pediastrum sp., Tetraedron sp., Crucigenia sp., Scenedesmus sp., and Coelastrum sp.). The variance partitioning showed that water quality (NO3-N, total suspended solids, turbidity) and habitat (water flow, river bank and river channel conditions) were critical factors in shaping phytoplankton patterns, followed by climate and land use.

Conclusions

Results indicated that there was significant seasonal variation of phytoplankton in the Yangtze River, with water quality and habitat primarily driving phytoplankton patterns. Our study contributes to the understanding of natural and anthropogenic factors that drive seasonal successional processes of phytoplankton in the Yangtze River. These findings have important implications for environmental management as well as towards the ecological restoration of large rivers.
Excess dietary Lys reduces feed intake, stimulates jejunal CCK secretion and alters essential and non-essential blood AA profile in pigs
Authors: Müller Maximiliano , Van Liefferinge Elout , Tilbrook Alan , van Barneveld Robert , Roura Eugeni
Published: February 2024

Background

Commercial diets are frequently formulated to meet or exceed nutrient levels including those of limiting essential amino acids (AA) covering potential individual variations within the herd. However, the provision of dietary excess of AA, such as Lys, may lead to reduced appetite and growth in pigs. The mechanisms modulating these responses have not been extensively investigated. This study evaluated the effect of Lys dietary excesses on performance and satiety biomarkers in post weaning pigs.

Methods

Twenty-four pigs aged 21 d and weighing 6.81 ± 0.12 kg (mean ± SEM) were individually housed and offered 1 of 4 dietary treatments for 3 weeks: a diet containing a standardized ileal digestible Lys reaching 100% (T0), 120% (T1), 150% (T2) or 200% (T3) of the NRC (2012) requirements. At the end of the experiment, blood samples from the cephalic vein of the T0 and T3 groups were obtained for AA analysis. In addition, primary intestinal cultures from T0 pigs were used, following their humane killing, to evaluate the effect of Lys on gut hormone secretion and AA sensors gene expression under ex vivo conditions.

Results

Feed intake was linearly reduced (P < 0.001) and the weight gain to feed ratio reduced (P < 0.10) with increased dietary levels of Lys during the third- and first-week post weaning, respectively. Cholecystokinin concentration (P < 0.05) and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and the solute carrier family 7 member 2 (P < 0.10) gene expression was enhanced in proximal jejunum tissues incubated with Lys at 20 mmol/L when compared to the control (Lys 0 mmol/L). Plasma Lys and Glu (P < 0.05) concentration increased in the T3 compared to T0 pigs. In contrast, plasma levels of His, Val, Thr, Leu (P < 0.05) and Gln (P < 0.10) were lower in T3 than T0 pigs.

Conclusion

The present results confirm that excess dietary Lys inhibits hunger in pigs. Moreover, the results provide evidence of pre- and post-absorptive mechanisms modulating these responses. Lys dietary excesses should be narrowed, when possible, to avoid negative effects of the AA on appetite in pigs.
Probiotic cocktails accelerate baicalin metabolism in the ileum to modulate intestinal health in broiler chickens
Authors: Gao Mingkun , Liao Chaoyong , Fu Jianyang , Ning Zhonghua , Lv Zengpeng , Guo Yuming
Published: February 2024

Background

Baicalin and probiotic cocktails are promising feed additives with broad application prospects. While probiotic cocktails are known to enhance intestinal health, the potential synergistic impact of combining baicalin with probiotic cocktails on the gut health of broiler chickens remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of the combined administration of baicalin and probiotic cocktails on the composition of ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the health-promoting effects.

Results

A total of 320 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 4 groups, each with 8 replicates of 10 chicks per replicate. Over a period of 42 d, the birds were fed a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 37.5 g/t baicalin (BC), 1,000 g/t probiotic cocktails (PC), or a combination of both BC (37.5 g/t) and PC (1,000 g/t). The results demonstrated that BC + PC exhibited positive synergistic effects, enhancing intestinal morphology, immune function, and barrier function. This was evidenced by increased VH/CD ratio, sIgA levels, and upregulated expression of occludin and claudin-1 (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA analysis indicated that PC potentiated the effects of BC, particularly in the ileum, where BC + PC significantly increased the α-diversity of the ileal microbiota, altered its β-diversity, and increased the relative abundance of Flavonifractor (P < 0.05), a flavonoid-metabolizing bacterium. Furthermore, Flavonifractor positively correlated with chicken ileum crypt depth (P < 0.05). While BC + PC had a limited effect on cecal microbiota structure, the PC group had a very similar microbial composition to BC + PC, suggesting that the effect of PC at the distal end of the gut overshadowed those of BC.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the synergistic enhancement of gut health regulation in broiler chickens by combining baicalin and probiotic cocktails. Probiotic cocktails enhanced the effects of baicalin and accelerated its metabolism in the ileum, thereby influencing the ileal microbiota structure. This study elucidates the interaction mechanism between probiotic cocktails and plant extract additives within the host microbiota. These findings provide compelling evidence for the future development of feed additive combinations.
Prevotella and succinate treatments altered gut microbiota, increased laying performance, and suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation in laying hens
Authors: Liu Min , Kang Zeyue , Cao Xikang , Jiao Hongchao , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhao Jingpeng , Lin Hai
Published: February 2024

Background

This work aimed to investigate the potential benefits of administering Prevotella and its primary metabolite succinate on performance, hepatic lipid accumulation and gut microbiota in laying hens.

Results

One hundred and fifty 58-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens, with laying rate below 80% and plasma triglyceride (TG) exceeding 5 mmol/L, were used in this study. The hens were randomly allocated into 5 groups and subjected to one of the following treatments: fed with a basal diet (negative control, NC), oral gavage of 3 mL/hen saline every other day (positive control, PC), gavage of 3 mL/hen Prevotella melaninogenica (107 CFU/mL, PM) or 3 mL/hen Prevotella copri (107 CFU/mL, P. copri) every other day, and basal diet supplemented with 0.25% sodium succinate (Succinate). The results showed that PM and P. copri treatments significantly improved laying rate compared to the PC (P < 0.05). The amount of lipid droplet was notably decreased by PM, P. copri, and Succinate treatments at week 4 and decreased by P. copri at week 8 (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, the plasma TG level in Succinate group was lower than that of PC (P < 0.05). Hepatic TG content, however, was not significantly influenced at week 4 and 8 (P > 0.05). PM treatment increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of genes PGC-1β and APB-5B at week 4, and ACC and CPT-1 at week 8. The results indicated enhanced antioxidant activities at week 8, as evidenced by reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level and improved antioxidant enzymes activities in PM and Succinate groups (P < 0.05). Supplementing with Prevotella or succinate can alter the cecal microbiota. Specifically, the abundance of Prevotella in the Succinate group was significantly higher than that in the other 4 groups at the family and genus levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Oral intake of Prevotella and dietary supplementation of succinate can ameliorate lipid metabolism of laying hens. The beneficial effect of Prevotella is consistent across different species. The finding highlights that succinate, the primary metabolite of Prevotella, represents a more feasible feed additive for alleviating fatty liver in laying hens.
Establishment of a chicken intestinal organoid culture system to assess deoxynivalenol-induced damage of the intestinal barrier function
Authors: Kang Tae Hong , Lee Sang In
Published: February 2024

Background

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that has received recognition worldwide because of its ability to cause growth delay, nutrient malabsorption, weight loss, emesis, and a reduction of feed intake in livestock. Since DON-contaminated feedstuff is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, we used chicken organoids to assess the DON-induced dysfunction of the small intestine.

Results

We established a culture system using chicken organoids and characterized the organoids at passages 1 and 10. We confirmed the mRNA expression levels of various cell markers in the organoids, such as KI67, leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), mucin 2 (MUC2), chromogranin A (CHGA), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), lysozyme (LYZ), and microtubule-associated doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), and compared the results to those of the small intestine. Our results showed that the organoids displayed functional similarities in permeability compared to the small intestine. DON damaged the tight junctions of the organoids, which resulted in increased permeability.

Conclusions

Our organoid culture displayed topological, genetic, and functional similarities with the small intestine cells. Based on these similarities, we confirmed that DON causes small intestine dysfunction. Chicken organoids offer a practical model for the research of harmful substances.
Accuracy and precision of dried urine spot method for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni circulating cathodic antigens in resource-limited settings
Authors: Zacharia Abdallah , Kinabo Clemence , Makene Twilumba , Omary Huda , Ogweno George , Lyamuya Faraja , Ngasala Billy
Published: February 2024

Background

The World Health Organization recommends the use of Schisto point-of-care circulating cathodic antigens (Schisto POC-CCA) for screening ofSchistosoma mansonias it offers better sensitivity than microscopy. However, there are limitation facing the use of this method including timely availability of the test cassettes. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of dried urine spot (DUS) method for collection of urine and detection ofS. mansoniusing Schisto POC-CCA cassettes in a resource-limited settings.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and November 2022 among 250 primary school children in Sengerema District, northwestern Tanzania.S. mansoniCCA was detected in filter paper-based DUS, liquid urine using DUS Schisto POC-CCA (index), and direct urine Schisto POC-CCA (comparator) methods respectively.S. mansonieggs in stool were detected using duplicate Kato-Katz (KK) method. The measures of accuracy were computed and compared between the index and comparator methods. The strength of agreement between inter-raters precisions was tested using Cohen’s kappa (k).

Results

This study revealedS. mansoniprevalence rates of 28.8%, 54.0% and 50.8% by duplicate KK, direct urine Schisto POC-CCA and DUS Schisto POC-CCA methods respectively. The mean intensity of infection among infected participants was 86.3 eggs per gram of stool (EPG) ranging from 12.0 EPG to 824.0 EPG. The sensitivity of DUS Schisto POC-CCA and direct urine Schisto POC-CCA was 94.44% (95%CI: 89.15–99.74%) and 97.22% (95%CI: 93.43–100.00%) respectively. The DUS Schisto POC-CCA method had slightly higher specificity (66.85%) than direct urine Schisto POC-CCA method (63.48%). The accuracy of the DUS Schisto POC-CCA was found to be slightly high (74.80%, 95%CI: 68.94–79.06%) compared to that of direct urine Schisto POC-CCA (73.20%, 95%CI: 67.25–78.59%). There was good agreement between two laboratory technologists who performed the DUS Schisto POC-CCA method on similar samples (k = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.59–0.95).

Conclusions

The DUS Schisto POC-CCA method had comparableS. mansonidetection accuracy to direct urine Schisto POC-CCA. This suggests that the method could be a potential alternative to direct urine Schisto POC-CCA for screeningS. mansoniin resource-limited situations.

Graphical Abstract
Unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcomes across Brazil's geographical landscape before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: are we truly advancing toward the sustainable development/end TB goal?
Authors: Tavares Reginaldo Bazon Vaz , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Alves Yan Mathias , Popolin Marcela Antunes Paschoal , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Tártaro Ariela Fehr , de Souza Clara Ferreira , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: February 2024

Background

Tuberculosis is one of the most significant infectious diseases for global public health. The reallocation of healthcare resources and the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered access to TB diagnosis and treatment. Increases in unfavorable outcomes of the disease have been observed in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes in Brazil before and during the pandemic.

Methods

An ecological study with spatial analysis was conducted with all 5569 municipalities in Brazil. All reported cases of tuberculosis between January 2010 and December 2021, as well as reported cases of COVID-19 from February 2020 to December 2021, were included. The outcomes studied encompass loss to follow-up, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and death. The Getis Ord GI* technique was employed to assess spatial association, and the Kernel density estimator was used to identify areas with concentrated increases or decreases in outcomes. Bivariate Local Moran's I was used to examine the spatial association between outcomes and COVID-19 incidence. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Ribeirão Preto Nursing School, University of São Paulo.

Results

There were 134,394 cases of loss to follow-up, 10,270 cases of drug resistance, and 37,863 deaths. Clusters of high and low values were identified for all three outcomes, indicating significant changes in the spatial distribution patterns. Increases in concentrations were observed for lost to follow-up cases in the Southeast, while reductions occurred in the Northeast, South, and Midwest. Drug-resistant tuberculosis experienced an increase in the Southern and Southeastern regions and a decrease in the Northeast and South. TB-related deaths showed notable concentrations in the Midwest, Northeast, South, and Southeast. There was an increase in high occurrence clusters for deaths after 2020 and 2021 in the Northeast.

Conclusions

The pandemic has brought additional challenges, emphasizing the importance of enhancing efforts and disease control strategies, prioritizing early identification, treatment adherence, and follow-up. This commitment is vital for achieving the goal of tuberculosis elimination.
Effectiveness of ivermectin mass drug administration in the control of soil-transmitted helminth infections in endemic populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Le Brandon , Clarke Naomi E. , Legrand Nicolas , Nery Susana Vaz
Published: February 2024

Background

Current soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control guidelines endorse the use of albendazole or mebendazole for school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC), yet their reduced efficacy against Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura presents significant limitations. Emerging evidence indicates that community-wide PC [or mass drug administration (MDA)] using ivermectin, commonly used in other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control programs, may play an important role in controlling these parasites. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of ivermectin PC in reducing STH prevalence in endemic populations.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science on February 14, 2023, for studies that investigated the effectiveness of ivermectin PC, either alone or in combination with other anthelmintic drugs, on STH infections, and provided a measure of STH prevalence before and after PC. We calculated pooled prevalence reductions for each STH using random-effects meta-analyses. Our protocol is available on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023401219).

Results

A total of 21 were eligible for the systematic review, of which 15 were eligible for meta-analysis. All studies delivered ivermectin through MDA. The pooled prevalence reduction of S. stercoralis following MDA with ivermectin alone was 84.49% (95% CI 54.96–94.66) across five studies and 81.37% (95% CI 61.62–90.96) across seven studies with or without albendazole. The prevalence reduction of T. trichiura was 49.93% (95% CI 18.23–69.34) across five studies with ivermectin alone, and 89.40% (95% CI 73.66–95.73) across three studies with the addition of albendazole. There was high heterogeneity for all syntheses (I2 > 65%).

Conclusions

This study underscores the key role of ivermectin-based MDA in addressing limitations in current global STH guidelines in terms of limited efficacy against S. stercoralis and T. trichiura. Based on these findings, revising international STH guidelines to include ivermectin is a promising option to progress the control and eventual elimination of STHs and other NTDs.
Application of the on-site P-wave earthquake early warning method based on site-specific ratios of S-waves to P-waves to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence, Japan
Authors: Tsuno Seiji , Niwa Katsutomo , Korenaga Masahiro , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Chimoto Kosuke , Miyake Hiroe , Yamada Nobuyuki
Published: February 2024

The on-site P-wave earthquake early warning (EEW) based on the site-specific ratios of S-waves to P-waves has been applied to large-sized offshore earthquakes, and the efficiency of the method has been validated. However, the method requires the P-waves including earthquake ground motions radiated from a large slip area while avoiding the inclusion of S-waves. In this study, we investigated the applicability of the on-site P-wave EEW method for ground motions near an earthquake source fault region, using strong-motion data observed during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence in Japan. At first, we examined the appropriate time-window length following the arrival of the P-waves. As a result, P-waves with a time-window length of 2.56 s after the arrival at most strong-motion stations were required at least to predict appropriately S-waves for the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence, including the large-sized earthquakes. On the other hand, in the case of the large-sized earthquake as the mainshock (Mj 7.3), the method can predict within a brief time of 0.5 to 2 s in the operational use that strong ground motions exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., acceleration of 150 cm/s2) will come. Moreover, we found that the method was not strongly affected by the non-linearity of soil deposits due to strong ground motions during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence. The variability of the relationship between P- and S-waves at the seismic bedrock influenced by the source and path effects is larger than the variability of the relationships between P-/S-waves at the seismic bedrock and at the ground surface by the site effects, and therefore, it hides the effect of the non-linearity of soil deposits.

Graphical Abstract
Mid-infrared imaging spectroscopic measurements of C2H4 frost simulating the outer solar system environments
Authors: Koga Ryoichi , Negishi Shohei , Zhao Biao , Li Yuan , Ito Fumiyuki , Kasaba Yasumasa , Hirahara Yasuhiro
Published: February 2024

In the dense and cold atmosphere of Titan, the presence of C2H4 haze has been confirmed by the observations of spacecraft. In the present study, original cryogenic experimental equipment was developed to simulate the low-temperature solid formation of C2H4 in combination with in-situ infrared spectroscopic measurements. As a result, out-of-plane bending vibration ν7 of solid-phase C2H4 located at ~ 10.5 μm was successfully detected with high sensitivity, and two-dimensional spectrographs of C2H4 at low temperatures were obtained. The obtained spectra of C2H4 can be fitted to the double Lorentzian function with various heights, central wavelengths, and full widths at half the maximum (FWHM) of the two-component Lorentzian functions. They were classified into three types using the fitting parameters. However, their spectral shapes are different from the amorphous, metastable, and crystalline forms obtained by the previous laboratory experiment in terms of the distance of two peak wavelengths and FWHM. The results may link to understanding the spectral band properties of C2H4 condensation in the haze component of Titan.

Graphical Abstract
Biomaterial-based mechanical regulation facilitates scarless wound healing with functional skin appendage regeneration
Authors: Li Ying-Ying , Ji Shuai-Fei , Fu Xiao-Bing , Jiang Yu-Feng , Sun Xiao-Yan
Published: February 2024

Scar formation resulting from burns or severe trauma can significantly compromise the structural integrity of skin and lead to permanent loss of skin appendages, ultimately impairing its normal physiological function. Accumulating evidence underscores the potential of targeted modulation of mechanical cues to enhance skin regeneration, promoting scarless repair by influencing the extracellular microenvironment and driving the phenotypic transitions. The field of skin repair and skin appendage regeneration has witnessed remarkable advancements in the utilization of biomaterials with distinct physical properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains somewhat elusive, limiting the broader application of these innovations. In this review, we present two promising biomaterial-based mechanical approaches aimed at bolstering the regenerative capacity of compromised skin. The first approach involves leveraging biomaterials with specific biophysical properties to create an optimal scarless environment that supports cellular activities essential for regeneration. The second approach centers on harnessing mechanical forces exerted by biomaterials to enhance cellular plasticity, facilitating efficient cellular reprogramming and, consequently, promoting the regeneration of skin appendages. In summary, the manipulation of mechanical cues using biomaterial-based strategies holds significant promise as a supplementary approach for achieving scarless wound healing, coupled with the restoration of multiple skin appendage functions.
Retrograde drainage for duodenal stump leakage using ileal decompression tube guided by double-balloon endoscopy: a novel case report
Authors: Naito Ryozan , Nakazawa Nobuhiro , Zennyoji Dan , Shimizu Takehiro , Hosoi Nobuhiro , Watanabe Takayoshi , Shioi Ikuma , Shibasaki Yuta , Osone Katsuya , Okada Takuhisa , Shiraishi Takuya , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Ogawa Hiroomi , Sohda Makoto , Uraoka Toshio , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Background

Duodenal stump leakage is a serious post-gastrectomy complication, and there have been no reports on endoscopic drainage.

Case presentation

We report a case of duodenal stump leakage after laparoscopic gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction in a 68-year-old man. First-line conservative management was ineffective. Reoperation was performed because of severe abdominal pain and increased ascites. After reoperation, duodenal stump leakage recurred with bleeding from the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. Coil embolization and pigtail catheter insertion were performed. Furthermore, we retrogradely inserted an ileal tube for tube decompression near the duodenal stump using double-balloon endoscopy for effective drainage. After tube insertion, duodenal stump leakage decreased; on the 47th primary postoperative day, the patient was discharged. The primary postoperative course was uneventful after 1 year and 9 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

This is the first successful case of duodenal stump leakage treated with retrograde decompression tube insertion near the duodenal stump using double-balloon endoscopy.
Comparison of luteal phase stimulation with follicular phase stimulation in poor ovarian response: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dastjerdi Mozhgan Vahabi , Ansaripour Soheila , Ataei Mina , Gharedaghi Roya , Hoseini Seyedeh Melika Mostafavi , Mohazzab Arash , Zafardoust Simin
Published: February 2024

Background

In the last decade, luteal-phase ovarian stimulation (LPOS) has been suggested as an alternative controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles mainly in women with a history of poor ovarian response (POR). The present randomized controlled trial study aimed to compare the outcomes of follicular phase ovarian stimulation (FPOS) and LPOS protocols in POR cases undergoing ICSI cycles.

Methods

Seventy-eight POR patients who met the Bologna criteria and underwent an ICSI cycle were included. In this study, 39 POR cases were allocated to the FPOS group, and 39 POR cases were allocated to the LPOS group. The primary outcome was the number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes. In addition, the total number of oocytes, number of top-quality day 3 embryo, day 3 embryo development rate, chemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates were defined as secondary outcomes.

Results

The obtained results demonstrated that the number of MII oocytes significantly increased in the LPOS group compared to the FPOS group (P = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the number of GV and MI oocytes, number of top-quality day 3 embryos and day 3 embryo development rate among both categories of patients. Also, the number of total and MII oocytes was significantly higher in the LPOS group (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

These results suggest that LPOS protocol effectively increases the number of mature oocytes in women with a history of POR.

Trial registration

IRCT20210405050852N1 (Registered at Iranian registry of clinical trials; available at https://en.irct.ir/trial/55402).
An assessment of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations and disparities by race in patients with rheumatic disease hospitalizations in Alaska, 2015–2018
Authors: Ferucci Elizabeth D. , Holck Peter
Published: February 2024

Background

There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in people with many rheumatic diseases. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular disease hospitalizations in Alaska for people with and without a rheumatic disease diagnosis and assess disparities by race, with a focus on Alaska Native and American Indian people.

Methods

This study used the Alaska Health Facilities Data Reporting Program data on inpatient hospitalizations from 2015 to 2018. We identified people with a rheumatic disease diagnosis based on any hospitalization with a set of rheumatic disease diagnoses and compared them to people hospitalized but without a rheumatic disease diagnosis. We determined the odds of cardiovascular disease hospitalization by rheumatic disease diagnosis and assessed the influence of race and other factors, using univariate analyses and multivariable models.

Results

People with a rheumatic disease diagnosis other than osteoarthritis had higher odds of cardiovascular disease hospitalization. The odds ratio was highest in people with gout compared to other rheumatic diseases. In multivariable models, there was an interaction between race and rheumatic disease status. Specifically, having gout increased the odds of cardiovascular disease hospitalization for people of all races, while having a rheumatic disease other than gout or osteoarthritis increased the odds of cardiovascular disease hospitalization in Alaska Native/American Indian people but not in people of other races.

Conclusions

The association between rheumatic disease status and cardiovascular disease hospitalization in Alaska varied by type of rheumatic disease and race. This adds substantially to the literature on associations between rheumatic disease and cardiovascular disease in Indigenous North American populations.
Acute symptomatic seizures in newborns: a narrative review
Authors: Spagnoli Carlotta , Pisani Francesco
Published: February 2024

Acute symptomatic seizures are the main sign of neurological dysfunction in newborns. This is linked to the unique characteristics of the neonatal brain, making it hyperexcitable compared to older ages, and to the common occurrence of some forms of acquired brain injury, namely hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. In this narrative review we will provide an overview of neonatal seizures definition, their main underlying etiologies, diagnostic work-up and differential diagnoses, and will discuss about therapeutic options and prognostic outlook. The latest publications from the ILAE Task Force on Neonatal Seizures will be presented and discussed. Of note, they highlight the current lack of robust evidence in this field of clinical neurology. We will also report on specificities pertaining to low-and-middle income countries in terms of incidence, main etiologies and diagnosis. The possibilities offered by telemedicine and automated seizures detection will also be summarized in order to provide a framework for future directions in seizures diagnosis and management with a global perspective. Many challenges and opportunities for improving identification, monitoring and treatment of acute symptomatic seizures in newborns exist. All current caveats potentially represent different lines of research with the aim to provide better care and reach a deeper understanding of this important topic of neonatal neurology.
Study on atomization characteristics of a kerosene jet in a supersonic crossflow
Authors: Zhang Yi , Le Jialing , Tian Ye
Published: February 2024

The combustion performance of a scramjet engine is based on a two-phase mixing process of its fuel. To elucidate the mechanism of jet atomization in supersonic airflows, a numerical simulation of liquid jet atomization in a supersonic crossflow is carried out. The Euler method is used to calculate the gas phase, while the Lagrangian particle tracking method is used to calculate the liquid phase. The Reitz wave model is used to simulate the first breakup of the liquid jet, and the Kelvin-Helmholtz/Rayleigh-Taylor hybrid breakup model is used to simulate the second breakup of the droplets. The influence of the liquid/gas momentum flux ratio and the diameter of the jet on the atomization characteristics is discussed. The results show that the penetration depth increases with increasing nozzle diameter and liquid/gas momentum flux ratio. A jet with a larger liquid/gas momentum flux ratio breaks faster, and its Sauter mean diameter is smaller. The Sauter mean diameter of a droplet decreases with decreasing nozzle diameter. At 30 mm downstream of the nozzle, all jets are basically atomized, and the SMD of the jet is around 10 μm. The nozzle diameter has a greater influence on the jet penetration depth than does the liquid/gas momentum flux ratio.
Naringin from sweet orange peel improves testicular function in high fat diet-induced diabetic rats by modulating xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling and maintaining redox balance
Authors: Okesina Kazeem Bidemi , Odetayo Adeyemi Fatai , Adeyemi Wale Johnson , Ajibare Ayodeji Johnson , Okesina Akeem Ayodeji , Olayaki Luqman Aribidesi
Published: February 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder affecting many organs, including the testis. Naringin from orange peel extract (OPE) is a flavanone with fertility-enhancing properties. Hence, this study was designed to establish the effect of naringin on T2DM-induced testicular dysfunction. Thirty male (30) Wistar rats were randomized into five groups control, diabetes, diabetes + naringin, diabetes + OPE, and diabetes + metformin. The administrations were via the oral route and lasted for 28 days.

Results

Naringin ameliorated T2DM-induced increase in FBS and decrease in serum insulin. It also abrogated T2DM-induced decrease in sperm quality, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, naringin prevented a T2DM-induced increase in malonaldehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, xanthine oxidase (XO), and uric acid (UA), it was accompanied by the restoration of normal testicular histoarchitecture.

Conclusions

Naringin prevented T2DM-induced testicular dysfunction by modulating XO/UA and restoring redox balance. Also, while the animals treated with OPE exhibited better ameliorative effects than their counterparts treated with naringin, the findings from this study showed that naringin would be a promising supplement for treating T2DM-induced male infertility.
Effects of housing conditions on stress, depressive like behavior and sensory-motor performances of C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Abidin İsmail , Keser Hatice , Şahin Elif , Öztürk Hilal , Başoğlu Harun , Alver Ahmet , Aydin-Abidin Selcen
Published: February 2024

Background

The effects of housing conditions on animal physiology, behavior or stress are still debated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different housing systems, individually ventilated cages (IVC), classical small cages with floor surface area of 500 cm2 (CC500) and classical large cages with floor surface area of 800 cm2 (CC800) on body weight, sensory-motor performances, depression-like behavior, plasma corticosterone and brain oxidative stress parameters in C57BL/6 mice. The mice housed in one of the cages from birth to 6 months of age. Hang wire and adhesive removal tests were performed to evaluate somatosensory and motor performances. The extent of depression was determined by the forced swim test. Blood corticosterone levels were measured. In addition, brain malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were analyzed.

Results

The depression-like behavior of the groups was similar. Although there were no significant differences in hang wire test among groups, CC500 group required longer durations in adhesive removal test. The body weight and plasma corticosterone levels of CC800 group were significantly higher than other groups. The oxidative stress parameters were highest in CC500 cage.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the least stressful housing condition was IVC cage systems. Interestingly, the number of mice in the classical cages had a significant effect on stress levels and sensory-motor performance.
Lesion of NPY Receptor-expressing Neurons in Perifornical Lateral Hypothalamus Attenuates Glucoprivic Feeding
Authors: Choi Pique P , Wang Qing , Brenner Lynne A , Li Ai-Jun , Ritter Robert C , Appleyard Suzanne M
Published: February 2024

Glucoprivic feeding is one of several counterregulatory responses (CRRs) that facilitates restoration of euglycemia following acute glucose deficit (glucoprivation). Our previous work established that glucoprivic feeding requires ventrolateral medullary (VLM) catecholamine (CA) neurons that coexpress neuropeptide Y (NPY). However, the connections by which VLM CA/NPY neurons trigger increased feeding are uncertain. We have previously shown that glucoprivation, induced by an anti-glycolygic agent 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), activates perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PeFLH) neurons and that expression of NPY in the VLM CA/NPY neurons is required for glucoprivic feeding. We therefore hypothesized that glucoprivic feeding and possibly other CRRs require NPY-sensitive PeFLH neurons. To test this, we used the ribosomal toxin conjugate NPY-saporin (NPY-SAP) to selectively lesion NPY receptor-expressing neurons in the PeFLH of male rats. We found that NPY-SAP destroyed a significant number of PeFLH neurons, including those expressing orexin, but not those expressing melanin-concentrating hormone. The PeFLH NPY-SAP lesions attenuated 2DG-induced feeding but did not affect 2DG-induced increase in locomotor activity, sympathoadrenal hyperglycemia, or corticosterone release. The 2DG-induced feeding response was also significantly attenuated in NPY-SAP-treated female rats. Interestingly, PeFLH NPY-SAP lesioned male rats had reduced body weights and decreased dark cycle feeding, but this effect was not seen in female rats. We conclude that a NPY projection to the PeFLH is necessary for glucoprivic feeding, but not locomotor activity, hyperglycemia, or corticosterone release, in both male and female rats.
Skeletal Muscle Evaluation in Patients With Acromegaly
Authors: Milioto Angelo , Corica Giuliana , Nista Federica , Wildemberg Luiz Eduardo Armondi , Rossi Federica , Bignotti Bianca , Gadelha Mônica R , Ferone Diego , Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Gatto Federico
Published: February 2024

Context

Patients with acromegaly are characterized by chronic exposure to high growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, known for their anabolic effect on skeletal muscle. Therefore, an increased skeletal muscle mass could be hypothesized in these individuals. Herein, we have performed a systematic revision of published evidence regarding skeletal muscle mass, quality, and performance in patients with acromegaly.

Evidence Acquisition

A systematic review of the literature in the PubMed database up to September 1, 2023, was conducted with the following query: acromegaly AND (“muscle mass” OR “skeletal muscle”). We excluded studies that did not compare different disease states or used nonradiological methods for the skeletal muscle analyses, except for bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Evidence Synthesis

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 360 patients were evaluated for skeletal muscle mass, 122 for muscle fatty atrophy, and 192 for muscle performance. No clear evidence of increased skeletal muscle mass in patients with active disease compared to control or healthy individuals emerged. As for skeletal muscle quality, we observed a trend toward higher fatty infiltration among patients with acromegaly compared to healthy participants. Likewise, patients with active disease showed consistently worse physical performance compared to control or healthy individuals.

Conclusion

Skeletal muscle in acromegaly has lower quality and performance compared to that of healthy individuals. The small number of published studies and multiple confounding factors (eg, use of different radiological techniques) contributed to mixed results, especially regarding skeletal muscle mass. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to investigate skeletal muscle mass in patients with acromegaly.
Βία και εγκληματικότητα
Authors: Αλεξόπουλος Δ. , Αποσκίτης Α. , Αρβανίτης Γ. , Γιάτσιος Γ
Published: February 2024

Η συγκεκριμένη εργασία εστιάζει στην αυξημένη παραβατικότητα των νέων. Για την παρατήρηση, τη διαπίστωση και την προσέγγιση του φαινομένου αξιοποιούνται επιστημονικές μελέτες, συνεντεύξεις ειδικών και πορίσματα ερευνών ανάμεσα στους ανθρώπους που βιώνουν εντονότερα τη νεανική παραβατικότητα, τους ίδιους τους νέους. Η ιδέα και η πρότασή μας για την καταπολέμηση της επιζήμιας αυτής κοινωνικής συμπεριφοράς περιστρέφεται γύρω από τη φράση: «Όπου ανοίγει ένα σχολείο, κλείνει μια φυλακή».
ΠΟΛΕΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΜΕΛΛΟΝΤΟΣ
Authors: Μουσαμά Ράνια , Μαυρομάτη Μαρία , Παπαγεωργίου Στελλίνα
Published: February 2024

Στην εργασία παρουσιάζεται ο τρόπος με τον οποίο φαντάζονται οι ειδικοί τις πόλεις στο μέλλον. Ειδικότερα θα αναφερθούμε, αρχικά, για τα μέσα μεταφοράς και το πώς η τεχνολογία πρόκειται να τα επηρεάσει. Στην συνέχεια θα περιγράψουμε πώς θα είναι τα σχολεία και γενικότερα η σχολική ζωή των παιδιών στο μέλλον. Τέλος, θα αναφερθούμε στην κλιματική αλλαγή, η οποία επηρεάζει με πολλούς τρόπους την καθημερινότητά μας.
Είναι τα ηλεκτρικά αυτοκίνητα το μέλλον;
Authors: Πολίτης Μάνος , Πετρόπουλος Κωνσταντίνος , Πασπαλιάρης Θάνος , Ρεϋμόνδος Αλκίνοος
Published: February 2024

Τα τελευταία χρόνια η αγορά του αυτοκινήτου έχει αλλάξει καθώς πλέον υπάρχει στην ζωή μας το ρεύμα και τα ηλεκτρικά και υβριδικά αυτοκίνητα. Η ηλεκτροκίνηση είναι ένας τομέας που αναπτύσσεται ραγδαία για αυτό και θεωρήσαμε ενδιαφέρον να δούμε πώς φτάσαμε στο σήμερα, πώς έχει ακριβώς η κατάσταση και πώς προβλέπεται το μέλλον.
Εκτιμήσεις με δεκαδικούς αριθμούς πάνω σε αριθμογραμμή και η σχέση τους με τις μαθηματικές ικανότητες σε παιδιά Ε’ και Στ’ τάξης Δημοτικού
Authors: Δεσλή Δέσποινα , Γρίβα Σοφία
Published: February 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι να εξετάσει αφενός την ικανότητα για την πραγματοποίηση εκτιμήσεων με δεκαδικούς αριθμούς πάνω σε αριθμογραμμή και αφετέρου τη σχέση αυτής με τις μαθηματικές ικανότητες. Για τον σκοπό αυτό, σχεδιάστηκαν και παρουσιάστηκαν σε 118 μαθητές (58 της Ε’ και 60 της Στ’ τάξης) τέσσερα έργα: α) Έργο 1: Εκτίμηση της θέσης αριθμού σε αριθμογραμμή (number-to-position – NP), β) Έργο 2: Εκτίμηση του αριθμού σε συγκεκριμένη θέση πάνω σε αριθμογραμμή (position-to-number – PN), γ) Έργο 3: Επίλυση προβλήματος, και δ) Έργο 4: Εκτέλεση αριθμητικών πράξεων. Αν και οι επιδόσεις των δύο ηλικιακών ομάδων κινήθηκαν σε παρόμοιο επίπεδο, ήταν περισσότερο επιτυχείς στις δοκιμασίες του έργου PN και στις δοκιμασίες στις οποίες οι αριθμογραμμές είχαν επιπλέον σημεία αναφοράς, πέρα από τα σημεία εκκίνησης και τέλους. Υψηλή θετική συσχέτιση βρέθηκε ανάμεσα στην ικανότητα για την πραγματοποίηση εκτιμήσεων πάνω στην αριθμογραμμή και την ικανότητα επίλυσης προβλήματος, με τους συμμετέχοντες που εμφάνισαν υψηλή επίδοση στις δοκιμασίες εκτίμησης να εμφανίζουν υψηλή επίδοση και στις δοκιμασίες επίλυσης προβλήματος. Αντίθετα, καμία συσχέτιση δεν βρέθηκε ανάμεσα στην επιτυχία των εκτιμήσεων και την εκτέλεση αριθμητικών πράξεων.
Public awareness of tick-borne diseases
Authors: Czerwińska Pawluk Iwona , Stój-Kontraktowicz Monika , Zukow Walery
Published: February 2024

Background: Tick-borne diseases, due to their all too frequent occurrence, the different localisation of organ lesions and the numerous complications in their course, are a serious medical problem.  The public's knowledge of the biological hazards posed by ticks and the possibilities for their prevention is the basis for taking important measures to minimise the risk of tick-borne infections.
Aim of the study: To assess the public's knowledge of tick-borne diseases.
Material and methods: The study was carried out among 137 people living in the villages of Studzianki Pancerne and Kozienice in the Kozienice district. The method used in the study was a diagnostic survey, the technique was a questionnaire, and the research tool was an original survey questionnaire developed for the purposes of the study.
Results: Respondents' knowledge of tick-borne diseases is unsatisfactory. Only 11.7% of the total number of respondents had a high level of knowledge in this area. 53.3% had a low level of knowledge and 35<0% had a medium level of knowledge. The study confirmed a statistically significant relationship between the level of knowledge of the subjects and age (p=0.001), past tick bite episode (p=0.001), past disease or treatment (p=0.001). No significant correlations were found between respondents' knowledge and gender (p=0.951), education (p=0.062) and place of residence (p= 0.717).
Conclusions: The level of knowledge of respondents about tick-borne diseases is insufficient.  The results indicate the need for large-scale educational activities, which should be extended to different age groups, regardless of their place of residence and level of education.
Analysis of problems occurring in the care of a patient with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Czerwińska Pawluk Iwona , Kowalska Bożena , Zukow Walery
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is a disease whose development is influenced by many factors, including those related to lifestyle. The disease causes disturbances in the functioning of not only the liver but also many other organs and systems. During the course of the disease, there are a number of complications that affect the patient's functioning in all areas. Patients with liver cirrhosis require constant and systematic treatment and comprehensive care, including care provided by nursing staff.
Purpose of research: Analysis of problems occurring in the care of patients with liver cirrhosis
Material and methods: The study included 103 patients with liver cirrhosis, hospitalized from October 10, 2022 to April 10, 2023. in the Observation and Infection Ward for Adults of the SPZOZ in Puławy. The method used in the work was a diagnostic survey, the technique was a survey, and the research tool was an original survey questionnaire developed for the needs of the research.
Results: Patients with liver cirrhosis have many problems of a physical nature and related to non-compliance with medical recommendations, which may affect the inhibition of the progression of the disease, the prevention of complications and the improvement of the general condition.
Conclusions:

Patients with liver cirrhosis have a number of physical problems, the knowledge of which may affect the organization of work of nursing staff, facilitate the identification of problems, help determine the goal of care and plan nursing interventions.
Not all respondents followed the specialist's recommendations, including: in the field of pharmacotherapy, dietary recommendations, performing check-ups, reporting for follow-up visits and physical activity.
An important element in the care of a patient with liver cirrhosis is patient education and motivation to follow recommendations that are important in stopping the progression of the disease, preventing complications and improving the general condition.
Managing ascites in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: experiences from a quaternary liver centre
Authors: McDonagh Joanne , Bardell Sara , Rajoriya Neil , Hayes Isobel , Shah Tahir
Published: February 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer that usually develops in the background of liver cirrhosis. Liver damage and cirrhosis are often undiagnosed until patients present with symptoms of decompensation. For many patients, the development of ascites can be the first sign of their liver disease. Once patients develop ascites the symptom burden is often debilitating, affecting every aspect of their life. There are many treatment options to manage ascites, avoid emergency admissions for patients and improve quality of life. This article outlines a nurse-led ascites management pathway that is patient-focused, adopting a multidisciplinary team approach with advanced care planning, in a specialist hepatology unit.