bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baroreflex sensitivity following acute upper-body exercise in the cold among stable coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Pikkarainen Kalle , Valtonen Rasmus I. P. , Hintsala Heidi E. , Kiviniemi Antti , Crandall Craig G. , Perkiömäki Juha , Hautala Arto J. , Tulppo Mikko P. , Jaakkola Jouni J. K. , Ikäheimo Tiina M.
Published: October 2023

Background: A cold environment and exercise separately affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and blood pressure variability (BPV) but their combined effects on post-exercise recovery are not known. Our cross-over trial examined these responses following upper-body static and dynamic exercise performed in a cold and neutral environment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: 20 patients with stable coronary artery disease performed both graded static (10%–30% of maximal voluntary contraction) and dynamic (light, moderate and high perceived intensity) upper-body exercise at −15°C and +22°C for 30 min. Electrocardiogram and continuous blood pressure were measured to compute post-exercise (10 and 30 min after exercise) spectral powers of heart rate (HR), blood pressure variability and BRS at low (0.04–0.15 Hz) and high (0.15–0.4 Hz) frequencies.

Results: Static upper-body exercise performed in a cold environment increased post-exercise high frequency (HF) spectral power of heart rate (HF RR) (p < 0.001) and reduced heart rate (p = 0.001) and low-to-high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (p = 0.006) more than in a neutral environment. In addition, post-exercise mean BRS (p = 0.015) and high frequency BRS (p = 0.041) increased more following static exercise in the cold than in a neutral environment. Dynamic upper-body exercise performed in a cold environment reduced post-exercise HF BRS (p = 0.019) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Static upper-body exercise in the cold increased post-exercise BRS and overall vagal activity but without reduced systolic blood pressure. Dynamic upper-body exercise in the cold reduced post-exercise vagal BRS but did not affect the other parameters. The influence of cold exposure on post-exercise autonomic and cardiovascular responses following static upper-body exercise require further studies. This information helps understanding why persons with cardiovascular diseases are vulnerable to low environmental temperature. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02855905 (04/08/2016).
Flavobacterium sp. strain GJW24 ameliorates drought resistance in Arabidopsis and Brassica
Authors: Kim Hani , Woo Og-Geum , Kim Ji Bin , Yoon So-Young , Kim Jong-Shik , Sul Woo Jun , Hwang Jee-Yeon , Lee Jae-Hoon
Published: October 2023

Candidate strains that contribute to drought resistance in plants have been previously screened using approximately 500 plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) obtained from Gotjawal, South Korea, to further understand PGPR associated with plant drought tolerance. In this study, a selected PGPR candidate, Flavobacterium sp. strain GJW24, was employed to enhance plant drought tolerance. GJW24 application to Arabidopsis increased its survival rate under drought stress and enhanced stomatal closure. Furthermore, GJW24 promoted Arabidopsis survival under salt stress, which is highly associated with drought stress. GJW24 ameliorated the drought/salt tolerance of Brassica as well as Arabidopsis, indicating that the drought-resistance characteristics of GJW24 could be applied to various plant species. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that GJW24 upregulated a large portion of drought- and drought-related stress-inducible genes in Arabidopsis. Moreover, Gene Ontology analysis revealed that GJW24-upregulated genes were highly related to the categories involved in root system architecture and development, which are connected to amelioration of plant drought resistance. The hyper-induction of many drought/salt-responsive genes by GJW24 in Arabidopsis and Brassica demonstrated that the drought/salt stress tolerance conferred by GJW24 might be achieved, at least in part, through regulating the expression of the corresponding genes. This study suggests that GJW24 can be utilized as a microbial agent to offset the detrimental effects of drought stress in plants.
Genome-wide linkage mapping of root system architecture-related traits in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Jin Yirong , Wang Yamei , Liu Jindong , Wang Fuyan , Qiu Xiaodong , Liu Peng
Published: October 2023

Identifying loci for root system architecture (RSA) traits and developing available markers are crucial for wheat breeding. In this study, RSA-related traits, including total root length (TRL), total root area (TRA), and number of root tips (NRT), were evaluated in the Doumai/Shi4185 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population under hydroponics. In addition, both the RILs and parents were genotyped using the wheat 90K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. In total, two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) each for TRL (QTRL.caas-4A.1 and QTRL.caas-4A.2), TRA (QTRA.caas-4A and QTRA.caas-4D), and NRT (QNRT.caas-5B and QNRT.caas-5D) were identified and each explaining 5.94%–9.47%, 6.85%–7.10%, and 5.91%–10.16% phenotypic variances, respectively. Among these, QTRL.caas-4A.1 and QTRA.caas-4A overlapped with previous reports, while QTRL.caas-4A.2, QTRA.caas-4D, QNRT.caas-5B, and QNRT.caas-5D were novel. The favorable alleles of QTRL.caas-4A.1, QTRA.caas-4A, and QTRA.caas-5B were contributed by Doumai, whereas the favorable alleles of QTRL.caas-4A.2, QTRA.caas-4D, and QTRA.caas-5D originated from Shi 4185. Additionally, two competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, Kasp_4A_RL (QTRA.caas-4A) and Kasp_5D_RT (QNRT.caas-5D), were developed and validated in 165 wheat accessions. This study provides new loci and available KASP markers, accelerating wheat breeding for higher yields.
Comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome analyses demonstrate divergent anthocyanin and carotenoid accumulation in fruits of wild and cultivated loquats
Authors: Su Wenbing , Zhu Changqing , Fan Zhongqi , Huang Mingkun , Lin Han , Chen Xiuping , Deng Chaojun , Chen Yongping , Kou Yidan , Tong Zhihong , Zhang Yaling , Xu Changjie , Zheng Shaoquan , Jiang Jimou
Published: October 2023

Eriobotrya is an evergreen fruit tree native to South-West China and adjacent countries. There are more than 26 loquat species known in this genus, while E. japonica is the only species yet domesticated to produce fresh fruits from late spring to early summer. Fruits of cultivated loquat are usually orange colored, in contrast to the red color of fruits of wild E. henryi (EH). However, the mechanisms of fruit pigment formation during loquat evolution are yet to be elucidated. To understand these, targeted carotenoid and anthocyanin metabolomics as well as transcriptomics analyses were carried out in this study. The results showed that β-carotene, violaxanthin palmitate and rubixanthin laurate, totally accounted for over 60% of the colored carotenoids, were the major carotenoids in peel of the orange colored ‘Jiefangzhong’ (JFZ) fruits. Total carotenoids content in JFZ is about 10 times to that of EH, and the expression levels of PSY, ZDS and ZEP in JFZ were 10.69 to 23.26 folds to that in EH at ripen stage. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and pelargonidin-3-O-galactoside were the predominant anthocyanins enriched in EH peel. On the contrary, both of them were almost undetectable in JFZ, and the transcript levels of F3H, F3’H, ANS, CHS and CHI in EH were 4.39 to 73.12 folds higher than that in JFZ during fruit pigmentation. In summary, abundant carotenoid deposition in JFZ peel is well correlated with the strong expression of PSY, ZDS and ZEP, while the accumulation of anthocyanin metabolites in EH peel is tightly associated with the notably upregulated expressions of F3H, F3’H, ANS, CHS and CHI. This study was the first to demonstrate the metabolic background of how fruit pigmentations evolved from wild to cultivated loquat species, and provided gene targets for further breeding of more colorful loquat fruits via manipulation of carotenoids and anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Aerobic physical exercise versus dual-task cognitive walking in cognitive rehabilitation of people with stroke: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Maeneja Reinaldo , Silva Cláudia R. , Ferreira Inês S. , Abreu Ana Maria
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Stroke is a neurological deficit caused by an acute focal injury to the central nervous system due to vascular injury that can result in loss of neurological function, lasting brain damage, long-term disability and, in some cases, death. The literature reports that aerobic physical exercise, as well as dual-task cognitive walking, are used for the cognitive recovery of people with stroke. We aimed to assess whether aerobic physical exercise influences post-stroke cognitive recovery, namely performance on selective and sustained attention. We tested the hypothesis that post-stroke aerobic physical exercise leads to more significant gains than post-stroke dual-task cognitive walking.

Methods

We used a Randomized Clinical Trial, single-blind, parallel group, to verify the existence of differences between two groups. A total of 34 patients with subacute to chronic stroke were divided into two groups to train three times a week for 12 weeks: the aerobic physical exercise (PE) group engaged in 20 min on a treadmill, 20 min on a stationary bicycle and 5 min on a desk bike pedal exerciser per session; the dual-task (DT) gait exercise group walked for 45 min while simultaneously performing cognitive tasks per session. All participants were assessed on cognitive functioning with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and d2 Test of Attention before acute interventions and post interventions. We have also applied a Visual Analog Scale to monitor the participants’ perceived difficulty, pre-, post-acute, and post-chronic interventions. Participants also responded to a Borg Scale of perceived exertion following the acute and the final session of chronic training.

Results

A mixed model ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect with a large effect size for most of the cognitive variables under study. The variables associated with the d2 Test of Attention showed significant differences between the groups, mainly from T0 to T2. Also for MMSE, an ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect with significant improvements from T0 to T2. Our results strongly suggest that aerobic physical exercise is more beneficial than dual-task cognitive-gait exercise since in the PE group, cognitive attention scores increase, and cognitive impairment and perception of exertion decrease, compared to the DT group.

Conclusion

These findings support that PE provides more significant benefits for patients post-stroke when compared to DT.
Hard-to-treat or hard-to-catch? Clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of help-seeking foster care youths with mood disorders
Authors: Benarous Xavier , Lahaye Hélène , Pellerin Hugues , Consoli Angèle , Cohen David , Labelle Réal , Renaud Johanne , Gérardin Priscille , El-Khoury Fabienne , van der Waerden Judith , Guilé Jean-Marc
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The high level of emotional problems in youths placed in foster care contrasts with the limited use of evidence-based treatments. This study aims to better characterize the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of foster care youths with mood disorders.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data collected in the context of a French-Canadian clinical research network on pediatric mood disorders in four sites was conducted to compare three groups of patients with depressive or bipolar disorder: those without exposure to child welfare intervention (WCWI, n = 181), those who received non-placement psychosocial intervention (NPI, n = 62), and those in placement interventions (PI, n = 41).

Results

We observed a very high rate of academic problems in patients in the groups NPI/PI compared to those in the WCWI group. Patients in the PI group had more disruptive behavioral disorders (OR = 6.87, 95% CI [3.25–14.52]), trauma-related disorders (OR = 3.78, 95% CI [1.6–8.94]), and any neurodevelopmental disorders (OR = 2.73, 95% CI [1.36–5.49]) compared to the other groups (NPI/WCWI). Among inpatients, the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale and the change in the Children Global Assessment Scale during the hospital stay did not differ across the three groups. We observed a higher prescription rate of antipsychotics in the PI group compared to the NPI/WCWI groups, but no significant difference for antidepressants and mood stabilizers.

Discussion

These findings support the view that, when provided with dedicated support, fostered inpatient youths can improve in a range comparable to other inpatients. Undetected neurodevelopmental disorders and academic problems are likely important contributors of the burden of mood disorders in these youths.
“Surrounded, detached”: the relationship between defensive peripersonal space and personality
Authors: Biggio Monica , Escelsior Andrea , Murri Martino Belvederi , Trabucco Alice , Delfante Federico , da Silva Beatriz Pereira , Bisio Ambra , Serafini Gianluca , Bove Marco , Amore Mario
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Personality shapes the cognitive, affective, and behavioral interactions between individuals and the environment. Defensive peripersonal space (DPPS) is the projected interface between the body and the world with a protective function for the body. Previous studies suggest that DPPS displays inter-individual variability that is associated with psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety. However, DPPS may share a link with personality traits.

Methods

Fifty-five healthy participants were assessed with the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5)–Adult to evaluate personality dimensions. Subjects underwent the Hand Blink Reflex (HBR) task that estimates the DPPS limits by assessing the modulation of blink intensity in response to the median nerve stimulation. Data of the HBR was analyzed with Bayesian multilevel models, while the relationship between DPPS and personality traits was explored using network analysis.

Results

HBR was best modeled using a piecewise linear regression model, with two distinct slope parameters for electromyographic data. Network analyzes showed a positive correlation between the proximal slope and detachment personality trait, suggesting that individuals with higher scores in the detachment trait had an increased modulation of HBR, resulting in a larger extension of the DPPS.

Discussion

Features of the detachment personality trait include avoidance of interpersonal experiences, restricted affectivity, and suspiciousness, which affect interpersonal functioning. We suggest that DPPS may represent a characteristic feature of maladaptive personality traits, thus constitute a biomarker or a target for rehabilitative interventions.
Degeneracy and disordered brain networks in psychiatric patients using multivariate structural covariance analyzes
Authors: Paunova Rositsa , Ramponi Cristina , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Todeva-Radneva Anna , Latypova Adeliya , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Kherif Ferath
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In this study, we applied multivariate methods to identify brain regions that have a critical role in shaping the connectivity patterns of networks associated with major psychiatric diagnoses, including schizophrenia (SCH), major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls (HC). We used T1w images from 164 subjects: Schizophrenia (n = 17), bipolar disorder (n = 25), major depressive disorder (n = 68) and a healthy control group (n = 54).

Methods

We extracted regions of interest (ROIs) using a method based on the SHOOT algorithm of the SPM12 toolbox. We then performed multivariate structural covariance between the groups. For the regions identified as significant in t term of their covariance value, we calculated their eigencentrality as a measure of the influence of brain regions within the network. We applied a significance threshold of p = 0.001. Finally, we performed a cluster analysis to determine groups of regions that had similar eigencentrality profiles in different pairwise comparison networks in the observed groups.

Results

As a result, we obtained 4 clusters with different brain regions that were diagnosis-specific. Cluster 1 showed the strongest discriminative values between SCH and HC and SCH and BD. Cluster 2 had the strongest discriminative value for the MDD patients, cluster 3 – for the BD patients. Cluster 4 seemed to contribute almost equally to the discrimination between the four groups.

Discussion

Our results suggest that we can use the multivariate structural covariance method to identify specific regions that have higher predictive value for specific psychiatric diagnoses. In our research, we have identified brain signatures that suggest that degeneracy shapes brain networks in different ways both within and across major psychiatric disorders.
Stakeholders’ perception of factors influencing adoption of a pediatric weight management intervention: a qualitative study
Authors: Sierra-Velez Desiree , Gundewar Anisha , Persaud Alicia , Simione Meg , Castro Ines , Perkins Meghan , Lindros Jeanne , Salmon Jeremiah , Smith Justin D. , Taveras Elsie M. , Fiechtner Lauren
Published: October 2023

Background

Childhood obesity is highly prevalent in the United States and disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income populations; these disparities have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adoption of effective pediatric weight management interventions (PWMIs) that have been evaluated among low-income diverse populations is needed. The Healthy Weight Clinic PWMI, a package co-developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Massachusetts General Hospital, helps health centers establish multidisciplinary Healthy Weight Clinics based on previous randomized controlled trials which demonstrated effectiveness. We sought to identify the factors influencing successful adoption of this PWMI and understand adaptations needed prior to implementation in new sites.

Methods

We interviewed 20 stakeholders, 10 from two health centers in Mississippi where the Healthy Weight Clinic PWMI will be piloted (pre-implementation sites) and 10 from health centers that have previously implemented it (sites in maintenance stages). Separate interview guides informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were developed for the pre-implementation sites and those in maintenance stages, including questions related to adaptations of the PWMI in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using directed content analysis based on CFIR constructs. Adaptations in response to the pandemic were categorized using Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME).

Results

In pre-implementation sites, an inner setting facilitator mentioned was a positive learning climate. Characteristics of individuals that can facilitate adoption include staff willingness to learn, valuing evidence-based care for childhood obesity, and culturally and weight-sensitive staff. In terms of patient needs and resources (outer setting), social drivers of health are barriers to adoption, but creative solutions were suggested to mitigate these. Other facilitators related to the intervention included its multidisciplinary model and adaptability. Similar themes were elicited from sites in maintenance stages; adaptations brought on by the pandemic, such as telehealth visits and content modification to align with distancing guidelines and the effects of social isolation were also described.

Conclusion

Understanding the factors influencing adoption of an evidence-based PWMI informs necessary adaptations and implementation strategies required to facilitate nationwide dissemination of PWMIs, with the goal of reaching the populations most at-risk.
The costs and financing needs of delivering Kenya’s primary health care service package
Authors: Olago Agatha , Suharlim Christian , Hussein Salim , Njuguna David , Macharia Stephen , Muñoz Rodrigo , Opuni Marjorie , Castro Hector , Uzamukunda Clarisse , Walker Damian , Birse Sarah , Wangia Elizabeth , Gilmartin Colin
Published: October 2023

Introduction

For many Kenyans, high-quality primary health care (PHC) services remain unavailable, inaccessible, or unaffordable. To address these challenges, the Government of Kenya has committed to strengthening the country’s PHC system by introducing a comprehensive package of PHC services and promoting the efficient use of existing resources through its primary care network approach. Our study estimated the costs of delivering PHC services in public sector facilities in seven sub-counties, comparing actual costs to normative costs of delivering Kenya’s PHC package and determining the corresponding financial resource gap to achieving universal coverage.

Methods

We collected primary data from a sample of 71 facilities, including dispensaries, health centers, and sub-county hospitals. Data on facility-level recurrent costs were collected retrospectively for 1 year (2018–2019) to estimate economic costs from the public sector perspective. Total actual costs from the sampled facilities were extrapolated using service utilization data from the Kenya Health Information System for the universe of facilities to obtain sub-county and national PHC cost estimates. Normative costs were estimated based on standard treatment protocols and the populations in need of PHC in each sub-county.

Results and discussion

The average actual PHC cost per capita ranged from US$ 9.3 in Ganze sub-county to US$ 47.2 in Mukurweini while the normative cost per capita ranged from US$ 31.8 in Ganze to US$ 42.4 in Kibwezi West. With the exception of Mukurweini (where there was no financial resource gap), closing the resource gap would require significant increases in PHC expenditures and/or improvements to increase the efficiency of PHC service delivery such as improved staff distribution, increased demand for services and patient loads per clinical staff, and reduced bypass to higher level facilities. This study offers valuable evidence on sub-national cost variations and resource requirements to guide the implementation of the government’s PHC reforms and resource mobilization efforts.
Exploring the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of antimicrobial resistance interventions: a comparison of high-income and low-middle-income countries
Authors: Graells Tiscar , Lambraki Irene A. , Cousins Melanie , Léger Anaïs , Henriksson Patrik J. G. , Troell Max , Carson Carolee A. , Parmley Elizabeth Jane , Majowicz Shannon E. , Wernli Didier , Jørgensen Peter Søgaard
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge to modern medicine. Interventions have been applied worldwide to tackle AMR, but these actions are often not reported to peers or published, leading to important knowledge gaps about what actions are being taken. Understanding factors that influence the implementation of AMR interventions and what factors are relevant in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) were the key objectives of this exploratory study, with the aim to identifying which priorities these contexts need.

Methods

A questionnaire was used to explore context, characteristics, and success factors or obstacles to intervention success based on participant input. The context was analyzed using the AMR-Intervene framework, and success factors and obstacles to intervention success were identified using thematic analysis.

Results

Of the 77 interventions, 57 were implemented in HICs and 17 in LMICs. Interventions took place in the animal sector, followed by the human sector. Public organizations were mainly responsible for implementation and funding. Nine themes and 32 sub-themes emerged as important for intervention success. The themes most frequently reported were ‘behavior’, ‘capacity and resources’, ‘planning’, and ‘information’. Five sub-themes were key in all contexts (‘collaboration and coordination’, ‘implementation’, ‘assessment’, ‘governance’, and ‘awareness’), two were key in LMICs (‘funding and finances’ and ‘surveillance, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and preventive screening’), and five were key in HICs (‘mandatory’, ‘multiple profiles’, ‘personnel’, ‘management’, and ‘design’).

Conclusion

LMIC sub-themes showed that funding and surveillance were still key issues for interventions, while important HIC sub-themes were more specific and detailed, including mandatory enforcement, multiple profiles, and personnel needed for good management and good design. While behavior is often underrated when implementing AMR interventions, capacity and resources are usually considered, and LMICs can benefit from sub-themes captured in HICs if tailored to their contexts. The factors identified can improve the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions.
Transforming global approaches to chronic disease prevention and management across the lifespan: integrating genomics, behavior change, and digital health solutions
Authors: Thomas Shane A , Browning Colette J , Charchar Fadi J , Klein Britt , Ory Marcia G. , Bowden-Jones Henrietta , Chamberlain Samuel R.
Published: October 2023

Chronic illnesses are a major threat to global population health through the lifespan into older age. Despite world-wide public health goals, there has been a steady increase in chronic and non-communicable diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders) and strong growth in mental health disorders. In 2010, 67% of deaths worldwide were due to chronic diseases and this increased to 74% in 2019, with accelerated growth in the COVID-19 era and its aftermath. Aging and wellbeing across the lifespan are positively impacted by the presence of effective prevention and management of chronic illness that can enhance population health. This paper provides a short overview of the journey to this current situation followed by discussion of how we may better address what the World Health Organization has termed the “tsunami of chronic diseases.” In this paper we advocate for the development, validation, and subsequent deployment of integrated: 1. Polygenic and multifactorial risk prediction tools to screen for those at future risk of chronic disease and those with undiagnosed chronic disease. 2. Advanced preventive, behavior change and chronic disease management to maximize population health and wellbeing. 3. Digital health systems to support greater efficiencies in population-scale health prevention and intervention programs. It is argued that each of these actions individually has an emerging evidence base. However, there has been limited research to date concerning the combined population-level health effects of their integration. We outline the conceptual framework within which we are planning and currently conducting studies to investigate the effects of their integration.
Immunosenescence and multiple sclerosis: inflammaging for prognosis and therapeutic consideration
Authors: Thakolwiboon Smathorn , Mills Elizabeth A. , Yang Jennifer , Doty Jonathan , Belkin Martin I. , Cho Thomas , Schultz Charles , Mao-Draayer Yang
Published: October 2023

Aging is associated with a progressive decline of innate and adaptive immune responses, called immunosenescence. This phenomenon links to different multiple sclerosis (MS) disease courses among different age groups. While clinical relapse and active demyelination are mainly related to the altered adaptive immunity, including invasion of T- and B-lymphocytes, impairment of innate immune cell (e.g., microglia, astrocyte) function is the main contributor to disability progression and neurodegeneration. Most patients with MS manifest the relapsing-remitting phenotype at a younger age, while progressive phenotypes are mainly seen in older patients. Current disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) primarily targeting adaptive immunity are less efficacious in older patients, suggesting that immunosenescence plays a role in treatment response. This review summarizes the recent immune mechanistic studies regarding immunosenescence in patients with MS and discusses the clinical implications of these findings.
Remote data collection speech analysis in people at risk for Alzheimer's disease dementia: usability and acceptability results
Authors: Gregory Sarah , Harrison John , Herrmann Janna , Hunter Matthew , Jenkins Natalie , König Alexandra , Linz Nicklas , Luz Saturnino , Mallick Elisa , Pullen Hannah , Welstead Miles , Ruhmel Stephen , Tröger Johannes , Ritchie Craig W.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Digital cognitive assessments are gathering importance for the decentralized remote clinical trials of the future. Before including such assessments in clinical trials, they must be tested to confirm feasibility and acceptability with the intended participant group. This study presents usability and acceptability data from the Speech on the Phone Assessment (SPeAk) study.

Methods

Participants (N = 68, mean age 70.43 years, 52.9% male) provided demographic data and completed baseline and 3-month follow-up phone based assessments. The baseline visit was administered by a trained researcher and included a spontaneous speech assessment and a brief cognitive battery (immediate and delayed recall, digit span, and verbal fluency). The follow-up visit repeated the cognitive battery which was administered by an automatic phone bot. Participants were randomized to receive their cognitive test results acer the final or acer each study visit. Participants completed acceptability questionnaires electronically acer each study visit.

Results

There was excellent retention (98.5%), few technical issues (n = 5), and good interrater reliability. Participants rated the assessment as acceptable, confirming the ease of use of the technology and their comfort in completing cognitive tasks on the phone. Participants generally reported feeling happy to receive the results of their cognitive tests, and this disclosure did not cause participants to feel worried.

Discussion

The results from this usability and acceptability analysis suggest that completing this brief battery of cognitive tests via a telephone call is both acceptable and feasible in a midlife-to-older adult population in the United Kingdom, living at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Expanding access to evidence-based psychotherapy in VA settings: implementation of the brief cognitive behavioral therapy for depression program
Authors: Mignogna Joseph , Boykin Derrecka , Gonzalez Raquel D. , Robinson Andrew , Zeno Darrell , Sansgiry Shubhada , Broderick-Mcdaniel Jennifer , Roberson Richard B. , Sorocco Kristen , Cully Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) are effective for mental health conditions, but access to these services remains limited and rural Veterans are particularly underserved. Specialized implementation and dissemination programs are needed to improve access to known EBPs.

Methods

The current project sought to improve access to a known EBP—brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression (Brief CBT). Diverse Veterans and those from rural settings were a focus of this work. Aligned with the RE-AIM framework, a multifaceted implementation program was used to train and support VHA providers in their use of Brief CBT in VHA mental health settings, with specific outreach efforts made to providers at VHA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) where rural Veterans often receive care. Evaluation included all facets of RE-AIM with a particular focus on adoption, effectiveness, and maintenance.

Results

During the first two years, over 40 VHA facilities adopted the program across four regional networks. Eighty-three providers were approached, and 54 (65.1%) providers completed the training and are delivering the intervention. A total of 688 Veterans, 174 rural (25.7%), received 2,186 sessions (average of 3.5 sessions per Veteran). Veterans receiving Brief CBT with elevated depression scores who completed three or more sessions were found to have significant symptom reductions of 4.6 points (first to last available evaluations).

Discussion

Implementation efforts of Brief CBT resulted in rapid uptake and significant clinical impact on Veterans. Rural outreach efforts, including targeted training for CBOC providers and use of tele-mental health, enhanced availability of EBP services for rural Veterans.
The fission fragment rocket engine for Mars fast transit
Authors: Gahl J. , Gillespie A. K. , Duncan R. V. , Lin C.
Published: October 2023

In this paper we discuss the advantages and challenges of utilizing Fission Fragment Rocket Engines (FFREs) to dramatically reduce transit time in space travel, for example, traveling to Mars. We discuss methods to decrease the size and weight of FFREs. These include utilizing metallic deuterides as moderators, driving the engines with electron beam bremsstrahlung, and operating the FFREs as subcritical assemblies, not as nuclear reactors. We discuss these and other new innovations based upon improved materials and technology that may be integrated into a revolutionary nuclear rocket technology.
Widespread dominance of methane ebullition over diffusion in freshwater aquaculture ponds
Authors: Vroom Renske J. E. , Kosten Sarian , Almeida Rafael M. , Mendonça Raquel , Muzitano Ive S. , Barbosa Icaro , Nasário Jonas , Oliveira Junior Ernandes S. , Flecker Alexander S. , Barros Nathan
Published: October 2023

An ever-increasing demand for protein-rich food sources combined with dwindling wild fish stocks has caused the aquaculture sector to boom in the last two decades. Although fishponds are potentially strong emitters of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), little is known about the magnitude, pathways, and drivers of these emissions. We measured diffusive CH4 emissions at the margin and in the center of 52 freshwater fishponds in Brazil. In a subset of ponds (n = 31) we additionally quantified ebullitive CH4 fluxes and sampled water and sediment for biogeochemical analyses. Sediments (n = 20) were incubated to quantify potential CH4 production. Ebullitive CH4 emissions ranged between 0 and 477 mg m−2 d−1 and contributed substantially (median 85%) to total CH4 emissions, surpassing diffusive emissions in 81% of ponds. Diffusive CH4 emissions were higher in the center (median 11.4 mg CH4 m−2 d−1) than at the margin (median 6.1 mg CH4 m−2 d−1) in 90% of ponds. Sediment CH4 production ranged between 0 and 3.17 mg CH4 g C−1 d−1. We found no relation between sediment CH4 production and in situ emissions. Our findings suggest that dominance of CH4 ebullition over diffusion is widespread across aquaculture ponds. Management practices to minimize the carbon footprint of aquaculture production should focus on reducing sediment accumulation and CH4 ebullition.
A possible mechanism for the formation of an eastward moving auroral spiral
Authors: Maetschke Katharina N. , Kronberg Elena A. , Partamies Noora , Grigorenko Elena E.
Published: October 2023

The generation process of auroral spirals is described by different theories varying for their morphology and surrounding conditions. Here, a possible mechanism is proposed for an eastward moving auroral spiral, which was observed in Tromsø, Norway, during the expansion phase of a substorm on 18 September 2013. Measurements from the THEMIS-A and Cluster spacecraft were analyzed, which were located up to ∼10 RE duskward from the spiral generator region in the magnetosphere. Precursory to the spiral observation, concurrent magnetic field dipolarizations, flow bursts and electron injections were measured by the Cluster satellites between 13.6 and 14.2 RE radial distance from Earth. A local Kelvin-Helmholtz-like vortex street in the magnetic field was detected at the same time, which was likely caused by bursty bulk flows. The vortex street was oriented approximately in the X-Y (GSE) plane and presumably propagated towards the source region of the spiral due to a high dawnward velocity component in the flow bursts. The observations suggest that the spiral can have been generated by an associated vortex in the magnetotail and then mapped along the magnetic field lines to the ionosphere. To better understand the role of the ionosphere in auroral spiral generation, in future more mesoscale observations are required.
Sentimental Approach to Airline Service Quality Evaluation
Authors: Badanik Benedikt , Remenysegova Rebeka , Kazda Antonin
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on the analysis of traditional methods of service quality evaluation and represents a new sentimental approach to airline service quality evaluation employing user-generated content. It identifies aspects of airline service that passengers react to positively or negatively using the word cloud method—a basic straightforward exploratory analysis tool. The aim is to introduce an approach that can be implemented using freely available analytical software tools and freely available data. As a case study, authors evaluated selected airlines’ service quality using sentimental analysis of user-generated content. The research relied on sentiment analysis of Twitter posts related to selected airlines’ service quality. The paper describes how Twitter can be used for data mining, sentimental analysis, and airline service quality evaluation. The authors analysed over 30,000 posts related to the service quality of Ryanair, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and KLM and proposed two types of word clouds (for each individual airline) which allow more informed decisions about enhancing the service quality of selected airlines. Compared to rather expensive traditional methods of airline service quality evaluation, such as onboard surveys of airline passengers or on-site surveys of passengers at airport departure gates, the key advantages of this new approach are the availability of free data and free analytical software tools. Moreover, this approach allows analysis of the service quality of competing airlines and, thus, provides internal opportunities for comparison. The results contribute to the literature by clarifying how both positive and negative passenger feedback impacts airline service quality and airline product planning.
Temperature Requirements for the Colony Growth and Conidial Germination of Selected Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungi of the Cordyceps and Paecilomyces Genera
Authors: Tkaczuk Cezary , Majchrowska-Safaryan Anna
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of temperature on the colony growth and conidia germination of selected species of entomopathogenic fungi in the genus Cordyceps (C. farinosa, C. fumosorosea and C. coleopterorum) and one isolate of Paecilomyces suffultus. In the first part of the experiment, selected isolates were grown on Sabouraud (SDA) medium at six temperatures: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C. Colony growth was observed every 3 days until day 18, by measuring the colony diameter. In the second part of the experiment, slides with an SDA medium and spores were placed in incubators with the above temperature and observations on conidia germination were carried out after 24 and 48 h. The results revealed that the thermal optimum for colony growth of the fungal isolates was within the temperature range of 15 °C and 25 °C. The optimum temperature for the growth of P. suffultus colonies was 15 °C, with 20 °C for C. farinosa and C. coleopterorum. The highest thermal requirements were demonstrated by the C. fumosorosea, which developed best at 25 °C. Cordyceps farinosa and C. fumosorosea developed in a wider temperature range, from 5 °C to 30 °C. In contrast, growth of C. coleopterorum and P. suffultus colonies was observed only at temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C. After 24 h, spore germination of the fungal species was most intense at 25 °C. After both 24 and 48 h, the temperature of 5 °C stopped the spore germination of all fungal species, and in the case of C. farinosa and C. fumosorosea no germination was also found at 30 °C. This study on the effect of temperature on the growth and spore germination of the species C. coleopterorum and P. suffultus is the first research of its type. The fungal isolates tested in this work in terms of thermal requirements have shown high pathogenicity in relation to selected plant pests in previous studies, which indicates their potential usefulness in IPM programs.
Aerobic and Anaerobic Digestion of Agro-Industrial and Livestock Wastes: A Green and Sustainable Way toward the Future
Authors: Balasubramani Ravindran , Awasthi Mukesh Kumar , Varjani Sunita , Karmegam Natchimuthu
Published: October 2023

Agricultural manufacturing costs have elevated over time because of expanded land use for agricultural functions, state-of-the-art agricultural machinery, and an ever-developing population [...]
Insights into the Development of Pastry Products Based on Spelt Flour Fortified with Lingonberry Powder
Authors: Raba Diana-Nicoleta , Radulov Isidora , Alexa Ersilia , Poiana Mariana-Atena , Misca Corina Dana , Cocan Ileana , Negrea Monica , Suster Gabriel , Dragomir Christine
Published: October 2023

The lingonberries represent a valuable resource for many sectors of the food industry in a wide variety of both organic and conventional products. In the context of little information on the use of dried and ground lingonberries mixed with flour in bakery processing, this study aimed to evaluate how the use of spelt wheat flour fortified with dried lingonberry powder in the preparation of cookies, muffins, and brioches with different types of dough can improve their nutritional, functional, and sensory properties, and the degree to which the rheological properties of the dough are affected. The results of the proximate composition analysis revealed that the use of fortified flour in the pastries matrix led to a significant increase in mineral content by an average of 9% and a reduction in protein content up to 7% progressively with the concentration of fruit powder in fortified flour, relative to control samples. The phytochemical profile of pastry products led to a statistically significant enhancement by using fortified flour in their manufacturing formula, with results showing increases of 10 times in total flavonoids content, 9.3 times in total phenolic content, up to 2 times in DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical inhibition ability, and for FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power), with values of 14.8 times relative to the control in cookies. The rheological behavior highlighted that the mixing of lingonberry powder with spelt flour is suitable for dough prepared with liquid in order to form gluten up to 15% of fruit addition. The best rated from a sensory point of view were muffins prepared from flour fortified with 10% lingonberry powder. The data resulted from this research suggest that the inclusion of lingonberry powder in spelt wheat flour consists of a promising solution to develop innovative pastry products with improved functional properties.
Fecal Metagenomics Study Reveals That a Low-Fiber Diet Drives the Migration of Wild Asian Elephants in Xishuangbanna, China
Authors: Li Xia , Chen Junmin , Zhang Chengbo , Zhang Shuyin , Shen Qingzhong , Wang Bin , Bao Mingwei , Xu Bo , Wu Qian , Han Nanyu , Huang Zunxi
Published: October 2023

The rare northward migration of wild Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna, China, has attracted global attention. Elephant migration is a complex ecological process, and the factors driving this long-distance migration remain elusive. In this study, fresh fecal samples were collected from both captive and wild Asian elephants, along with breastfed calves residing within the Wild Elephant Valley of Xishuangbanna. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between diet, gut microbiota, and migration patterns in Asian elephants through comprehensive metagenomic sequencing analyses. Among the breastfed Asian elephant group, Bacteroidales and Escherichia emerged as the dominant bacterial taxa, while the primary carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) enriched in this group were GH2, GH20, GH92, GH97, GH38, GH23, and GH43, aligning with their dietary source, namely breast milk. The bacterial taxa enriched in captive Asian elephants (CAEs) were mainly Butyrivibrio, Treponema, and Fibrobacter, and the enriched lignocellulose-degrading enzymes mainly included GH25, GH10, GH9, and cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4). These findings are consistent with the high-fiber diet of captive elephants. In contrast, the main bacterial taxa enriched in wild Asian elephants (WAEs) were Ruminococcus and Eubacterium, and the enriched CAZymes included GH109, GH20, GH33, GH28, GH106, and GH39. The abundance of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria and CAZyme content was low in WAEs, indicating challenges in processing high-fiber foods and explaining the low-fiber diet in this group. These findings suggest that wild elephant herds migrate in search of nutritionally suitable, low-fiber food sources.
Identification, Typing, and Drug Resistance Analysis of Escherichia coli in Two Different Types of Broiler Farms in Hebei Province
Authors: Liang Chuncai , Cui Huan , Chen Ligong , Zhang Hailong , Zhang Cheng , Liu Juxiang
Published: October 2023

Hebei Province is an important area for breeding broiler chickens in China, but the antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) are still unclear. A total of 180 cloacal samples from broiler farms in Hebei Province were collected and used for the isolation and identification of E. coli. The isolates were subjected to resistance phenotyping, resistance profiling, and genotyping, and some multiresistant strains were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The results showed that 175 strains were isolated. Among both types of broiler farms, the ampicillin resistance rate was the highest, and the meropenem resistance rate was the lowest. Serious multiresistance was present in both types of broiler farms. Thirty strains of multidrug-resistant E. coli were typed by MLST to obtain a total of 18 ST types, with ST10 being the most prevalent. This study was to simply analyze the antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of E. coli in broiler chickens in Hebei Province after the implementation of the pilot work program of action to reduce the use of veterinary antimicrobials in standard farms (SFs) and nonstandard farms (NSFs). This study will provide a research basis and data support for the prevention and control of E. coli in Hebei.
Seasonal Variation in the Thermoregulation Pattern of an Insular Agamid Lizard
Authors: Karameta Emmanouela , Gavriilidi Ioanna , Sfenthourakis Spyros , Pafilis Panayiotis
Published: October 2023

Ectotherms, including lizards, rely on behavioral thermoregulation to maintain their body temperature within an optimal range. The benign climate of islands is expected to favor the thermoregulation efficiency of reptiles throughout their activity period. In this study, we investigated the seasonal variation in thermoregulation in an insular population of the roughtail rock agama (Laudakia stellio) on Naxos Island, Greece. We measured body, operative, and preferred temperatures across three seasons (spring, summer, and autumn), and we evaluated the effectiveness of thermoregulation, using the Hertz index (E). Our results revealed that the effectiveness of thermoregulation was significantly influenced by seasonality. E was quite high in summer (0.97) and spring (0.92), and lowest in autumn (0.81). Accordingly, the quality of the thermal environment was significantly low during autumn, and maximum during summer. However, despite the environmental temperature fluctuations, lizards exhibited remarkable stability in body temperatures. They also adjusted their preferred temperatures seasonally and doubled the thermal niche breadth they occupied during summer, thus enhancing thermoregulation efficiency. Whether or not these adjustments are plastic or fixed local adaptations remains to be explored in further research across multiple years and seasons, including additional insular populations.