bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage depletion in inflamed rat knees prevents the activation of synovial mesenchymal stem cells by weakening Nampt and Spp1 signaling
Authors: Kodama Hayato , Endo Kentaro , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: July 2024

Background
Macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) engage in crucial interplay during inflammation and have significant roles in tissue regeneration. Synovial MSCs, as key players in joint regeneration, are known to proliferate together with macrophages in synovitis. However, the crosstalk between synovial MSCs and macrophages remains unclear. In this study, we investigated changes in the activation of synovial MSCs in inflamed rat knees following selective depletion of macrophages with clodronate liposomes.
Methods
Acute inflammation was induced in rat knee joints by injection of carrageenan (day 0). Clodronate liposomes were administered intra-articularly on days 1 and 4 to deplete macrophages, with empty liposomes as a control. Knee joints were collected on day 7 for evaluation by histology, flow cytometry, and colony-forming assays. Concurrently, synovial MSCs were cultured and subjected to proliferation assays, flow cytometry, and chondrogenesis assessments. We also analyzed their crosstalk using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).
Results
Clodronate liposome treatment significantly reduced CD68-positive macrophage numbers and suppressed synovitis. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry showed decreased expression of CD68 (a macrophage marker) and CD44 and CD271 (MSC markers) in the clodronate group, while CD73 expression remained unchanged. The number of colony-forming cells per 1,000 nucleated cells and per gram of synovium was significantly lower in the clodronate group than in the control group. Cultured synovial MSCs from both groups showed comparable proliferation, surface antigen expression, and chondrogenic capacity. scRNA-seq identified seven distinct synovial fibroblast (SF) subsets, with a notable decrease in the Mki67+ SF subset, corresponding to synovial MSCs, in the clodronate group. Clodronate treatment downregulated genes related to extracellular matrix organization and anabolic pathways in Mki67+ SF. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed diminished Nampt and Spp1 signaling interaction between macrophages and Mki67+ SF and diminished Ccl7, Spp1, and Csf1 signaling interaction between Mki67+ SF and macrophages in the clodronate group.
Conclusions
Macrophage depletion with clodronate liposomes suppressed synovitis and reduced the number and activity of synovial MSCs, highlighting the significance of macrophage-derived Nampt and Spp1 signals in synovial MSC activation. These findings offer potential therapeutic strategies to promote joint tissue regeneration by enhancing beneficial signals between macrophages and synovial MSCs.
Urbanization Rate Associated with Renewable in Electricity Production and CO 2 Emissions in Jordan: A Threshold Regression Approach
Authors: Bashayreh Ala' , Al-Hindawi Hatem , Tahtamouni Abla
Published: July 2024

This study examines the relationship between urbanization rates associated with the increasing dependency on renewable electricity production and CO2 emissions per capita and gross domestic per capita in Jordan. The empirical analysis uses annual data from Jordan for the period 1990–2022 to answer the question: What is/are the threshold urbanization rate/s that pushes CO2 emissions per capita to decline? Results suggest that two threshold values exist for Jordan, which implies a nonlinear relationship between urbanization rate and CO2 emissions per capita. The estimated threshold regression model shows (0.78, 0.91) as the threshold values of urbanization rate, and values between these thresholds push CO2 emissions per capita to decline. In addition, there is a significant negative relationship between these two variables.
How urine metabolomics can help in the follow-up of kidney transplant recipients: An untargeted metabolomics-based multiplatform study
Authors: Cirillo Arianna , Resimont Guillaume , Massias Justine , Guitton Yann , Jouret François , Vidal-Petiot Emmanuelle , Flamant Martin , Delanaye Pierre , de Tullio Pascal
Published: July 2024

Kidney transplantation (KTx) offers the best outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease. Monitoring kidney graft function is crucial for transplant recipients (KTR) but current biomarkers are insufficient to predict kidney function evolution. This study aimed to identify new predictive biomarkers using untargeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomic approaches.
In a cohort of 56 French KTR patients, urinary samples were collected 3 months post-KTx, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured at 3 and 12 months. Patients were categorized as “progressors” or “stable” based on a 7% decline or stability in kidney function over this period. Untargeted NMR- and MS-based metabolomic analyses were performed, followed by dual integration. Multivariate statistical analysis of urinary samples identified biomarker panels linked to GFR evolution. The combined approach enhanced discrimination and predictive performance (Combined platforms: Q2= 0.829, AUC= 0.845, Accuracy= 0.79 vs. NMR: Q2= 0.775, AUC= 0.794, Accuracy= 0.64).
Early post-transplantation urinary metabolome analysis shows promise in predicting GFR evolution at 1 year, potentially leading to innovative tools for improving post-transplant patient care.
A Methodology to Select and Adjust Quantum Noise Models Through Emulators: Benchmarking Against Real Backends
Authors: Bravo-Montes J.A. , Bastante Miriam , Botella Guillermo , Barrio Alberto del , García-Herrero F.
Published: July 2024

Currently, access to quantum processors is costly in terms of time, and power.There are quantum simulators and emulators on the market that offer alternativesfor evaluating the behavior of a real quantum processor. However, these emulationenvironments present accuracy deviations from real devices, mainly becauseof difficult-to-model error sources. In this study, a methodology is proposed thatallows the selection of noise models and adjustment of their parameters, consideringthe nature of the backends (technology, topology, vendor, model, etc.).The proposed methodology is illustrated using a small superconducting examplebased on the ibm perth backend (seven qubits) and a comparison between thequantum emulators Qaptiva and Qiskit, where six different noise models areapplied, achieving a fidelity deviation of 0.686% at best with respect to the real device.
The influence of health conscious on tea consumption: A case study in Ilala Municipality-Tanzania
Authors: M Mwalilei , Hassan Maliwaza , Katikiro Robert
Published: July 2024

Background: In Tanzania, tea is an essential crop that contributes significantly to export revenue, employment opportunities, and income for farmers and other stakeholders, all of which are important to the nation's socioeconomic growth. The economics of Tanzania's tea sector is impacted by the industry's challenges, including low domestic consumption and a significant reliance on export markets. This study sought to investigate the impact of health-conscious tendencies on Tanzanians' tea-drinking habits.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ilala, one of Tanzania's most urban centres. A total of 400 respondents were conveniently included in the sample. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the data, which was then analysed using descriptive statistics to determine how participants felt about drinking tea in relation to health issues.
Results: The research found that only 20.4% of respondents drank tea for health benefits, indicating that most people were not aware of the benefits of this beverage. Conversely, the majority of the respondents believed that drinking tea was linked to health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, which made them prefer other drinks such as juice, soft drinks and herbal tea) over traditional tea (Camellia sinensis) due their perceived safety.
Conclusions:The findings highlight the importance of understanding consumer preferences and behaviour in developing a successful marketing plan and the challenges faced by consumers so as to promote growth in the Tanzanian tea industry.
Revolutionizing Diabetes Treatment: Computational Insights into 4- Hydroxy isoleucine Derivatives and Advanced Molecular Screening for Anti-Diabetic Compounds
Authors: Kelam Lakshmi Mounika , Gill Manjinder Singh , Sobhia M. Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

Background:
The present study focuses on the importance of, a peculiar nonprotein amino acid 4-hydroxy isoleucine (4OHIle) as a constituent isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), which plays a vital role in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. Here, we represent 4-hydroxy isoleucine derivatives has the ability to simulate insulin production and increase insulin sensitivity in diabetes mellitus targets.
Objectives
In this study, using computational methods we search for suitable drug like compounds that have similar ligand binding kinetics to target diabetes mellitus.
Methods
The top drug like compounds are selected based on computational methods such as Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, Gibbs Free Energy calculations and Free Energy Landscape (FEL), shape based generative modelling for de novo drug design.
Results
Docking-based simulation screened out best 2 compounds against each targeted enzyme implicated in diabetes. Further, their dynamics studies reveal that the compounds 4-OHIL, 4-OHIL-4, 2R-3S-4R-4OHIL and 4-OHIL-Amide-2 were affirmed as the best inhibitors of respective enzyme targets. The best inhibitors are further optimised using generative model (Ligdream)
Conclusion
Anticipating the competitive inhibition of target protein expression in diabetes mellitus, we envision that the best inhibitors of respective enzyme targets. The findings from this current investigation carry significant modifications for the advancement in order to improve their potential to treat type 2 diabetes
Flavone and volatile metabolite profiling of rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaf tea: a multivariate approach to identify potential bioactive compounds
Authors: Sirijan Mongkon , Hutasingh Nuti , Khaksar Gholamreza , Pewlong Putthamas , Pattarapipatkul Nattaya , Tubtimrattana Apinya , Tansrisawad Nat , Borompichaichartkul Chaleeda , Sirikantaramas Supaart
Published: July 2024

Seven-day-old Jasmine rice seedling leaves contain a significant amount of bioactive compounds. In this study, we examined metabolite variation and bioactive compounds in leaves subjected to freeze-drying and sun-drying processes. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we identified luteolin 6-C-glucoside and chrysoeriol 6-C-glucoside as major flavones, and potential bioactive markers. The maximum extractable total hydrolyzed flavones reached approximately 4.70 ± 1.15 mg/g dry weight with hot water at 90°C for 360 s after three extractions of sun-dried tea leaves, which was significantly different from that of the ethanolic extracts (5.90 ± 0.19 mg/g dry weight). Sun-dried tea leaves exhibited a greater relative abundance of predominant volatile compounds, such as 2-methylbutanal, dodecane, 2-ethylfuran, and methylpyrazine, enhancing consumer appeal in tea infusions. We introduce jasmine rice seedling leaf tea as a health-beneficial drink that contains abundant bioactive compounds.
Tribological behavior of shaft-surface pairs with PPS and its composites in seawater media under cyclic loadings
Authors: Yuan Wei , Yao XingJu , Guo Qian , Li Can , Chi Baotao , Yu Jie
Published: July 2024

Shaft-surface contact friction pairs of marine equipment are often subject to the effects of wear and corrosion under cyclic loading in the seawater media. A friction and wear test bench was established to simulate the marine ship stern shaft and bearings working in seawater media. The tribological properties of pure polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), 30% glass fiber reinforced PPS (30% GF/PPS), and 30% carbon fiber reinforced PPS (30% CF/PPS) against 316L stainless steel under different lubrication conditions were investigated. The results show that the friction force and wear loss of three PPS materials against 316L stainless steel in seawater media are the smallest. Among them, carbon fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide has the lowest friction and wear under seawater lubrication. The friction fluctuates in the range of 5 N, and the wear is 0.028 g. Due to the inhomogeneity of glass fiber (GF) bonding with the PPS matrix, adding GF did not significantly improve PPS materials' antifriction properties and wear resistance. The wear mechanism is mainly the severe three-body abrasive wear caused by GF falling off on the surface of the friction pair. In addition, the resistance of carbon fiber to cyclic load, the mixed lubrication effect of seawater and carbon fiber debris, and the transfer effect of polymer were also discussed. The observation results show that carbon fiber can effectively resist the impact of cyclic load on the friction surface. There are synergistic anti-friction and wear-resisting effects between carbon fiber and seawater, seawater and polymer transfer film. This study will provide a reference for selecting new shaft friction pair materials under complex working conditions of seawater.
Loss of STARD7 triggers metabolic reprogramming and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer
Authors: Chariot Alain , Dondajewska Ewelina , Allepuz-Fuster Paula , Maurizy Chloé , Blomme Arnaud , Close Pierre , lavergne arnaud , Karim Latifa , Thiry Marc , Nemazanyy Ivan , Krishnankutty Roopesh , Junior Jair Marques , von Kriegsheim Alex , Henneman Nate , Panasyuk Ganna , Shostak Kateryna
Published: July 2024

Cancer cells adapt their metabolism to support aberrant cell proliferation. However, the functional link between metabolic reprogramming and cell cycle progression remains largely unexplored. Mitochondria rely on the transfer of multiple lipids from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to their membranes to be functional. Several mitochondrial-derived metabolites influence cancer cell proliferation by modulating the epigenome. Here we show that the loss of STARD7, a lipid transfer protein whose expression is enhanced in breast cancer, leads to a metabolic reprogramming characterized by the accumulation of Carnitine derivatives and S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM). Elevated SAM levels causes the increase of H3K27 trimethylation on many gene promoters coding for candidates involved in cell cycle progression. Likewise, STARD7 deficiency triggers cell cycle arrest and impairs ERa-dependent cell proliferation. EGFR trafficking to lysosomes is also deregulated in breast cancer cells lacking STARD7. Therefore, mitochondria rely on STARD7 to support cell cycle progression in breast cancer.
Changes in the Transition Process of Roughness-Induced Crossflow Vortices due to Freestream Turbulence
Authors: Nakagawa Kosuke , Ishida Takahiro , Tsukahara Takahiro
Published: July 2024

Laminar-turbulent transitions in boundary layers are one of the major research topics in fluid dynamics.In this study, we focused on a three-dimensional boundary layer formed on a swept flat plate.In this boundary layer, the crossflow instability is dominant, and the instability induces crossflow vortices (CFVs).Many studies have focused on the dependency of the transition process on the intensities of steady or unsteady disturbances, which correspond to a roughness element and freestream turbulence (FST), respectively.On the other hand, the effects of the FST wavelength are still unclear.Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge about the transition processes caused by both steady and unsteady disturbances.We investigated how the transition process of a stationary structure caused by cylindrical roughness changes depending on the FST wavelength using direct numerical simulations.We classified transition processes into two types: processes in which stationary structures grow into CFVs and processes in which hairpin vortices are generated on the stationary structures.The former is further classified into four types depending on the presence or absence of FST and on the FST wavelength.We revealed the contributions of different FST wavelengths to the transition process changes.The short-wavelength FST provides hairpin vortices to the stationary structure at low roughness height conditions because of its high-frequency components.The long-wavelength FST changes the process due to unsteady fluctuations influencing the stationary structure.In summary, depending on the FST wavelength, the transition process is changed by a completely different mechanism.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the sexual satisfaction questionnaire for postmenopausal women (PWSSQ): an exploratory mixed method study protocol
Authors: Shahrahmani Nasim , Babazadeh Raheleh , Ebadi Abbas
Published: July 2024

Background
The concept of sexual satisfaction in menopausal women is very different from that in premenopausal women, and this difference is due to aging and physical, hormonal, cultural, and psychological changes. Therefore, the first step in discovering methods for assessing sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women is to develop a measurement instrument. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a sexual satisfaction instrument for postmenopausal women.
Methods
The current study is an exploratory-sequential mixed-methods research project that will be divided into two parts: qualitative and quantitative. Aligned with the primary objective of the research, which is to elucidate the concept of sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women, the hybrid concept analysis model developed by Schwartz and Kim will be employed. This model comprises three key phases: the theoretical phase, the fieldwork phase, and the final analytical phase. Those who met the inclusion criteria and exhibited maximum variance in terms of age, educational level, employment status, and menopausal duration were recruited. The conventional content analysis will be carried out following the steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Second, in the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the instrument were evaluated, including the content, face and construct validity and reliability via internal consistency and stability. The psychometric properties described in the COSMIN checklist will be utilized for designing the instrument.
Discussion
A valid and reliable scale for evaluating the sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women should be developed, and educational content should be designed to improve the sexual satisfaction of this group of women.
On the Improvement of Schizophrenia Detection with Optical Coherence Tomography Data Using Deep Neural Networks and Aggregation Functions
Authors: Karczmarek Paweł , Plechawska-Wójcik Małgorzata , Kiersztyn Adam , Domagała Adam , Wolinska Agnieszka , Silverstein Steven M. , Jonak Kamil , Krukow Paweł
Published: July 2024

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder with a complex neurobiological background and a well-defined psychopathological picture. Despite many efforts, a definitive disease biomarker has still not been identified. One of the promising candidate for such biomarker might be the retinal morphology. In this study Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data is applied to assess the different layers of the retina. OCT data were applied in the process of automatic differentiation of schizophrenic patients and healthy controls. Numerical experiments covered applying several individual 1D Convolutional Neural Network based models as well as further using the aggregation of classification results to improve the initial classification results. The main goal of the study was to check how methods based on the aggregation of classification results work in classifying neuroanatomical features of schizophrenia. Among over 300, 000 different variants of tested aggregation operators, a few versions provided satisfactory results.
Comparative analysis of the musculoskeletal health of the populations of Poland and Spain: a cross-sectional study using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Wiśniowska-Szurlej Agnieszka , Sozańska Agnieszka , Barrio Sandra Jiménez , Sozański Bernard , Laita Luis Ceballos , Lázaro Héctor Hernández
Published: July 2024

Background
Musculoskeletal disorders affect approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide and are a growing cause of disability. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is the current framework for describing disability and provides a codification system that can be used to compare data across populations. The availability of comparable data would allow a better understanding of the determinants of health and improve the health of the population. The aim of the study was to make an ICF-based comparison between musculoskeletal health in Poland and Spain.
Methods
A comparative study was conducted to identify cross-cultural differences between Poland and Spain in the prevalence of ICF entities from the brief ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions. Two datasets from previous validation studies in these populations were used for comparison. A total of 840 people with musculoskeletal conditions were included in the study. Information was recoded into ICF qualifiers to obtain comparable data. Statistical analysis included: a) calculation of absolute and relative frequencies on the prevalence of ICF entities, and b) calculation of the level of significance using the Mann-Whitney test for quantitative variables and the Chi-square test for qualitative variables.
Results
Significant differences in functioning were found between the two samples, with a higher prevalence in all the ICF entities for the Spanish sample. Similarities were found in the ICF components ‘Body Functions’ and ‘environmental factors’, with the most prevalent ICF entities being ‘b280 Sensation of pain’ (86.9% in Spain and 74.2% in Poland) and ‘e225 Climate’ (58.0% and 31.8%) respectively. For ‘Activities and Participation’, differences were observed, with ‘d430 Lifting and carrying objects’ being the most common for the Spanish sample (65.4%) and ‘d450 Walking’ for the Polish sample (47.7%).
Conclusions
A theoretical application of the ICF has been empirically tested for the first time, a milestone in the development of this research methodology. Differences in the prevalence of ICF entities showed a better musculoskeletal health in the Polish sample. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of different health care models has the potential to improve population health by implementing best practice-based approaches.
Trial registration
NCT06283407
Sampling of Culicoides with non-traditional methods provides unusual species composition and new records for southern Spain
Authors: González Mikel Alexander , Magallanes Sergio , Bravo-Barriga Daniel , Monteys Victor Sarto i , Martinéz-Puente Josué , Figuerola Jordi
Published: July 2024

Background. Culicoides midges have been well-studied in Spain, particularly over the last 20 years, mainly because of their role as vectors of arboviral diseases that affect livestock. Most studies on Culicoidesare conducted using suction light traps in farmed environments, but studies employing alternative trapping techniques or focusing on natural habitats are scarce.
Methods. In the present study, we analyzed Culicoides captured in 2023 at 476 sites in western Andalusia (southern Spain) using carbon dioxide-baited BG-sentinel traps across different ecosystems.
Results. We collected 3,084 Culicoides midges (3,060 females and 24 males) belonging to 23 species, including the new species Culicoides grandifovea sp. nov. and the first record of Culicoides pseudolangeroni for Europe. Both species were described with morphological and molecular methods and detailed data on spatial distribution was also recorded. The new species showed close phylogenetic relations with sequences from an unidentified Culicoides from Morocco (92.6% similarity) and with Culicoides kurensis. Culicoides imicola was the most abundant species (17.4 %), followed by Culicoides grandifovea sp. nov. (14.6 %), and Culicoides kurensis (11.9 %). Interestingly, Culicoides montanus was the only species of the Obsoletus and Pulicaris species complexes captured, representing the first record of this species in southern Spain. A total of 53 valid Culicoides species have been reported in the area, 48 already reported in literature records and 5 more added in the present study. Information on the flight period for the most common Culicoides species is also provided.
Conclusions. To the best of our knowledge, our study represents the most comprehensive effort ever done on non-farmland habitats using carbon-dioxide baited suction traps for collecting Culicoides. Our data suggests that using carbon dioxide traps offers a completely different perspective on Culicoides communities compared to commonly used light traps, including the discovery of previously unrecorded species.
Using Linear Regression Analysis to Predict Energy Consumption
Authors: Phan Phan Dao Dao , Anh Minh Anh Nguyen Nguyen Minh , Nguyen Ba Hung HUng
Published: July 2024

This study explores the utilization of linear regression analysis to predict energy consumption in practical applications. The methodology involves setting up a linear regression model and applying it to real-world scenarios to demonstrate its effectiveness. Specifically, the research includes three case studies: predicting the future energy consumption of a supermarket in the UK, analyzing the energy consumption patterns of the Puerto Princesa Distribution System, and building a predictive model using data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The application of linear regression in these examples illustrates how accurate predictions can be achieved. Additionally, the study presents an improved energy prediction model, showcasing enhancements in predictive accuracy. The findings indicate that linear regression is a valuable tool for energy consumption forecasting, providing insights that can aid in better energy management and planning.
Drivers behind the diverging gender patterns of wage inequality
Authors: Oliver Xisco , Sard Maria
Published: July 2024

This paper examines wage inequality in Spain across the economic cycle of 2006–2018, focusing on gender perspectives, aiming to discern the underlying factors driving it. Employing the Firpo, Fortin, and Lemieux decomposition method, we analyse how differences in worker, firm, and job characteristics impact wage inequality evolution. Drawing on data from the Spanish Wage Structure Survey (WSS), our analysis reveals a decline in wage inequality for both genders over the entire economic cycle, with a more pronounced reduction among females. However, this decrease in wage inequality cannot be attributed to changes in worker, firm, or job characteristics of the employees (composition effects), as they actually increased. Our analysis indicates that rewards associated with these characteristics (wage structure effects) primarily drove the reduction in wage inequality. Nonetheless, gender disparities become evident when exploring the contribution of the primary explanatory variables. We find that the sector of activity is associated with lower wage inequality among females but higher among males. Conversely, the de-unionization process that occurred during the analysed period tends to increase wage inequality among males while having a neutral or opposite effect on females. A notable shift occurred during 2014–2018: while female wage inequality increased, male wage inequality continued to decline. Finally, we find no significant correlation between the economic cycle and the evolution of wage inequality.
JEL codes: J31; J71; C21 and D63.
The weight management practices and support needs of young adults living with excess weight in the UK and Australia: A mixed methods cross-sectional study using data from the YOUTH cohort
Authors: Evans Tamla S. , Marwood Jordan , Kolokotroni Katerina Z , Fozard Therese , Whatnall Megan , Burrows Tracy , Ells Louisa J
Published: July 2024

Background
Young adulthood is a critical period where there is an increased weight gain trajectory. Understanding the weight management support needs of young adults with excess weight is essential to enable the delivery of appropriate and tailored services and prevent the development of comorbidities. This study sought to determine the current health service usage, weight management practices and support needs, in young adults with excess weight.
Methods
A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was employed. A cohort of community-dwelling young adults (18–35 years), with excess weight (BMI ≥ 25), residing in the UK and Australia participated in an online, longitudinal survey. Cross-sectional data was analysed descriptively, including quantitative measures of health service usage and weight management practices. Responses to an open-ended question asking what support participants would find most helpful were analysed using Thematic Template Analysis. Convergence and divergence across sociodemographic characteristics were explored.
Results
The sample (n = 410) included 204 women, 201 men and five non-binary people with a mean age of 28.3 and BMI of 35.8. Most participants reported a white ethnicity (80%) and resided in the UK (83%). Half reported a below median gross household income (49%). Most (73%) reported currently trying to manage their weight and 63% were using commercial weight management products or self-directed diets. Only 12% of participants reported accessing healthcare services for weight management support or treatment, yet qualitative responses indicated a desire for support from a dietitian or psychologist. Five themes indicated a need for structured but tailored resources, simplicity, addressing internal and external barriers, access to holistic professional support, and access to networks vs a preference for self-reliance.
Conclusions
Young adults with excess weight are using commercial products and self-led diets but many desire specialist healthcare professionals to support their weight management. Young adults appear to prefer online resources and support that are simplistic, structured and individually tailored to their diverse cultural preferences, routines, environments, and comorbidities. Furthermore, findings indicate unmet psychological support needs amongst young adults with excess weight in the UK and Australia.
Protocol
Whatnall, M., Fozard, T., Kolokotroni, K.Z., Marwood, J., Evans, T., Ells, L.J. and Burrows, T., 2022. Understanding eating behaviours, mental health and weight change in young adults: protocol paper for an international longitudinal study. BMJ open, 12(9), p.e064963.
Dietary plant-based protein improves the growth performance and health status of Colossoma macropomum
Authors: MEDEIROS Paulo Adelino , SANTOS Raphael Brito , FREITAS Thiago Mendes , Uribe Ligia , Claudiano Gustavo , AFFONSO Elizabeth Gusmão
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the effect of isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets based on animal protein (AP) and plant protein (PP), on growth performance, feed cost and body composition of tambaqui in the phases of on-growing and grow-out. Additionally, indicators of well-being, intermediate metabolism, digestive enzyme activity, innate immunity and endoparasitic load of fish were evaluated. In the on-growing, 90 tambaqui (13.98 ± 0.22 g) were randomly distributed in six experimental units with partial water renewal (400 L; n = 3; 15 fish/tank) and fed three times a day with the two experimental diets, for 60 days. For the grow-out phase, 24 tambaqui (86.02 ± 1.30 g) were kept in six experimental units (0.8 m3 net tanks; n = 3; 04 fish/tank) in a static system and fed twice a day with either of the two experimental diets for 70 days. In both experiments, the fish were fed until apparent satiety. In the on-growing phase, fish fed with the PP diet gained 64% more weight (p = 0.027), with apparent feed conversion being 9% better (p = 0.002) and feed cost being 12% lower (p = 0.004) than those fed with the AP diet. There no differences in the whole-body composition nor the digestive enzyme activity of the fish; however, adverse effects of the AP diet on the innate immunity of animals were observed, which may be related to the morphophysiological characteristics of the species and the imbalance of amino acids in the diet in relation to the requirements of the species. There was an 18% reduction in respiratory activity (p = 0.015) and a 35% reduction in total leukocyte count (p = 0.035), which was influenced by the low lymphocyte value (p = 0.004). In the grow-out phase, except for the higher energy utilization in AP diet (p = 0.000), there was no difference in performance between the fish fed the different diets. However, because of the reduction in the number of cells and leukocyte activity caused by the diets, there was a 59% increase in the average intensity of endoparasitic infestation (p = 0.028) in the tambaqui fed with AP diets. The results indicate that the use of a diet based on protein from plants and free of fishmeal provides greater growth during the on-growing phase of tambaqui. In the grow-out phase, this diet contributes to the resistance to endoparasitic infestation in the animals.
Large-Scale Genome-Wide Optimization and Prediction of the Cre Recombinase System for Precise Genome Manipulation in Mice
Authors: Hosur Vishnu , Erhardt Valerie , Hartig Elli , Lorenzo Kristian , Megathlin Hannah , Tarchini Basile
Published: July 2024

The Cre-Lox recombination system is a powerful tool in mouse genetics, offering spatial-temporal control over gene expression and facilitating the large-scale generation of conditional knockout mice. Its versatility also extends to other research models, such as rats, pigs, and zebrafish. However, the Cre-Lox technology presents a set of challenges that includes high costs, a time-intensive process, and the occurrence of unpredictable recombination events, which can lead to unexpected phenotypic outcomes. To better understand factors affecting recombination, we embarked on a systematic and genome-wide analysis of Cre-mediated recombination in mice. To ensure uniformity and reproducibility, we generated 11 novel strains with conditional alleles at the ROSA26 locus, utilizing a single inbred mouse strain background, C57BL/6J. We examined several factors influencing Cre-recombination, including the inter-loxP distance, mutant loxP sites, the zygosity of the conditional alleles, chromosomal location, and the age of the breeders. We discovered that the selection of the Cre-driver strain profoundly impacts recombination efficiency. We also found that successful and complete recombination is best achieved when loxP sites are spaced between 1 to 4 kb apart, with mutant loxP sites facilitating recombination at distances of 1 to 3 kb. Furthermore, we demonstrate that complete recombination does not occur at an inter-loxP distance of ≥ 15 kb with wildtype loxP sites, nor at a distance of ≥ 7 kb with mutant lox71/66 sites. Interestingly, the age of the Cre-driver mouse at the time of breeding emerged as a critical factor in recombination efficiency, with best results observed between 8 and 20 weeks old. Moreover, crossing heterozygous floxed alleles with the Cre-driver strain resulted in more efficient recombination than using homozygous floxed alleles. Lastly, maintaining an inter-loxP distance of 4 kb or less ensures efficient recombination of the conditional allele, regardless of the chromosomal location. While CRISPR/Cas has revolutionized genome editing in mice, Cre-Lox technology remains a cornerstone for the generation of sophisticated alleles and for precise control of gene expression in mice. The knowledge gained here will enable investigators to select a Cre-Lox approach that is most efficient for their desired outcome in the generation of both germline and non-germline mouse models of human disease, thereby reducing time and cost of Cre-Lox technology-mediated genome modification.
Route Formation and the Choreography of Looking Back in Desert Ants (Melophorus bagoti)
Authors: Freas Cody A , Cheng Ken
Published: July 2024

How ants, wasps and bees rapidly form visual routes represents an enduring mystery as well as a powerful example of the abilites of insect brains. Here, we analyse a previously uncharcterised behaviour, ‘lookbacks’, underlies rapid bi-directional route learning in desert ants. During these lookbacks, foragers stop forward movement to their goal location, turn and fixate their gaze to their origin, often for only 150–200ms. This turn appears to be a critical period for learning the inbound route. Route formation relies on acquiring visual cues and comparing panoramic view memories with the current view. While the nest panorama is learned during pre-foraging learning walks, during which naïve ants often fixate their gaze at the nest, route following requires separate behaviours to learn route based views. We untangle how route formation occurs in naïve Melophorus bagoti foragers during the first foraging trips by focusing on the previously uncharacterised lookback behaviours and their function in facilitating visual learning. Lookbacks were highly associated with the first few foraging trips and were concentrated in areas where the visual scene changed rapidly. Analysis of gaze directions during lookbacks show foragers clearly fixate their view to the nest direction during these behaviours (or alternatively to the feeder during inbound homing), learning the nest-aligned inbound route during their first outbound trips. We discuss lookbacks as a ‘when to learn signal’ combining visual rotation and gaze fixations to produce view-based route following.
Molecular docking of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to HMGCoA reductase -- the rate limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis
Authors: Hossain Shahdat
Published: July 2024

Numerous studies show that fish oil components, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA: C20:5, w-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA: (C22:6, w-3), lower blood cholesterol levels and claim that these PUFAs do this by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoAR). Statins, a group of commonly prescribed drugs to treat hypercholesterolemia, are also inhibitors of HMGCoAR. Since the intake of EPA and DHA lowers blood cholesterol levels, we used bioinformatics to investigate whether EPA and DHA actually bind to the inhibitor (statin) binding site of the HMGCoAR and thus limit the rise of blood cholesterol. Docking studies with HMGCoAR (1hw9) revealed that both EPA and DHA themselves can bind to the inhibitor binding site with a greater affinity than that of the statin. Therefore, it is concluded that purified EPA and DHA and/or fish oil containing them reduces blood cholesterol levels, at least in part, by directly inhibiting HMGCoAR.
Satellite-Enhanced Groundwater Prospect Assessment in a Crystalline Basement Terrain Using Landsat Imageries and DEM Data Around Ilorin Metropolis and Adjacent Areas, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Michael Ajibola Ayoola , Olusola Olorunfemi Martins , Gaius Osotuyi Abayomi , Johnson Falana Babatope , Segun Adesinaoye
Published: July 2024

An assessment of the Crystalline Basement Complex (CBC) terrain of the province around Ilorin, Southwestern Nigeria, was carried out to evaluate its groundwater potential. The study aimed at investigating the hydrogeomorphological and geological/hydrogeological characteristics of the study area. This was with a view to classifying the study area into different groundwater potential zones, in order to delineate and recommend prospective areas for subsequent detailed geophysical study and drilling campaign. Drainage map, topographic map, and geological maps of the study area were acquired and integrated with Satellite imageries comprising Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) 2000 and ASTER GDEM covering the area, and processed using the ArcGIS 10.4 software. The hydro-geomorphological map and hydrogeologic lineament density maps were generated from the processed remotely sensed data. Results from the processed Digital Elevation Model (DEM) showed five distinct hydrogeomophic units which include: Dambos (valleys) (156–270 m a.s.l), the Pediplain (270–305 m a.s.l), lower Pediment (305–330 m a.s.l), upper Pediment (330–355 m a.s.l) and the residual hills (355–390 m a.s.l). The hydrogeologic lineament trends show N-S, NNE-SSW, NE-SW and NW-SE trends. The hydro-significant lineament density map reveal five (5) lineament cluster zones in the range of 0.00–1.25, 1.25–2.50, 2.50–3.75, 3.75–5.00 and 5.00–5.60 km per km2. Cross examination of the hydro-geomorphological map and lineament density map, in a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment, enabled the characterization of the study area into five different classes of very low, low, moderate, high and very high groundwater potential zones. It is concluded that groundwater potential of the area around Ilorin was generally of very low to low rating. However, there are few areas with moderate groundwater potential.
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN OF ZAPORIZHZHIA REGION IN 2023
Authors: Lezhenko Hennadii , Pashkova Olena , Samoylyk Kateryna , Petrashyna Olena
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study. To investigate the structure of pathogens of acute urinary tract infections in children of Zaporizhzhia region in 2023 and their sensitivity to antibacterial agents.
Materials and methods. The analysis of the structure of pathogens in acute urinary tract infections and the determination of their sensitivity to antibiotics based on the results of bacteriological urine cultures of 322 children with acute urinary tract infections treated at the Zaporizhzhia Regional Children's Hospital in 2023 was performed. For each isolate, the multidrug resistance index was calculated, which allowed to judge the relative integral resistance of the isolated microorganisms to antibacterial drugs.
Results. It was established that the most common cause of urinary tract infections in children were gram-negative microorganisms (61.0%), including Escherichia coli (37.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.8%) which were most often verified. Gram-positive bacteria were identified in 38.5% of patients, among which the Enterococcus bacteria (29.2%) predominated. High resistance of Escherichia coli to amoxicillin/clavulanate (31.5%), ciprofloxacin (30.1%), cefepime (20.1%), and ceftazidine (20.5%) was detected, including 29 (39.7%) multidrug-resistant isolates of Escherichia coli. The highest resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae was found to amoxicillin/clavulanate (76.2%), cefepime (33.3%), ceftazidine (33.3%), ciprofloxacin (42.8%), and phosphamycin (28.6%). Multidrug resistance was shown by 76.2% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. The highest susceptibility of Enterococcus bacteria was found to ampicillin (98.2%), linezolid (98.2%), vancomycin (100%), nitrofurantoin (100%), and tigecycline (100%). In no case microorganisms showed complete sensitivity to imipenem, and 17.9% of Enterococcus isolates were resistant to this antibiotic.
Conclusions: At the present stage, the dominance of gram-negative microflora among the pathogens of urinary system infections in children remains, among which Escherichia coli (37.4%) continues to be the leading pathogen. The growing role of Enterococcus faecalis (29.2%) as an etiologic factor of urinary tract infections in children was noted, which should be taken into account during the empirical use of antibiotics, especially if there is no effect within the first two days after the start of therapy.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MRI, MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASM OF THE PROSTATE GLAND
Authors: Yasnikova Marharita , Kudriavtsev Yuriy , Ponyrko Alina , Malyuk Anastasiya , Riabenko Tetiana , Romaniuk Anatolii
Published: July 2024

Introduction. This article presents a comparative analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), biopsy and biochemical studies in prostate cancer using histomorphologic grading of the tumor component according to the Gleason score. It has been shown that the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) often correlated with the total Gleason score.
Materials and methods: In the study, 860 patients with suspected prostate cancer were examined: 530 patients (62 %) were diagnosed with prostate cancer at various stages of development, and 330 patients (38 %) were diagnosed with prostate adenoma.
MRI of the prostate was performed in three sections: sagittal, frontal and vertical. The tumor component was assessed using the PI-RADS system. Patients with a PSA level of more than 4.4 ng/ml were selected for the study. The stage of cancer development was determined by the Gleason scale during histological examination.
Results of own research: It was found that the MRI diagnostic method was most effective in low and moderately differentiated forms of prostate adenocarcinoma and could also be used to assess the prevalence of the tumor process.
The first place among the studied cases (61%) was occupied by stage III prostate cancer, the second place – by stage IV prostate cancer (24%) and the third place – by stage II prostate cancer (15%).
Hypoechoic nodular elements were detected in 30.2%, mainly 5–7 by the Gleason score, heterogeneous nodular elements – in 40.1% (8 by the Gleason score), hypointense areas, mainly in the peripheral parts of the gland, were detected in 75.2% (9–10 by the Gleason score).
Changes in the vascular pattern depended on the degree of development of the tumor component.
Conclusion. Our study revealed a number of features: prostate cancer is mainly characterized by highly differentiated and moderately differentiated forms of adenocarcinoma; in metastasized prostate cancer, a low-grade form of adenocarcinoma is more often detected, which can have an aggressive course and rapid spread of the tumor component.
Conhecimento de profissionais de saúde sobre nutrição e monitoramento de ações com adolescentes obesos na atenção primária em saúde
Authors: Rodrigues Layonne de Sousa Carvalho , Beserra Jéssica Batista , Sousa Roniele Araujo de , Cardoso Osmar de Oliveira , Santos Marize Melo dos
Published: July 2024

Este estudo associou o conhecimento de profissionais de saúde sobre nutrição e o monitoramento de suas ações com a adesão de adolescentes obesos atendidos na atenção primária em saúde no Piauí. Estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo realizado com dados do “Programa de enfrentamento e controle da obesidade, no âmbito da Atenção Básica do SUS no Piauí. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida entre março e outubro de 2021, período em que os profissionais preencheram dois questionários eletrônicos acerca do conhecimento sobre nutrição no manejo de adolescentes obesos, monitoramento de ações pelos profissionais e percepção do profissional sobre a adesão deste grupo às ações. Os dados foram analisados no programa Stata versão 14. Os respondentes assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Dentre os profissionais de saúde, 59,02% mostraram conhecimento adequado sobre nutrição no manejo do adolescente obeso. Somente 35,52% deles realizaram monitoramento das ações em grupo e 25,68% ações no cuidado comunitário. Observou-se 53,57% de adesão insatisfatória nas ações em grupo de adolescentes e maior percentual de adesão satisfatória às ações em âmbito comunitário (81,58%). Entretanto, os profissionais que realizam o monitoramento dos resultados das ações em grupo possuem 4,55 mais chances de obterem adesão satisfatória de adolescentes com obesidade (p=0,021). As ações de monitoramento dos resultados das ações realizadas na APS ainda são escassas. Ressalta-se a importância da realização de ações em grupo voltada para adolescentes, bem como o monitoramento dos desfechos relativos a essas ações.