bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of P-selectin/PSGL-1 in regulating NETs as a novel mechanism in cerebral ischemic injury
Authors: Li Xiao , Ma Yamin , Wang Dongbin
Published: July 2024

In recent years, substantial advancements have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Despite these developments, therapeutic options for cerebral ischemia remain limited due to stringent time windows and various contraindications. Consequently, there has been a concentrated effort to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of cerebral ischemic injury. Emerging research indicates that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) exacerbate inflammation and damage in ischemic brain tissue, contributing to neuronal cell death. The inhibition of NETs has shown potential in preventing thrombosis and the infiltration of immune cells. Central to the formation of NETs are P-selectin and its ligand, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), which represent promising therapeutic targets. This review explores the detrimental impact of P-selectin, PSGL-1, and NETs on cerebral ischemia. Additionally, it delineates the processes by which P-selectin and PSGL-1 stimulate NETs production and provides evidence that blocking these molecules reduces NETs formation. This novel insight highlights a potential therapeutic avenue that warrants further investigation by researchers in the field.
Diverse associations between pancreatic intra-, inter-lobular fat and the development of type 2 diabetes in overweight or obese patients
Authors: Wang Lihui , Li Yinghao , Li Renfeng , Luan Jinwen , Cao Kaiming , Liu Tiancheng , Hu Haiyang , Chen Shanshan , Bu Le , Liu Longhua , Wang Hongzhi , Lu Qing
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic fat is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, the relationship between different types of pancreatic fat and diabetes status remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the potential of different types of pancreatic fat accumulation as a risk factor for T2DM in overweight or obese patients. In total, 104 overweight or obese patients were recruited from January 2020 to December 2022. The patients were divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose or glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT), and T2DM. mDixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to detect pancreatic fat in all three groups of patients. The pancreatic head fat (PHF), body fat (PBF), and tail fat (PTF) in the IFG/IGT group were 21, 20, and 31% more than those in the NGT group, respectively. PHF, PBF, and PTF were positively associated with glucose metabolic dysfunction markers in the NGT group, and inter-lobular fat volume (IFV) was positively associated with these markers in the IFG/IGT group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for PHF, PBF, and PTF (used to evaluate their diagnostic potential for glucose metabolic dysfunction) were 0.73, 0.73, and 0.78, respectively, while those for total pancreatic volume (TPV), pancreatic parenchymal volume, IFV, and IFV/TPV were 0.67, 0.67, 0.66, and 0.66, respectively. These results indicate that intra-lobular pancreatic fat, including PHF, PTF, and PBF, may be a potential independent risk factor for the development of T2DM. Additionally, IFV exacerbates glucose metabolic dysfunction. Intra-lobular pancreatic fat indices were better than IFV for the diagnosis of glucose metabolic dysfunction.
Does chronic kidney disease affect the short-term outcomes and prognosis of colorectal cancer surgery? A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Qu Shu-Pei , Rao Si-Qi , Hai Zhan-Xiang , Wang Chun-Yi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the short-term outcomes and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who underwent primary surgery.

Methods

CRC patients who underwent radical surgery were included from Jan 2011 to Jan 2020 in a single hospital. The short-term outcomes and prognosis were compared between the CKD group and the Non-CKD group using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

A total of 4056 patients undergoing CRC surgery were included, including 723 patients in the CKD group and 3333 patients in the Non-CKD group. After 1:1 PSM, there were 666 patients in each group, respectively. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. (p>0.05). After PSM, the CKD group had a longer postoperative hospital stay (P=0.009) and a higher incidence of overall complications (p=0.050). Cox analysis was performed on matched patients to find predictors of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). We found that age (p<0.01, HR=1.045, 95% CI=1.028–1.062), tumor stage (p<0.01, HR=1.931, 95% CI=1.564–2.385) and overall complications (p<0.01, HR=1.858, 95% CI=1.423–2.425) were independent predictors of OS. Age (p<0.01, HR=1.034, 95% CI=1.020–1.049), tumor stage (p<0.01, HR=1.852, 95% CI=1.537–2.231), and overall complications (p<0.01, HR=1.651, 95% CI=1.295–2.10) were independent predictors of DFS. However, CKD was not an independent predictor of OS or DFS (OS: p=0.619, HR=1.070, 95% CI=0.820–1.396; DFS: p=0.472, HR=1.092, 95% CI=0.859–1.389).

Conclusion

CKD prolonged postoperative hospital stay; however, CKD might not affect major postoperative complications, OS or DFS of CRC.
Synovial fibroblasts from children with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis induce migration and prolong viability of neutrophils
Authors: Schmidt Tobias , Mossberg Anki , Berthold Elisabet , Król Petra , Linge Petrus , Bengtsson Anders A. , Kahn Fredrik , Månsson Bengt , Kahn Robin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Little is known of the processes that trigger neutrophil activation in the joint of patients with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA), and if synovial fibroblasts (S-Fib) play an important role in the activation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether S-Fib derived from oJIA patients drive neutrophil activation.

Methods

Synovial fluid (SF) was collected from patients with oJIA. S-Fib were isolated from the SF of n = 7 patients through passaging. Subsequently, the S-Fib were primed or not with 20% of pooled SF. Supernatants were used to study migration of neutrophils in a transwell system. Additionally, the influence of S-Fib on neutrophils were studied in co-cultures. Phenotype and viability were assessed by flow cytometry. Neutrophil function was tested through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and supernatants were tested for myeloperoxidase (MPO) release and elastase activity.

Results

Supernatants of S-Fib induced neutrophil migration (n = 5, p = 0.0491), which was further pronounced using supernatants from SF-primed S-Fib (p = 0.0063). Additionally, co-culture between SF-primed S-Fib and neutrophils resulted in prolonged viability (n = 5, p = 0.0094), with little effect on activation markers, e.g., CD11b. Conversely, co-culture did not induce functional alterations (n = 4), such as production of ROS (p > 0.1570), release of MPO (p > 0.4934) or elastase activity (p > 0.0904). Finally, supernatant stimulation did not replicate the results of prolonged viability (p = 0.9102), suggesting a role of cell-contact.

Conclusion

S-Fib from patients with oJIA induce migration of neutrophils via soluble mediators and, in addition, S-Fib prolong neutrophil viability in a cell-contact dependent manner. These mechanisms could be important for accumulation of neutrophils during arthritis.
Cascaded multiplier-free implementation of adaptive anti-jamming filter based on GNSS receiver
Authors: Song Jie , Chen Lei , Lu Zukun , Li Baiyu , Liu Zhe , Xue Zhihao , Sun Guangfu , Liu Wenhong
Published: July 2024

Evaluating the computational complexity is critical for assessing the time-domain anti-jamming performance of GNSS receivers. The multiplier is the core component that contributes to the computational complexity in time-domain anti-jamming. However, current algorithms aimed at reducing the complexity of time-domain anti-jamming typically concentrate on shortening the filter length, which fails to address the high computational complexity introduced by the use of multipliers. This paper introduces a cascaded multiplier-free approach for implementing time-domain anti-jamming in navigation receivers. We propose a numerical power decomposition technique based on optimal Canonical Signed Digit coding and coefficient decomposition. By substituting the multiplier with minimal adder and shift operations, the computational complexity of the anti-jamming filter with a high quantization bit-width can be considerably decreased. An optimization strategy is presented, and the low-complexity multiplier-free technique is applied to the time-domain anti-jamming filter. Compared to the traditional Canonical Signed Digit multiplier-free technique, our method can reduce the components required for a 12-bit quantization anti-interference filter by one adder, 20 shift operations, and five coded word lengths, while maintaining a pseudo-range measurement deviation below 0.27 ns.
Ventricular unloading causes prolongation of the QT interval and induces ventricular arrhythmias in rat hearts
Authors: Schwoerer Alexander Peter , Biermann Daniel , Ehmke Heimo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Ventricular unloading during prolonged bed rest, mechanical circulatory support or microgravity has repeatedly been linked to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. It is unresolved, whether this arrhythmic phenotype is caused by the reduction in cardiac workload or rather by underlying diseases or external stimuli. We hypothesized that the reduction in cardiac workload alone is sufficient to impair ventricular repolarization and to induce arrhythmias in hearts.

Methods

Rat hearts were unloaded using the heterotopic heart transplantation. The ECG of unloaded and of control hearts were telemetrically recorded over 56 days resulting in >5 × 106 cardiac cycles in each heart. Long-term electrical remodeling was analyzed using a novel semi-automatic arrhythmia detection algorithm.

Results

56 days of unloading reduced left ventricular weight by approximately 50%. While unloading did not affect average HRs, it markedly prolonged the QT interval by approximately 66% and induced a median tenfold increase in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in comparison to control hearts.

Conclusion

The current study provides direct evidence that the previously reported hypertrophic phenotype of repolarization during cardiac unloading translates into an impaired ventricular repolarization and ventricular arrhythmias in vivo. This supports the concept that the reduction in cardiac workload is a causal driver of the development of arrhythmias during ventricular unloading.
Population structure and genetic diversity of mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasm resources as revealed by single-nucleotide polymorphism markers
Authors: Liang Qingzhi , Pan Hongbing , He Xiaolong , Wang Songbiao , Hou Yuanhua , Xiao Hua , Xu Guangzhao , Yi Runhua , Lin Dongbo , Yang Zhuanying
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Mango is a vital horticultural fruit crop, and breeding is an essential strategy to enhance ongoing sustainability. Knowledge regarding population structure and genetic diversity in mango germplasm is essential for crop improvement.

Methods

A set of 284 mango accessions from different regions of the world were subjected to high-throughput sequencing and specific-locus amplified fragment (SLAF) library construction to generate genomic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

Results

After filtering, raw data containing 539.61 M reads were obtained. A total of 505,300 SLAFs were detected, of which, 205,299 were polymorphic. Finally, 29,136 SNPs were employed to dissect the population structure, genetic relationships, and genetic diversity. The 284 mango accessions were divided into two major groups: one group consisted mainly of mango accessions from Australia, the United States, Cuba, India, Caribbean, Israel, Pakistan, Guinea, Burma, China, and Sri Lanka, which belonged to the Indian type (P1); the other group contained mango accessions from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore, which belonged to Southeast Asian type (P2). Genetic diversity, principal component analysis (PCA), and population structure analyses revealed distinct accession clusters. Current results indicated that the proposed hybridization occurred widely between P1 and P2.

Discussion

Most of the accessions (80.99%) were of mixed ancestry, perhaps including multiple hybridization events and regional selection, which merits further investigation.
Comparative metabolomics of leaves and stems of three Italian olive cultivars under drought stress
Authors: Parri Sara , Cai Giampiero , Romi Marco , Cantini Claudio , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Silva Artur M. S. , Dias Maria Celeste Pereira
Published: July 2024

The Mediterranean will be one of the focal points of climate change. The predicted dry and hot summers will lead to water scarcity in agriculture, which may limit crop production and growth. The olive tree serves as a model woody plant for studying drought stress and improving water resource management; thus, it is critical to identify genotypes that are more drought tolerant and perform better under low irrigation or even rainfed conditions. In this study, the metabolomic approach was used to highlight variations in metabolites in stems and leaves of three Italian olive cultivars (previously characterized physiologically) under two and four weeks of drought stress. Phenolic and lipophilic profiles were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The findings identified the leaf as the primary organ in which phenolic variations occurred. The Maurino cultivar exhibited a strong stress response in the form of phenolic compound accumulation, most likely to counteract oxidative stress. The phenolic compound content of ‘Giarraffa’ and ‘Leccino’ plants remained relatively stable whether they were exposed to drought or not. Variations in the lipid profile occurred in leaves and stems of all the cultivars. A high accumulation of compounds related to epicuticular wax components was observed in the leaf of ‘Giarraffa’, while a strong reduction of lipids and long-chain alkanes occurred in ‘Maurino’ when exposed to drought stress conditions.
Evaluating well-being and psychosocial risks in academia: Is management the “forgotten phase”?
Authors: Bruno Andreina , Dell’Aversana Giuseppina , Gilardi Silvia
Published: July 2024

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in attention towards promoting well-being within academic settings. In the specific context of academia, a critical issue is understanding whether the current practices for assessing and managing well-being can bridge the implementation gap and increase opportunities for creating healthy academic conditions. The paper explores the practices adopted for assessing and managing work-related stress (WRS) risks in Italian academia by referring to data from a group of Italian universities of the QoL@Work network (Quality of Life at Work in academia). The aim is to improve understanding of the factors that influence the realization of a WRS risk assessment-management pathway and how they may facilitate or hinder the transition from assessment to the implementation of interventions in the academic context. The results suggest that the assessment-management pathway should prioritize the creation of organizational scaffolding to support participatory processes in order to prevent the data collected from failing to stimulate organizational change in working conditions.
Differences in the effect of adolescents’ strategies for expressing academic emotions on academic emotions and peer acceptance in competitive and cooperative situations
Authors: Liu Ying , Chai Xiaoyun , Sang Biao , Zhang Shaohua
Published: July 2024

Two studies were conducted to explore the differences in the effect of adolescents’ strategies for expressing academic emotions. In Study 1 a total of 65 adolescents participated in the study of the relationship between academic emotions and strategies for expressing them in competitive and cooperative situations. In Study 2 a total of 113 adolescents participated in the study of the relationship between the strategies and peer acceptance in competitive and cooperative situations. The results showed that the relationship between academic emotions and strategies for expressing them in competitive and cooperative situations was situation stable while the relationship between the strategies and peer acceptance was situation specific. Furthermore, emotional expression may be more adaptive when experiencing positive academic emotions. When adolescents experience negative academic emotions, expressing them is more adaptive from the perspective of their own academic emotional experience; whereas suppressing them is more adaptive from the perspective of peer acceptance. These findings (a) clarify how to use more adaptive strategies for emotional expression in various situations and (b) serve as a guide for helping adolescents use strategies to express emotions flexibly according to the situation.
Utilizing rapid qualitative assessment and thematic analysis methods to identify and share promising case investigation and contact tracing practices with people in refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities during COVID-19
Authors: Fredkove Windy , Mann Erin , Abudiab Seja , De Acosta Diego , Garcia Yesenia , Hoffman Sarah J. , Karim Sayyeda , Thomas Christine , Yu Kimberly Kan-Yih , Yun Katherine , Dawson-Hahn Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic The National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) was established. NRC-RIM initially sought to rapidly identify promising case investigation and contact tracing (CICT) practices within refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities. Between September 2020 and April 2021, the team conducted 60 interviews with individuals from cross-sector organizations (i.e., public health, health systems, community experts/organizations) working with refugee, immigrant and migrant communities in health and public health capacities related to COVID-19. The overarching aim was to identify and amplify innovative promising and best practices for CICT with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities, including an exploration of barriers and facilitators. We utilized layered methods to rapidly assess, summarize and disseminate promising practices while simultaneously completing four thematic analyses including: (1) public health organizations; (2) health system organizations; (3) community leaders and organizations; and (4) vaccine planning and access across the three sectors. The primary objective of this article is to describe the project design, applied methods, and team science approach we utilized. We found that rapid identification and dissemination of promising practices, and barriers and facilitators for CICT with refugee, immigrant and migrant communities was feasible during a public health emergency. This approach was essential for identifying and widely sharing culturally and linguistically concordant public health practices.
From fabrication to mechanical properties: exploring high-entropy oxide thin films and coatings for high-temperature applications
Authors: Lee Jun Yeop , Cai Wenjun
Published: July 2024

High-entropy oxides (HEOs) containing five or more cations have garnered significant attention recently due to their vastly tunable compositional space, along with their remarkable physical and mechanical properties, exceptional thermal stability, and phase reversibility at elevated temperatures. These characteristics position HEOs as promising candidates for structural components and coatings in high-temperature applications. While much of the ongoing research on HEOs centers around understanding processing-structure relationships, there remains a dearth of knowledge concerning their mechanical properties, crucial for their prospective high-temperature applications. Whether in bulk form or as coatings, the efficacy of HEOs hinges on robust mechanical properties across a spectrum of temperatures, to ensure structural integrity, fracture resistance, and resilience to thermal stress. This review offers a succinct synthesis of recent advancements in HEO research, spanning from processing techniques to mechanical behaviors under extreme conditions. Emphasis is placed on three key aspects: (1) Investigating the influence of processing parameters on HEO crystal structures. (2) Analyzing the interplay between crystal structure and mechanical properties, elucidating deformation mechanisms. (3) Examining the mechanical behavior of HEOs under extreme temperatures and pressures. Through this review, we aim to illuminate the effective control of HEOs’ unique structures and mechanical properties, paving the way for their future applications in extreme environments.
Characterization and numerical simulation of a new microfluidic device for studying cells-nanofibers interactions based on collagen/PET/PDMS composite
Authors: Eslam Houra Mobaleghol , Hataminia Fatemeh , Asadi-Saghandi Hamid , Fayazbakhsh Farzaneh , Tabatabaei Nasrollah , Ghanbari Hossein
Published: July 2024

Graphical Abstract
Consequential life cycle assessment of demolition waste management in Germany
Authors: Dierks Christian , Hagedorn Tabea , Mack Theresa , Zeller Vanessa
Published: July 2024

Context

Bulk mineral waste materials such as construction and demolition waste are Germany’s largest waste stream. Despite the availability of high-quality recycling pathways such as road base layers, waste concrete is predominantly recycled into lower-quality recycling pathways like earthworks or unbound road construction. This is due to low demand for recycled aggregates in road base layers and frost protection layers, especially in public procurement.

Purpose

This study assesses the environmental consequences of increasing high-quality recycling of waste concrete in the near future to provide decision support for public procurement in Germany. The focus lies on climate change due to its importance for decision-makers. However, 17 other impact categories were assessed to avoid problem shifting.

Methods

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is applied with background data from ecoinvent 3.9.1. Impact assessment was conducted at midpoint level using IPCC 2021 and ReCiPe Midpoint (H). Foreground data were taken from literature and expert interviews. In line with the goal of this LCA, a consequential modeling approach was followed to account for changes in the material flow system. Substitution creates a cascade effect previously omitted in consequential LCA studies, in which lower quality recycling materials replace higher quality recycling materials in their respective utilization pathways.

Results and discussion

Increasing the high-quality recycling of waste concrete into road base layers causes a reduction in environmental impacts for all 18 impact categories, as it replaces natural aggregate and avoids backfilling of mixed mineral waste and excavated earth through substitution effects. Transport distances and ferrous metal recovery were identified as hot spots. Sensitivity analyses show that only transport is a significant issue.

Conclusion

Increasing the high-quality recycling of waste concrete in Germany is recommended in terms of environmental impacts. Lower-quality recycling is environmentally feasible only in cases where the avoided transport distances for natural aggregates and backfilling are significantly lower than the additional transport distances for high-quality recycling.
Intermediate E-F layer dynamics study in the Brazilian low-latitude sector: observational data and simulations
Authors: Muella Marcio T. A. H. , Silva Ana P. M. , Santos Ângela M. dos , Pillat Valdir G. , Resende Laysa C. A. , Andrioli Vânia F. , Fagundes Paulo R.
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the downward motion of Intermediate E-F Layers (ILs) in the Brazilian low latitude sector through observation and modeling. Ionosonde data from São José dos Campos (SJC) and Palmas (PAL) were analyzed to investigate the seasonal variation of the IL parameters, including the virtual height (h'IL) and the top frequency (ftIL). The ILs primarily originated from F layer detachment followed by downward motion, peaking before 11 LT and disappearing well before sunset. Daily height variability ranged between 130 and 190 km, with peak frequencies around 4–5 MHz. Using meteor radar data as input, the Ionospheric E-region Model (MIRE) simulated diurnal and semidiurnal tides to analyze neutral wind effects on ILs descent. Model simulations for SJC (October 2008) and PAL (April and June 2009) revealed distinct wind oscillations influencing IL dynamics at heights below 140 km. In SJC, meridional wind shears controlled IL descent, with possible zonal wind interactions weakening ILs. Conversely, in PAL during April 2009, both zonal and meridional winds contributed to IL formation and altitude descent. However, discrepancies between observed and modeled descent rates suggest the need for considering additional atmospheric wave interactions in future modeling studies. June 2009 over PAL presented unique IL behavior, exhibiting a lower observed decay rate and daily height oscillations potentially linked to local modulations. Meanwhile, MIRE indicated that meridional wind shearing predominantly controlled IL descent in the morning, with zonal wind becoming relevant post-midday. These findings enhance our understanding of IL dynamics and their atmospheric drivers.
Susceptibility evaluation and PK/PD integration of tulathromycin against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae during the mutant selection window
Authors: Wang Hongjuan , Zhang Longfei
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is a serious pathogen that affects the development of livestock breeding. Due to excessive use of antimicrobial drugs, many multidrug-resistant bacteria have emerged and spread, which have threatened the livestock industry. Therefore, we established a peristaltic pump infection model (PPIM) to evaluate the susceptibility change and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration of tulathromycin against APP during the mutant selection window (MSW) for preventing the emergence of mutant-resistant bacteria.

Methods

The 99% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC99) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of tulathromycin against APP were measured using the agar-plate method. After the model of dynamic infection had been established based on tulathromycin data in lungs, different dosages were administered to make the drug concentrations located in different parts of the MSW. The population and sensitivity of APP were monitored. Tulathromycin concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Finally, a sigmoid Emax model was used to analyze the relationships between PK/PD parameters and antibacterial effects.

Results and discussion

The values of MIC, MIC99, and MPC of tulathromycin against APP were 2, 1.4, and 44.8 μg/mL, respectively. The PPIM was stable. An elimination effect without regrowth was observed at 5.6 to 44.8 μg/mL (−4.48 to −7.05 Log10 CFU/mL, respectively). The MIC of APP increased 32-fold at 8 MIC99. AUC168 h/MIC99 had the best fit with the antibacterial effect (R2 = 0.9867). The AUC168 h/MIC99 required to achieve bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and clearance effects were 1.80, 87.42, and 198 h, respectively. Our results could provide guidance for the clinical application of tulathromycin to treat APP infection and avoid the generation of drug-resistant bacteria.
Leisure-Time Physical Activity Participation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With a Spinal Cord Injury in Australia
Authors: Stendell Laura , Stubbs Peter W. , Rogers Kris , Verhagen Arianne P. , Middleton James W. , Davis Glen M. , Arora Mohit , Marshall Ruth , Geraghty Timothy , Nunn Andrew , Quel de Oliveira Camila
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) are often sedentary, increasing their risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Leisure-time Physical Activity (LTPA) is physical activity completed during recreation time for enjoyment. We aimed to quantify LTPA in people ≥45 years with SCI and to explore its relationship with participants’ characteristics.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis on a subset of the Australian International SCI Survey in participants ≥45 years, at least 12 months post-injury. We described levels of LTPA and used multivariable regressions to estimate the associations between participant characteristics and LTPA.

Results

Of 1,281 participants (mean age: 62.7 years, mean time since injury: 18.7 years; 74% males) 44% reported no participation in LTPA. The average LTPA participation was 197 (SD 352) minutes per week (median: 50). Females (β = −62.3, 95% CI [−112.9, −11.7]), and participants with non-traumatic injuries (β = −105.2, 95% CI [−165.9, −44.6]) performed less LTPA. Time since injury was not associated with moderate-to-heavy LTPA (LR: Probability > F = 0.785).

Conclusion

LTPA promotion in the SCI population ≥45 years focusing on females and non-traumatic injuries is warranted.
Central Kurdish Text-to-Speech Synthesis with Novel End-to-End Transformer Training
Authors: Ahmad Hawraz , Rashid Tarik
Published: July 2024

Recent advancements in text-to-speech (TTS) models have aimed to streamline the two-stage process into a single-stage training approach. However, many single-stage models still lag behind in audio quality, particularly when handling Kurdish text and speech. There is a critical need to enhance text-to-speech conversion for the Kurdish language, particularly for the Sorani dialect, which has been relatively neglected and is underrepresented in recent text-to-speech advancements. This study introduces an end-to-end TTS model for efficiently generating high-quality Kurdish audio. The proposed method leverages a variational autoencoder (VAE) that is pre-trained for audio waveform reconstruction and is augmented by adversarial training. This involves aligning the prior distribution established by the pre-trained encoder with the posterior distribution of the text encoder within latent variables. Additionally, a stochastic duration predictor is incorporated to imbue synthesized Kurdish speech with diverse rhythms. By aligning latent distributions and integrating the stochastic duration predictor, the proposed method facilitates the real-time generation of natural Kurdish speech audio, offering flexibility in pitches and rhythms. Empirical evaluation via the mean opinion score (MOS) on a custom dataset confirms the superior performance of our approach (MOS of 3.94) compared with that of a one-stage system and other two-staged systems as assessed through a subjective human evaluation.
Enablers to Digitalization in Agriculture: A Case Study from Italian Field Crop Farms in the Po River Valley, with Insights for Policy Targeting
Authors: Giorgio Azzurra , Penate Lopez Laura Priscila , Bertoni Danilo , Cavicchioli Daniele , Ferrazzi Giovanni
Published: July 2024

The prosperity of Po River Valley’s quality agri-food system depends on the efficiency of its field crops, which are recently facing a crisis evidenced by cultivated areas decreasing and yields stagnating. Several factors, including EU policies and climate variability, impose an improvement in the use of production factors and adapted business models: literature shows how digitalization and Agriculture 4.0 can contribute to addressing these challenges. This paper aims to explore drivers and barriers in the adoption of digitalization among Po River Valley field crop farms, in a dynamic view. Using a case study approach to guarantee adequate consideration of context and conditions, three farms were studied. As one of the main outcomes, several drivers (digital skills, data management practices, and interoperability) that should be at the heart of policies were identified as demands to farmers in exchange for financial contributions, or as “innovation space” offered by EU institutions. Policies should not only focus on supporting mechanical/digital equipment acquisition but also on promoting the evolution of farmers’ human capital. The framework developed paves the way for future research on the degree of farm digitalization in the same/similar territorial contexts: identified drivers of digital transition can be used as a basis for survey questionnaires, as well as tested in their validity.
Survey on Psychosocial Conditions of Official Veterinarians in Germany: Comparison with Other Professions and Differences between Age Groups, Gender, and Workplace Characteristics
Authors: Jensen Katharina Charlotte , Merle Roswitha
Published: July 2024

Background: Even though the mental health of veterinarians has raised concerns, little is known about the wellbeing of official veterinarians ensuring animal welfare, food safety, and control of infectious diseases and performing other tasks for veterinary public health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial conditions of official German veterinarians and to compare them with those of other employees. Methods: An online survey was conducted including 82 items of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III) and additional questions on workplace and demographics. Results: The answers of 838 respondents were analyzed, representing 26% of the target population. The average values for the dimensions Quantitative Demands, Emotional Demands, and Burnout Symptoms were substantially higher than those for German employees in other professions. Official veterinarians mainly working in animal welfare frequently experienced physical violence (6.7%) or threats of violence (53%). However, the profession also provides advantages: official veterinarians reported higher average values concerning the dimensions Control over Working Time and Influence at Work than other employees. Most participants stated that they experienced their work as meaningful, and the Job Insecurity dimension was low. Conclusions: Official veterinarians frequently experience offensive behavior and high-level demands. Therefore, measures to support and protect official veterinarians are needed. The positive aspects of this job should be emphasized to recruit and retain veterinarians in this field of the profession.
Qualitative, Quantitative, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Profiling of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
Authors: Kumari Divya , Singh Devendra , Meena Mukesh , Janmeda Pracheta , Siddiqui Manzer H.
Published: July 2024

Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne (LP) is a medicinal herb from the Asclepiadaceae family with many advantageous properties. The goal of this research is to identify, quantify, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of LP to validate its remarkable therapeutic advantages. The hot soxhlet extraction method was employed to prepare different extracts of LP (stem and root). These extracts were evaluated physiochemically to check their impurity, purity, and quality; qualitatively to detect different phytochemicals; and quantitatively for phenol, saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and alkaloid contents. Then, the in vitro antioxidant potential was estimated by DPPH, NO, H2O2 scavenging assays, and MC and FRAP assays. The most prevalent phytochemicals of LP were then analysed by AAS, FT-IR, UV–visible, and GC-MS techniques. A higher extractive yield was shown by LPSE and LPRE (7.37 ± 0.11 and 5.70 ± 0.02). The LP stem showed better physicochemical and qualitative results than the root. The quantitative and in vitro antioxidant results indicated maximal phenols, tannins, and alkaloid contents in LPSE, which was further confirmed by UV–visible, FT-IR, and GC-MS results. The extraction methods (soxhlation or ultrasonication) were optimized by utilizing RSM to determine the impacts of multiple parameters. The study concluded that the plant has remarkable therapeutic advantages to promote additional clinical investigations and the mechanisms of its action.
Exploitation of Natural By-Products for the Promotion of Healthy Outcomes in Humans: Special Focus on Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms and Modulation of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Santacroce Luigi , Bottalico Lucrezia , Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , Castellaneta Francesca , Gaxhja Elona , Topi Skender , Palmirotta Raffaele , Jirillo Emilio
Published: July 2024

Daily, a lot of food is wasted, and vegetables, fruit, and cereals as well as marine products represent the major sources of unwanted by-products. The sustainability, waste recovery, and revalorization of food by-products have been proposed as the main goals of the so-called circular economy. In fact, food wastes are enriched in by-products endowed with beneficial effects on human health. Grape, olives, vegetables, and rice contain different compounds, such as polyphenols, dietary fibers, polysaccharides, vitamins, and proteins, which exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, inhibiting pro-oxidant genes and the Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kβ) pathway, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Dietary fibers act upon the gut microbiota, expanding beneficial bacteria, which contribute to healthy outcomes. Furthermore, marine foods, even including microalgae, arthropods, and wastes of fish, are rich in carotenoids, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, and chitooligosaccharides, which afford antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection. The present review will cover the major by-products derived from food wastes, describing the mechanisms of action involved in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as the modulation of the gut microbiota. The effects of some by-products have also been explored in clinical trials, while others, such as marine by-products, need more investigation for their full exploitation as bioactive compounds in humans.
Modification Role of Dietary Antioxidants in the Association of High Red Meat Intake and Lung Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Yang Jiaqi , Na Xiaona , Li Zhihui , Zhao Ai
Published: July 2024

Evidence on the association between red meat consumption and lung cancer risk is weak. This study examined the associations between red meat and lung cancer across levels of antioxidant intake from foods or supplements. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to assess hazard ratios (HRs) for lung cancer incidence in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial. Baseline food frequency questionnaires measured red meat and antioxidant intake. The food-based Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (fCDAI) evaluated the overall natural intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. During 13 years of follow-up, 95,647 participants developed 1599 lung cancer cases. Higher red meat consumption was associated with a higher risk of lung cancer (HRQ4vsQ1 1.43, 95%CI 1.20–1.71, p-trend < 0.001). We observed similar trends across groups with low or medium levels of antioxidant intake. However, no association was noticed in the group with the highest fCDAI (HRQ4vsQ1 1.24, 95%CI 0.90–1.72, p-trend = 0.08) and highest independent natural antioxidant intake. The attenuated risk was not consistently observed among groups with high supplement use. Lastly, we did not notice evidence of interactions between red meat and antioxidant intake. Our findings emphasize the importance of limiting red meat in lung cancer prevention.
Dexborneol Amplifies Pregabalin’s Analgesic Effect in Mouse Models of Peripheral Nerve Injury and Incisional Pain
Authors: Shen Zhen , Guo Yun-Dan , Tang Ming-Ze , Zhou Ping , Su Yu-Xin , Shen Hao-Ran , Li Tao , Jiang Wei , Han Yan-Xing , Tie Cai , Cui Jing-Jing , Gao Tian-Le , Jiang Jian-Dong
Published: July 2024

Pregabalin is a medication primarily used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and anxiety disorders, owing to its gabapentinoid properties. Pregabalin monotherapy faces limitations due to its variable efficacy and dose-dependent adverse reactions. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the potentiation of pregabalin’s analgesic effects by dexborneol, a neuroprotective bicyclic monoterpenoid compound. We performed animal experiments where pain models were induced using two methods: peripheral nerve injury, involving axotomy and ligation of the tibial and common peroneal nerves, and incisional pain through a longitudinal incision in the hind paw, while employing a multifaceted methodology that integrates behavioral pharmacology, molecular biology, neuromorphology, and lipidomics to delve into the mechanisms behind this potentiation. Dexborneol was found to enhance pregabalin’s efficacy by promoting its transportation to the central nervous system, disrupting self-amplifying vicious cycles via the reduction of HMGB1 and ATP release, and exerting significant anti-oxidative effects through modulation of central lipid metabolism. This combination therapy not only boosted pregabalin’s analgesic property but also notably decreased its side effects. Moreover, this therapeutic cocktail exceeded basic pain relief, effectively reducing neuroinflammation and glial cell activation—key factors contributing to persistent and chronic pain. This study paves the way for more tolerable and effective analgesic options, highlighting the potential of dexborneol as an adjuvant to pregabalin therapy.
Effects of Heart Failure Therapies on Atrial Fibrillation: Biological and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Mauriello Alfredo , Ascrizzi Antonia , Roma Anna Selvaggia , Molinari Riccardo , Caturano Alfredo , Imbalzano Egidio , D’Andrea Antonello , Russo Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent cardiovascular diseases that contribute significantly to morbidity, mortality, hospitalisation, and healthcare costs. It is not uncommon for these conditions to coexist and have mutually reinforcing effects. A critical factor in the aetiology of these conditions is oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contributes to atrial remodelling and fibrosis. The recent introduction of new drugs for the treatment of heart failure has also had an impact on the management of atrial fibrillation due to their influence on oxidative stress. The objective of this review is to analyse the effects of these therapies, including their role in mitigating ROS, on the prevention and treatment of AF in HF patients.
Cognitive Principles for Remote Condition Monitoring Applied to a Rail Pantograph System
Authors: Richards Joseph , Golightly David , Palacin Roberto
Published: July 2024

Remote condition monitoring (RCM) aims to ensure the availability of railway assets. Previous work has indicated the importance of a user-centred RCM design approach based on cognitive principles, but there has been no known demonstration of the application of these principles. The following paper takes this theory-based approach and applies it to the design of an RCM system for the rail pantograph/Overhead Line (OHL) system. The paper first presents a high-level conceptual architecture, based on four stages of cognitive decision-making (notification, acceptance, analysis and clearance), linked to the wider monitoring architecture. Second, the paper uses cognitive principles to propose demonstration Human–Machine Interface designs for the OHL system. These HMIs were presented in an evaluation with subject matter experts. The outcomes of the process generated user-centred design recommendations for RCM. Furthermore, the evaluation suggested the importance of multiple paths through the HMI dependent on the type and urgency of fault. Finally, the outcomes of the evaluation also highlighted the importance of considering context when deploying user-centred RCM.
Detecting Reinforced Concrete Rebars Using Ground Penetrating Radars
Authors: Zatar Wael , Nghiem Hien , Nguyen Hai
Published: July 2024

A new algorithm is developed to automatically detect rebar locations and diameters of reinforced concrete structures using the ground penetrating radar technique. The study uses two-way travel time and biquadratic equations to formulate electromagnetic wave speed in reinforced concrete structures where hyperbolic signatures are approximated. Leveraging an established algorithm, a computer code has been developed to offer automated analysis of ground-penetrating radar data obtained from survey grids. Four reinforced concrete slabs were designed, fabricated, and tested to validate the developed evaluation approach. The proposed methodology demonstrates outstanding signal processing proficiency and reliably and effectively identifies rebar information.
Evaluation of Yukmijihwang-Tang as a Novel Preventive Agent in Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Asthma
Authors: Song Jun-Yeop , Hong Eun-Ju , Baek Eun-Bok , Kumbukgahadeniya Poornima , Kim Yu-Jin , Lee Mee-Young , Kwun Hyo-Jung
Published: July 2024

Yukmijihwang-tang (YJT) is a blend of six herbal ingredients that has long been used in Asia for various diseases, including diabetes mellitus and mental decline. Here, we assessed the prophylactic efficacy of YJT in a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Male C57BL/6 mice underwent sensitization followed by an airway challenge with OVA for 1 h. YJT (100 or 300 mg/kg once daily) was administered orally for 6 days. Our analyses revealed that YJT significantly reduced inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), decreased the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF, and lowered the relative mRNA levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in lung tissues. Histological analyses showed that YJT substantially decreased inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the bronchial airway. YJT also effectively reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by improved levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione, glutathione reductase (GR), and reduced glutathione (GSH). YJT also markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in lung tissues. Together, these results show that YJT effectively inhibits respiratory inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and oxidative stress induced by OVA, suggesting its potential for asthma treatment.
Effect of Lateral Confining Pressure on Shale’s Mechanical Properties and Its Implications for Fracture Conductivity
Authors: Song Jinliang , Liu Yuan , Luo Yujie , Yang Fujian , Hu Dawei
Published: July 2024

The field stress of the shale affects the proppant embedment, fracture conductivity, well production rate, and ultimately the recovery of hydrocarbons from reservoir formations. This paper presents, for the first time, an experimental study investigating the mechanical characteristics of a shale under confining pressures that simulate the in situ stress state in deep reservoirs. Bidirectional but equal confining pressures were applied to the shale sample to replicate its field stress state. Microindentation tests were conducted to assess the alterations of mechanical properties resulting from the application of confining pressures. The results demonstrate a significant increase in Young’s modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness for the samples subjected to confining pressure. Considering the effect of confining pressure, the decrease in proppant embedment is proportional to Young’s modulus of the shale. For larger-sized proppants (e.g., D = 2.50 mm), the influence of confining pressure on fracture conductivity is relatively minor. However, when smaller-sized proppants (e.g., D = 1.00 mm) are used, particularly in scenarios involving shale debris swelling due to prolonged interaction with fracturing fluid, there is a noticeable improvement in fracture conductivity. Importantly, previous computational models have tended to overestimate proppant embedment depth while underestimating fracture conductivity. The findings from this study contribute to advancing the understanding of shale’s mechanical characteristics under in situ reservoir conditions and support the optimization of proppant embedment and fracture conductivity calculation models for the efficient extraction of shale gas.