bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilingual use assessment questionnaire: a proposal for assessing language and literacy experience
Authors: Aparici Melina , Rosado Elisa , Tolchinsky Liliana
Published: May 2024

The linguistic profile of multilingual individuals can vary significantly due to diversity in linguistic experience. This poses challenges for language researchers, educators, and clinical practitioners. We developed a Multilingual Use Assessment Questionnaire (MUAQ) to capture the heterogeneous nature of multilinguals profiles integrating three dimensions: self-assessment of language(s) competence, language(s) use for mental operations, and language(s) use in different contexts. The questionnaire was administered to bilingual Catalan/Spanish children and adults across three educational levels: elementary school (year 6), secondary school (year 10), and university level. The application of the MUAQ revealed that Catalan/Spanish bilinguals displayed variations in their self-assessed proficiency based on the type of linguistic activity required by each language. While high bilingual competence was concentrated in oral comprehension, production skills exhibited lower bilingual competence and a strong asymmetry between languages emerged in writing. Also, more pronounced preferences for one language were observed for Thinking and Counting. Whereas Catalan (the language of schooling) was more frequently preferred for Counting, a more multilingual approach was observed for Thinking. A significant heterogeneity was also evident in the language(s) used in different contexts, with each third of the study population demonstrating distinct patterns of linguistic behavior depending on the context. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified two key dimensions (linguistic competence skills and languages involved in mental operations) that accounted for a substantial portion of the variance, while the third dimension (language use in different contexts) bifurcated into situational/communicative vs. personal contexts. These results endorse multidimensional approaches for a comprehensive understanding of multilingualism.
YouTube for young children: what are infants and toddlers watching on the most popular video-sharing app?
Authors: Henderson Dahlia , Bailes Talia , Sturza Julie , Robb Michael B. , Radesky Jenny S. , Munzer Tiffany G.
Published: May 2024

Background

Infants and toddlers engage with digital media about 1–3 h per day with a growing proportion of time spent on YouTube.

Aim

Examined content of YouTube videos viewed by children 0–35.9 months of age and predictors of YouTube content characteristics.

Methods

We completed a secondary analysis of data from the 2020 Common Sense “YouTube and Kids” study. Parents were surveyed about demographics and YouTube viewing history. We developed a novel coding scheme to characterize educational quality and comprehension-aiding approaches (i.e., labels, pacing) in 426 videos watched by 47 children. Videos were previously coded for violence and consumerism. Bivariate analyses compared video-level predictors of higher quality educational content. Multivariable analyses examined child and family predictors of YouTube video content, adjusted for FDR.

Results

Only 19% of videos were age-appropriate, 27% were slow paced, 27% included physical violence, and 48% included consumerism. The game genre was associated with faster pace, more physical violence, more scariness, and more consumerism vs. all other videos. The informational genre was associated with more learning goals, slower pace, and less physical violence vs. all other videos. Child age 0–11.9 months vs. 24–35.9 months was associated with more age-inappropriate and violent content.

Conclusion

Physical violence and consumerism were prevalent among YouTube videos viewed by this sample, with infants being exposed to more age-inappropriate and violent content compared with toddlers. Caregivers may wish to select videos in the informational genre which tended to include more high-quality indicators and avoid gaming videos and monitor young infant video content.
Fluid flow at the Loppa High results from the seabed laboratory and test site
Authors: Chand Shyam , Brunstad Harald , Lepland Aivo , Thorsnes Terje , Pedersen Jon Halvard
Published: May 2024

The Loppa High is a subsurface structural high located in SW Barents Sea flanked by regional fault complexes where many hydrocarbon discoveries have been made along its peripheries during recent years. Since the petroleum exploration started in the late 1970’s, extensive studies have been undertaken giving a good understanding of the subsurface stratigraphy and the presence and maturation of hydrocarbon sources, fluid migration processes into hydrocarbon traps and seabed seeps. Many shallow gas anomalies are observed in this region due to fluid migration from the deeper reservoirs. Taking advantage of modern echo sounder and sonar technology, a more precise mapping of shallow subsurface became possible as well as detection of seafloor seeps to be inspected and sampled by advanced ROV technology. Presence of thermogenic hydrocarbons in seeps would indicate remobilisation from reservoirs in the subsurface that remained after the Late Paleogene/Neogene tectonism and the Pleistocene glacial rebound. Results of multibeam echosounder mapping of selected areas have been used to select seep sites for detailed investigation using ROV’s, and HUGIN AUV equipped with synthetic aperture sonar (HISAS), methane sniffers and optical cameras. This has aided the selection of optimal sampling sites and the collection of a large amount of sample material including seeping fluids, carbonate crusts and sediments which has been used for geochemical characterization and geochronology. Here, we present the evidence of the hydrocarbon migration and seepage from reservoirs mainly of deep thermogenic origin and altered by shallow storage during and after glaciation. The thermogenic signature of the seeping fluids indicates the long term and large-scale supply of methane to the global methane budget also from similar areas of potential natural leakage from the subsurface to the water column.
A case study for coupling mechanism of anti-rockburst and pressure relief in gas drainage borehole along seam
Authors: Jiang Junjun , Deng Zhigang , Zhang Guanghui , Yang Shengli
Published: May 2024

After high gas mines coal mining reaches deep, the issue of rockburst has become increasingly prominent. Aiming at solving the problem of rock burst in high gas mines, the coupling mechanism of anti-rockburst and pressure relief in gas drainage boreholes along seam has been explored. The research results indicate that gas drainage boreholes can reduce the stress environment of coal, making the peak stress transfer to deep coal. The pressure relief effect of gas drainage boreholes is slightly weaker than that of large diameter pressure relief boreholes. Moreover, the presence of gas pressure can weaken the mechanical properties of coal. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, cohesion, and internal friction angle of coal all show varying degrees of attenuation with the increase of gas pressure. Besides, a stress analysis was conducted on borehole surrounding rock, and mathematical derivation was also carried out. The expressions for radial stress and circumferential stress of the coal at the boundary of the plastic zone of the borehole surrounding rock, as well as the analytical solution for the boundary of the plastic zone, are obtained. In addition, the gas in pressure relief borehole act on the coal in the pressure relief zone, causing deterioration of the mechanical properties of the coal around the pressure relief boreholes. The expansion range of the radius of the borehole pressure relief zone will increases, and the borehole pressure relief effect will enhance, promoting the formation of coal weakening zones. The above is the coupling mechanism of anti-rockburst and pressure relief in gas drainage boreholes, which has been confirmed by numerical simulation for reliability.
Comparison of adrenalectomy with conservative treatment on mild autonomous cortisol secretion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khadembashiri Mohamad Mehdi , Mohseni Shahrzad , Harandi Hamid , Pejman Sani Mahnaz , Khadembashiri Mohamad Amin , Atlasi Rasha , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Mohajeri- Tehrani Mohammadreza , Larijani Bagher
Published: May 2024

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the benefits of adrenalectomy and conservative treatment for comorbidities associated with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) in patients diagnosed with MACS.

Background

MACS is the most common benign hormone-secreting functional adrenal incidentaloma. Overproduction of cortisol is observed in MACS patients, resulting in a variety of long-term health issues, including arterial hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, obesity, and osteoporosis; however, the classic clinical manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) are not present.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases on December, 2023. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the included articles. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the beneficial effects of adrenalectomy versus conservative management for MACS-related comorbidities.

Results

Fifteen articles were included in this study, which evaluated 933 MACS patients (384 Adrenalectomy and 501 Conservative treatment, and 48 excluded due to incomplete follow-up duration). MACS diagnosis criteria were different among the included articles. All studies, however, stated that there must be no overt CS symptoms. Meta-analysis demonstrates the overall advantage of adrenalectomy over conservative treatment for MACS-related comorbidities (Cohen’s d = -0.49, 95% CI [-0.64, -0.34], p = 0.00). Subgroup analysis indicated that the systolic blood pressure (pooled effect size = -0.81, 95% CI [-1.19, -0.42], p = 0.03), diastolic blood pressure (pooled effect size = -0.63, 95% CI [-1.05, -0.21], p = 0.01), and BMD (pooled effect size = -0.40, 95% CI [-0.73, -0.07], p = 0.02) were significantly in favor of adrenalectomy group rather than conservative treatment but no significant differences between the two treatment groups in other MACS-related comorbidities were reported.

Conclusion

Despite the limited and diverse data, this study demonstrates the advantage of adrenalectomy over conservative treatment for MACS-related comorbidities.
Different roles of circulating and intramuscular GDF15 as markers of skeletal muscle health
Authors: Chiariello Antonio , Conte Giuseppe , Rossetti Luca , Trofarello Lorenzo , Salvioli Stefano , Conte Maria
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) is a mitokine expressed in response to various stresses whose circulating levels increase with age and are associated with numerous pathological conditions, including muscle wasting and sarcopenia. However, the use of circulating GDF15 (c-GDF15) as a biomarker of sarcopenia is still debated. Moreover, the role of GDF15 intracellular precursor, pro-GDF15, in human skeletal muscle (SM-GDF15) is not totally understood. In order to clarify these points, the association of both forms of GDF15 with parameters of muscle strength, body composition, metabolism and inflammation was investigated.

Methods

the levels of c-GDF15 and SM-GDF15 were evaluated in plasma and muscle biopsies, respectively, of healthy subjects (HS) and patients with lower limb mobility impairment (LLMI), either young (<40 years-old) or old (>70 years-old). Other parameters included in the analysis were Isometric Quadriceps Strength (IQS), BMI, lean and fat mass percentage, Vastus lateralis thickness, as well as circulating levels of Adiponectin, Leptin, Resistin, IGF-1, Insulin, IL6, IL15 and c-PLIN2. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA) and Receiving Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis were performed.

Results

c-GDF15 but not SM-GDF15 levels resulted associated with decreased IQS and IGF-1 levels in both HS and LLMI, while only in LLMI associated with increased levels of Resistin. Moreover, in LLMI both c-GDF15 and SM-GDF15 levels were associated with IL-6 levels, but interestingly SM-GDF15 is lower in LLMI with respect to HS. Furthermore, a discrimination of the four groups of subjects based on these parameters was possible with PCA and CDA. In particular HS, LLMI over 70 years or under 40 years of age were discriminated based on SM-GDF15, c-GDF15 and Insulin levels, respectively.

Conclusion

our data support the idea that c-GDF15 level could be used as a biomarker of decreased muscle mass and strength. Moreover, it is suggested that c-GDF15 has a different diagnostic significance with respect to SM-GDF15, which is likely linked to a healthy and active state.
Technical, economic, and environmental feasibility assessment of solar-battery-generator hybrid energy systems: a case study in Nigeria
Authors: Ijeoma Muzan Williams , Lewis Christopher Garrett , Chen Hao , Chukwu Benjamin Nnamdi , Carbajales-Dale Michael
Published: May 2024

Supermarkets in Nigeria rely on diesel generators for electricity due to the unreliability of the national grid. The recent removal of petroleum subsidies in 2023 has increased fuel prices by 60%. This research examines the technical, economic, and environmental viability of employing solar PV/battery storage/generator systems to generate electricity for high-load supermarkets. The case study was conducted in the Market Square (MS) supermarket in Port Harcourt (PH) city, Nigeria. The MS supermarket had a load demand of 59.8 kW/day for an energy audit in 2022. The average solar radiation and temperature for PH city were 4.21 kWh/m2 and 25.3°C, respectively. The hybrid system was simulated with the HOMER Pro software. The simulation revealed that the optimum baseline (BL) system for the present price of a liter of diesel in Nigeria ($0.63 USD/L) was a solar PV/Battery/Generator. The optimal BL system produced 401,599 kWh/year, which was more than adequate to cover the yearly load requirement of 204,765 kWh/year and left a surplus of 173,195 kWh/year. The BL system had a levelized cost of electricity of $0.106 USD/kWh, a net present cost of $232,533, and Operation and Maintenance cost of $7,928. When the overall environmental impact of the optimal BL system was assessed, it contributed 10,935 kg CO2-eq/year of global warming potential, 1,611 kg O3-eq/year of smog formation, and 72.2 kg SO2-eq/year of acidification potential to the environment. Sensitivity analysis shows that the BL system could have a net present value of $710,364, a 38% internal rate of return, and a 2-year simple payback period over a 25-year life if the excess energy is sold to the grid. Also, LCOE increases with fuel price or discount rate increase, while CO2 falls as all renewable hybrid system configurations become more advantageous. The potential reduction in CO2 emission in the proposed system highlights the environmental benefits compared to traditional ones. This finding will guide decisions on adopting hybrid energy solutions for supermarkets in Nigeria. This analysis offers crucial insights for energy sector decision-makers seeking to balance reliability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability in a volatile market.
Sheep manure organic fertilizer is an effective strategy to promote strawberry growth by improving soil physicochemical properties and microbiota
Authors: Zha Yan , Liu Aichun , Lai Wenguo , Wang Jianrong , Li Xiaoyuan , Yu Hong , Xiao Wenfei
Published: May 2024

The use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers can improve soil pH, help to maintain soil health and enable landowners to achieve organic or ecological-status agriculture. Rapeseed cake, sheep manure, and biofungal fertilizer are considered to be effective amendments to improve soil quality. However, there have been few studies on the effects of the three fertilizers on strawberry production, soil physicochemical properties, and inter-root soil microbial community structure. In this study, field experiments were conducted to investigate the differences in strawberry growth, quality, yield, and the structure and diversity of strawberry soil bacterial and fungal communities under four treatments: no organic fertilizer (CK), rapeseed cake organic fertilizer (T1), sheep manure organic fertilizer (T2) and bio-organic fertilizer (algae-optimized bacteria) (T3), the relationship between soil physicochemical properties and soil microbial diversity were analyzed. Our results have shown that these three amendments promoted the growth of strawberry to some extent. The effects of available phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, sucrase, protease and urease under T2 treatment were significantly increased by 50.62%, 54.14%, 276.50%, 129.47%, 232.61%, and 232.00%, respectively, compared with the control. The soil bacterial and fungi community were the most abundant and diversified under the T2 treatment. Soil physicochemical properties and soil key enzyme activities varied significantly under different fertilizer treatments, with the soil nutrient content and soil carbon and nitrogen metabolizing enzyme activities being highest under T2 treatment. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that soil organic matter was closely related to the diversity of soil microbial communities. A redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the main variables of the bacterial community included nitrate nitrogen (NN) and rapidly available potassium (RAP), while the main variables of the fungal community included alkaline dissolved nitrogen (ADN) and ammonium nitrogen (AN). Overall, different fertilizers promoted the release and transformation of soil nutrients by affecting the structure and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities in strawberry soils, which was beneficial to the supply of soil nutrients and the improvement of soil quality. The application of sheep manure organic fertilizer had the best soil improvement effect.
Genetic evidence reveals a causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zhao Rong , Zhang Yi-Wen , Guo Jin-Cheng , Qiao Jun , Song Shan , Zhang Ting-Ting , Zhang He-Yi , Zhang Sheng-Xiao
Published: May 2024

Background/purpose: Previous epidemiological studies have associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet the causality of this relationship remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the genetic causal link between ILD and RA.

Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics for ILD and RA were collected from public datasets. Relevant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected by executing quality control steps from the GWAS summary results. A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the causal relationship between the two conditions. The MR analysis primarily used the inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger regression methods. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, leave-one-out, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), were conducted to evaluate the heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Replication analyses using Asian datasets were also conducted to enhance the robustness of our findings.

Results: In the European population, RA was found to increase the risk of ILD by 9.6% (OR: 1.096, 95% CI: 1.023–1.174, p = 0.009). Conversely, ILD was associated with a 12.8% increased risk of RA (OR: 1.128, 95% CI: 1.013–1.256, p = 0.029). Replication analyses from Asian GWAS further supported these findings, particularly the increased risk of ILD attributable to RA (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18–1.49, p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the clinical importance of screening for ILD in RA patients and suggest that effective management of RA could significantly benefit ILD patients. The potential applicability of novel RA treatments to ILD warrants further exploration. Additionally, racial disparities in the manifestation of these diseases should not be overlooked, as they may offer new perspectives for targeted therapies in diverse populations.
Real-world insights on nutritional awareness and behaviors among preconception and pregnant women in three Asia Pacific countries
Authors: Furness Denise , Huynh Nguyen Khanh Trang , Kaufmann Ligaya , Liu Jue , Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc , Schaefer Ella , Tan Lucy , Yau Ching Danica , Yu Qi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In many parts of Asia Pacific (APAC), insufficient intake of micronutrients that are important for conception and pregnancy remains a prevalent issue among women of reproductive age. It is crucial to gain insights into women's nutritional awareness and nutrition-related behaviors, as well as how these relate to their health literacy (HL). This understanding can help identify gaps and guide the development of appropriate intervention strategies. However, there appears to be limited relevant data available for the APAC region. We therefore examined nutritional awareness and behaviors among preconception and pregnant women in three APAC countries, and explored how these were related to women's HL.

Methods

Cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among preconception (i.e., planning to conceive within the next 12 months or currently trying to conceive) and pregnant women in Australia (N = 624), China (N = 600), and Vietnam (N = 300). The survey questionnaire included a validated tool for HL (Newest Vital Sign) and questions to examine awareness and behaviors relating to healthy eating and prenatal supplementation during preconception and pregnancy.

Results

Despite recommendations for a quality diet complemented by appropriate supplementation during preconception and pregnancy, many respondents in each country were not aware of the specific impact of adequate nutrition during these stages. While many respondents reported changes in their diet to eat more healthily during preconception and pregnancy, a substantial proportion were not taking prenatal supplements. Higher HL was related to greater nutritional awareness and higher use of prenatal supplements.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that there are gaps in nutritional awareness and practices of many preconception or pregnant women in the three countries. Interventions to improve HL would be valuable to complement conventional knowledge-centric nutrition education, and enhance understanding and empower women to adopt appropriate nutritional practices throughout their preconception/pregnancy journey.
Dietary L-carnitine supplementation modifies blood parameters of mid-lactating dairy cows during standardized lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation
Authors: Seemann Leonie , Frahm Jana , Kersten Susanne , Bühler Susanne , Meyer Ulrich , Visscher Christian , Huber Korinna , Dänicke Sven
Published: May 2024

L-carnitine, available as feed additive, is essential for the beta-oxidation of free fatty acids in the mitochondrial matrix. It provides energy to immune cells and may positively impact the functionality of leukocytes during the acute phase response, a situation of high energy demand. To test this hypothesis, German Holstein cows were assigned to a control group (CON, n = 26) and an L-carnitine supplemented group (CAR, n = 27, rumen-protected L-carnitine product: 125 g/cow/d, corresponded to total L-carnitine intake: 25 g/cow/d, supplied with concentrate) and received an intravenous bolus injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 0.5 µg/kg body weight, E. coli) on day 111 postpartum as a model of standardized systemic inflammation. Blood samples were collected from day 1 ante injectionem until day 14 post injectionem (pi), with frequent sampling through an indwelling venous catheter from 0.5 h pi to 12 h pi. All parameters of the white blood cell count responded significantly to LPS, while only a few parameters were affected by L-carnitine supplementation. The mean eosinophil count, as well as the percentage of basophils were significantly higher in CAR than in CON over time, which may be due to an increased membrane stability. However, phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species by leukocytes remained unchanged following L-carnitine supplementation. In conclusion, although supplementation with 25 g L-carnitine per cow and day resulted in increased proportions of specific leukocyte populations, it had only minor effects on the functional parameters studied in mid-lactating dairy cows during LPS-induced inflammation, and there was no evidence of direct improvement of immune functionality.
Behavior analysis of juvenile steelhead trout under blue and red light color conditions based on multiple object tracking
Authors: Li Ziyu , Chen Xueweijie , Huang Jinze , An Dong , Zhou Yangen
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The lighting environment significantly influences fish behavior. This study explores the impact of diverse lighting conditions on the behavior of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to illuminate the mechanisms underlying their behavioral responses.

Methods

This experiment was set up with six treatments at a constant light intensity of 150 lx: 12h white light + 12h dark (12 W), 12h blue light + 12h dark (12B), 12h red light + 12h dark (12 R), 1.5h blue light + 9h red light + 1.5h blue light + 12h dark (3B9R), 3h blue light + 6h red light + 3h blue light + 12h dark (6B6R), total 12h of blue and red light + 12h dark (T12BR). A multiple object tracking method, YOLOv5 with SORT, was employed to capture the movement trajectory of each fish, quantifying three motion metrics: swimming velocity, swimming angular velocity, and generalized intersection over union.

Results

The results revealed that fish exposed to 12R light environment showed significantly higher activity levels than other groups. The mixed light environments (3B9R, 6B6R) formed significant differences in behavioral metrics with 12R earlier than pure light environments (12B, 12W, T12BR), indicating sudden light color changes should be avoided. Fish in the 3B9R environment exhibited the lowest activity level but highest growth performance, with the highest specific growth rate of 1.91±0.12 d-1, a value significantly surpassing the lowest recorded rate, supported by a p-value of 0.0054, indicating it is suitable for steelhead trout cultivation.

Discuss

Behavioral significant differences were observed as early as week eight, much earlier than physiological differences, which became apparent by week 16. Overall, this paper employs computer vision methods to study the impact of different light colors on fish behavior, found that 3B9R is the optimal lighting condition tested and sudden light color changes should be avoided, offering a new perspective on light conditions and behavior in steelhead trout cultivation.
T-shaped pars plana scleral incision to remove large intraocular foreign body
Authors: Toro Mario Damiano , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Concilio Marina , Motta Lorenzo , Rekas Krzysztof Marek , Costagliola Ciro , Avitabile Teresio , Castellino Niccolò , Caputo Georges , Choragiewicz Tomasz , Rejdak Robert
Published: May 2024

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of T-shaped pars plana scleral incision technique in removing large intraocular foreign bodies, during 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.

Methods

Retrospective interventional case series that included patients diagnosed with a large intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Possible postoperative complications were recorded 24 h, 1 month, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Thirty eyes of 30 patients (48 ± 5 years old) were enrolled. All IOFBs were successfully removed: mean diameters of 7.8 ± 2.0 mm and 2.6 ± 0.3 mm. Silicone oil and sulfur hexafluoride were used in 27 and 3 eyes, respectively. Lensectomy was performed in 27 eyes. Intraocular lens was implanted at first attempt in 12 eyes; during a second operation in 12 eyes and 6 eyes remained aphakic. At any follow-up, no signs of postoperative complications were observed. Secondary retinal detachment occurred in 12 eyes. Mean preoperative corrected distance visual acuity was 0.04, on the Snellen scale; it increased to 0.07, at last follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure was 17.97 mmHg. All eyes were preserved.

Conclusion

T-shaped scleral incision could be an effective, safe and easy-to-perform standard procedure to remove large IOFBs during pars plana vitrectomy, without increasing the risk of surgical complications and additional damage to the ocular tissues.
Effects of different restoration stages on soil microbial community composition and diversity in Naolihe Wetland, China
Authors: Meng Xiangzheng , Liu Manhong , Meng Zhaojun , Wu Chengdan , Bao Chonglin , Xu Bin , Wang Guangxin , Ma Huan , Liu Ze , Zheng Xu , Xie Xingyu , Cui Xingbo
Published: May 2024

Soil microorganisms can be used as one of the important indicators of wetland ecosystem restoration. To study the effects of different restoration stages on soil microbial community composition and diversity in Naolihe Wetland, we employed a “time and space parallel” method. Four restoration stages, namely corn field (Corn), short-term restoration wetland (2 years, ST), long-term restoration wetland (8 years, LT) and natural wetland (>25 years, NW), were selected to represent the restoration time and geographical location in Naolihe Nature Wetland. We investigated the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities in different restoration wetland (from corn fields to natural wetlands) by using 16S rRNA and ITS rRNA gene sequencing. We also performed chemical experiments to measure soil enzyme activity and physicochemical properties at each sampling site. The results showed that soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities significantly differed with the extension of wetland restoration years (p < 0.05). Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria are the most dominant phyla in bacterial. The alpha diversity of soil bacteria was the highest in the corn field (Corn), and ST-LT-NW first decreased and then increased with the extension of wetland restoration years. There are two most dominant phyla (Ascomycota and Mucoromycota) in fungal. However, the alpha diversity of soil fungi was the lowest in the Corn and LT stage, and ST-LT-NW first decreased and then increased with the extension of wetland restoration years. The research findings indicated that the changes in soil physicochemical properties with the extension of wetland restoration years play a significant role in shaping the structure and diversity changes of soil microbial communities. Through the analyses of bacterial and fungal functions using the FUNGuild and FAPROTAX databases, the results showed that the abundance of aerobic bacteria in the soil increased more than that of anaerobic bacteria as the wetland restoration years prolonged, while the abundance of saprotrophic, symbiotic, and pathogenic fungi in the soil significantly decreased with the prolonged wetland restoration years. This study will help us better understand the process of restoration after farmland abandonment, providing valuable reference information for the implementation of a series of wetland ecological restoration projects in the future.
Neurotoxic β-amyloid oligomers cause mitochondrial dysfunction—the trigger for PANoptosis in neurons
Authors: Meng Xiangyuan , Song Qi , Liu Zinan , Liu Xinpeng , Wang Yujie , Liu Jinyu
Published: May 2024

As the global population ages, the incidence of elderly patients with dementia, represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD), will continue to increase. Previous studies have suggested that β-amyloid protein (Aβ) deposition is a key factor leading to AD. However, the clinical efficacy of treating AD with anti-Aβ protein antibodies is not satisfactory, suggesting that Aβ amyloidosis may be a pathological change rather than a key factor leading to AD. Identification of the causes of AD and development of corresponding prevention and treatment strategies is an important goal of current research. Following the discovery of soluble oligomeric forms of Aβ (AβO) in 1998, scientists began to focus on the neurotoxicity of AβOs. As an endogenous neurotoxin, the active growth of AβOs can lead to neuronal death, which is believed to occur before plaque formation, suggesting that AβOs are the key factors leading to AD. PANoptosis, a newly proposed concept of cell death that includes known modes of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, is a form of cell death regulated by the PANoptosome complex. Neuronal survival depends on proper mitochondrial function. Under conditions of AβO interference, mitochondrial dysfunction occurs, releasing lethal contents as potential upstream effectors of the PANoptosome. Considering the critical role of neurons in cognitive function and the development of AD as well as the regulatory role of mitochondrial function in neuronal survival, investigation of the potential mechanisms leading to neuronal PANoptosis is crucial. This review describes the disruption of neuronal mitochondrial function by AβOs and elucidates how AβOs may activate neuronal PANoptosis by causing mitochondrial dysfunction during the development of AD, providing guidance for the development of targeted neuronal treatment strategies.
Astrocyte ryanodine receptors facilitate gliotransmission and astroglial modulation of synaptic plasticity
Authors: Lalo Ulyana , Pankratov Yuriy
Published: May 2024

Intracellular Ca2+-signaling in astrocytes is instrumental for their brain “housekeeping” role and astroglial control of synaptic plasticity. An important source for elevating the cytosolic Ca2+ level in astrocytes is a release from endoplasmic reticulum which can be triggered via two fundamental pathways: IP3 receptors and calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) mediated by Ca2+-sensitive ryanodine receptors (RyRs). While the physiological role for glial IP3 became a focus of intensive research and debate, ryanodine receptors received much less attention. We explored the role for ryanodine receptors in the modulation of cytosolic Ca2+-signaling in the cortical and hippocampal astrocytes, astrocyte-neuron communication and astroglia modulation of synaptic plasticity. Our data show that RyR-mediated Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release from ER brings substantial contribution into signaling in the functional microdomains hippocampal and neocortical astrocytes. Furthermore, RyR-mediated CICR activated the release of ATP and glutamate from hippocampal and neocortical astrocytes which, in turn, elicited transient purinergic and tonic glutamatergic currents in the neighboring pyramidal neurons. The CICR-facilitated release of ATP and glutamate was inhibited after intracellular perfusion of astrocytes with ryanodine and BAPTA and in the transgenic dnSNARE mice with impaired astroglial exocytosis. We also found out that RyR-mediated amplification of astrocytic Ca2+-signaling enhanced the long-term synaptic potentiation in the hippocampus and neocortex of aged mice. Combined, our data demonstrate that ryanodine receptors are essential for astrocytic Ca2+-signaling and efficient astrocyte-neuron communications. The RyR-mediated CICR contributes to astrocytic control of synaptic plasticity and can underlie, at least partially, neuroprotective and cognitive effects of caffein.
A machine learning approach to evaluate the impact of virtual balance/cognitive training on fall risk in older women
Authors: Sokołowska Beata , Świderski Wiktor , Smolis-Bąk Edyta , Sokołowska Ewa , Sadura-Sieklucka Teresa
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Novel technologies based on virtual reality (VR) are creating attractive virtual environments with high ecological value, used both in basic/clinical neuroscience and modern medical practice. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of VR-based training in an elderly population.

Materials and methods

The study included 36 women over the age of 60, who were randomly divided into two groups subjected to balance-strength and balance-cognitive training. The research applied both conventional clinical tests, such as (a) the Timed Up and Go test, (b) the five-times sit-to-stand test, and (c) the posturographic exam with the Romberg test with eyes open and closed. Training in both groups was conducted for 10 sessions and embraced exercises on a bicycle ergometer and exercises using non-immersive VR created by the ActivLife platform. Machine learning methods with a k-nearest neighbors classifier, which are very effective and popular, were proposed to statistically evaluate the differences in training effects in the two groups.

Results and conclusion

The study showed that training using VR brought beneficial improvement in clinical tests and changes in the pattern of posturographic trajectories were observed. An important finding of the research was a statistically significant reduction in the risk of falls in the study population. The use of virtual environments in exercise/training has great potential in promoting healthy aging and preventing balance loss and falls among seniors.
Investigating the interrelationships among food habits, sports nutrition knowledge, and perceived barriers to healthy eating: a study of adolescent swimmers
Authors: AlKasasbeh Walaa , Akroush Sofia
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the relationships between food habits, perceived barriers to healthy eating, and sports nutrition knowledge among adolescent swimmers. The study focuses on understanding how these factors interact and influence dietary choices in young athletes. A cohort of 52 adolescent swimmers aged 12–18 from Al Hussein Youth Club in Al-Hussein Sport City participated in the study. Data were collected through surveys assessing food habits, perceived barriers to healthy eating, and sports nutrition knowledge. Pearson Correlation analysis was employed to examine associations between variables, and stepwise regression analysis was used to identify predictors of food habits. The analysis revealed a significant positive association between food habits and sports nutrition knowledge (r = 0.393, p = 0.004). Knowledge emerged as a significant positive predictor of food habits (β = 0.393, p = 0.004), highlighting the influential role of sports nutrition knowledge in shaping the dietary choices of adolescent swimmers. However, the introduction of Barriers lacked significance, and individual predictors did not reach statistical significance. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing nutritional education among adolescent swimmers. Understanding the interplay between knowledge, barriers, and food habits provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that influence the dietary choices of young athletes. Addressing these factors through tailored educational programs can promote healthier eating habits and optimize performance among adolescent swimmers. This study highlights the critical role of sports nutrition knowledge in shaping the dietary behaviors of adolescent swimmers. By addressing knowledge gaps and overcoming perceived barriers, targeted interventions can help improve food habits and enhance the overall health and performance of young athletes.
Micronutrient status 2 years after bariatric surgery: a prospective nutritional assessment
Authors: Côté Marianne , Pelletier Laurence , Nadeau Mélanie , Bouvet-Bouchard Léonie , Julien François , Michaud Andréanne , Biertho Laurent , Tchernof André
Published: May 2024

Background

Among commonly performed bariatric surgeries, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) provides greater weight loss than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), with sustained metabolic improvements. However, the risk of long-term nutritional deficiencies due to the hypoabsorptive component of BPD-DS hinders its widespread use.

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine nutritional status over 2 years after BPD-DS, RYGB or SG.

Methods

Patients were recruited in the REMISSION trial (NCT02390973), a single-center, prospective study. Out of 215 patients, 73, 48 and 94, respectively, underwent BPD-DS, RYGB or SG. Weight loss, micronutrient serum levels (including iron, calcium, parathormone, vitamins A, B12 and D), and nutritional supplementation were assessed over 2 years. Patients were supplemented according to the type of surgery and individual micronutrient level evolution.

Results

At baseline, BPD-DS patients were younger than SG patients (p = 0.0051) and RYGB patients had lower body mass index (p < 0.001). Groups had similar micronutrient levels before surgery, with vitamin D insufficiency as the most prevalent nutritional problem (SG: 38.3%, RYGB: 39.9%, BPD-DS: 54.8%, p = 0.08). BPD-DS patients showed lower levels of iron, calcium and vitamin A than SG patients at 24 months. Groups had similar levels of vitamin D at 24 months. Prevalence of vitamin D, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin B12 deficiency was similar among groups at 24 months. Rates of vitamin D insufficiency and iron deficiency were lower at 24 months than at baseline. Micronutrient intake was consistent with recommendations in groups post-surgery, but most BPD-DS patients took vitamin A and vitamin D supplement doses above initial recommendations.

Conclusion

With appropriate medical and nutritional management, all surgeries led to similar rates of vitamin D, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin B12 deficiencies at 24 months. However, initial vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation recommendations for BPD-DS patients should be revised upwards.
Efficacy and safety of anlotinib in patients with desmoid fibromatosis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Xie Mengzhang , Huang Qi , Gong Taojun , Wang Yitian , Li Zhuangzhuang , Lu Minxun , Luo Yi , Min Li , Zhou Yong , Tu Chongqi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Desmoid fibromatosis is an aggressive fibroblastic neoplasm with a high propensity for local recurrence. Targeted therapy for Desmoid fibromatosis represents a novel avenue in systemic treatment. Anlotinib, a novel multitargeted angiogenesis inhibitor, represents a novel approach for targeted therapy. Therefore, this study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of anlotinib in patients with Desmoid fibromatosis.

Methods

We retrospectively gathered the clinical medical records of Desmoid fibromatosis patients who underwent anlotinib treatment between June 2019 and November 2023 at our center. Anlotinib was initiated at a daily dose of 12 mg and adjusted based on drug-related toxicity. Tumor response was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 criteria. Progression-free survival served as the primary endpoint and was analyzed utilizing the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

In total, sixty-six consecutive patients were enrolled. No patients achieved a complete response; however, fourteen patients (21.21%) exhibited a partial response, while forty-six patients (70%) experienced disease stability. Progressive disease was observed in 6 patients (9.10%), and the progression-free survival rates at 12 and 36months were 89.71% and 82.81%, respectively. The disease control rate was 90.91%, while the objective response rate was 21.21%.

Conclusion

Anlotinib proves effective in managing recurrent and symptomatic patients with Desmoid fibromatosis. However, the toxicity profile of anlotinib presents a higher risk of Hand-Foot Skin Reaction and hypertension. Therefore, given that 41.67% of patients were subjected to dose adjustments associated with the initial dose of 12 mg, implementing dosage reductions may help balance efficacy with side effects.
Case Report: A neonatal case of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome with severe funisitis and neonatal asphyxia
Authors: Hayashida Yuri , Hatano Maho , Ito Kazuyuki , Sugie Manabu , Kunieda Junko , Shimizu Masaki , Morio Tomohiro , Morioka Chikako
Published: May 2024

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is a genetic disorder and autoinflammatory disease characterized by chronic inflammation throughout the body. The most severe form of CAPS, Chronic Infantile Neurologic Cutaneous, and Articular (CINCA) syndrome, also known as Neonatal Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID), has three main features: skin rash, CNS involvement, and joint symptoms. Although these symptoms are typically reported shortly after birth, there have been a few reports of prenatal inflammation. Here, we report our experience managing a case of a CAPS infant born in severe neonatal asphyxia due to a ruptured cord associated with severe funisitis. The baby was born at 38 weeks and 6 days of gestation, weighing 2,898 g, through an ultra-emergency Caesarian section prompted by variable deceleration. The Apgar score was 1 point at 1 min and 4 points at 5 min, necessitating intensive care due to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Upon delivery, it was observed that the umbilical cord had partially ruptured at the site of attachment to the baby, accompanied by arterial hemorrhage. Umbilical cord rupture was considered to be the cause of the sudden decrease in fetal heart rate. Pathological examination also showed that the inflammation of the cord was more severe on the side attached to the fetus and on the arterial side, suggesting that the inflammation had extended from the fetus. The father carried a genetic mutation associated with CINCA syndrome/NOMID (NLRP3 c.2068G>A p.Glu690Lys Hetero), which was also found in the child. Histopathologic examination of the placenta and umbilical cord can provide crucial insights into the intrauterine onset of inflammation, which is the first manifestation of CINCA syndrome/NOMID in newborns. It should be noted that births with a genetic predisposition to CAPS may have complications related to the placenta and umbilical cord.
Salidroside alleviates cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cells via activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway and regulating intestinal flora distribution
Authors: Wang Xin , Cao Shuxia , Huang Yuan , Li Liangchang , Xu Dongyuan , Liu Lan
Published: May 2024

Salidroside (SAL), a phenylpropanoid bioactive compound, has various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of SAL on cholestatic liver injury are unclear. This study investigated the mechanism and effects of salidroside (SAL) on intestinal flora distribution and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in cholestatic hepatic fibrosis. Bile duct ligation was used to cause cholestasis BALB/c mice. The therapeutic efficacy of SAL in liver fibrosis was assessed via serum/tissue biochemical analyses and liver tissue hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. Inflammation and oxidative stress were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. HSC were activated in vitro using lipopolysaccharide, and the effects of SAL on HSC migration and inflammatory factor expression were detected via scratch, transwell, and western blotting assays. The effects of SAL on the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway in vivo and in vitro were detected using western blotting. 16sRNA sequencing was used to detect the effect of SAL on the diversity of the intestinal flora. Ileal histopathology and western blotting were used to detect the protective effect of SAL on the intestinal mucosal barrier. SAL reduces liver inflammation and oxidative stress and protects against liver fibrosis with cholestasis. It inhibits HSC activation and activates the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, SAL restores the abundance of intestinal flora, which contributes to the repair of the intestinal mucosal barrier, inhibits endotoxin translocation, and indirectly inhibits HSC activation, reversing the course of cholestatic liver fibrosis. SAL inhibits HSC activation through the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway and improves intestinal flora distribution, thereby protecting and reversing the progression of hepatic fibrosis.