bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase in body weight is lowered when mice received fecal microbiota transfer from donor mice treated with the AT1 receptor antagonist telmisartan
Authors: Freschi Marco L. , Künstner Axel , Huber Gianna , Stölting Ines , Busch Hauke , Hirose Misa , Raasch Walter
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Treatment of rodents with the AT1 blocker (ARB) telmisartan (TEL) has an anti-adipose effect. Among other mechanisms, we also have attributed the anti-adipose action to diet-independent alterations in gut microbiota. Thus, we aimed here to confirm this mechanism by using the fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) approach.

Methods

Seven weeks after initiating a high-fat diet (HFD), C57BL/6N mice received fecal microbiota for 8 weeks from donor mice by oral gavage, continuing HFD feeding. Stool samples came from mice that were treated with TEL (8 mg/kg/d by gavage, 12 weeks), thus remaining lean despite HFD feeding (BL/6>fTEL), while controls received feces samples from vehicle/HFD-treated obese mice (BL/6>fVEH). Microbiota of the stool samples from these acceptor mice was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results

Weight gain was lower in BL6>fTEL than in BL6>fVEH mice after 3 but not 8 weeks. Energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and body composition did not differ between the two groups. β-diversity indicated group differences (F = 2.27, p = 0.005). Although the Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio did not differ, abundances of distinct phyla, families, and genera varied. Among others, Ruminococcaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae, Desulfovibrionia uncl., and Lachnospiraceae uncl. were lower in BL/6>fTEL than in BL/6>fVEH mice. Moreover, the correlation between body weight and Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Desulfovibrionia uncl., or Desulfovibrio was positive in BL/6>fVEH and negative in BL/6>fTEL mice.

Discussion

As FMT from TEL-pretreated mice influences the microbiota in acceptor mice with slight weight-reducing effects, we confirm the relevance of TEL-related microbiota changes for weight reduction, most likely independent of the transferred stool-residual TEL effect on the host metabolism.
Integrated chemical analysis, metabolic profiling, network pharmacology, molecular docking and toxicity prediction to reveal the active ingredients and their safety of raw and prepared rhubarbs in the treatment of gastric ulcers
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Zhao Xin , Jiang Jingjing , Jia Mengqi , Shi Wenqing , Wu Zhenghua , Feng Shiyu , Fan Guorong , Lou Yuefen
Published: November 2024

Background

Rhubarb, containing raw rhubarb (RR) and two processed products (steamed rhubarb, SR; carbonized rhubarb, CR), is commonly used in high-doses for the treatment of peptic ulcer, especially gastric ulcer (GU). However, their active ingredients, therapeutic targets, and potential mechanism remain unclear. Meanwhile, the safety of these active ingredients is also worth studying.

Methods

An offline two-dimensional low-pressure liquid chromatography/high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry method was applied to identify the chemical constituents of RR, SR, and CR. Then, the plasma and urine samples of rats after oral administration of RR, SR, and CR were studied for metabolite profiling. Based on the analysis of ingredients in vivo, the key active constituents, core therapeutic targets and key signaling pathways of RR, SR, and CR against GU were screened via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, the efficacy and safety of these key active ingredients were evaluated.

Results

Totally, 183, 120 and 115 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized from RR, SR and CR, respectively. Meanwhile, 190, 182 and 180 components were identified after oral administration of RR, SR and CR. By network pharmacology and molecular docking, torachrysone, hydroxyemodin, 6-methylrhein, rhein and emodin anthrone might be the predominant effective constituents in RR, SR, and CR with AKT1 and EGFR being their key targets during the treatment of GU. Moreover, EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway might play a crucial role in the therapeutic mechanism of GU. In silio ADMET predictions categorized 5 compounds as drugs with good oral bioavailability, but these components may induce liver injury.

Conclusion

Overall, our results not only clarified the active substances and molecular mechanism for enhancing our understanding about the traditional efficacy, but also pay attention to the clinical safety issues of raw and prepared rhubarbs.
Effect of Coptidis Rhizoma on gastrointestinal system before and after processing with wine based on gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids
Authors: Tian Rui , Wang Wen-Xiao , Bai Ya-Ya , Tang Yu-Ping , Zhang Qiao , Yue Shi-Jun
Published: November 2024

Background

Coptis deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao (CD), commonly used in the treatment of heat-toxin congestion and excessiveness. However, CD needs to be processed with wine for alleviating the bitter and cold of CD, meanwhile, reducing the gastrointestinal damage. The research assessed the discrepant effects of CD on gastrointestinal system before and after processing with wine, and explore the potential mechanisms.

Methods

The ingredients in CD and CD processed with wine (PCD) were performed on Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The mice were treated with CD and PCD once a day for 6 weeks (0.65 and 2.6 g/kg, i.g.). The pathological changes of gastrointestinal tract were evaluated, and the serum inflammatory factors and Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) RelA (p65) protein of tissues were determined. The short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of feces were analyzed by UPLC-MS, the gut microbiota (GM) changes were performed on 16 S rRNA sequencing.

Results

Ingredients analysis declared that the alkaloids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoid compounds were the main metabolites in CD and PCD. CD reduced body weight and food intake, and the effect of CD on fecal water content increased first and then decreased with the prolongation of administration time, while its effect on intestinal transport time was exactly the opposite, reduced the SCFAs contents of feces. CD caused different degree of damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and the effect on the small intestine and colon was more obvious, which increased the expression of NF-κB p65 and elevated the inflammatory factors levels. PCD were weaker than that of CD. In addition, CD and PCD can change the composition of GM, and reduced the levels of Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, Ruminococcus, and norank_f_S24-7, increased the levels of Akkermansia, Dorea, Bacteroides, and Blautia at the genus level. However, PCD induced a milder effect of GM dysregulation than that of CD.

Conclusion

CD can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, which may be related to the GM disorders, SCFAs changes-mediated by GM, abnormal NF-κB p65 expression and increased inflammatory factors levels, interestingly, PCD had a lower effect than CD, which may be related to the differences in the types and contents of ingredients in CD after processing. And this study provided data support for the mechanism of processing with wine to alleviate “bitter-cold injury the stomach” of CD.
Efficient generation of HPLC and FTIR data for quality assessment using time series generation model: a case study on Tibetan medicine Shilajit
Authors: Ding Rong , He Shiqi , Wu Xuemei , Zhong Liwen , Chen Guopeng , Gu Rui
Published: November 2024

Background

The scarcity and preciousness of plateau characteristic medicinal plants pose a significant challenge in obtaining sufficient quantities of experimental samples for quality evaluation. Insufficient sample sizes often lead to ambiguous and questionable quality assessments and suboptimal performance in pattern recognition. Shilajit, a popular Tibetan medicine, is harvested from high altitudes above 2000 m, making it difficult to obtain. Additionally, the complex geographical environment results in low uniformity of Shilajit quality.

Methods

To address these challenges, this study employed a deep learning model, time vector quantization variational auto- encoder (TimeVQVAE), to generate data matrices based on chromatographic and spectral for different grades of Shilajit, thereby increasing in the amount of data. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to identify three grades of Shilajit samples based on original, generated, and combined data.

Results

Compared with the originally generated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data, the data generated by TimeVQVAE effectively preserved the chemical profile. In the test set, the average matrices for HPLC, FTIR, and combined data increased by 32.2%, 15.9%, and 23.0%, respectively. On the real test data, the PLS-DA model’s classification accuracy initially reached a maximum of 0.7905. However, after incorporating TimeVQVAE-generated data, the accuracy significantly improved, reaching 0.9442 in the test set. Additionally, the PLS-DA model trained with the fused data showed enhanced stability.

Conclusion

This study offers a novel and effective approach for researching medicinal materials with small sample sizes, and addresses the limitations of improving model performance through data augmentation strategies.
Multi-quantile systemic financial risk based on a monotone composite quantile regression neural network
Authors: Ren Chao , Zhu Ziyan , Zhou Donghai
Published: November 2024

This study proposes a novel perspective to calibrate the conditional value at risk (CoVaR) of countries based on the monotone composite quantile regression neural network (MCQRNN). MCQRNN can fix the “quantile crossing” problem, which is more robust in CoVaR estimating. In addition, we extend the MCQRNN method with quantile-on-quantile (QQ), which can avoid the bias in quantile regression. Building on the estimation results, we construct a systemic risk spillover network across countries in the Asia–Pacific region by considering the suffering and overflow effects. A comparison among MCQRNN, QRNN, and MCQRNN-QQ indicates the significance of monotone composite quantiles in modeling CoVaR. Additionally, the network analysis of composite risk spillovers illustrates the advantages of MCQRNN-QQ-CoVaR compared with QRNN-CoVaR. Moreover, the average composite systemic suffering index and the average composite systemic overflow index are introduced as country-specific measures that enable identifying systemically relevant countries during extreme events.
Efficient multi-allelic genome editing via CRISPR–Cas9 ribonucleoprotein-based delivery to Brassica napus mesophyll protoplasts
Authors: Sahab Sareena , Runa Fatima , Ponnampalam Mahilini , Kay Pippa T. , Jaya Elizabeth , Viduka Katerina , Panter Stephen , Tibbits Josquin , Hayden Matthew J.
Published: November 2024

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a valuable oilseed crop worldwide. However, trait improvement by breeding has been limited by its low genetic diversity and polyploid genetics. Whilst offering many potential benefits, the application of transgenic technology is challenged by the stringent and expensive regulatory processes associated with the commercialisation of genetically modified organisms, coupled with a prevailing low public acceptance of such modifications. DNA-free genome editing using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)–Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) offers a promising way to achieve trait improvements without the limitations of transgenic methods. Here, we present a method for DNA-free genome editing via the direct delivery of RNPs to canola mesophyll protoplasts. This method allows high-throughput in vivo testing of the efficacy of gRNA design as part of the transformation process to facilitate the selection of optimal designs prior to the generation of edited events. Of the 525 shoots regenerated via tissue culture from RNP-transfected protoplasts and screened for the presence of mutations in the targeted gene, 62% had one or more mutated target alleles, and 50% had biallelic mutations at both targeted loci. This high editing efficiency compares favourably with similar CRISPR–Cas9 approaches used in other crop plants.
Cultivation viability of Allium tuberosum L. in the Western Ghats: insights into crop dynamics, yield and quality
Authors: Gavhane Abhishek D. , Kale Rajiv B. , Khade Yogesh , Bhandari Hem Raj , Gaikwad Shivam Y. , Singh Sharadveer , Shabeer T. P. Ahammed , Garde Yogesh A. , Khandagale Kiran , Mahajan Vijay
Published: November 2024

Allium tuberosum, commonly known as garlic chives, is an underutilized Allium species despite its significant culinary value for its mild garlic flavor and therapeutic potential due to the presence of sulphur-containing compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study assessed the cultivation potential of A. tuberosum in the non-traditional agro-climatic region of the Western Ghats, focusing on the effects of cultivars and seasonal variations on growth, yield, and quality in two-year field trials. Among the accessions tested, A. tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 demonstrated the highest yield, producing 157.01 tons of green foliage per hectare. Bright sunshine seasons positively influenced both yield and quality, while the monsoon season induced morphological changes such as increased stem length, reduced leaf width, and decreased stem girth, traits generally considered inferior for market quality. The monsoon also led to increased waste generation, highlighting the need for careful management during this period. Nutritional analysis revealed high concentrations of potassium (5355 mg/kg), phosphorus (691 mg/kg), and sulphur (2484 mg/kg), while biochemical profiling identified bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (3.19 mg/g) and organosulfur compounds, including Allyl Methyl Thiosulfinate (269.00 mg/kg), which contribute to the plant’s notable health benefits. These findings support the suitability of A. tuberosum for year-round cultivation in the Western Ghats and its potential for commercialization, especially in regions with similar climatic conditions.
Crowd-counting technology within the Smart City context: understanding, trust, and acceptance
Authors: Waclawek Theresa , Fiedler Angela , Schütz Melissa , Schütz Astrid
Published: November 2024

In city centers worldwide, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg’s old town in Germany, alleviating pedestrian overcrowding is a pressing concern. Leveraging crowd-counting technologies with real-time data collection offers promising solutions, yet poses challenges regarding data privacy and informed consent. This preregistered study examines public response to a Smart City Bamberg project aimed at addressing pedestrian congestion through crowd-counting methods. We investigate informed consent by looking at understanding and acceptance of the project, as well as influencing factors, such as effectiveness of project explanation and trust. Through a three-stage study comprising exploratory interviews, a field study, and an online study, we reveal that the focus of project explanations significantly impacts understanding: Functional explanations, emphasizing project purpose, enhance comprehension compared to mechanistic explanations detailing project components. Additionally, project trust positively correlates with acceptance. Notably, understanding impacts acceptance through increased project trust. These findings underscore the importance of fostering understanding to garner public acceptance of crowd-counting projects. It is important, especially in the case of projects which aim to improve quality of life while also prioritizing robust data protection, that decisions regarding informed consent are grounded in comprehension rather than on preconceived biases against data sharing. Efforts should prioritize effective explanations to bolster project trust and consequently, promote acceptance.
Antecedents of academic actual help-seeking behaviour and support services utilisation among distance education students
Authors: Somuah Beatrice Asante , Ahiatrogah Paul Dela , Segbenya Moses , Bervell Brandford
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to unravel the determinants that necessitate academic help-seeking intentions and promote the utilisation of support services among distance education students.

Methods

This study adopted a quantitative approach based on cross-sectional survey design. The target population of the study comprised all distance education students of the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 290 respondents for the study. The main data collection instrument was a questionnaire and the data was collected from June to December, 2023. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyse preliminary data, while the main data was analysed by structural equation modelling technique.

Results and discussion

The study found that social support, subjective needs, and availability of help were the antecedents of actual academic help-seeking behaviour among distance learners. Depressive needs were not considered as an antecedent of help-seeking behaviour. Thus, social support, subjective needs, and availability of help were significantly related to actual help-seeking behaviour among distance learners. The study further found that actual help-seeking behaviour among distance learners was also significantly related to the actual use of support services available to these learners. Finally, actual help-seeking behaviour among distance learners significantly mediated the relationship between social support, subjective needs, availability of help, and actual use of support services available to distance students. It was therefore recommended that authorities of distance education should make support services available to distance learners online and in-person to be able to meet the needs of different categories of students as well as the provisions of platforms for building social support systems among distance learners.
Aging with board games: fostering well-being in the older population
Authors: Guardabassi Veronica , Manoni Evelyn , Di Massimo Marta , Cirilli Elisa , Maranesi Alessandro , Nicolini Paola
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The increase in the average age of the population has resulted in a greater focus on interventions designed to facilitate successful Ageing. Notwithstanding its potential, the strategy of the board game remains relatively underexplored. This study aims to ascertain its role in fostering older people’s well-being. Specifically, it was hypothesized that the level of well-being associated with the gaming experience is greater than overall well-being, particularly when the level of difficulty is low.

Methods

From an initial number of 164 participants, a total of 132 older people made up the final sample (Mage = 74.05; SD = 5.62). They were divided into groups of four or five individuals and engaged in a gaming session of varying levels of difficulty: low (N = 44), medium(N = 49) and high (N = 36). Prior to each game session, participants completed a questionnaire regarding their general well-being. After the game session, they filled out a similar questionnaire regarding their well-being while gaming.

Results

The results showed that the level of well-being experienced while playing was significantly higher than that observed in daily life, F(1,131) = 14.604, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.100, particularly with board games with a low or medium level of difficulty, [F(2,126) =  = 10.982, p = .001, η2 = 0.148].

Discussion

Board games with an appropriate level of difficulty can be useful tools for promoting wellbeing in the older population. Future studies and possible interventions for people in the third and fourth ages will be discussed.
Socioecological drivers of burnout – a mixed methods study of military health providers
Authors: Olapeju Bolanle , Dong Ting , Soh Michael , Mushtaq Omar , Chang Hanna , Riegleman David , Hemmer Paul A. , Schwab Stephen D. , Shanahan Patrice , Johnson-Boua Kimberly , Durning Steven J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Health provider burnout is highly prevalent (28–51%) in the US and may contribute to a projected national health provider shortage by 2030. The Socioecological Model (SEM) is a proven conceptual framework used to identify influencing factors and design relevant solutions to improve health outcomes across multiple ecological levels. This study applied the SEM to identify modifiable drivers and solutions of burnout across multiple levels among US Military health providers.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional mixed methods study using an online survey (N = 129) and in-depth interviews (N = 25) of active duty military health providers. Our primary quantitative outcome was self-reported definite, unrelenting, or complete burnout. Our quantitative analysis included chi-square tests of association and bootstrapped multivariable logistic regressions to explore SEM-informed correlates of burnout, controlling for contextual variables. Our qualitative data explored providers individual experience with workplace stress and burnout, providing details on factors influencing burnout at the individual, interpersonal, organizational and military levels. The qualitative data was systematically coded and analyzed using grounded theory.

Results

About two-thirds (63%) of surveyed providers self-reported burnout. Individual-level factors significantly associated with burnout included a positive coping style (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.08–0.56), perceived control over workload (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04–0.66), and satisfaction with the current job (AOR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03–0.39). At the organizational level, providers described as overworked (AOR = 10.58; 95% CI: 3.30–33.91) or in hectic or chaotic primary work areas (AOR = 7.54; 95% CI: 2.33–24.38) had higher rates of burnout. At the military level, providers who were happy with their career path and promotion plan (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06–0.44) reported lower rates of burnout. The organizational level had the highest cumulative impact of modifiable factors on burnout (AOR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.36). Qualitative interviews corroborated survey findings and highlighted the individual level manifestations of burnout, the role of interpersonal support as mitigators of burnout and the complexity of governmental and military policies impacting provider wellness.

Discussion

Identified factors influencing burnout at various levels may inform potential data-driven interventions to ensure a functional and vibrant US Military health. Data-driven strategies may include opportunities to balance work demands with resources and ability to cope as well as improve positive coping skills, attitudes and experiences related to work.
Association of hemoglobin levels with cause-specific and all-cause mortality among older adults: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ni Wenqing , Yuan Xueli , Zhang Yan , Zhang Hongmin , Zheng Yijing , Xu Jian
Published: November 2024

Background

Hemoglobin (Hb) optimal levels is clinically and biologically heterogeneous, data of older adults was not available.

Methods

We used data of participants enrolled in Shenzhen Healthy Ageing Research, in which the baseline Hb was measured in 223,407 older adults aged 65 or older to evaluation of Hb optimal levels. The vital status of the participants by 31 December, 2021 was determined. We estimated the hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for all-cause or cause-specific mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, and Cox models with restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used for all-cause mortality.

Results

Overall, 6,722 deaths occurred during a mean follow-up of 3.01 years from 2018 to 2021. The risk for all-cause and cause-specific mortality was significantly lower in males with Hb levels of ≥14.0 g/dL. The Hb range in which the lowest hazard ratios for the female all-cause or cardiovascular disease mortality were observed in our study was 12.0–14.9 g/dL and 11.0–14.9 g/dL, respectively. For the female participants observed higher Hb levels were significantly associated with lower risk of cancer-cause mortality (≥12.0 g/dL) or other-cause mortality (≥11.0 g/dL). The results from RCS curve showed similar results.

Conclusion

Considering the risk of mortality, we recommended ≥14.0 g/dL and 12–14.9 g/dL as the optimal range of Hb among Chinese male and female older adults, respectively.
Assessing the impact of 24-hour activity behaviors on cardiorespiratory fitness in the older adult: a component analysis approach
Authors: Lu Donglei , Zhang Wenyu , Tan Sijie
Published: November 2024

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) serves as a critical measure of the cardiovascular system’s efficiency in delivering oxygenated blood to tissues and organs. Understanding the relationship between various activity behaviors and CRF is essential for devising effective health interventions for the older adult population.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between 24-h activity behaviors and CRF in older adult individuals, utilizing compositional data analysis.

Methods

We utilized baseline data from the “Fifth National Physical Fitness Monitoring Cohort Study in Tianjin, China,” which included 540 older adult participants. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were objectively measured using a three-dimensional accelerometer, and CRF was assessed via a gas metabolism analyzer. Compositional data analysis was employed to examine the relationships between 24-h activity behaviors—specifically, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep (SLP)—and CRF.

Results

The analysis demonstrated that MVPA was significantly positively associated with CRF (βMVPA = 5.36, p < 0.01), whereas SB was significantly negatively associated (βSB = −3.97, p < 0.01). No significant associations were observed for LPA and SLP with CRF. The isochronous substitution model revealed that reallocating 15 min of MVPA to SB, LPA, or SLP significantly decreased CRF by 0.31, 0.27, and 0.23 mL/kg/min, respectively. Conversely, substituting 15 min of SB, LPA, or SLP with MVPA resulted in increases in CRF by 0.29, 0.22, and 0.17 mL/kg/min, respectively. Additionally, replacing SB with LPA or SLP led to improvements in CRF, though these changes were not significant, underscoring the potential benefits of reducing sedentary time and enhancing physical activity levels.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the critical role of increasing MVPA and reducing SB in improving CRF among the older adult. This study provides a robust scientific foundation for health promotion and intervention strategies targeting older adults. Comprehensive modifications to daily activity patterns are imperative for optimizing cardiovascular health in this population.
Factors affecting discrepancies between scorers in manual sleep spindle detections in single-channel electroencephalography in young adult males
Authors: Tamamoto Yukari , Fujie Tatsuro , Umimoto Kouichi , Nakamura Hideo
Published: November 2024

Here, we aimed to clarify the factors that cause individual differences in manual spindle detection during sleep by comparing it with automatic detection and to show the limitations of manual detection. Polysomnography (PSG) signals were recorded from ten young male participants, and sleep stages were classified based on these signals. Using time-frequency analysis, we detected sleep spindles from the single-channel electroencephalography (EEG) of C4-A1 within the same PSG data. Our results show a detailed accuracy evaluation by comparing the two skilled scorers' outputs of automatic and manual sleep spindle detection and differences between the number of sleep spindle detections and spindle time length. Additionally, based on automatic detection, the distribution of Cohen's kappa for each scorer quantitatively showed that individual scorers had detection thresholds based on EEG amplitude. Conventionally, automatic detection has been validated using manual detection outputs as the criterion. However, using automatic detection as the standard and analyzing the manual detection outputs, we quantitatively showcased the differences in individual scorers. Therefore, our method offers a quantitative approach to examining factors contributing to discrepancies in sleep spindle detection. However, individual differences cannot be avoided when using manual detection, and automatic detection is preferable when analyzing data to a certain standard.
What Can the Animals Teach Us About Social Relationships?
Authors: Ilany Amiyaal
Published: November 2024

Having friends benefits us in many ways: we receive information and help, if needed, and we collaborate with our friends to solve complex problems. Wild animals also rely on social relationships. Have you ever thought about what we can learn from animals about our own social networks? The spotted hyena and the rock hyrax are two species that can teach us about the ecology and evolution of social relationships. Scientists have discovered that an individual’s position in the social network affects their chances of survival, reproduction, and contracting diseases. So how do groups maintain their social structures over time? In this study, we describe a process called social inheritance that provides the first clue. In this process, offspring inherit their social connections from their parents. We found that social inheritance depends on parent’s traits, and it may help to maintain the stability of social groups.
Influence of Baduanjin on cardiopulmonary function in long-term practitioners and beginners
Authors: Shi Mengni , Wu Zhiwei , Zhou Xin , Fang Min , Zhu Qingguang
Published: November 2024

Objective

Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise for health enhancement and chronic disease prevention, has been practiced for millennia. However, studies on the exercise intensity of Baduanjin are limited. Most existing studies focus on its general health benefits rather than quantifying its specific intensity levels. This study aims to measure and compare the exercise intensity indices of long-term Baduanjin practitioners and beginners, providing insights into its mechanisms for disease prevention and treatment and supporting the scientific formulation of clinical exercise prescriptions.

Methods

Twenty healthy adults aged 35–45 years old and the mean BMI was 24.45 were recruited and divided into a beginner group (A group, no prior practice, 10 participants) and a skilled group (B group, practice duration ≥3 years, 10 participants). The Italian Cosmed/K5 wireless portable cardiopulmonary testing system was used to measure indicators during the practice.

Results

Within-group analysis revealed statistically significant differences in oxygen consumption (VO2), oxygen consumption per kilogram of body weight (VO2/kg), metabolic equivalent (METs), heart rate (HR), oxygen pulse (VO2/HR), respiratory rate (RR), and minute ventilation (VE) between exercise and resting states in both the B and A groups (P < 0.001). In between-group comparisons, resting HR was significantly lower in the B group compared to the A group (P < 0.01). During Baduanjin practice, significant between-group differences were found in METs, HR (P < 0.01), and RR (P < 0.05), with the A group exhibiting higher values for METs, HR, and RR than the B group.

Conclusion

Baduanjin positively impacts cardiovascular function and exercise performance, with long-term practitioners showing significantly better cardiovascular recovery and overall function.
An exploration of testing genetic associations using goodness-of-fit statistics based on deep ReLU neural networks
Authors: Shen Xiaoxi , Wang Xiaoming
Published: November 2024

As a driving force of the fourth industrial revolution, deep neural networks are now widely used in various areas of science and technology. Despite the success of deep neural networks in making accurate predictions, their interpretability remains a mystery to researchers. From a statistical point of view, how to conduct statistical inference (e.g., hypothesis testing) based on deep neural networks is still unknown. In this paper, goodness-of-fit statistics are proposed based on commonly used ReLU neural networks, and their potential to test significant input features is explored. A simulation study demonstrates that the proposed test statistic has higher power compared to the commonly used t-test in linear regression when the underlying signal is nonlinear, while controlling the type I error at the desired level. The testing procedure is also applied to gene expression data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
Flame Combustion State Detection Method of Cement Rotary Furnace Based on Improved RE-DDPM and DAF-FasterNet
Authors: Zhang Yizhuo , Gu Zixuan , Yu Huiling , Shi Shen
Published: November 2024

It is of great significance to effectively identify the flame-burning state of cement rotary kilns to optimize the calcination process and ensure the quality of cement. However, high-temperature and smoke-filled environments bring about difficulties with respect to accurate feature extraction and data acquisition. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel approach. First, an improved denoising diffusion probability model (RE-DDPM) is proposed. By applying a mask to the burning area and mixing it with the actual image in the denoising process, local diversity generation in the image was realized, and the problem of limited and uneven data was solved. Secondly, this article proposes the DAF-FasterNet model, which incorporates a deformable attention mechanism (DAS) and replaces the ReLU activation function with FReLU so that it can better focus on key flame features and extract finer spatial details. The RE-DDPM method exhibits faster convergence and lower FID scores, indicating that the generated images are more realistic. DAF-FasterNet achieves 98.9% training accuracy, 98.1% test accuracy, and a 22.3 ms delay, making it superior to existing methods in flame state recognition.
Acceleration of Modeling Capability for GDI Spray by Machine-Learning Algorithms
Authors: El Marnissi Yassine , Lee Kyungwon , Hwang Joonsik
Published: November 2024

Cold start causes a high amount of unburned hydrocarbon and particulate matter emissions in gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of spray during a cold start and develop a predictive model to form a better air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In this study, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was designed to predict quantitative 3D liquid volume fraction, liquid penetration, and liquid width under different operating conditions. The model was trained with data derived from high-speed and Schlieren imaging experiments with a gasoline surrogate fuel, conducted in a constant volume spray vessel. A coolant circulator was used to simulate the low-temperature conditions (−7 °C) typical of cold starts. The results showed good agreement between machine learning predictions and experimental data, with an overall accuracy R2 of 0.99 for predicting liquid penetration and liquid width. In addition, the developed ANN model was able to predict detailed dynamics of spray plumes. This confirms the robustness of the ANN in predicting spray characteristics and offers a promising tool to enhance GDI engine technologies.
Hyperornithinemia–Hyperammonemia–Homocitrullinuria Syndrome in Vietnamese Patients
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Ngoc , Tran Van Khanh , Nguyen Ngoc Lan , Can Thi Bich Ngoc , Dang Thi Kim Giang , Nguyen Thu Ha , Do Thi Thanh Mai , Phuong Le Thi , Tran Thinh Huy , Ta Thanh Van , Tu Nguyen Huu , Vu Chi Dung
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Hyperornithinemia–hyperammonemia–homocitrullinuria syndrome (HHH; OMIM 238970) is one of the rare urea cycle disorders. Ornithine carrier 1 deficiency causes HHH syndrome, characterized by failure of mitochondrial ornithine uptake, hyperammonemia, and accumulation of ornithine and lysine in the cytoplasm. The initial presentation and time of diagnosis in HHH highly varies. Genetic analysis is critical for diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This study encompassed retrospective and prospective analyses of four unrelated Vietnamese children diagnosed with HHH syndrome. Results: The age of diagnosis ranged from 10 days to 46 months. All four cases demonstrated hyperornithinemia and prolonged prothrombin time. Three out of four cases presented with hyperammonemia, elevated transaminases, and uraciluria. No homocitrulline was detected in the urine. Only one case depicted oroticaciduria. Genetic analyses revealed three pathogenic variants in the SLC25A15 gene, with the c.535C>T (p.Arg179*) variant common in Vietnamese patients. The c.562_564del (p.Phe188del) and c.408del (p.Met137Cysfs*10) variants were detected in one case. The latter variant has yet to be reported in the literature on HHH patients. After intervention with a protein-restricted diet, ammonia-reducing therapy, and L-carnitine supplementation, hyperammonemia was not observed, and liver enzyme levels returned to normal. Conclusions: Our results highlighted the clinical and biochemical heterogeneity of HHH syndrome and posed that HHH syndrome should be considered when individuals have hyperammonemia, elevated transaminase, and decreased prothrombin time.
Transient Elevation of Liver Function Tests and Bilirubin Levels After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Giakoustidis Alexandros , Papakonstantinou Menelaos , Gkoutzios Christos , Chatzikomnitsa Paraskevi , Gkaitatzi Areti Danai , Myriskou Athanasia , Bangeas Petros , Loufopoulos Panagiotis Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Vasileios N. , Giakoustidis Dimitrios
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy constitutes the current “gold standard” treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. In order to avoid intraoperative vasculobiliary injuries, it is mandatory to establish the “critical view of safety”. In cases of poor identification of the cystic duct and artery leading to a missed intraoperative injury, patients present with elevated liver function tests (LFTs) or increased bilirubin postoperatively. The aim of this study is to present a series of patients of our institute with elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the absence of intraoperative injury or any other obvious etiology and to provide a possible explanation of this finding. Materials and Methods: From 2019 to 2023, 200 patients underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Papageorgiou General Hospital and at the European Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki utilizing the “critical view of safety” method. We retrospectively collected the intraoperative reports, and the pre- and postoperative imaging and laboratory studies of the patients included in this series. Postoperative LFTs and bilirubin levels were extracted and the reason for their transient elevation was examined. Results: From 200 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, elevated LFTs and bilirubin were found in six patients on the first postoperative day, which is suggestive of a missed intraoperative injury. All patients were asymptomatic. During the investigatory workup, a triple-phase CT of the liver and/or an MRCP were ordered, but no pathological findings, such as biliary injury, hepatic artery injury or choledocholithiasis, were found. On postoperative day 3, LFTs and bilirubin levels decreased or normalized without any intervention. No postoperative complications were reported. Conclusions: In select cases, a transient increase in LFTs and/or bilirubin may be observed in the early postoperative period after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the absence of an obvious etiology. A possible interpretation of these findings could involve the pneumoperitoneum or the anesthesia regimens used intra- or perioperatively. The specific cause, however, remains undetermined and yet to be examined by future studies.
Pain After Lower Limb Amputations: Insights from the Heidelberg Amputation Registry
Authors: Nees Timo Albert , Matt Cornelia , Deisenhofer Julian , Block Julia , Wolf Sebastian I. , Renkawitz Tobias , Lehner Burkhard , Alimusaj Merkur
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: The experience of unpleasant sensory phenomena after lower limb amputations (LLAs), including phantom limb pain (PLP), phantom limb sensation (PLS), and residual limb pain (RLP), impacts global healthcare and adversely affects outcomes post-amputation. This study aimed to describe the distribution of PLP, PLS, and RLP among patients with LLAs registered in the Heidelberg Amputation Registry. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of sensory abnormalities across different amputation levels and causes. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, cross-sectional study, data from 459 patients registered in the Heidelberg Amputation Registry were analyzed for the occurrence of PLP, PLS and RLP. Subsequently, logistic regression models were used to identify the independent risk factors associated with sensory disturbances following LLAs. The mean age of the LLA patients (31% female, 69% male) was 58 years (SD ± 18). Results: The patients were, on average, 44 years old (SD ± 22) at the time of amputation, with a mean duration since amputation of 15 years (SD ± 17). Transtibial amputations were the most common (43%), followed by transfemoral (39%) and partial foot amputations (10%). Hip and knee disarticulations were observed in 3.7% and 3.5% of the cohort, respectively, with hemipelvectomies accounting for 1%. Traumatic injuries (32%) and neoplastic disorders (22%) were the leading causes of LLAs, while peripheral artery disease and diabetes were responsible for 12% and 6% of cases, respectively. Importantly, a significant proportion of participants (85%) reported experiencing abnormal sensations. The prevalence rates for phantom limb pain (PLP), phantom limb sensation (PLS), and residual limb pain (RLP) were 58%, 66%, and 46%, respectively. The occurrence of sensory disturbances, with the exception of RLP, was significantly affected by the level of amputation. Notably, the age at amputation emerged as an independent risk factor for developing abnormal sensations, including PLS. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of sensory abnormalities in a diverse cohort of LLA patients, highlighting the age at amputation as an important factor. The findings emphasize the role of comprehensive registries in enhancing care for individuals with amputations and guiding targeted pain management strategies.
Tracking Depositional Architecture and Diagenetic Evolution in the Jurassic Carbonates, Trans Indus Ranges, NW Himalayas
Authors: Jamil Muhammad , Ullah Ihsan , Rahim Hamad Ur , Khan Imran , Abbas Wahid , Rehman Mohib Ur , Rashid Alidu , Umar Muhammad , Ali Asad , Siddiqui Numair Ahmed
Published: November 2024

The evolution of Jurassic carbonates is globally significant for understanding the depositional framework, diagenetic phases and sedimentary characteristics of shallow marine shelf deposits. For this purpose, two outcrop sections of the Jurassic carbonates with a road distance of 121 km in the Trans Indus Ranges, NW Himalayas, were included in this study. Geological fieldwork was conducted for sedimentological data, and representative samples were collected for microfacies analysis and diagenetic evolution complemented by carbon and oxygen isotope analysis. Results show that eight microfacies were identified in both sections where mudstone microfacies was only present in the Chichali section, whereas wackestone and packstone facies widely existed in both sections. The diagenetic evolution interpreted that dolomitization and stylolization were pronounced in the Paniala section, while micritization and calcite cementation were prevalent in the Chichali section. The interpreted depositional setting implies the wide range from supratidal to outer ramp shallow marine for the Chichali section, suggesting a wide range and relatively deeper environment, alongside merely intertidal to middle ramp settings for Paniala section. Diagenetic evolution suggests marine to meteoric influence in the Chichali section, while burial and uplift phases were dominant in the Paniala section. The diagenetic events were also validated by the isotopic analysis, where most of the samples with values up to −4‰ VPDB δ18O, corresponding to a carbon isotope range of up to +4‰, were interpreted as the burial phase of diagenesis; meanwhile, a few samples with −2 δ13C and −7‰ VPDB δ18O isotope signatures were marked as meteoric influx in the Paniala section. This study indicates the diversity of the depositional environment and diagenetic heterogeneity by integration of thin sections using isotope data, which are quite applicable to shallow marine carbonates.
Immobilization of Heavy Metals in Biochar Derived from Biosolids: Effect of Temperature and Carrier Gas
Authors: Aktar Shefali , Hossain Md Afzal , Shah Kalpit , Mendez Ana , de Figueiredo Cícero Célio , Gasco Gabriel , Paz-Ferreiro Jorge
Published: November 2024

Slow pyrolysis was carried out in biosolids under three different temperatures (400, 500 and 600 °C) and two different carrier gases (CO2 and N2) on a fluidized bed reactor. The total concentration, chemical fractionation, and plant availability of the heavy metals in biochar were assessed by standard methods. The total concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni and Pb increased with the conversion of biosolids to biochar and with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The community’s Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction identified the migration of metals from toxic and bioavailable to potentially stable available or non-available forms at higher pyrolysis temperatures. Diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA)-extractable metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Pb) were significantly lower in biochar compared to biosolids. By replacing N2 with CO2, the total metal concentration of heavy metals was significantly different for Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and As. There were larger amounts of metals in the residual and oxidizable fractions compared to when N2 was used as a carrier gas. Consequently, the biochar produced at higher temperatures (500 and 600 °C) in the N2 environment exhibited lower potential ecological risks than in CO2 environments (69.94 and 52.16, respectively, compared to values from 75.95 to 151.38 for biochars prepared in N2). Overall, the results suggest that the higher temperature biochar can support obtaining environmentally safe biochar and can be effective in attenuating the ecological risks of biosolids.