bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can “Rover” help with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic? Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Falck Ryan S. , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Noseworthy Matthew , Kirkland Susan , Griffith Lauren E. , Basta Nicole E. , McMillan Jacqueline M. , Raina Parminder
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 has negatively affected the mental health and well-being of adults, and thus it is important to examine potential factors which may influence mental health during the pandemic. We thus examined the association between pet ownership and depression/anxiety symptoms based on mental health disorder status during the COVID-19 pandemic. We included 12,068 cognitively healthy participants (45–86 years at study entry) from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) comprehensive cohort who completed the first follow-up ([FU1]; 2015–2018), and COVID-19 Survey entry (April–May 2020) and exit (September-December 2020). Participants self-reported at FU1 if they owned a pet (yes/no). Participants were dichotomized as with or without a mental health disorder based on self-reported diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or mood disorders at baseline assessment (2011–2015) or FU1. Depressive symptoms were indexed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) at FU1, and COVID-19 entry/exit surveys. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) at COVID-19 entry/exit surveys. Final models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, income, education, living status, smoking status, relationship status, and alcohol intake. Forty-percent of participants owned a pet at FU1. Among those without a mental health disorder, there were no significant differences in CESD-10 between participants who owned pets compared with those without pets. For people with a mental health disorder, pet owners had higher CESD-10 (estimated mean difference range: 0.56–1.02 points; p < 0.05) and GAD-7 scores (estimated mean difference range: 0.28–0.57 points; p < 0.05) at both COVID-19 entry and exit surveys. Among people with mental health disorders, pet ownership was associated with poor mental health symptoms during April 2020 to December 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application of machine learning and natural language processing for predicting stroke-associated pneumonia
Authors: Tsai Hui-Chu , Hsieh Cheng-Yang , Sung Sheng-Feng
Published: September 2022

Background

Identifying patients at high risk of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) may permit targeting potential interventions to reduce its incidence. We aimed to explore the functionality of machine learning (ML) and natural language processing techniques on structured data and unstructured clinical text to predict SAP by comparing it to conventional risk scores.

Methods

Linked data between a hospital stroke registry and a deidentified research-based database including electronic health records and administrative claims data was used. Natural language processing was applied to extract textual features from clinical notes. The random forest algorithm was used to build ML models. The predictive performance of ML models was compared with the A2DS2, ISAN, PNA, and ACDD4 scores using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Among 5,913 acute stroke patients hospitalized between Oct 2010 and Sep 2021, 450 (7.6%) developed SAP within the first 7 days after stroke onset. The ML model based on both textual features and structured variables had the highest AUC [0.840, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.806–0.875], significantly higher than those of the ML model based on structured variables alone (0.828, 95% CI 0.793–0.863, P = 0.040), ACDD4 (0.807, 95% CI 0.766–0.849, P = 0.041), A2DS2 (0.803, 95% CI 0.762–0.845, P = 0.013), ISAN (0.795, 95% CI 0.752–0.837, P = 0.009), and PNA (0.778, 95% CI 0.735–0.822, P < 0.001). All models demonstrated adequate calibration except for the A2DS2 score.

Conclusions

The ML model based on both textural features and structured variables performed better than conventional risk scores in predicting SAP. The workflow used to generate ML prediction models can be disseminated for local adaptation by individual healthcare organizations.
Indoor thermal comfort in a rural dwelling in southwest China
Authors: Wei Dong , Zhao Guilin , Liu Sheng , Yang Linchuan
Published: September 2022

Recently, indoor thermal comfort has received more scholarly attention than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global warming. However, most studies on indoor thermal comfort in China concentrated on urban buildings in the east and north. The indoor thermal comfort of rural dwellers in southwest China is insufficiently investigated. Hence, this study assesses residents' indoor thermal comfort in a rural dwelling in Linshui, obtains the thermal neutral temperature of the rural area, and analyzes the thermal adaptation behavior of rural dwellers. The results reveal that the thermal neutral temperature of rural dwellers is 29.33°C (operative temperature), higher than that presented in previous studies based on the same climate region. Indoor thermal conditions in rural dwellings are relatively harsh, but various thermal adaptation behavior of rural dwellers significantly improve their ability to withstand the harsh conditions. When people live in an environment with a (relatively) constant climate parameter (e.g., humidity), their perception of that parameter seems compromised. Most rural dwellers are unwilling to use cooling equipment with high energy consumption. Therefore, more passive cooling measures are recommended in the design and renovation of rural dwellings.
Profile of diseases prevalent in Datia District of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Mishra Nalini , Barde Pradip V. , Awasthi Sarvesh , Kumawat Archana , Gaur Rajesh , Singh Pushpendra , Srivastava Suyash , Das Aparup
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives

Exploring the disease profile in a defined area helps policymakers to understand local health issues. It is essential to collect such information in countries, like India, which have a wide range of socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural diversity. Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state of India and has diversified populations living in urban, rural, and tribal areas. In this study, we performed a hospital record-based analysis to find out the status of different diseases in various outpatient departments (OPDs) of the District Hospital where patients from both rural and urban areas are treated.

Materials and methods

The retrospective data was collected from medical records available for the period September 2018 to September 2020. These datasets were analyzed to determine the most common presentations among patients.

Results and conclusions

A total of 138,756 records of patients were available for this study, whose department-wise analysis revealed that most records were related to respiratory tract infection, superficial dermatophytosis, anemia among women, suppurative otitis media, and pneumonia. This study provides a broad overview of the overall health issues of people living in rural and urban areas of Datia. However, a major limitation of the study was that other correlations with age and gender were not established due to the absence of such information. Nonetheless, these findings will help policymakers and researchers to set the agenda for interventions and set goals for achieving better health for all people including those living in rural and tribal regions.
Effect of a Short Messaging Service (SMS) intervention delivered to caregivers on energy, nutrients, and food groups intake in infant participants of the WIC program
Authors: Macchi Alison K. , Banna Jinan , Moreira Stephanie , Campos Maribel , Palacios Cristina
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To test the effect of a weekly test message (SMS) intervention for improving feeding practices on infant intake of energy, nutrients, and specific food groups.

Methods

This study was a multi-site, randomized clinical trial, in 202 caregivers of healthy term infants participating in either the Puerto Rico or Hawaii WIC program. Participants were randomized to receive weekly SMS about either infant's general health issues (control) or SMS for improving feeding practices (intervention) to complement WIC messages for 4 months. Anthropometrics and demographics were assessed at baseline. A validated infant food frequency questionnaire was assessed at the four-month visit to assess intake of general food groups. Data was summarized as median (25th and 75th percentiles) or percentage and differences between study arms was compared using Mann Whitney or chi-square.

Results

A total of 163 participants completed the study (n = 84 control and n = 79 intervention). Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. At 4–6 months of age, compared to the control group, the intervention group had a significantly higher intake of total grains (0.28 oz; 0.00, 0.60; P = 0.033), protein (13.5 g, 10.5, 18.3; P = 0.022), calcium (472 mg; 418, 667; P = 0.012), and zinc (4.39 mg; 2.61, 6.51; P = 0.028). No differences were seen in the other food groups, including breastmilk.

Conclusions for practice

Feeding SMS to complement WIC messages led to higher intakes of some key nutrients but did not have an overall improvement in the intake of food groups. Messaging also did not delay the introduction of complimentary foods or improve breastfeeding rates. Future studies should evaluate the use of more intensive SMS interventions for continued care between WIC visits.
Investigation of comorbidities of COVID-19 patients with hepatosteatosis using latent class analysis
Authors: Pasin Ozge , Cetin Sirin , Kaya Ahmet Turan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease first appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Subsequently, the pandemic spread rapidly throughout the entire world. The number of people who died from COVID-19 is rising daily due to the growing number cases. This retrospective study aims to classify patients with hepatosteatosis (HS) who had COVID-19, depending on additional disease characteristics and to compare survival times and death rates.

Material and methods

The study included 433 individuals with COVID-19 and HS at Amasya University Sabuncuoglu Serefeddin Education and Research Hospital. Additional disease characteristics of patients with HS were analyzed using latent class analysis (LCA) and the patients were divided into two groups.

Results

The study results indicate that the survival time of the first group, which was formed as a result of the LCA, was significantly lower than that of the second group (p = 0.038). The rate of diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic rhythm disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (respectively p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.015).

Discussion

In patients with HS, the presence of diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic rhythm problem, COPD, and chronic renal disorders contributes to an increase in death rates due to COVID-19.
Examining the Asian American leadership gap and inclusion issues with federal employee data: Recommendations for inclusive workforce analytic practices
Authors: Goon Caroline , Bruce Tamara A. , Lun Janetta , Lai Gabriel Y. , Chu Serena , Le Phuong-Tu
Published: September 2022

In April 2021, a coalition of employee resource groups called the Federation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Network, or FAN, was established at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The coalition aims to be a unifying voice that represents and serves these diverse communities. Discussion within the group centered around the persistent inequities and the lack of inclusion that the Asian American communities have long endured. Two common themes emerged from these discussions: (1) a leadership gap for Asian Americans in senior leadership and managerial positions, and (2) the everyday experience of exclusion. Asian Americans represent nearly 20% of the NIH permanent workforce yet make up only 6% of the senior leadership positions. These two issues reflect the sentiment that Asian Americans often feel invisible or forgotten in the discourse of structural racism and organizational inequities, especially in organizations in which they are numerically overrepresented. The purpose of this manuscript is to raise awareness of Asian American concerns in the federal workforce and how current employment and workforce analytic practices in this domain might contribute to the invisibility. To accomplish this goal, we will (1) describe relevant historical and contemporary contexts of Asian American experience undergirding their inclusion and visibility concerns; (2) present data analyses from available data sources to provide a deeper understanding of the Asian American leadership gap and lack of inclusion concerns; (3) highlight data availability and analytic challenges that hinder the ability to address the inequity and invisibility issues; and (4) recommend practices in data collection, measurement, and analysis to increase the visibility of this community in the federal workforce.
Lingering effects associated with the consumer use of virtual reality
Authors: Porter III John , Robb Andrew
Published: September 2022

Since the release of the Oculus Rift CV1 in 2016, millions of VR headsets have made their way into consumers’ homes. Since then, users have created large quantities of data about their experiences in VR through posts made to online discussion forums. We examine this data to gain insights on what sorts of “lingering effects” users report having experienced after VR, and on the progression of these effects over time. We found three major categories of lingering effects (besides simulator sickness) during our qualitative analysis: perceptual effects, behavioral effects, and changes in dreams. The perceptual and behavioral categories were further divided into sub-themes: disruption of body ownership and proprioception, loss of a sense of depth in the real world, visual aftereffects, the need to verify the reality of the real world through touch, hesitation when moving in the real world, and attempts to apply VR interaction metaphors to real life interactions. Users were nearly unanimous that these lingering effects only occurred after spending at least 1 h in VR, and that these effects completely disappeared several weeks after they first appeared (assuming the user continued to spend time in VR). There was less agreement about how long these effects lasted after exiting a specific VR session. The results of our analysis suggest that users feel that there are no long-term side effects to the use of VR. We pair this analysis with an analysis of interviews conducted with 20 novice users who were loaned Oculus Quest HMDs to use for 4 weeks. Semi-structured interviews with participants further substantiated the findings of our analysis of online discussions.
Sports training in virtual reality to improve response behavior in karate kumite with transfer to real world
Authors: Witte Kerstin , Droste Melina , Ritter Yvonne , Emmermacher Peter , Masik Steffen , Bürger Dan , Petri Katharina
Published: September 2022

Virtual reality (VR) training has become valuable in sports to improve motor behavior and train specific situations under standardized conditions. However, studies comparing conventional training with VR training are rare, especially for advanced athletes. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the performance improvement achieved through VR training can be transferred to the real world (RW). Therefore, we present a study analyzing sports-specific response training using a head-mounted display (HMD) combined with conventional training and its transfer to RW. In ten training sessions over 6 weeks, a VR training group (VRG, n = 15) performed virtual karate training (10 min) combined with a conventional training (80 min), while a conventional training group (CG, n = 12) conducted only conventional training (90 min) at the same time. The VR training consisted of the athlete responding to various karate attacks performed by a virtual opponent in a karate-specific manner. The study design included a pretest, an intermediate test (after 5 training sessions), and a posttest. We analyzed sports-specific response behavior concerning the competition-relevant karate attacks Gyaku-Zuki jodan (GZj) and Kizami-Zuki (KZ) using the parameters ‘response time’, and the “response quality” when the athletes had to react to attacks of a virtual opponent in VR and a real opponent in RW. For the parameter “response time,” improvements were detected only for the VRG in VR concerning GZj and KZ. For the parameter “response quality” for both groups, no improvements could be found. Furthermore, athletes provided positive feedback regarding the integration of VR training into conventional training.
A global view of Pc3 wave activity in near-Earth space: Results from hybrid-Vlasov simulations
Authors: Turc Lucile , Zhou Hongyang , Tarvus Vertti , Ala-Lahti Matti , Battarbee Markus , Pfau-Kempf Yann , Johlander Andreas , Ganse Urs , Dubart Maxime , George Harriet , Grandin Maxime , Horaites Konstantinos , Tesema Fasil , Suni Jonas , Alho Markku , Papadakis Konstantinos , Palmroth Minna
Published: September 2022

Ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves in the Pc3 range, with periods between 10–45 s, are routinely observed in Earth’s dayside magnetosphere. They are thought to originate in the foreshock, which extends upstream of the quasi-parallel bow shock and is populated with shock-reflected particles. The foreshock is permeated with ULF waves generated by ion beam instabilities, most notably the “30-s” waves whose periods match those of the Pc3 waves and which are carried earthward by the solar wind flow. However, the global picture of Pc3 wave activity from the foreshock to the magnetosphere and its response to changing solar wind conditions is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the global distribution and properties of Pc3 waves across near-Earth space using global simulations performed with the hybrid-Vlasov model Vlasiator. The simulations enable us to study the waves in their global context, and compare their properties in the foreshock, magnetosheath and dayside magnetosphere, for different sets of upstream solar wind conditions. We find that in all three regions the Pc3 wave power peaks at higher frequencies when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength is larger, consistent with previous studies. The Pc3 wave power is significantly enhanced in all three regions for higher solar wind Alfvén Mach number. As this parameter is known to affect the shock properties but has little impact inside the magnetosphere, this brings further support to the magnetospheric waves originating in the foreshock. Other parameters that are found to influence the foreshock wave power are the solar wind density and the IMF cone angle. Inside the magnetosphere, the wave power distribution depends strongly on the IMF orientation, which controls the foreshock position upstream of the bow shock. The wave power is largest when the angle between the IMF and the Sun-Earth line is smallest, suggesting that wave generation and transmission are most efficient in these conditions.
The Rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies
Authors: Müller János , Kerényi Ádám
Published: September 2022

The revolutionary rise of digital financial innovations has heralded a new era in the operation of the banking system and central banks, which has brought about the digital transformation of money. Central banks must respond to challenges profoundly affecting and transforming the financial system. Central banks have been exploring the introduction of central bank digital currency (CBDC), in order to promote stability and sustainable development, to preserve competitiveness and to bolster the effectiveness of their monetary policies. In addition to smooth operation, the preservation of sovereignty and the effectiveness of the monetary policy also need to be ensured. Along with its expected advantages, the paper also discusses the risks relating to CBDC. CBDC appears in the international financial system, generating competition among global currencies. The rivalry between the dollar, the euro and the yuan may alter positions in the global financial system. A rearrangement of international power relations is at stake. Against this background, the paper also provides insight into Hungarian news on preparations for the introduction of CBDC.
Reputation of Public Organizations: What Dimensions Are Crucial?
Authors: Meirinhos Galvão , Bessa Maximino , Leal Carmem , Oliveira Márcio , Carvalho Amélia , Silva Rui
Published: September 2022

This paper explores the relationships among variables and determines the influences of dimensions (i.e., municipal satisfaction, organizational performance, perceived quality, contestations and complaints of the municipal executive) on the notoriety, image, and reputation (NIR) of municipal executives. We attempted to understand if citizens’ opinions influenced the evaluations, recommendations, and contestations based on NIR. Parishes in the municipality of Valongo were selected and analysed, namely Alfena, Campo e Sobrado, Valongo, and Ermesinde; a total of 998 questionnaires were collected. It was concluded that all of the studied dimensions were statistically significant in the final structural estimated model. The structural results point to municipal satisfaction and contestations and complaints of municipal executives as having directly positive and statistically significant influences on NIR. Organizational performance and perceived quality have directly positive but not statistically significant influences on NIR. The results of this research suggest that obtaining the personal opinions of citizens (e.g., regarding the work performances of their mayors) allows citizens to feel heard and active in their municipalities. From the point of view of public executives, the results of this type of study could provide valid information that allows stakeholders to make political decisions that are appropriate for the interests of their communities (e.g., by listening to their citizens).
A Multi-UCAV Cooperative Decision-Making Method Based on an MAPPO Algorithm for Beyond-Visual-Range Air Combat
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiong , Yin Yi , Su Yuzhan , Ming Ruichen
Published: September 2022

To solve the problems of autonomous decision making and the cooperative operation of multiple unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in beyond-visual-range air combat, this paper proposes an air combat decision-making method that is based on a multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO) algorithm. Firstly, the model of the unmanned combat aircraft is established on the simulation platform, and the corresponding maneuver library is designed. In order to simulate the real beyond-visual-range air combat, the missile attack area model is established, and the probability of damage occurring is given according to both the enemy and us. Secondly, to overcome the sparse return problem of traditional reinforcement learning, according to the angle, speed, altitude, distance of the unmanned combat aircraft, and the damage of the missile attack area, this paper designs a comprehensive reward function. Finally, the idea of centralized training and distributed implementation is adopted to improve the decision-making ability of the unmanned combat aircraft and improve the training efficiency of the algorithm. The simulation results show that this algorithm can carry out a multi-aircraft air combat confrontation drill, form new tactical decisions in the drill process, and provide new ideas for multi-UCAV air combat.
Light Traps to Study Insect Species Diversity in Soybean Crops
Authors: Pachkin Alexey , Kremneva Oksana , Leptyagin Daniil , Ponomarev Artem , Danilov Roman
Published: September 2022

We aimed to monitor the species diversity and the dynamics of the number of soybean pests using light traps with an original design to develop protection systems against the main phytophages. Traps lured 44 species of insects from eight orders and 27 families. The capture of 15 species of economically important phytophages was recorded—representatives of various orders and families: order Lepidoptera—Noctuidae, Crambidae, Erebidae, and Geometridae; order Hemiptera—Flatidae; order Coleoptera—Elateridae, etc. Insect identification was carried out via morphological methods. Over the study period (93 days), 4955.41 insect specimens were caught on average per one trap. Most of the attracted insects belong to harmful entomofauna: namely the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera, Hübner)—58.9%, the beet webworm (Loxostege sticticalis, L.)—12.74%, the nutmeg moth (Anarta trifolii, Hufnagel)—6.5%, the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis, Hübner)—2.68%, and some other species—19.2%. In addition to economically significant phytophages, we registered some indifferent and beneficial species. The summer dynamics of the cotton bollworm and the nutmeg moth were obtained for the entire research period. Then, we calculated the values of the indices of biodiversity and the dominance of insect species. An analysis of the index values allows us to conclude a balanced entomocomplex at the research site.
Are Mycopesticides the Future of Locust Control?
Authors: Lecoq Michel , Cease Arianne J.
Published: September 2022

Locusts are a very serious problem for agriculture and for the livelihoods of populations around the world [...]
Distribution of Breeding Population and Predicting Future Habitat under Climate Change of Black-Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis Przevalski, 1876) in Shaluli Mountains
Authors: Li Mingming , Zhou Huaming , Bai Jun , Zhang Taxing , Liu Yuxin , Ran Jianghong
Published: September 2022

Climate change is affecting biodiversity by altering the geographical distribution range of species, and this effect is amplified in climate-sensitive areas. Studying the geographic distribution of flagship species in response to climate change is important for the long-term conservation of species and the maintenance of regional biodiversity. Therefore, we collected field survey records from 2016 to 2020 and conducted field surveys of black-necked cranes in the Shaluli Mountains (SLLMs) in May–June and August–October 2021; 103 breeding records were acquired totally, and the geographical distribution range under the current and four future climate scenarios was modeled with the MaxEnt model to predict the impact of climate change on its distribution and habitat quality. The results showed that 152 black-necked cranes were surveyed in seven counties of SLLMs in total; the estimated number of black-necked cranes in the entire SLLMs was about 200. The currently suitable habitat area is 27,122 km2, mainly distributed in gentle meadows and wetland habitats along the lake where the Annual Mean Temperature is −1 °C and the Mean Diurnal Range (16 °C) and Precipitation Seasonality (105) are comparatively large. Furthermore, the breeding range would expand to varying degrees under future climate scenarios and showed a migration trend toward the northwest and higher elevation. Besides, as time goes by, the habitat for black-necked cranes in SLLMs would become more homogeneous and more suitable. The conservation effectiveness of the existing reserve network would keep stable with climate change, although there are large conservation gaps between protected areas, and these gaps will gradually expand over time. Overall, this study provides a preliminary understanding of the population and distribution and predicts the future distribution of black-necked cranes in the SLLMs. It also demonstrates the importance of SLLMs for protecting the central population of black-necked cranes and maintaining regional biodiversity. Therefore, we recommend long-term monitoring and conservation of the black-necked crane population and wetland resources in the region.
The Threshold Effect of Swine Epidemics on the Pig Supply in China
Authors: Jia Yunfei , Sun Wenshan , Su Guifang , Hua Junguo , He Zejun
Published: September 2022

The pig industry is the pillar industry of animal husbandry in China, and epidemics can lead to drastic changes in pig supply, affecting the healthy development of the pig industry and residents’ quality of life. This study analyzed the mechanism of the effect of swine epidemics on nonlinear shocks to pig supply, and monthly data on pig supply from January 2012 to June 2020 were applied to study the threshold effect of swine epidemics on pig stock and slaughter in China empirically, using the index of swine epidemics’ width (ISEW) as the threshold variable. The results of this study were as follows: (1) The influence of the ISEW over 7 months on pig stock in China was divided into two ranges, and the pig stock did not change significantly when the ISEW was less than 0.25. Swine epidemics had a significantly negative impact on the pig stock when the ISEW was larger than 0.25. (2) The influence of the ISEW over 8 months on pig slaughter was also divided into two ranges. When the ISEW was less than 0.33, epidemics had a positive and significant effect on pig slaughter, while epidemics had a marked negative impact on pig slaughter when the ISEW was greater than 0.33. Based on these conclusions, this study proposed relevant measures for the prevention and control of swine epidemics.
Multimodal Cues Do Not Improve Predator Recognition in Green Toad Tadpoles
Authors: Gazzola Andrea , Guadin Bianca , Balestrieri Alessandro , Pellitteri-Rosa Daniele
Published: September 2022

The anti-predator behaviour of green toad (Bufotes balearicus) tadpoles was investigated by exposing them to only the visual or chemical cues, or a combination of both, of a native predator, southern hawker Aeshna cyanea. We collected green toad egg strings in the field and tadpoles did not receive any predatory stimulus before the onset of the experiment. To manipulate chemical and visual cues independently, dragonfly larvae were caged inside a transparent plastic container, while chemical cues (odour of tadpole-fed dragonfly larvae) were injected into the surrounding arena. An empty container and water were used, respectively, as controls. The behaviour of individually tested tadpoles was videorecorded for 40 min, of which 20 were before their exposure to stimuli. Five second-distance frames were compared to assess both tadpole activity and position within the arena with respect to the visual stimulus. The tadpole level of activity strongly decreased after exposure to either chemical cues alone or in combination with visual cues, while visual cues alone apparently did not elicit any defensive response. The position of tadpoles inside the arena was not affected by visual cues, suggesting that green toad tadpoles mainly rely on olfactory cues to assess the level of predation risk.
The Manifold Bioactivity and Immunoreactivity of Microbial Proteins of Cow and Human Mature Milk in Late Lactation
Authors: Ogrodowczyk Anna Maria , Jeż Maja , Wróblewska Barbara
Published: September 2022

(1) Human milk (HM) is a source of many microorganisms, whose structure contains microbial protein (MP). In addition to the known health-promoting properties of HM, many activities, including immunoreactivity, may result from the presence of MP. Cow’s milk (CM)-derived MP may be 10 times more abundant than MP derived from HM. (2) Raw cow’s milk samples of Holstein and Jersey breeds, commercially available pasteurized milk, and milk from three human donors in the late lactation phase were subjected to chemical and microbiological analyzes. Microorganisms from the milk material were recovered, cultured, and their activities were tested. MPs were extracted and their immunoreactivity was tested with human high IgE pooled sera. The milk types were subjected to simulated digestion. Milk and microbial proteins were identified with LCMS and subjected to an in silico analysis of their activities. Their antioxidant potential was analysed with the DPPH method. (3) The MP of HM shows a stronger IgE and IgG immunoreactivity in the tests with human sera compared to the MP of CM (p = 0.001; p = 0.02, respectively). There were no significant differences between the microbes in the MP of different cattle breeds. The MS-identification and in silico tests of milk and microbial proteins confirmed the presence of MP with immunoreactivity and antioxidant potential. (4) MPs possess a broad bioactive effect, which was determined by an in silico tools. The balance between an MP’s individual properties probably determines the raw material’s safety, which undoubtedly requires further research.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Prosthetic Joint Infections in Patients with Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia: A 7-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Papadimitriou-Olivgeris Matthaios , Senn Laurence , Bertelli Claire , Grandbastien Bruno , Steinmetz Sylvain , Boillat-Blanco Noémie
Published: September 2022

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of haematogenous prosthetic joint infections (PJI). We aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with PJI in patients with documented S. aureus bacteraemia. Methods: Adult patients with S. aureus bacteraemia and presence of prosthetic joint hospitalized in Lausanne University Hospital during a seven-year period (2015–2021) were included. Results: Among 135 patients with S. aureus bacteraemia and prosthetic joints, 38 (28%) had PJI. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of PJI was associated with knee arthroplasty (P 0.029; aOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.12–8.05), prior arthroplasty revision (P 0.034; aOR 3.59, 95% CI 1.10–11.74), community-acquired bacteraemia (P 0.005; aOR 4.74, 95% CI 1.61–14.01) and age < 70 years (P 0.007; aOR 9.39, 95% CI 1.84–47.85). Conclusions: PJI was common among patients with documented S. aureus bacteraemia. PJI was associated with characteristics of the prosthesis, such as prior arthroplasty revisions and knee prosthesis.
S-Denitrosylation: A Crosstalk between Glutathione and Redoxin Systems
Authors: Chakraborty Surupa , Sircar Esha , Bhattacharyya Camelia , Choudhuri Ankita , Mishra Akansha , Dutta Sreejita , Bhatta Sneha , Sachin Kumar , Sengupta Rajib
Published: September 2022

S-nitrosylation of proteins occurs as a consequence of the derivatization of cysteine thiols with nitric oxide (NO) and is often associated with diseases and protein malfunction. Aberrant S-nitrosylation, in addition to other genetic and epigenetic factors, has gained rapid importance as a prime cause of various metabolic, respiratory, and cardiac disorders, with a major emphasis on cancer and neurodegeneration. The S-nitrosoproteome, a term used to collectively refer to the diverse and dynamic repertoire of S-nitrosylated proteins, is relatively less explored in the field of redox biochemistry, in contrast to other covalently modified versions of the same set of proteins. Advancing research is gradually unveiling the enormous clinical importance of S-nitrosylation in the etiology of diseases and is opening up new avenues of prompt diagnosis that harness this phenomenon. Ever since the discovery of the two robust and highly conserved S-nitrosoglutathione reductase and thioredoxin systems as candidate denitrosylases, years of rampant speculation centered around the identification of specific substrates and other candidate denitrosylases, subcellular localization of both substrates and denitrosylases, the position of susceptible thiols, mechanisms of S-denitrosylation under basal and stimulus-dependent conditions, impact on protein conformation and function, and extrapolating these findings towards the understanding of diseases, aging and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. However, newer insights in the ever-expanding field of redox biology reveal distinct gaps in exploring the crucial crosstalk between the redoxins/major denitrosylase systems. Clarifying the importance of the functional overlap of the glutaredoxin, glutathione, and thioredoxin systems and examining their complementary functions as denitrosylases and antioxidant enzymatic defense systems are essential prerequisites for devising a rationale that could aid in predicting the extent of cell survival under high oxidative/nitrosative stress while taking into account the existence of the alternative and compensatory regulatory mechanisms. This review thus attempts to highlight major gaps in our understanding of the robust cellular redox regulation system, which is upheld by the concerted efforts of various denitrosylases and antioxidants.
Identification of Crucial Polymethoxyflavones Tangeretin and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-Heptamethoxyflavone and Evaluation of Their Contribution to Anticancer Effects of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae ‘Chachi’ during Storage
Authors: Tao Yexing , Yu Qian , Huang Yuting , Liu Ruiting , Zhang Xiwen , Wu Ting , Pan Siyi , Xu Xiaoyun
Published: September 2022

Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae ‘Chachi’ (PCR-C), rich in polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), has potential anticancer bioactivity and its quality will be improved during storage. However, the main factors influencing the PCR-C quality during its storage remain unclear. In this study, multivariate analysis was performed to investigate free and bound PMFs of PCR-C during storage. The anticancer effects of purified PCR-C flavonoid extracts (PCR-CF) and the important PMFs were evaluated using A549 cells. The results showed that PCR-C samples exhibited remarkable differences in free PMFs during storage, which fell into three clusters: Cluster 1 included fresh (fresh peel) and PCR-C01 (year 1); Cluster 2 consisted of PCR-C03 (year 3) and PCR-C05 (year 5); and PCR-C10 (year 10) was Cluster 3. 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone, tangeretin, and isosinensetin were identified as the most important PMFs distinguishing the various types of PCR-C according to its storage periods. Moreover, PCR-CF inhibited A549 cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, cell apoptosis, and ROS accumulation, and all anticancer indices had an upward tendency during storage. Additionally, tangeretin and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone exhibited anticancer effects on A549 cells, whereas isosinensetin displayed no anticancer effect, indicating that tangeretin and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone jointly contributed to anticancer activity of PCR-C during storage. PCR-CF and the most important PMFs killed cancer cells (A549 cells) but had no cytotoxicity to normal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5 cells). Overall, the high quality of long-term stored PCR-C might be due to the anticancer effects of tangeretin and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone.
Antioxidant and Immune Stimulating Effects of Allium hookeri Extracts in the RAW 264.7 Cells and Immune-Depressed C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Jeong Un-Yul , Jung Jieun , Lee Eun-Byeol , Choi Ji-Hye , Kim Ji-Su , Jang Hwan-Hee , Park Shin-Young , Lee Sung-Hyen
Published: September 2022

We investigated the antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects of the extracts from Allium hookeri leaves and roots (AHL and AHR) in in vitro and in vivo models. Their antioxidant effects were determined by total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The immunomodulatory effects were evaluated by nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine concentrations produced from RAW 264.7, and by serum IgA and IgG levels, cytokine levels, and NK cell activities in the immunosuppressed C57BL/6 mice. AHL and AHR extracts improved antioxidant activities and productions of NO and cytokines without cytotoxicity in the RAW 264.7 cells. AHL and AHR groups showed significantly higher serum IgA and IgG levels, Th1 cytokine concentrations, splenocyte proliferations, and NK cell activities than the NC group which was not treated with AHL or AHR extract. AHR extract showed higher values than AHL extract in the factors evaluated in this study. The results show that they have high antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects and can be used as novel potential therapeutic candidates to treat related diseases and to improve public health.
Improving the Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Carotenoids by Means of Nanostructured Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Molteni Camilla , La Motta Concettina , Valoppi Fabio
Published: September 2022

Carotenoids are bioactive compounds provided by the diet playing a key role in maintaining human health. Therefore, they should be ingested daily in an adequate amount. However, even a varied and well-balanced diet does not guarantee an adequate intake, as both the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the compounds significantly affect their absorption. This review summarizes the main results achieved in improving the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of carotenoids by means of nanostructured delivery systems, discussing in detail the available lipid-based and biopolymeric nanocarriers at present, with a focus on their formulation and functional efficiency. Although the toxicity profile of these innovative delivery systems is not fully understood, especially for long-term intake, these systems are an effective and valuable approach to increase the availability of compounds of nutritional interest.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Preterm Infants: The Role of Nutritional Management in Minimizing Glycemic Variability
Authors: Musso Valeria , Panfoli Isabella , Battaglini Marcella , Brigati Giorgia , Minghetti Diego , Andreato Chiara , Ramenghi Luca A.
Published: September 2022

Glycemic variability (GV) is common in preterm infants. In the premature population, GV is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Both hypo- and hyperglycemia can impair neurodevelopment. We investigated the impact of continuous versus intermittent tube enteral feeding on GV. In our prospective observational study, 20 preterm infants with a gestational age ≤ 34 weeks at either continuous or intermittent bolus full enteral feeding. For five days, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was utilized, which was achieved through the subcutaneous insertion of a sensor. A total of 27,532 measurements of blood glucose were taken. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions did not differ between the two cohorts statistically. Continuous feeding resulted in higher positive values, increasing the risk of hypo- and hyperglycemia. Subjects who were small for their gestational age had a higher standard deviation during continuous feeding (p = 0.001). Data suggest that intermittent bolus nutrition is better for glycemic control than continuous nutrition. Nutritional management optimization of preterm infants appears to be critical for long-term health. In the future, CGM may provide a better understanding of the optimal glucose targets for various clinical conditions, allowing for a more personalized approach to management.
The Model of the Virtual Air Carrier as a Concept for the Revival of Air Transport in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Remencová Tatiana , Novák Sedláčková Alena
Published: September 2022

The air transport market has been exposed to the biggest crisis in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years. Many airlines have tried to stay in the market, but the impact of various factors was so strong that some airlines were forced to stop of the operation. In this way, the pandemic verified the fundamental pillars of airline business models and at the same time pointed out weaknesses in the entire air transport system. Flexibility has become one of the most important features for sustaining any business. The article is focused on the complex processing of the issue of the virtual airline and proposes the concept of a virtual air carrier, considering the current starting points of the market, on which it will have sufficient potential to establish itself, at the level of EU. At the same time, it proposes possibilities for the development of air transport in the Slovak Republic through the introduction of a virtual air carrier as a tool for revitalizing the air transport market in the Slovak Republic. Based on the results of the research, the article defines how and under what conditions a potential virtual carrier could operate, from ticket sales to possible cooperation with other airlines. The aim of the article is to demonstrate that the model of virtual air carrier is a solution for maintaining a stable level of air traffic in several countries in the EU that have lost their air carriers during the pandemic.
Lane-Changing Recognition of Urban Expressway Exit Using Natural Driving Data
Authors: Zhao Lei , Xu Ting , Zhang Zhishun , Hao Yanjun
Published: September 2022

The traffic environment at the exit of the urban expressway is complex, and vehicle lane-changing behavior occurs frequently, making it prone to traffic conflict and congestion. To study the traffic conditions at the exit of the urban expressway and improve the road operation capacity, this paper analyzes the characteristics of lane-changing behaviors at the exit, adds driving style into the influencing factors of lane-changing, and recognizes one’s lane-changing intention based on driving data. A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is used to collect the natural driving track data of the urban expressway diverge area, the track segments of vehicle lane-changing that meet the standards are extracted, and 374 lane-changing segments are obtained. K-means++ is used to cluster the driving style of the lane-changing segments which is grouped into three clusters, corresponding to “ordinary”, “radical”, and “conservative”. Through the random forest model used to identify and predict driving style, the accuracy reaches 93%. Considering the characteristics of a single time point and the characteristics of the historical time window, XGBoost, LightGBM, and the Stacking fusion model are established to recognize one’s lane-changing intention. The results show that the models can well recognize the lane-changing intention of drivers. The Stacking fusion model has the highest accuracy, while the LightGBM model takes less time; the model considering the characteristics of the historical time window performs better than the other one, which can better improve the prediction accuracy of lane-changing behavior.
Linear Quadratic Regulator Optimal Control with Integral Action (LQRIC) for LC-Coupling Hybrid Active Power Filter
Authors: Hong Qian-Rong , Chan Pak-Ian , Sou Wai-Kit , Gong Cheng , Lam Chi-Seng
Published: September 2022

Renewable energy generation and nonlinear load devices will generate harmonics and reactive power to power grids, resulting in current distortion and low power factors. To solve the power quality problems, the LC-coupling hybrid active power filter (LC-HAPF) is proposed, with lower DC-link voltage and lower cost compared with conventional active power filters (APFs). The LC-HAPF requires a controller to operate, therefore, hysteresis current control (HCC) and proportional current control (PCC) were proposed. However, they both result in significant steady-state error. Hence, linear quadratic regulator control (LQRC) with integral action (LQRIC) is proposed for the LC-HAPF in this paper to mitigate the steady-state error. The d-q-0 coordinate state-space model of the LQRIC-controlled LC-HAPF is derived, and a detailed design guideline of the weighting matrices Q and R of LQRIC is given. By the state-space model and weighting matrices, the gain matrix K of LQRIC can be acquired by MATLAB, thus a good steady-state performance can be ensured. Finally, the simulation results of different controllers for the LC-HAPF under 40V and 50V DC-link voltages are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed LQRIC. The experimental results of LQRIC-controlled LC-HAPF are also given to verify the feasibility of the proposed LQRIC.