bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practicality of multilayer round window reinforcement in the surgical management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome: a case report of long-term follow-up
Authors: Sawada Masafumi , Matsuda Han , Tanzawa Yasuhiko , Sakamoto Kei , Kudo Hiroe , Nakashima Masato , Ikezono Tetsuo
Published: June 2024

Several surgical techniques have been documented for approaching and repairing superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS). These techniques encompass the trans-middle cranial fossa, transmastoid, endoscopic approaches, and round window reinforcement (RWR). RWR entails the placement of connective tissue with or without cartilage and around the round window niche, restricting the round window’s movement to minimize the 3rd window effect and restore the bony labyrinth closer to its normal state. We employed the multilayer RWR technique, resulting in significant postoperative improvement and long-lasting effects for 3.7 years in 2 cases. Here, we present the clinical findings, surgical procedures, and the effectiveness of multilayer RWR. This technique can be the initial choice for surgical treatments of SCDS due to its high effectiveness, longer-lasting effect, and minimal risk of surgical complications.
Non-ictal, interictal and ictal déjà vu: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hadzic Alena , Andersson Stein
Published: June 2024

Background

Déjà vu, French for “already seen,” is a phenomenon most people will experience at least once in their lifetime. Emerging evidence suggests that déjà vu occurs in healthy individuals (as “non-ictal déjà vu”) and in epilepsy patients during seizures (as “ictal déjà vu”) and between seizures (as “interictal déjà vu”). Although the ILAE has recognized déjà vu as a feature of epileptic seizures, it is notably absent from the ICD-11. A lack of evidence-based research may account for this omission. To our knowledge, this study represents the first systematic review and meta-analysis on déjà vu experiences. Through detailed examinations of non-ictal, interictal and ictal déjà vu, we seek to highlight possible clinical implications. Rethinking the status quo of ictal déjà vu could potentially lead to earlier interventions and improve outcomes for epilepsy patients.

Methods

This study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023394239) on 5 February 2023. Systematic searches were conducted across four databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PubMed, from inception to 1 February 2023, limited to English language and human participants. Studies were included/excluded based on predefined criteria. Data was extracted according to the PICO framework and synthesized through a thematic approach. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate prevalence’s of the phenomena. Study quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias were assessed.

Results

Database searching identified 1,677 records, of which 46 studies were included. Meta-analyses of prevalence showed that non-ictal déjà vu was experienced by 0.74 (95% CI [0.67, 0.79], p < 0.001) of healthy individuals, whereas interictal déjà vu was experienced by 0.62 (95% CI [0.48, 0.75], p = 0.099) and ictal déjà vu by 0.22 (95% CI [0.15, 0.32], p = 0.001) of epilepsy patients. Examinations of phenomenological (sex, age, frequency, duration, emotional valence, and dissociative symptoms) and neuroscientific (brain structures and functions) data revealed significant variations between non-ictal, interictal and ictal déjà vu on several domains.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis do not support the notion that non-ictal, interictal and ictal déjà vu are homogenous experiences. Instead, it provides insight into ictal déjà vu as a symptom of epilepsy that should be considered included in future revisions of the ICD-11.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=394239, CRD42023394239.
Mediterranean diet improves blastocyst formation in women previously infected COVID-19: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Huijun , Wang Jing , Guo Hongxin , Zhao Qi , Lin Ge , Hocher Berthold , Kalk Philipp , Wang Zetao , Gong Fei
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Our study tries to investigate the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) on assisted reproductive treatment outcomes in women after COVID-19 infection.

Design

A prospective observational cohort study in the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya from February 2023 to August 2023.

Subjects: A total of 605 participants previously infected with COVID-19 were enrolled.

Exposure

None.

Main outcome measurement

The primary outcomes are oocyte and embryo quality. The secondary outcomes are pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A majority of participants (n = 517) followed low to moderate MeDiet, and only a small group of them (n = 88) followed high MeDiet. The blastocyst formation rate is significantly higher in MeDiet scored 8–14 points women (46.08%), compared to the other two groups (which is 41.75% in the low adherence population and 40.07% in the moderate adherence population respectively) (p = 0.044). However, the follicle number on hCG day, yield oocytes, normal fertilized zygotes, fertilization rate, day three embryos (cleavage embryos), and embryo quality are comparable among the three groups. For those who received embryo transfer, we noticed an obvious trend that with the higher MeDiet score, the higher clinical pregnancy rate (62.37% vs. 76.09% vs. 81.25%, p = 0.197), implantation rate (55.84% vs. 66.44% vs. 69.23%, p = 0.240) and ongoing pregnancy rate (61.22% vs. 75.00% vs. 81.25%, p = 0.152) even though the p values are not significant. An enlarging sample size study, especially in a high adherence population should be designed to further verify the effects of MeDiet’s role in improving IVF performance.

Conclusion

High adherence to MeDiet is associated with improved blastocyst formation in women after COVID-19 infection. There is also a trend that high adherence to MeDiet might be beneficial to clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation as well as ongoing pregnancy in these women.
Omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids and physical performance across the lifespan: a narrative review
Authors: Azzolino Domenico , Bertoni Camilla , De Cosmi Valentina , Spolidoro Giulia Carla Immacolata , Agostoni Carlo , Lucchi Tiziano , Mazzocchi Alessandra
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Physical performance is a major contributor of mobility and independence during older life. Despite a progressive decline in musculoskeletal function starts from middle age, several factors acting during the life-course can negatively influence musculoskeletal functional capacities. Lifestyle interventions incorporating nutrition and physical exercise can help maximizing the muscle functional capacities in early life as well as preserving them later in life. Among various dietary compounds, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are gaining growing attention for their potential effects on muscle membrane composition and muscle function. Indeed, several pathways are enhanced, such as an attenuation of pro-inflammatory oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and reduction of insulin resistance.

Methods

We performed a narrative review to explore the existing literature on the relationship between omega-3 PUFAs and physical performance across the life-course.

Results

Growing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs on muscle function, including physical performance parameters in mid to later life. On the other hand, despite a direct association in early life is not available in literature, some mechanisms by which omega-3 PUFAs may contribute to improved adult physical performance could be hypothesized.

Conclusion

Omega-3 PUFAs are gaining growing attention for their positive effect on muscle function parameters. The integration of physical function measures in future studies would be of great interest to explore whether omega-3 PUFAs could contribute to improved muscle function, starting from early life and extending throughout the lifespan. However, larger and high-quality RCTs are needed to fully elucidate the beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation on muscle mass and function.
Clinical features of neonatal hyperthyroidism: a retrospective analysis in southwestern China
Authors: Song Yan , Wei Hong , Cao Luying , Deng Pinglan , Du Weixia , Liu Shan , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and evaluate the different types of thyroid dysfunction in babies with neonatal hyperthyroidism.

Methods

The clinical data of 19 neonates with hyperthyroidism admitted to the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2012 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Fifteen (78.9%) infants were born to mothers with Graves’ disease. Eleven (57.9%) infants were premature; two babies were born at small for gestational age. The age at diagnosis ranged from 3 to 34 days, with a mean of 18.53 ± 6.85 days. The majority of the babies presented with goiter (84.2%) and tachycardia (94.7%) after birth. Nine (47.4%) of them presented with abnormal weight gain, seven (36.8%) presented with stare or ocular protrusion, six (31.6%) presented with hyperexcitability, four (21.1%) presented with jaundice and liver dysfunction, two (10.5%) presented with sweating, one (5.3%) presented with fever, and one case presented without any symptoms. Transient hyperthyroidism was the main thyroid dysfunction in our study. Overt hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in 13 (68.4%) neonates. Another three babies (15.8%) presented with hyperthyroidism with slightly elevated free triiodothyronine levels, normal thyroxine (T4) levels, and low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Normal thyroid hormone levels with low TSH levels were observed in three (15.8%) neonates. Ten children were treated with antithyroid drugs. Eighteen children recovered normal thyroid function at 1–3 months of age; one baby in the study group required further levothyroxine supplementation due to primary hypothyroidism (HT). One child was found to have developmental delay at 2 years of age during follow-up.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the need for prolonged monitoring of thyroid function in suspected patients. A single normal screening for hyperthyroidism or the absence of a maternal history of hyperthyroidism cannot exclude this disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine JianPiHuaTan formula improving quality of life and survival in patients with colorectal cancer through RAS/RAF downstream signaling pathways
Authors: He Jian , Li Guojun , Wu Yu , Zhang Tong , Yao Mingjiang , Zang Mingxuan , Zou Jianhua , Song Jinjie , Li Liusheng , Chen Qian , Cao Guang , Cai Linlin
Published: June 2024

Objective

JianPiHuaTan Formula (JPHTF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been utilized as an adjunctive therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). The study aims to evaluate the potential clinical benefits of JPHTF and its effectiveness in inhibiting tumor growth.

Methods

300 stage II/III CRC patients and 412 advanced CRC patients were enrolled to verify the clinical value of JPHTF in CRC treatment. Furthermore, CRC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mice were utilized to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of JPHTF.

Results

JPHTF significantly improved abdominal distension, shortness of breath, drowsiness, loss of appetite, sleep, and tiredness in stage II/III CRC patients, thereby improving their quality of life. Simultaneously, JPHTF served as a supportive therapy in extending the overall survival (OS) of stage IV CRC patients with RAS/RAF mutations undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, JPHTF effectively impeded tumor progression in CRC PDX models with RAS mutation, accompanied by a reduction in tumor cell content in the JPHTF group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the involvement of the Hippo and Hedgehog signaling pathways in JPHTF-mediated CRC inhibition. Furthermore, mice in the JPHTF group exhibited increased immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that JPHTF may inhibits tumor growth in CRC with RAS mutation by modulating RAS/RAF downstream signaling pathways, specifically the Hippo and Hedgehog signaling, leading to increased immune cell infiltration.
Modeling the interaction between tubuloglomerular feedback and myogenic mechanisms in the control of glomerular mechanics
Authors: Richfield Owen , Cortez Ricardo , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Mechanical stresses and strains exerted on the glomerular cells have emerged as potentially influential factors in the progression of glomerular disease. Renal autoregulation, the feedback process by which the afferent arteriole changes in diameter in response to changes in blood pressure, is assumed to control glomerular mechanical stresses exerted on the glomerular capillaries. However, it is unclear how the two major mechanisms of renal autoregulation, the afferent arteriole myogenic mechanism and tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), each contribute to the maintenance of glomerular mechanical homeostasis.

Methods: In this study, we made a mathematical model of renal autoregulation and combined this model with an anatomically accurate model of glomerular blood flow and filtration, developed previously by us. We parameterized the renal autoregulation model based on data from previous literature, and we found evidence for an increased myogenic mechanism sensitivity when TGF is operant, as has been reported previously. We examined the mechanical effects of each autoregulatory mechanism (the myogenic, TGF and modified myogenic) by simulating blood flow through the glomerular capillary network with and without each mechanism operant.

Results: Our model results indicate that the myogenic mechanism plays a central role in maintaining glomerular mechanical homeostasis, by providing the most protection to the glomerular capillaries. However, at higher perfusion pressures, the modulation of the myogenic mechanism sensitivity by TGF is crucial for the maintenance of glomerular mechanical homeostasis. Overall, a loss of renal autoregulation increases mechanical strain by up to twofold in the capillaries branching off the afferent arteriole. This further corroborates our previous simulation studies, that have identified glomerular capillaries nearest to the afferent arteriole as the most prone to mechanical injury in cases of disturbed glomerular hemodynamics.

Discussion: Renal autoregulation is a complex process by which multiple feedback mechanisms interact to control blood flow and filtration in the glomerulus. Importantly, our study indicates that another function of renal autoregulation is control of the mechanical stresses on the glomerular cells, which indicates that loss or inhibition of renal autoregulation may have a mechanical effect that may contribute to glomerular injury in diseases such as hypertension or diabetes. This study highlights the utility of mathematical models in integrating data from previous experimental studies, estimating variables that are difficult to measure experimentally (i.e. mechanical stresses in microvascular networks) and testing hypotheses that are historically difficult or impossible to measure.
Population status, habitat preferences and predictive current and future distributions of three endangered Silene species under changing climate
Authors: Abdelaal Mohamed , AL-Huqail Arwa Abdulkreem , Alghanem Suliman Mohammed Suliman , Alhaithloul Haifa Abdulaziz Sakit , Al-Robai Sami Asir , Abeed Amany H. A. , Dakhil Mohammed A. , El-Barougy Reham F. , Yahia Aya A.
Published: June 2024

One of the most crucial steps in the practical conservation of endangered endemic mountain plants is to address their population size status and habitat requirements concurrently with understanding their response to future global warming. Three endangered Silene species—Silene leucophylla Boiss., S. schimperiana Boiss., and S. oreosinaica Chowdhuri—in Egypt were the focus of the current study. These species were examined for population status change, habitat quality variables (topography, soil features, and threats), and predictive current and future distributions. To find population size changes, recent field surveys and historical records were compared. Using Random Forest (RF) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), habitat preferences were assessed. To forecast present-day distribution and climate change response, an ensemble model was used. The results reported a continuous decline in the population size of the three species. Both RF and CCA addressed that elevation, soil texture (silt, sand, and clay fractions), soil moisture, habitat-type, chlorides, electric conductivity, and slope were among the important variables associated with habitat quality. The central northern sector of the Saint Catherine area is the hotspot location for the predictive current distribution of three species with suitable areas of 291.40, 293.10, and 58.29 km2 for S. leucophylla, S. schimperiana, and S. oreosinaica, respectively. Precipitation-related variables and elevation were the key predictors for the current distribution of three Silene species. In response to climate change scenarios, the three Silene species exhibited a gradual contraction in the predictive suitable areas with upward shifts by 2050 and 2070. The protection of these species and reintroduction to the predicted current and future climatically suitable areas are urgent priorities. Ex-situ conservation and raised surveillance, as well as fenced enclosures may catapult as promising and effective approaches to conserving such threatened species.
RNA-seq analysis reveals transcriptome reprogramming and alternative splicing during early response to salt stress in tomato root
Authors: Gan Jianghuang , Qiu Yongqi , Tao Yilin , Zhang Laining , Okita Thomas W. , Yan Yanyan , Tian Li
Published: June 2024

Salt stress is one of the dominant abiotic stress conditions that cause severe damage to plant growth and, in turn, limiting crop productivity. It is therefore crucial to understand the molecular mechanism underlying plant root responses to high salinity as such knowledge will aid in efforts to develop salt-tolerant crops. Alternative splicing (AS) of precursor RNA is one of the important RNA processing steps that regulate gene expression and proteome diversity, and, consequently, many physiological and biochemical processes in plants, including responses to abiotic stresses like salt stress. In the current study, we utilized high-throughput RNA-sequencing to analyze the changes in the transcriptome and characterize AS landscape during the early response of tomato root to salt stress. Under salt stress conditions, 10,588 genes were found to be differentially expressed, including those involved in hormone signaling transduction, amino acid metabolism, and cell cycle regulation. More than 700 transcription factors (TFs), including members of the MYB, bHLH, and WRKY families, potentially regulated tomato root response to salt stress. AS events were found to be greatly enhanced under salt stress, where exon skipping was the most prevalent event. There were 3709 genes identified as differentially alternatively spliced (DAS), the most prominent of which were serine/threonine protein kinase, pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR)-containing protein, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. More than 100 DEGs were implicated in splicing and spliceosome assembly, which may regulate salt-responsive AS events in tomato roots. This study uncovers the stimulation of AS during tomato root response to salt stress and provides a valuable resource of salt-responsive genes for future studies to improve tomato salt tolerance.
Prediction of wheat SPAD using integrated multispectral and support vector machines
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Na , Bai Bin , Wu Hao , Cheng Yukun , Geng Hongwei , Song JiKun , Zhou JinPing , Pang Zhiyuan , Qian SongTing , Zeng Wanyin
Published: June 2024

Rapidly obtaining the chlorophyll content of crop leaves is of great significance for timely diagnosis of crop health and effective field management. Multispectral imagery obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is being used to remotely sense the SPAD (Soil and Plant Analyzer Development) values of wheat crops. However, existing research has not yet fully considered the impact of different growth stages and crop populations on the accuracy of SPAD estimation. In this study, 300 materials from winter wheat natural populations in Xinjiang, collected between 2020 to 2022, were analyzed. UAV multispectral images were obtained in the experimental area, and vegetation indices were extracted to analyze the correlation between the selected vegetation indices and SPAD values. The input variables for the model were screened, and a support vector machine (SVM) model was constructed to estimate SPAD values during the heading, flowering, and filling stages under different water stresses. The aim was to provide a method for the rapid acquisition of winter wheat SPAD values. The results showed that the SPAD values under normal irrigation were higher than those under water restriction. Multiple vegetation indices were significantly correlated with SPAD values. In the prediction model construction of SPAD, the different models had high estimation accuracy under both normal irrigation and water limitation treatments, with correlation coefficients of predicted and measured values under normal irrigation in different environments the value of r from 0.59 to 0.81 and RMSE from 2.15 to 11.64, compared to RE from 0.10% to 1.00%; and under drought stress in different environments, correlation coefficients of predicted and measured values of r was 0.69–0.79, RMSE was 2.30–12.94, and RE was 0.10%–1.30%. This study demonstrated that the optimal combination of feature selection methods and machine learning algorithms can lead to a more accurate estimation of winter wheat SPAD values. In summary, the SVM model based on UAV multispectral images can rapidly and accurately estimate winter wheat SPAD value.
Dissection of transcriptional events in graft incompatible reactions of “Bearss” lemon (Citrus limon) and “Valencia” sweet orange (C. sinensis) on a novel citrandarin (C. reticulata × Poncirus trifoliata) rootstock
Authors: Febres Vicente J. , Fadli Anas , Meyering Bo , Yu Fahong , Bowman Kim D. , Chaparro Jose Xavier , Albrecht Ute
Published: June 2024

Citrus is commercially propagated via grafting, which ensures trees have consistent fruit traits combined with favorable traits from the rootstock such as soil adaptability, vigor, and resistance to soil pathogens. Graft incompatibility can occur when the scion and rootstock are not able to form a permanent, healthy union. Understanding and preventing graft incompatibility is of great importance in the breeding of new fruit cultivars and in the choice of scion and rootstock by growers. The rootstock US-1283, a citrandarin generated from a cross of “Ninkat” mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and “Gotha Road” #6 trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata), was released after years of field evaluation because of its superior productivity and good fruit quality on “Hamlin” sweet orange (C. sinensis) under Florida’s growing conditions. Subsequently, it was observed that trees of “Bearss” lemon (C. limon) and “Valencia” sweet orange (C. sinensis) grafted onto US-1283 exhibited unhealthy growth near the graft union. The incompatibility manifested as stem grooving and necrosis underneath the bark on the rootstock side of the graft. Another citrandarin rootstock, US-812 (C. reticulata “Sunki” × P. trifoliata “Benecke”), is fully graft compatible with the same scions. Transcriptome analysis was performed on the vascular tissues above and below the graft union of US-812 and US-1283 graft combinations with “Bearss” and “Valencia” to identify expression networks associated with incompatibility and help understand the processes and potential causes of incompatibility. Transcriptional reprogramming was stronger in the incompatible rootstock than in the grafted scions. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in US-1283, but not the scions, were associated with oxidative stress and plant defense, among others, similar to a pathogen-induced immune response localized to the rootstock; however, no pathogen infection was detected. Therefore, it is hypothesized that this response could have been triggered by signaling miscommunications between rootstock and scion either through (1) unknown molecules from the scion that were perceived as danger signals by the rootstock, (2) missing signals from the scion or missing receptors in the rootstock necessary for the formation of a healthy graft union, (3) the overall perception of the scion by the rootstock as non-self, or (4) a combination of the above.
Effect of teacher–student relationship on academic engagement: the mediating roles of perceived social support and academic pressure
Authors: Liu Xiangliang
Published: June 2024

Although previous research has established that a strong teacher–student relationship can enhance students’ academic engagement, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain less explored. Therefore, this study examined the mediating roles of perceived social support and academic pressure in the association between teacher–student relationship and academic engagement. A survey involving 1,058 Chinese university students was conducted, with teacher–student relationship, perceived social support, academic pressure, and academic engagement being the evaluated factors. The results of structural equation modeling revealed that (a) teacher–student relationship directly and positively associated academic engagement, (b) teacher–student relationship indirectly and positively associated academic engagement through perceived social support, and (c) teacher–student relationship indirectly and positively associated academic engagement through both perceived social support and academic pressure. These results indicate that perceived social support and academic pressure are the primary factors mediating the effect of teacher–student relationship on academic engagement among university students.
Temporal stability of optimism and pessimism (LOT-R) over 6 years in the general population
Authors: Hinz Andreas , Friedrich Michael , Glaesmer Heide , Brendel Barbara , Nesterko Yuriy , Ernst Jochen , Schroeter Matthias L. , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aims of this study were to examine changes in habitual optimism over a six-year period and to analyze the relationship between changes in optimism and changes in other quality of life-related variables.

Method

A randomly selected community sample of the German adult general population (N = 4,965) was surveyed twice, with a time interval of 6.04 years.

Results

During the course of the 6 years, the mean score of the LOT-R total scale improved (effect size d = 0.11). The temporal stability in terms of the test–retest correlation was r = 0.61 for the total sample. There were only marginal gender differences in this temporal stability, however, the stability in the oldest age group ≥70 years (r = 0.50) was lower than the stability of the other age groups. The cross-sectional correlations showed clear relationships between optimism on the one hand and quality of life, life satisfaction, social support, and low levels of anxiety and physical complaints on the other. The corresponding longitudinal correlations between changes in optimism and changes in the other variables were less pronounced, but in the same direction.

Conclusion

The study confirmed the applicability of the LOT-R in longitudinal studies. In samples with participants of 70 years and above, the limited stability in the optimism assessments needs to be considered in clinical practice and epidemiologic research.
Intraoperative mapping of the right hemisphere: a systematic review of protocols that evaluate cognitive and social cognitive functions
Authors: Martín-Monzón Isabel , Amores-Carrera Laura , Sabsevitz David , Herbet Guillaume
Published: June 2024

The right hemisphere of the brain is often referred to as the non-dominant hemisphere. Though this is meant to highlight the specialized role of the left hemisphere in language, the use of this term runs the risk of oversimplifying or minimizing the essential functions of the right hemisphere. There is accumulating evidence from functional MRI, clinical lesion studies, and intraoperative mapping data that implicate the right hemisphere in a diverse array of cognitive functions, including visuospatial functions, attentional processes, and social cognitive functions. Neuropsychological deficits following right hemisphere resections are well-documented, but there is a general paucity of literature focusing on how to best map these functions during awake brain surgery to minimize such deficits. To address this gap in the literature, a systematic review was conducted to examine the cognitive and emotional processes associated with the right hemisphere and the neuropsychological tasks frequently used for mapping the right hemisphere during awake brain tumor surgery. It was found that the most employed tests to assess language and speech functions in patients with lesions in the right cerebral hemisphere were the naming task and the Pyramids and Palm Trees Test (PPTT). Spatial cognition was typically evaluated using the line bisection task, while social cognition was assessed through the Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RME) test. Dual-tasking and the movement of the upper and lower limbs were the most frequently used methods to evaluate motor/sensory functions. Executive functions were typically assessed using the N-back test and Stroop test. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review to help provide guidance on the cognitive functions most at risk and methods to map such functions during right awake brain surgery.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO database [CRD42023483324].
Knowledge, attitudes, practice, and public health education demand regarding PARI prevention: a cross-sectional study among Chinese undergraduates
Authors: Kong Yuzhe , Zhu Xiaoyi , Yang Yang , Xu Haitao , Ma LingFeng , Zuo Yu
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of university students in China regarding the need for PARI and public health education.

Methods

A cross-sectional online and offline survey was conducted in China website through Wenjuanxing and in different cities such as Changsha Hunan Province, Shanghai, Chongqing and in different public scenarios, such as hospitals, universities, and commercial venues between September 1 and September 7, 2023, using a 28-question questionnaire designed and reviewed by multidisciplinary experts.

Results

A total of 4,096 respondents were recruited for this study, with 3,957 valid questionnaires. The mean knowledge score was 1.84 ± 0.52, the mean attitude score was 2.12 ± 0.51, and the mean practice score was 3.18 ± 0.55. Regression analyses found that: region, grade, school, and weekly anaerobic exercise time were influences on the knowledge score; region, grade, school, and weekly anaerobic exercise time were influences on the attitude score; region, grade, school attended, weekly anaerobic exercise time and weekly anaerobic exercise time as influences on the practice score. Subgroup analyses revealed that undergraduates from southern regions and 985 schools had higher knowledge attitude scores and lower practice scores. As the grade level increased, the knowledge and attitude scores showed a V-shaped trend and the behavior scores showed an inverted V-shaped trend. Correlation analysis found a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores, and a negative correlation between both and behavior, respectively. The public health education needs survey found that undergraduate students generally preferred guided instruction methods and content centered on the RICE principles, they preferred learning through books and pamphlets, and they were happy to see relevant content promoted in the campus environment.

Conclusion

This study shows that Chinese undergraduate students have less knowledge, neutral attitudes, and good behaviors regarding PARI prevention. Special attention should be paid to meeting the needs of undergraduate students for public health education to equip them with relevant knowledge so that they can better behave in PARI prevention.
Carvacrol, citral, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde casein based edible nanoemulsions as novel sustainable active coatings for fresh pork tenderloin meat preservation
Authors: Zaharioudakis Konstantinos , Salmas Constantinos E. , Andritsos Nikolaos D. , Kollia Eleni , Leontiou Areti , Karabagias Vasillios K. , Karydis-Messinis Andreas , Moschovas Dimitrios , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Proestos Charalampos , Giannakas Aris E.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Nowadays, the bioeconomy and sustainability trends drive the food sector to replace chemical preservatives with bioactive compounds recovered from biomass such as essential oils (EOs) and their derivatives. Moreover, nanotechnology trend drives food sector in the nanoencapsulation of such bioactive compounds in novel edible formulations such as nanoemulsions to enhance their controlled release properties, their bioactivity and their biocompatibility.

Methods: In this study the development and characterization of novel casein/lecithin (CSN/LCN) based nanoemulsions (NEs) with carvacrol (CV), cinnamaldehyde (CI), citral (CT), and eugenol (EG) as nanoencapsulated oil phase is presented as well as the application of such NEs as active coatings for the preservation of fresh pork tenderloin.

Results and discussion: DLS measurements as well as TEM images showed an average particle size distribution of 20–40 nm for all obtained NEs, while z-potential results indicate their physicochemical stability. All the obtained NEs needed at least 5 times less amount of EOs derivatives to scavenge 50% of radicals and demonstrated a higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes compared to free EOs derivatives. Pork fresh tenderloin meat treated with NEs demonstrated 30% higher efficacy in obtained lipid oxidation values than uncoated pork meat samples and 12% higher efficacy in obtained lipid oxidation values than pork meat samples treated with EOs derivatives. From a microbiological point of view NEs manage to extend pork tenderloin meat shelf life by 6 days compared to uncoated pork tenderloin meat and by 3 days compared to tenderloin pork meat coated with free EOs derivatives. Lab* colorimetry analysis as well as sensory analysis revealed that such edible CSN/LCN based NEs succeeded to preserve the texture, appearance, and color of pork tenderloin meat in higher acceptance limits compared to the corresponding characteristics of pork tenderloin meat coated with free EOs derivatives. Overall, the current study suggests novel CSN/LCN-based edible NEs as a promising technology that can be used as edible active coatings in the meat food industry.
The impacts of new antidiabetic drugs on the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Azhari Hala F. , Dawson Jesse
Published: June 2024

Introduction

New classes of antidiabetic drugs reportedly lower the risk of cardiovascular events. This review summarizes the evidence for the effects of these drugs on the risk of stroke in diabetic individuals.

Methods

Multiple databases that report stroke outcome data were scrutinized for clinical trials (from inception to June 25, 2023), compared sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-Is), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-Is), vs. other antidiabetic drugs and placebo.

Results

Among the 960 identified trials, 259 satisfied the eligibility criteria. Among these, 177 and 82 trials reported at least one or no stroke events, respectively. In total, 208, 19, and 32 trials had a low, unclear, and high risk of bias, respectively. SGLT2-Is use did not decrease the risk of non-fatal hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke (risk ratio (RR) 0.96; 95% CI 0.87 to 1.06; P = 0.42) vs. either active comparators or placebo. GLP1-RAs use significantly decreased stroke risk (RR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.77, 0.93], p = 0.0005) and ischemic stroke (RR: 0.85, 95% CI [0.77, 0.94], p = 0.002) vs. placebo. However, GLP1-RAs use did not decrease hemorrhagic events vs. active comparators or placebo. DPP4-Is use did not decrease the risk of non-fatal hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke (RR: 0.91; 95% CI [0.83, 1.01], p = 0.07) vs. active comparators or placebo. For all classes, fatal stroke risk did not decrease vs. active comparators or placebo, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group scores were moderate.

Discussion

The use of GLP1-RAs, but not SGLT2-Is or DPP4-Is, may decrease non-fatal stroke risk. Considering these results, the findings may inform the treatment of diabetic people at risk of stroke and the design of new antidiabetic interventional trials.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42017067889, identifier 42017067889.
Research on Intelligent Wheelchair Multimode Human–Computer Interaction and Assisted Driving Technology
Authors: Cui Jianwei , Shang Yucheng , Yu Siji , Wang Yuanbo
Published: June 2024

The traditional wheelchair focuses on the “human-chair” motor function interaction to ensure the elderly and people with disabilities’ basic travel. For people with visual, hearing, physical disabilities, etc., the current wheelchairs show shortcomings in terms of accessibility and independent travel for this group. Therefore, this paper develops an intelligent wheelchair with multimodal human–computer interaction and autonomous navigation technology. Firstly, it researches the multimodal human–computer interaction technology of occupant gesture recognition, speech recognition, and head posture recognition and proposes a wheelchair control method of three-dimensional head posture mapping the two-dimensional plane. After testing, the average accuracy of the gesture, head posture and voice control modes of the motorized wheelchair proposed in this study reaches more than 95 percent. Secondly, the LiDAR-based smart wheelchair indoor autonomous navigation technology is investigated to realize the autonomous navigation of the wheelchair by constructing an environment map, using A* and DWA algorithms for global and local path planning, and adaptive Monte Carlo simulation algorithms for real-time localization. Experiments show that the position error of the wheelchair is within 10 cm, and the heading angle error is less than 5° during the autonomous navigation. The multimode human–computer interaction and assisted driving technology proposed in this study can partially compensate and replace the functional deficiencies of the disabled population and improve the quality of life of the elderly and disabled population.
Risk of Returning to Multidimensional Poverty and Its Influencing Factors among Relocated Households for Poverty Alleviation in China
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Yuan Lulu , Zhao Yifu
Published: June 2024

Poverty alleviation through relocation (PAR) is a milestone project in winning the battle against extreme poverty. Its aim is to relocate poor people from inhospitable areas and lift them out of poverty. Assessing the vulnerability to multidimensional poverty (VMP) of relocated households is of great significance for consolidating the achievements of targeted poverty alleviation and preventing a large-scale return to poverty. This study constructed a multidimensional poverty index (MPI) of relocated households and analyzed relocated households’ VMP and its influencing factors using panel data of 1009 households in 16 counties across eight provinces in China. The results reveal that the mean VMP of the relocated households gradually decreased from 2016 to 2020. Moreover, the VMP of the relocated households that have moved into centralized resettlement communities is relatively low compared to those that have moved into decentralized resettlement communities. In addition, the impact of household endowment on VMP is the highest, followed by supporting policies, such as PAR, industrial development, and employment policy. Therefore, the assistance mechanism must be improved to prevent a return to poverty, enhance the sustainable development capacity of relocated households, and optimize follow-up policies for PAR.
Analysis of the Rainfall Pattern and Rainfall Utilization Efficiency during the Growth Period of Paddy Rice
Authors: Chen Mengting , Shen Yingying , Wang Haili , Cheng Xiangju , Luo Yufeng
Published: June 2024

Rainfall is one of the most important water sources for rice production in China. However, its temporal and spatial variability is leading to water shortages. The present study collected a long series of historical rainfall data from research sites during the rice growth period to analyze the characteristics of rainfall distribution and the correlation with rainfall utilization efficiency, aiming to investigate its impact on rice irrigation practices. It is found that the rainfall distribution varied greatly between the different locations and growth periods. The average rainfall of the whole growth period ranges from 135.5 mm to 694.5 mm. The rainfall curve exhibits a typical unimodal pattern with variations in the intensity, duration, and timing of peak precipitation across different growth periods. During the rice growth period, the cases in southern China are more prone to waterlogging for a high probability of continuous rainfall, and the cases in northern China are more prone to drought. The rainfall utilization efficiency of all cases exhibits a significant inter-year fluctuation range, negatively influenced by the rainfall amount and rainfall inhomogeneity. The efficiency in utilizing precipitation is diminished with greater and more uneven rainfall experienced during the growth period. These findings can provide a decision-making basis for optimizing rice irrigation strategies and enhancing rainfall utilization efficiency in diverse regions across China.
Iron Composition of a Typical Loess-Paleosol Sequence in Northeast China
Authors: Sun Zhong-Xiu , Liu Si-Wei , Jiang Ying-Ying
Published: June 2024

Iron isotope compositions, along with the partial extraction of iron in its various forms, can be utilized to investigate the complex interplay of iron migration and transformation with respect to iron isotope patterns. This study investigated the iron composition of a typical loess-paleosol sequence in Northeast China and aimed to understand the influence of iron migration and transformation of the typical loess-paleosol sequence on iron isotopes and environmental and climatic changes that occurred in the region over time by analyzing the distribution and characteristics of iron compositions in sedimentary layers. Samples were collected from Chaoyang in Northeast China, and the iron isotopic composition was analyzed using the multi-receiver inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The findings revealed depth-dependent variations in the content of different iron forms, reflecting paleoclimatic shifts primarily through pedogenic transformation processes. Notably, iron migration within the section was observed to be limited. The variations in the reddening index and magnetic susceptibility of the loess-paleosol were primarily influenced by the presence of free iron (Fed), exhibiting a range of colors from yellow to red-yellow and red. The δ56Fe values for loess and paleosols ranged from 0.097 ± 0.035‰ to 0.167 ± 0.010‰, with an average of 0.133 ± 0.024‰ and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 15.66% at the stratum scale. These values indicated a systematic enrichment of heavy iron isotopes and a significant negative correlation with the slightly fluctuating total iron content. Specifically, our analysis highlighted distinct differences in δ56Fe values between paleosol (0.126 ± 0.024‰) and loess (0.146 ± 0.021‰). The δ56Fe in Fed was negative, averaging −0.101 ± 0.022‰, while the δ56Fe in silicate-bound iron was positive, averaging 0.156 ± 0.032‰. Intense pedogenesis, driven by warm and wet climates, facilitated iron transformations and migrations, resulting in the accumulation of light iron isotopes in the paleosols. These transformations and migrations were predominantly observed in microdomains characterized by iron depletions and concentrations, as reflected in the profile morphologies. However, the limited iron transformations and migrations did not result in significant Fe redistribution within the soil section, as evidenced by the limited variations in δ56Fe with soil depth at the stratum scale. Sampling from the stratum or pedogenic horizon could potentially create the illusion of the minimal fractionation of iron isotopes within the sequence. Therefore, a detailed examination of the iron isotope composition in the micro-domains of the loess-paleosol sequence is crucial to elucidate the fractionation processes and mechanisms of iron isotopes during the formation of these sequences.
Determination of Equine Behaviour in Subjectively Non-Lame Ridden Sports Horses and Comparison with Lame Sports Horses Evaluated at Competitions
Authors: Dyson Sue , Pollard Danica
Published: June 2024

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of the current study was to collate behavioural data using the RHpE from horses at competitions assumed by their owners and/or riders to be fit for competition. The objectives were to quantify the frequency of occurrence of behaviours in pain-free horses and those with lameness or abnormalities of canter and to determine any differences between disciplines and levels of competition. The RHpE was applied to 1358 horses competing in Grand Prix (GP) dressage (n = 211), 5* three-day events (TDE) (n = 137), or low-level one-day events (ODE) (n = 1010). The median RHpE score for all horses was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 2, 5; range 0, 12) and the median lameness grade was 0 (IQR 0, 1; range 0, 4). The Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn’s test for pairwise comparisons, found a difference in median RHpE scores between low-level ODE and GP dressage (p = 0.001), but not between 5* TDE and low-level ODE (p = 0.09) or between GP dressage and 5* TDE (p = 1.00). The median RHpE score was highest for low-level ODE. The Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test identified a significant difference in prevalence of most of the 24 behaviours of the RHpE in non-lame compared with lame horses. Recognition of the behaviours of non-lame horses may improve equine welfare and performance, and rider comfort, confidence, and safety.