bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of diet-induced weight loss on iron status and its markers among young women with overweight/obesity and iron deficiency anemia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alshwaiyat Naseem Mohammad , Ahmad Aryati , Al-Jamal Hamid Ali Nagi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Obesity and iron deficiency are prevalent health problems that affect billions of people all over the world. Obesity is postulated to relate to iron deficiency via reduced intestinal iron absorption due to increased serum hepcidin level, which is mediated by chronic inflammation. Weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity and iron deficiency anemia is believed to be associated with an improvement in iron status however the evidence from clinical trials is scarce. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of diet-induced weight loss on iron status and its markers among young women with overweight/obesity and iron deficiency anemia.

Methods

The study design was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms (weight loss intervention vs control). Study participants were recruited using the convenience sampling method through public advertisements posted and disseminated through social media. Interested and potential participants were asked to visit the Diet Clinic for eligibility screening. A total of 62 women were recruited and randomized into weight loss intervention and control group. The intervention duration was three months. The intervention group received individual consultation sessions with the dietitian and tailored energy-restricted diets. Physical activity levels, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and clinical markers were measured at baseline and end of the trial.

Results

There was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in body weight of the intervention group (-7.4 ± 2.7 kg) that was associated with significant improvements in iron status and its markers (p < 0.01). The intervention group experienced a significant increase in hemoglobin (0.5 ± 0.6 g/dL), serum ferritin (5.6 ± 5.8 ng/mL), and serum iron (13.0 ± 16.2 µg/dL), and a significant decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-5.2 ± 5.6 mg/L), and serum hepcidin level (-1.9 ± 2.2 ng/mL) at the end of the trial.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that diet-induced weight loss among participants was associated with an improvement in iron status and its related clinical markers.

Clinical Trial Registration

[https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20221009001], identifier [TCTR20221009001].
Probiotics improve symptoms of patients with COVID-19 through gut-lung axis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Yong , Ran Hongmei , Wen Xudong , Fu Guochuan , Zhou Xiaofang , Liu Rui , Pan Tao
Published: May 2023

Background

Multi system symptoms such as gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract exist in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. There is a lack of reliable evidence to prove that probiotics are effective in improving these symptoms. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in meta-analysis.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to February 15, 2023. Randomized controlled trials or high quality retrospective studies comparing the efficacy of probiotics as supplementation with non-probiotics in improving symptoms for patients with COVID-19 were included. This meta-analysis assessed endpoints using Review Manager 5.3.

Result

Ten citations comprising 1198 patients with COVID-19 were included. The results showed that probiotics could increase the number of people with overall symptom improvement (RR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.10, 2.38], P = 0.01) and shorten the duration (days) of overall symptoms (MD = −1.26, 95% CI [−2.36, −0.16], P = 0.02). For the duration (days) of specific symptoms, probiotics could improve diarrhea (MD = −2.12, 95% CI [−2.41, −1.83], P < 0.00001), cough (MD = −2.21, 95% CI [-4.56, 0.13], P = 0.06) and shortness of breath (MD = −1.37, 95% CI [-2.22, −0.53], P = 0.001). Probiotics had no obvious effect on fever, headache and weakness. For inflammation, probiotics could effectively reduce C-reactive Protein (CRP) serum level (mg/L) (MD = −4.03, 95% CI [−5.12, −2.93], P < 0.00001). Regarding hospital stay (days), probiotics group was shorter than non-probiotics group (MD = −0.98, 95% CI [−1.95, −0.01], P = 0.05).

Conclusion

To some extent probiotics could improve the overall symptoms, inflammatory reaction and shorten hospital stay of patients with COVID-19. Probiotics may improve gastrointestinal symptoms (such as improving intestinal flora and reducing the duration of diarrhea) and further improve respiratory symptoms through the gut-lung axis.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=398309, identifier: CRD42023398309.
Exploring the relationship between abnormally high expression of NUP205 and the clinicopathological characteristics, immune microenvironment, and prognostic value of lower-grade glioma
Authors: Liang Wenjia , Hu Chenchen , Zhu Qingyun , Cheng Xingbo , Gao Shanjun , Liu Zhendong , Wang Hongbo , Li Pengxu , Gao Yanzheng , Qian Rongjun
Published: May 2023

Nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a major transport pivot for nucleocytoplasmic molecule exchange. Nucleoporin 205 (NUP205)—a main component of NPC—plays a key regulatory role in tumor cell proliferation; however, few reports document its effect on the pathological progression of lower-grade glioma (LGG). Therefore, we conducted an integrated analysis using 906 samples from multiple public databases to explore the effects of NUP205 on the prognosis, clinicopathological characteristics, regulatory mechanism, and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) formation in LGG. First, multiple methods consistently showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of NUP205 were higher in LGG tumor tissue than in normal brain tissue. This increased expression was mainly noted in the higher WHO Grade, IDH-wild type, and 1p19q non-codeleted type. Second, various survival analysis methods showed that the highly expressed NUP205 was an independent risk indicator that led to reduced survival time of patients with LGG. Third, GSEA analysis showed that NUP205 regulated the pathological progress of LGG via the cell cycle, notch signaling pathway, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Ultimately, immune correlation analysis suggested that high NUP205 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells, particularly M2 macrophages, and was positively correlated with eight immune checkpoints, particularly PD-L1. Collectively, this study documented the pathogenicity of NUP205 in LGG for the first time, expanding our understanding of its molecular function. Furthermore, this study highlighted the potential value of NUP205 as a target of anti-LGG immunotherapy.
Case Report: IBD-like colitis following CAR T cell therapy for diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Zundler Sebastian , Vitali Francesco , Kharboutli Soraya , Völkl Simon , Polifka Iris , Mackensen Andreas , Atreya Raja , Neurath Markus F. , Mougiakakos Dimitrios
Published: May 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has become a new mainstay in the treatment of several hematologic malignancies, but the spectrum of associated complications is still incompletely defined. Here, we report the case of a 70-year-old female patient treated with tisagenlecleucel for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), who developed chronic diarrhea with characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like colitis. CAR T cells were substantially enriched in the colon lamina propria and other diagnoses were ruled out. Thus, we conclude that IBD-like colitis in this patient was associated to CAR T cell therapy and needs to be considered as a rare potential complication.
Mutations, inflammation and phenotype of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Hermouet Sylvie
Published: May 2023

Knowledge on the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) – polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (PMF) – has accumulated since the discovery of the JAK/STAT-activating mutations associated with MPNs: JAK2V617F, observed in PV, ET and PMF; and the MPL and CALR mutations, found in ET and PMF. The intriguing lack of disease specificity of these mutations, and of the chronic inflammation associated with MPNs, triggered a quest for finding what precisely determines that MPN patients develop a PV, ET or PMF phenoptype. The mechanisms of action of MPN-driving mutations, and concomitant mutations (ASXL1, DNMT3A, TET2, others), have been extensively studied, as well as the role played by these mutations in inflammation, and several pathogenic models have been proposed. In parallel, different types of drugs have been tested in MPNs (JAK inhibitors, interferons, hydroxyurea, anagrelide, azacytidine, combinations of those), some acting on both JAK2 and inflammation. Yet MPNs remain incurable diseases. This review aims to present current, detailed knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms specifically associated with PV, ET or PMF that may pave the way for the development of novel, curative therapies.
“He told me my pain was in my head”: mitigating testimonial injustice through peer support
Authors: Vigouroux Marie , Newman Gillian , Amja Kristina , Hovey Richard Bruce
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Women with disabilities are exposed to sexism and ableism, earn less income, and work in exceptionally challenging conditions compared to women without disabilities and men with or without disabilities. Adolescent girls living with scoliosis may begin experiencing this compounding bias during their encounters with healthcare from the moment they start noticing differences in their bodies. Being significantly more likely than boys to progress to a curve angle where painful treatment such as bracing or spinal fusion surgery is required, adolescent girls living with scoliosis are therefore more likely to experience chronic pain. The long-term impact of pain and pain-related stigma includes lower educational attainments, decreased vocational functionality, and social impairments in adults after having experienced chronic pain in adolescence.

Approach

In this article, the authors will explore the effects and mechanisms of gender-specific peer support in disrupting this trajectory to adverse outcomes. Through individual interviews consisting of open-ended questions, the researchers gathered narrative data fromCurvy Girlsmembers, a community-based peer support group for girls and young women living with scoliosis. The data was analyzed using an applied philosophical hermeneutics approach, with intersectionality and testimonial injustice as their framework.

Findings

They found that the study participants had their pain narratives reinterpreted by the adults in their lives, including their parents and healthcare practitioners, leading them to question and doubt their own experiences.

Discussion

These negative outcomes were mitigated through the peer support they received and offered fromCurvy Girls. Participants reported having gained confidence and a sense of belonging after they joined this group, allowing them to better cope with their condition more effectively in different facets of their lives.
A quest for genetic causes underlying signaling pathways associated with neural tube defects
Authors: Rai Sunil , Leydier Larissa , Sharma Shivani , Katwala Jigar , Sahu Anurag
Published: May 2023

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious congenital deformities of the nervous system that occur owing to the failure of normal neural tube closures. Genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to the etiology of neural tube defects in humans, indicating the role of gene-gene and gene-environment interaction in the occurrence and recurrence risk of neural tube defects. Several lines of genetic studies on humans and animals demonstrated the role of aberrant genes in the developmental risk of neural tube defects and also provided an understanding of the cellular and morphological programs that occur during embryonic development. Other studies observed the effects of folate and supplementation of folic acid on neural tube defects. Hence, here we review what is known to date regarding altered genes associated with specific signaling pathways resulting in NTDs, as well as highlight the role of various genetic, and non-genetic factors and their interactions that contribute to NTDs. Additionally, we also shine a light on the role of folate and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in neural tube defects.
Estimation of dihydroartemisinin in human plasma using a highly sensitive LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometer with Xcalibur software
Authors: Abu-Izneid Tareq , Abbas Muhammad , Watson David G. , Shah Yasar , Shah Sayyed I. , Khuda Fazli
Published: May 2023

Background: Artemether (ARM), the O-methyl ether prodrug of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), is considered a first-line antimalarial agent. Artemether is extensively metabolized in vivo to its active metabolite DHA, and therefore its determination offers considerable difficulties. In the present study, DHA identification and estimation were accurately performed by the mass spectrometric analysis, using a high-resolution liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) LTQ Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer.

Methods: The plasma samples were taken from healthy volunteers, and the spiked plasma was extracted by adding 1 mL of a mixture of dichloromethane and tert.-methyl butyl ether (8:2 v/v) to 0.5 mL of plasma. The internal standard solution (artemisinin 500 ng/mL) was added to the plasma samples. After vertexing and centrifugation, the organic layer was separated and transferred into another tube and dried under nitrogen. The residue was reconstituted in 100 μL of acetonitrile and was injected onto the LC-MS system for analysis. Measurement of standards and samples was carried out isocratically on a Surveyor HPLC system combined with an LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometer using an ACE 5 C18-PFP column. Mobile phase A consisted of 0.1% v/v formic acid in water, Mobile phase B consisted of acetonitrile only, and isocratic elution was carried out with A:B 20:80, v/v. The flow rate was 500 μL/min. The ESI interface was operated in a positive ion mode with a spray voltage of 4.5 kV.

Results: Artemether is not a very biologically stable compound and is immediately metabolized to its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin, so no clear peak was observed for artemether. Both artemether and DHA after ionization undergo neutral losses of methanol and water, respectively, in the source of the mass spectrometer. The ions observed were (MH-H2O) m/z 267.15 for DHA and (MH-m/z 283.15 for internal standard artemisinin. The method was validated according to international guidelines.

Discussion: The validated method was applied successfully for the determination and quantification of DHA in plasma samples. This method works well for the extraction of drugs, and the Orbitrap system with the help of Xcalibur software accurately and precisely determines the concentration of DHA in spiked as well as volunteer’s plasma.
SERCA inhibition improves lifespan and healthspan in a chemical model of Parkinson disease in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Romero-Sanz Silvia , Caldero-Escudero Elena , Álvarez-Illera Pilar , Santo-Domingo Jaime , Fonteriz Rosalba I. , Montero Mayte , Álvarez Javier
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The high prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in our population and the lack of effective treatments encourage the search for new therapeutic targets for these pathologies. We have recently described that submaximal inhibition of the Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), the main responsible for ER calcium storage, is able to increase lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans worms by mechanisms involving mitochondrial metabolism and nutrient-sensitive pathways.

Methods: We have studied here the effects of submaximal SERCA inhibition in a chemical model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced in C. elegans worms by treatment with the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone. For specific SERCA inhibition, we treated worms with RNAi against sca-1, the sole orthologue of SERCA in C. elegans.

Results and Discussion: Our results show that rotenone produces alterations in worms that include decreased lifespan, smaller size, reduced fertility, decreased motility, defecation and pumping rate, increased mitochondrial ROS production, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption rate, altered mitochondrial structure, and altered ethanol preference in behavioral studies. Most of these alterations were either fully or partially reversed in worms treated with sca-1 RNAi, suggesting that SERCA inhibition could be a novel pharmacological target in the prevention or treatment of neurodegeneration.
Vitamin A: too good to be bad?
Authors: Chen Guoxun , Weiskirchen Sabine , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: May 2023

Vitamin A is a micronutrient important for vision, cell growth, reproduction and immunity. Both deficiency and excess consuming of vitamin A cause severe health consequences. Although discovered as the first lipophilic vitamin already more than a century ago and the definition of precise biological roles of vitamin A in the setting of health and disease, there are still many unresolved issues related to that vitamin. Prototypically, the liver that plays a key role in the storage, metabolism and homeostasis of vitamin A critically responds to the vitamin A status. Acute and chronic excess vitamin A is associated with liver damage and fibrosis, while also hypovitaminosis A is associated with alterations in liver morphology and function. Hepatic stellate cells are the main storage site of vitamin A. These cells have multiple physiological roles from balancing retinol content of the body to mediating inflammatory responses in the liver. Strikingly, different animal disease models also respond to vitamin A statuses differently or even opposing. In this review, we discuss some of these controversial issues in understanding vitamin A biology. More studies of the interactions of vitamin A with animal genomes and epigenetic settings are anticipated in the future.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 promotes osteosarcoma progression by regulating tumor-derived exosomal miRNA hsa-miR-23a-3p
Authors: Yang Dan , Chen Yinxian , He Zhen Ning Tony , Wang Yichen , Ke Chenghui , Luo Yi , Wang Sun , Ma Qichao , Chen Mengjie , Yang Qing , Zhang Ziming
Published: May 2023

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor originating in bone. Immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) participates in tumor immune tolerance and promotes tumor progression, while the study of IDO1 in OS is limited.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to test the expression of IDO1 and Ki67. The relationship between IDO1 or Ki67 positive count and clinical stage of the patient was analyzed. Laboratory test indexes including serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) at diagnosis of OS patients were collected. The relationship between positive count of IDO1 and Ki67 or laboratory test indexes was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. IDO1 stably overexpressed cell lines of these cells (MG63 OE, 143B OE and hFOB1.19 OE) were constructed and validated by Western blot and Elisa. Exosomes were isolated from conditioned culture media of these cells and were identified by Zetaview nanoparticle tracking analyzer. Next-generation sequencing was conducted to identify miRNAs enriched in exosomes. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were verified in clinical samples and cell lines by qPCR. Biological processes and cell components analysis of DE miRNAs was conducted by GO enrichment analysis using the protein interaction network database.

Results: Immunosuppressive enzyme IDO1 was highly expressed in tumor tissues. 66.7% (6/9) of the tissues showed moderately or strongly positive immunostaining signal of IDO1, and 33.3% (3/9) were weakly positive. The expression of IDO1 was positively related to Ki67 and associated with prognostic-related clinical features of OS patients. Overexpression of IDO1 significantly affected the exosome-derived miRNA subsets from MG63, 143B and hFOB1.19 cells. A total of 1244 DE miRNAs were identified, and hsa-miR-23a-3p was further screened as key DE miRNA involved in the progression of OS. GO analysis of target genes of the DE miRNA results showed that target enrichment in the functions of immune regulation and tumor progression.

Discussion: Our results indicate that IDO1 has the potential to promote the progression of OS that is related to miRNAs mediated tumor immunity. Targeting IDO1-mediated hsa-miR-23a-3p may be a potential therapeutic strategy for OS treatment.
Composite stimulation technology for improving fracture length and conductivity of unconventional reservoirs
Authors: Wang Yang , Lv Zefei
Published: May 2023

Unconventional reservoirs have strong heterogeneity, with significant differences in the distribution of porosity and permeability. Fracturing is an important technology for increasing natural gas production in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. For unconventional reservoirs with high temperature and low permeability, the rapid increase in acid rock reaction rate leads to a significant decrease in the effective distance of acidic fluids and fracture conductivity, especially the inability to obtain effective support at the fracture tip, which restricts the increase in production of high-temperature unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. To address the above issues, a composite fracturing method is proposed, which first uses a proppant to support the crack tip, and then uses gelled acid to corrode the middle and rear parts of the crack. According to the fracture conductivity achievement test experiment and proppant migration experiment, when 40/70 mesh ceramsite and 100 mesh ceramsite are mixed at a mass ratio of 1:4, the fracture conductivity can reach 21.8 μm·cm2 under the effective closing pressure of 60 MPa, which is 123% higher than the fracture conductivity of cementitious acid corrosion. The gel is used to carry 40/70 mesh and 100 mesh ceramsite, and the Equilibrium level of the sand embankment can reach 38 cm. At the same time, the sand dike formed by different particle sizes of ceramic particles is smoother than the sand vein formed by a single particle size of proppant, and the migration ability of ceramic particles to the fracture tip is better. The composite stimulation technology has been applied to 9 wells in carbonate and shale oil and gas reservoirs. After fracturing, the production of oil and gas wells is 210% higher than that of gelled acid fracturing, and the composite stimulation technology has achieved good stimulation effects.
Machinery for potato harvesting: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Johnson Ciaran Miceal , Auat Cheein Fernando
Published: May 2023

Potatoes are the fourth most important crop for human consumption. In the 18 century, potatoes saved the European population from starvation, and since then, it has become one of the primary crops cultivated in countries such as Spain, France, Germany, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Potato production worldwide reached 368.8 million tonnes in 2019, 371.1 million tonnes in 2020, and 376.1 million tonnes in 2021, with production expected to grow alongside the worldwide population. However, the agricultural sector is currently suffering from urbanization. With the next generation of farmers relocating to cities, there is a diminishing and ageing agricultural workforce. Consequently, farms urgently need innovation, particularly from a technology perspective. As a result, this work is focused on reviewing the worldwide developments in potato harvesting, with an emphasis on mechatronics, the use of intelligent systems and the opportunities that arise from applications utilising the Internet of Things (IoT). Our work covers worldwide scientific publications in the last five years, sustained by public data made available from different governments. We end our review by providing a discussion on the future trends derived from our analysis.
Assessment of interprofessional obstetric and midwifery care from the midwives’ perspective using the Interprofessional Collaboration Scale (ICS)
Authors: Schulz Anja Alexandra , Wirtz Markus Antonius
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Interprofessional collaboration of physicians and midwives is essential for appropriate and safe care of pregnant and parturient women as well as their newborns. The complexity of woman-centered care settings requires the continuous exchange of information and the coordinated implementation of multi-and interprofessional care concepts. To analyze the midwives’ perspective on the multi-and interprofessional care process during pregnancy, birth and postpartum period, we aimed to adapt and psychometrically evaluate the Interprofessional Collaboration Scale (ICS).

Methods

The ICS (13 items) was answered by 299 midwives for (i) prenatal and postpartum care as well as (ii) perinatal care. Three items on equitable communication (EC) identified in qualitative interviews with N = 6 midwives were added as further aspects of quality in collaborative midwifery care. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test competing theoretically hypothesized factorial model structures, including both care settings simultaneously, i.e., birth and prenatal/postpartum.

Results

A two-dimensional structure assuming the 13 original ICS items and the 3 items on EC as psychometric distinct item groups accounts for the data best. After deleting 5 ICS items with insufficient indicator reliability, a very good-fitting model structure was obtained for both prenatal/postpartum as well as perinatal care: χ2df = 192 = 226.35, p = 0.045, CFI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.025 (90%CI: [0.004; 0.037]). Both the reduced ICS-R and the EC scale (standardized response mean = 0.579/1.401) indicate significantly higher interprofessional collaboration in the birth setting. Responsibility in consulting, attitudes toward obstetric care and frequency of collaboration with other professional groups proved to be associated with the ICS-R and EC scale as expected.

Discussion

For the adapted ICS-R and the EC scale a good construct validity could be confirmed. Thus, the scales can be recommended as a promising assessment for recording the collaboration of midwives with physicians working in obstetric care from the perspective of midwives. The instrument provides a validated assessment basis in midwifery and obstetric care to identify potentially divergent perspectives within interprofessional care teams in woman’s centered care.
Factors that influence a patient’s decision to engage in genetic research
Authors: Almutairi Amal , Alqubaishi Fatimah Abdulrahman , Alsolm Ebtehal A. , Binowayn Albandari , Almohammad Rania , Wani Tariq , Ababtain Aljohara , Alkadi Udai , Alrashed May M. , Althagafi Malak , Abu-Safieh Leen
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The most challenging step in clinical research studies is patient recruitment. Many research studies do not reach their targets because of participant rejection. The purpose of this study was to assess patient as well as the community knowledge, motivation, and barriers to participate in genetic research.

Methods

A cross-section study was conducted between September 2018 and February 2020 using face-to-face interviews with candidate patients from outpatient clinics at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, an online survey was conducted to assess the community’s knowledge, motivation and barriers to participate in genetic research studies.

Results

In total, 470 patients were interviewed for this study, with 341 being successfully recruited for the face to face interview, and the other patients being refused owing to time constraints. The majority percentage of the respondents were females. The respondents’ mean age was 30, and 52.6% reported having a college degree. The survey results from 388 participants illustrated that around 90% of the participants, participated voluntarily due to a good understanding of genetics studies. The majority held positive attitudes toward being part of genetic research, which exceeded the reported motivation score of >75%. The survey indicated that >90% of individuals were willing to participate to acquire therapeutic benefits or to receive continued aftercare. However, 54.6% of survey participants were worried about the side effects and the risks involved in genetic testing. A higher proportion (71.4%) of respondents reported that lack of knowledge about genetic research was one of the barriers to rejecting participation.

Conclusion

Respondents reported relatively high motivation and knowledge for participation in genetic research. However, study participants reported “do not know enough about genetic research” and “lack of time during clinic visit” as a barrier for participation in genetic research.
Sex differences in pharmacological interventions and their effects on lifespan and healthspan outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Knufinke Marie , MacArthur Michael R. , Ewald Collin Y. , Mitchell Sarah J.
Published: May 2023

With an increasing aging population, the burden of age-related diseases magnifies. To alleviate this burden, geroprotection has been an area of intense research focus with the development of pharmacological interventions that target lifespan and/or healthspan. However, there are often sex differences, with compounds mostly tested in male animals. Given the importance of considering both sexes in preclinical research, this neglects potential benefits for the female population, as interventions tested in both sexes often show clear sexual dimorphisms in their biological responses. To further understand the prevalence of sex differences in pharmacological geroprotective intervention studies, we performed a systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines. Seventy-two studies met our inclusion criteria and were classified into one of five subclasses: FDA-repurposed drugs, novel small molecules, probiotics, traditional Chinese medicine, and antioxidants, vitamins, or other dietary supplements. Interventions were analyzed for their effects on median and maximal lifespan and healthspan markers, including frailty, muscle function and coordination, cognitive function and learning, metabolism, and cancer. With our systematic review, we found that twenty-two out of sixty-four compounds tested were able to prolong both lifespan and healthspan measures. Focusing on the use of female and male mice, and on comparing their outcomes, we found that 40% of studies only used male mice or did not clarify the sex. Notably, of the 36% of pharmacologic interventions that did use both male and female mice, 73% of these studies showed sex-specific outcomes on healthspan and/or lifespan. These data highlight the importance of studying both sexes in the search for geroprotectors, as the biology of aging is not the same in male and female mice.

Systematic Review Registration: [website], identifier [registration number].
Next-decade needs for 3-D ionosphere imaging
Authors: Aa Ercha , Forsythe Victoriya V. , Zhang Shun-Rong , Wang Wenbin , Coster Anthea J.
Published: May 2023

Accurately imaging the 3-D ionospheric variation and its temporal evolution has always been a challenging task for the space weather community. Recent decades have witnessed tremendous steps forward in implementing ionospheric imaging, with the rapid growth of ionospheric data availability from multiple ground-based and space-borne sources. 3-D ionospheric imaging can yield altitude-resolved electron density and total electron content (TEC) distribution in the target region. It offers an essential tool for better specification and understanding of ionospheric dynamical variations, as well as for space weather applications to support government and industry preparedness and mitigation of extreme space weather impact. To better meet the above goals within the next decade, this perspective paper recommends continuous investment across agencies and joint studies through the community, in support of advancing 3-D ionospheric imaging approach with finer resolution and precision, better error covariance specification and uncertainty quantification, improved ionospheric driver estimation, support space weather nowcast and forecast, and sustained effort to increase global data coverage.
Agroecological techniques: adoption of safe and sustainable agricultural practices among the smallholder farmers in Africa
Authors: Akanmu Akinlolu Olalekan , Akol Anne Margaret , Ndolo Dennis Obonyo , Kutu Funso Raphael , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: May 2023

Attaining sufficiency in food supply to support a growing population without compromising ecosystem functioning remains a top agenda of researchers and agricultural stakeholders. Agroecological farming approaches are effective techniques that ensure sustainable food production even in adverse situations. Population growth has been forecasted to reach over 9.1 billion by 2050 outpacing food production. However, cereals and grain legumes are strategic to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030 (SDG 2), ending extreme poverty (SDG 1), and mitigating the climate change effect (SDG 13). There remains an urgent need to embrace more sustainable measures to increase food production for the growing population. This review explores the role of agroecology which employs a transdisciplinary approach to sustainable agricultural practices to improve the resilience of farming systems by increasing diversification through poly-cropping, agroforestry, use of local varieties, and integrated crop and livestock systems. Furthermore, the agroecological farming approach minimizes water use, lowers pollution levels on the farm, and ensures economic profitability for the farmers. Thus, application of agroecology techniques among the smallholder farmers is strategic to ensuring food security.
A Flexible Dynamic Reliability Simulation Approach for Predicting the Lifetime Consumption of Extravehicular Spacesuits during Uncertain Extravehicular Activities
Authors: Sun Yuehang , Li Yun-Ze , Yuan Man
Published: May 2023

The special use environment and uncertainty of extravehicular activities (EVAs) make it difficult to predict the lifetime consumption of extravehicular spacesuits in the traditional way. This paper presents a flexible reliability dynamic simulation model to predict the life loss of extravehicular spacesuits. Based on the images of traditional reliability change curves, new life assessment parameters, based on geometric analysis, are proposed as indicators of spacesuit life loss. Multiple influence factors are used to correct the spacesuit failure rate. The results of the study show that mission intensity is the main factor affecting the health status of the spacesuit, and the higher the mission intensity, the higher the failure rate. Additionally, the more frequently the spacesuit is used, the more times it is available, however, the overall service time will decrease. Concentrating on the mission at an early stage would lead to a significant and irreversible loss of life. Reliability is higher when more intense work is scheduled later in the EVA. Therefore, it is important to rationalize the mission duration, frequency, and work intensity of spacesuits. These reliability models predict the health status of the spacesuit and assist in optimizing the scheduling of EVA.
Study on Optimization Design of Airfoil Transonic Buffet with Reinforcement Learning Method
Authors: Chen Hao , Gao Chuanqiang , Wu Jifei , Ren Kai , Zhang Weiwei
Published: May 2023

Transonic buffet is a phenomenon of large self-excited shock oscillations caused by shock wave-boundary layer interaction, which is one of the common flow instability problems in aeronautical engineering. This phenomenon involves unsteady flow, which makes optimal design more difficult. In this paper, aerodynamic shape optimization design is combined with reinforcement learning to address the problem of transonic buffet. Using the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm, a reinforcement learning-based design framework for airfoil shape optimization was constructed to achieve effective suppression of transonic buffet. The aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil were calculated by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. After optimization, the buffet onset angles of attack of the airfoils NACA0012 and RAE2822 were improved by 2° and 1.2° respectively, and the lift-drag ratios improved by 83.5% and 30% respectively. Summarizing and verifying the optimization results, three general conclusions can be drawn to improve the buffet performance: (1) narrowing of the leading edge of the airfoil; (2) situating the maximum thickness position at approximately 0.4 times the chord length; (3) increasing the thickness of the trailing edge within a certain range. This paper established a reinforcement learning-based unsteady optimal design method that enables the optimization of unsteady problems, including buffet.
Yield, Nutritional Composition, and In Vitro Ruminal Digestibility of Conventional and Brown Midrib (BMR) Corn for Silage as Affected by Planting Population and Harvest Maturity
Authors: Peña Omar Manuel , Velasquez Cesar , Ferreira Gonzalo , Aguerre Matias Jose
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of corn-planting population, using two conventional (Conv) and two brown-midrib (BMR) hybrids, and maturity stage at harvest on forage dry-matter (DM) yield, silage quality, and in-vitro fiber digestibility. The study was conducted in two fields with contrasting production potential, where both corn hybrids were planted at a theoretical planting population of 59,000, 79,000, and 99,000 seeds/ha. Corn was harvested at the early-dent (early) or 2/3 milk-line (late) maturity stage. An interaction between planting population and field existed for biomass yield. We observed a consistent increase in forage yield with increased planting population only in the field of higher production potential. Corn hybrids that contained the BMR trait did not penalize yield but had a consistently higher digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) compared to conventional hybrids. Except for starch concentration, no interaction existed between planting population and maturity for forage yield, fiber digestibility, and nutritional composition. A response to increasing planting population on starch concentration was observed only when corn was harvested at the L = late maturity stage. In conclusion, increasing corn-planting population may increase forage yield, but such an effect may depend on the soil’s growing potential. In addition, planting population had a negligible effect on the nutritional composition and fiber digestibility of corn silage and was minimally affected by the maturity stage at harvest.
Optimizing Planting Density in Alpine Mountain Strawberry Cultivation in Martell Valley, Italy
Authors: Soppelsa Sebastian , Gasser Michael , Zago Massimo
Published: May 2023

Optimizing profitability is a challenge that strawberry farmers must face in order to remain competitive. Within this framework, plant density can play a central role. The aim of this two-year study was to investigate how planting density can induce variations in plant growth and yield performances in an alpine mountain strawberry cultivation (Martell Valley, South Tyrol, Italy), and consequently quantify the farm profit. Frigo strawberry plants cv. Elsanta were planted in soil on raised beds and subjected to five different planting density levels (30,000 and 45,000 as large spacing; 60,000 as middle spacing; 90,000 and 100,000 plants ha−1 as narrow spacing, corresponding to a plant spacing of 28, 19, 14, 9, and 8.5 cm, respectively). Our findings indicate that the aboveground biomass in plants subjected to low planting density was significantly increased by +50% (end of first year) and even doubled in the second year in comparison with plants in high planting density. Those results were related to higher leaf photosynthetic rate (+12%), and the number of crowns and flower trusses per plant (+40% both) (p < 0.05). The low yield (about 300 g plant−1) observed in the high planting density regime was attributable to smaller fruit size during the first cropping year and to both a reduced number of flowers per plant and fruit size during the second year (p < 0.05). Although the highest yield (more than 400 g plant−1) was obtained with wide plant spacing, the greatest yield per hectare was achieved with high planting densities (28 t ha−1 in comparison with 17 t ha−1 with low plant density level). However, the farm profit must take into account the costs (especially related to the plant material and harvesting costs) that are higher under the high planting density compared with the other density regimes. Indeed, the maximum farm profit was reached with a density of 45,000 plants ha−1 which corresponded to EUR 22,579 ha−1 (over 2 years). Regarding fruit quality, fruits coming from the low plant density level showed a significantly higher color index (+15% more red color) than fruits from high plant density (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that a middle planting density can be a fair compromise in terms of plant growth, yield, and farm profit.
Does Immersive Virtual Reality with the Use of 3D Holography Improve Learning the Anatomy of the Heart?: Results of a Preliminary Study
Authors: Czaja Joanna , Skuła Marcin , Kowalczyk Dariusz , Redelbach Wojciech , Hobot Jacek , Nowak Marta , Halaba Zenon , Simka Marian
Published: May 2023

Immersive virtual reality with the use of 3D holography is a new method that is being currently introduced for teaching anatomy, yet the actual educational benefits associated with its use remain unclear. Here, we present our preliminary observations and conclusions after the pilot phase of the study on a 3D holographic human heart. The study was conducted on a group of 96 students of medical faculty. Students were randomly divided into two groups: 57 students who were taught anatomy using traditional methods (plastinated human hearts, anatomical models, and atlases) and 39 students who were taught using 3D holographic hearts. Assessment of knowledge retention of the heart anatomy comprised 3 tests, which were performed 1 week and 3 and 6 months after the classes on heart anatomy. We have found that although anatomical classes with the use of immersive virtual reality were attractive for students; still, unsupervised teaching with the use of 3D holograms was not superior to traditional medical education. Differences between the groups in terms of anatomical knowledge retention were not statistically significant. Results of this pilot study suggest that in order to achieve better knowledge retention and understanding of the anatomy of the heart, classes should be precisely planned and strictly supervised by academic teachers. Moreover, students should get familiar with the use of virtual reality goggles before the classes.
The Economic Evaluation of Mastitis Control Strategies in Holstein-Friesian Dairy Herds
Authors: Richardet Melina , Solari Hernán G. , Cabrera Victor E. , Vissio Claudina , Agüero Daniel , Bartolomé Julián A. , Bó Gabriel A. , Bogni Cristina I. , Larriestra Alejandro J.
Published: May 2023

The economic evaluation of mastitis control is challenging. The objective of this study was to perform the economic evaluation of mastitis control, under different intervention scenarios, quantifying the total cost of mastitis caused by S. aureus in Holstein cows in Argentina. A model was set for a dairy herd of Holstein cows endemically infected with S. aureus. A basic mastitis control plan including proper milking procedures, milking machine test, dry cow therapy, and treatment for clinical mastitis, was compared against other more complex and costly interventions, such as segregation and culling of chronically infected cows. Sensitivity analysis was performed by modifying the intramammary infection transition probabilities, economic parameters, and efficacy of treatment strategies. The basic mastitis control plan showed a median total cost of USD88.6/cow per year, which was close to the infected cows culling scenarios outputs. However, the segregation scenario was the most efficient, in which the total cost was reduced by about 50%. Such cost was more sensitive to probabilities and efficacy than the economic parameters. The model is flexible and can be customized by producers and veterinarians according to different control and herd settings.
RNAi Analysis of Potential Functions of Cyclin B3 in Reproduction of Male Oriental River Prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense)
Authors: Jin Shubo , Zhou Zhenyu , Zhang Wenyi , Xiong Yiwei , Qiao Hui , Gong Yongsheng , Wu Yan , Jiang Sufei , Fu Hongtuo
Published: May 2023

Cyclin B3 (CycB3) is involved in the metabolic pathway of the cell cycle, playing essential roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and mitosis. CycB3 is also predicted to be involved in the reproduction of male oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense). In this study, the potential functions of CycB3 in M. nipponense were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR, RNA interference, and histological observations. The full-length DNA sequence of CycB3 in M. nipponense was 2147 base pairs (bp) long. An open reading frame of 1500 bp was found, encoding 499 amino acids. A highly conserved destruction box and two conserved cyclin motifs were found in the protein sequence of Mn-CycB3. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that this protein sequence was evolutionarily close to that of CycB3s of crustacean species. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis results suggested that CycB3 was involved in the process of spermiogenesis, oogenesis, and embryogenesis in M. nipponense. RNA interference analysis showed that CycB3 had a positive regulatory relationship with insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) in M. nipponense. In addition, sperm were rarely observed in the testis of double-stranded CycB3-injected prawns after 14 days of treatment, and sperm abundance was dramatically lower than that in the double-stranded GFP-injected prawns on the same day. This result indicated that CycB3 can regulate the testis reproduction in M. nipponense through inhibiting the IAG expressions. Overall, these results indicated that CycB3 plays essential roles in the regulation of male reproduction in M. nipponense, which may promote the studies of male reproduction in other crustacean species.
Seasonal Changes in the Antioxidant Activity and Biochemical Parameters of Goat Milk
Authors: Voronina Oksana A. , Zaitsev Sergei Yu. , Savina Anastasia A. , Rykov Roman A. , Kolesnik Nikita S.
Published: May 2023

Goats are ubiquitous, including in hot and dry regions, while also being very sensitive to climate fluctuations, expressed in temperature differences. This affects their productivity and milk quality. Adaptation to heat requires high energy costs, affects “neurohumoral” regulation and is accompanied by oxidative stress with the increased production of free radicals. The aim was to study the main biochemical parameters of goat milk and its antioxidant activity depending on the season of the year. Sampling was carried out in April, June, August and October. Analysis of the biochemical components and antioxidant activity of goat milk was performed using modern analytical systems. From spring to autumn, the mass fraction of true or crude proteins in goat milk increased by 14.6–63.7% or by 12.3–52.1%, and the mass fraction of caseins also increased by 13.6–60.6%. For vitamin C level and the total amount of water-soluble antioxidants, a pronounced gradual decrease from spring to autumn was observed. In the summer period, a small increase in the carotene level in milk (by 3.0–6.1% compared to April) was established. Vitamin A content increased by 86.5% (June) or by 70.3% (October) compared to April. Thus, the numerous significant changes in the major parameters of goat’s milk depending on the season were revealed.