bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking cortex and contraction—Integrating models along the corticomuscular pathway
Authors: Haggie Lysea , Schmid Laura , Röhrle Oliver , Besier Thor , McMorland Angus , Saini Harnoor
Published: May 2023

Computational models of the neuromusculoskeletal system provide a deterministic approach to investigate input-output relationships in the human motor system. Neuromusculoskeletal models are typically used to estimate muscle activations and forces that are consistent with observed motion under healthy and pathological conditions. However, many movement pathologies originate in the brain, including stroke, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson’s disease, while most neuromusculoskeletal models deal exclusively with the peripheral nervous system and do not incorporate models of the motor cortex, cerebellum, or spinal cord. An integrated understanding of motor control is necessary to reveal underlying neural-input and motor-output relationships. To facilitate the development of integrated corticomuscular motor pathway models, we provide an overview of the neuromusculoskeletal modelling landscape with a focus on integrating computational models of the motor cortex, spinal cord circuitry, α-motoneurons  and skeletal muscle in regard to their role in generating voluntary muscle contraction. Further, we highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with an integrated corticomuscular pathway model, such as challenges in defining neuron connectivities, modelling standardisation, and opportunities in applying models to study emergent behaviour. Integrated corticomuscular pathway models have applications in brain-machine-interaction, education, and our understanding of neurological disease.
Effects of cutaneous administration of an over-the-counter menthol cream during temperate-water immersion for exercise-induced hyperthermia in men
Authors: Wang Gang , Hurr Chansol
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Hyperthermia impairs various physiological functions and physical performance. We examined the effects of cutaneous administration with an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic cream containing 20% methyl salicylate and 6% L-menthol during temperate-water immersion (TWI) for exercise-induced hyperthermia.

Methods: In a randomized crossover design, twelve healthy males participated in both of two experiments. Firstly, participants underwent a 15-min TWI at 20°C with (CREAM) or without (CON) cutaneous application of an analgesic cream. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was measured using laser doppler flowmetry during TWI. In a subsequent experiment, same participants performed a 30-min strenuous interval exercise in a heated (35°C) environment to induce hyperthermia (~39°C), which was followed by 15 min of TWI.

Results: Core body temperature, as measured by an ingestible telemetry sensor, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. CVC and %CVC (% baseline) were higher during TWI in CREAM than in CON (Condition effect: p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0010). An additional experiment revealed that core body heat loss during TWI was greater in CREAM than in CON (Cooling rate: CON 0.070 ± 0.020 vs. CREAM 0.084°C ± 0.026°C/min, p = 0.0039). A more attenuated MAP response was observed during TWI in CREAM than in CON (Condition effect: p = 0.0007).

Conclusion: An OTC analgesic cream containing L-menthol and MS augmented cooling effects when cutaneously applied during TWI in exercise-induced hyperthermia. This was, at least in part, due to the counteractive vasodilatory effect of the analgesic cream. The cutaneous application of OTC analgesic cream may therefore provide a safe, accessible, and affordable means of enhancing the cooling effects of TWI.
Glucocorticoids contribute to metabolic and liver impairments induced by lactation overnutrition in male adult rats
Authors: de Souza Camila F. , Stopa Larissa Rugila S. , Martins Andressa B. , Wunderlich Ana Luiza M. , Lopes Gabriela Mendicelli , de Fatima Silva Flaviane , Komino Ayumi Cristina Medeiros , Zaia Dimas A. M. , Zaia Cassia Thaïs B. V. , Lima Fabio Bessa , Uchoa Ernane Torres
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Lactation overnutrition is a programming agent of energy metabolism, and litter size reduction leads to the early development of obesity, which persists until adulthood. Liver metabolism is disrupted by obesity, and increased levels of circulating glucocorticoids are pointed as a possible mediator for the obesity development, since bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) can reduce obesity in different models of obesity.

Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of glucocorticoids on metabolic changes and liver lipogenesis and insulin pathway induced by lactation overnutrition. For this, on the postnatal day 3 (PND), 3 pups (small litter—SL) or 10 pups (normal litter—NL) were kept with each dam. On PND 60, male Wistar rats underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) or fictitious surgery (sham), and half of ADX animals received corticosterone (CORT- 25 mg/L) diluted in the drinking fluid. On PND 74, the animals were euthanized by decapitation for trunk blood collection, and liver dissection and storage.

Results and Discussion: SL rats presented increased corticosterone, free fatty acids, total and LDL-cholesterol plasma levels, without changes in triglycerides (TG) and HDL-cholesterol. The SL group also showed increased content of liver TG, and expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), but decreased expression of PI3Kp110 in the liver, compared to NL rats. In the SL group, the ADX decreased plasma levels of corticosterone, FFA, TG and HDL cholesterol, liver TG, and liver expression of FASN, and IRS2, compared to sham animals. In SL animals, CORT treatment increased plasma levels of TG and HDL cholesterol, liver TG, and expression of FASN, IRS1, and IRS2, compared with the ADX group. In summary, the ADX attenuated plasma and liver changes observed after lactation overnutrition, and CORT treatment could reverse most ADX-induced effects. Thus, increased circulating glucocorticoids are likely to play a pivotal role in liver and plasma impairments induced by lactation overnutrition in male rats.
Skin aging from mechanisms to interventions: focusing on dermal aging
Authors: Shin Sun Hye , Lee Yoon Hwan , Rho Nark-Kyoung , Park Kui Young
Published: May 2023

Skin aging is a multifaceted process that involves intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that lead to various structural and physiological changes in the skin. Intrinsic aging is associated with programmed aging and cellular senescence, which are caused by endogenous oxidative stress and cellular damage. Extrinsic aging is the result of environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollution, and leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, ultimately causing DNA damage and cellular dysfunction. In aged skin, senescent cells accumulate and contribute to the degradation of the extracellular matrix, which further contributes to the aging process. To combat the symptoms of aging, various topical agents and clinical procedures such as chemical peels, injectables, and energy-based devices have been developed. These procedures address different symptoms of aging, but to devise an effective anti-aging treatment protocol, it is essential to thoroughly understand the mechanisms of skin aging. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of skin aging and their significance in the development of anti-aging treatments.
Lipid remodeling of contrasting maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids under repeated drought
Authors: Kränzlein Markus , Schmöckel Sandra M. , Geilfus Christoph-Martin , Schulze Waltraud X. , Altenbuchinger Michael , Hrenn Holger , Roessner Ute , Zörb Christian
Published: May 2023

The role of recovery after drought has been proposed to play a more prominent role during the whole drought-adaption process than previously thought. Two maize hybrids with comparable growth but contrasting physiological responses were investigated using physiological, metabolic, and lipidomic tools to understand the plants’ strategies of lipid remodeling in response to repeated drought stimuli. Profound differences in adaptation between hybrids were discovered during the recovery phase, which likely gave rise to different degrees of lipid adaptability to the subsequent drought event. These differences in adaptability are visible in galactolipid metabolism and fatty acid saturation patterns during recovery and may lead to a membrane dysregulation in the sensitive maize hybrid. Moreover, the more drought-tolerant hybrid displays more changes of metabolite and lipid abundance with a higher number of differences within individual lipids, despite a lower physiological response, while the responses in the sensitive hybrid are higher in magnitude but lower in significance on the level of individual lipids and metabolites. This study suggests that lipid remodeling during recovery plays a key role in the drought response of plants.
Natural variation in HvAT10 underlies grain cell wall-esterified phenolic acid content in cultivated barley
Authors: Houston Kelly , Learmonth Amy , Hassan Ali Saleh , Lahnstein Jelle , Looseley Mark , Little Alan , Waugh Robbie , Burton Rachel A. , Halpin Claire
Published: May 2023

The phenolic acids, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid, are components of plant cell walls in grasses, including many of our major food crops. They have important health-promoting properties in grain, and influence the digestibility of biomass for industrial processing and livestock feed. Both phenolic acids are assumed to be critical to cell wall integrity and ferulic acid, at least, is important for cross-linking cell wall components, but the role of p-coumaric acid is unclear. Here we identify alleles of a BAHD p-coumaroyl arabinoxylan transferase, HvAT10, as responsible for the natural variation in cell wall-esterified phenolic acids in whole grain within a cultivated two-row spring barley panel. We show that HvAT10 is rendered non-functional by a premature stop codon mutation in half of the genotypes in our mapping panel. This results in a dramatic reduction in grain cell wall-esterifed p-coumaric acid, a moderate rise in ferulic acid, and a clear increase in the ferulic acid to p-coumaric acid ratio. The mutation is virtually absent in wild and landrace germplasm suggesting an important function for grain arabinoxylan p-coumaroylation pre-domestication that is dispensable in modern agriculture. Intriguingly, we detected detrimental impacts of the mutated locus on grain quality traits where it was associated with smaller grain and poorer malting properties. HvAT10 could be a focus for improving grain quality for malting or phenolic acid content in wholegrain foods.
Quantitative and qualitative plant-pathogen interactions call upon similar pathogenicity genes with a spectrum of effects
Authors: Langlands-Perry Camilla , Pitarch Anaïs , Lapalu Nicolas , Cuenin Murielle , Bergez Christophe , Noly Alicia , Amezrou Reda , Gélisse Sandrine , Barrachina Célia , Parrinello Hugues , Suffert Frédéric , Valade Romain , Marcel Thierry C.
Published: May 2023

Septoria leaf blotch is a foliar wheat disease controlled by a combination of plant genetic resistances and fungicides use. R-gene-based qualitative resistance durability is limited due to gene-for-gene interactions with fungal avirulence (Avr) genes. Quantitative resistance is considered more durable but the mechanisms involved are not well documented. We hypothesize that genes involved in quantitative and qualitative plant-pathogen interactions are similar. A bi-parental population of Zymoseptoria tritici was inoculated on wheat cultivar ‘Renan’ and a linkage analysis performed to map QTL. Three pathogenicity QTL, Qzt-I05-1, Qzt-I05-6 and Qzt-I07-13, were mapped on chromosomes 1, 6 and 13 in Z. tritici, and a candidate pathogenicity gene on chromosome 6 was selected based on its effector-like characteristics. The candidate gene was cloned by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and a pathology test assessed the effect of the mutant strains on ‘Renan’. This gene was demonstrated to be involved in quantitative pathogenicity. By cloning a newly annotated quantitative-effect gene in Z. tritici that is effector-like, we demonstrated that genes underlying pathogenicity QTL can be similar to Avr genes. This opens up the previously probed possibility that ‘gene-for-gene’ underlies not only qualitative but also quantitative plant-pathogen interactions in this pathosystem.
Map-based cloning of the APRR2 gene controlling green stigma in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)
Authors: Zhan Jinyi , Zhong Jian , Cheng Jiaowen , Wang Yuhui , Hu Kailin
Published: May 2023

Bitter gourd is an economically important vegetable and medicinal crop distinguished by its bitter fruits. Its stigma color is widely used to assess the distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability of bitter gourd varieties. However, limited researches have been dedicated to genetic basis of its stigma color. In this study, we employed bulked segregant analysis (BSA) sequencing to identify a single dominant locus McSTC1 located on pseudochromosome 6 through genetic mapping of an F2 population (n =241) derived from the cross between green and yellow stigma parental lines. An F2-derived F3 segregation population (n = 847) was further adopted for fine mapping, which delimited the McSTC1 locus to a 13.87 kb region containing one predicted gene McAPRR2 (Mc06g1638), a homolog of the Arabidopsis two-component response regulator-like gene AtAPRR2. Sequence alignment analysis of McAPRR2 revealed that a 15 bp insertion at exon 9 results in a truncated GLK domain of its encoded protein, which existed in 19 bitter gourd varieties with yellow stigma. A genome-wide synteny search of the bitter gourd McAPRR2 genes in Cucurbitaceae family revealed its close relationship with other cucurbits APRR2 genes that are corresponding to white or light green fruit skin. Our findings provide insights into the molecular marker-assisted breeding of bitter gourd stigma color and the mechanism of gene regulation for stigma color.
High-density genetic mapping of Fusarium head blight resistance and agronomic traits in spring wheat
Authors: Berraies Samia , Cuthbert Richard , Knox Ron , Singh Arti , DePauw Ron , Ruan Yuefeng , Bokore Firdissa , Henriquez Maria Antonia , Kumar Santosh , Burt Andrew , Pozniak Curtis , N’Diaye Amidou , Meyer Brad
Published: May 2023

Fusarium head blight (FHB) has rapidly become a major challenge to successful wheat production and competitive end-use quality in western Canada. Continuous effort is required to develop germplasm with improved FHB resistance and understand how to incorporate the material into crossing schemes for marker-assisted selection and genomic selection. The aim of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for the expression of FHB resistance in two adapted cultivars and to evaluate their co-localization with plant height, days to maturity, days to heading, and awnedness. A large doubled haploid population of 775 lines developed from cultivars Carberry and AC Cadillac was assessed for FHB incidence and severity in nurseries near Portage la Prairie, Brandon, and Morden in different years, and for plant height, awnedness, days to heading, and days to maturity near Swift Current. An initial linkage map using a subset of 261 lines was constructed using 634 polymorphic DArT and SSR markers. QTL analysis revealed five resistance QTL on chromosomes 2A, 3B (two loci), 4B, and 5A. A second genetic map with increased marker density was constructed using the Infinium iSelect 90k SNP wheat array in addition to the previous DArT and SSR markers, which revealed two additional QTL on 6A and 6D. The complete population was genotyped, and a total of 6,806 Infinium iSelect 90k SNP polymorphic markers were used to identify 17 putative resistance QTL on 14 different chromosomes. As with the smaller population size and fewer markers, large-effect QTL were detected on 3B, 4B, and 5A that were consistently expressed across environments. FHB resistance QTL were co-localized with plant height QTL on chromosomes 4B, 6D, and 7D; days to heading on 2B, 3A, 4A, 4B, and 5A; and maturity on 3A, 4B, and 7D. A major QTL for awnedness was identified as being associated with FHB resistance on chromosome 5A. Nine small-effect QTL were not associated with any of the agronomic traits, whereas 13 QTL that were associated with agronomic traits did not co-localize with any of the FHB traits. There is an opportunity to select for improved FHB resistance within adapted cultivars by using markers associated with complementary QTL.
Current advances in the molecular regulation of abiotic stress tolerance in sorghum via transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches
Authors: Tu Min , Du Canghao , Yu Boju , Wang Guoli , Deng Yanbin , Wang Yuesheng , Chen Mingjie , Chang Junli , Yang Guangxiao , He Guangyuan , Xiong Zhiyong , Li Yin
Published: May 2023

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), a monocot C4 crop, is an important staple crop for many countries in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. Because sorghum has outstanding tolerance and adaptability to a variety of abiotic stresses, including drought, salt, and alkaline, and heavy metal stressors, it is valuable research material for better understanding the molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance in crops and for mining new genes for their genetic improvement of abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we compile recent progress achieved using physiological, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome approaches; discuss the similarities and differences in how sorghum responds to differing stresses; and summarize the candidate genes involved in the process of responding to and regulating abiotic stresses. More importantly, we exemplify the differences between combined stresses and a single stress, emphasizing the necessity to strengthen future studies regarding the molecular responses and mechanisms of combined abiotic stresses, which has greater practical significance for food security. Our review lays a foundation for future functional studies of stress-tolerance-related genes and provides new insights into the molecular breeding of stress-tolerant sorghum genotypes, as well as listing a catalog of candidate genes for improving the stress tolerance for other key monocot crops, such as maize, rice, and sugarcane.
Novel genomic regions on chromosome 5B controlling wheat powdery mildew seedling resistance under Egyptian conditions
Authors: Mourad Amira M.I. , Hamdy Rania M. , Esmail Samar M.
Published: May 2023

Wheat powdery mildew (PM) causes significant yield losses worldwide. None of the Egyptian wheat cultivars was detected to be highly resistant to such a severe disease. Therefore, a diverse spring wheat panel was evaluated for PM seedling resistance using different Bgt conidiospores collected from Egyptian fields in two growing seasons. The evaluation was done in two separate experiments. Highly significant differences were found between the two experiments suggesting the presence of different isolates populations. Highly significant differences were found among the tested genotypes confirming the ability to improve PM resistance using the recent panel. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was done for each experiment separately and a total of 71 significant markers located within 36 gene models were identified. The majority of these markers are located on chromosome 5B. Haplotype block analysis identified seven blocks containing the significant markers on chromosome 5B. Five gene models were identified on the short arm of the chromosome. Gene enrichment analysis identified five and seven pathways based on the biological process and molecular functions respectively for the detected gene models. All these pathways are associated with disease resistance in wheat. The genomic regions on 5B seem to be novel regions that are associated with PM resistance under Egyptian conditions. Selection of superior genotypes was done and Grecian genotypes seem to be a good source for improving PM resistance under Egyptian conditions.
Screening of compound-formulated Bacillus and its effect on plant growth promotion
Authors: Shen Yuying , Yang Huan , Lin Zheng , Chu Linglong , Pan Xiao , Wang Yu , Liu Wenbo , Jin Pengfei , Miao Weiguo
Published: May 2023

Bacillus bacteria can produce abundant secondary metabolites that are useful for biocontrol, especially in maintaining plant root microecology, and for plant protection. In this study, we determine the indicators of six Bacillus strains for colonization, promotion of plant growth, antimicrobial activity, and other aspects, with the aim of obtaining a compound bacteriological agent to construct a beneficial Bacillus microbial community in plant roots. We found that there was no significant difference in the growth curves of the six Bacillus strains over 12 h. However, strain HN-2 was found to have the strongest swimming ability and the highest bacteriostatic effect of n-butanol extract on the blight-causing bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola. The hemolytic circle produced by the n-butanol extract of strain FZB42 was the largest (8.67 ± 0.13 mm) and had the greatest bacteriostatic effect on the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, with a bacteriostatic circle diameter of 21.74 ± 0.40 mm. Strains HN-2 and FZB42 can rapidly form biofilms. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry and hemolytic plate tests showed that strains HN-2 and FZB42 may have significantly different activities because of their ability to produce large quantities of lipopeptides (i.e., surfactin, iturin, and fengycin). Different growth-promoting experiments revealed that the strains FZB42, HN-2, HAB-2, and HAB-5 had better growth-promoting potential than the control, and therefore these four strains were compounded in an equal ratio and used to treat pepper seedlings through root irrigation. We found an increase in the stem thickness (13%), leaf dry weight (14%), leaf number (26%), and chlorophyll content (41%) of pepper seedlings treated with the composite-formulated bacterial solution compared to the optimal single-bacterial solution treatment. Furthermore, several of these indicators increased by an average of 30% in the composite solution-treated pepper seedlings compared with the control water treatment group. In conclusion, the composite solution obtained by compounding strains FZB42 (OD600 = 1.2), HN-2 (OD600 = 0.9), HAB-2 (OD600 = 0.9), and HAB-5 (OD600 = 1.2) in equal parts highlights the advantages of a single bacterial solution, which includes achieving good growth promotion and antagonistic effects against pathogenic bacteria. The promotion of this compound-formulated Bacillus can reduce the application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers; promote plant growth and development; avoid the imbalances of soil microbial communities and thus reduce the risk of plant disease; and provide an experimental basis for the production and application of various types of biological control preparations in the future.
“H” sprayer effect on liquid deposition on cucumber leaves and powdery mildew prevention in the shed
Authors: Qin Weicai , Chen Xuan , Chen Panyang
Published: May 2023

To clarify the effect of droplet size on solution deposition and powdery mildew control on greenhouse cucumber leaves, the effect of volume median droplet diameter (VMD) on solution deposition and maximum retention, as well as the effect of flusilazole on powdery mildew control on cucumber, was determined using the stem and leaf spray method. The VMD of the typical fan nozzles (F110-01, F110-015, F110-02, F110-03) of the selected US Tee jet production differs by approximately 90 μm. The results showed that the deposition of flusilazole solution on cucumber leaves decreased as the VMD of the droplets increased and that the deposition of the solution in the treatments with VMD of 120, 172, and 210 μm decreased by 22.02%, 10.37%, and 46. 97%, respectively, compared to that observed with treatment with 151 μm VMD. The deposition of the solution on cucumber leaves showed the highest deposition efficiency of 63.3% when the applied solution volume was 320 L/hm2, and the maximum stable retention of the liquid on the leaves was 6.6 µl/cm2. The control effects of different concentrations of flusilazole solution on cucumber powdery mildew differed significantly, and the best control effect was achieved at the dosage of 90 g/hm2 of the active ingredient, which was 15%−25% higher than that observed at the dosage of 50 and 70 g/hm2 of the active ingredient per hectare. A significant difference in the effect of droplet size on the control of cucumber powdery mildew was observed at any specific liquid concentration. Nozzle F110-01 showed the best control effect when the dosage of the active ingredient was 50 and 70 g/hm2 per hectare, which did not differ significantly from that observed with nozzle F110-015 but differed significantly from those observed with nozzles F110-02 and F110-03. Hence, we concluded that the use of smaller droplets with VMD of 100−150 μm, i.e. the choice of F110-01 or F110-015 nozzles, for application on the leaf parts of cucumber in the greenhouse under conditions of high liquid concentration, can significantly improve the effective use of pharmaceuticals and the disease control effect.
Social support and prosocial behavior in Chinese college students during the COVID-19 outbreak: a moderated mediation model of positive affect and parental care
Authors: Huang Ziyang , Gan Quan , Luo Miaoling , Zhang Yunpeng , Ge Jie , Fu Yu , Chen Zhuangfei
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Prosocial behavior (PSB) plays a critical role in everyday society, especially during the pandemic of COVID-19. Understanding the underlying mechanism will provide insight and advance its implementation. According to the theory of PSB, social interaction, family and individual characters all contribute to its development. The current study aimed to investigate the influencing factor of PSB among Chinese college students during COVID-19 outbreak. This is an attempt to understand the mechanism of PSB and to provide a reference for the formulation of policies aimed at promoting healthy collaborative relationships for college students.

Method

The online questionnaire was administered to 664 college students from 29 provinces of China via Credamo platform. There were 332 medical students and 332 non-medical students aged between 18 and 25 included for final study. The mediating role of positive emotion/affect (PA) and the moderating role of parental care in the association between social support and PSB during the pandemic of COVID-19 was explored by using Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS), Prosocial Tendencies Measurement Scale (PTM), The Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS), as well as Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The process macro model of SPSS was adopted for mediating and moderating analysis.

Results

The results showed that social support positively predicted PSB among Chinese college students, even after adding PA as a mediation variable. PA during COVID-19 mediated the association between social support and PSB. PSB also revealed as a predictor of PA by regression analysis. Moreover, the moderating effect of parental care in the relationship between PA and PSB was detected.

Conclusion

PA under stress acts as a mediator between social support and PSB. This mediating effect was moderated by PC in childhood. In addition, PSB was observed to predict PA reversely. The promoting factors and path between the variables of PSB are complex and need to be explored extensively. The underlying factors and process should be further investigated for the development of intervention plans.
Do young children, like young adults, remember animates better than inanimates?
Authors: Bugaiska Aurélia , Bonin Patrick , Witt Arnaud
Published: May 2023

It has repeatedly been shown in adults that animates are remembered better than inanimates. According to the adaptive view of human memory this is due to the fact that animates are generally more important for survival than inanimates. Animacy enhances not only the quantity but also the quality of remembering. The effect is primarily driven by recollection. Virtually all studies have been conducted in adults, and we believe that the investigation of animacy effects in children is also highly relevant. The present study therefore tested the animacy effect on recollection in young (6–7 years, M = 6.6 years) and older children (10–12 years, M = 10.83 years) using the Remember/Know paradigm. As found in adults, an animacy effect on memory was found, but only in older children, and specifically in the “remember” responses, suggesting, once again, its episodic nature.
The influence of student factors on students’ achievement in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in Abu Dhabi Emirate Schools
Authors: Wardat Yousef , Belbase Shashidhar , Tairab Hassan , Takriti Rachel Alison , Efstratopoulou Maria , Dodeen Hamza
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate student factors affecting performance in mathematics in Abu Dhabi schools in the United Arab Emirates.

Method

We used the secondary data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015, which included 4,838 eighth-grade students from 156 schools in Abu Dhabi.

Result

The data from the student questionnaire in TIMSS 2015 were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The 39 questions were reduced to five factors generated from the student questionnaire, including Safety and Behavior, Classroom Mathematics, Environment, Student Attitudes toward Mathematics, and Technology and Resources. The effects of these factors on students’ achievement were examined using multiple regression analysis.

Discussion

All of these factors had a significant impact on student achievement in the 2015 TIMSS. The pedagogical and policy implications of the findings have been discussed.
Six months into the war: a first-wave study of stress, anxiety, and depression among in Ukraine
Authors: Kurapov Anton , Danyliuk Ivan , Loboda Andrii , Kalaitzaki Argyroula , Kowatsch Tobias , Klimash Tamara , Predko Viktoriia
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study examines the prevalence and predictors of mental health issues, specifically anxiety, depression, and stress, among Ukrainians during the military conflict with Russia.

Method

A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted six months after the beginning of the conflict. Sociodemographic factors, traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed. The study included 706 participants, both men and women, from different age groups and living in various regions of Ukraine. The data were collected from August till October 2022.

Results

The study found that a large portion of the Ukrainian population shows increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress due to the war. Women were found to be more vulnerable to mental health issues than men, and younger people were found to be more resilient. Worsened financial and employment statuses predicted increased anxiety. Ukrainians who fled the conflict to other countries exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Direct exposure to trauma predicted increased anxiety and depression, while war-related exposure to “other stressful events” predicted increased acute stress levels.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing the mental health needs of Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. Interventions and support should be tailored to address the specific needs of different groups, particularly women, younger individuals, and those with worsened financial and employment statuses.
Loss to follow-up tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among adults attending at public health facilities in Warder District, Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Birhane Mohammed , Mekonnen Shambel , Dingeta Tariku , Teklemariam Zelalem
Published: May 2023

Background

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries. Loss of follow-up during treatment is one of the major obstacles in the fight against tuberculosis, which has serious implications for patients, their families, communities, and health service providers.

Purpose

To assess the magnitude of the loss to follow-up tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among adults attending public health facilities in Warder District, Somali Regional State, eastern Ethiopia from November 02–17, 2021.

Methods

A 5-year (from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020) retrospective study was conducted on 589 adult tuberculosis treatment records. Data were collected using a structured data extraction format. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.0 statistical package. Variables with P < 0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 98 (16.6%) TB patients failed to follow up with their treatment. Age between 55 and 64 years (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.9–9.9), being male (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.9), living more than 10 km away from a public health facility (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:2.5–9.4), and having a history of tuberculosis treatment (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.4) were associated with a higher likelihood of not following up, while having a positive initial smear result (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24–0.96) was associated with a lower probability of not following up.

Conclusion

One out of six patients was lost to follow-up after initiating their tuberculosis treatment. Hence, improving the accessibility of public health facilities with a special focus on older adults, male patients, smear-negative patients, and retreatment cases is highly warranted among TB patients.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity: a measurement-based analysis of 6–9-year-old school children from Montenegro
Authors: Vasiljevic Ivan , Petkovic Jovica
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to conduct a measurement-based analysis of overweight and obesity prevalence among 6–9-year-old children in Montenegro.

Methods

The population of this cross-sectional study included 1993 (1059 boys and 934 girls) primary-school children. The sample of anthropometric variables includes body height, body weight and body mass index, as well as nutrition status that were presented based on BMI standardized categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. The descriptive statistics described the means for each variable, while post hoc tests and ANOVA were applied to explore differences between the proposed means.

Results

The results indicate the overweight (including obesity) prevalence was 28% (15% of overweight and 13% of obese children), while boys have a higher overweight prevalence rate than girls. In addition, the tendency of higher prevalence rates to differ by age in both sexes is observed. This study also confirmed that overweight and obesity are affected by geographical regions but not by the level of urbanization in Montenegro.

Discussion

The innovation of this study is reflected in the fact that the overweight and obesity prevalence rates among 6–9-year-old children are within an acceptable range in Montenegro, since it does not deviate from the European average, but further interventions and continuous monitoring are necessary, due to the specific nature of this issue.
Evaluation of Osmia excavata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) sensitivity to high-temperature stress
Authors: Song Yingying , Liu Li , Cui Hongying , Guo Wenxiu , Lv Suhong , Ye Baohua , Li Lili , Yu Yi , Men Xingyuan
Published: May 2023

The population of Osmia excavata, an important pollinator in commercial orchards, has been in serious decline over recent years. To evaluate the risk of high-temperature stress on O. excavata, we evaluated the high-temperature tolerance and potential physiological and biochemical responses of O. excavata after a series of high-temperature stresses. The results showed that the mortality rates of O. excavata increased gradually with increases in temperature and duration of stress (R2 = 0.88–0.99; p < 0.05). The larvae of O. excavata were more sensitive to temperature stress than adults, and the median lethal time (LT50) value of the former was smaller than the latter in the acute response test. By comparing the results of acute and chronic responses of O. excavata to high-temperature stress, we found that the LT50 values of natural cocoon-break adults at slightly higher temperatures (35°C and 40°C) were smaller than those of artificial cocoon-break adults, but the LT50 values were similar under extreme high-temperature stress (45°C). Furthermore, the acute and chronic responses on the fat content of adult Osmia obtained by artificial and natural cocoon-break methods were significantly different (F = 5.03; p < 0.05). Additionally, the mortalities of the young larvae and artificial cocoon-break adults were both significantly and positively correlated with trehalose content (r = 0.78–0.82, p < 0.05). However, the mortality of the natural cocoon-break adults was negatively related to the acetylcholinesterase activity (r = −0.93, p < 0.001). Overall, these results suggested that O. excavata has a low tolerance to high-temperature stress and provide evidence of causes that could be contributing to the population decline of O. excavata.
Arthroscopic vs. open Broström-Gould for repairing anterior talofibular ligament: mid-term outcomes comparison
Authors: Wang Ji , Tang Zhihong , Sun Hao , Lv Jing , Jiang Hongyang , Yue Yong
Published: May 2023

Introduction

There have been few mid-term follow-up studies comparing arthroscopic and open Broström-Gould repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term therapeutic effectiveness of arthroscopic ATFL repair with open Broström-Gould repair for chronic lateral ankle instability.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the database of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability undergoing repair of the ATFL from June 2014 to June 2018. The choice of surgical approach will depend on computer-generated randomization. In total, 49 patients underwent the arthroscopic Brostrom-Gould technique (group AB), while the other 50 patients underwent the open Broström-Gould technique (group OB). The surgery duration, hospitalization time, postoperative complications, the preoperative/postoperative manual anterior drawer test (ADT), Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Karlsson-Peterson (K-P) scores, and Tegner activity scores were collected for comparative analysis during the follow-up period of 48 months.

Results

At the final follow-up, the clinical outcomes, including ADT, VAS, AOFAS, K-P, and Tegner activity scores, were significantly improved after either arthroscopic or open treatment. Specifically, the AOFAS and K-P scores in the group AB were significantly higher than those in the group OB at 6 months post-surgery (P < 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes and postoperative complications between the two groups.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic has predictable and good mid-term results after ATFL and may be a secure and effective alternative to open Broström-Gould repair.
Can we use meat inspection data for animal health and welfare surveillance?
Authors: Comin Arianna , Jonasson Anita , Rockström Ulrika , Kautto Arja Helena , Keeling Linda , Nyman Ann-Kristin , Lindberg Ann , Frössling Jenny
Published: May 2023

Ante- and post-mortem inspections at abattoir were originally introduced to provide assurance that animal carcasses were fit for human consumption. However, findings at meat inspection can also represent a valuable source of information for animal health and welfare surveillance. Yet, before making secondary use of meat inspection data, it is important to assess that the same post-mortem findings get registered in a consistent way among official meat inspectors across abattoirs, so that the results are as much independent as possible from the abattoir where the inspection is performed. The most frequent findings at official meat inspections of pigs and beef cattle in Sweden were evaluated by means of variance partitioning to quantify the amount of variation in the probabilities of these findings due to abattoir and farm levels. Seven years of data (2012–2018) from 19 abattoirs were included in the study. The results showed that there was a very low variation between abattoirs for presence of liver parasites and abscesses, moderately low variation for pneumonia and greatest variation for injuries and nonspecific findings (e.g., other lesions). This general pattern of variation was similar for both species and implies that some post-mortem findings are consistently detected and so are a valuable source of epidemiological information for surveillance purposes. However, for those findings associated with higher variation, calibration and training activities of meat inspection staff are necessary to enable correct conclusions about the occurrence of pathological findings and for producers to experience an equivalent likelihood of deduction in payment (independent of abattoir).
Blue Carbon Stock in Zostera marina Meadows in the Ría de Ferrol (NW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: de la Cerda-Marín María del Carmen , Díaz-Agras Guillermo , Rodríguez Tato Ramiro , Candás Romero María , Pérez Señarís Marcos , de Solaun Eimil Andrés , Otero Xosé Luis
Published: May 2023

The increase in greenhouse gases (GHG) has been constant since the Industrial Revolution. For this reason, different international organizations have devoted special attention to GHG sinks such as terrestrial soils and ecosystems. However, the initially estimated balances did not include the carbon stock associated with ocean waters, coastal soils and sediments, known as blue carbon. Currently, blue carbon sinks are the subject of numerous studies due to the limited information available, especially on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. We studied the organic C stock present in soils and in Zostera marina biomass in the two main meadows in the Ría de Ferrol (O Baño and Castelo de San Felipe). The carbon stock associated with biomass was 0.37 Mg C ha−1, with 0.18 Mg C ha−1 corresponding to the epigeal portion and 0.19 Mg C ha−1 to the hypogeal portion. Soil carbon stock was much higher: 4.11 Mg C ha−1 at a depth of 5 cm and 82.14 Mg C ha−1 at a depth of 1 m. Together with carbon values in biomass, a stock of 82.5 Mg C ha−1 was obtained for the whole Ría de Ferrol. Z. marina accounted for 8.25% of total C in the Ría de Ferrol. These values were higher than those found in other regions. Isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N) and C/N ratios indicated that the organic C stock in the O Baño soil may receive important organic matter inputs of terrestrial origin, while in San Felipe, it seems to have a marine origin.
Perfil de los usuarios del servicio del transporte de pasajeros: Taxis y Vehículos de Transporte con Conductor (VTC) en España tras la pandemia del COVID-19
Authors: Guillén-Pujadas Miguel , Gutiérrez-Aragón Óscar , Fondevila-Gascón Joan-Francesc , Vilajoana-Alejandre Sandra
Published: May 2023

Los consumidores del servicio del transporte de viajeros en vehículos de turismo vieron afectados sus hábitos de consumo durante el tiempo de pandemia de COVID-19 en España. La presente investigación establece las preferencias de consumo y genera un perfil del usuario diferenciado entre consumidores del taxi o del vehículo de transporte con conductor (VTC). La metodología aplicada utiliza análisis estadísticos cuantitativos y análisis de correspondencias múltiples sobre los resultados de una encuesta con muestreo intencional no probabilístico significativo. A través de estos análisis se ha aproximado los perfiles de los diferentes usuarios a las soluciones de movilidad preferidas. Los resultados destacan la predisposición de los ciudadanos por la utilización del vehículo privado frente a medios de transporte públicos, seguidos por el taxi y el VTC. También se constata el amplio porcentaje de usuarios que han utilizado el servicio del taxi y el VTC en el último año. El análisis de correspondencias múltiple permite diferenciar aquellos usuarios que prefieren utilizar el taxi, el VTC o que, por el contrario, no tienen una preferencia clara. Se concluye, que los usuarios trabajadores por cuenta propia, por cuenta ajena y las personas de mayor edad tienden a utilizar el taxi. Los estudiantes y las personas con menor edad prefieren el VTC. Finalmente, encontramos usuarios de ambos subconjuntos que han utilizado el servicio en algún momento en un periodo anual.
A Privacy-Preserving Symptoms Retrieval System with the Aid of Homomorphic Encryption and Private Set Intersection Schemes
Authors: Wang Yi-Wei , Wu Ja-Ling
Published: May 2023

This work presents an efficient and effective system allowing hospitals to share patients’ private information while ensuring that each hospital database’s medical records will not be leaked; moreover, the privacy of patients who access the data will also be protected. We assume that the thread model of the hospital’s security is semi-honest (i.e., curious but honest), and each hospital hired a trusted medical records department administrator to manage patients’ private information from other hospitals. With the help of Homomorphic Encryption- and Private Set Intersection -related algorithms, our proposed system protects patient privacy, allows physicians to obtain patient information across hospitals, and prevents threats such as troublesome insider attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Impactful Female Directors and Earnings Management: The Moderating Effect of Ownership Concentration
Authors: Al-Absy Mujeeb Saif Mohsen
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the moderating effect of ownership concentration (OC) on the relationship between impactful female directors and earnings management (EM). The study concentrated on firms with the lowest positive earnings, measured by return on assets. The results showed that OC positively moderated the association between impactful female directors and accrual earnings management (AEM). With the moderating effect of OC, impactful female directors became positively associated with AEM. In terms of real earnings management (REM), the results showed that OC weakened the significant negative relationship between impactful female directors and REM that was found in the direct regression. With the moderating effect of OC, impactful female directors became insignificantly associated with REM. The study is extremely beneficial to policymakers, stakeholders, researchers, and society. It provides empirical findings that could help all parties to re-evaluate the role of the board of directors, specifically impactful female directors, in mitigating EM. The results highlight the impact of the majority shareholders, introduced by agency theory II, an issue that requires more solutions from regulators.
Calcium Nutrition of Broilers: Current Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: David Laura Shiromi , Anwar M. Naveed , Abdollahi M. Reza , Bedford Michael R. , Ravindran Velmurugu
Published: May 2023

Calcium (Ca) plays an essential role in poultry nutrition as 99% of Ca is located in birds’ skeletal system. However, oversupply of Ca rather than deficiency of Ca is the current concern in commercial broiler diets. Calcium is an inexpensive dietary nutrient due to the cheap and abundant availability of limestone, the major Ca source; therefore, little attention was given to the oversupply of Ca in the past. The recent shift in the use of digestible P in broiler feed formulations has necessitated a closer look at digestible Ca, as Ca and P are interrelated in their absorption and postabsorptive utilisation. In this context, data on ileal digestibility of Ca and P in ingredients has been determined. Preliminary data on the digestible Ca and digestible P requirements for the different growth stages of broilers have also recently become available. The present review focusses on these recent advances in Ca nutrition. In addition, aspects of homeostatic control mechanisms, different Ca sources and factors influencing Ca digestibility in poultry are covered.