bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PHarmacist Avoidance or Reductions in Medical Costs Considering Board of Pharmacy Specialties Certification (PHARM-BPS)
Authors: Smetana Keaton S. , Liang Edith , Adams William , Gurnani Payal K. , Peppard William J. , Flannery Alexander H. , Rech Megan A. ,   PHARM-BPS Investigators
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Clinical pharmacists bring unparalleled medication expertise, but quantifying their impact on a health system’s bottom line remains unestablished. Objective: To classify interventions by pharmacists with and without board certification and quantify the cost avoidance (CA) from accepted interventions. Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study, conducted between August 2018 and January 2019, included board certified (BPS) and non-board certified (Non-BPS) emergency medicine (EM) and intensive care unit (ICU) clinical pharmacists from 89 U.S. institutions. Primary outcomes included the quantity, type, and acceptance of interventions and the CA generated by BPS pharmacists compared to Non-BPS pharmacists. Results: 287 pharmacists (227 BPS, 60 Non-BPS) at 89 centers provided care throughout 4184 shifts. BPS pharmacist provided more interventions (overall: 63 693 vs 8690; per shift: 18.8 vs 10.9, P < .001) with higher acceptance (98.2% vs 97.6%, P < .001). Accepted interventions per shift included adverse drug event prevention (2.0 vs 1.6, P = .17), resource utilization (3.6 vs 1.7, P = .007), individualization of patient care (9.7 vs 5.3, P = .05), prophylaxis (0.4 vs 0.3, P = .99), hands-on care (1.4 vs 0.9, P = .99), and administrative/supportive tasks (1.8 vs 1.1, P = 0.). BPS pharmacists generated greater mean CA per intervention ($873 vs $801), patient day ($961 vs $501), shift ($8112 vs $4828) and annum ($1 946 942 vs $1 158 784) ( P < .001 for all). The CA to salary ratio was 10.5:1 for BPS and 6.3:1 for Non-BPS pharmacists. Conclusion: BPS pharmacists in the ED and ICU generated greater CA and a higher monetary CA to salary ratio than Non-BPS pharmacists.
A novel approach to fabricate a random-oriented staple fibre yarn (RO-SFY) by using a nonwoven spinning system
Authors: Lau Yin Shan , Li Li
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a novel nonwoven strip spinning method that adapts the principles of paper yarn technology, utilizing nonwoven fabric strips to produce random-oriented staple fibre (RO-SF) yarns. This method is chemically free and provides a sustainable alternative to traditional yarn production processes. Spunlace nonwoven fabrics, including 40 g/m² and 60 g/m², were processed with varying twist levels (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 turns/20 cm) to evaluate key physical properties such as diameter, breaking strength, elongation, and yarn tenacity. Regression analysis revealed strong correlations (R² > 0.85) between yarn properties and twist level/strip width. Additionally, k-fold validation was employed to assess the accuracy of predictive models, enhancing the reliability of the results. Yarn diameters ranged from 0.50 to 1.9 mm for H40 and 0.59 to 2.33 mm for H60, with strip tex values ranging from 114 to 468 for H40 and 122 to 618 for H60. The breaking strength and elongation values were not suitable for high-strength textile applications, particularly for nonwoven strips below 2 mm. This research underscores the potential of nonwoven strip spinning as a versatile, eco-friendly yarn production method capable of processing a wide range of fibers, including non-spinnable materials, while offering a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to conventional spinning techniques.
Women’s wellbeing at work
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta , Schaedel Zoe
Published: February 2025

NHS Sussex developed and piloted the ‘Women’s Wellbeing at Work’ initiative for staff. Webinars and group consultations were carried out by specialist GPs to support and promote staff wellbeing. Aspects of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, the NHS cervical screening programme, the NHS breast screening programme, menopause and bone health were reviewed. The menopause was recognised as a turning point in a woman’s health. Given the level of attendance and positive feedback, the pilot supported a need to offer education to support women’s wellbeing, which can be delivered in the workplace. The feedback indicated the format of the education was helpful.
Alignment of menu items offered in Canadian long-term care homes with Canada’s food guide and the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Middleton Caroline G. , Lee Jennifer J. , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: February 2025

Background

Many residents in long-term care (LTC) homes face the risk of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases like diabetes, underscoring the crucial role of menu planning. In most provinces, menu items offered in LTC homes must adhere to Canada’s food guide (CFG). Other dietary guidelines, like those in Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines (DCCP), provide recommendations for managing chronic disease; however, the alignment of individual menu items with CFG and DCCP is unknown. The objective was to assess the alignment of menu items offered in LTC homes with CFG and DCCP.

Methods

Using a four-week menu cycle designed for LTC, menu items (n = 1,365) were assessed using two nutrient profile models based on CFG and the DCCP. The Canadian Foods Scoring System (CFSS) categorized items as “very poor” to “excellent” choices according to CFG, and the DCCP nutrient profile model classified items as “least” to “mostly aligned” with DCCP. Descriptive statistics summarized menu items by CFSS and DCCP nutrient profile model categories across meal occasions and food categories.

Results

Overall, 52.8% of menu items served in LTC homes were rated “good” or “excellent” choices by CFSS, and 50.8% were classified as “most aligned” with the DCCP nutrient profile model. Afternoon Snacks had the highest proportion of the least healthy items. Legumes and Vegetables were the healthiest categories, and Sugars & Sweets, along with Combination Dishes, ranked as the least healthy.

Conclusions

While about one-half of LTC menu items align with CFG and DCCP, opportunities remain to enhance their nutritional quality. Developing a translational tool based on nutrient profile models could simplify the application of food-based dietary guidelines, supporting more effective and aligned LTC menu planning.
Arcyriaflavin A, a cyclin D1/CDK4 inhibitor, suppresses tumor growth, migration, and invasion of metastatic melanoma cells
Authors: Kim Dokyeong , Park Junseong , Kim Yoon-Seob , Na Okcho , Park Minyoung , Zhang Songzi , Cho Sumin , Chung Yeun-Jun
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, cutaneous melanoma continues to have a high mortality rate and poor prognosis, with therapies having limited efficacy in advanced melanoma. Therefore, it is crucial to develop novel therapeutics with proven clinical potential. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of arcyriaflavin A (ArcA), a potent inhibitor of the cyclin D1/CDK4 complex, in suppressing aggressive phenotypes of metastatic melanoma.

Methods

The effects of ArcA on viability and cell cycle were evaluated across four melanoma cell lines: WM239A and its metastatic derivatives: 113–6/4L, 131/4-5B1, and 131/4-5B2. Additionally, we performed wound healing and transwell invasion assays, followed by western blot. We further established xenograft mouse models by subcutaneously injecting them with the four melanoma cell lines and measured tumor size and weight biweekly. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to compare protein expression.

Results

ArcA demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, selectively targeting melanoma cells without affecting normal cells, and induced G1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, ArcA significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in metastatic melanoma cell lines, accompanied by reduced expression levels of p-GSK-3β (Ser9), MMP-9, and MMP-13, suggesting that its anti-metastatic effects may be partially mediated through GSK-3β, MMP-9, and MMP-13. These findings were further validated using mouse xenograft models; ArcA-treated mice exhibited significantly smaller tumor volumes and lighter tumor weights compared to vehicle-treated mice. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed decreased expression of p-GSK-3β, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in tumor tissues from ArcA-treated mice.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings indicate that ArcA possesses substantial anti-tumor potential, including cytotoxic effects and inhibition of migration and invasion in metastatic melanoma. These results suggest that ArcA could enhance therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
Mitochondrial genome characterization of a Reticulinasus sp. (Argasidae: Ornithodorinae) parasitizing bats in Thailand
Authors: Tuangpermsub Siwaporn , Arnuphapprasert Apinya , Riana Elizabeth , Ngamprasertwong Thongchai , Kaewthamasorn Morakot
Published: February 2025

Background

Second only to mosquitoes, ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are significant blood-feeding ectoparasites and vectors of numerous pathogens affecting both animals and humans. Despite bats serving as hosts to various tick species, they remain relatively understudied due to their nocturnal behavior and laborious capture procedures. Soft ticks in particular display diverse ecological behaviors, inhabiting bat roosts, caves, and occasionally human dwellings. This overlap in habitats suggests soft ticks may play a critical role as vectors of zoonotic pathogens. In Southeast Asia, research on soft ticks has primarily focused on island nations, with limited studies on bat-associated ticks in Thailand. This study aimed to examine the identity and distribution of bat ticks in Thailand.

Methods

Bats were captured across ten provinces in Thailand between 2018 and 2023. Ticks were removed from the bats’ skin and identified through morphological examination using a stereomicroscope, with molecular confirmation. Scanning electron micrographs were recorded. Prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of tick infestations were calculated. The mitochondrial genomes of the ticks were sequenced, annotated, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis.

Results

A total of 1031 bats, representing 7 families, 11 genera, and 28 species, were captured. Tick infestations were found in 34 bats (3.30%), specifically in two species: Craseonycteris thonglongyai (33/139, 23.74%) and Eonycteris spelaea (1/2, 50%). All ticks were in the larval stage. Basic local alignment search tool for nucleotide (BLASTN) searches using 16S rRNA (425 bp) and COI (825 bp) sequences, along with Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) database queries, revealed the highest similarity to tick in the genus Reticulinasus found on bats in Zambia. The mitochondrial genomes of ticks collected from C. thonglongyai and E. spelaea were 14,433 bp and 14,439 bp in length, respectively, and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis placed these ticks within the Reticulinasus clade, with strong support indicated by high bootstrap values.

Conclusions

This study identified Reticulinasus sp. infestations on C. thonglongyai and E. spelaea bats, marking the first report of soft ticks in bats from Thailand, with potential implications for zoonotic disease transmission.

Graphical Abstract
Data discrepancy constraints for 3-D airborne transient electromagnetic inversion for induced polarization parameters
Authors: Ren Hao , Lei Da , Di Qingyun , Wang Ruo
Published: February 2025

Many academics have been interested in the induced polarization (IP) effect in the airborne transient electromagnetic method (ATEM) in recent years. Because most electromagnetic inversion methods only use resistivity parameters and do not contain the IP information of rocks and ores, it is difficult for such methods to retrieve subsurface IP parameters from ATEM data that includes IP effect. The development of unique inversion techniques is becoming increasingly important for obtaining more detailed characterizations of underground-induced polarization. In conventional inversion about IP parameters of ATEM data, only resistivity and polarizability are often fully recovered, while the inversion results of relaxation time and frequency dependence do not reflect any valid information. The data discrepancy constraints based on z-score normalization enable for the compression of data of variable magnitudes to a uniform scale while keeping their trend properties, resulting in a more accurate portrayal of the correlation of trends between different datasets. We assume the IP parameters exhibit a strong correlation among them and use such relationship as the constraint in our 3D inversion algorithm. The inversion method was evaluated on synthetic data, proving that incorporating data discrepancy constraints can improve the usability of inversion results to reveal vital underground IP information, hence simplifying the geological interpretation process. In addition, we used various amounts of noise to assess the resilience of the constrained inversion approach, and the inversion results consistently mirrored the location of the actual target body. As a result, there is significant potential for expanding the data discrepancy constraints to various geophysical inversion techniques.
444 INCLINACIONES Y DECLINACIONES. A PROPÓSITO DE EL TERCER HOMBRE EN SU 75 ANIVERSARIO
Authors: PÉREZ MORÁN ERNESTO , HUERTA FLORIANO MIGUEL ÁNGEL
Published: February 2025

El análisis textual y la descomposición de una obra audiovisual en el estudio de cada uno de sus planos encuentra en los desgloses por escenas o actos un correlato que en muchas ocasiones supone una de las formas más exhaustivas de analizar una película o serie televisiva. Con motivo de los 75 años del estreno en España de El tercer hombre (Carol Reed, 1948) proponemos someter al filme a un découpage completo que no solo tiene ilustres precedentes sino que revela aspectos llamativos, como la proporción de sus famosos encuadres aberrantes, el significado del último y no menos célebre plano o las diferencias con la obra literaria de referencia y el guion, ambas editadas posteriormente.
Between cinema and literature: tourism around the figure of Marcel Pagnol in Provence
Authors: Gouchan Yannick
Published: February 2025

Marcel Pagnol (1895-1974) is an important figure of 20th century French culture as he played a considerable role in cinema from the 1930s to the 1950s and published an autobiographical literary work. Visiting Pagnol’s places allows to follow the itinerary of a playwright, then of a director, screenwriter and film producer, and finally of a writer who left a lasting mark. The article intends to show how Pagnol’s memory is enhanced today by elements relating to interplay (intermediality) between cinema and literature, so as to build a ‘popular-classic’ author figure. The article presents the link between Pagnol’s works, the tourist places and the tourist activities offered by the city of Aubagne around the author, considering that the intermediality at the heart of Pagnol’s artistic works is reflected in the organization of visits to tourist sites. These evoke simultaneously the locations of the films, the author’s biographical sites and the places transfigured by the books. Literary and film tourism around Pagnol in Provence has three main aspects, depending on the objectives sought by visitors: visiting the biographical authentic places, experiencing the places that correspond to imaginary territories in films and books, discovering an original landscape.
Toll-1-dependent immune evasion induced by fungal infection leads to cell loss in the Drosophila brain
Authors: Singh Deepanshu N. D. , Roberts Abigail R. E. , Wang Xiaocui , Li Guiyi , Quesada Moraga Enrique , Alliband David , Ballou Elizabeth , Tsai Hung-Ji , Hidalgo Alicia
Published: February 2025

Fungi can intervene in hosts’ brain function. In humans, they can drive neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. However, how fungi alter the host brain is unknown. The mechanism underlying innate immunity to fungi is well-known and universally conserved downstream of shared Toll/TLR receptors, which via the adaptor MyD88 and the transcription factor Dif/NFκB, induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, in the brain, Toll-1 could also drive an alternative pathway via Sarm, which causes cell death instead. Sarm is the universal inhibitor of MyD88 and could drive immune evasion. Here, we show that exposure to the fungus Beauveria bassiana reduced fly life span, impaired locomotion and caused neurodegeneration. Beauveria bassiana entered the Drosophila brain and induced the up-regulation of AMPs, and the Toll adaptors wek and sarm, within the brain. RNAi knockdown of Toll-1, wek or sarm concomitantly with infection prevented B. bassiana-induced cell loss. By contrast, over-expression of wek or sarm was sufficient to cause neuronal loss in the absence of infection. Thus, B. bassiana caused cell loss in the host brain via Toll-1/Wek/Sarm signalling driving immune evasion. A similar activation of Sarm downstream of TLRs upon fungal infections could underlie psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases in humans.
Postmortem point-of care hemoglobin testing is feasible and potentially accurate among children in South Africa
Authors: du Toit Jeanie , Wang Yuqing , Luo Hanqi , Liu Lei , Blau Dianna M. , Whitney Cynthia G. , Werner Rochelle , Bassat Quique , Storath Kimberleigh , Makekeng Palesa , Dangor Ziyaad , Mahdi Shabir A. , Wanga Valentine , Suchdev Parminder S.
Published: February 2025

Anemia is an important cause of child morbidity and mortality. Postmortem point-of-care hemoglobin testing is a potential method for assessing anemia at death, but its reliability has not been extensively studied. We aimed to assess the feasibility and validity of postmortem point-of-care hemoglobin assessment using HemoCue in the setting of a child mortality surveillance program in South Africa.In a pilot cohort study, 44 children under five years of age who died in an academic hospital in South Africa were enrolled. Hemoglobin levels were measured from venous blood antemortem using standard hematology analyzers and postmortem using the HemoCue 201 from blood collected within 72 hours of death (either by needle aspiration or from whole blood collected in an EDTA tube). Updated World Health Organization hemoglobin cutoffs to define anemia were used. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, equivalence tests, and regression models assessed the concordance between antemortem and postmortem hemoglobin concentrations. Postmortem testing showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentrations compared to antemortem levels. However, no significant differences were found between hemoglobin measurements from needle aspiration and those from EDTA tubes postmortem. The prevalence of anemia increased from 52% antemortem to 73–77% postmortem, with the most notable rises in moderate and severe anemia. Bland-Altman analysis confirmed a systematic, not random, decrease in postmortem hemoglobin measurements. Upon applying a fixed adjustment of 2.5 g/dL, the sensitivity and specificity of postmortem hemoglobin testing to diagnose anemia were 69.6% and 61.9%, respectively. Postmortem point-of-care hemoglobin testing using HemoCue is feasible and offers a potentially valid reflection of antemortem anemia status in deceased children, despite consistently lower measured values postmortem. These findings support the utility of postmortem hemoglobin assessments in determining the presence and severity of anemia at the time of death.
Production risk and technical efficiency of dry-season vegetable farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana
Authors: Akolgo James Anaba , Osei-Asare Y. B. , Sarpong D. B. , Asem Freda E. , Quaye Wilhemina
Published: February 2025

The Ghanaian population is aware of the increasing health challenges in our health facilities and the need to consume more vegetables to improve their health status. This, coupled with population growth and changing consumer patterns has led to an increasing demand for vegetable products in Ghana. Smallholder farmers in the country have thus intensified the production of vegetables during the dry season to meet consumers’ demand and to generate income. However, their outputs have been lower than the country’s potential, so the research was conducted to identify the causes and determinants of the low yields. A total of 322 dry-season vegetable farmers in seven (7) districts in twenty-four (24) communities were selected from the Upper East Region of Ghana using a purposive random sampling technique. The Kumbhakar model was employed to compute the production risk, technical inefficiency and determinants of vegetable production in the region. The study reveals that the input variables: labour, seed, fertilizer, agrochemical and irrigation costs positively are related to the output value of vegetables with an increasing return to scale. In addition, labour, seed and agrochemical costs show a significant production risk-decreasing effect while the risk of vegetable production is reduced with fertilizer and irrigation costs. The study further depicts that extension visits, experience, water pumps and gravity-fed irrigation systems positively affect the technical efficiency of dry-season vegetable production. Again, given the current state of technology and resources available to the farmers, enhancing the vegetable outputs could be achieved by reducing the technical inefficiencies by 27% while considering the effects of production risk. The study concludes that the farmers can improve the output of the vegetable farms for higher income by adopting the best vegetable production practices such as efficient water-saving irrigation technologies and fertilizer usage while adopting the knowledge from the extension training to improve their technical efficiency.
Magnetic effects of thaumatin crystals; observation of crystal growth by magneto-Archimedes levitation and magnetic orientation
Authors: Maki Syou , Fujiwara Masao , Fujiwara Yoshihisa , Nakabayashi Makoto , Morimoto Shotaro , Tanaka Seiichi , Fujiwara Seiji , Hagiwara Masayuki , Inaka Kohji
Published: February 2025

We examined the magnetic effect of thaumatin crystals, which are a well known model of protein crystals but which have hardly been studied for that effect. We succeeded in crystallizing thaumatin by magnetic levitation based on the magneto-Archimedes effect by the addition of the paramagnetic substance gadolinium chloride. We also carried out a chronological observation of the levitation process in a superconducting magnet, and visualized the magnetic orientation of the crystals by applying a magnetic field along the horizontal direction. In another major result, we carried out a diffraction experiment and performed a structural analysis of the crystals. We noticed from the results that no electron density from the gadolinium ion could be observed in the crystals. This suggests the possibility that the paramagnetic substance of the aqueous precipitant solution helps only to promote the crystals’ levitation, and has little effect on thaumatin crystallization.
Protective effects of Colla Corii Asini Collagen Peptides on D-galactose injection combined with UVB irradiation-induced aging in mice
Authors: Luo Qingdi , Zhang Song , Sun Zhuo , Wang Zhihao , Yue Qiulin , Sun Xin , Tian Li , Li Baojun , Li Kunlun , Zhao Chen , Zhao Lin , Su Le
Published: February 2025

Skin aging, autonomic mobility, memory function and physical deterioration are important features of aging, and effective anti-aging treatments are important in slowing down these processes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the protective effect of Colla Corii Asini (Ejiao) Collagen Peptides (CCACPs) on D-galactose (D-gal) injection combined with UV irradiation-induced senescence in mice. BY-HEALTH collagen oral solution (Bcos) was used as a positive control. Behavioural experiments showed that CCACPs significantly improved voluntary activity, learning memory and exercise endurance in aging mice. Elisa results showed that CCACPs reduced the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3 in the skin, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and azelaic aminotransferase (AST) in the liver of mice, while increasing the levels of collagen I in the skin and SOD in the brain. RT-qPCR revealed that CCACPs reduced the expression of p16, p19 and p21 genes in the liver and hippocampus, as well as the expression of IL-6 in the skin. Histological analysis of brain hippocampus, liver and skin confirmed the protective effects of CCACPs. The findings indicated that CCACPs may potentially slow the aging effects caused by D-galactose and UVB exposure in mice by reducing cellular senescence and oxidative stress levels. The results of this research provide the scientific basis for continuing to advance the extraction of collagen peptides from Colla Corii Asini as a potential anti-aging therapy.
Biomonitoring and Health Risk Assessment of Arsenic Contamination in Drinking Water among Rural Residents in Western Tehran
Authors: Harati Motahareh , Tabatabaei Jabali Seyed Mohammad , Abdossalami Asl Yousef , Chinichian Mahdi , Donyavi Tahereh , Bahari Niloufar , Jalilvand Hadi , Kassiri Negin , Asadgol Zahra
Published: February 2025

Arsenic is a widespread environmental contaminant that poses a significant threat to global health due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Given the high levels of arsenic found in the drinking water of western areas of Tehran, the objective of this study was to analyze levels of arsenic in multiple biological samples (blood, hair, and nails) collected from residents living in these areas. This cross-sectional study was conducted over three weeks in November 2022 in five villages. A total of 67 residents from these villages were included in the exposure group. Analysis of arsenic was carried out by using the Perkin Elmer Optima 8000 ICP-OES instrument coupled with the FIAS 100 flow injection module after sample digestion. The average concentration of arsenic in people’s blood was 4.19 μg/l, which exceeds the standard limit of ATSDR (1 μg/l) by about 4 times. Additionally, 47.8% of blood samples exceeded the standard, while for nail and hair samples, the percentages were 22.4% and 13.4%, respectively. Water samples showed the highest percentage above the standard, with 67.2%. There is no significant relationship between arsenic levels in drinking water, hair and blood. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between the concentration of arsenic in drinking water and nail samples. The mean of hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) indices of arsenic in drinking water suggest that the daily intake levels of the examined arsenic in the study area exceeded the acceptable thresholds ((HQ < 1) and (CR < 1 × 10−4)). Although this study demonstrated elevated arsenic exposure among the population in western Tehran, our findings showed no significant correlation between arsenic concentrations in drinking water and biological samples. Therefore, further research is required to identify other potential exposure pathways and develop targeted intervention strategies. Additionally, remediation measures to improve water quality remain essential in this rural area.
LIPG-mediated regulation of lipid deposition and proliferation in goat intramuscular preadipocytes involves the PPARα signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yinggui , Huang Lian , Zhu JiangJiang , Zhang Wenyang , Tang Yinmei , Yang Changheng , Lin Yaqiu , Wang Yong , Xiang Hua
Published: February 2025

Endothelial lipase (LIPG), a member of the triglyceride lipase family, plays an essential role in human diseases and lipid metabolism. However, its function in goat intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the LIPG gene in IMF deposition by knocking down and overexpressing it in goat intramuscular preadipocytes. We successfully cloned the full-length LIPG gene, which spans 2,131 bp, including a 94 bp 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR), a 1,503 bp coding sequence (CDS), and a 534 bp 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR). Tissue expression profiles showed that LIPG is expressed in the heart, liver, spleen, Kidney, longest dorsal muscle, and small intestine tissues of goats. LIPG knockdown significantly inhibited both the proliferation of intramuscular preadipocytes and lipid deposition. Moreover, LIPG knockdown markedly decreased mRNA expression of FASN, LPL, CPT1A, CPT1B, FABP3, while increasing the mRNA expression of ATGL, ACOX1, FADS1, and ELOVL6. These findings were further corroborated through LIPG overexpression experiments. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified 1695 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the negative control (NC) and LIPG knockdown (Si-LIPG) groups, with KEGG pathway analysis revealing significant enrichment in the PPAR signaling pathway. Additionally, LIPG knockdown significantly upregulated the expression of both mRNA and protein levels of PPARα. The PPARα agonist WY14643 was able to reverse the enhanced lipid deposition induced by LIPG overexpression. In conclusion, our study highlights a key role for LIPG in the regulation of goat intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation and lipid deposition, potentially through the PPARα signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing IMF deposition and suggest potential strategies for improving goat meat quality.
Factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in elderly individuals: A protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Batista Francisco de Assis Moura , Araújo Juliana Iscarlaty Freire de , Soares Fernanda Cunha , Schlosser Thalyta Cristina Mansano , Seixas Clarissa Terenzi , Nobre Thaiza Teixeira Xavier
Published: February 2025

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease with a significant impact on public health, with the pulmonary form being the most critical. The disease poses numerous risks to the elderly population, as it often manifests concomitantly with other age-related illnesses, thereby complicating its diagnosis and management. Several causal and associated factors contribute to the disease.

Objective

The objective of this manuscript is to present a scoping review protocol aimed at mapping the available literature on factors associated with and contributing to the incidence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) in the elderly.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review protocol was developed following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR checklist, and it has been registered on the Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/DHQVP). The databases to be searched include Medline via PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, as well as gray literature through Google Scholar and the Brazilian Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) Thesis and Dissertation Catalog. The search strategy is grounded on a research question formulated using the PCC acronym (P–Population; C–Concept; C–Context). Peer-reviewed journal articles, scientific books, editorials, conference proceedings, and theses/dissertations published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish between 2014 and 2024 will be included.

Discussion

Elderly individuals are more susceptible to diseases due to the natural decline in immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. In this age group, symptoms are often difficult to detect. Understanding the causal and associated factors of the disease contributes to favorable outcomes and helps reduce the transmission chain to the rest of the population.
Global prevalence of elevated estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure in clinically stable children and adults with sickle cell disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghazaiean Mobin , Darvishi-Khezri Hadi , Najafi Behnam , Karami Hossein , Kosaryan Mehrnoush
Published: February 2025

Background

The current study sought to determine the prevalence of elevated estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) in clinically stable children and adults with sickle cell disease)SCD(worldwide.

Methods

The studies included were identified through a search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Embase, as well as Google Scholar engine, adhering to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Heterogeneity among the primary study results was assessed using the I-squared index, while publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots, Egger’s test, and trim and fill analysis. All statistical analyses were conducted using R software, version 4.3.0.

Results

79 primary studies were included, comprising 6,256 children (<18 years old) and 6,582 adults (≥18 years old) with SCD from 22 countries. The prevalence of elevated ePASP was found to be 21.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.46 to 25.07) in children and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.1 to 34.1) in adults. The prevalence of elevated ePASP among studies with severe SCD genotypes including HbSS and HbS/β0 was found to be 19.45% (95% CI: 14.95 to 23.95) in children and 29.55% (95% CI: 24.21 to 34.89) in adults. Furthermore, sex-specific prevalence among SCD patients with elevated ePASP indicated the highest prevalence in male children at 60.35% (95% CI: 54.82 to 65.88) and adult female patients at 54.41% (95% CI: 47.3 to 61.5). A comparative analysis of the mean values of clinical and laboratory results revealed significant differences in several characteristics, including age, oxygen saturation, hemoglobin levels, fetal hemoglobin, white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and reticulocyte counts between patients with elevated ePASP and those without, in both children and adult SCD populations.

Conclusion

Our findings regarding clinically stable SCD patients highlight a high prevalence of elevated ePASP.
Re-evaluation of the psychometric properties of ATE following changes in euthanasia regulations in Spain
Authors: Lerma-García Daniel , Parra-Fernandez María Laura , Romero-Blanco Cristina , Martínez-Rodriguez Sandra , Onieva-Zafra María Dolores
Published: February 2025

Understanding healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward euthanasia, especially within teams assisting patients who request it, is essential for providing appropriate support throughout the process. The objectives of this study were to re-adapt and validate the Attitude Towards Euthanasia Scale for the Spanish context, to examine its dimensional structure, and to estimate its reliability, particularly in light of the 2021 regulation of euthanasia in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 778 healthcare professionals from the Balearic Health Service. Data collection involved a self-reported sociodemographic questionnaire and the Attitude Towards Euthanasia Scale. The scale’s psychometric properties were assessed through reliability and validity tests, including confirmatory factor analysis. The Attitude Towards Euthanasia Scale demonstrated strong reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of α = 0.889 and item homogeneity ranging from 0.66 to 0.78. Factor loadings were reported for four models, including a unidimensional model and models with two, three, and four factors. The two-factor model explained 64.51% of the variance, with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.873. Fit indices indicated good model fit: root mean square residual = 0.040, goodness-of-fit index = 0.960, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.927, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.069. After performing a Parallel Analysis, two loading factor were found. The adapted version of the Attitude Towards Euthanasia Scale, aligned with the current societal and legislative context, is a valid and reliable tool for assessing healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward euthanasia, with psychometric properties consistent with the original version.
Depression’s double-edged impact on body mass index. A hidden catalyst for non-communicable diseases in South Africa’s aging population in long-term care facilities
Authors: Naidoo Shane , Naidoo Nirmala
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The global population of older people, who have a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, is on an upward trajectory, notably in South Africa. The expansion of this demographic will further strain an already overwhelmed healthcare system, primarily taxed by infectious diseases in younger populations. Physical activity has been shown to effectively reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases in older people.

Objective

To investigate the associations between depression, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity and its complex interplay on non-communicable diseases in older people residing in South African long-term care facilities.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 396 participants residing in South African rural and urban long-term care facilities to analyse BMI, waist-hip ratio, physical activity and depression levels. The Geriatric Depression Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to evaluate depression and physical activity respectively.

Results

The sample had a mean BMI of 27.53 kg/m2 (95% CI [26.99, 28.07], SD = 5.49), with an obesity prevalence of 31.82%. Additionally, 35.10% of participants exhibited some degree of depressive symptoms. In an ordinal regression model BMI was a significant predictor (B = .10, p = .007) for increases in depression. Conversely in a linear regression model, depression (B = -2.01, p = .004) and physical activity (B = -.001, p = .008) were predictors for decreases in BMI.

Conclusion

The relationship between depression and BMI in older people is complex, with depression often leading to both weight loss and, conversely, increased BMI contributing to a higher risk of depression. Physical activity serves as a critical intervention, helping to reduce both BMI and depressive symptoms among older people residing in long-term care facilities. This underscores the importance of integrating PA programs into care strategies to improve overall health and well-being in this population.
Zika virus modulates arthropod histone methylation for its survival in mosquito cells
Authors: Harrell Telvin , Basak Swarnendu , Sultana Hameeda , Neelakanta Girish
Published: February 2025

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne human pathogen that causes mild febrile illness in adults and severe neurological complications and microcephaly in newborns. Studies have reported that ZIKV modulates methylation of human and viral RNA critical for its replication in vertebrate cells. In this study, we show that ZIKV modulates mosquito S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe)-synthase, an enzyme involved in the production of SAMe (methyl donor), and histone methylation for its survival in mosquito cells. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR followed by immunoblotting analysis showed increased amounts of SAMe synthase at both RNA and protein levels, respectively, in C6/36 mosquito cells infected with ZIKV at day 1 post infection (p.i.). Increased levels of SAMe was noted upon ZIKV infection at day 1 p.i in mosquito cells. In addition, increased EZH2 histone methyl transferase-like gene transcripts and methylated histone (H3K27me3) levels were evident in mosquito cells upon ZIKV infection. Exogenous addition of SAMe to mosquito cells showed increased ZIKV loads and EZH2 histone methyl transferase-like gene transcript levels. Furthermore, treatment of mosquito cells with EZH2 inhibitor resulted in reduced histone methylation and ZIKV loads. Collectively, our study provides novel information in understanding the importance of SAMe and histone methylation in the survival of ZIKV in its arthropod vector.
Decoding impermanent narratives: A study of transient migrants as digital influencers on YouTube
Authors: Gupta Gunjan , Banerjee Tanushri
Published: February 2025

Students migrate from India annually for higher education in large numbers. Social media has become an essential network for disseminating information related to aspects of migration like student visas, college applications, residence and finances. YouTube engages vigorously in this dispersion of information. Many times, the sources of these kinds of information are found to be transient migrants themselves. YouTubers and influencers like Tushar Bareja, Nidhi Nagori, Gursahib Singh, Bani Singh and Saloni Verma, among others, have made a niche, creating content and sharing information about the experience of being a transient migrant. Much like the status of being transient, creating one’s brand on social media is both dynamic and fleeting, which cannot be defined in a sense of permanence. The analysis of content created by YouTube influencers enables an insight into the definition of transient migrant identity. The topics that are covered in the content showcase the particular components of international student life that add to the concept of a transient migrant identity. The article attempts to ask the question of how the YouTube videos made by student migrants end up contributing to the transient migrant identity. It also attempts to decipher how the transient identity itself is packaged as a commodity to be monetized by these student migrant influencers on YouTube. Using theoretical frameworks of influencer culture, social media and migration, the article attempts to unravel the workings of YouTube in commodifying the transient migrant experience.
Remote sensing in the estimation of evapotranspiration of tomato cultivation for industrial processing
Authors: Sena Carolina Carvalho Rocha , Júnior José Alves , Souza João Mauricio Fernandes , Evangelista Adão Wagner Pego , Battisti Rafael , Casaroli Derblai , Junior Elson de Jesus Antunes
Published: February 2025

This study evaluated the performance of the SAFER and METRIC algorithms to estimate the actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of irrigated tomato crops for industrial processing in the south-central region of Goiás, Brazil. The research was conducted in eight tomato-producing areas using center-pivot irrigation during the 2018 and 2019 harvests. Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS satellite images (temporal resolution of 16 days) helped estimate ETa through the SAFER e METRIC models compared with FAO methods, using the single crop coefficient (Kc) of the FAO-56/Embrapa and the soil water balance (BHS) method based on statistical indices. The analyzed algorithms presented spatiotemporal variations for ETa during the tomato crop cycle for industrial processing. The maximum evapotranspiration estimated by SAFER was 5.20 mm d-1, and by METRIC was 5.00 mm d-1. The algorithms were accurate compared with the standard methods, mainly the FAO using Embrapa’s Kc. The mean squared error was lower than 0.59 mm d-1 for SAFER and lower than 0.73 mm d-1 for METRIC. The ETa estimated by both models in the vegetative and fructification phases was lower than the mean absolute error of 0.24 mm d-1 compared with the standard methods. The SAFER model showed higher agreement with standard practices than the METRIC model, with an index between 0.64 and 0.99. This study demonstrated that algorithms may effectively estimate ETa in tomato crops for industrial processing in the analyzed region.
Professional and qualification development of enterprise personnel in terms of human capital theory
Authors: Samborskyi Oleksandr , Renkas Jurij
Published: February 2025

The subject of the consideration of this article is the theoretically based concept of determining fair remuneration for the personnel of an enterprise who decide to continue their education or upgrade their professional skills. The basic theory that is taken in the article as the basis for determining the level of remuneration is the theory of human capital developed by M. Dobija. The model uses the capitalization rate, which determines the measure of spontaneous natural attrition of human capital and is related to the size of the constant a = 0.08 [1/year].
Perceptions of female students toward video conferencing technology at AOU-KSA.
Authors: M Aman Abdulrazak , Shiratuddin Norshuhada
Published: February 2025

Educational institutes are incorporating technology in their teaching methods to facilitate their students. The female students in Saudi Arabia, studying at Arab Open University have to attend lectures from male teachers through video conferencing due to religious restrictions. The institutes ensure to facilitate the students in every aspect to make learning process convenient. Whereas, at times there are some issues that may linger on and cause a disturbance in the learning environment. This study aims to find out the opinion of female students at AOU who have to attend classes through video conferences. The purpose is to identify the issues in the video conference technology regarding the environment of the class, the technical facilities available to them, the kind of classrooms they study in how effective the video conference method is in interaction between the male instructors and the female students. Students seem to be neutral or at times satisfied with facilities available to them, however, in some matters, it is a close call, as some of the students may not be comfortable as others.Â Â Â Â
Phytoremediation of mixed reactive Azo dyes in contaminated water by Ceratophylum demersum and its toxicity analysis on other life forms
Authors: JV Priyanka , Gayathri Krishnaswamy Veena
Published: February 2025

Textile dyes are toxic in nature as they exert various harmful effects on living organisms. These effluents are the main source pollutant to various ecosystems, especially to soil. In this study, mixed azo dye from a local fabric dyeing industry were analysed for their toxicity effects on Trigonella foenum graecum, Lampito mauritii, and bacterial pathogens. The results presented in the study showed that the toxicity of the mixed azo dye prompted Trigonella foenum graecum root and shoot growth inhibition on 1000 ppm of mixed azo dye contaminated soil, and this effect decreased when performed on remediated soils with higher concentrations of the effluents. Phytoremediation of water contaminated with different concentrations of mixed azo dye solutions was performed using Ceratophylum demersum where, the dye removal percentage was minimal and the plant couldnâ€™t sustain more than 500 ppm of dye. Dye toxicity on earth worms showed increased percentage of protein content of the body in response to stress (azo dye). These results revealed that the textile dyes we toxic to eukaryotic cells and that can potentially lead to adverse health conditions. Further their toxicity was also tested against earthworms and pathogenic bacterial strains.Â Â Â Â
Major barriers to the enforcement and violation of building codes and regulations: a global perspective
Authors: F. Fakunle Funke , Opiti Chibuzo , A. Sheikh Ahmed , A. Fashina Adebayo
Published: February 2025

For centuries now, building codes have been a vital instrument for minimizing susceptibility to natural hazards. These codes are guides to architects and engineers when designing new buildings or renovating existing buildings in vulnerable areas. However, the productive implementation of building codes demands a good institutional structure and training of construction practitioners including artisan. This implies that the introduction of building codes and its proper administration will not be effective unless there is a strategic plan for its enforcement process. This is because the deficiencies and violations of building codes/regulations could lead to a large number of shortcomings, particularly regarding the minimum requirements for public health, safety, general welfare, building quality and environmental protection. It is thus clear that there is a need to explore the barriers associated with the implementation and enforcement of building codes/regulations in different countries. This paper seeks to provide a better understanding on the major barriers to the enforcement and violation of building codes and regulations from a global perspective by reviewing building codes, exploring how they are enforced and the penalties for non-compliances in different countries. Finally, this paper concludes that some of the building codes and regulations are too complex for construction and building professional, and as such, many countries still struggle to understand the proper enforcement of building codes.Â Â