bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkages between rumen microbiome, host, and environment in yaks, and their implications for understanding animal production and management
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Dong Yuntao , Guo Wei , Zhang Xiao , Degen A. Allan , Bi Sisi , Ding Luming , Chen Xiang , Long Ruijun
Published: January 2024

Livestock on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is of great importance for the livelihood of the local inhabitants and the ecosystem of the plateau. The natural, harsh environment has shaped the adaptations of local livestock while providing them with requisite eco-services. Over time, unique genes and metabolic mechanisms (nitrogen and energy) have evolved which enabled the yaks to adapt morphologically and physiologically to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The rumen microbiota has also co-evolved with the host and contributed to the host's adaptation to the environment. Understanding the complex linkages between the rumen microbiota, the host, and the environment is essential to optimizing the rumen function to meet the growing demands for animal products while minimizing the environmental impact of ruminant production. However, little is known about the mechanisms of host-rumen microbiome-environment linkages and how they ultimately benefit the animal in adapting to the environment. In this review, we pieced together the yak's adaptation to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau ecosystem by summarizing the natural selection and nutritional features of yaks and integrating the key aspects of its rumen microbiome with the host metabolic efficiency and homeostasis. We found that this homeostasis results in higher feed digestibility, higher rumen microbial protein production, higher short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, and lower methane emissions in yaks when compared with other low-altitude ruminants. The rumen microbiome forms a multi-synergistic relationship among the rumen microbiota services, their communities, genes, and enzymes. The rumen microbial proteins and SCFAs act as precursors that directly impact the milk composition or adipose accumulation, improving the milk or meat quality, resulting in a higher protein and fat content in yak milk and a higher percentage of protein and abundant fatty acids in yak meat when compared to dairy cow or cattle. The hierarchical interactions between the climate, forage, rumen microorganisms, and host genes have reshaped the animal's survival and performance. In this review, an integrating and interactive understanding of the host-rumen microbiome environment was established. The understanding of these concepts is valuable for agriculture and our environment. It also contributes to a better understanding of microbial ecology and evolution in anaerobic ecosystems and the host-environment linkages to improve animal production.
Hypervirulent clonal complex (CC) of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh produce from urban communities
Authors: Amarasekara Nirosha Ruwani , Swamy Amrita Subramanya , Paudel Sumit Kumar , Jiang Wentao , Li KaWang , Shen Cangliang , Zhang Yifan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and virulome of Listeria in fresh produce distributed in urban communities.

Methods

A total of 432 fresh produce samples were collected from farmer’s markets in Michigan and West Virginia, USA, resulting in 109 pooled samples. Listeria spp. were isolated and L. monocytogenes was subjected to genoserogrouping by PCR and genotyping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and core-genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) were conducted for clonal identification.

Results

Forty-eight of 109 samples (44.0%) were contaminated with Listeria spp. L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a and 4b were recovered from radishes, potatoes, and romaine lettuce. Four clonal complexes (CC) were identified and included hypervirulent CC1 (ST1) and CC4 (ST219) of lineage I as well as CC7 (ST7) and CC11 (ST451) of lineage II. Clones CC4 and CC7 were present in the same romaine lettuce sample. CC1 carried Listeria pathogenicity island LIPI-1 and LIPI-3 whereas CC4 contained LIPI-1, LIPI-3, and LIPI-4. CC7 and CC11 had LIPI-1 only.

Discussion

Due to previous implication in outbreaks, L. monocytogenes hypervirulent clones in fresh produce pose a public health concern in urban communities.
Study protocol of a double-blind randomized control trial of transcranial direct current stimulation in post-stroke fatigue
Authors: Tang Wai Kwong , Lu Hanna , Leung Thomas Wai Hong , Kim Jong S. , Fong Kenneth Nai Kuen
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a frequent problem in stroke survivors and often hinders their rehabilitation. PSF is difficult to treat, and pharmacological therapy is often ineffective. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate motor, sensory, cognitive and behavioral responses, as it alters neuronal activity by delivering a small amount of current via the scalp to the cortex, resulting in prolonged alterations to brain function. tDCS has been studied for the treatment of fatigue associated with other neurological diseases, namely, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and post-polio syndrome.

Aims

This proposed project will examine the effect of tDCS on PSF.

Sample size estimates

We will recruit 156 participants aged 18 to 80 with chronic stroke and allocate them equally to two groups (i.e., n = 78 per group).

Methods and design

This proposed project will be a double-blind randomized control trial. The participants will be randomly divided into two groups. The control group will receive sham tDCS, and the treatment group will receive active tDCS. The latter treatment will involve application of a constant 2-mA current via one 5 × 5-cm anodal electrode positioned on the scalp over the C3 or C4 positions (motor cortex) of the lesioned hemisphere and one cathodal electrode positioned at the ipsilateral shoulder in two 20-min sessions per day for 5 days. The period of follow-up will be 4 weeks.

Study outcome(s)

The primary outcome measure will be a change in fatigue severity, as measured using the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS). The participants’ scores on the MFIS (total score and physical, cognitive and psychosocial subscores) will be collected before treatment (T0), after 10 treatment sessions, i.e., 1 day after the fifth treatment day (T1), and 1 week (T2), 2 weeks (T3) and 4 weeks (T4) thereafter. Both per-protocol analysis and intention-to-treat analysis will be performed.

Discussion

This proposed project will provide proof-of-concept, i.e., demonstrate the benefits of tDCS for the treatment of PSF. The beneficiaries are the subjects participated in the study. This will stimulate further research to optimize tDCS parameters for the treatment of PSF.

Clinical trial registration

www.Chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2100052515.
Phosphosulindac (OXT-328) prevents and reverses chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in mice
Authors: Basu Aryah , Yang Jennifer Y. , Tsirukis Vasiliki E. , Loiacono Andrew , Koch Gina , Khwaja Ishan A. , Krishnamurthy Mahila , Fazio Nicholas , White Emily , Jha Aayushi , Shah Shrila , Takmil Cameron , Bagdas Deniz , Demirer Aylin , Master Adam , Natke Ernest , Honkanen Robert , Huang Liqun , Rigas Basil
Published: January 2024

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a side effect of chemotherapy, is particularly difficult to treat. We explored whether phosphosulindac (PS), a modified NSAID, could treat CIPN.

Methods

CIPN was induced in male C57BL/6 J mice by paclitaxel, vincristine or oxaliplatin. Mechanical allodynia was measured with the von Frey test and cold allodynia with the acetone test. To determine the preventive effect of PS, it was administered 2 days before the induction of CIPN. Mouse Lewis lung carcinoma xenografts were used to determine if PS altered the chemotherapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel. Cultured cell lines were used to evaluate the effect of PS on neuroinflammation.

Results

Treatment with each of the three chemotherapeutic agents used to induce CIPN lowered the mechanical allodynia scores by 56 to 85% depending on the specific agent. PS gel was applied topically 3x/day for 16–22 days to the hind paws of mice with CIPN. This effect was dose-dependent. Unlike vehicle, PS returned mechanical allodynia scores back to pre-CIPN levels. PS had a similar effect on paclitaxel-induced CIPN cold allodynia. Sulindac, a metabolite of PS, had no effect on CIPN. PS significantly prevented CIPN compared to vehicle. Given concomitantly with paclitaxel to mice with lung cancer xenografts, PS relieved CIPN without affecting the anticancer effect of paclitaxel. The enantiomers of PS were equally efficacious against CIPN, suggesting the therapeutic suitability of the racemate PS. There were no apparent side effects of PS. PS suppressed the levels of IL-6, IL-10, CXCL1, and CXCL2 induced by paclitaxel in a neuroblastoma cell line, and macrophage activation to the M1 proinflammatory phenotype.

Conclusion

Topically applied PS demonstrated broad therapeutic and preventive efficacy against CIPN, preserved the anticancer effect of paclitaxel, and was safe. Its anti-CIPN effect appears to be mediated, in part, by suppression of neuroinflammation. These data support further evaluation of topical PS for the control of CIPN.
Association of major dietary patterns with socioeconomic status, obesity, and contracting COVID-19 among Iranian adults
Authors: Maharat Maryam , Rahimlou Mehran , Sioofi Ali , Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Moosavian Seyedeh Parisa
Published: January 2024

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic clearly affected the lifestyle and dietary habits of millions of people worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of major dietary patterns with socioeconomic status, obesity, and contracting COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey for data collection with a total of 1,187 participants (over the age of 18 years) who reported their sociodemographic details, anthropometric index (weight and height), and dietary intake. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between major dietary patterns and study outcomes.

Results

A total of 1,106 adults were included in the current analysis. We identified three major dietary patterns (plant-based, meat, and Western dietary patterns). The mean age of participants was significantly higher in the upper tertile of plant-based dietary patterns (DPs) compared to the first tertile, while it was lower in the top tertile of meat and Western DPs. The percentage of participants who lived in urban areas was significantly higher in the third tertile of meat DP than in the first tertile (p < 0.001). Moderate adherence to Western DP was significantly associated with increased odds of obesity (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.74). In addition, high adherence to Western DP was significantly related to increased odds of obesity after controlling for confounders. Subjects in the second tertile of the Western DP had higher odds (95% Cl: 1.04, 1.92) for COVID-19 infection than the first tertile.

Conclusion

This study showed that moderate and high adherence to a Western dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of obesity and COVID-19 infection during the pandemic. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Pediatric oncology drug development and dosage optimization
Authors: Cheung S. Y. Amy , Hay Justin L. , Lin Yu-Wei , de Greef Rik , Bullock Julie
Published: January 2024

Oncology drug discovery and development has always been an area facing many challenges. Phase 1 oncology studies are typically small, open-label, sequential studies enrolling a small sample of adult patients (i.e., 3-6 patients/cohort) in dose escalation. Pediatric evaluations typically lag behind the adult development program. The pediatric starting dose is traditionally referenced on the recommended phase 2 dose in adults with the incorporation of body size scaling. The size of the study is also small and dependent upon the prevalence of the disease in the pediatric population. Similar to adult development, the dose is escalated or de-escalated until reaching the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) that also provides desired biological activities or efficacy. The escalation steps and identification of MTD are often rule-based and do not incorporate all the available information, such as pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), tolerability and efficacy data. Therefore, it is doubtful if the MTD approach is optimal to determine the dosage. Hence, it is important to evaluate whether there is an optimal dosage below the MTD, especially considering the emerging complexity of combination therapies and the long-term tolerability and safety of the treatments. Identification of an optimal dosage is also vital not only for adult patients but for pediatric populations as well. Dosage-finding is much more challenging for pediatric populations due to the limited patient population and differences among the pediatric age range in terms of maturation and ontogeny that could impact PK. Many sponsors defer the pediatric strategy as they are often perplexed by the challenges presented by pediatric oncology drug development (model of action relevancy to pediatric population, budget, timeline and regulatory requirements). This leads to a limited number of approved drugs for pediatric oncology patients. This review article provides the current regulatory landscape, incentives and how they impact pediatric drug discovery and development. We also consider different pediatric cancers and potential clinical trial challenges/opportunities when designing pediatric clinical trials. An outline of how quantitative methods such as pharmacometrics/modelling & simulation can support the dosage-finding and justification is also included. Finally, we provide some reflections that we consider helpful to accelerate pediatric drug discovery and development.
Short-term and long-term survival outcomes for transrectal specimen extraction after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a propensity-score matching study
Authors: ReDati DaRebai , Li Weikun , Jiang Yujuan , Yang Xinhui , Lei Cheng , Wang Haijiang , Liang Jianwei
Published: January 2024

Background

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has been widely applied to the treatment of colorectal cancer. This study aim to investigate the short-term and survival outcomes of transrectal specimen extraction after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

Methods

From January 2016 to December 2021, a total of 166 consecutive patients with right colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Beijing Hospital were identified. Baseline data, perioperative parameters, anal function, inflammatory indicators and survival outcomes were collected and compared.

Results

Totally, 24 patients who underwent transrectal NOSE were matched with 24 patients who received conventional laparoscopic surgery (LAP). Patients in NOSES group had a significantly lower incidence of incision infection (0 vs 20.8%, P=0.048), faster recovery of gastrointestinal function (2.1 vs 3,1 days, P=0.032) compared with those in LAP group. In addition, patients in the NOSE group experienced significantly less postoperative pain on POD1 (2.3 vs 4.4, P<0.001), POD3 (2.1 vs 3.9, P<0.001), and POD5 (1.7 vs 2.8, P=0.011). Regarding to anal function 6 months after surgery, no significant difference was observed in Wexner incontinence scale (9.8 vs 9.5, P=0.559) between the two groups. In terms of indicators of the inflammatory response, there were no significant differences in body temperature, neutrophils, and PCT levels between the two groups. However, CRP levels in the NOSES group on POD 3 (6.9 vs 5.1 mg/L, P=0.016) and POD 5 (3.8 vs 2.6 mg/L, P=0.027) were significantly higher than in the LAP group. With regarded to survival outcomes, patients in the NOSES group were similar to those in the LAP group for 3-year OS (100% vs 91.2%, P=0.949), 3-year DFS (86.2% vs 84.8%, P=0.949), and 3-year LRFS (94.2% vs 88.7%, P=0.549).

Conclusion

For total laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, transrectal NOSE is effective and safe, and associated with lower incidence of wound infection, less pain, faster recovery, and similar survival outcomes compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Effects of surgical management for gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients with liver metastasis on survival outcomes
Authors: Liu Lei , Xia Xiaomin , Ju Yiheng , Zhang Simeng , Shi Ning , Du Yongxing , Zhan Hanxiang , Liu Shanglong
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To investigate the effect of surgical resection on survival in gastrointestinal stromal tumors synchronous liver metastasis (GIST-SLM) and to develop clinically usable predictive models for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients.

Methods

We identified patients in the SEER database diagnosed with GISTs from 2010 to 2019. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to balance the bias between the Surgery and No surgery groups. Kaplan-Meier(K-M) analysis was used to detect differences in OS and CSS between the two groups. The nomogram to predict 1, 3, and 5-year OS and CSS were developed and evaluated.

Results

After PSM, 228 patients were included in this study. There were significant differences in 1, 3, and 5-year OS and CSS between the two groups (OS: 93.5% vs. 84.4%, 73.2% vs. 55.3%, 60.9% vs. 36.9%, P=0.014; CSS: 3.5% vs.86.2%,75.3% vs.57.9%, 62.6% vs. 42.9%, P=0.02). We also found that patients who received surgery combined with targeted therapy had better OS and CSS at 1, 3, and 5 years than those who received surgery only (OS: 96.6% vs.90.9%, 74.9% vs. 56.8%, 61.7% vs. 35.5%, P=0.022; CSS: 96.6% vs. 92.1%, 77.4% vs.59.2%,63.8% vs. 42.0%, P=0.023). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.774, 0.737, and 0.741 for 1, 3, and 5-year OS, respectively, with 0.782 and 0.742 for 1, 3, and 5-year CSS. In the model, C-index was 0.703 for OS and 0.705 for CSS and showed good consistency.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment can improve the OS and CSS of patients with GIST-SLM. In addition, the combination with chemotherapy may be more favorable for the long-term survival of patients. Meanwhile, we constructed the nomograms for predicting OS and CSS at 1, 3, and 5-year, and validated them internally. Our model can contribute to clinical management and treatment strategy optimization.
Basic motor competencies in Slovak children from the 3rd and 4th grade elementary age group
Authors: Šiška Ľuboslav , Mačura Peter , Hubinák Andrej , Krška Peter , Sedláček Jaromír , Blahutová Anna , Zvonař Martin , Kohútová Katarína , Štefan Lovro
Published: January 2024

Background

The development of movement skills is the basic goal of physical and sports education. Their level is a determining factor in the subsequent involvement of the child in physical activities. Goal is to contribute to the knowledge of basic motor competencies (BMC) in the 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls from elementary schools.

Methods

We collected data from 468 children (Mage = 9.6, SD = 0.6 years; 228 girls and 240 boys) from 16 third grade and 16 fourth grade classes at ten elementary schools in different parts (central, west, north) of the Slovak Republic. The primary data on the basic motor competencies of the examined groups were obtained by means of the MOBAK-3 test battery. Construct validity was analyzed by confirmatory factorial analysis and relationships between BMC and age, gender and BMI were analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Results

Boys had a better performance in object movement activities than the girls p < 0.01. Situation in self-movement activities was different, girls had a better performance than boys p < 0.05. The general expectation that grade is a factor to improve the performance in basic motor competencies in the compared 3rd- and 4th-graders was not clearly fulfilled. This assumption was only confirmed in girls (object movement p < 0.05, self movement p < 0.01). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of basic motor competencies on object-movement and self-movement, while gender, BMI and age were confirmed as significant covariances.

Conclusions

The theory of BMC in the 3rd- and 4th-graders at elementary schools is an appropriate method to uncover the grounds for a positive attitude to physical activities later in life.
Cardioprotective and hypotensive mechanistic insights of hydroethanolic extract of Cucumis melo L. kernels in isoprenaline-induced cardiotoxicity based on metabolomics and in silico electrophysiological models
Authors: Wahid Muqeet , Saqib Fatima , Abbas Ghulam , Shah Shahid , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Albekairi Thamer H. , Ali Anam , Khurm Muhammad , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: January 2024

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to threaten health worldwide, and account for a significant portion of deaths and illnesses. In both developing and industrialized nations, they challenge their health systems. There are several traditional uses of Cucurbitaceae seeds in Pakistan, India, Iran, and China, including treating cardiovascular, neurological, and urogenital diseases.

Methods: In the present work, integrated techniques of metabolomics profiling and computational cardiomyocyte stimulation were used to investigate possible mechanisms of C. melo in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction. In vitro, vasoconstrictions, paired atria, and in vivo invasive blood pressure measurement models were performed to explore the mechanism of action of C. melo hydroethanolic seed extract (Cm-EtOH).

Results: Results showed that Cm-EtOH demonstrates NO-based endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) vasorelaxant response, negative chronotropic and inotropic response in the atrium, and hypotensive effects in normotensive rats. Results also revealed that Cm-EtOH decreases cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reverts the altered gene expressions, biochemical, and metabolites in ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) rats. The extract additionally reversed ISO-induced MI-induced oxidative stress, energy consumption, and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, C. melo seeds increased EDRF function, energy production, and antioxidant capacity to treat myocardial and vascular disorders. In computational cardiomyocyte simulation, gallic acid reduced action potential duration, upstroke velocity (dV/dtmax), and effective refractory period.

Conclusion: This study highlights the therapeutic potential of C. melo seeds to treat cardiovascular diseases and provides mechanistic insight into its antihypertensive and cardioprotective activities.
Population pharmacokinetics and individualized dosing of tigecycline for critically ill patients: a prospective study with intensive sampling
Authors: Su Wei , Song Shuping , Liu Jieqiong , Yu Haitao , Feng Binbin , Wu Yinshan , Guo Feng , Yu Zhenwei
Published: January 2024

Background: Due to the heterogeneity of critically ill patients, the pharmacokinetics of tigecycline are unclear, and the optimal dosing strategy is controversial.

Methods: A single-center prospective clinical study that included critically ill patients who received tigecycline was performed. Blood samples were intensively sampled (eight samples each), and plasma drug concentrations were determined. A population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model was developed and evaluated by goodness-of-fit plots, bootstrap analysis and visual predictive checks. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to optimize the dosage regimen.

Results: Overall, 751 observations from 98 patients were included. The final PPK model was a two-compartment model incorporating covariates of creatinine clearance on clearance (CL), body weight on both central and peripheral volumes of distribution (V1 and V2), γ-glutamyl transferase and total bilirubin on intercompartment clearance (Q), and albumin on V2. The typical values of CL, Q, V1 and V2 were 3.09 L/h, 39.7 L/h, 32.1 L and 113 L, respectively. A dosage regimen of 50 mg/12 h was suitable for complicated intra-abdominal infections, but 100 mg/12 h was needed for community-acquired pneumonia, skin and skin structure infections and infections caused by less-susceptive bacteria.

Conclusion: The Tigecycline PPK model was successfully developed and validated. Individualized dosing of tigecycline could be beneficial for critically ill patients.
Charge identification of fragments produced in 16O beam interactions at 200 MeV/n and 400 MeV/n on C and C2H4 targets
Authors: Galati G. , Boccia V. , Alexandrov A. , Alpat B. , Ambrosi G. , Argirò S. , Barbanera M. , Bartosik N. , Battistoni G. , Bisogni M. G. , Bruni G. , Cavanna F. , Cerello P. , Ciarrocchi E. , Colombi S. , De Gregorio A. , De Lellis G. , Di Crescenzo A. , Di Ruzza B. , Donetti M. , Dong Y. , Durante M. , Faccini R. , Ferrero V. , Finck C. , Fiorina E. , Francesconi M. , Franchini M. , Franciosini G. , Galli L. , Ionica M. , Iuliano A. , Kanxheri K. , Kraan A. C. , La Tessa C. , Lauria A. , Torres E. Lopez , Magi M. , Manna A. , Marafini M. , Massa M. , Massimi C. , Mattei I. , Mengarelli A. , Mereghetti A. , Minniti T. , Moggi A. , Morone M. C. , Morrocchi M. , Muraro S. , Pastrone N. , Patera V. , Pennazio F. , Peverini F. , Placidi P. , Pullia M. , Ramello L. , Reidel C. , Ridolfi R. , Salvi L. , Sanelli C. , Sarti A. , Sato O. , Savazzi S. , Scavarda L. , Schiavi A. , Schuy C. , Scifoni E. , Sciubba A. , Servoli L. , Silvestre G. , Sitta M. , Spighi R. , Spiriti E. , Tioukov V. , Tomassini S. , Tommasino F. , Toppi M. , Traini G. , Trigilio A. , Ubaldi G. , Valetti A. , Vanstalle M. , Villa M. , Weber U. , Zarrella R. , Zoccoli A. , Montesi M. C.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Charged Particle Therapy plays a key role in the treatment of deep-seated tumours, because of the advantageous energy deposition culminating in the Bragg peak. However, knowledge of the dose delivered in the entrance channel is limited by the lack of data on the beam and fragmentation of the target.

Methods: The FOOT experiment has been designed to measure the cross sections of the nuclear fragmentation of projectile and target with two different detectors: an electronic setup for the identification of Z ≥ 3 fragments and a nuclear emulsion spectrometer for Z ≤ 3 fragments. In this paper, we analyze the data taken by exposing four nuclear emulsion spectrometers, with C and C2H4 targets, to 200 MeV/n and 400 MeV/n oxygen beams at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung (Darmstadt, Germany), and we report the charge identification of produced fragments based on the controlled fading induced on nuclear emulsion films.

Results: The goal of identifying fragments as heavy as lithium has been achieved.

Discussion: The results will contribute to a better understanding of the nuclear fragmentation process in charged particle therapy and have implications for refining treatment planning in the presence of deep-seated tumors.
The role of mitophagy in metabolic diseases and its exercise intervention
Authors: Tang Shaokai , Geng Yuanwen , Lin Qinqin
Published: January 2024

Mitochondria are energy factories that sustain life activities in the body, and their dysfunction can cause various metabolic diseases that threaten human health. Mitophagy, an essential intracellular mitochondrial quality control mechanism, can maintain cellular and metabolic homeostasis by removing damaged mitochondria and participating in developing metabolic diseases. Research has confirmed that exercise can regulate mitophagy levels, thereby exerting protective metabolic effects in metabolic diseases. This article reviews the role of mitophagy in metabolic diseases, the effects of exercise on mitophagy, and the potential mechanisms of exercise-regulated mitophagy intervention in metabolic diseases, providing new insights for future basic and clinical research on exercise interventions to prevent and treat metabolic diseases.
TaRECQ4 contributes to maintain both homologous and homoeologous recombination during wheat meiosis
Authors: Bazile Jeanne , Nadaud Isabelle , Lasserre-Zuber Pauline , Kitt Jonathan , De Oliveira Romain , Choulet Frédéric , Sourdille Pierre
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Meiotic recombination (or crossover, CO) is essential for gamete fertility as well as for alleles and genes reshuffling that is at the heart of plant breeding. However, CO remains a limited event, which strongly hampers the rapid production of original and improved cultivars. RecQ4 is a gene encoding a helicase protein that, when mutated, contributes to improve recombination rate in all species where it has been evaluated so far.

Methods

In this study, we developed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) triple mutant (TM) for the three homoeologous copies of TaRecQ4 as well as mutants for two copies and heterozygous for the last one (Htz-A, Htz-B, Htz-D).

Results

Phenotypic observation revealed a significant reduction of fertility and pollen viability in TM and Htz-B plants compared to wild type plants suggesting major defects during meiosis. Cytogenetic analyses of these plants showed that complete absence of TaRecQ4 as observed in TM plants, leads to chromosome fragmentation during the pachytene stage, resulting in problems in the segregation of chromosomes during meiosis. Htz-A and Htz-D mutants had an almost normal meiotic progression indicating that both TaRecQ4-A and TaRecQ4-D copies are functional and that there is no dosage effect for TaRecQ4 in bread wheat. On the contrary, the TaRecQ4-B copy seems knocked-out, probably because of a SNP leading to a Threonine>Alanine change at position 539 (T539A) of the protein, that occurs in the crucial helicase ATP bind/DEAD/ResIII domain which unwinds nucleic acids. Occurrence of numerous multivalents in TM plants suggests that TaRecQ4 could also play a role in the control of homoeologous recombination.

Discussion

These findings provide a foundation for further molecular investigations into wheat meiosis regulation to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of how TaRecQ4 affects chiasma formation, as well as to identify ways to mitigate these defects and enhance both homologous and homoeologous recombination efficiency in wheat.
Exercise self-efficacy remains unaltered during military service
Authors: Kekäläinen Tiia , Pulkka Antti-Tuomas , Kyröläinen Heikki , Ojanen Tommi , Helén Joonas , Pihlainen Kai , Heikkinen Risto , Vaara Jani P.
Published: January 2024

Background

Exercise self-efficacy is a crucial aspect of adopting and maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Regular physical activity may enhance exercise self-efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the baseline associations of physical fitness, physical activity, and body composition with exercise self-efficacy and the effects of military service on exercise self-efficacy. Methods: The sample consisted of healthy young Finnish conscripts (n = 243) undergoing military service. The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group undergoing a high-intensity functional training program (n = 113) and a control group undergoing traditional physical training within their military service (n = 130). Exercise self-efficacy (adoption and barrier) and aerobic and muscular fitness were measured thrice (baseline, month 3, and month 5). Self-reported leisure-time physical activity and measured fat percentage were collected at baseline.

Results

Adoption and barrier exercise self-efficacy correlated positively with aerobic and muscular fitness and leisure time physical activity (r = 0.33–0.59, p < 0.001), and barrier self-efficacy negatively with fat percentage (r = −0.15, p < 0.05) at baseline. No changes in adoption (time p = 0.912) and barrier self-efficacy (time p = 0.441) occurred during the military service. There were no differences between groups in these changes (group × time interaction p = 0.643 for adoption self-efficacy and p = 0.872 for barrier self-efficacy). Change in muscular fitness correlated positively with change in barrier self-efficacy in the high-intensity functional training group (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Exercise self-efficacy is positively associated with physical fitness and physical activity among young males. However, military service, whether it involves high-intensity functional physical training or more diverse traditional physical training, does not improve exercise self-efficacy.
Association between love breakup and suicidal ideation in Peruvian medical students: a cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Valladares-Garrido Danai , Zila-Velasque J. Pierre , Santander-Hernández Flor M. , Guevara-Morales Miguel A. , Morocho-Alburqueque Noelia , Failoc-Rojas Virgilio E. , Pereira-Victorio César Johan , Vera-Ponce Víctor J. , León-Figueroa Darwin A. , Valladares-Garrido Mario J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

We aimed to determine the association between a major romantic breakup and suicidal ideation in medical students from three universities in Peru.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first pandemic wave in 2021 on medical students from three universities in northern Peru. The outcome was suicidal ideation, measured with question nine of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were also used to assess mental health symptoms. The exposure was the experience of a major love breakup during the pandemic. In addition, its association with other covariates (age, sex, family members infected with COVID-19, deceased family members with COVID-19, insomnia, and anxiety, among others) was examined.

Results and discussions

Out of 370 students, 19.5% reported a major love breakup during the pandemic (95%CI: 15.5–23.8), and 34.3% had suicidal ideation (95%CI: 29.4–39.4). Having a major love breakup was associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (PR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.32–1.67, p < 0.001). Moderate insomnia (PR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.70–3.87, p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (PR: 1.94, 1.10–3.44, p = 0.023) were also associated with suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence of a significant association between a major love breakup and suicidal ideation. This finding emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this association and inform the development of effective suicide prevention policies in medical education.
Measuring for change/Mobile Creches
Authors: Vohra Chavi , Shah Minal , Mishra Atishi , Gupta Ankita
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Research spanning decades across fields such as psychology, education, and neuroscience consistently highlights the crucial role of social–emotional skills in various aspects of personal, academic, and professional development (1–3). The fact that UNESCO recognises social–emotional learning (SEL) as essential not just for meeting its educational objectives but also for accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals highlights the crucial role robust social–emotional development plays in establishing sustainable societies. Whilst various studies highlight the importance of SEL, there is limited attention on how organizations can contribute to building such development by consciously including SEL in their work practice.

Process/methods

Our case study presents the process of integrating SEL into organizational practice over a period of 9 months. The selected constructs of SEL were determined by the organisation’s needs and values. The Measurement for Change approach was used to frame and implement the intervention, with interactive discussions being the key methodology. Data were collected via surveys, reflective sharing, and observations.

Results

A shift in the selected constructs of SEL was recorded, with data highlighting individual differences.

Conclusion

The process of co-design and continual reflective practice was key to achieving change within the subset of the organisation rather than the specific content of the materials used.
Utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated net and its associated factors among pregnant women in Dawo district, Southwest Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Negasa Kumsa , Huluka Tufa Kolola , Yebassa Mecha Aboma , Waqkene Tolossa
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The use of long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) is one of the most effective malaria prevention strategies, particularly among pregnant women. It has mosquito-killing repellent and physical barrier properties. Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, and patients with HIV/AIDS, as well as non-immune migrants, mobile populations, and travelers, are the most vulnerable groups to malaria. Even when pregnant women are given priority, not all nets owned by households are used by pregnant women. Therefore, the risk of the occurrence of malaria during pregnancy is also high.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated net and its associated factors among pregnant women in Dawo district, Southwest Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods

A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in Dawo district, Southwest Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, from 21 to 30 April 2023. A total of 353 pregnant women were chosen through simple random sampling and interviewed face-to-face using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Before being exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23, the data were coded and entered into EPIDATA version 4.6. The study examined the prevalence of long-lasting insecticide-treated net use among pregnant women in the Dawo district using descriptive statistics. Analytical statistics, such as bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, were used to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Statistical significance was determined using a P-value of <0.05 and adjusted odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets were utilized by 55.5% (95% CI: 50.4–60.7%) of all pregnant participants in the study, which was below the national target. Pregnant women who have antenatal care (ANC) contact for current pregnancy adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 4.66, 95% CI: 1.95, 11.10), community-based health insurance (CBHI) enrollment (AOR = 2.38, 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.38, 4.11), children under 5 years of age (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.62, 4.43), understanding that malaria poses a risk to fetuses (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.26, 8.41), and LLINs access (AOR = 12.47, 95% CI: 3.98, 39.08), were factors that significantly associated with LLIN utilization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the utilization of LLINs was relatively low. ANC contact for current pregnancy, CBHI enrollment, having children under the age of 5, having a high income, and understanding that malaria poses a risk to fetuses were factors significantly associated with LLIN utilization among pregnant women.
Migration-related determinants of health-related quality of life of persons with direct migration background in Germany: a study based on the German Socio-Economic Panel
Authors: Grochtdreis Thomas , König Hans-Helmut , Dams Judith
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Persons with a direct migration background made up a share of around 17% of the total German population in the year 2020. Not much is known about migration-related determinants of health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of persons with direct migration background. This study aimed to analyze the associations between HrQoL, sociodemographic, and migration-related characteristics of persons with direct migration background in Germany.

Methods

The sample of this study was based on four waves (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020) of the migration samples (M1 and M2) of the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). The SF-12 was used to measure HrQoL using its mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summary scores. Missing information was replaced by multiple imputation by chained equations with predictive mean matching. Associations between HrQoL and sociodemographic and migration-related characteristics were examined using multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions.

Results

The mean MCS and PCS scores of persons with direct migration background

(n = 4,124) were 51.81 and 51.57, respectively. Being born in Russia was associated statistically significantly with a lower PCS score compared with non-east European and American/Oceanic countries. A longer period since migration to Germany was negatively associated with both MCS and PCS scores (both with p < 0.01). A steady relationship before migration was associated with a higher MCS score (+0.69, p = 0.017). Not feeling German and experiencing disadvantages due to origin were negatively associated with the MCS (both with p < 0.001). The oral ability in the German language was positively associated with the PCS score (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The time since migration to Germany, and the relationship status before migration may be determinants of HrQoL of persons with a direct migration background. Furthermore, connectedness with Germany, disadvantages due to origin and oral ability in the German language, representative of integration in Germany, can be potential determinants of HrQoL. Thus, integration of persons with migration background is crucial for their mental and physical HrQoL.
Assessing effectiveness of serious game training designed to assist in upper limb prosthesis rehabilitation
Authors: Maas Bart , Van Der Sluis Corry K. , Bongers Raoul M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Controlling a myoelectric upper limb prosthesis is difficult, therefore training is required. Since training with serious games showed promising results, the current paper focuses on game design and its effectivity for transfer between in-game skill to actual prosthesis use for proportional control of hand opening and control of switching between grips. We also examined training duration and individual differences.

Method

Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a task-specific serious game training group, a non-task-specific serious game training group and a control group. Each group performed a pre-test, mid-test and a post-test with five training sessions between each test moment. Test sessions assessed proportional control using the Cylinder test, a test designed to measure scaling of hand aperture during grabbing actions, and the combined use of proportional and switch control using the Clothespin Relocation Test, part of the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure and Tray Test. Switch control was assessed during training by measuring amplitude difference and phasing of co-contraction triggers.

Results

Differences between groups over test sessions were observed for proportional control tasks, however there was lack of structure in these findings. Maximum aperture changed with test moment and some participants adjusted maximum aperture for smaller objects. For proportional and switch control tasks no differences between groups were observed. The effect of test moment suggests a testing effect. For learning switch control, an overall improvement across groups was found in phasing of the co-contraction peaks. Importantly, individual differences were found in all analyses.

Conclusion

As improvements over test sessions were found, but no relevant differences between groups were revealed, we conclude that transfer effects from game training to actual prosthesis use did not take place. Task specificity nor training duration had effects on outcomes. Our results imply testing effects instead of transfer effects, in which individual differences played a significant role. How transfer from serious game training in upper limb prosthesis use can be enhanced, needs further attention.
Comparative study of time-frequency transformation methods for ECG signal classification
Authors: Song Min-Seo , Lee Seung-Bo
Published: January 2024

In this study, we highlighted the growing need for automated electrocardiogram (ECG) signal classification using deep learning to overcome the limitations of traditional ECG interpretation algorithms that can lead to misdiagnosis and inefficiency. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) application to ECG signals is gaining significant attention owing to their exceptional image-classification capabilities. However, we addressed the lack of standardized methods for converting 1D ECG signals into 2D-CNN-compatible input images by using time-frequency methods and selecting hyperparameters associated with these methods, particularly the choice of function. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of fine-tuned training, a technique where pre-trained weights are adapted to a specific dataset, on 2D-CNNs for ECG classification. We conducted the experiments using the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, focusing on classifying premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and abnormal heartbeats originating from ventricles. We employed several CNN architectures pre-trained on ImageNet and fine-tuned using the proposed ECG datasets. We found that using the Ricker Wavelet function outperformed other feature extraction methods with an accuracy of 96.17%. We provided crucial insights into CNNs for ECG classification, underscoring the significance of fine-tuning and hyperparameter selection in image transformation methods. The findings provide valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners, improving the accuracy and efficiency of ECG analysis using 2D-CNNs. Future research avenues may include advanced visualization techniques and extending CNNs to multiclass classification, expanding their utility in medical diagnosis.