bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of mental health stigma in a young Malaysian lady with recurrent suicidal ideations and moribund presentations to the Emergency Department: a case report
Authors: Petrus Chiara Francine , Mohd Salleh Sahimi Hajar , Midin Marhani , Lim Jane Tze Yn
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Mental health stigma (MHS) has been a pervasive social issue and a significant barrier to treatment seeking behavior. The treatment pathways and outcomes for people with mental illness, specifically those with recurrent suicidal ideations and attempts have been influenced by how MHS was experienced in clinical practice.

Methods

We reported a case of a young lady diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder who had recurrent visits to various emergency departments (ED) of tertiary hospitals in Malaysia for suicidality; each time presenting with increased mortality risk and escalating near-lethal outcomes. Among the multiple ED visits after her alleged overdoses of psychotropic medications, thrice she was near-unconscious and had to be intubated for airway protection, subsequently requiring ventilatory support and ICU care. These near-lethal presentations in ED were due to her delays in seeking treatment for fear of re-experiencing the stigmatizing environment among healthcare staff and professionals in the ED.

Discussion

The impact of MHS is detrimental. Effective interventions at various levels in the clinical setting is of utmost importance to prevent the negative consequences of suicidality against MHS.
The pleiotropic contribution of genes in dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways to addiction and related behavioral traits
Authors: Antón-Galindo Ester , Cabana-Domínguez Judit , Torrico Bàrbara , Corominas Roser , Cormand Bru , Fernàndez-Castillo Noèlia
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and other behavioral conditions, such as stress-related, aggressive or risk-taking behaviors, in the same individual has been frequently described. As dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) have been previously identified as key neurotransmitters for some of these phenotypes, we explored the genetic contribution of these pathways to SUD and these comorbid phenotypes in order to better understand the genetic relationship between them.

Methods

We tested the association of 275 dopaminergic genes and 176 serotonergic genes with these phenotypes by performing gene-based, gene-set and transcriptome-wide association studies in 11 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets on SUD and related behaviors.

Results

At the gene-wide level, 68 DA and 27 5-HT genes were found to be associated with at least one GWAS on SUD or related behavior. Among them, six genes had a pleiotropic effect, being associated with at least three phenotypes: ADH1C, ARNTL, CHRNA3, HPRT1, HTR1B and DRD2. Additionally, we found nominal associations between the DA gene sets and SUD, opioid use disorder, antisocial behavior, irritability and neuroticism, and between the 5-HT-core gene set and neuroticism. Predicted gene expression correlates in brain were also found for 19 DA or 5-HT genes.

Discussion

Our study shows a pleiotropic contribution of dopaminergic and serotonergic genes to addiction and related behaviors such as anxiety, irritability, neuroticism and risk-taking behavior, highlighting a role for DA genes, which could explain, in part, the co-occurrence of these phenotypes.
Effect of a school-linked life skills intervention on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health skills in Guji zone, Ethiopia (CRT)—A generalized linear model
Authors: Godana Gobena , Garoma Silesh , Ayers Nicola , Abera Muluembet
Published: October 2023

Background

Although appropriate life skills are recognized as a fundamental right for adolescents and a critical component of health policy, they are often overlooked and rarely researched in pastoral communities. Life skills encompass the ability to adopt positive behaviors, which enable individuals to effectively deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-linked life skills intervention program on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health skills in the pastoral community of Guji zone.

Methods

A two-arm cluster randomized control trial with a pretest-posttest experimental design was conducted, involving the intervention group (N = 375) and the control group (N = 384). This study assessed the effect of a school-linked adolescent-friendly life skills intervention in comparison to the usual RH curriculum, used as a control arm. Pretest-posttest and posttest-posttest scores of the control group and trial groups were compared, and the data were collected using 27 self-administered questions. The collected data were analyzed using paired-sample independent t-tests and a generalized linear model to examine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables.

Results

Data were collected from 759 adolescents in 15 intervention and 15 control clusters. The findings have shown that the proportion of mean life skills score was significantly higher in the intervention clusters than controls [(375) 70.49% vs. (384) 62.25%, P < 0.001 95% CI (0.06 and 0.1)]. Adolescents who were trained in school-linked life skills (β = 1.915, 95% CI: 1.411–2.418), were confident to make safe and informed decisions (β = 1.999, 95% CI: 1.562–2.436), and had life skills to deal with SRH issues (β = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.233–2.087) were significantly correlated with predicting the relevant life skills. The proportion of adolescents with SRH life skills increased from 384 (52%) at baseline to 375 (70%) at end line in the intervention group compared to 384 (60.31%) at baseline to 384 (62.31%) in control arms, respectively.

Conclusions

The implementation of a school-linked life skills intervention program proved to have a significant effect on SRH life skills development. Furthermore, individual-level and behavioral-level variables were significant in explaining variability in life skills development within the pastoral community. Therefore, we recommend scaling up this intervention in all high schools.

Trial registration

Trial registration PACTR202107905622610, registered on 16 July 2021.
Factors affecting the willingness of patients with type 2 diabetes to use digital disease management applications: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Mingjiao , Zhang Hao , Zhu Rong , Yang Huiqi , Chen Mengjie , Wang Xiaoxia , Li Zhe , Xiong Zhenzhen
Published: October 2023

Background

The global burden of type 2 diabetes has significantly increased, leading to a considerable impact on healthcare systems worldwide. While the advent of mobile healthcare has provided some relief by addressing the shortage of certain medical resources, its adoption among the Chinese population remains relatively low. To extend the benefits of mHealth to a greater number of Chinese diabetic patients, it is essential to investigate the factors that influence their willingness to utilize it and implement targeted interventions based on these influencing factors. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is widely employed to examine users' ultimate usage behaviors, and previous studies have indicated the potential relevance of the Perceived Risk (PR) theory and the eHealth Literacy Theory to users' usage behaviors.

Objective

Our objective was to investigate the determinants that affect the willingness of Chinese patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes patients to utilize digital disease management applications (DDMAs).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes in three tertiary general hospitals in Chengdu using questionnaires designed by the investigators. Participants were sampled using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire comprised three sections: socio-demographic profile and medical history; current awareness and willingness to use digital disease management applications; and the current level of e-health literacy. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the impact of patient awareness of DDMAs and e-health literacy on the willingness to use such DDMAs.

Results

(1) Patients' attitudes toward using DDMAs were significantly influenced by perceived ease of use (β = 0.380, P < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.546, P < 0.001); (2) Electronic health literacy exerted a significant impact on patients' perceived usefulness (β = 0.115, P = 0.018) and perceived ease of use (β = 0.659, P < 0.001); (3) Patients' willingness to use was significantly influenced by perceived usefulness (β = 0.137, P < 0.001) and use attitude (β = 0.825, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present research findings hold both theoretical and practical significance, and can serve as a guide for healthcare practitioners and researchers to gain a deeper comprehension of the acceptance of digital disease management applications (DDMAs) among type 2 diabetes patients.
Assessing the pre-implementation context for financial navigation in rural and non-rural oncology clinics
Authors: Petermann Victoria M. , Biddell Caitlin B. , Planey Arrianna Marie , Spees Lisa P. , Rosenstein Donald L. , Manning Michelle , Gellin Mindy , Padilla Neda , Samuel-Ryals Cleo A. , Birken Sarah A. , Reeder-Hayes Katherine , Deal Allison M. , Cabarrus Kendrel , Bell Ronny A. , Strom Carla , Young Tiffany H. , King Sherry , Leutner Brian , Vestal Derek , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Financial navigation (FN) is an evidence-based intervention designed to address financial toxicity for cancer patients. FN's success depends on organizations' readiness to implement and other factors that may hinder or support implementation. Tailored implementation strategies can support practice change but must be matched to the implementation context. We assessed perceptions of readiness and perceived barriers and facilitators to successful implementation among staff at nine cancer care organizations (5 rural, 4 non-rural) recruited to participate in the scale-up of a FN intervention. To understand differences in the pre-implementation context and inform modifications to implementation strategies, we compared findings between rural and non-rural organizations.

Methods

We conducted surveys (n = 78) and in-depth interviews (n = 73) with staff at each organization. We assessed perceptions of readiness using the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) scale. In-depth interviews elicited perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing FN in each context. We used descriptive statistics to analyze ORIC results and deductive thematic analysis, employing a codebook guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to synthesize themes in barriers and facilitators across sites, and by rurality.

Results

Results from the ORIC scale indicated strong perceptions of organizational readiness across all sites. Staff from rural areas reported greater confidence in their ability to manage the politics of change (87% rural, 76% non-rural) and in their organization's ability to support staff adjusting to the change (96% rural, 75% non-rural). Staff at both rural and non-rural sites highlighted factors reflective of the Intervention Characteristics (relative advantage) and Implementation Climate (compatibility and tension for change) domains as facilitators. Although few barriers to implementation were reported, differences arose between rural and non-rural sites in these perceived barriers, with non-rural staff more often raising concerns about resistance to change and compatibility with existing work processes and rural staff more often raising concerns about competing time demands and limited resources.

Conclusions

Staff across both rural and non-rural settings identified few, but different, barriers to implementing a novel FN intervention that they perceived as important and responsive to patients' needs. These findings can inform how strategies are tailored to support FN in diverse oncology practices.
Responses of the wintertime auroral E-region neutral wind to varying levels of geomagnetic activity
Authors: Zhan Weijia , Keappler Stephen R.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The auroral E-region is an important interface where forces from the magnetosphere and the lower atmosphere converge and have a significant effect on the vertical structure of the neutral winds. The resulting vertical neutral wind structure has been reported to be associated with altitude-dependent and nonlinear effects from different forces. We conduct a statistical examination of the reactions of wintertime neutral winds to four various degrees of geomagnetic activity, with a focus on the impacts of ion drag.

Methods: We derive neutral winds using the PFISR measurements covering 2010–2019 and will give a statistical view of the auroral E-region neutral wind with a focus on the winter nighttime during different disturbed conditions. We investigate the effects of the geomagnetic activity on the neutral winds and the tidal components by dividing the dataset into 4 subsets. Tidal decomposition is conducted by least square fitting of the seasonal median winds to obtain the mean, diurnal amplitude, diurnal phase, semidiurnal amplitude, and semidiurnal phase.

Results and discussion: We find that 1) when geomagnetic activity increases, dawn-dusk asymmetry exists in both zonal and meridional winds in the upper E-region with stronger zonal wind in the dusk sector than in the dawn sector and much stronger meridional wind in the dawn sector than in the dusk sector. 2) Tidal decomposition results reveal that geomagnetic activity has more significant effects on the meridional diurnal amplitude than zonal diurnal amplitude while the zonal and meridional semidiurnal amplitudes show similar changes when the geomagnetic activity increases. In addition, the maximum semidiurnal amplitude, particularly in the zonal direction, appears at a higher altitude with larger values as geomagnetic activity increases, indicating an ascending transition altitude for the semidiurnal oscillations. The ascending trend of maximum semidiurnal amplitude appearing at higher altitudes during more disturbed conditions has not been reported before. 3) Zonal wind over 110 km demonstrates increasing ion drag effects in the evening sector and the effects of coupled ion drag and other factors after midnight.
Reliability of phase-specific outcome measurements in change-of-direction tests using a motorized resistance device
Authors: Westheim Frederic , Gløersen Øyvind , Harper Damian , Laugsand Håkon , Eriksrud Ola
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine test-retest reliability of phase-specific information during initial acceleration, deceleration, and re-acceleration phases of different change-of-direction (CoD) tests using a motorized resistance device (MRD). A total of 21 participants (16 males and five females, with mean age of 22.3 ± 3.9 years, body mass of 75.2 ± 6.9 kg, height of 177.9 ± 6.8 cm) completed the modified 505 (m505), 10-0-5, and 15-0-5 CoD tests on four different test sessions while exposed to an external load (3 kg) provided by the MRD. Outcome variables included overall and phase-specific kinetic (force, power, and impulse) and kinematic (time, distance, velocity, and acceleration/deceleration) data during the initial acceleration, deceleration, and re-acceleration phases. The deceleration and re-acceleration phases were further divided into two subphases, namely, early and late subphases, using 50% of maximum velocity. Reliability was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), typical error (TE), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Good to excellent ICC values (>0.75) and acceptable (<10%) to good (<5%) CV values were observed for most outcome measurements. Specifically, 80.1% (822 out of 1,026) of all variables showed good or better relative reliability (i.e., ICC ≥ 0.75), while 97.0% (995 out of 1,026) of all variables showed acceptable or better absolute reliability (i.e., CV < 10%). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the MRD can obtain reliable phase-specific outcome measurements across different CoD tests, providing coaches and researchers with new opportunities to advance our understanding of CoD ability and inform more advanced CoD training prescriptions.
Liver microbial community and associated host transcriptome in calves with feed induced acidosis
Authors: Li Wenli , Larsen Anna , Murphy Brianna , Fregulia Priscila
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In the dairy industry, calves are typically fed diets rich in highly fermentable carbohydrates and low in fibrous feeds to maximize ruminal papillae and tissue development. Calves on such diets are vulnerable at developing ruminal acidosis. Prevalent in cattle, liver abscess (LA) is considered a sequela to ruminal acidosis. LAs can cause significant liver function condemnation and decreased growth and production. Currently, we know little about the liver microbiome in calves with feed-induced acidosis.

Methods

Using our established model of ruminal acidosis, where young calves were fed an acidosis-inducing (AC) or -blunting (control) diet starting at birth until 17-week of age, we investigated microbial community changes in the liver resultant from ruminal acidosis. Eight calves were randomly assigned to each diet, with four animals per treatment. Rumen epithelium and liver tissues were collected at 17 weeks of age right after euthanasia. Total RNAs were extracted and followed by whole transcriptome sequencing. Microbial RNA reads were enriched bioinformatically and used for microbial taxonomy classification using Kraken2.

Results

AC Calves showed significantly less weight gain over the course of the experiment, in addition to significantly lower ruminal pH, and rumen degradation comparison to the control group (p< 0.05). In the liver, a total of 29 genera showed a significant (p< 0.05) abundance change (> 2-fold) between the treatments at 17-week of age. Among these, Fibrobacter, Treponema, Lactobacillus, and Olsenella have been reported in abscessed liver in cattle. Concurrent abundance changes in 9 of the genera were observed in both the liver and rumen tissues collected at 17-week of age, indicating potential crosstalk between the liver and rumen epithelial microbial communities. Significant association was identified between host liver gene and its embedded microbial taxa. Aside from identifying previously reported microbial taxa in cattle abscessed liver, new repertoire of actively transcribed microbial taxa was identified in this study.

Discussion

By employing metatranscriptome sequencing, our study painted a picture of liver microbiome in young calves with or without feed induced acidosis. Our study suggested that liver microbiome may have a critical impact on host liver physiology. Novel findings of this study emphasize the need for further in-depth analysis to uncover the functional roles of liver resident microbiome in liver metabolic acidosis resultant from feed-related ruminal acidosis.
Maternal Healthcare Services Utilisation and Its Associated Risk Factors: A Pooled Study of 37 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Shanto Hasibul Hasan , Al-Zubayer Md. Akib , Ahammed Benojir , Sarder Md. Alamgir , Keramat Syed Afroz , Hashmi Rubayyat , Haque Rezwanul , Alam Khorshed
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The utilisation of maternal healthcare services (MHS) can play an essential role in reducing maternal deaths. Thus, this study examines the prevalence and factors associated with MHS utilisation in 37 low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: A total of 264,123 women were obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 37 LMICs. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with maternal healthcare services utilisation.

Results: Around one-third (33.7%) of the respondents properly utilise MHS among women of childbearing age. In the pooled sample, the odds of MHS utilisation were significantly higher with the increase in wealth index, women’s age, age at the first birth, and husband/partner’s education. Urban residence (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 1.56; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.49–1.64), women’s autonomy in healthcare decision-making (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.15–1.24) and media exposure (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.58–1.83) were found to be the strongest positive factors associated with utilisation of MHS. In contrast, larger family (AOR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91–0.96), and families with 7 or more children (AOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.68–0.77) were significantly negatively associated with MHS utilisation.

Conclusion: The utilisation of MHS highly varied in LMICs and the associated factors. Expanding the wealth status, education, age at first birth, mothers’ autonomy in healthcare decisions, and media exposure could be essential strategies for increasing the utilisation of MHS; however, country-specific programs should be considered in national policy discussions. There is a need to formulate policies and design maternal health services programs that target socially marginalised women.
A New Global Air Quality Health Index Based on the WHO Air Quality Guideline Values With Application in Cape Town
Authors: Adebayo-Ojo Temitope Christina , Wichmann Janine , Arowosegbe Oluwaseyi Olalekan , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Schindler Christian , Künzli Nino
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study developed an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) based on global scientific evidence and applied it to data from Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods: Effect estimates from two global systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used to derive the excess risk (ER) for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2 and O3. Single pollutant AQHIs were developed and scaled using the ERs at the WHO 2021 long-term Air Quality Guideline (AQG) values to define the upper level of the “low risk” range. An overall daily AQHI was defined as weighted average of the single AQHIs.

Results: Between 2006 and 2015, 87% of the days posed “moderate to high risk” to Cape Town’s population, mainly due to PM10 and NO2 levels. The seasonal pattern of air quality shows “high risk” occurring mostly during the colder months of July–September.

Conclusion: The AQHI, with its reference to the WHO 2021 long-term AQG provides a global application and can assist countries in communicating risks in relation to their daily air quality.
Maternal Occupational Risk Factors and Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Adane Haimanot Abebe , Iles Ross , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Gelaw Asmare , Collie Alex
Published: October 2023

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on the relationship between physical occupational risks (high physical workload, long working hours, shift work, whole-body vibrations, prolonged standing, and heavy lifting) and preterm birth.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted across six databases to investigate the relationship between physical occupational risks and preterm birth.

Result: A comprehensive analysis of 37 studies with varying sample sizes found moderate evidence of positive associations between high physical workload, long working hours, shift work, whole-body vibration, and preterm birth. Meta-analysis showed a 44% higher risk (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.25–1.66) for preterm birth with long working hours and a 63% higher risk (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.03–2.58) with shift work.

Conclusion: Pregnant women in physically demanding jobs, those working long hours or on shifts, and those exposed to whole-body vibration have an increased risk of preterm birth. Employers should establish supportive workplaces, policymakers implement protective measures, healthcare providers conduct screenings, and pregnant women must stay informed and mitigate these job-related risks.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], Identifier [CRD42022357045].
Receptivity and Stability Theory Analysis of a Transonic Swept Wing Experiment
Authors: Liu Yuanqiang , Liu Yan , Ji Zubi , Wang Yutian , Xu Jiakuan
Published: October 2023

Surface suction provides an efficient way to delay boundary layer transitions. In order to verify the suction effects and determine the mechanism of suction control in transonic swept wing boundary layers, wind tunnel transition measurements in a hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC) wind tunnel model uses an infrared thermography technique in the Aircraft Research Association (ARA) 2.74 m × 2.44 m low turbulence level transonic wind tunnel. Based on the experimental data of stationary crossflow dominant transitions without and with surface suction in transonic swept wing boundary layers, in this paper, the effects on the receptivity and linear and nonlinear evolution of stationary crossflow vortices have been analyzed with the consideration of curvature. Theoretical analysis agreed with the experimental observations in regard to the transition delay caused by boundary layer suction near the leading-edge region.
Modeling and Application of Out-of-Cabin and Extra-Vehicular Dynamics of Airdrop System Based on Kane Equation
Authors: Wang Yi , Yang Chunxin
Published: October 2023

The application of the Kane equation in analyzing airdrop dynamics problems is rare. The main objective of this paper is to apply the Kane equation dynamics model to the analysis of the status continuity problem during the out-of-cabin process and the line sail phenomenon during the extra-vehicular process. In the out-of-cabin process, an analysis of off-aircraft security and traction ratio impact was conducted. Furthermore, the BP neural network model was trained to predict the status transition of the payload for a multiple airdrop mission. In the extra-vehicular process, the spring network method was used together with the Kane equation to analyze the form and overload of the parachute line. The modeling avoids complex equations and derivations. The results suggest significant potential applications of the Kane equation in precision airdrop missions during out-of-cabin and extra-vehicular processes without heavy reliance on experimental data.
Computational Investigation of the Water Droplet Effects on Shapes of Ice on Airfoils
Authors: Kozelkov Andrey , Galanov Nikolay , Semenov Ilya , Zhuchkov Roman , Strelets Dmitry
Published: October 2023

The paper presents the results of studying the effects of droplet diameters on the NACA0012 airfoil ice accretion, which have been obtained in the 3D numerical simulation of icing. To simulate the motion of water droplets as a multiphase medium, the Eulerian approach is used, which assumes that water droplets have spherical shapes, do not undergo deformation and breakup, do not interact with each other, and that coalescence/fragmentation of droplets does not take place. Both monodisperse (of the same size) and polydisperse (of various sizes) droplets are considered; they are represented by the spectral Langmuir distributions. These spectral distributions take into account the polydisperse nature of droplets and provide a higher efficiency in predicting ice shapes. The obtained ice shapes on an airfoil are compared with the available experimental and calculated data. It should be noted according to the simulation results that the use of the standard size of droplet diameter equal to 20 μm does not allow for obtaining correct shapes of ice on the leading edge of the wing profile not at all temperature regimes. For temperatures from −20 °C to −10 °C, there is a noticeable difference compared to the experimental data. At the same time, for this temperature range, the use of the Langmuir spectral distribution of droplet diameters relative to 15 μm provides a better agreement of the formed ice forms with the experiment.
Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Activity and Germination of Corn Seeds Stored under Vacuum Pressure
Authors: Mancera-Rico Arturo , Vázquez-Badillo Mario E. , Cerna-Chávez Ernesto , Sánchez-Vega Miriam , González-Estrada Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Warehouse pests cause losses in seed quality by physically damaging seeds, carrying other pathogens, and leaving residues of their consumption or their remains. Taking into account that warehouse pests have higher metabolism rates than seeds, in the present study, the viability of Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky & V.de, 1855) insects and the germination of corn seeds were evaluated for 93 and 180 days, respectively, under conditions of a partial vacuum (0.26 atm (atmosphere)), hermetic sealing, and air exchange. The partial vacuum environment (0.26 atm) did not negatively affect the germination of the seeds over a period of 180 days and resulted in the mortality of adult insects from the 4th day onwards; it also completely prevented physical damage to the seeds. The hermetic packaging did not negatively affect germination, but the insects remained active until day 34, and there was severe damage to the seeds used for their sustenance. Similarly, the gas exchange packaging did not affect germination, but the insects remained active until the last day of observation (93) and also caused severe damage to the seeds used for their maintenance. Partial vacuum (0.26 atm) storage represents a practical solution in certain conditions, for example, the short-term (6 months) storage of germplasms at room temperature (24–26 °C); it can also be useful in the storage and transfer of grains, with the possibility of eliminating or reducing the need for insecticide applications.
Fourfold Increase in Climate Contributions to Grassland Soil Organic Carbon Variabilities and Its Policy Implications
Authors: Xue Wei , Xu Lijun , Nie Yingying , Wu Xinjia , Yan Yidan , Ye Liming
Published: October 2023

Grassland is one of the largest terrestrial ecosystems and contains approximately 20 percent of the world’s soil organic carbon (SOC) stock. A relatively small SOC change can cause large impacts on the global climate. However, the contributions from climatic factors to SOC changes, relative to other natural and anthropogenic factors, remains controversial. Here, we evaluate the relative contributions of climate, landscape, and management factors to SOC variabilities using variance decomposition coupled with generalized additive models and resampled soil data from the original Second National Soil Survey profile locations across the temperate grasslands in northern Inner Mongolia in 2022. Our results indicate that climate contributions increased from 13.7% in the 1980s to 65.5% in 2022, compared to decreased contributions from landscape and management factors. The relative contributions from landscape and management factors decreased from 37.5% and 48.8% in the 1980s, respectively, to 19.2% and 15.4% in 2022. This shows that the climate has shifted from being a minor contributor to a primary controller of grassland SOC variability over the 40 years since the 1980s. We, therefore, argue that future grassland management and policy regimes should become climate-centric, while the current institutional momentum for grassland conservation and restoration should be maintained.
Light Quality Potentiates the Antioxidant Properties of Brassica rapa Microgreen Extracts against Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Human Cells
Authors: Paolillo Ida , Costanzo Giulia , Delicato Antonella , Villano Filippo , Arena Carmen , Calabrò Viola
Published: October 2023

Plants are an inexhaustible source of bioactive compounds beneficial for contrasting oxidative stress, leading to many degenerative pathologies. Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa is well known for its nutraceutical properties among edible vegetable species. In our work, we aimed to explore an eco-friendly way to enhance the beneficial dietary phytochemicals in this vast world of crop-growing plants at selected light quality conditions. White broad-spectrum (W) and red–blue (RB) light regimes were used for growing brassica microgreens. The organic extracts were tested on keratinocytes upon oxidative stress to explore their capability to act as natural antioxidant cell protectors. Our results show that both W and RB extracts caused a notable reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels induced by H2O2. Interestingly, according to its higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, the RB was more efficient in reducing ROS amount and DNA damage than the W extract, particularly at the lowest concentration tested. However, at higher concentrations (up to 100 μg/mL), the antioxidant effect reached a plateau, and there was little added benefit. These findings confirm that RB light effectively increases the antioxidant compounds in Brassica rapa L. microgreens, thus contributing to their enhanced activity against oxidative-induced genotoxicity compared to microgreens grown under W light.
Tumor Microbial Communities and Thyroid Cancer Development—The Protective Role of Antioxidant Nutrients: Application Strategies and Future Directions
Authors: Gorini Francesca , Tonacci Alessandro
Published: October 2023

Thyroid cancer (TC), the most frequent malignancy of the endocrine system, has recorded an increasing incidence in the last decades. The etiology of TC remains at least partly unknown and, among modifiable risk factors, the gut microbiota and dietary nutrients (vitamins, essential microelements, polyphenols, probiotics) have been recognized to not only influence thyroid function, but exert critical effects on TC development and progression. Recent discoveries on the existence of tumor microbiota also in the TC microenvironment provide further evidence for the essential role of tumor microorganisms in TC etiology and severity, as well as acting as prognostic markers and as a potential target of adjuvant care in the treatment of TC patients. Therefore, in this review, we summarize current knowledge on the relationship of the tumor microbiome with the clinical tumor characteristics and TC progression, also illustrating the molecular mechanisms underlying this association, and how antioxidant nutrients may be used as a novel strategy to both control gut health and reduce the risk for TC. Furthermore, we discuss how new technologies might be exploited for the development of new foods with high nutritional values, antioxidant capability, and even attractiveness to the individual in terms of sensory and emotional features.
Light Can Induce Accumulation of Nutritional Antioxidants in Black Chokeberry Cell Suspension Culture
Authors: Krasteva Gergana , Teneva-Angelova Tsvetanka , Badjakov Ilian , Dincheva Ivayla , Georgiev Vasil , Pavlov Atanas
Published: October 2023

Cultivation of plant cells under controlled conditions is a highly effective and fast developing technology that recently was considered as a branch of cellular agriculture. Cellular agriculture is a multidisciplinary approach for sustainable and renewable production of agricultural goods and raw materials at cellular, rather than organismal, level. However, in contrast to the rapid advance in development of cultured meat and precision fermentation, the production of nutritional supplements from plant cells is still in its infancy. One of the limiting factors, striating commercialization of plant cells for food production, is the low yields of target bioactive metabolites. In this work, the changes in phenolics, anthocyanins and exopolysaccharides accumulation during cultivation of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott cell suspension cultures in darknessor under illumination (16 light and 8 dark) were investigated. The data showed that the highest contents of total phenolics (8.17 ± 0.39 mg GAE/g DW), total anthocyanins (0.011 ± 0.001 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/g DW) and antioxidant activities (DPPH—21.36 ± 0.29 µM TE/g DW; TEAC—10.08 ± 0.07 µM TE/g DW; FRAP—34.85 ± 1.47 µM TE/g DW; and CUPRAC—126.74 ± 9.15 µM TE/g DW) were achieved when the cells were grown under illumination (16 light and 8 dark). In contrast, when the culture was grown indarkness, the highest amounts of accumulated dry biomass (8.68 ± 0.35 g/L) and exopolysaccharides production (2.10 ± 0.07 g/L) were reached. The results demonstrated that light can be used as an affordable and highly effective factor to control the production of valuable antioxidants by black chokeberry cell suspension culture.
Piplartine Synthetic Analogs: In Silico Analysis and Antiparasitic Study against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Silva Rayanne H. N. , Magalhães Emanuel P. , Gomes Rebeca C. , Perez-Castillo Yunierkis , Martins Alice M. C. , de Sousa Damião P.
Published: October 2023

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) cause thousands of deaths each year. Among these diseases, we find Chagas disease, whose etiologic agent is Trypanosoma cruzi. Piplartine is an alkamide present in various species of the genus Piper that possess trypanocidal activity. In this study, the antiparasitic potential of a collection of 23 synthetic analogs of piplartine against Trypanosoma cruzi was evaluated in vitro. The compounds were prepared via amidation and esterification reactions using 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid as starting material. The products were structurally characterized using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Of the twenty-three compounds tested in the cytotoxic activity assays, five presented good activity in the trypomastigote, epimastigote, and amastigote forms of T. cruzi, showing IC50 values ranging from 2.21 to 35.30 µM, 4.06 to 34.30 µM, and 1.72 to 5.72 µM, respectively. N-iso-butyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (17) presented potent trypanocidal activity with an IC50 = 2.21 µM and selectively caused apoptosis (SI = 298.6). Molecular modeling experiments suggested the inhibitions of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzyme as the main trypanocidal mechanism of action of compound 17 in T. cruzi.
Applications of Natural Language Processing Tools in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sasanelli Francesca , Le Khang Duy Ricky , Tay Samuel Boon Ping , Tran Phong , Verjans Johan W.
Published: October 2023

The advent of many popular commercial forms of natural language processing tools has changed the way we can utilise digital technologies to tackle problems with big data. The objective of this review is to evaluate the current research and landscape of natural language processing tools and explore their potential use and impact in the field of orthopaedic surgery. In doing so, this review aims to answer the research question of how NLP tools can be utilised to streamline processes within orthopedic surgery. To do this, a scoping review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews, as well as a computer-assisted literature search on the Medline, Embase and Google Scholar databases. Papers that evaluated the use of natural language processing tools in the field of orthopaedic surgery were included. Our literature search identified 24 studies that were eligible for inclusion. Our scoping review captured articles that highlighted multiple uses of NLP tools in orthopaedics. In particular, one study reported on the use of NLP for intraoperative monitoring, six for detection of adverse events, five for establishing orthopaedic diagnoses, two for assessing the patient experience, two as an informative resource for patients, one for predicting readmission, one for triaging, five for auditing and one for billing and coding. All studies assessed these various uses of NLP through its tremendous computational ability in extracting structured and unstructured text from the medical record, including operative notes, pathology and imaging reports, and progress notes, for use in orthopaedic surgery. Our review demonstrates that natural language processing tools are becoming increasingly studied for use and integration within various processes of orthopaedic surgery. These AI tools offer tremendous promise in improving efficiency, auditing and streamlining tasks through their immense computational ability and versatility. Despite this, further research to optimise and adapt these tools within the clinical environment, as well as the development of evidence-based policies, guidelines and frameworks are required before their wider integration within orthopaedics can be considered.
Experimental–Simulation Analysis of a Radiation Tolerant Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier for Space Applications
Authors: Facchini Alberto , Morana Adriana , Mescia Luciano , Campanella Cosimo , Shuvo Md Mizan Kabir , Robin Thierry , Marin Emmanuel , Ouerdane Youcef , Boukenter Aziz , Girard Sylvain
Published: October 2023

Research on optical amplifiers has highlighted how ionizing radiation negatively impacts the performance of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), through the degradation of their gain. The amplitudes and kinetics of this degradation are mainly explained by the radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) phenomenon at the pump and signal wavelengths. In this work, the gain degradation of a radiation tolerant EDFA (exploiting a cerium-co-doped active optical fiber) induced by ionizing radiation up to 3 kGy (SiO2), at two dose rates, 0.28 Gy/s and 0.093 Gy/s, is studied through an experimental/simulation approach. Using a home-made simulation code based on the rate and power propagation equations and including the RIA effects, the radiation-dependent performance of EDFAs were estimated. The variations in the spectroscopic parameters caused by irradiation were also characterized, but our results show that they give rise to EDFA gain degradation of about 1%. To overcome the issue of overestimating the RIA during the radiation tests on the sole active rare-earth-doped fiber, a new RIA experimental setup is introduced allowing us to better consider the photobleaching mechanisms related to the pumping at 980 nm. A good agreement between experimental and simulated gain degradation dose dependences was obtained for two different irradiation conditions, thus also validating the simulation code for harsh environments applications.
Evaluation of Preferences for a Thermal-Camera-Based Abnormal Situation Detection Service via the Integrated Fuzzy AHP/TOPSIS Model
Authors: Choi Woochul , Jang Bongjoo , Jung Intaek , Sung Hongki , Jang Younmi
Published: October 2023

Research related to thermal cameras, which are major control measures, is increasing to overcome the limitations of closed-circuit television (CCTV) images. Thermal cameras have the advantage of easily detecting objects at night and of being able to identify initial signs of dangerous situations owing to changes in temperature. However, research on thermal cameras from a comprehensive perspective for practical urban control is insufficient. Accordingly, this study presents a thermal camera-based abnormal-situation detection service that can supplement/replace CCTV image analysis and evaluate service preferences. We suggested an integrated Fuzzy AHP/TOPSIS model, which induces a more reasonable selection to support the decision-making of the demand for introducing thermography cameras. We found that developers highly evaluated services that can identify early signs of dangerous situations by detecting temperature changes in heat, which is the core principle of thermography cameras (e.g., pre-fire phenomenon), while local governments highly evaluated control services related to citizen safety (e.g., pedestrian detection at night). Clearly, while selecting an effective service model, the opinions of experts with a high understanding of the technology itself and operators who actually manage ser-vices should be appropriately reflected. This study contributes to the literature and provides the basic foundation for the development of services utilizing thermography cameras by presenting a thermography camera-based abnormal situation detection service and selection methods and joint decision-making engagement between developers and operators.
A Generic Approach to Simulating Temperature Distributions within Commercial Lithium-Ion Battery Systems
Authors: Reiter Alexander , Lehner Susanne , Bohlen Oliver , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: October 2023

Determining both the average temperature and the underlying temperature distribution within a battery system is crucial for system design, control, and operation. Therefore, thermal battery system models, which allow for the calculation of these distributions, are required. In this work, a generic thermal equivalent circuit model for commercial battery modules with passive cooling is introduced. The model approach can be easily adopted to varying system designs and sizes and is accompanied by a corresponding low-effort characterization process. The validation of the model was performed on both synthetic and measured load profiles from stationary and marine applications. The results show that the model can represent both the average temperature and the occurring temperature spread (maximum to minimum temperature) with deviations below 1 K. In addition to the introduced full-scale model, further simplifying assumptions were tested in order to reduce the computational effort required by the model. By comparing the resulting simplified models with the original full-scale model, it can be shown that both reducing the number of simulated cells and assuming electrical homogeneity between the cells in the module offer a reduction in the computation time within one order of magnitude while still retaining a high model accuracy.
Historical Cohort Study of Congenital Isolated Hypoganglionosis of the Intestine: Determining the Best Surgical Interventions
Authors: Yamada Yohei , Mori Teizaburo , Takahashi Nobuhiro , Fujimura Takumi , Kano Motohiro , Kato Mototoshi , Takahashi Masataka , Shimojima Naoki , Watanabe Toshihiko , Yoshioka Takako , Kanamori Yutaka , Kuroda Tatsuo , Fujino Akihiro
Published: October 2023

No standard diagnostic method or surgical treatment for congenital isolated hypoganglionosis (CIHG) has been established. This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of patients with CIHG and identify the best surgical interventions provided thus far. Data on surgical interventions in 19 patients were collected between 1992 and 2020, including the type of enterostomy, type of revision, and length of the intestines. Ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus were enumerated using Hu C/D staining. The ratio of the length of the small intestine to its height was defined as the intestinal ratio (IR). The outcomes were assessed using the stoma output, growth parameters including the body mass index (BMI), and parenteral nutrition (PN) dependency. All patients required a diverting enterostomy. The IR ranged from 0.51 to 1.75 after multiple non-transplant surgeries. The stoma types were tube-stoma, end-stoma, Santulli-type, and Bishop–Koop (BK)-type. Patients with Santulli- or BK-type stomas had better BMIs and less PN dependency in terms of volume than those with end-stomas or tube-stomas. Two patients with BK-type stomas were off PN, and three who underwent an intestinal transplantation (Itx) achieved enteral autonomy. The management of CIHG involves a precise diagnosis using Hu C/D staining, neonatal enterostomy, and stoma revision using the adjusted IR and Itx if other treatments do not enable enteral autonomy.