bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons following implementation of a colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in a rural hospital setting
Authors: Tolmay Stephen , Rahiri Jamie‐Lee , Snoep Kim , Fewster Gillian , Kee Rachel , Lim Yukai , Watson Bridget , Richter Konrad Klaus
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have become increasingly popular in the management of patients undergoing colorectal resection. However, the validity of ERAS in rural hospital settings without intensive care facilities has not been primarily evaluated. This study aimed to assess an ERAS protocol in a rural surgical department based in Invercargill New Zealand.

Methods

Ten years of prospectively collected data were analysed retrospectively from an ERAS database of all patients undergoing open, converted, or laparoscopic colorectal resections. Data were collected between two time periods: before the implementation of an ERAS protocol, from January 2011 to December 2013; as well as after the implementation of an ERAS protocol, from January 2014 to December 2020. The primary outcome measures were hospital length of stay (LOS) and LOS in the critical care unit (LOS‐CCU). Secondary outcomes were compliance with ERAS protocol, mortality, readmission, and reoperation rates.

Results

A total of 118 and 558 colorectal resections were performed in the pre‐ERAS and ERAS groups respectively. A statistically significant reduction in hospital LOS was achieved from a median of 8 to 7 days (P = 0.038) when comparing pre‐ERAS to ERAS groups respectively. Furthermore, a significant reduction in re‐operation rates was observed (7.6% vs. 3% in the ERAS group, P = 0.033) which was seen without a rise in readmission rates (13.6% vs. 13.6% in the ERAS group).

Conclusion

The implementation of ERAS in a rural surgical setting is feasible, and these initial findings suggest ERAS adds value in optimizing the colorectal patient's surgical journey.
Outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in early pregnancy—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rodriguez‐Wallberg Kenny A. , Nilsson Hanna P. , Røthe Emelie Bergman , Zhao Allan , Shah Prakesh S. , Acharya Ganesh
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Available data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and pregnancy outcomes mostly refer to women contracting the infection during advanced pregnancy or close to delivery. There is limited information on the association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in early pregnancy and outcomes thereof.

Material and methods

We aimed to systematically review the maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in early pregnancy, defined as <20 weeks of gestation (PROSPERO Registration 2020 CRD42020177673). Searches were carried out in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from January 2020 until April 2023 and the WHO database of publications on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) from December 2019 to April 2023. Cohort and case–control studies on COVID‐19 occurring in early pregnancy that reported data on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were included. Case reports and studies reporting only exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 or not stratifying outcomes based on gestational age were excluded. Data were extracted in duplicate. Meta‐analyses were conducted when appropriate, using R meta (R version 4.0.5).

Results

A total of 18 studies, 12 retrospective and six prospective, were included in this review, reporting on 10 147 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive women infected in early pregnancy, 9533 neonates, and 180 882 SARS‐CoV‐2 negative women. The studies had low to moderate risk of bias according to the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment Scale. The studies showed significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity. A meta‐analysis could be performed only on the outcome miscarriage rate, with a pooled random effect odds ratio of 1.44 (95% confidence interval 0.96–2.18), showing no statistical difference in miscarriage in SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected women. Individual studies reported increased incidences of stillbirth, low birthweight and preterm birth among neonates born to mothers affected by COVID‐19 in early pregnancy; however, these results were not consistent among all studies.

Conclusions

In this comprehensive systematic review of available evidence, we identified no statistically significant adverse association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in early pregnancy (before 20 weeks of gestation) and fetal, neonatal, or maternal outcomes. However, a 44% increase in miscarriage rate is concerning and further studies of larger sample size are needed to confirm or refute our findings.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Cause‐specific and all‐cause mortality trends across different coeliac disease phenotypes
Authors: Maimaris Stiliano , Schiepatti Annalisa , Biagi Federico
Published: January 2024

Background

Data on mortality in coeliac disease are contrasting.

Aims

To systematically review the literature on all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in coeliac disease compared to the general population, and evaluate differences across clinical phenotypes, geographical regions, and over time.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase from 1 January 1970 to 31 December 2022 for eligible studies reporting on all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in coeliac disease compared to the general population or controls. The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/852DN).

Results

We included 25 studies. All‐cause mortality (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.27, I2 = 89%), mortality due to malignancies (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.08–1.36, I2 = 65%) and respiratory disease (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04–1.86, I2 = 76%) were increased. Mortality due to non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (HR 10.14, 95% CI 2.19–46.88, I2 = 96%) was markedly increased. Mortality significantly decreased in recent decades: 1989–2004 (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.27–2.03, I2 = 91%), 2005–2014 (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.99–1.36, I2 = 89%), 2015–2022 (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05–1.35, I2 = 93%). All‐cause mortality was not increased in dermatitis herpetiformis (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.99, I2 = 40%) and undiagnosed coeliac disease (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.95–1.25, I2 = 0%). Mortality was increased in the UK (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03–1.47, I2 = 91%) but not Scandinavia (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91–1.13, I2 = 81%). Limitations include high heterogeneity and lack of data for many countries.

Conclusion

Mortality in coeliac disease is increased, predominantly due to malignancies—particularly non‐Hodgkin lymphoma—although differing significantly across disease phenotypes. Mortality of patients with coeliac disease has significantly decreased in recent decades. These results may influence diagnosis and management.
The post‐stroke young adult brain has limited capacity to re‐express the gene expression patterns seen during early postnatal brain development
Authors: Ruscu Mihai , Capitanescu Bogdan , Rupek Paul , Dandekar Thomas , Radu Eugen , Hermann Dirk M. , Popa‐Wagner Aurel
Published: January 2024

The developmental origins of the brain's response to injury can play an important role in recovery after a brain lesion. In this study, we investigated whether the ischemic young adult brain can re‐express brain plasticity genes that were active during early postnatal development. Differentially expressed genes in the cortex of juvenile post‐natal day 3 and the peri‐infarcted cortical areas of young, 3‐month‐old post‐stroke rats were identified using fixed‐effects modeling within an empirical Bayes framework through condition‐specific comparison. To further analyze potential biological processes, upregulated and downregulated genes were assessed for enrichment using GSEA software. The genes showing the highest expression changes were subsequently verified through RT‐PCR. Our findings indicate that the adult brain partially recapitulates the gene expression profile observed in the juvenile brain but fails to upregulate many genes and pathways necessary for brain plasticity. Of the upregulated genes in post‐stroke brains, specific roles have not been assigned to Apobec1, Cenpf, Ect2, Folr2, Glipr1, Myo1f, and Pttg1. New genes that failed to upregulate in the adult post‐stroke brain include Bex4, Cd24, Klhl1/Mrp2, Trim67, and St8sia2. Among the upregulated pathways, the largest change was observed in the KEGG pathway “One carbon pool of folate,” which is necessary for cellular proliferation, followed by the KEGG pathway “Antifolate resistance,” whose genes mainly encode the family of ABC transporters responsible for the efflux of drugs that have entered the brain. We also noted three less‐described downregulated KEGG pathways in experimental models: glycolipid biosynthesis, oxytocin, and cortisol pathways, which could be relevant as therapeutic targets. The limited brain plasticity of the adult brain is illustrated through molecular and histological analysis of the axonal growth factor, KIF4. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that further research is needed to decipher the complex genetic mechanisms that prevent the re‐expression of brain plasticity‐associated genes in the adult brain.
Paternal postnatal depression and parenting behaviours in the first year of life
Authors: Constable Remy , Price Shelby , Mallan Kimberley M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Paternal postnatal depression (PPD) symptomology has been positively associated with poorer outcomes for children. One mechanism by which PPD is thought to influence child outcomes is through parenting. The current study investigated the association between paternal postnatal depressive symptoms and parenting behaviours.

Method

Fathers (N = 213) with an infant (mean age = 7 months, 46% female) between 2 and 12 months old were recruited through community and social media advertisements, as well as a paid survey recruitment website. Fathers completed a questionnaire on their symptoms of PPD and how they care for and raise their child (parental warmth, irritability, engagement in enrichment, play and safety behaviours).

Results

Fathers experiencing greater levels of PPD symptomatology self‐reported higher irritability, lower warmth and fewer safe parenting behaviours but did not report lower enrichment or play with their infants.

Conclusion

Overall, findings suggest that PPD symptomology may impact negatively on aspects of fathers' parenting behaviours. Further research using larger and more diverse samples is needed to assess the generalisability of these findings.
Factors associated with children's cognitive, language, and motor development in deprived urban settings in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Sheikh Jamal , Hamadani Jena Derakhshani , Tofail Fahmida , Fisher Jane , Rahman Md. Anisur , Rahman Syed Moshfiqur
Published: January 2024

Background

Children's development is multifactorial. Although there have been several studies exploring the association of children's development with maternal, child, and environmental factors, we are unaware of any study that assessed those factors in children whose mothers were enrolled in a social safety net programme in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with disadvantaged children's cognitive, language, and motor development at age 6–16 months in deprived settings of urban Bangladesh and to identify relative importance of these factors of children's development. We also explored if there were any gender differences in child development.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in a deprived setting of urban Bangladesh. Bayley III was used for assessing children's cognitive, language, and motor development. Multivariable linear regression model was used to find the factors associated with children's development, and dominance analysis was used to explore the relative importance of the factors.

Results

Out of the total 599 mother–child dyads, 303 (50.58%) were girls. The factors associated with children's development were length‐for‐age Z‐score (cognitive: B = 1.21 [95% CI = 0.31, 2.11], P = 0.008; language: 1.67 [0.79, 2.55] P < 0.001; motor: 2.15 [1.01, 3.29] P < 0.001) and home environment (cognitive: 0.58 [0.27, 0.89] P < 0.001; language: 0.59 [0.27, 0.92], P < 0.001; motor: 0.44 [0.09, 0.79] P = 0.013). Girls had higher cognitive (1.90 [0.17, 3.6], P = 0.031) and language (2.53 [0.55, 4.51], P = 0.013) development compared with boys. Families with a higher number of under five children within the households had lower language (−1.57 [−2.78, −0.36], P = 0.011) development. Violence against the mother and the families' food security status were not associated with the children's development. Children's length‐for‐age Z‐score (27%) and home stimulation environment (23%) were the most important factors of cognitive development.

Conclusion

Children's nutritional status and home environment are important factors for disadvantaged children's development in deprived urban settings of Bangladesh. Both early child development‐focussed parenting and nutrition interventions should be considered when designing child development programmes in urban settings in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
‘Who's got my back?’: Worker safety in the context of domestic abuse
Authors: Humphreys Cathy , Isobe Jasmin , Kertesz Margaret
Published: January 2024

The safety of practitioners working in the area of domestic abuse is a current subject of research and practice concern, as services endeavour to better understand constantly evolving tactics of violence and abuse and respond appropriately. This paper reports on a subset of findings from a practice‐led research project focussed on capacity‐building workers and their organizations to address domestic abuse, which highlighted the ongoing concerns expressed by practitioners—particularly female practitioners—about their own physical, emotional, and professional safety. Ethnographic notes were taken of Community of Practice discussions in four regions of New South Wales, Australia, involving 69 senior health practitioners from a range of service streams: specialist domestic abuse, mental health, substance use, and child protection. Themes identified through thematic analysis included the following: a tailored approach to practising safely; attending to physical safety; threats to professional identity; promoting emotional well‐being; documentation to support worker safety; and attending to cultural safety. These themes are encapsulated in the practitioner question: Who's got my back?—highlighting the importance of legislation, policy, and practices that provide an environment in which safety and support are embedded in a culture of care at every organizational level.
Caregivers' perspectives of support needs for adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Skorka Kelly , Copley Jodie , McBryde Catherine , Meredith Pamela J. , Reid Natasha
Published: January 2024

Research focused on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is often deficit‐focused, limiting a holistic understanding of individuals' support needs. Families of adolescents with FASD also struggle to access appropriate services. Using semi‐structured interviews, the current study explored the perspectives of seven caregivers of adolescents with FASD in Australia. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed that anxiety was perceived as a main barrier to participation for adolescents; however, incorporating adolescents' strengths facilitated participation. Additionally, caregivers described that professionals did not effectively collaborate and lacked understanding of FASD. Considering these findings, recommendations to optimise outcomes for adolescents with FASD and their families are provided.
First‐in‐human study of CPL207280, a novel G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40/free fatty acid receptor 1 agonist, in healthy volunteers after single and multiple administration
Authors: Bazydło‐Guzenda Katarzyna , Jarus‐Dziedzic Katarzyna , Gierczak‐Pachulska Agnieszka , Buda Paweł , Rudzki Piotr J. , Buś‐Kwaśnik Katarzyna , Juszczyk Ewelina , Tratkiewicz Ewa , Rabczenko Daniel , Segiet‐Święcicka Agnieszka , Wieczorek Maciej
Published: January 2024

Aim

To assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of single and multiple doses of CPL207280, a new G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 agonist developed to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

The phase 1 study in healthy volunteers (White, age 18–55 years, body mass index 18.5–29.9 kg/m2) was performed after single (24 subjects, 5–480 mg) and multiple (32 subjects, 60–480 mg) once‐daily administration of CPL207280.  The effect of food intake and interaction with metformin were evaluated in additional cohort (12 subjects, 120 mg). The primary objective was the safety and tolerability of CPL207280. Secondary objectives included PK and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics (glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, proinsulin, glucagon levels) observed during the 14‐day treatment period.

Results

No deaths or serious adverse events (AEs) were reported. All reported AEs were classified as unrelated to the study product. No clinically significant differences in safety parameters were observed between cohorts and no food or metformin effect on safety parameters was identified. The ascending dose of CPL207280 caused an increase in the PK parameters maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) or area under the plasma concentration–time curve up to 24 h. However, dose‐normalized Cmax decreased with ascending dose. There was no relationship between the CPL207280 dose or prandial state and terminal elimination half‐life and terminal elimination rate constant. No clear relationship between CPL207280 dose and PD area under the effect curve values was observed.

Conclusions

CPL207280 was found to be safe and well tolerated by healthy volunteers (with a low risk of hepatotoxicity) for up to 14 days of administration. The PK profile of CPL207280 supports single‐daily administration and justifies further development of this therapy for patients with T2D.
Behavioral responses of potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) to volatiles from wilted Yunnan poplar (Populus yunnanensis)
Authors: Li Xiang , Qian Xiaoxiang , Zhang Xiuge , Jia Shikang , Tang Liping , Xiao Chun , Dong Wenxia
Published: January 2024

The volatiles from wilted poplar leaves possess a broad spectrum of attractants that affect various lepidopteran pests. The effect of volatile compounds of wilted leaves of Yunnan poplar, Populus yunnanensis Dode (Salicaceae), on the orientation and oviposition behavior of the potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has not been well understood. In this study we identified 15 active compounds from the wilted Yunnan poplar leaves to gravid female PTM by combined gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detector (GC‐EAD) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in this study. We evaluated the biological activity of these compounds at their natural level with a Y‐tube olfactometer and self‐made oviposition cages. The results showed that six compounds – cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, hexyl acetate, 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, trans‐ocimene, and 2‐pentylfuran – exhibited significant attraction to gravid female PTM, and five compounds – trans‐2‐nonenal, styrene, hexyl formate, trans‐ocimene, and 2‐pentylfuran – attracted them to lay eggs, both individually and in blend. Apart from styrene, all these compounds may serve as attractants for attract‐and‐kill to PTM.
Reason, reasoning, and the taking condition
Authors: Vahid Hamid
Published: January 2024

Theoretical reasoning (inference) is a conscious personal‐level activity and a causal process. It is the process of revising one's beliefs for a reason whereby some of our beliefs cause or result in other beliefs. But inference is more than mere causation. This raises the question of what exactly distinguishes theoretical reasoning from mere causal processes. Paul Boghossian has located the distinguishing feature of inference in, what he calls, the “taking condition” requirement (TC). It turns out, however, that all attempts to explain this notion fail. In this paper, I shall offer an indirect argument for the taking condition grounded in a specific account of the structure of epistemic reasons that distinguishes two levels of epistemic normativity, namely, the possession and justification levels. I show how such an account can legitimize the role of (TC) in reasoning and deflect the standard objections raised against it. Finally, I explain how this proposal naturally accommodates the defeasibility of reasoning.
Metabolism, population growth, and the fast‐slow life history continuum of marine fishes
Authors: Gravel Sarah , Bigman Jennifer S. , Pardo Sebastián A. , Wong Serena , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: January 2024

The maximum intrinsic rate of population increase (rmax) represents a population's maximum capacity to replace itself and is central to fisheries management and conservation. Species with lower rmax typically have slower life histories compared to species with faster life histories and higher rmax. Here, we posit that metabolic rate is related to the fast–slow life history continuum and the connection may be stronger for maximum metabolic rate and aerobic scope compared to resting metabolic rate. Specifically, we ask whether variation in rmax or any of its component life‐history traits – age‐at‐maturity, maximum age, and annual reproductive output – explain variation in resting and maximum metabolic rates and aerobic scope across 84 shark and teleost species, while accounting for the effects of measurement temperature, measurement body mass, ecological lifestyle, and evolutionary history. Overall, we find a strong connection between metabolic rate and the fast‐slow life history continuum, such that species with faster population growth (higher rmax) generally have higher maximum metabolic rates and broader aerobic scopes. Specifically, rmax is more important in explaining variation in maximum metabolic rate and aerobic scope compared to resting metabolic rate, which is best explained by age‐at‐maturity (out of the life history traits examined). In conclusion, teleosts and sharks share a common fast–slow physiology/life history continuum, with teleosts generally at the faster end and sharks at the slower end, yet with considerable overlap. Our work improves our understanding of the diversity of fish life histories and may ultimately improve our understanding of intrinsic sensitivity to overfishing.
Mycobacterium vaccae alleviates allergic airway inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness in asthmatic mice by altering intestinal microbiota
Authors: Xiao Huan , Fang Li‐ting , Tang An‐zhou , Chen Hong‐liu , Xu Mei‐li , Wei Xiao‐shua , Pang Guo‐dong , Li Chao‐qian
Published: January 2024

Host immunity can influence the composition of the gut microbiota and consequently affect disease progression. Previously, we reported that a Mycobacterium vaccae vaccine could ameliorate allergic inflammation in asthmatic mice by regulating inflammatory immune processes. Here, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of M. vaccae on allergic asthma via gut microbiota modulation. An ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthmatic murine model was established and treated with M. vaccae. Gut microbiota profiles were determined in 18 BALB/c mice using 16S rDNA gene sequencing and metabolomic profiling was performed using liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Mycobacterium vaccae alleviated airway hyper‐reactivity and inflammatory infiltration in mice with OVA‐induced allergic asthma. The microbiota of asthmatic mice is disrupted and that this can be reversed with M. vaccae. Additionally, a total of 24 differential metabolites were screened, and the abundance of PI(14:1(9Z)/18:0), a glycerophospholipid, was found to be correlated with macrophage numbers (r = 0.52, p = 0.039). These metabolites may affect chemokine (such as macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1) concentrations in the serum, and ultimately affect pulmonary macrophage recruitment. Our data demonstrated that M. vaccae might alleviate airway inflammation and hyper‐responsiveness in asthmatic mice by reversing imbalances in gut microbiota. These novel mechanistic insights are expected to pave the way for novel asthma therapeutic strategies.
Association between perfectionism, personality traits and probable sleep bruxism in Spanish schoolchildren: A case–control study
Authors: Martínez Irene Redondo , Catalá‐Pizarro Montserrat , Moreno Juan Rojo
Published: January 2024

Background

The aetiology of Sleep bruxism includes specific personality traits, related to perfectionism.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between probable sleep bruxism (PSB) and personality traits in children and their parents, determining whether children with PSB and their parents are more perfectionists.

Design

This case–control study included 104 children aged 8–9 years, 52 cases and 52 controls. A clinical examination was performed on the children who completed the Big Five Personality Questionnaire (BFQ‐NA) and the Child Perfectionism Inventory. Parents completed a bruxism diagnostic questionnaire according to the AASM criteria, BFQ and Frost multidimensional perfectionism scale questionnaires. t‐Tests for independent samples and multivariate logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis.

Results

A significant relationship between PSB and a self‐demanding personality (OR = 1.11, p = .01), restless sleep (OR = 4.41, p = .004), and a family history of clenching and grinding teeth (OR = 3.07, p = .0006) was found in a binary logistic regression model. When adjusted, only restless sleep showed a significant relationship with PSB (p = .03, OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.13–9.81).

Conclusion

Children whose parents reported as clenching or grinding their teeth while asleep in the previous 6 months, and who were found to have abnormal dental wear, had significantly more nightmares, sleep disruption, daytime sleepiness, family history of bruxism, and tended to be more perfectionist.
A novel defensin‐like peptide C‐13326 possesses protective effect against multidrug‐resistant Aeromonas schubertii in hybrid snakehead (Channa maculate ♀ × Channa argus ♂)
Authors: He Huanrong , Huang Xinzhi , Wen Caiyi , Liu Chun , Jiang Biao , Huang Yanhua , Su Youlu , Li Wei
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a defensin‐like antimicrobial peptide (C‐13326 peptide) identified in Hermetia illucens could possess protective effect against multidrug‐resistant Aeromonas schubertii in hybrid snakehead (Channa maculate ♀ × Channa argus ♂). The cDNA of C‐13326 peptide comprised 243 nucleotides encoding 80 amino acids, with six conserved cysteine residues and the classical CSαβ structure. The recombinant expression plasmid pPIC9K‐C‐13326 was constructed and transformed into GS115 Pichia pastoris, and the C‐13326 peptide was expressed by induction with 1% methanol. The crude extract of C‐13326 peptide was precipitated by ammonium sulfate, assayed by Braford method, detected by tricine‐SDS‐PAGE, evaluated by BandScan software and identified by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The C‐13326 peptide was shown to have inhibitory activity against the growth of multidrug‐resistant A. schubertii DM210910 by using the minimum growth inhibitory concentration and Oxford cup method. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested that C‐13326 peptide inhibited the growth of A. schubertii DM210910 by damaging the bacterial cell membrane. To explore the role of peptide C‐13326 in vivo, hybrid snakehead was fed with peptide C‐13326 as feed additives for 7 days. The results revealed that C‐13326 peptide could significantly down‐regulate the expression levels of IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐12 and TNF‐α (p < .05), and significantly improved the survival rate of hybrid snakehead after challenging with A. schubertii DM210910. Therefore, the C‐13326 peptide is a promising antimicrobial agent for A. schubertii treatment in aquaculture.
The pistachio quality detection based on deep features plus unsupervised clustering
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Yang Lianhe , Zhu Hongfei , Zhang Liqi , An Yanying , Wei Linna , Han Zhongzhi
Published: January 2024

The opening condition of the pistachio is a trait that has been sorted by machine vision. This study presented a qualitative and quantitative method for pistachio opening detection based on unsupervised learning. First, the convolution neural network ResNet18 was utilized to extract the pistachio features based on the different layers: bn4b_branch2b (bn4b), bn5b_branch2b (bn5b), and fc1000. The high‐dimensional feature was mapped to the low‐dimensional by t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding algorithm, and then, the clustering algorithms were utilized to cluster the image feature under different spatial dimensions. It was best that the clustering performance came from the bn5b feature layer. The accuracy of this method was 99.31% in three‐dimensional space. And completed the analysis of pistachio opening degree. This method exhibits significant potential for enhancing the quality detection and product classification of pistachios. The unsupervised clustering is utilized to sort not only pistachios but also general nuts.

Practical Applications

In this study, we proposed a quality detection method for pistachios based on unsupervised learning, which was capable of performing both qualitative and quantitative analyses of pistachio opening. This method provides an efficient quality detection and product classification strategy, with important practical value. The unsupervised clustering is utilized to sort not only pistachios but also general nuts. Furthermore, it significantly reduces the consumption of manpower and material resources, paving the way for the development of intelligent sorting equipment in the future, and has reference significance for the quality detection of other agricultural products.
Mentha spicata drying via infrared: Mathematical modeling and evaluation of two‐step temperature potential for improving drying characteristics
Authors: Hazervazifeh Amin , A. Moghaddam Parviz
Published: January 2024

To assess the effects of a two‐step temperature method (TTM) on dehydration parameters, color deterioration of dried samples, and specific energy consumption (SEC), spearmint leaves were dried using infrared (IR) undergoing the TTM. Moreover, 14 mathematical models were compared based on the adjusted correlation coefficient, reduced chi‐square, and root mean square error to estimate drying curves. Changes in the color of the dried product at two‐step temperatures of 70to60°C, 60to50°C, and 50to40°C led to decreases of 2.69, .81, and 3.34 compared to fixed temperatures of 70, 60, and 50°C, respectively. On the other hand, the specific energy consumption (SEC) increased by 5.43, 10.92, and 22 MJ.g−1 H2O at 70to60°C, 60to50°C, and 50to40°C compared to 70, 60, and 50°C, respectively. To interpret the results from another point of view, three basic objectives of shortening drying time, reducing energy consumption, and raising the quality of the dried product are achieved in the TTM. For instance, the drying time and energy consumption are reduced at a two‐step temperature of 70to60°C compared to the fixed temperature of 60°C, along with a decrease in the color change compared to the fixed temperature of 70°C. The results indicated that Midilli et al. model resulted in the best fitness in explaining the IR drying behavior of spearmint leaves.

Practical applications

During the falling rate period in drying process and especially at higher temperatures and powers, there is a potential for a decrease in the quality of the dried product, and even the risk of thermal runaway due to excessive temperature increase. Certainly, at lower powers and temperatures, the quality of the dried product can be enhanced. However, in this situation, the duration of the process and the energy consumed, which are two crucial factors in the drying process, increase, leading to financial losses for the producer. In the two‐step temperature method (TTM), due to the temperature reduction during the critical period of falling rate, the quality of the dried product improves by considering the processing time and energy consumption.
Drying kinetics and quality attributes analysis of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves under distinct drying methods
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Amit , Rout Rahul Kumar , Rao P. Srinivasa
Published: January 2024

The present work aimed to analyze the drying kinetics and color degradation of moringa leaves in selected drying methods. Also, quantitatively analyze the retention of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity. Moringa leaves were dried using three methods, namely, freeze‐drying (−42 ± 2°C, 0.024 ± 0.001 mbar), microwave drying (200, 400, and 600 W), and hot air oven drying (55, 65, and 75°C). Drying kinetics revealed that the drying of moringa leaves occurred in the falling rate period, which means the diffusion process controlled the moisture removal from leaves. The color degradation was most minor in freeze‐dried leaves, followed by microwave‐dried leaves at 200 W. The value of total phenolic content was found maximum (57.42 ± 2.49 mg GAE/g dm) under microwave drying at 200 W, while the same was found least in quantity (24.62 ± 1.10 mg GAE/g dm) for samples dried under hot air oven drying at 65°C. A similar pattern was observed for total flavonoid content. The antioxidant capacity of the samples dried in the freeze dryer was highest at 5.94 ± 0.25 mg GAE/g dm. This research revealed that microwave drying at 200 W is best regarding the overall quality attributes of moringa leaves.

Practical Applications

Drying is one of the essential processes in the food industry, for example, drying is crucial for the production of herbal medicines, nutritional supplements and extracts, leaf‐based culinary ingredients, aroma and essential oils, natural dyes and pigments, etc. It is used to increase the shelf‐life of agricultural produce; it facilitates the transportation and storage of food products. This paper may help in the selection of the drying method and condition for leaves drying to have desired characteristics in the final product like color, bioactive compounds, or antioxidant properties; May help in the trade‐off among quality, time, and cost of the production. Moreover, it may be helpful in the designing of the multi‐mode dryer which may produce superior quality products with great energy efficiency in less time. Which further facilitates the manufacturing of nutritionally rich food products.
The Effect of Episodic Future Thinking on Learning Intention: Focusing on English Learning Goal‐Relevant Future Thinking in University Students
Authors: Asayama Akira , Nagamine Masato , Kainuma Ryo , Tang Li , Miwa Shuhei , Toyama Miki
Published: January 2024

We examined the effects of episodic future thinking related to achieving important learning goals on university students' learning intentions. Japanese university students (N = 70) participated in this experiment. Participants in the episodic future thinking condition were asked to imagine and describe events they would experience if they achieved their goals. In the semantic future thinking condition, we asked participants to describe their future selves after university graduation and rate the relevance of their future selves to their learning goals. Participants were then asked to respond to the learning intentions measures. Participants in the control condition responded to the measures of learning intentions after completing a questionnaire unrelated to future thinking. When the importance of goal attainment was high, participants in the episodic future thinking condition planned to study for significantly longer than those in the other conditions. Episodic future thinking related to achieving important learning goals strengthens learning intentions more than simple awareness of the future self and learning goals.
Holistic Processing of Recognition Memory for Face Identity: Evidence from a Face Morphing Paradigm
Authors: Kimitsuki Daiki , Mitsudo Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Holistic face processing refers to a tendency to see face parts as a whole. This study examined whether and how holistic processing affects recognition memory for face identity in a learned/novel morphing continuum. In the study phase of each experiment reported here, adult participants were asked to memorize (i.e., learn) a set of unfamiliar face images by viewing them once or twice. In the test phase, the participants were presented with face images morphed from learned and novel ones and were asked to report whether they viewed the face in the study phase. In Experiment 1, we demonstrated that our morphing paradigm can capture memory selectivity changes (i.e., recognition boundary and sensitivity) associated with learned face identity. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that whole‐face presentations improved sensitivity to learned/novel face identity, but did not alter the recognition boundary between learned and novel face identity. These results support the view that holistic processing contributes to accurate face identification in recognition memory, even under minimal learning situations.
Influence of Implicit Attitudes Toward Infants on the Perception of Infant Cuteness
Authors: Ikeda Shinnosuke
Published: January 2024

It has been reported that males in early adulthood may experience difficulty in perceiving infant cuteness. This phenomenon has been attributed to the evolutionary acquisition of parenting‐related responses; however, the factors that influence individual differences in cuteness perception remain unclear. The present study investigated the impact of implicit attitudes toward infants on the accuracy of infant cuteness perception among Japanese university students (N = 72). A novel Implicit Association Test was developed to assess implicit attitudes toward infants. The findings revealed that females had more accurate perceptions of infant cuteness and more positive implicit attitudes toward infants. Notably, among males, a more positive implicit attitude toward infants was associated with increased accuracy in perceiving infant cuteness. Finally, the mechanisms by which various responses to infants are acquired were discussed.
A prospective cohort study to identify clinical diagnostic and prognostic markers of primary immune thrombocytopenia in dogs
Authors: Brooks Marjory B. , Goggs Robert , Frye Amelia H. , Armato Jessica , Forman Marnin , Hertl Julia , Koch Michael , Loftus John P. , Lucy John , Mattison Brandi , Merriam Julia , Shropshire Sarah , Van Vertloo Laura , Viall Austin , LeVine Dana N.
Published: January 2024

Background

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) in dogs presents a diagnostic challenge, and clinical markers of severity are lacking.

Objectives

Identify clinicopathologic features that differentiate pITP from secondary ITP (sITP) and markers related to bleeding severity, transfusion, and survival of dogs with pITP.

Animals

Ninety‐eight thrombocytopenic dogs (58 pITP and 40 sITP).

Methods

Client‐owned dogs with platelet counts <50 000/μL were enrolled in a prospective, multi‐institution cohort study. History and treatment information, through a maximum of 7 days, was recorded on standard data forms. Bleeding severity was scored daily using a bleeding assessment tool (DOGiBAT). At‐admission blood samples were collected for CBC, biochemistry, C‐reactive protein concentration, and coagulation panels, and to measure platelet surface‐associated immunoglobulin G (PSAIg) and expression of platelet membrane proteins and phospholipids. Dogs with evidence of coincident disease were classified as sITP.

Results

No definitive pITP diagnostic test was found. However, pITP cases were characterized by lower platelet counts, D dimer concentrations, and platelet membrane protein expression than sITP cases. Differentiation between pITP and sITP was further enhanced using logistic regression modeling combining patient sex, coagulation profile, platelet count, D dimer, and PSAIg. A second model of pITP severity indicated that low hematocrit and high BUN concentration were associated with non‐survival. Low hematocrit at admission, but not platelet count or DOGiBAT score, was associated with transfusion.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pending validation studies, models constructed from at‐admission clinicopathologic findings may improve differentiation of pITP from sITP and identify the most severe pITP cases at the time of presentation.
Measurement of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of horses with neuroaxonal degeneration and other causes of proprioceptive ataxia
Authors: Palmisano Megan , Kulp Jeaneen , Bender Susan , Stefanovski Darko , Robinson Mary , Johnson Amy
Published: January 2024

Background

Eight‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a biomarker of oxidative damage evaluated in human neurodegenerative disease, has potential to correlate with postmortem diagnosis of neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (NAD/DM) in horses.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that 8‐OHdG will be higher in CSF and serum from NAD/DM horses compared with horses with other neurologic diseases (CVSM, EPM) and a control group of neurologically normal horses. We also hypothesized that 8‐OHdG will be higher in CSF compared with serum from NAD/DM horses.

Animals

Fifty client‐owned horses with postmortem diagnoses: 20 NAD/DM, 10 CVSM, 10 EPM, and 10 control horses. Serum and CSF samples were obtained between November 2010 and March 2022.

Methods

Case‐control study using biobanked samples was performed and commercial competitive ELISA kit (Highly Sensitive 8‐OHdG Check ELISA) utilized. Concentration of 8‐OHdG was quantitated in both CSF and serum and compared between groups.

Results

No correlation was established between the measures of 8‐OHdG in serum and CSF and group. CSF median [8‐OHdG] for NAD/DM was 169.9 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 67.18‐210.6), CVSM 157.1 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 132.1‐229.1), EPM 131.4 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 102.1‐193.2), and control 149.8 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 113.3‐196.4). Serum median [8‐OHdG] for NAD/DM was 130 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 51.73‐157.2), CVSM 125.8 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 62.8‐170.8), EPM 120.6 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 87.23‐229.7), and control 157.6 pg/mL (IQR25‐75: 97.15‐245.6). Poisson regression analysis showed no difference established once confounding variables were considered.

Conclusions

Eight‐OHdG did not aid in antemortem diagnosis of NAD/DM in this cohort of horses. At the time of diagnosis horses with NAD/DM do not have ongoing oxidative stress.
Development of a requirement for exogenous insulin treatment in dogs with hyperglycemia
Authors: DiNinni Angielee , Hess Rebecka S.
Published: January 2024

Background

It has been suggested that overt diabetes mellitus in dogs be defined based on a persistent fasting blood glucose concentration (BGC) >144 mg/dL.

Objective

Determine the number of dogs with randomly identified hyperglycemia without insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) that later develop a need for exogenous insulin treatment.

Animals

A total of 1318 dogs examined at a university teaching hospital without ITDM and with randomly identified hyperglycemia.

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal study. Hyperglycemia was defined as randomly identified BGC above >112 mg/dL, moderate hyperglycemia as BGC >144 mg/dL but <200 mg/dL and pronounced hyperglycemia as BGC ≥200 mg/dL. Dogs were defined as having ITDM if they were treated with insulin. Follow‐up was attempted 7 to 12 years after hyperglycemia was documented to determine if over time dogs developed a need for exogenous insulin treatment.

Results

Twenty‐nine of 824 dogs (3.5%) with hyperglycemia and follow‐up information developed ITDM, including 3/824 dogs (0.4%) with moderate hyperglycemia, and 2/824 dogs (0.2%) with pronounced hyperglycemia. Most dogs with hyperglycemia that developed ITDM (24/29, 83%) had BGC ≤144 mg/dL. Among dogs that eventually developed a need for exogenous insulin treatment, no association was found between the degree of hyperglycemia and the time interval between documentation of hyperglycemia and diagnosis of ITDM. Logistic regression determined that BGC is not significantly associated with ITDM.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Most dogs with randomly identified hyperglycemia did not develop a need for exogenous insulin treatment. Other criteria could be required to augment the definition of overt DM in non‐insulin treated dogs.
Clinicopathological findings, treatment, and outcome in 60 cats with gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia
Authors: Černá Petra , Lopez‐Jimenez Cristobal , Fukushima Kenjiro , Nakashima Ko , Nakagawa Taisuke , Adam Fiona , Groth Anna , Denning Andrew , Israeliantz Nicolas , Gunn‐Moore Danièlle A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (GESF) in cats presents as mass(es) associated with the gastrointestinal tract, mesentery, and abdominal lymph nodes.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To report the clinicopathological findings, treatment, and outcome of cats with GESF.

Animals

Sixty client‐owned cats diagnosed with GESF.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of cats with histopathologically confirmed GESF.

Results

The median age was 5.4 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.3‐8.9.); 30% were Domestic Shorthairs and 12% were Domestic Longhair cats, with the most prevalent pedigree breeds being Ragdolls (25%), Exotic Shorthair (10%) and Persian (8%) cats. The median duration of clinical signs was 90 days (IQR, 17.5‐247.0); the most common clinical signs were weight loss (60%), hyporexia/anorexia (55%), chronic vomiting (37%), lethargy (35%) and chronic diarrhea (27%). Masses were located in the small intestine (32%), stomach (27%), ileocolic junction (15%), colon (10%), lymph node (8%) and mesentery (8%) and 15% of cats had >1 mass. Eosinophilia was present in 50% and hypoalbuminemia in 28% of cats. The mass was removed surgically in 37% of cases. Most cats (98%) were treated with corticosteroids. Survival was not statistically different between cats treated with surgical resection and cats treated with medical therapy alone, 88% of the cats were still alive at the time of writing.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

GESF is an important differential diagnosis for abdominal masses in cats, and has a much better prognosis than previously reported.
Pharmacokinetics of intranasal and intramuscular flunixin in healthy grower pigs
Authors: Wiloch Emily E. , Enomoto Hiroko , Smith Lilly , Baynes Ronald E. , Messenger Kristen M.
Published: January 2024

Flunixin meglumine is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug approved to manage pyrexia associated with swine respiratory disease. In the United States, no analgesic drugs are approved for use in swine by the FDA, although they are needed to manage painful conditions. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of intranasal versus intramuscular flunixin in grower pigs. Six pigs received 2.2 mg/kg flunixin either intranasally via atomizer or intramuscularly before receiving flunixin via the opposite route following a 5‐day washout period. Plasma samples were collected over 60 h and analysed using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to detect flunixin plasma concentrations. A non‐compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. The median Cmax was 4.0 μg/mL and 2.7 μg/mL for intramuscular and intranasal administration, respectively, while the median AUCinf was 6.9 h μg/mL for intramuscular administration and 4.9 h μg/mL for intranasal administration. For both routes, the median Tmax was 0.2 h, and flunixin was detectable in some samples up to 60 h post‐administration. Intranasal delivery had a relative bioavailability of 88.5%. These results suggest that intranasal flunixin has similar, although variable, pharmacokinetic parameters to the intramuscular route, making it a viable route of administration for use in grower swine.