bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Eruca sativa L. seeds in boosting the reproductive performance of male Japanese quails (Coturnix c. japonica)
Authors: Waly Hanan S. A. , Abdelfattah Mostafa Galal , Abou Khalil Nasser S. , Ragab Sohair M. M.
Published: December 2023

Herein we attempt to shed light on the potential improving effect of Eruca sativa seeds (ESS) on the reproductive aspects of male Japanese quails. To accomplish this objective, two groups of quails were supplemented with ESS powder at doses of 5 and 10 g/kg feed from 7 days to 140 days of age, in addition to the control group, which did not receive treatment. Forty males were reared singly in cages to evaluate sperm characters and 32 males were raised with 64 females to evaluate fertility and sperm penetrability. Sixty‐six phytochemical compounds were found according to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of ESS. The most plentiful ones are 13‐docosenoic acid methyl ester, 9‐octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and linoleic acid methyl ester. Both 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg doses of ESS showed similar effectiveness in enhancing various reproductive parameters, including gonadal index, sperm characteristics, fertility, libido, and cloacal gland attributes. However, some aspects like sperm concentration and testosterone levels exhibited a dose‐dependent response. There is no significant change in mortality rate of supplemented groups compared to the control one. ESS also caused a reduction in feed intake and an enhancement in feed conversion ratio without affecting final body weight and body weight gain. This suggests potential nutritional benefits beyond reproductive health. The low‐dose‐fed group showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde compared to the high‐dose‐fed and unfed groups. The higher dose notably increased total antioxidant capacity compared to the lower dose and control group. Despite the positive effects on male reproductive parameters, there wasn't a significant impact on hatchability percentage, indicating that while male fertility improved, it might not have directly affected the viability of the eggs. Overall, the study suggests that ESS could be a safe and promising addition to the diet of male Japanese quails to enhance their reproductive capabilities without adverse effects. The findings could have implications for poultry farming by potentially improving breeding efficiency and health outcomes in quails.
Demographic history shapes North American gray wolf genomic diversity and informs species' conservation
Authors: vonHoldt Bridgett M. , Stahler Daniel R. , Brzeski Kristin E. , Musiani Marco , Peterson Rolf , Phillips Michael , Stephenson John , Laudon Kent , Meredith Erin , Vucetich John A. , Leonard Jennifer A. , Wayne Robert K.
Published: December 2023

Effective population size estimates are critical information needed for evolutionary predictions and conservation decisions. This is particularly true for species with social factors that restrict access to breeding or experience repeated fluctuations in population size across generations. We investigated the genomic estimates of effective population size along with diversity, subdivision, and inbreeding from 162,109 minimally filtered and 81,595 statistically neutral and unlinked SNPs genotyped in 437 grey wolf samples from North America collected between 1986 and 2021. We found genetic structure across North America, represented by three distinct demographic histories of western, central, and eastern regions of the continent. Further, grey wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains have lower genomic diversity than wolves of the western Great Lakes and have declined over time. Effective population size estimates revealed the historical signatures of continental efforts of predator extermination, despite a quarter century of recovery efforts. We are the first to provide molecular estimates of effective population size across distinct grey wolf populations in North America, which ranged between Ne ~ 275 and 3050 since early 1980s. We provide data that inform managers regarding the status and importance of effective population size estimates for grey wolf conservation, which are on average 5.2–9.3% of census estimates for this species. We show that while grey wolves fall above minimum effective population sizes needed to avoid extinction due to inbreeding depression in the short term, they are below sizes predicted to be necessary to avoid long‐term risk of extinction.
Phase‐locked breathing does not affect episodic visual recognition memory but does shape its corresponding ERPs
Authors: Schaefer Martin , Hrysanidis Caitlin , Lundström Johan N. , Arshamian Artin
Published: December 2023

Recent studies have indicated that breathing shapes the underlying oscillatory brain activity critical for episodic memory, potentially impacting memory performance. However, the literature has presented conflicting results, with some studies suggesting that nasal inhalation enhances visual memory performance, while others have failed to observe any significant effects. Furthermore, the specific influence of breathing route (nasal vs. mouth) and the precise phase of the respiratory cycle during which stimuli are presented have remained elusive. To address this, we employed a visual recognition memory (VRM) and electroencephalography paradigm in which stimuli presentation was phase‐locked to either inhalation or exhalation onset, using a within‐subject design where participants performed the memory task while engaging in separate sessions of nose and mouth breathing. We show that neither breathing route nor breathing phase has a significant impact on VRM performance as measured by d‐prime, with the data supporting the null hypothesis. However, we did find an effect of breathing phase on response bias, with participants adopting a more conservative decision criterion during exhalation. Moreover, we found that breathing phase during memory encoding shaped the late parietal effect (LPE) amplitude, while the Frontal Negative Component (FN400) and LPE during recognition were less impacted. While our study demonstrates that breathing does not shape VRM performance, it shows that it influences brain activity, reinforcing the importance of further research to elucidate the extent of respiratory influence on perception, cognition, and behavior.
Advanced Fuel Concept
Authors: Onder E. Nihan
Published: December 2023

Before the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, the world-wide development efforts of advanced nuclear fuels focused on improving nuclear fuel performance in terms of reduced fuel failures, increased power density, and increased burnup. However, during the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in March 2011, some undesirable performance characteristics of the conventional fuel system (i.e., UO2 fuel with -zircaloy-4 or zircaloy-2), such as rapid hydrogen production (i.e., liberation of hydrogen due to steam oxidation of zircaloy cladding, which in turn later resulted in hydrogen explosions in the Fukushima Daiichi plant), were identified. Since then, new concepts of pellet and cladding have been proposed and tested as Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) that can tolerate the loss of active cooling for a longer period of time, and produce less or no hydrogen, while maintaining or improving the fuel performance during normal operations, as compared to the standard UO2 – zirconium alloy fuel system [84]. ATF was originally proposed for existing LWRs, because the existing LWR fleet don’t have the improved safety features (e.g., passive safety system) as the advanced reactors (i.e., new generation reactors, Gen-IV and small modular reactors, SMR). It is difficult to implement these improved safety features into the existing reactors because of the requirements of significant design changes. Therefore, safety can be further improved for the existing reactors by utilizing a combination of fuel innovations (i.e., ATF) and operational and/or reactor design changes. Nevertheless, ATF can also be used to fuel the advanced reactors, designed to utilize similar fuels to the conventional fuel (i.e., UO2) or fuel system (i.e., UO2 - zirconium alloy).
Nuclear Fuel Materials and Basic Properties
Authors: Onder E. Nihan
Published: December 2023

Some desired properties and characteristics of fuel include high thermal conductivity, high density, high melting temperature, high thermal stability, modest linear expansion coefficient and high burn-up capacity. The fuel shall also show good irradiation characteristics, such as little-to-no-swelling, fission gas retention, resistance to irradiation damage (irradiation hardening, etc.). Compatibility of fuel and cladding is essential: detrimental interaction of fuel with cladding is not acceptable. It is also desirable to achieve proliferation-resistance for the fuel, which is related to the intrinsic fuel properties (e.g., difficult to separate nuclides) and minimal radioactive waste.
Fuel Performance
Authors: Onder E. Nihan
Published: December 2023

In this section, the effect of reactor environment on fuel performance, material challenges and degradation of the fuel and cladding materials in a nuclear reactor environment, fuel performance at accident conditions and modelling aspects of fuel performance are discussed.
Characterization of soundscape assessment in outdoor public spaces of urban high-rise residential communities
Authors: Zhu Guofeng , Kang Jian , Ma Hui , Wang Chao
Published: December 2023

Soundscape perceptual models were developed in various contexts. However, as the outdoor public space in high-rise residential communities differs in terms of space planning and management, the soundscape perceptual characteristics are still unclear. In this study, an on-site survey was conducted to obtain the perceptual dimensions of soundscape in outdoor public spaces in urban high-rise residential communities based on evaluations of residents. Meantime, the soundscape of the space in different community layouts were compared. It was found that: (1) Four dimensions of outdoor soundscape in high-rise communities were extracted, namely Relaxation, Communication, Quietness, and Spatiality. The first three dimensions were positively correlated with overall soundscape satisfaction significantly. (2) Relaxation was mostly correlated with dominance of noise; Communication and Quietness were primarily related to sounds from human beings. (3) Lower traffic noise and higher levels of human sounds were perceived in enclosed communities, resulting in higher Relaxation and lower Quietness scores in outdoor public spaces in enclosed communities than non-enclosed ones. These findings evoke insights into the understanding of soundscape assessment in different contexts, and provide implications for sound environment design in urban high-rise communities.
In Patients With Chronic Pain Conditions, Does Dry Needling Reduce Pain?
Authors: Kleinhesselink Paden , Tierney Ryan , Mansell Jamie , Russ Anne
Published: December 2023

Dry needling’s primary goal is to alleviate pain by inserting solid filament needles into muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide a stimulus that inhibits nerve endings to decrease pain. This critically appraised topic investigates the effects dry needling has on patients with various chronic pain conditions and its ability to relieve pain. Articles were selected if patients had a chronic pain condition lasting at least 3 months, pain was reported using the Visual Analog Scale, and were randomized control trials or prospective studies. All selected studies for this critically appraised topic showed significant improvement in chronic pain. With these improvements, dry needling has been shown to be an effective treatment in chronic pain conditions.
Reliability and Validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Adapted to Include Adults With Physical Disability
Authors: Clina Julianne G. , Sayer R. Drew , Friedman James E. , Chui Tsz Kiu , Mehta Tapan , Rimmer James H. , Hill James O.
Published: December 2023

Background: People with physical disabilities (PWD) participate in less physical activity than people without physical disabilities (PWoD), which increases the risk for several negative health consequences. Comparing physical activity between PWD and PWoD remains a challenge since no reliable and valid survey exists to measure physical activity in both populations. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was adapted to be inclusive of PWD using a recently developed survey adaption framework; however, the adapted IPAQ has not been assessed for reliability and validity. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the adapted IPAQ. Methods: To assess test–retest reliability, the adapted IPAQ was completed twice within a 72-hour period by 172 individuals (PWD: n = 102, PWoD: n = 70) and compared using intraclass correlation coefficients. Using Spearman rho, convergent validity and construct validity were assessed in 62 individuals by comparing the adapted IPAQ against the original instrument and activity monitor measured step count, respectively. Results: The adapted IPAQ demonstrated moderate test–retest reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients of total scores for the total sample of .690 (95% confidence interval [CI] .581–.770) and among subgroup analysis (PWD, .640, 95% CI, .457–.761; PWoD, .758, 95% CI, .610–.850). Correlation coefficients were also good for the assessment of convergent validity of total score (.727; 95% CI, .579–.829; P < .001). Construct validity assessment yielded moderate coefficient (.406; 95% CI, .166–.596; P = .001). Conclusions: The adapted IPAQ demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity and is appropriate for use in PWD and PWoD.
Reassigning CI chondrite parent bodies based on reflectance spectroscopy of samples from carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu and meteorites
Authors: Amano Kana , Matsuoka Moe , Nakamura Tomoki , Kagawa Eiichi , Fujioka Yuri , Potin Sandra M. , Hiroi Takahiro , Tatsumi Eri , Milliken Ralph E. , Quirico Eric , Beck Pierre , Brunetto Rosario , Uesugi Masayuki , Takahashi Yoshio , Kawai Takahiro , Yamashita Shohei , Enokido Yuma , Wada Taiga , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Zolensky Michael E. , Takir Driss , Domingue Deborah L. , Jaramillo-Correa Camilo , Vilas Faith , Hendrix Amanda R. , Kikuiri Mizuha , Morita Tomoyo , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Yabuta Hikaru , Naraoka Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kanako , Tachibana Shogo , Yada Toru , Nishimura Masahiro , Nakato Aiko , Miyazaki Akiko , Yogata Kasumi , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Usui Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Nakazawa Satoru , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: December 2023

The carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu has been explored by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft to elucidate the actual nature of hydrous asteroids. Laboratory analyses revealed that the samples from Ryugu are comparable to unheated CI carbonaceous chondrites; however, reflectance spectra of Ryugu samples and CIs do not coincide. Here, we demonstrate that Ryugu sample spectra are reproduced by heating Orgueil CI chondrite at 300°C under reducing conditions, which caused dehydration of terrestrial weathering products and reduction of iron in phyllosilicates. Terrestrial weathering of CIs accounts for the spectral differences between Ryugu sample and CIs, which is more severe than space weathering that likely explains those between asteroid Ryugu and the collected samples. Previous assignments of CI chondrite parent bodies, i.e., chemically most primitive objects in the solar system, are based on the spectra of CI chondrites. This study indicates that actual spectra of CI parent bodies are much darker and flatter at ultraviolet to visible wavelengths than the spectra of CI chondrites.
Lateral flexion of a compliant spine improves motor performance in a bioinspired mouse robot
Authors: Bing Zhenshan , Rohregger Alex , Walter Florian , Huang Yuhong , Lucas Peer , Morin Fabrice O. , Huang Kai , Knoll Alois
Published: December 2023

A flexible spine is critical to the motion capability of most animals and plays a pivotal role in their agility. Although state-of-the-art legged robots have already achieved very dynamic and agile movement solely relying on their legs, they still exhibit the type of stiff movement that compromises movement efficiency. The integration of a flexible spine thus appears to be a promising approach to improve their agility, especially for small and underactuated quadruped robots that are underpowered because of size limitations. Here, we show that the lateral flexion of a compliant spine can promote both walking speed and maneuver agility for a neurorobotic mouse (NeRmo). We present NeRmo as a biomimetic robotic mouse that mimics the morphology of biological mice and their muscle-tendon actuation system. First, by leveraging the lateral flexion of the compliant spine, NeRmo can greatly increase its static stability in an initially unstable configuration by adjusting its posture. Second, the lateral flexion of the spine can also effectively extend the stride length of a gait and therefore improve the walking speeds of NeRmo. Finally, NeRmo shows agile maneuvers that require both a small turning radius and fast walking speed with the help of the spine. These results advance our understanding of spine-based quadruped locomotion skills and highlight promising design concepts to develop more agile legged robots.
TrhA, a bacterial progestin and adiponectin receptor homolog, couples membrane energetics homeostasis and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Melchionna Maddison , Ganusova Elena E. , Harmon Neyland , Alexandre Gladys
Published: December 2023

Members of the widely conserved progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family function to maintain membrane homeostasis: membrane fluidity and fatty acid composition in eukaryotes and membrane energetics and fatty acid composition in bacteria. All PAQRs consist of a core seven transmembrane domain structure and five conserved amino acids (three histidines, one serine, and one aspartic acid) predicted to form a hydrolase-like catalytic site. PAQR homologs in Bacteria (called TrhA, for transmembrane homeostasis protein A) maintain homeostasis of membrane charge gradients, like the membrane potential and proton gradient that comprise the proton motive force, but their molecular mechanisms are not yet understood. Here, we show that TrhA in
Escherichia coli
has a periplasmic C-terminus, which places the five conserved residues shared by all PAQRs at the cytoplasmic interface of the membrane. Here, we characterize several conserved residues predicted to form an active site by site-directed mutagenesis. We also identify a specific role for TrhA in modulating unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis with conserved residues required to either promote or reduce the abundance of unsaturated fatty acids. We also identify distinct roles for the conserved residues in supporting TrhA’s role in maintaining membrane energetics homeostasis that suggest that both functions are intertwined and probably partly dependent on one another. An analysis of domain architecture of TrhA-like domains in Bacteria further supports a function of TrhA linking membrane energetics homeostasis with biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in the membrane.

IMPORTANCE

Progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family proteins are evolutionary conserved regulators of membrane homeostasis and have been best characterized in eukaryotes. Bacterial PAQR homologs, named TrhA (transmembrane homeostasis protein A), regulate membrane energetics homeostasis through an unknown mechanism. Here, we present evidence linking TrhA to both membrane energetics homeostasis and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Analysis of domain architecture together with experimental evidence suggests a model where TrhA activity on unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis is regulated by changes in membrane energetics to dynamically adjust membrane homeostasis.
Complete genome sequence of
Moraxella
sp. strain DOX410, a bacterium potentially degrading 1,4-dioxane isolated from river sediment
Authors: Ryu Byung-Gon , Kang Hye Kyeong , Lee Mi-Hwa , Chun Byung Hee
Published: December 2023

Moraxella
sp. strain DOX410 was isolated from a systematic enrichment culture to investigate strains with 1,4-dioxane degradation potential. The genome of strain DOX410 consists of five complete contigs and contained genes related to degradation of the aromatic ring structure of 1,4-dioxane.
Waste not, want not: revisiting the analysis that called into question the practice of rarefaction
Authors: Schloss Patrick D.
Published: December 2023

In 2014, McMurdie and Holmes published the provocatively titled “Waste not, want not: why rarefying microbiome data is inadmissible.” The claims of their study have significantly altered how microbiome researchers control for the unavoidable uneven sequencing depths that are inherent in modern 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Confusion over the distinction between the definitions of rarefying and rarefaction continues to cloud the interpretation of their results. More importantly, the authors made a variety of problematic choices when designing and analyzing their simulations. I identified 11 factors that could have compromised the results of the original study. I reproduced the original simulation results and assessed the impact of those factors on the underlying conclusion that rarefying data is inadmissible. Throughout, the design of the original study made choices that caused rarefying and rarefaction to appear to perform worse than they truly did. Most important were the approaches used to assess ecological distances, the removal of samples with low sequencing depth, and not accounting for conditions where sequencing effort is confounded with treatment group. Although the original study criticized rarefying for the arbitrary removal of valid data, repeatedly rarefying data many times (i.e., rarefaction) incorporates all the data. In contrast, it is the removal of rare taxa that would appear to remove valid data. Overall, I show that rarefaction is the most robust approach to control for uneven sequencing effort when considered across a variety of alpha and beta diversity metrics.

IMPORTANCE

Over the past 10 years, the best method for normalizing the sequencing depth of samples characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing has been contentious. An often cited article by McMurdie and Holmes forcefully argued that rarefying the number of sequence counts was “inadmissible” and should not be employed. However, I identified a number of problems with the design of their simulations and analysis that compromised their results. In fact, when I reproduced and expanded upon their analysis, it was clear that rarefaction was actually the most robust approach for controlling for uneven sequencing effort across samples. Rarefaction limits the rate of falsely detecting and rejecting differences between treatment groups. Far from being “inadmissible”, rarefaction is a valuable tool for analyzing microbiome sequence data.
Responses of microbial community dynamics, co-occurrences, functional shifts, and natural fermentation profiles of
Elymus nutans
silage to altitudinal gradients
Authors: Su Rina , Li Fuhou , Liang Ying , Sheoran Neha , Bai Jie , Hao Lizhuang , Ke Wencan , Hu Chen , Jia Mengya , Usman Samaila , Chen Mengyan , Guo Xusheng
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the microbial diversity, functionality, and fermentation quality of
Elymus nutans
(
E. nutans
) silage across different altitudinal gradients. Forage samples were gathered from three areas in Qinghai province, China, namely, Huangyuan (HY, altitude of 2,613 m); Xinghai (XH, altitude of 3,612 m), and Chenduo (CD, altitude of 4,589 m) counties. Chopped
E. nutans
were ensiled at local room temperature and sampled after 7, 14, 30, and 60 days of ensiling. The results exhibited that the bacterial diversity and numbers of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast in
E. nutans
forage decreased, while the water-soluble carbohydrates and crude protein increased along the altitudinal gradients. This led to clear differences in fermentation qualities and bacterial community dynamics. The silage from CD with high altitude showed a higher fermentation quality, more stable bacterial network structure, and lower abundance of amino acid metabolism than ensiled forages collected from the other regions (
P
< 0.05). Meanwhile, the LAB including
Lacticaseibacillus
and
Levilactobacillus
were identified as differentially abundant taxa in silage sample from CD after 60 days of ensiling; in contrast, the undesirable microbiota were still the differentially abundant taxa in the silages from HY and XH. Correlation analysis further confirmed that altitude affects the epiphytic microbial structure and nutrition distribution of
E. nutans
forage, leading to varying levels of fermentation. Considering the complex microbial composition of fresh forage, LAB inoculation is highly suggested for
E. nutans
silage making in the Qinghai regions with low altitudes.

IMPORTANCE

On the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), feed shortages are common due to cold environmental conditions and the short growing season of crops. Therefore, effective preservation, such as the ensiling of local forage, is becoming increasingly important to balance the seasonal imbalance between the forage supply and the nutritional needs of domestic animals in this area. However, the structure of the microbial community of the forage, which is influenced by climatic conditions such as altitude differences, has a major impact on the fermentation quality and microbial succession of the ensiled forage. Therefore, we investigated microbial community dynamics, co-occurrence, functional shifts, and natural fermentation profiles of
Elymus nutans
silage as a function of altitudinal gradients. Results show that silage from Chenduo at higher elevations has better fermentation quality and higher abundance of
Lacticaseibacillus
and
Levilactobacillus
than ensiled forage from other regions. This work may contribute to guiding for silage production in QTP.
Ileal conduit to small intestine fistula following extensive abdominopelvic resection and radiation for metastatic colon cancer
Authors: Kwon Alvin G. , Brinzevich Daria , Borovik Alexander , Bhalla Rakesh
Published: December 2023

A woman in her mid-60s presented with decreased output from urostomy, which was an opening from the neobladder (ileal conduit). Presentation was preceded by a 6-month history of alternating faecaluria and increased colostomy output. Laboratory studies were notable for normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Creatinine level of the colostomy output was 17.7 mg/dL, a finding indicative of the presence of urine in the sample. CT enterography and X-ray loopogram confirmed neobladder to small intestine fistula.

Neobladder creation is commonly performed in patients with bladder cancer requiring resection. Fistulas between the neobladder and intestine are observed in fewer than 2.7% of cases. The patient’s history of extensive abdominopelvic resection, colostomy creation and radiation likely contributed to fistula development. We highlight the need for a high index of suspicion for a fistula in a patient with a neobladder experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections or a high colostomy output concurrently with low neobladder output.
Detailed measurements of the four extraocular rectus muscles’ contribution to the perfusion of the anterior segment of the eye
Authors: Engqvist Linn , Sheikh Rafi , Öhnell HannaMaria , Dahlstrand Ulf
Published: December 2023

Background/aims

Anterior segment ischaemia (ASI) is a rare but serious complication of strabismus surgery, which may be caused by damage to the anterior ciliary arteries that run along the rectus muscles. To avoid ASI, clinical praxis is to operate on a maximum of two rectus muscles at a time. The aim of this study was to perform a detailed study of the contribution of the four ocular rectus muscles to the perfusion of the anterior segment using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).

Methods

The four rectus muscles were successively detached during enucleation in nine patients with suspected uveal melanoma. Perfusion of the anterior segment was monitored with LSCI during the detachment of each of the rectus muscles, and after the ophthalmic artery had been severed.

Results

Perfusion of the anterior segment, measured in the paralimbal tissue, decreased gradually as the four rectus muscles were detached, showing a decrease to 98% when the first (lateral rectus) muscle was detached, to 88% when the second (medial rectus), and 69% when the third (inferior rectus) muscles were detached. The decrease was more pronounced and statistically significant when the fourth (superior rectus) muscle was detached (to 28%, p=0.0102).

Conclusion

LSCI is a valuable perfusion monitoring tool, as it has the capability to visualise the gradual decrease in anterior segment perfusion as the rectus muscles are successively detached. Further studies are needed to determine how many rectus muscles can be safely detached during strabismus surgery without risking ASI.
Vital role for primary healthcare providers: urgent need to educate the community about daily nutritional self-care to support immune function and maintain health
Authors: Calder Philip C , Bach-Faig Anna , Bevacqua Teresa , Caballero Lopez Chrystopherson Gengyny , Chen Zheng-Yu , Connolly Daragh , Koay Wan Lee , Meydani Simin N , Pinar Ari-Sentug , Ribas-Filho Durval , Pierre Adeline
Published: December 2023

The importance of self-care to improve health and social well-being is well recognised. Nevertheless, there remains a need to encourage people to better understand how their body works, and how to keep it healthy. Because of its important role, part of this understanding should be based on why the immune system must be supported. This highly complex system is essential for defending against pathogens, but also for maintaining health throughout the body by preserving homeostasis and integrity. Accordingly, the immune system requires active management for optimal functioning and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In addition to regular exercise, healthy sleeping patterns, cultivating mental resilience, adequate nutrition through healthy and diverse dietary habits is key to the daily support of immune function. Diet and the immune system are closely intertwined, and a poor diet will impair immunity and increase the risk of acute and chronic diseases. To help elucidate the roles of primary healthcare providers in supporting individuals to engage in self-care, an international group of experts reviewed the evidence for the roles of the immune system in maintaining health and for nutrition in daily immune support, and discussed implications for population health and clinical practice.
Effect of mobile-assisted education on health promoting lifestyle and blood sugar of women with gestational diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Maleki Maryam , Mousavi Parvaneh , Abedi Parvin , Rokhafrooz Dariush , Maraghi Elham
Published: December 2023

Background

The gestational diabetes causes complications for the mother and the baby.

Methods

It was a randomised controlled trial that was conducted in Public Health Center No 1 in Baghmalek, Khuzestan province, Iran. Seventy-six women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were recruited and randomly allocated into an intervention (n=38) and a control group (n=38). A mobile app was developed, and the content of the educational programme was designed according to the six dimensions of Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). Participants in the intervention group followed instructions about healthy lifestyle for 4 weeks, whereas the control group received only routine care. A demographic questionnaire, and the HPLP-II were used to gather the data.

Health promoting lifestyle and blood sugar of participants were measured after 4 weeks.

Results

The total score of HPLP was 98.34±13.99 and 92.39±14.56 before the intervention in intervention and control groups, respectively, which was improved significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group after intervention (143.13±23.41 vs 100.39±16.69, p<0.0001). Also, the scores of stress management, responsibility, interpersonal relationship, spiritual growth, nutrition and physical activity were significantly improved in the intervention group. Fasting blood sugar and blood sugar 2 hours after meal significantly reduced in the intervention group compared with the control group (86.05±7.71 mg/dL vs 93.92±5.52 mg/dL) and (113.65±10.96 mg/dL vs 124.97±9.15 mg/dL), (p=0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Our results showed that offering educational programmes based on mobile apps can improve healthy lifestyle and blood sugar in women with GDM.

Trial registration number

IRCT20200817048434N1

Website address

https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20200817048434N1
Familial risk of vasospastic angina: a nationwide family study in Sweden
Authors: Ricci Fabrizio , Banihashemi Behzad , Pirouzifard Mirnabi , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Sutton Richard , Fedorowski Artur , Zoller Bengt
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is a complex coronary vasomotor disorder associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death. Despite considerable advances in understanding VSA pathophysiology, the interplay between genetic and environmental factors remains elusive. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the familial VSA risk among first-degree relatives of affected individuals.

Methods

A population-based multigenerational cohort study was conducted, including full-sibling pairs born to Swedish parents between 1932 and 2018. Register-based diagnoses were ascertained through linkage to the Swedish Multigeneration Register and National Patient Register. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and adjusted HRs were calculated for relatives of individuals with VSA compared with relatives of individuals without VSA.

Results

The total study population included 5 764 770 individuals. Overall, 3461 (0.06%) individuals (median age at disease onset 59 years, IQR: 63–76) were diagnosed with VSA. Of these, 2236 (64.61%) were women. The incidence rate of VSA for individuals with an affected sibling was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.42) per 1000 person-years compared with 0.04 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.04) per 1000 person-years for those without an affected sibling, yielding an IRR of 7.58 (95% CI: 5.71 to 10.07). The risk of VSA for siblings with an affected sibling was significantly increased in the fully adjusted model (HR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.73 to 3.79). No increased risk of VSA was observed in spouses of affected individuals (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.19 to 2.09).

Conclusions

In this nationwide family study, we identified high familial risk for VSA independent of shared environmental risk factors. Our findings indicate that VSA tends to cluster in families, emphasising the need to explore genetic and non-genetic factors that may contribute.
Recommendation to implementation of remote patient monitoring in rheumatology: lessons learned and barriers to take
Authors: Hamann Philip , Knitza Johannes , Kuhn Sebastian , Knevel Rachel
Published: December 2023

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) leverages advanced technology to monitor and manage patients’ health remotely and continuously. In 2022 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) points-to-consider for remote care were published to foster adoption of RPM, providing guidelines on where to position RPM in our practices. Sample papers and studies describe the value of RPM. But for many rheumatologists, the unanswered question remains the ‘how to?’ implement RPM.

Using the successful, though not frictionless example of the Southmead rheumatology department, we address three types of barriers for the implementation of RPM: service, clinician and patients, with subsequent learning points that could be helpful for new teams planning to implement RPM. These address, but are not limited to, data governance, selecting high quality cost-effective solutions and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. In addition, we describe five lacunas that could further improve RPM when addressed: establishing quality standards, creating a comprehensive database of available RPM tools, integrating data with electronic patient records, addressing reimbursement uncertainties and improving digital literacy among patients and healthcare professionals.
Basket Trials: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Murciano-Goroff Yonina R. , Uppal Manik , Chen Monica , Harada Guilherme , Schram Alison M.
Published: December 2023

Large-scale tumor molecular profiling has revealed that diverse cancer histologies are driven by common pathways with unifying biomarkers that can be exploited therapeutically. Disease-agnostic basket trials have been increasingly utilized to test biomarker-driven therapies across cancer types. These trials have led to drug approvals and improved the lives of patients while simultaneously advancing our understanding of cancer biology. This review focuses on the practicalities of implementing basket trials, with an emphasis on molecularly targeted trials. We examine the biologic subtleties of genomic biomarker and patient selection, discuss previous successes in drug development facilitated by basket trials, describe certain novel targets and drugs, and emphasize practical considerations for participant recruitment and study design. This review also highlights strategies for aiding patient access to basket trials. As basket trials become more common, steps to ensure equitable implementation of these studies will be critical for molecularly targeted drug development.
Development of Mn-Co and Mn-Co-CeO2 Coatings on Crofer 22 APU Steel for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Interconnects
Authors: Mohsenifar Farhad , Irannejad Ahmad , Ebrahimifar Hadi
Published: December 2023

The present study compared the performance of uncoated, Mn-Co and Mn-Co-CeO2-coated Crofer 22 APU ferritic stainless steel interconnects. The samples were oxidized for 500 h in an electric furnace at 800 °C. The surface morphology and phase structure of the samples before and after oxidation were examined using FESEM microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, respectively. The electrical conductivity evaluation of the samples was also conducted by measuring the area specific resistance (ASR). The results indicated that the weight gain of the uncoated, Mn-Co and Mn-Co-CeO2-coated samples after 500 h of oxidation was 0.55, 0.58 and 0.27 mg.cm−2, respectively. Additionally, a comparison of the oxidation kinetics of the experimental samples revealed that the oxidation rate constant of the Mn-Co-CeO2-coated steel is 10 and 40 times lower than that of the Mn-Co-coated and uncoated steel, respectively. XRD analysis of the samples after oxidation confirmed the presence of MnCo2O4, Co3O4, and (Mn,Cr,Co)3O4 in the oxidized Mn-Co-coated, MnCo2O4, Co3O4, and CeO2 in the oxidized Mn-Co-CeO2-coated, and the chromium-containing phases (FeCr2O4, MnCr2O4, and Cr2O3) in the oxidized uncoated samples. The presence of phases with high electrical conductivity in the oxidized coated samples reduced their activation energy for conduction compared to the oxidized uncoated sample.
Development of Novel Cobalt Tungstate Anchored on MCM-41 for Sensitive Detection of Dopamine in Human Urine Samples
Authors: Meenakshi Ganesh Abinaya , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Chiu Te-Wei
Published: December 2023

In this study, MCM-41/CoWO4 nanocomposite has been used for electrochemical detection of dopamine neurotransmitters. The cobalt tungstate nanoparticles (CoWO4) were synthesized through facile hydrothermal method and MCM-41/CoWO4 nanocomposite was prepared by ultrasonication method. The as-synthesized MCM-41/CoWO4 nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman techniques. The electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite was examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry studies. The GCE/MCM-41/CoWO4 electrode exhibited a linear range, better sensitivity, and limit of detection (LOD) of 10–170 μM, 0.3361 μA μM−1 cm−2 and 7.2 nm, respectively. Moreover, the GCE/MCM-41/CoWO4 electrode demonstrated good repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. In addition to that, the real sample analysis was conducted using human urine with excellent recovery and RSD percentage.
Review—Recent Advances in Nanosensors for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Tong Shi Wun , Goh Wei Peng , Jiang Changyun
Published: December 2023

Accurate assessment of plant health conditions across thousands of crops is a challenging undertaking in high density indoor farming as the environmental conditions experienced by individual plants can be very different. Manually inspecting visible symptoms of plant diseases is also not a feasible method because the process is time-consuming and human evaluations are subjective. Compared with traditional bulky sensors, nanosensor-based array can be seamlessly attached onto the plants to identify the onset and type of stress in-vivo via the detection of the plant signaling molecules triggered by plant stress. Most review articles about nanosensors are focused on the working mechanisms, fabrication processes, and device architectures. This review aims at highlighting how nanotechnology can introduce additional value to sensing applications for precision farming, together with the adoption of nanosensors in the current agricultural sector. Further efforts in understanding the applications of nanosensors in a safe and sustainable agricultural environment is also addressed.
Efficient Electrochemical Detection of Homocysteine in Biological Samples Based on Au NPs Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Han Lingling , Yang Yali , Wang Bowen , Liu Fuxin , Li Na , Zhang Dongyu , Liu Xiuhui
Published: December 2023

It is well known that elevated homocysteine (HcySH) values can lead to a wide range of diseases. Quantifying HcySH can be an aid in early diagnosis and treatment of related illnesses. Consequently, it is very significant to develop a sensitive detection technology for exact monitoring of HcySH. Based on the excellent affinity of Au NPs with the -SH group in HcySH and the excellent conductivity of cMWCNTs, a novel electrochemical sensor (Au NPs/cMWCNTs/GCE) was constructed to detect HcySH in this paper. The sensor not only can effectively improve the specificity of HcySH detection, but also has the wide linear range and low detection limit (2.89 × 10−8 M, S/N = 3). What’s more, the homocysteine contents of a variety of serum samples were directly detected by the constructed sensor for the first time, and the recovery rate was satisfactory. In conclusion, the research provided an effective method to achieve the rapid, reliable and ultrasensitive determination of HcySH, which has important applications in biomedical analysis and clinical diagnosis.
Niobium-Tungsten Bimetallic Oxide Electrodes with High Dual-Band Electrochromic Performance Prepared by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Sun Mengtao , Wang Likun , Shi Guohua , Liu Qiying , Xu Gang , Liu Yong , Han Gaorong
Published: December 2023

Dual-band electrochromic (EC) smart windows, capable of selectively regulating visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) light, are one of the most attractive candidates for significantly reducing the energy consumption of buildings. Niobium-tungsten bimetallic oxides exhibit a fast ion exchange rate and high cycle stability in the electrochemical field because of various structural chemistry in the pseudobinary system Nb2O5/WO3, showing excellent dual-band EC potential. Herein, we employ a facile hydrothermal technique to synthesize Nb18W16O93 (NWO) films with low temperature and facile procedure. The obtained NWO films exhibit impressive dual-band electrochromic performances, including high optical regulation (radiation blocking rates of 33.1% and 77.5% in the VIS and NIR band) and short coloring/bleaching time (12 s/2.6 s at 633 nm and 6.5 s/6.1 s at 1600 nm). These results demonstrate that NWO is a high-performance dual-band EC material and provide a practical strategy to synthesize the NWO electrodes with nanorod stacking architectures in a facile and low-cost way.
Impact of Trace Nickel in the Electrolyte on the Electrochemistry of Positive Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Banov Krum , Breddemann Ulf , Khodeir Miriam , Novák Petr
Published: December 2023

This study looks into the impact of Ni2+ ions as an electrolyte impurity on the electrochemical performance of NMC811 electrodes. The results indicate that the presence of Ni impurities in the electrolyte increases the polarization, primarily at the oxide-electrolyte interface. The influence on the metallic lithium counter electrode and the electrolyte conductivity can be neglected. The Ni impurities induce the formation of high impedance CEI layers on the oxide electrode, affected by both cations and anions of the impurity and impeding the current flow and cell performance. Ni impurities also enhance electrochemical side reactions, especially oxidation of the electrolyte, diminishing both, the Coulombic efficiency during cycling and the practical specific charge. The rates of these side reactions are related to the Ni2+ ion concentration. C-rate tests confirmed that a contaminated electrolyte reduces the practical specific charge due to the increased interfacial impedance of the CEI, especially at high discharge rates. The cycling performance of NMC811 electrodes in contaminated electrolytes showed that Ni impurities, especially NiCO3, promoted capacity fading during cycling and increased cell polarization. To optimize the performance of NMC-based oxide electrodes, controlling the concentration of Ni ions in the electrolyte is critical.
Sarcopenia and Hypoxia in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kim Jinseung , Lee Ho-Joon , Lee Dong Ah. , Park Kang Min
Published: December 2023

Objectives. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a variety of health issues. Both OSA and sarcopenia are associated with metabolic disorders; however, there is limited literature assessing the correlation between them. Therefore, we aimed to investigate sarcopenia using temporal muscle thickness (TMT) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the association between sarcopenia and hypoxia. Methods. We enrolled patients with OSA and healthy controls. Both groups underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, including three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging. TMT, a marker for sarcopenia, was obtained based on the T1-weighted imaging and compared between the groups. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between TMT and clinical factors in patients with OSA. Results. In total, 40 patients with OSA and 52 healthy controls were evaluated. There was no difference in TMT between patients with OSA and healthy controls (

10.425
±
2.13

vs.

10.400
±
1.94

 mm,

p
=
0.953

). In the correlation analysis, age was negatively correlated with TMT (

r
=
−
0.356

,

p
=
0.023

), and lowest oxygen saturation (

r
=
−
0.558

,

p
<
0.001

) in patients with OSA. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated negative correlations between TMT and lowest oxygen saturation in the patients with OSA. These findings suggest potential relationships between sarcopenia and hypoxia in patients with OSA. Thus, these results underline the importance of maintaining oxygen saturation in patients with OSA by implementing active treatment. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of sarcopenia assessment by measuring TMT through conventional head MRI in patients with various neurological disorders.
TABLE 2 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

Adult self-report of PROMIS data