bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderate exercise-induced dynamics on key sepsis-associated signaling pathways in the liver
Authors: Osuru Hari Prasad , Ikeda Keita , Atluri Navya , Thiele Robert H.
Published: July 2023

Background

There is a clear relationship between quantitative measures of fitness (e.g., VO2 max) and outcomes after surgical procedures. Whether or not fitness is a modifiable risk factor and what underlying biological processes drive these changes are not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the moderate exercise training effect on sepsis outcomes (survival) as well as the hepatic biological response. We chose to study the liver because it plays a central role in the regulation of immune defense during systemic infection and receives blood flow directly from the origin of infection (gut) in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model.

Methods

We randomized 50 male (♂) and female (♀) Sprague–Dawley rats (10 weeks, 340 g) to 3 weeks of treadmill exercise training, performed CLP to induce polymicrobial “sepsis,” and monitored survival for five days (Part I). In parallel (Part II), we randomized 60 rats to control/sedentary (G1), exercise (G2), exercise + sham surgery (G3), CLP/sepsis (G4), exercise + CLP [12 h (G5) and 24 h (G6)], euthanized at 12 or 24 h, and explored molecular pathways related to exercise and sepsis survival in hepatic tissue and serum.

Results

Three weeks of exercise training significantly increased rat survival following CLP (polymicrobial sepsis). CLP increased inflammatory markers (e.g., TNF-a, IL-6), which were attenuated by exercise. Sepsis suppressed the SOD and Nrf2 expression, and exercise before sepsis restored SOD and Nrf2 levels near the baseline. CLP led to increased HIF1a expression and oxidative and nitrosative stress, the latter of which were attenuated by exercise. Haptoglobin expression levels were increased in CLP animals, which was significantly amplified in exercise + CLP (24 h) rats.

Conclusions

Moderate exercise training (3 weeks) increased the survival in rats exposed to CLP, which was associated with less inflammation, less oxidative and nitrosative stress, and activation of antioxidant defense pathways.

Graphical abstract
Development of microsatellite markers for the invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus
Authors: Soresinetti Laura , Arnoldi Irene , Negri Agata , Naro Giovanni , Michelutti Alice , Montarsi Fabrizio , Mosca Andrea , Bandi Claudio , Gabrieli Paolo , Epis Sara
Published: July 2023

Background

Aedes koreicus is a mosquito species native to East Asia which has recently invaded several countries in Europe. In Italy, this mosquito was first detected in the North-East in 2011 and is now widely distributed in the entire northern part of the country. The development of specific genetic markers, such as microsatellites, is necessary to uncover the dispersal routes of this mosquito from its native areas and, eventually, to plan future control interventions.

Methods

Available raw sequences of genomic DNA of Ae. koreicus were screened in silico using BLASTn to identify possible microsatellite-containing sequences. Specific primer pairs were then designed, and their efficiency was determined through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 32 individuals of Ae. koreicus collected in Italy. PCR conditions were optimised in three multiplex reactions. Genotyping of individual mosquitoes was performed on both single and multiplex PCR reactions. Finally, analysis of intra-population variation was performed to assess the level of polymorphism of the markers.

Results

Mosquito genotyping provided consistent results in both single and multiplex reactions. Out of the 31 microsatellite markers identified in the Ae. koreicus genome raw sequences, 11 were polymorphic in the examined mosquito samples.

Conclusions

The results show that the 11 microsatellite markers developed here hold potential for investigating the genetic structure of Ae. koreicus populations. These markers could thus represent a novel and useful tool to infer the routes of invasion of this mosquito species into Europe and other non-native areas.

Graphical Abstract
HUST bearing: a practical dataset for ball bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Thuan Nguyen Duc , Hong Hoang Si
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The rapid growth of machine learning methods has led to an increase in the demand for data. For bearing fault diagnosis, the data acquisition is time-consuming with complicated processes. Existing datasets are only focused on only one type of bearing, which limits real-world applications. Therefore, the objective of this work is to propose a diverse dataset for ball bearing fault diagnosis based on vibration.

Data description

In this work, we introduce a practical dataset namedHUST bearing, which provides a large set of vibration data on different ball bearings. This dataset contains 99 raw vibration signals of 6 types of defects (inner crack, outer crack, ball crack, and their 2-combinations) on 5 types of bearing (6204, 6205, 6206, 6207, and 6208) at 3 working conditions (0 W, 200 W, and 400 W). Each vibration signal is sampled at a rate of 51,200 samples per second for 10 s. The data acquisition system is elaborately designed with high reliability.
A capture methyl-seq protocol with improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness using pre-pooling and enzymatic conversion
Authors: Hasegawa Keita , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Ishiwata Keisuke , Kasuga Yoshifumi , Hata Kenichiro , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: July 2023

Objective

The opportunities for sequencing-based methylome analysis of clinical samples are increasing. To reduce its cost and the amount of genomic DNA required for library preparation, we aimed to establish a capture methyl-seq protocol, which adopts pre-pooling of multiple libraries before hybridization capture and TET2/APOBEC-mediated conversion of unmethylated cytosine to thymine.

Results

We compared a publicly available dataset generated by the standard Agilent protocol of SureSelect XT Human Methyl-Seq Kit and our dataset obtained by our modified protocol, EMCap, that adopted sample pre-pooling and enzymatic conversion. We confirmed that the quality of DNA methylation data was comparable between the two datasets. As our protocol, EMCap, is more cost-effective and reduces the amount of input genomic DNA, it would serve as a better choice for clinical methylome sequencing.
Pyrosequencing analysis for rapid and accurate detection of clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations in Iranian Helicobacter pylori isolates
Authors: Alavifard Helia , Nabavi-Rad Ali , Baghaei Kaveh , Sadeghi Amir , Yadegar Abbas , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2023

Background

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has become challenging following the development of primary antibiotic resistance. A primary therapeutic regimen for H. pylori eradication includes clarithromycin; however, the presence of point mutations within the 23S rRNA sequence of H. pylori contributes to clarithromycin resistance and eradication failure. Thus, we aimed to develop a rapid and precise method to determine clarithromycin resistance-related point mutations using the pyrosequencing method.

Methods and results

H. pylori was isolated from 82 gastric biopsy samples and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated using the agar dilution method. Clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations were detected by Sanger sequencing, from which 11 isolates were chosen for pyrosequencing. Our results demonstrated a 43.9% (36/82) prevalence in resistance to clarithromycin. The A2143G mutation was detected in 8.3% (4/48) of H. pylori isolates followed by A2142G (6.2%), C2195T (4.1%), T2182C (4.1%), and C2288T (2%). Although the C2195T mutation was only detected by Sanger sequencing, the overall results from pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing platforms were comparable.

Conclusions

Pyrosequencing could be used as a rapid and practical platform in clinical laboratories to determine the susceptibility profile of H. pylori isolates. This might pave the way for efficient H. pylori eradication upon detection.
Prenatal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure is associated with changes in rhesus macaque DNA methylation enriched for autism genes
Authors: Shorey-Kendrick Lyndsey E. , Roberts Victoria H. J. , D’Mello Rahul J. , Sullivan Elinor L. , Murphy Susan K. , Mccarty Owen J. T. , Schust Danny J. , Hedges Jason C. , Mitchell A. J. , Terrobias Jose Juanito D. , Easley Charles A. , Spindel Eliot R. , Lo Jamie O.
Published: July 2023

Background

With the growing availability of cannabis and the popularization of additional routes of cannabis use beyond smoking, including edibles, the prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy is rapidly increasing. However, the potential effects of prenatal cannabis use on fetal developmental programming remain unknown.

Results

We designed this study to determine whether the use of edible cannabis during pregnancy is deleterious to the fetal and placental epigenome. Pregnant rhesus macaques consumed a daily edible containing either delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (2.5 mg/7 kg/day) or placebo. DNA methylation was measured in 5 tissues collected at cesarean delivery (placenta, lung, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, and right ventricle of the heart) using the Illumina MethylationEPIC platform and filtering for probes previously validated in rhesus macaque. In utero exposure to THC was associated with differential methylation at 581 CpGs, with 573 (98%) identified in placenta. Loci differentially methylated with THC were enriched for candidate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes from the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) database in all tissues. The placenta demonstrated greatest SFARI gene enrichment, including genes differentially methylated in placentas from a prospective ASD study.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings reveal that prenatal THC exposure alters placental and fetal DNA methylation at genes involved in neurobehavioral development that may influence longer-term offspring outcomes. The data from this study add to the limited existing literature to help guide patient counseling and public health polices focused on prenatal cannabis use in the future.
Projection of hydrological responses to changing future climate of Upper Awash Basin using QSWAT model
Authors: Gebremichael Haftu Brhane , Raba Gelana Amente , Beketie Kassahun Ture , Feyisa Gudina Legese , Anose Fikru Abiko
Published: July 2023

Background

Projecting future streamflow variation or the hydrological impact of climate change plays a pivotal role in the sustainable implication of planning water resources management. Therefore, this study predicts the potential of climate change’s impact on hydrological components in the Upper Awash Basin (UAB). The study applied a statistical downscaling model (SDSM) to generate future high-resolution climate data from the climate model output of the Canadian Second Generation Earth System Model (CanESM2) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) under the representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios. To analyze the trend of future rainfall and temperature, non-parametric Mann-Kendall, Modified Mann-Kendall tests, Sen’s slope estimator, and changing point (Pettit) tests were used. The output of downscaled climate data is used as input to a calibrated and validated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (QSWAT) model to assess the impact of future climate change on UAB hydrology.

Results

The results show that annual rainfall and temperature are significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the UAB under RCP4.5 and 8.5 for the model ensemble mean for both short- and long-term scenarios. The change in the rainfall, the maximum and minimum temperature is mostly visible in the second period (the 2060s). Climate change is likely to cause persistent decreases in surface runoff (SUR_Q) and increases in actual evapotranspiration (ET) under all climate scenarios in the three periods. Reduction in SUR_Q despite an increase in rainfall could be due to an increment in both temperature and ET. The study also identified inconsistent seasonal changes in projected future precipitation that considerably impact overall climatic conditions.

Conclusions

This research is essential to develop an interdisciplinary approach that integrates environmental policies for the coherent use and management of water resources for future climate change and ecological protection in the basin, including other similar basins.
Firearm locking device preferences among firearm owners in the USA: a systematic review
Authors: Buck-Atkinson Jessica , McCarthy Megan , Stanley Ian H. , Harnke Ben , Anestis Michael D. , Bryan Craig. J. , Baker Justin C. , Betz Marian E.
Published: July 2023

Background

Preventing firearm-involved injuries is a critical public health priority. Firearm locking devices can prevent firearm injuries, such as suicide and unintentional shootings, as well as theft. Various firearm locking devices exist; however, little is known about firearm owners’ preferred locking devices for secure firearm storage. In this systematic review, we examined existing literature on preferred locking devices for secure storage of personal firearms among United States (US) firearm owners with the purpose of understanding practical implications and needs for future research.

Methods

We searched 8 major databases, as well as the grey literature, for English-language sources published on or before January 24, 2023, that empirically examined firearm locking device preferences. Following PRISMA guidelines, coders independently screened and reviewed 797 sources using pre-determined criteria. Overall, 38 records met inclusion criteria and were included in this review.

Results

The majority of studies measure and report on participant use of various types of locking devices, but few go on to measure preference between device options and the attributes and features that may contribute to an individual’s preference. Included studies suggest that a preference for larger devices, such as lockboxes and gun safes, may exist among US firearm owners.

Conclusions

Review of included studies suggests that current prevention efforts may not be aligned with firearm owners’ preferences. Additionally, findings from this systematic review emphasize the need for additional methodological rigorous research to understand firearm locking device preferences. Expanded knowledge in this area will result in actionable data and foundational best practices for programming that encourages behavior change concerning secure storage of personal firearms to prevent injury and death.
Identification of the barriers and enablers for receiving a speaking up message: a content analysis approach
Authors: Barlow Melanie , Morse Kate J. , Watson Bernadette , Maccallum Fiona
Published: July 2023

Background

Within healthcare, the barriers and enablers that influence clinicians’ ability to speak up are well researched. However, despite the receiver of the message being identified as a key barrier to a speaker voicing a concern, there have been very few receiver-focused studies. As a result, little is known about the barriers and enablers that influence message reception. Understanding these can help inform speaking up training and ultimately enhance patient safety through more effective clinical communication.

Objectives

To identify enabling or inhibiting factors that influence the receiver’s reception and response to a speaking up message, and if the identified barriers and enablers are related to speaker or receiver characteristics.

Design and methods

Twenty-two interdisciplinary simulations were video recorded and transcribed. Simulation participants formed the patient discharge team and were receivers of a speaking up message, delivered by a nurse at the patient’s bedside. How the message was delivered (verbose or abrupt wording), was manipulated and counterbalanced across the simulations. Within the post simulation debriefs, barriers and enablers of being a receiver of a message were explored using content analysis.

Setting/participants

This study took place in a large Australian tertiary healthcare setting. Participants were qualified clinicians of varying disciplines and specialties.

Results

A total of 261 barriers and 285 enablers were coded. Results showed that how the message was delivered (differing tone, phases, and manner) influenced what receivers identified as barriers and enablers. Additionally, the receiver’s own cognitive processes, such as making positive attributions of the speaker and attempting to build rapport and collegiality, better enabled message reception and response. Receiver behaviour was negatively impacted by listening to fix, rather than understand, and not knowing in the moment how to manage their own reactions and appropriately frame a response.

Conclusion

The debriefings identified key barriers and enablers to receiving a speaking up message that differ from those previously identified for senders of the speaking up message. Current speaking up programs are predominately speaker centric. This study identified that both speaker and receiver behaviour influenced message reception. Therefore, training must place equal attention on both the speaker and receiver and be inclusive of experiential conversational rehearsal of both positive and challenging encounters.
Bat roosting strategies and torpor expression in a wildfire-affected landscape during summer
Authors: Doty Anna C. , Crawford Reed D. , Blakey Rachel V.
Published: July 2023

Background

Climate change has caused several alterations in the frequency, intensity, and severity of wildfires globally, particularly in the western United States. Wildfire can dramatically change the microclimate experienced by animals who inhabit fire-prone areas, with implications for energy expenditure, particularly for heterothermic species. Heterothermic mammals manage energy expenditure by selecting optimal microclimates and regulating their body temperature. Because bats frequently use torpor, they are a useful model organism to understand how wildfires affect heterothermic mammal communities. In 2020, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were subjected to a severe wildfire that spanned 3636 ha within the boundaries of the park. We tracked eight California myotis (Myotis californicus) captured in Sequoia National Park to 22 roost sites in a gradient of burn severities in the summer from June–August 2021. We also quantified the torpor expression of bats on this post-burn landscape by measuring the roosting skin temperature of four M. californicus captured in a fire-affected site using temperature-sensitive radio telemetry.

Results

M. californicus showed preference for taller and larger diameter trees with more exfoliating bark, although they did not show preference for whether individual trees were burned or unburned. At the roost habitat-scale, 21 out of 22 M. californicus roosts were within or < 5 m from the burn mosaic, despite availability of unburned landscape. M. californicus most frequently roosted in low-severity burned areas, as opposed to unburned or severely burned areas. Additionally, bats avoided areas without a canopy and used areas with taller trees in proportion to their availability. Myotis californicus used torpor during the coolest periods of the morning before sunrise and regularly used torpor in low-severity burn area roosts.

Conclusions

This research indicates that while fire may be beneficial to some bat species, those that are clutter-tolerant could be negatively affected by severe wildfires that cause major reductions in vegetative complexity. Bats in our study appear to use both habitat selection and torpor to manage their energy and water budgets. Protecting large diameter trees with exfoliating bark, like those used by bats in our study, could be key to promoting the persistence of M. californicus on this landscape as severe wildfire may reduce these roosts. In addition, restoring historical mixed-severity fire regimes, thereby creating a fire mosaic containing low severity burned areas, may be critical for maintaining both roosting and foraging habitat suitable for our study species in the fire-adapted coniferous forests of North America’s Sierra Nevada.
Mitochondrial genome of Cordyceps blackwelliae: organization, transcription, and evolutionary insights into Cordyceps
Authors: Zhang Yong-Jie , Fan Xiang-Ping , Li Jia-Ni , Zhang Shu
Published: July 2023

Cordyceps is a diverse genus of insect pathogenic fungi, with about 180 accepted species, including some well-known ones used as ethnic medicine and/or functional food. Nevertheless, mitogenomes are only available for four members of the genus. The current study reports the mitogenome of Cordyceps blackwelliae, a newly described entomopathogenic fungus. The 42,257-bp mitogenome of the fungus encoded genes typically found in fungal mitogenomes, and a total of 14 introns inserted into seven genes, including cob (1 intron), cox1 (4), cox3 (3), nad1 (1), nad4 (1), nad5 (1), and rnl (3). RNA-Seq analysis revealed differential expression of mitochondrial genes and supported annotations resulting from in silico analysis. There was clear evidence for polycistronic transcription and alternative splicing of mitochondrial genes. Comparison among mitogenomes of five different Cordyceps species (i.e., C. blackwelliae, C. chanhua, C. militaris, C. pruinosa, and C. tenuipes) revealed a high synteny, with mitogenome size expansion correlating with intron insertions. Different mitochondrial protein-coding genes showed variable degrees of genetic differentiation among these species, but they were all under purifying selection. Mitochondrial phylogeny based on either nucleotide or amino acid sequences confirmed the taxonomic position of C. blackwelliae in Cordycipitaceae, clustering together with C. chanhua. This study promotes our understanding of fungal evolution in Cordyceps.
A 3D thermal conductivity prediction method for deep strata based on temperature field estimation
Authors: Yang Jian , Huang Guoshu , Hu Xiangyun
Published: July 2023

Accurate predictions of earth’s interior thermal conductivity are essential for interpreting the mechanisms involved in geothermal systems and delineating geothermal resource targets. Existing thermal conductivity prediction methods, which typically involve measurements of rock samples and predictions based on geophysical well logging, cannot accurately predict regional thermal conductivity distributions. We develop a 3D thermal conductivity prediction based on temperature field estimation. First, the finite-element method is used for temperature forward modeling. Subsequently, the inexact Gauss-Newton method is implemented in the prediction algorithm. Synthetic studies indicate that the method can recover the true model well. The subsurface temperature distribution of the Xiong’an New Area is predicted using the coefficient correction method of the optimal temperature. Next, we obtain the 3D distribution of thermal conductivity of deep formation in the Xiong’an New Area with the predicted temperature field. The distribution of terrestrial heat flow also is estimated. In addition, the law of thermal accumulation of strata at different depths is analyzed, and the internal relation among resistivity, temperature, and thermal conductivity is studied. Thus, the 3D thermal conductivity prediction method provides the theoretical basis for interpreting mechanisms for the origin of geothermal systems and heat accumulation patterns. It could have significant utility for the analysis of geothermal fields and the sustainable development and use of geothermal resources.
A survey of the workplace experiences of police force employees who are autistic and/or have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Tromans Samuel J. , Drewett Alison , Lee Paul H. , O'Reilly Michelle
Published: July 2023

Background

There has been little focus on autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in occupational groups, particularly in high-demand roles such as the police.

Aims

To describe the characteristics and experiences of UK-based police force employees who are autistic and/or have ADHD, including the benefits and challenges their conditions bring to their occupation, their need for reasonable adjustments, and their co-occurring mental illnesses.

Method

An online survey was developed, containing both quantitative and qualitative elements. Survey invitations were disseminated through the National Police Autism Association. The survey was open from 23 April to 23 July 2022.

Results

A total of 117 participants participated in the survey, including 66 who were autistic and 51 with ADHD. Participants who were autistic and/or had ADHD widely reported both benefits and challenges related to their condition(s) in policing work. Both the autistic and ADHD groups widely reported having requested workplace adjustments related to their condition(s), although these were frequently not made. Anxiety (n = 57; 49%) and depression (n = 40; 36%) were both highly prevalent among the participants.

The qualitative findings identified four themes: (a) motivations for taking on this career, (b) rewards of the role, (c) challenges of the job and (d) challenges regarding career progression.

Conclusions

Police force employees who are autistic and/or have ADHD reported that their conditions provided both benefits and challenges with respect to policing work, and that they had requested related workplace adjustments, although such adjustments frequently do not take place. Healthcare professionals need to recognise the importance of workplace considerations and advocacy for people who are autistic and/or have ADHD.
Debating Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Melanoma in the Modern Adjuvant Era
Authors: Zhang Xiaoran , Ferris Laura , Faries Mark B. , Luke Jason J.
Published: July 2023

With the activity of adjuvant immunotherapy, is sentinel lymph node biopsy still needed in melanoma?
Hybridity and the Domestication of Wildness: Creating the Paco-vicuña in Early Nineteenth-Century Peru
Authors: Stephenson Marcia
Published: July 2023

On August 29, 1846, Peruvian president Ramón Castilla issued a decree honoring Juan Pablo Cabrera, an interim priest from the Macusani district of Puno. The decree recognized the priest's long-standing endeavor to cross the wild vicuña with the domesticated alpaca. The exquisite quality of the fiber and the tractable nature of this new hybrid animal gave rise to the hope that it might become a valuable resource, and therefore Peru was indebted to the priest and his service on behalf of the young republic. This essay examines Cabrera's venture, the creation of the paco-vicuña, and its emergence onto the national and international scene in the 1840s. Cabrera's paco-vicuña endeavor highlights the importance of local ventures, knowledge, and expertise, and shows how these were deeply entangled in contemporary intellectual and political projects, especially those concerning mestizaje and nation formation, as well as international scientific and economic interests of the time.
Identification of RNA-binding proteins’ direct effects on gene expression via the degradation tag system
Authors: Worner Kailey , Liu Qiuying , Maschhoff Katharine R. , Hu Wenqian
Published: July 2023

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical regulators of gene expression. An RBP typically binds to multiple mRNAs and modulates their expression. Although loss-of-function experiments on an RBP can infer how it regulates a specific target mRNA, the results are confounded by potential secondary effects due to the attenuation of all other interactions of the target RBP. For example, regarding the interaction between Trim71, an evolutionarily conserved RBP, andAgo2mRNA, although Trim71 binds toAgo2mRNA and overexpression of Trim71 repressesAgo2mRNA translation, it is puzzling that AGO2 protein levels are not altered in the Trim71 knockdown/knockout cells. To address this, we adapted the dTAG (degradation tag) system for determining the direct effects of the endogenous Trim71. Specifically, we knocked in the dTAG to the Trim71 locus, enabling inducible rapid Trim71 protein degradation. We observed that following the induction of Trim71 degradation, Ago2 protein levels first increased, confirming the Trim71-mediated repression, and then returned to the original levels after 24 h post-induction, revealing that the secondary effects from the Trim71 knockdown/knockout counteracted its direct effects onAgo2mRNA. These results highlight a caveat in interpreting the results from loss-of-function studies on RBPs and provide a method to determine the primary effect(s) of RBPs on their target mRNAs.
Do artificial vs natural substrates cause a difference in assemblages of peracarids? A case study in the Western Mediterranean basin
Authors: DIAZ-VERGARA SONIA , LÓPEZ EDUARDO
Published: July 2023

The aim of this investigation was to assess the differences in terms of α-diversity, species composition and trophic structure between peracarid assemblages inhabiting artificial hard substrates and those present on natural ones at two sites in the Western Mediterranean Sea. In each one, samples were collected from natural and artificial substrates, and the extracted peracarids were identified to the species level. Each sample was characterised by its Total Abundance, Species Richness, and 1-D Simpson, Shannon, Margalef and Equitability indices. A cluster plot based on the Bray-Curtis coefficient was conducted to detect the presence of distinct assemblages. In addition, the proportion of individuals belonging to each feeding guild was studied. The ecological indices revealed that assemblages from the artificial substrates at the Villaricos site showed lower values of diversity, while they were more diverse at the Calpe site. These results indicated that artificial hard substrates were not always inadequate ground for these animals. The species composition differed between artificial and natural hard substrates in the two studied sites and the trophic structure was also modified, although, in this case, the changes were similar in both sites. However, the difference in both respects seems to be higher between sites than between substrates, evidencing the importance of local scale processes.
Brain-to-brain communication during musical improvisation: a performance case study
Authors: Ramírez-Moreno Mauricio A. , Cruz-Garza Jesús G. , Acharya Akanksha , Chatufale Girija , Witt Woody , Gelok Dan , Reza Guillermo , Contreras-Vidal José L.
Published: July 2023

Understanding and predicting others' actions in ecological settings is an important research goal in social neuroscience. Here, we deployed a mobile brain-body imaging (MoBI) methodology to analyze inter-brain communication between professional musicians during a live jazz performance. Specifically, bispectral analysis was conducted to assess the synchronization of scalp electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from three expert musicians during a three-part 45 minute jazz performance, during which a new musician joined every five minutes. The bispectrum was estimated for all musician dyads, electrode combinations, and five frequency bands. The results showed higher bispectrum in the beta and gamma frequency bands (13-50 Hz) when more musicians performed together, and when they played a musical phrase synchronously. Positive bispectrum amplitude changes were found approximately three seconds prior to the identified synchronized performance events suggesting preparatory cortical activity predictive of concerted behavioral action. Moreover, a higher amount of synchronized EEG activity, across electrode regions, was observed as more musicians performed, with inter-brain synchronization between the temporal, parietal, and occipital regions the most frequent. Increased synchrony between the musicians' brain activity reflects shared multi-sensory processing and movement intention in a musical improvisation task.
Eligibility for obesity management in Peru: Analysis of National Health Surveys from 2014 to 2022
Authors: Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M.
Published: July 2023

Background:

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased fastest in low- and middle-income countries in the last decades. Together with this rising prevalence, pharmacological and surgical interventions for obesity have emerged. How many people need these treatments is unknown. We quantified the prevalence of people in need of pharmacological and surgical treatment for obesity in Peru between 2014 and 2022.

Methods:

Repeated cross-sectional analysis of national health surveys in Peru was conducted. Eligibility for pharmacological treatment for obesity was: body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 or BMI ≥27 kg/m2 alongside type 2 diabetes or hypertension (self-reported). Eligibility for bariatric surgery were BMI ≥40 kg/m2 or BMI between 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 linked to weight-related health problems. We used Poisson regressions to identify associated factors with eligibility for obesity management.

Results:

Across years, 260,131 people (mean age 44.0 and 54.5% were women) were studied, 66,629 (27.7%; 95% CI: 27.4% - 28.1%) were eligible for obesity medication, and 5,263 (2.5%; 95% CI: 2.4% - 2.6%) were eligible for bariatric surgery. Female sex, older age, higher socioeconomic level and study year were associated with higher probability of eligibility for both obesity medication and bariatric surgery.

Conclusions:

Eligibility for obesity management has increased over time in Peru. There is a need to strengthen policies to tackle overweight and obesity in Peru, acknowledging that some individuals may benefit from pharmacological and surgical interventions.
A clinical case of a 21-year-old patient with idiopathic acute exudative pericarditis
Authors: Wołowiec Łukasz , Rogowicz Daniel , Bujak Robert , Choma Anna , Jaśniak Albert , Osiak Joanna , Wołowiec Anna , Grześk Grzegorz , Zukow Walery
Published: July 2023

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Pericarditis is a disease entity associated with the primary or secondary inflammation of its layers, which may be accompanied by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, the consequences of which depend mainly on the speed of its accumulation. The causes of pericardial diseases can be divided into infectious or non-infectious diseases, but in about 30% of cases the etiology of the disease cannot be determined. Pericarditis causes 5% of all emergency department visits related to non-ischemic chest pain.
In the study we presented a case of a 21-year-old Caucasian male with acute exudative pericarditis, which required drainage of the pericardial sac despite the use of pharmacological treatment. The patient underwent a wide range of diagnostic tests and specialist consultations, but ultimately the etiological factor of acute exudative pericarditis could not have been identified.
The therapy of acute exudative pericarditis, especially in the case of undetermined etiology, requires an individualized approach from the attending physician. Based on the observation of inflammatory parameters, imaging tests and clinical picture, the physician is to decide whether pericardiocentesis or modification of pharmacological treatment is necessary. Searching for the etiological factor is essential if it has an impact on the successive methods of diagnosis and treatment, especially in patients with recurrent idiopathic pericarditis or in the absence of a response to the therapy.
Side effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse – empirical research based on anonymous surveys among people who regularly attend the gym
Authors: Pająk Monika , Grużewska-Piotrowska Kinga , Hubka Joanna , Grużewska Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids is particularly common in regular gyms and fitness centres participants. AAS are usually synthetic derivatives of testosterone with anabolic and androgenic effect. However, many people, including AAS users, do not realize how many side effects they can cause.The aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess if people who regularly attend to the gym are aware of the side effects of using anabolic steroids by empirical research based on anonymous surveys.Materials and methods: The research material was collected using an anonymous online survey in April 2023. The obtained results were analyzed and verified on the basis of scientific literature and statistically processed using Microsoft Office Excel.Results: Of the 112 gym participants, 20,5% reported using anabolic-androgenic steroids in the past. Most of the people filling the questionnaire are aware of the negative health effects of AAS use. However, most of them can't name more than 4 side effects, which shows that knowledge about AAS is still unexplored by this social group.Conclusion: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids to increase muscle size and strength is widespread. Various side effects are very common when using AAS, some of them can seriously affect the health of the users. By raising awareness of side-effects that AAS can cause, it is possible to discourage many people from using these performance-enhancing substances.Keywords: Anabolic-androgenic steroids, testosterone, gym, doping, bodybuilding
Sobre la teoría de la “ocasionalidad relevante” en la calificación del accidente como de trabajo. Comentario de la Sentencia del Tribunal Supremo, Sala de lo Social, de 9 de febrero de 2023, rec. 2617/2019.
Authors: Carmona Pozas Francisco
Published: July 2023

El accidente, con independencia de su calificación, siempre suscita una especial atracción y estudio desde todos los ángulos (humano, social, civil, laboral, penal…), tendente a compensar y restituir sus negativas consecuencias. La sentencia comentada plantea la consideración de un accidente como laboral, debido a las circunstancias de su acaecimiento y la aplicación de la teoría de la “ocasionalidad relevante”.
The Impact of a Supreme Court Decision on the Preferences of Americans Regarding Abortion Policy
Authors: Thomadsen Raphael , Zeithammer Robert , Yao Song
Published: July 2023

We examine the effect of a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding abortion laws on Americans’ preferences for political candidates. The decision was leaked in advance of the official announcement, and we track the evolution of political preferences from before to after the leak and, eventually, to after the formal announcement. The abortion issue was already very important to voters before the leak, but the Court’s decision did not simply make it more important for everyone. We find that the decision decreased the importance weight of abortion for Republicans, while increasing it for independents/nonvoters. Further, the decision increased Republican support for candidates who want to ban abortions although this effect is diminished for candidates that oppose exceptions for rape, incest, or the mother’s health. Nonaffiliated voters move sharply away from candidates who want to ban abortions without exceptions. The decision also resulted in a lasting polarization along gender lines whereby men became more likely to vote for a candidate that supports a ban on abortion, while women are less likely to support candidates that ban abortions.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, marketing.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4802 .
Work "Partition of Russia" in the biography and works of Yurii Lypa
Authors:   Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, Kucherenko Svitlana
Published: July 2023

The modern Russian-Ukrainian war actualized the work with the telling title "The Partition of Russia" (1941) by the Ukrainian public and cultural figure, doctor and writer, historian and geopolitician Yurii Lypa (1900–1944) on the history and prospects of Russian-Ukrainian relations, the past and future of the Russian Empire, and hence the interest in the figure of its author. In "The Partition of Russia", Yurii Lypa categorically insisted on the complete separation of the hostile, spiritually and economically mutually exclusive Muscovy-North and Ukraine-South, which must follow different historical paths for the good of humanity and for world order. He emphasized that each nation, like an individual person, will be able to express itself in the endless struggle with the material and spiritual environment. Only in such a struggle will the natural strength of Ukraine and its value for the peoples of the world be developed. Yurii Lypa did not write about destruction, but about the education and improvement of the Moscow population. He wrote that the point is not to physically destroy 400-500 thousand enthusiasts in St. Petersburg and Moscow who preach oppression, in his opinion, what was needed was the final eradication of the tradition of this oppression and unnatural claims. In his opinion, free labor, property rights, and appropriate legislation were the cures for a distorted worldview. Yurii Lypa emphasized that overcoming nomadic psychology is possible with a return to family traditions, stabilization of the economy, revival of moral authorities. The condition for recovery is the unloading of the imperial Comintern center. And the author also proposed minor surgical measures that will be useful for the population of the Russian lands and the whole world as another step towards the spiritual enrichment of humanity.
Municipal public bank as a component of life the Ukrainian city in the late 19th – early 20th century
Authors:   Uzhhorod National University, Radchenko Nataliia
Published: July 2023

The emergence of financial institutions such as municipal public banks had a significant positive impact on the socio-economic development of cities. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of municipal public banks on economic and social development of cities, as well as on the development of urban infrastructure during the second half of 19th – early 20th century. The research methodology is based on the principle of historicism, application of general scientific and special scientific methods, in particular analysis of the information potential of statistical and information resources of the Central Statistical Committee of 1866–1918, provincial and zemstvo statistics. The main stages of the government's policy concerning the activities of these banks and its impact on the level of development of the latter are highlighted. The network of municipal public banks in the Ukrainian provinces of the late 19th – beginning of the 20th century was reconstructed. Since their inception, municipal public banks contributed to urban development in several areas, such as increasing the financial capacity of the local population and the capacity of the city government. The top of the city administration joined the ranks of bank management and supervisory boards for their activities. Banks were becoming one of the most active city patrons. The main problem in the development of municipal banks was to determine the relationship between government regulation and the independence of bank boards. This trend can be traced in the banking legislation of the last third of the 20th century.
Considering skin-to-muscle depth for successful intramuscular injections in an increasingly obese population
Authors: Hemingway Steve , Lui Steve , White Jacqueline
Published: July 2023

Background:

Intramuscular (IM) injection practice is an essential nursing skill. Current practice relies on clinical judgement to determine needle length (unless specified in the medicine's product licence). Obesity is increasing in the global population, but guidelines have largely ignored how to select needle length to meet individual patient need.

Aim:

The aim of this review was to systematically review the skin-to-muscle depth required to achieve injection into muscle in adults. The objectives were to identify any implications of obesity status when selecting an appropriate needle length and site in clinical practice. Search and review methodology: Studies of subjects above the age of 18 years using observational or experimental designs where the distance from the skin to muscle had been measured at any IM injection site, and obesity status was reported, were included in the search strategy. The primary outcome of interest was the distance from skin surface to muscle penetration.

Findings:

14 studies were identified that investigated the dorsogluteal, ventrogluteal, deltoid and vastus lateralis sites, all used cross-sectional observational designs. Ten used ultrasound, three used computed tomography (CT) and one used magnetic resonance imaging. Obesity status was reported as BMI or hip-to-waist ratio. In all studies there was a correlation between obesity status and the distance from skin surface to muscle. In females this exceeded 37 mm at both gluteal sites, independent of obesity status.

Conclusions:

There should be an assessment of obesity status before selecting needle length for IM injections in both genders. Needles longer than the standard 37 mm are recommended for all females, whatever their obesity status, for any gluteal site. Injections into gluteal sites should be avoided in females who are obese. Deltoid injections are more likely to achieve muscle penetration in both genders, and in patients who are overweight or obese. Further research is required.
Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activity of Crude Extracts and Extraction Time and Temperature Optimization of Pectin from Cissampelos pareira Leaves
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40000, Somsakeesit La-or , Chumjan Watcharin ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40000, Suwannapan Supattarachai ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40000, Ratanamanee Acharaporn ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40000
Published: July 2023

This research studied crude extracts of Cissampelos pareira leaves using fi ve solvents as hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and ethanol for nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity and maximize pectin yields from facile green extraction. Five crude hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol extracts were obtained from the leaves of C. pareira at 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.3%, 3%, and 1%, respectively. The hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate extracts showed the most potent decrease in NO production with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 49.85±5.07, 56.26±1.49, and 64.55±2.37 (μg/mL), respectively. Concentrations of all crude extracts of C. pareira indicated no cellular toxicity. Pectin was aqueously extracted at 40 to 90 °C for 15 to 120 min and yields and quality were examined. Highest pectin yield (36.12%) was obtained after 60 min at 60 °C, with quality meeting the criteria established by the International Pectin Producers Association (IPPA) and categorized as high methoxyl pectin.