bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNF superfamily control of tissue remodeling and fibrosis
Authors: Steele Hope , Cheng Jason , Willicut Ashley , Dell Garrison , Breckenridge Joey , Culberson Erica , Ghastine Andrew , Tardif Virginie , Herro Rana
Published: July 2023

Fibrosis is the result of extracellular matrix protein deposition and remains a leading cause of death in USA. Despite major advances in recent years, there remains an unmet need to develop therapeutic options that can effectively degrade or reverse fibrosis. The tumor necrosis super family (TNFSF) members, previously studied for their roles in inflammation and cell death, now represent attractive therapeutic targets for fibrotic diseases. In this review, we will summarize select TNFSF and their involvement in fibrosis of the lungs, the heart, the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the kidney, and the liver. We will emphasize their direct activity on epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. We will further report on major clinical trials targeting these ligands. Whether in isolation or in combination with other anti-TNFSF member or treatment, targeting this superfamily remains key to improve efficacy and selectivity of currently available therapies for fibrosis.
Maternal size in perch (Perca fluviatilis) influences the capacity of offspring to cope with different temperatures
Authors: Hall Marcus , Nordahl Oscar , Forsman Anders , Tibblin Petter
Published: July 2023

Climate change causes earlier and warmer springs in seasonal environments and a higher incidence of extreme weather events. In aquatic environments, this changes the thermal conditions during spawning, and the thermal performance of eggs and embryos may determine the consequences of climate change on recruitment. In iteroparous species with indeterminate growth, the eggs produced by a given female in successive years will increase in size as the female grows larger and likely be exposed to different temperatures during incubation due to annual variation in spring phenology. Still, we know little about whether differences in maternal size impact the temperature-dependent performance and viability of the offspring. Here we utilised a thermal gradient laboratory experiment on Baltic Sea perch (Perca fluviatilis) to investigate how maternal size influence the temperature dependent hatching success of the offspring. The results uncovered a positive relationship between maternal size and average hatching success, but the shape of the relationship (reaction norm) linking hatching success to incubation temperature was independent of maternal size. However, we did find an association between maternal size and the variance (S.D. and CV) in hatching success across temperatures, with larger females producing offspring with maintained performance (less sensitive) across temperature treatments, indicative of flatter reaction norms and broader thermal niches. This suggests that maintaining the size distribution of fish populations, for instance through regulations of size-selective fisheries, may be important to aid the long-term productivity and viability of fish populations and ultimately conserve the function and services of ecosystems.
A bibliometric analysis and review on the performance of polymer-modified bitumen
Authors: Alnadish Adham Mohammed , Katman Herda Yati Binti , Ibrahim Mohd Rasdan , Gamil Yaser , Mashaan Nuha S.
Published: July 2023

The addition of polymer to a base binder has been documented as a successful approach in terms of improving physical and rheological properties of the base bitumen. However, the main drawbacks of polymer-modified bitumen are incompatibility and degradation of polymer due to aging. This article aims to introduce a bibliometric analysis and review on modifying bitumen with polymers. Additionally, this article intent to highlight the significant gaps and recommendations for future work. Furthermore, another objective of this article is to provide a worth attempt regrading reducing the negative impact of polymer’s drawbacks on the performance of polymer-modified base binder. The findings of this article demonstrated that the test of storage stability for polymer-amended bitumen should be modified, in which the softening point of aluminum tube centerpiece should be measured to introduce a better evaluation for the storage stability of polymer-amended bitumen. In addition, the effects of kinetic factors (mixing sequence, viscosity of blend, shear rate, and time of mixing) on the compatibility of polymer-amended bitumen should be investigated. Moreover, the addition of compatibilizers and stabilizers to polymer-modified binder is recommended to improve compatibility and reduce the effect of aging on degradation of polymer.
Dose–response study of prophylactic nitroglycerin for prevention of pituitrin-induced hypertension during laparoscopic myomectomy: a prospective, randomized study
Authors: Wang Jin , Xu Qiang , Xiao Fei , Chen Gang
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine the dose–response of nitroglycerin in preventing pituitrin-induced hypertension in patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy.

Methods

Hundred patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic myomectomy were randomly allocated into one of five groups (n = 20) to receive intravenous bolus of prophylactic nitroglycerin at 0, 50, 75, 100, and 125 μg one minute following administration of 3 IU of pituitrin into the myometrium. The patients were monitored for pituitrin-induced hypertension with the primary outcome to determine the effective dose of prophylactic nitroglycerin, defined as complete prevention of pituitrin-induced hypertension during the study period. Probit analysis was used to calculate the median effective dose (ED50) and 95% effective dose (ED95) of prophylactic nitroglycerin.

Results

Hypertension occurred in 19/20, 10/20, 8/20, 2/20, and 1/20 in patients who received 0, 50, 75, 100, and 125 ug of prophylactic nitroglycerin, respectively. The calculated ED50 and ED95 of nitroglycerin for preventing hypertension were 54 μg (95%CI: 35~66 μg) and 136 μg (95%CI: 105~289 μg).

Conclusion

A prophylactic bolus of nitroglycerin administered immediately following injection of pituitrin into the myometrium during laparoscopic myomectomy effectively prevented pituitrin-induced hypertension, with the ED50 and ED95 of 54 μg and 136 μg, respectively. This information would be useful for clinical practice.

Clinical trial registration

www.chictr.org.cn, Identifier ChiCTR2200062282.
Anti-Cryptosporidium parvum activity of Artemisia judaica L. and its fractions: in vitro and in vivo assays
Authors: Ahmed Shahira A. , Eltamany Enas E. , Nafie Mohamed S. , Elhady Sameh S. , Karanis Panagiotis , Mokhtar Amira B.
Published: July 2023

Background

This study investigates the toxic activity ofArtemisia judaicaethanolic extract (ArEx) as well as its phenolic fraction (ArPh), and terpenoid fraction (ArT) againstCryptosporidium parvum(C. parvum) oocysts.

Methods

Over a 4 months period, estimation of the total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), and total terpenoids contents (TTC) in ArEx; investigation of thein vitroantioxidant activity of ArEx, ArPh, and ArT; evaluation of ArEx, ArPh, and ArT toxic activity againstC. parvumoocysts using MTT assay; parasitological analysis on ArPh-treatedC. parvumoocysts and comet assay were performed bothin vitroandin vivo(infectivity).

Results

The ArEx TPC, TFC, and TTC was 52.6 ± 3.1 mgGAE/g, 64.5 ± 3.1 mg QE/g, and 9.5 ± 1.1 mg Linol/g, respectively. Regarding the phytochemicalin vitroantioxidant activity, the ArPh exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to the ArEx and ArT. The ArPh showed promising free radical scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS•+with IC50values of 47.27 ± 1.86 μg/mL and 66.89 ± 1.94 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the FRAP of ArPh was 2.97 ± 0.65 mMol Fe+2/g while its TAC was 46.23 ± 3.15 mg GAE/g. The ArPh demonstrated toxic activity againstC. parvumoocysts with a potent IC50value of 31.6 μg/mL compared to ArT (promising) and ArEx (non-effective). ArPh parasitological analysis demonstrated MIC90at 1000 μg/ml and effective oocysts destruction on count and morphology. ArPh fragmented oocysts nuclear DNA in comet assay. Beginning at 200 μg/mL, ArPh-treated oocysts did not infect mice.

Conclusion

To combatC. parvuminfection, the phenolic fraction ofA. judaicaL. shows promise as an adjuvant therapy or as a source of potentially useful lead structures for drug discovery.
Mycorrhizae set the stage for plants to produce a higher production of biomolecules and stress-related metabolites: a sustainable alternative of agrochemicals to enhance the quality and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Yadav Vinod Kumar , Kumar Deepesh , Jha Radha Krishna , Bairwa Rakesh Kumar , Singh Rajan , Mishra Gaurav , Singh Jyoti Prakash , Kumar Adarsh , Vinesh Banoth , Jayaswall Kuldip , Rai Abhishek Kumar , Singh Arvind Nath , Kumar Sanjay , Rajavat Mahendra Vikram Singh , Jayaswal Deepanshu
Published: July 2023

Population explosions, environmental deprivation, and industrial expansion led to an imbalanced agricultural system. Non-judicial uses of agrochemicals have decreased agrodiversity, degraded agroecosystems, and increased the cost of farming. In this scenario, a sustainable agriculture system could play a crucial role; however, it needs rigorous study to understand the biological interfaces within agroecosystems. Among the various biological components with respect to agriculture, mycorrhizae could be a potential candidate. Most agricultural crops are symbiotic with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). In this study, beetroot has been chose to study the effect of different AMFs on various parameters such as morphological traits, biochemical attributes, and gene expression analysis (ALDH7B4 and ALDH3I1). The AMF Gm-Funneliformis mosseae (Glomus mosseae), Acaulospora laevis, and GG-Gigaspora gigantean were taken as treatments to study the effect on the above-mentioned parameters in beetroot. We observed that among all the possible combinations of mycorrhizae, Gm+Al+GG performed best, and the Al-alone treatment was found to be a poor performer with respect to all the studied parameters. This study concluded that the more the combinations of mycorrhizae, the better the results will be. However, the phenomenon depends on the receptivity, infectivity, and past nutrient profile of the soil.
Development and bioassessment of high nutria-omega 5 cookies through animal modeling
Authors: Iqbal Nida , Shabbir Muhammad Asim , Khan Moazzam Rafiq , Faisal Muhammad Naeem
Published: July 2023

The food industry generates a diverse range of waste byproducts during fruit processing, which can be repurposed to create functional foods and other valuable commodities. In this particular study, leftover agro-waste from pomegranate juice was valorized to obtain pomegranate seed oil (PSO), while utilizing sunflower oilseed cake to produce sunflower meal protein concentrate (SMPC). These two extracted components were then combined as ingredients to produce High Nutria Omega 5 (HNO5) cookies. To ensure the quality and viability of pomegranate seed oil, a comprehensive set of laboratory analytical procedures were employed to evaluate its characteristics. Subsequently, different ratios of pomegranate seed oil and sunflower meal protein concentrate were utilized to develop the HNO5 cookie products. These cookies underwent thorough sensory, physicochemical, storage, and proximate evaluations as well as efficacy studies to assess their overall nutritional quality and shelf-life properties. As compared to the control feed, the findings of the renal and liver functional tests indicated a favorable effect on ALT, AST, ALP, serum urea, creatinine, albumin, globulins, total proteins, and A/G ratio. The results revealed that PSO and SMPC cookies containing 15% PSO and 15% SMPC exhibited stability in numerous physicochemical and sensory assessments. The punicic acid in HNO5 cookies significantly reduced the effects of starvation in rats and progressively improved several metabolic processes and overall health profiles.

Graphical Abstract
Long-lasting benefit on multimodal treatment combining osimertinib and stereotaxic radiotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with the EGFR exon 20 insertion 773-774 HVdelinsLM: a case report
Authors: Louvet Aurélie , Honoré Natasha , Dekairelle Anne-France , Van Marcke Cédric , Goeminne Jean-Charles
Published: July 2023

A non-small-cell-lung-cancer patient with cerebral metastasis presenting an atypical exon 20 mutation in the EGFR gene had a long-lasting tumor cotrol on mulimodal treatment with osimertinib and stereotaxic radiotherapy on oligoprogressing lesions. Most exon-20 mutations are resistant to first, second and third generation EGFR-directed TKI. This case was discussed on our molecular tumour board. As the more specific exon-20 targeted therapies were not yet available and as sporadic short responses on the third generation EGFR-directed TKI, osimertinib had been described, the patient started osimertinib. She had a prolonged tumoral response on Osimertinib. The patient is still asymptomatic up to 32 months after initiating the medication. This case confirms that not all exon20 EGFR mutations are equal to osimertinib and that the localization of the exon 20 insertion mutation is probably important to consider when treating EGFR mutated NSCLC. The long-term clinical benefit can be maintained through stereotactic radiotherapy on focal progressive lesions.
T-cell redirecting therapies for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: recent progress and future directions
Authors: Russler-Germain David A. , Ghobadi Armin
Published: July 2023

Several key advances in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) over the past two decades have strategically exploited B-cell lineage markers suitable for targeting by immunotherapies. First, the addition of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) rituximab to a range of standard therapies conferred remarkable outcomes improvements in diverse settings, perhaps most prominently an overall survival advantage in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Subsequently, multiple chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies targeting CD19 have revolutionized the treatment of relapsed/refractory (rel/ref) DLBCL and are active in other B-NHL subtypes as well. Most recently, the longstanding aspiration to exploit patients’ endogenous T-cells to combat lymphoma has been achieved via T-cell redirecting therapies such as bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) that incorporate dual targeting of a T-cell antigen such as CD3 plus a B-cell antigen such as CD19 or CD20 expressed by the tumor. These novel agents have demonstrated impressive activity as monotherapies in patients with heavily pre-treated, rel/ref B-NHL of a variety of subtypes. Now, myriad clinical trials are exploring combinations of T-cell redirectors with targeted therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, conventional chemotherapy, and even new immunotherapies. Here, we highlight key landmarks in the development of T-cell redirecting therapies for the treatment of B-NHL, emerging evidence and lessons from recent clinical trials, and exciting new directions in this arena.
Acquisition and annotation in high resolution in vivo digital biopsy by confocal microscopy for diagnosis in oral precancer and cancer
Authors: Yap Tami , Tan Ivy , Ramani Rishi S. , Bhatia Nirav , Demetrio de Souza Franca Paula , Angel Chris , Moore Caroline , Reiner Thomas , Bussau Lindsay , McCullough Michael J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Scanned fibre endomicroscopes are full point-scanning confocal microscopes with submicron lateral resolution with an optical slice thickness thin enough to isolate individual cell layers, allow active positioning of the optical slice in the z-axis and collection of megapixel images. Here we present descriptive findings and a brief atlas of an acquisition and annotation protocol high resolution in vivo capture of oral mucosal pathology including oral squamous cell carcinoma and dysplasia using a fluorescence scanned fibre endomicroscope with 3 topical fluorescent imaging agents: fluorescein, acriflavine and PARPi-FL.

Methods

Digital biopsy was successfully performed via an acquisition protocol in seventy-one patients presenting for investigation of oral mucosal abnormalities using a miniaturized, handheld scanned fibre endoscope. Multiple imaging agents were utilized and multiple time points sampled. Fifty-nine patients had a matched histopathology correlating in location with imaging. The images were annotated back to macrographic location using a purpose-built software, MouthMap™.

Results

Acquisition and annotation of cellular level resolved images was demonstrated with all 3 topical agents. Descriptive observations between clinically or histologically normal oral mucosa showed regular intranuclear distance, a regular nuclear profile and fluorescent homogeneity. This was dependent on the intraoral location and type of epithelium being observed. Key features of malignancy were a loss of intranuclear distance, disordered nuclear clustering and irregular nuclear fluorescence intensity and size. Perinuclear fluorescent granules were seen in the absence of irregular nuclear features in lichenoid inflammation.

Discussion

High resolution oral biopsy allows for painless and rapid capture of multiple mucosal sites, resulting in more data points to increase diagnostic precision. High resolution digital micrographs can be easily compared serially across multiple time points utilizing an annotation software. In the present study we have demonstrated realization of a high-resolution digital biopsy protocol of the oral mucosa for utility in the diagnosis of oral cancer and precancer..
Effects of Litsea cubeba essential oil on growth performance, blood antioxidation, immune function, apparent digestibility of nutrients, and fecal microflora of pigs
Authors: Chen Fengming , Wang Yushi , Wang Kaijun , Chen Jiayi , Jin Ke , Peng Kaiqiang , Chen Xu , Liu Zhimou , Ouyang Jiang , Wang Yong , Zhang Xiaoya , Zou Haowei , Zhou Jun , He Binsheng , Lin Qian
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCO) on the growth performance, blood antioxidation, immune function, apparent digestibility of nutrients, and fecal microflora in fattening pigs. A total of 120 pigs were randomly assigned to five groups, with six replicate pens per treatment and four pigs per pen, and they were fed basal diet, chlortetracycline (CTC), and low-, medium-, and high-concentration LCO. The results of the study showed that compared with the control treatment and CTC addition treatment of the basic diet, the catalase level in the serum of the pigs treated with 500 mg/kg LCO in the diet of finishing pigs was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude ash, and calcium in pigs with different levels of LCO was significantly increased compared with the control treatments fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control treatment fed the basal diet and the treatment with CTC, the apparent digestibility of ether extract in pigs treated with medium-dose LCO was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the apparent digestibility of pigs was significantly increased after the addition of low-dose LCO (p < 0.05). Among the genera, the percentage abundance of SMB53 (p < 0.05) was decreased in the feces of the CTC group when compared to that in the medium-LCO group. At the same time, the relative abundance of L7A_E11 was markedly decreased in the feces of the control and medium- and high-concentration LCO group than that in the CTC group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding the level of 250 mg/kg LCO in the diet of pig could improve the growth performance and blood physiological and biochemical indicators of pigs, improve the antioxidant level of body and the efficiency of digestion and absorption of nutrients, and show the potential to replace CTC.
Nitro-benzylideneoxymorphone, a bifunctional mu and delta opioid receptor ligand with high mu opioid receptor efficacy
Authors: Olson Keith M. , Devereaux Andrea L. , Chatterjee Payal , Saldaña-Shumaker Savanah L. , Shafer Amanda , Plotkin Adam , Kandasamy Ram , MacKerell Alexander D. , Traynor John R. , Cunningham Christopher W.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: There is a major societal need for analgesics with less tolerance, dependence, and abuse liability. Preclinical rodent studies suggest that bifunctional ligands with both mu (MOPr) and delta (DOPr) opioid peptide receptor activity may produce analgesia with reduced tolerance and other side effects. This study explores the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of our previously reported MOPr/DOPr lead, benzylideneoxymorphone (BOM) with C7-methylene-substituted analogs.

Methods: Analogs were synthesized and tested in vitro for opioid receptor binding and efficacy. One compound, nitro-BOM (NBOM, 12) was evaluated for antinociceptive effects in the warm water tail withdrawal assay in C57BL/6 mice. Acute and chronic antinociception was determined, as was toxicologic effects on chronic administration. Molecular modeling experiments were performed using the Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) method.

Results: NBOM was found to be a potent MOPr agonist/DOPr partial agonist that produces high-efficacy antinociception. Antinociceptive tolerance was observed, as was weight loss; this toxicity was only observed with NBOM and not with BOM. Modeling supports the hypothesis that the increased MOPr efficacy of NBOM is due to the substituted benzylidene ring occupying a nonpolar region within the MOPr agonist state.

Discussion: Though antinociceptive tolerance and non-specific toxicity was observed on repeated administration, NBOM provides an important new tool for understanding MOPr/DOPr pharmacology.
ISSR molecular markers and anatomical structures can assist in rapid and directional screening of cold-tolerant seedling mutants of medicinal and ornamental plant in Plumbago indica L.
Authors: Li Yirui , Cheng Xu , Lai Junlin , Zhou Yunzhu , Lei Ting , Yang Lijuan , Li Jiani , Yu Xiaofang , Gao Suping
Published: July 2023

Plumbago indica L. is a perennial herb with ornamental and anticancer medicinal functions widely distributed in the tropics. It is affected by temperature and cannot bloom normally in colder subtropical regions, which seriously affects its ornamental value. To create low-temperature resistance mutants and enrich new germplasm resources, this study used tissue culture and chemical reagent (0.5 mmol/L NaN3) and low-temperature stress (0°C, full darkness for 48h) induction to target and screen for cold-resistance mutants. The results showed that the ISSR band polymorphism ratio of the 24 suspected mutant materials was 87.5%. The DNA profiles of the 9 mutants initially identified were altered. The content of plumbagin in the stems and leaves of the mutants was examined, and it was found that the accumulation in the leaves of the mutant SA24 could be as high as 3.84 times that of the control, which was 0.5991%. There were significant differences in the anatomical structures of roots, stems and leaves. The mutants mostly exhibited reduced root diameter (only 0.17-0.69 times that of CK), increased stem diameter (up to 2.19 times that of CK), enlarged mesophyll cells, increased thickness (up to 1.83 times that of CK) and high specificity, which are thought to be important for the different cold resistance obtained by the mutants. In the cold resistance experiment, four cold-tolerant mutants were successfully screened according to their morphological characteristics and physiological indexes, and the mutagenesis efficiency could be as high as 2.22% and did not affect the accumulation of plumbagin in their stems and leaves, even higher than CK. The responses of the screened mutants SA15, SA19, SA23 and SA24 to low temperature showed slower leaf wilting, higher light energy conversion efficiency, less accumulation of MDA content, increased enzymatic activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD) and more accumulation of soluble sugars and proline content. These characteristics are consistent with the response of cold-resistance plants to low temperatures. The cold- resistance mutants cultivated in soil were observed of agronomic and ornamental traits for one year, mainly manifested as delayed flowering and delayed entry into the senescence stage. This study provides a more rapid and accurate technique for identifying and screening cold-tolerant mutants, and lays the foundation for future experiments on the creation of new cold-resistant varieties.
Effects of emotional regulation and impulsivity on sports performance: the mediating role of gender and competition level
Authors: Millán-Sánchez Antonio , Madinabeitia Iker , de la Vega Ricardo , Cárdenas David , Ureña Aurelio
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to study the relationships between emotional regulation and impulsivity on sports performance, according to the gender and competition level in national-level volleyball players.

Methods

In total, 77 players from the 2018–2019 top two Spanish divisions completed the ERQ (emotion regulation) and the UPPS-P (impulsivity). Statistics (serve, reception, and attack) were retrieved from the Spanish Volleyball Federation. A Mann–Whitney test was conducted to determine differences between gender and competition level in impulsivity and emotion regulation. A Kruskal–Wallis test (Mann–Whitney post-hoc) was carried out for playing positions analysis. Spearman's correlation was performed between the performance and the variables of impulsivity and emotional regulation.

Results

The results obtained, with differences according to playing position, gender, and competition level, show that players differ in certain psychological aspects that might influence how they approach their game.

Discussion

The results point in a promising direction: the sports practice analyzed can serve as a regulation context, for both the emotional response and the level of impulsivity of the players. The importance of these results for future research on this topic is discussed.
Soundscape and subjective factors affecting residents’ evaluation of aircraft noise in the communities under flight routes
Authors: Qu Fei , Li Zhuoming , Zhang Tongtong , Huang Wenjun
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Aircraft noise is one of the most significant sources of environmental pollution in large cities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, strict lockdown in community might increase residents’ discomfort with the noise, which could disrupt public activities and reduce subjective well-being. Most of the existing studies considered aircraft noise as a single sound source, which have ignored the influence of other sounds in the community. This paper applied field survey to identify the soundscape and non-acoustic factors related to aircraft noise evaluation.

Methods

Paper questionnaires were delivered to select residents of three sample residential areas near Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to investigate residents’ general health, evaluation of aircraft noise, community activities, and attitudinal factors. The relationship between respondent’s noise evaluations and subjective factors were investigated through statistical analyses controlling for measured aircraft noise levels and the existence of soundscape facilities.

Results

The results indicated that the negative effects of aircraft noise were enhanced during the lock down, especially for frequent space users and those residents in poor health status. Under conditions of similar levels of aircraft noise exposure, communities with more birdsong and fountain sounds had lower proportion of highly annoyed respondents and higher level of soundscape ratings. This paper further indicated that personal factors including fear of air travel, noise sensitivity, and the frequency of outdoor activity had increased the level of annoyance to aircraft noise, while higher degree of annoyance to aircraft noise was associated with poor health status.

Discussion

The findings implied the moderating effects of subjective factors and the restorative effects of natural sounds, which could inform aircraft noise control and community consultation strategies by protecting vulnerable populations and creating community soundscape facilities. Future research might conduct a pre- and post-experiment to estimate the potential causal impact of the soundscape intervention.
Strategic actions to advance multipurpose prevention technologies in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Young Holt Bethany , van der Straten Ariane , Barker Taryn , Chirenje Z. Mike , Cameron Anne-Isabelle , Scott Cherise , Casas Carmen Pérez , Romano Joseph
Published: July 2023

Background

HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies are critical and interlinked health risks for millions of women of reproductive age worldwide. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) offer an innovative approach for expanding combined pregnancy and/or disease prevention. So far, MPT development efforts have focused mostly on HIV prevention, but about half of product candidates comprise compounds active against non-HIV STIs as well. This review aims to provide a framework that promotes the efficient advancement of the most promising preclinical products through the development pathway and into the hands of end-users, with a focus on women in low- and middle-income countries (L/MICs).

Methods

This mini review provides a summary of the current landscape of the MPT field. It comprises a landscape assessment of MPTs in development, complemented by a series of 28 in-depth, semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) with experts representing different L/MIC perspectives.

Main results

We identified six primary action strategies to advance MPTs for L/MICs, including identification of key research gaps and priorities. For each action strategy, progress to date and key recommendations are included.

Conclusions

To realize the life-saving potential of MPTs and maximize the momentum made to date, a strategic, collaborative and well-funded response to the gaps and next steps outlined in this paper is critical. A coordinated response can add rigor and efficiency to the development process, to successfully advance the most promising MPT products to the hands of end-users.
The evolution of the liver transplant candidate
Authors: Hann Angus , Neuberger James
Published: July 2023

The first successful human liver transplant (LT) was done over 60 years ago; since the early pioneering days, this procedure has become a routine treatment with excellent outcomes for the great majority of recipients. Over the last six decades, indications have evolved. Use of LT for hepatic malignancy is becoming less common as factors that define a successful outcome are being increasingly defined, and alternative therapeutic options become available. Both Hepatitis B and C virus associated liver disease are becoming less common indications as medical treatments become more effective in preventing end-stage disease. Currently, the most common indications are alcohol-related liver disease and metabolic associated liver disease. The developing (and controversial) indications include acute on chronic liver failure, alcoholic hepatitis and some rarer malignancies such as non-resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases, neuroendocrine tumours and cholangiocarcinoma. Candidates are becoming older and with greater comorbidities, A relative shortage of donor organs remains the greatest cause for reducing access to LT; therefore, various countries have developed transparent approaches to allocation of this life saving and life enhancing resource. Reliance on prognostic models has gone some way to improve transparency and increase equity of access but these approaches have their limitations.
Information communication and technology in sports: a meticulous review
Authors: Reyaz Nahida , Ahamad Gulfam , Naseem Mohd , Ali Javed , Rahmani Khalid Imam
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Sports of all kinds even though have an alluring property of keeping their onlookers stuck to their place, the introduction of Technology, however, revolutionized it all together. Not only in legal sports but also the training and teaching methods have been reformed. The use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) based technologies [Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Hawkeye, Computer vision, Artificial intelligence, etc.] has moderately increased the interactive nature of sports. Employing ICT-driven technologies have continuously been increasing performance levels due to which high effective performance levels have been achieved. In addition to offering information to the users, it also acts as a means for connecting and interacting with the remaining world. In this article, we provide a review of the studies considering the developments and impact of employing ICT technology on sports, especially cricket. The study has focussed on domain-specific developments in cricket sports: developments in the batting domain, bowling domain, and wicketkeeping as well.

Methods

For the study, the analysis has been done following the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

The study found that even though the researchers have done justifiable work in employing technology in sports as a whole but the domain-specific contribution in sports like cricket is not at the level as is need of the hour. In addition to the mentioned domains in the study, the research should gain speed in other domains like domain-specific Talent Identification for both genders, different age groups, diverse sports, etc.

Discussion

undoubtedly, the sports domain is employing technology at a vast level but a few domains like sports talent identification especially related to the most famous games like cricket require an immediate and intense focus of the researchers. Since this domain is still carrying out a traditional coach-oriented approach. There is an acute need to revolutionize the domain by incorporating modern technologies into it.
Small ruminant value chain and empowerment: a gendered baseline study from Ethiopia
Authors: Kinati Wole , Temple Elizabeth C. , Baker Derek , Najjar Dina
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Despite growing interest in gender analysis in value chains, comparatively few studies have analyzed gender relations in small ruminant value chains using sex-disaggregated quantitative data in livestock-based systems.

Methods

Drawing on baseline data from the Small Ruminant Value Chain Development Program (SRVD) in Ethiopia, this study aims to address two research questions: what is the gender status along small ruminant value chain stages and the related associations among aspects of empowerment and socio-economic variables? We employed empowerment and value chain frameworks to address these research questions.

Results and conclusion

Our findings reveal that small ruminant market participation, related decisions, and control over income are gender differential. Estimation results identified several variables significantly associated with agency dimensions, achievements, or both, with mixed results. These are age group, context, being married, being men and head of household, participation in breeding stock selection, livestock ownership, contact with extension agents, access to market information, and participation in selling at marketplaces. Participation in a small ruminant value chain may encourage more egalitarian decision-making behaviors but does not guarantee the capacity to make autonomous decision-making, and thus needs to be coupled with interventions on empowerment dimensions. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to establish the mixed results with additional variables on norms.
A narrative review of the physiology and health effects of burnout associated with veterinarian-pertinent occupational stressors
Authors: Steffey Michele A. , Griffon Dominique J. , Risselada Marije , Buote Nicole J. , Scharf Valery F. , Zamprogno Helia , Winter Alexandra L.
Published: July 2023

Chronic workplace stress and burnout are serious problems in veterinary medicine. Although not classified as a medical condition, burnout can affect sleep patterns and contributes to chronic low grade systemic inflammation, autonomic imbalance, hormonal imbalances and immunodeficiencies, thereby increasing the risks of physical and psychological ill health in affected individuals. Cultural misconceptions in the profession often lead to perceptions of burnout as a personal failure, ideas that healthcare professionals are somehow at lower risk for suffering, and beliefs that affected individuals can or should somehow heal themselves. However, these concepts are antiquated, harmful and incorrect, preventing the design of appropriate solutions for this serious and growing challenge to the veterinary profession. Veterinarians must first correctly identify the nature of the problem and understand its causes and impacts before rational solutions can be implemented. In this first part of two companion reviews, burnout will be defined, pathophysiology discussed, and healthcare and veterinary-relevant occupational stressors that lead to burnout identified.
The Women Making Their Mark in Modern Scottish Medical History
Authors: Au Stephanie , de Beaux Andrew
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Women in medicine and surgery are a recent phenomenon. The aim of this study was to review the modern history of pioneering women in medicine and surgery in Scotland.

Methods: A variety of sources were searched including Google, PubMed, and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh publications to source the material for this paper.

Results: Despite over five centuries of Scottish universities offering medical degrees, women have only had the right to study medicine for 150 years. However, the lives of women pioneers who either circumnavigated or surmounted this inequality, namely, “James Barry” and Sophia Jex-Blake, are briefly told.

Conclusion: Doctors today owe a debt to those who pushed the boundaries, challenged the unfair rules and tackled institutional gender inequality in medicine. Reading about their lives and work is uplifting.
Correlation analysis of circulating tumor cells and Claudin-4 in breast cancer
Authors: Chai Jie , Liu Xiangli , Hu Xinju , Wang Chunfang
Published: July 2023

Objective: We aimed to explore the relationship between peripheral blood circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the expression of Claudin-4 in patients with breast cancer, and further explore the potential impact on clinical prognosis and risk assessment.

Methods: We classified and enumerated circulating tumor cells in the blood of breast cancer patients by CTC-enriched in situ hybridization and the detection of Claudin-4 expression by immunohistochemistry. We carried out an analysis of the correlation between the two and the comparison of their impact on clinical parameters and prognosis.

Results: There were 38 patients with a low expression of Claudin-4 and 27 patients with a high expression of Claudin-4. Compared with Claudin-4 low-expression patients, the number of CTCs was higher in patients with high Claudin-4 expression (11.7 vs. 7.4, p < 0.001). High Claudin-4 expression was associated with a lower count of epithelial CTCs (E-CTCs) (3.4 vs. 5.0, p = 0.033), higher counts of mesenchymal CTCs (M-CTC) (4.4 vs. 1.1, p < 0.001), and epithelial/mesenchymal CTCs (E/M-CTCs) (4.0 vs. 3.5, p = 0.021). The intensity of Claudin-4 was positively correlated with CTC (rs = 0.43, p = 0.001). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that CTC counts (HR = 1.3, p < 0.001), Claudin-4 (HR = 4.6, p = 0.008), and Lymphatic metastasis (HR = 12.9, p = 0.001) were independent factors for poor prognosis. COX regression of CTC classification showed that epithelial/mesenchymal CTCs (E/M-CTC) (HR = 1.9, p = 0.001) and mesenchymal CTCs (M-CTC) (HR = 1.5, p = 0.001) were independent influencing factors of adverse reactions in breast cancer patients.

Conclusion: The number of CTC in breast cancer is positively correlated with the expression of Claudin-4. High CTC counts and a high proportion of M-CTCs correlated with Claudin-4 expression. CTC counts and Claudin-4 expression were independent predictors of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.
A Fast Surrogate Model-Based Algorithm Using Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks for Microwave Circuit Design
Authors: Jamshidi Mohammad (Behdad) , Yahya Salah I. , Roshani Saeed , Chaudhary Muhammad Akmal , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Roshani Sobhan
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces a novel algorithm for designing a low-pass filter (LPF) and a microstrip Wilkinson power divider (WPD) using a neural network surrogate model. The proposed algorithm is applicable to various microwave devices, enhancing their performance and frequency response. Desirable output parameters can be achieved for the designed LPF and WPD by using the proposed algorithm. The proposed artificial neural network (ANN) surrogate model is employed to calculate the dimensions of the LPF and WPD, resulting in their efficient design. The LPF and WPD designs incorporate open stubs, stepped impedances, triangular-shaped resonators, and meandered lines to achieve optimal performance. The compact LPF occupies a size of only 0.15 λg × 0.081 λg, and exhibits a sharp response within the transmission band, with a sharpness parameter of approximately 185 dB/GHz. The designed WPD, operating at 1.5 GHz, exhibits outstanding harmonics suppression from 2 GHz to 20 GHz, with attenuation levels exceeding 20 dB. The WPD successfully suppresses 12 unwanted harmonics (2nd to 13th). The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed design algorithm effectively accomplishes the LPF and WPD designs, exhibiting desirable parameters such as operating frequency and high-frequency harmonics suppression. The WPD demonstrates a low insertion loss of 0.1 dB (S21 = 0.1 dB), input and output return losses exceeding 30 dB (S11 = −35 dB, S22 = −30 dB), and an output ports isolation of more than 32 dB (S23 = −32 dB), making it suitable for integration into modern communication systems.
Study on the Comprehensive Optimization of Quantum Radar Stealth Based on the Waverider Warhead
Authors: Lu Shaoze , Meng Zhijun , Huang Jun , Yi Mingxu
Published: July 2023

Quantum radar is a novel detection method that combines radar and quantum technologies. It exceeds the detection threshold and poses a threat to conventional stealth targets. This work aims to derive the expression of the quantum radar cross-section of a new complex target. The calculation formula of QRCS was derived after introducing the relative photon parameters and vector dot product. Subsequently, a comprehensive optimization model of quantum stealth and lift–drag ratio based on a genetic algorithm was proposed for the waverider warhead. During the optimization process, we proposed an optimization method with the objective function of the QRCS pioneering design value and achieved better outcomes than the optimization method using the average value in terms of QRCS performance and lift–drag ratio in the important azimuths of the waverider. By changing the design variables of the waverider warhead and using this new optimization method, the QRCS of the waverider in the forward and lateral angles were minimized, remarkably improving the aerodynamic performance of the waverider. Similarly, the optimization results show that the proposed design value optimization method is feasible.
Sensitivity Analysis and System Attribute Importance for Conceptual Aircraft Design with the Advanced Morphological Approach
Authors: Todorov Vladislav T. , Rakov Dmitry , Bardenhagen Andreas
Published: July 2023

The search for a rational design subspace of aircraft configurations can be addressed by using the advanced morphological approach (AMA). It allows the decomposition of design problems into functional and/or characteristic attributes and their technological implementation options. These are systemized in a morphological matrix (MM). Based on expert evaluations of each option, an exhaustive space is generated containing option combinations as possible solutions. Therefore, extensive MMs lead to immense solution spaces that are hard to analyze. However, removing attributes without justification might leave potential rational solutions out of scope. In this context, a sensitivity analysis technique is suggested based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests for use with the AMA. It can be applied to assess the sensitivity of solution scores against the attribute options and their importance. As a result, optimization of the MM and solution space can be achieved and improvement proposals can be drawn for future problem statements with the AMA. This is demonstrated on the data from a previously conducted AMA workshop on the conceptual design of a search and rescue aircraft.
A Layered Structure Approach to Assure Urban Air Mobility Safety and Efficiency
Authors: Gordo Victor , Becerra Ines , Fransoy Alejandro , Ventas Enrique , Menendez-Ponte Pablo , Xu Yan , Tojal Marta , Perez-Castan Javier , Perez Sanz Luis
Published: July 2023

The demand for air mobility services will depend on the safety of these operations but also on the transportation time savings in congested urban areas. An adequate air space structure is therefore essential to achieve both objectives. Corridors, the most extended solution proposed nowadays, can meet the safety requirements necessary for air taxi operations, but they are rigid (point-to-point solutions) and would increase delays. As an alternative, this paper presents the airspace structure proposed in the SESAR AMU-LED Project, based on layers to assure both safety and efficiency of air taxi operations. In this proposal, small UAS will fly in the bottom part, called the Very Low Level, whereas air taxis will fly in the upper part. The paper applies a collision risk model to determine the minimum required safety buffer between both layers to assure the necessary safety levels. The results obtained show that a buffer of 10 m between them would meet the required safety levels for air taxi operations.
Air Temperature as a Key Indicator of Avocado (Cvs. Fuerte, Zutano, Hass) Maturation Time in Mediterranean Climate Areas: The Case of Western Crete in Greece
Authors: Tzatzani Thiresia-Teresa , Morianou Giasemi , Tül Safiye , Kourgialas Nektarios N.
Published: July 2023

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tropical fruit that has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its unique flavor, nutritional value, and numerous health benefits. The growth and maturation of avocados are influenced by various environmental and climatic factors. Temperature is one of the most critical factors, as it plays a significant role in various physiological processes of this fruit. This study aimed to investigate the effect of air temperature on avocado development and assess the harvest maturity period (determined by the dry matter content) of Fuerte, Zutano, and Hass, the most common avocado varieties, grown in Western Crete, Greece. Fruit samples collected from avocado orchards in five regions of Western Crete were subjected to dry matter analysis during the ripening period for the years 2017 to 2022. Maturation time is determined based on the EU regulation for dry matter concentration. The results of this study revealed that dry matter concentration can be affected by both very high summer temperatures and low temperatures during the ripening period. Specifically, high temperatures during the summer months can have a significant impact on avocado development and result in a reduced dry matter concentration. On the other hand, low temperatures during the maturation stage can slow down enzymatic activity and metabolic processes, resulting in delayed ripening and a prolonged time to reach optimal maturity. This delay in maturation and reduced dry matter concentration can significantly affect the harvest timing, as growers may need to wait for the avocados to develop the desired characteristics before they can be harvested. Our findings are the first data on avocado maturation (dry matter concentration) in relation to temperature and provide valuable insights into harvest maturity period of avocado cultivation in Crete and other regions with similar Mediterranean climatic conditions.