bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualized antibiotic dosage regimens for patients with augmented renal clearance
Authors: Shi A-Xi , Qu Qiang , Zhuang Hai-Hui , Teng Xin-Qi , Xu Wei-Xin , Liu Yi-Ping , Xiao Yi-Wen , Qu Jian
Published: July 2023

Objectives: Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a state of enhanced renal function commonly observed in 30%–65% of critically ill patients despite normal serum creatinine levels. Using unadjusted standard dosing regimens of renally eliminated drugs in ARC patients often leads to subtherapeutic concentrations, poor clinical outcomes, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. We summarized pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic research on the definition, underlying mechanisms, and risk factors of ARC to guide individualized dosing of antibiotics and various strategies for optimizing outcomes.

Methods: We searched for articles between 2010 and 2022 in the MEDLINE database about ARC patients and antibiotics and further provided individualized antibiotic dosage regimens for patients with ARC.

Results: 25 antibiotic dosage regimens for patients with ARC and various strategies for optimization of outcomes, such as extended infusion time, continuous infusion, increased dosage, and combination regimens, were summarized according to previous research.

Conclusion: ARC patients, especially critically ill patients, need to make individualized adjustments to antibiotics, including dose, frequency, and method of administration. Further comprehensive research is required to determine ARC staging, expand the range of recommended antibiotics, and establish individualized dosing guidelines for ARC patients.
Targeting copper metabolism: a promising strategy for cancer treatment
Authors: Kong Ruimin , Sun Guojuan
Published: July 2023

Copper is an essential micronutrient that plays a critical role in many physiological processes. However, excessive copper accumulation in cancer cells has been linked to tumor growth and metastasis. This review article explores the potential of targeting copper metabolism as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Excessive copper accumulation in cancer cells has been associated with tumor growth and metastasis. By disrupting copper homeostasis in cancer cells and inducing cell death through copper-dependent mechanisms (cuproplasia and cuprotosis, respectively), therapies can be developed with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The article discusses the role of copper in biological processes, such as angiogenesis, immune response, and redox homeostasis. Various approaches for targeting copper metabolism in cancer treatment are examined, including the use of copper-dependent enzymes, copper-based compounds, and cuprotosis-related genes or proteins. The review also explores strategies like copper chelation therapy and nanotechnology for targeted delivery of copper-targeting agents. By understanding the intricate network of cuprotosis and its interactions with the tumor microenvironment and immune system, new targets for therapy can be identified, leading to improved cancer treatment outcomes. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the significant potential of targeting copper metabolism as a promising and effective approach in cancer treatment, while providing valuable insights into the current state of research in this field.
Lunar and mars gravity induce similar changes in spinal motor control as microgravity
Authors: Swanenburg Jaap , Easthope Christopher A. , Meinke Anita , Langenfeld Anke , Green David A. , Schweinhardt Petra
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Once more, plans are underway to send humans to the Moon or possibly even to Mars. It is therefore, important to know potential physiological effects of a prolonged stay in space and to minimize possible health risks to astronauts. It has been shown that spinal motor control strategies change during microgravity induced by parabolic flight. The way in which spinal motor control strategies change during partial microgravity, such as that encountered on the Moon and on Mars, is not known.

Methods: Spinal motor control measurements were performed during Earth, lunar, Mars, and micro-gravity conditions and two hypergravity conditions of a parabola. Three proxy measures of spinal motor control were recorded: spinal stiffness of lumbar L3 vertebra using the impulse response, muscle activity of lumbar flexors and extensors using surface electromyography, and lumbar curvature using two curvature distance sensors placed at the upper and lower lumbar spine. The participants were six females and six males, with a mean age of 33 years (standard deviation: 7 years).

Results: Gravity condition had a statistically significant (Friedmann tests) effect spinal stiffness (p < 0.001); on EMG measures (multifidus (p = 0.047), transversus abdominis (p < 0.001), and psoas (p < 0.001) muscles) and on upper lumbar curvature sensor (p < 0.001). No effect was found on the erector spinae muscle (p = 0.063) or lower curvature sensor (p = 0.170). Post hoc tests revealed a significant increase in stiffness under micro-, lunar-, and Martian gravity conditions (all p’s < 0.034). Spinal stiffness decreased under both hypergravity conditions (all p’s ≤ 0.012) and decreased during the second hypergravity compared to the first hypergravity condition (p = 0.012).

Discussion: Micro-, lunar-, and Martian gravity conditions resulted in similar increases in spinal stiffness, a decrease in transversus abdominis muscle activity, with no change in psoas muscle activity and thus modulation of spinal motor stabilization strategy compared to those observed under Earth’s gravity. These findings suggest that the spine is highly sensitive to gravity transitions but that Lunar and Martian gravity are below that required for normal modulation of spinal motor stabilization strategy and thus may be associated with LBP and/or IVD risk without the definition of countermeasures.
Differential effects of two-hit models of acute and ventilator-induced lung injury on lung structure, function, and inflammation
Authors: Bilodeaux Jill , Farooqi Huda , Osovskaya Maria , Sosa Alexander , Wallbank Alison , Knudsen Lars , Sottile Peter D. , Albers David J. , Smith Bradford J.
Published: July 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury have a diverse spectrum of causative factors including sepsis, aspiration of gastric contents, and near drowning. Clinical management of severe lung injury typically includes mechanical ventilation to maintain gas exchange which can lead to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The cause of respiratory failure is acknowledged to affect the degree of lung inflammation, changes in lung structure, and the mechanical function of the injured lung. However, these differential effects of injury and the role of etiology in the structure-function relationship are not fully understood. To address this knowledge gap we caused lung injury with intratracheal hydrochloric acid (HCL) or endotoxin (LPS) 2 days prior to ventilation or with an injurious lavage (LAV) immediately prior to ventilation. These injury groups were then ventilated with high inspiratory pressures and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) = 0 cmH2O to cause VILI and model the clinical course of ARDS followed by supportive ventilation. The effects of injury were quantified using invasive lung function measurements recorded during PEEP ladders where the end-expiratory pressure was increased from 0 to 15 cm H2O and decreased back to 0 cmH2O in steps of 3 cmH2O. Design-based stereology was used to quantify the parenchymal structure of lungs air-inflated to 2, 5, and 10 cmH2O. Pro-inflammatory gene expression was measured with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and alveolocapillary leak was estimated by measuring bronchoalveolar lavage protein content. The LAV group had small, stiff lungs that were recruitable at higher pressures, but did not demonstrate substantial inflammation. The LPS group showed septal swelling and high pro-inflammatory gene expression that was exacerbated by VILI. Despite widespread alveolar collapse, elastance in LPS was only modestly elevated above healthy mice (CTL) and there was no evidence of recruitability. The HCL group showed increased elastance and some recruitability, although to a lesser degree than LAV. Pro-inflammatory gene expression was elevated, but less than LPS, and the airspace dimensions were reduced. Taken together, those data highlight how different modes of injury, in combination with a 2nd hit of VILI, yield markedly different effects.
The effectiveness of adjusting resistance training loads through velocity-based techniques in experienced sprinters: a case series study
Authors: Muñoz de la Cruz Violeta , Agudo-Ortega Aarón , Sorgente Vincenzo , Turner Anthony P. , González-Ravé José María
Published: July 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to determine if adjusting the loads via velocity-based training (VBT) in each session is more efficient in monitoring the relative intensity than programming loads assessing 1RM pre-training.

Methods: To achieve this, six national level sprinters were randomly divided into two groups, i.e., adjusting loads (AL, n = 3) and not adjusting loads (NAL, n = 3), during twelve sessions of a squat training (ST) program. During this training intervention, the AL group adjusted the intensity for each session in the squat exercise depending on the speed the load was lifted after warmup. The NAL group, instead, progressed in the squat exercise referring to the 1RM estimated at pre-test. In addition, Parallel Squat (PSQ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Squat Jump (SJ), 30 m sprint standing start (30S) and 30 m sprint flying start (30F) tests were carried out before and after conducting the ST program.

Results: Interestingly, AL performed the ST near their estimated velocities at 70%—75% 1RM, however with a wider gap at 80%—85% 1RM. The NAL group, instead, did not presented such a detectable behaviour across the whole ST. Moreover, both groups demonstrated improved performances in PSQ, CMJ, and SJ, whereas there were little changes in 30S and 30F after ST. Additionally, AL obtained a greater effect size than NAL in PSQ (0.60 vs. 0.35) but lower effect size in CMJ, SJ, 30S, and 30F (0.41 vs. 0.63, 0.30 vs. 0.40, 0.04 vs. 0.28 and 0.22 vs. 0.24). However, percentage change was greater in AL in all tests.

Discussion: Based on these findings, we can conclude that further investigation into the AL strategy in VBT is warranted for sprinter athletes’ daily strength practices. The AL technique shows promise as a valuable tool for accurately adjusting and monitoring medium-high training loads to ensure they align with the intended intensity.
Effect of leaf phenology and morphology on the coordination between stomatal and minor vein densities
Authors: Zhao Wanli , Fu Peili , Mao Qinggong , Liu Guolan , Li Yuanqiu , Xia Jiangbao , Zhao Ping
Published: July 2023

Leaf phenology (evergreen vs. deciduous) and morphology (simple vs. compound) are known to be related to water use strategies in tree species and critical adaptation to certain climatic conditions. However, the effect of these two traits and their interactions on the coordination between minor vein density (MVD) and stomatal density (SD) remains unclear. In this study, we examined the leaves of 108 tree species from plots in a primary subtropical forest in southern China, including tree species with different leaf morphologies and phenologies. We assessed nine leaf water-related functional traits for all species, including MVD, SD, leaf area (LA), minor vein thickness (MVT), and stomatal length (SL). The results showed no significant differences in mean LA and SD between either functional group (simple vs. compound and evergreen vs. deciduous). However, deciduous trees displayed a significantly higher mean MVD compared to evergreen trees. Similarly, compound-leaved trees have a higher (marginally significant) MVD than simple-leaved trees. Furthermore, we found that leaf morphology and phenology have significantly interactive effects on SL, and the compound-leafed deciduous trees exhibited the largest average SL among the four groups. There were significant correlations between the MVD and SD in all different tree groups; however, the slopes and interceptions differed within both morphology and phenology. Our results indicate that MVD, rather than SD, may be the more flexible structure for supporting the coordination between leaf water supply and demand in different leaf morphologies and phenologies. The results of the present study provide mechanistic understandings of the functional advantages of different leaf types, which may involve species fitness in community assembly and divergent responses to climate changes.
Conservation planning for the endemic and endangered medicinal plants under the climate change and human disturbance: a case study of Gentiana manshurica in China
Authors: Zou Hui , Chen Bingrui , Zhang Boyan , Zhou Xinyu , Zhang Xiyuan , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Jianwei
Published: July 2023

Human activities and climate change have significantly impacted the quantity and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants.Gentiana manshuricaKitagawa, a high-quality original species of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, has significant medicinal value. However, wild resources have experienced a sharp decline due to human excavation, habitat destruction, and other factors. Consequently, it has been classified as an Endangered (EN) species on the IUCN Red List and is considered a third-level national key-protected medicinal material in China. The effects of climate change onG. manshuricaare not yet known in the context of the severe negative impacts of climate change on most species. In this study, an optimized MaxEnt model was used to predict the current and future potential distribution ofG. manshurica. In addition, land use data in 1980, 2000, and 2020 were used to calculate habitat quality by InVEST model and landscape fragmentation by the Fragstats model. Finally, using the above-calculated results, the priority protection areas and wild tending areas ofG. manshuricawere planned in ZONATION software. The results show that the suitable area is mainly distributed in the central part of the Songnen Plain. Bio15, bio03, bio01, and clay content are the environmental variables affecting the distribution. In general, the future potential distribution is expected to show an increasing trend. However, the species is expected to become threatened as carbon emission scenarios and years increase gradually. At worst, the high suitability area is expected to disappear completely under SSP585-2090s. Combined with the t-test, this could be due to pressure from bio01. The migration trends of climate niche centroid are inconsistent and do not all move to higher latitudes under different carbon emission scenarios. Over the past 40 years, habitat quality in the current potential distribution has declined yearly, and natural habitat has gradually fragmented. Existing reserves protect only 9.52% ofG. manshurica’s priority conservation area. To avoid extinction risk and increase the practicality of the results, we clarified the hotspot counties of priority protection area gaps and wild tending areas. These results can provide an essential reference and decision basis for effectively protectingG. manshuricaunder climate change.
Methodological evolution of potato yield prediction: a comprehensive review
Authors: Lin Yongxin , Li Shuang , Duan Shaoguang , Ye Yanran , Li Bo , Li Guangcun , Lyv Dianqiu , Jin Liping , Bian Chunsong , Liu Jiangang
Published: July 2023

Timely and accurate prediction of crop yield is essential for increasing crop production, estimating planting insurance, and improving trade benefits. Potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) is a staple food in many parts of the world and improving its yield is necessary to ensure food security and promote related industries. We conducted a comprehensive literature survey to demonstrate methodological evolution of predicting potato yield. Publications on predicting potato yield based on methods of remote sensing (RS), crop growth model (CGM), and yield limiting factor (LF) were reviewed. RS, especially satellite-based RS, is crucial in potato yield prediction and decision support over large farm areas. In contrast, CGM are often utilized to optimize management measures and address climate change. Currently, combined with the advantages of low cost and easy operation, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) RS combined with artificial intelligence (AI) show superior potential for predicting potato yield in precision management of large-scale farms. However, studies on potato yield prediction are still limited in the number of varieties and field sample size. In the future, it is critical to employ time-series data from multiple sources for a wider range of varieties and large field sample sizes. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the progress in potato yield prediction studies and to provide a theoretical reference for related research on potato.
Joint attention and its linguistic representation in dialogue: embodiment revisited
Authors: Zeng Guocai
Published: July 2023

Lakoff and Johnson, among many others, have discussed the role of the human body in structuring meaning in communication, aiming to reveal the interrelation between the human body, language, and cognition. This study revisits the concept of embodiment and investigates its interactive nature functioning in speakers constructing repeated structures in conversation, based on the hypothesis made in this work that the joint attention of interlocutors essentially indicates the interaction of their embodied experience of the language used in the situated context, where speakers not only share their propositional commitments but also make individual contributions to establishing common ground in dialogue. Viewed in this way, at the linguistic level, the implicitly and/or explicitly repeated language resources displayed between utterances are in fact the encoding of speakers’ co-construction of joint attention and demonstrate the interplay of speakers’ syntactic and pragmatic knowledge in producing utterances in the talk turns. This research hopefully sheds some light on studies concerning the relationship between language and cognition as well as how language is constructed in dialogue from the interactive view of the syntax–pragmatics interface.
Pre-pandemic family resources and child self-regulation in children’s internalizing problems during COVID-19: a multi-level social-ecological framework for emotional resilience
Authors: Chen Luxi , Yeung Wei-Jun Jean
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Children’s psychological adjustment to adverse events can be determined by multiple risk and resilience factors. This study explored multi-level protective factors against children’s internalizing problems and investigated the mechanism regarding how diverse environmental and child-level resources influence children’s mental health in the context of COVID-19.

Methods

Our participants included a nationally representative sample of 2,619 young children (48.3% girls) and their primary caregivers (95.1% mothers) in Singapore. They were a subset of the participants in the Singapore Longitudinal Early Development Study (SG LEADS). Data were collected over two waves—before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (Wave 1) when these children aged 3 to 6, and during the second year of the pandemic (Wave 2). Primary caregivers completed measures of verbal cognitive ability, self-control, economic stress, and positive and negative parental control in Wave 1. Children’s self-regulation was assessed by the Delay of Gratification task in Wave 1, and their internalizing problems were rated by their primary caregivers in both waves. Other pre-pandemic family and community characteristics were collected as covariates. Structural equation modeling was performed.

Results

Pre-pandemic parental resources (i.e., verbal cognitive ability, self-control, and low economic stress) predicted children’s fewer internalizing problems during the pandemic and less aggravation of internalizing problems from before to during the pandemic, through more positive parental control (i.e., limit setting) and less negative parental control (i.e., harsh discipline). Moreover, children’s self-regulation during early childhood was predicted by their primary caregivers’ verbal cognitive ability and self-control, as well as positive parental control. Early childhood self-regulation further alleviated the aggravation of internalizing problems over time. Among the covariates, parental education, family income, parental psychological well-being, living with both parents, having a live-in domestic helper, and neighborhood quality also longitudinally predicted fewer child internalizing problems.

Discussion

Our findings underscore the importance of nurturing children’s emotional resilience under adverse and uncertain circumstances by boosting protective factors in their social-ecological system, including community-, family-, parent-, and child-level resources.
Forensic investigation of small-scale digital devices: a futuristic view
Authors: Iqbal Farkhund , Jaffri Aasia , Khalid Zainab , MacDermott Aine , Ali Qazi Ejaz , Hung Patrick C. K.
Published: July 2023

Small-scale digital devices like smartphones, smart toys, drones, gaming consoles, tablets, and other personal data assistants have now become ingrained constituents in our daily lives. These devices store massive amounts of data related to individual traits of users, their routine operations, medical histories, and financial information. At the same time, with continuously evolving technology, the diversity in operating systems, client storage localities, remote/cloud storages and backups, and encryption practices renders the forensic analysis task multi-faceted. This makes forensic investigators having to deal with an array of novel challenges. This study reviews the forensic frameworks and procedures used in investigating small-scale digital devices. While highlighting the challenges faced by digital forensics, we explore how cutting-edge technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science may play a role in remedying concerns. The review aims to accumulate state-of-the-art and identify a futuristic approach for investigating SSDDs.
The role of lung volume recruitment therapy in neuromuscular disease: a narrative review
Authors: Sheers Nicole L. , O’Sullivan Rachel , Howard Mark E. , Berlowitz David J.
Published: July 2023

Respiratory muscle weakness results in substantial discomfort, disability, and ultimately death in many neuromuscular diseases. Respiratory system impairment manifests as shallow breathing, poor cough and associated difficulty clearing mucus, respiratory tract infections, hypoventilation, sleep-disordered breathing, and chronic ventilatory failure. Ventilatory support (i.e., non-invasive ventilation) is an established and key treatment for the latter. As survival outcomes improve for people living with many neuromuscular diseases, there is a shift towards more proactive and preventative chronic disease multidisciplinary care models that aim to manage symptoms, improve morbidity, and reduce mortality. Clinical care guidelines typically recommend therapies to improve cough effectiveness and mobilise mucus, with the aim of averting acute respiratory compromise or respiratory tract infections. Moreover, preventing recurrent infective episodes may prevent secondary parenchymal pathology and further lung function decline. Regular use of techniques that augment lung volume has similarly been recommended (volume recruitment). It has been speculated that enhancing lung inflation in people with respiratory muscle weakness when well may improve respiratory system “flexibility”, mitigate restrictive chest wall disease, and slow lung volume decline. Unfortunately, clinical care guidelines are based largely on clinical rationale and consensus opinion rather than level A evidence. This narrative review outlines the physiological changes that occur in people with neuromuscular disease and how these changes impact on breathing, cough, and respiratory tract infections. The biological rationale for lung volume recruitment is provided, and the clinical trials that examine the immediate, short-term, and longer-term outcomes of lung volume recruitment in paediatric and adult neuromuscular diseases are presented and the results synthesised.
Spatiotemporal parameters from remote smartphone-based gait analysis are associated with lower extremity functional scale categories
Authors: Rozanski Gabriela , Delgado Andrew , Putrino David
Published: July 2023

Objective

Self-report tools are recommended in research and clinical practice to capture individual perceptions regarding health status; however, only modest correlations are found with performance-based results. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is one well-validated measure of impairment affecting physical activities that has been compared with objective tests. More recently, mobile gait assessment software can provide comprehensive motion tracking output from ecologically valid environments, but how this data relates to subjective scales is unknown. Therefore, the association between the LEFS and walking variables remotely collected by a smartphone was explored.

Methods

Proprietary algorithms extracted spatiotemporal parameters detected by a standard integrated inertial measurement unit from 132 subjects enrolled in physical therapy for orthopedic or neurological rehabilitation. Users initiated ambulation recordings and completed questionnaires through the OneStep digital platform. Discrete categories were created based on LEFS score cut-offs and Analysis of Variance was applied to estimate the difference in gait metrics across functional groups (Low-Medium-High).

Results

The main finding of this cross-sectional retrospective study is that remotely-collected biomechanical walking data are significantly associated with individuals' self-evaluated function as defined by LEFS categorization (n = 132) and many variables differ between groups. Velocity was found to have the strongest effect size.

Discussion

When patients are classified according to subjective mobility level, there are significant differences in quantitative measures of ambulation analyzed with smartphone-based technology. Capturing real-time information about movement is important to obtain accurate impressions of how individuals perform in daily life while understanding the relationship between enacted activity and relevant clinical outcomes.
Valuation of marine ecosystems and Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Koundouri Phoebe , Halkos George , Landis Conrad , Dellis Konstantinos , Stratopoulou Artemis , Plataniotis Angelos , Chioatto Elisa
Published: July 2023

This paper refers to the valuation of European, Marine and Fresh Water Ecosystem Services. Using a meta-regression approach, we estimate the Annual Willingness to Pay (WTP) for several classifications of the ecosystem services and various biogeographical and marine regions across all 27 EU markets. Moreover, we explore the correlation between WTP and the national level of achievement of the 17 SDGs, with particular focus on SDG 14—Life Below Water. Results indicate that regulating services of marine and freshwater ecosystems are ranked high and that in almost 63% of the European countries, the WTP for the improvement of the marine and freshwater ecosystem is high and exceeds estimates for terrestrial ecosystems. Valuing ecosystem services and link them to the Sustainable Development Goals, we find that marine ecosystems are mainly positively correlated to SDGs 2, 12, 13, 14, and 17, while a high MWTP value is assigned to specific SDG14 individual indicators like fish caught from overexploited or collapsed stocks and fish caught that are then discarded. Overall, results indicate that societies attributing greater value to ecosystem services mark greater progress toward the implementation of SDGs and SDG 14 in particular.
Different cover crops have a limited impact on marketable yields and biogeochemical cycling but secondary effects on pollinators and plant-parasitic nematodes in Florida organic vegetable systems
Authors: Allar John , Mallinger Rachel , Liu Chang , Grabau Zane , Maltais-Landry Gabriel
Published: July 2023

Cover crops are typically grown during the summer in Florida’s organic vegetable systems, where they can affect nutrient cycling, soil health, and pests/pollinators. We compared the effects of five summer cover crops and a weedy fallow on marketable yields and the cycling of phosphorus, potassium, and carbon. Weed, nematode, and insect pollinator abundance were also monitored to measure any secondary impacts of cover cropping. Cover crops included monocultures of sunn hemp or sorghum sudangrass, a sunn hemp and sorghum sudangrass biculture, a three species mixture (biculture plus buckwheat), and a five species mixture (three species mixture plus cowpea and sunflower). In both 2018 and 2019, cover crops were planted in June and terminated in August, and bell peppers were grown from August until December. Marketable yields were greater with the tree and five species mixtures relative to the biculture in 2018, with no effects of cover crops on yields in 2019. Phosphorus and potassium accumulation was typically greater with cover crops than in the weedy fallow, but cover crops did not affect pepper nutrient accumulation or soil concentrations. Similarly, differences in carbon accumulation (lowest in sorghum sudangrass monoculture and weedy fallow) did not affect soil organic matter, soil total carbon or permanganate-oxidizable carbon. When analyzed as part of a radar plot analysis, cover crops helped manage summer weeds and root-knot nematodes in 2019, but the sorghum sudangrass monoculture increased sting nematodes; only the three and five species mixtures benefitted pollinators as buckwheat was the only cover crop that flowered in this study. Overall, cover crops had a limited effect on marketable yields and biogeochemical cycling but had more important secondary effects on pests and pollinators.
The causal mechanism of farmers’ chemical fertilizer reduction: an empirical perspective from farmland transfer-in and digital extension
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Qiao Shiyan , Jiang Yanjun
Published: July 2023

In the context of rural revitalization, farmland transfer for the purpose of scale operation has not significantly promoted green agricultural development, and it is urgent to find ways to further promote farmland transfer-in to achieve chemical fertilizer reduction. Using the data of 1,298 farmers surveyed in the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey, this paper incorporates digital extension into the analytical framework between farmland transfer-in and chemical fertilizer reduction, analyzing their relationship in-depth. The results showed that: (1) From the basic regression results, farmland transfer-in and digital extension significantly reduced farmers’ chemical fertilizer application. (2) From the influence mechanism, digital extension played a negative moderating role in the effect of farmland transfer-in on chemical fertilizer application, reinforcing the chemical fertilizer reduction effect of farmland transfer-in. (3) From the heterogeneity analysis, farmland transfer-in has no significant heterogeneity in food function areas, but there is heterogeneity in different terrain and fertilizer dosage. (4) In terms of the scale of farmland transfer-in, when the area of transferred farmland was less than 100 mu, farmland transfer-in significantly reduced chemical fertilizer application; otherwise, farmland transfer-in did not achieve chemical fertilizer reduction. The above findings provide a reference for promoting moderate-scale farmland transfer and synergistic construction of farmland scale operation and digital extension.
Dietary choline, but not L-carnitine, increases circulating lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, without affecting body composition, energy expenditure or respiratory quotient in lean and obese male cats during weight maintenance
Authors: Rankovic Alexandra , Verton-Shaw Shoshana , Shoveller Anna K. , Bakovic Marica , Kirby Gordon , Verbrugghe Adronie
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Due to the involvement in one-carbon metabolism and lipid mobilization, choline and L-carnitine supplementation have been recommended to minimize hepatic lipid accumulation and support fat oxidation, respectively. This study investigated the lipotropic benefits of choline or L-carnitine supplementation in lean and obese cats maintaining body weight (BW).

Methods

Lean [n= 9; body condition score (BCS): 4–5/9] and obese (n= 9; BCS: 8–9/9) adult male neutered colony cats were used in a replicated 3 x 3 complete Latin square design. Treatments included choline (378 mg/kg BW0.67), L-carnitine (200 mg/kg BW) and control (no supplement). Treatments were supplemented to the food for 6 weeks each, with a 2-week washout between treatments. Cats were fed once daily to maintenance energy requirements, and BW and BCS were assessed weekly. Fasted blood collection, indirect calorimetry, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry occurred at the end of each treatment period. Serum was analyzed for cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein CHOL (HDL-C), triglycerides (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, creatinine (CREAT), urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Very low-density lipoprotein CHOL (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein CHOL (LDL-C) were calculated. Data were analyzed using proc GLIMMIX, with group and period as random effects, and treatment, body condition, and their interaction as fixed effects, followed by a Tukey'spost-hoctest when significance occurred.

Results

Cats supplemented choline had lower food intake (P= 0.025). Treatment did not change BW, BCS and body composition (P> 0.05). Obese cats had greater ALP, TAG, and VLDL, and lower HDL-C compared to lean cats (P< 0.05). Choline resulted in greater CHOL, HDL-C, LDL-C and ALT (P< 0.05). L-carnitine resulted in lower CREAT (P= 0.010). Following thepost-hoctest, differences between treatment means were not present for ALP (P= 0.042). No differences were found for glucose, urea or NEFA (P> 0.05). Obese cats had a lower fed respiratory quotient (RQ), regardless of treatment (P= 0.045). Treatment did not affect fed or fasted RQ and energy expenditure (P> 0.05).

Discussion

Choline appeared to increase circulating lipid and lipoprotein concentrations regardless of body condition, likely through enhanced lipid mobilization and hepatic elimination. Neither dietary choline or L-carnitine altered body composition or energy metabolism in the lean or obese cats, as compared to control.
Changes in Healthcare Utilization During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Potential Causes—A Cohort Study From Switzerland
Authors: Harju Erika , Speierer Alexandre , Jungo Katharina Tabea , Levati Sara , Baggio Stéphanie , Tancredi Stefano , Noor Nazihah , Rodondi Pierre-Yves , Cullati Stéphane , Imboden Medea , Keidel Dirk , Witzig Melissa , Frank Irène , Kohler Philipp , Kahlert Christian , Crivelli Luca , Amati Rebecca , Albanese Emiliano , Kaufmann Marco , Frei Anja , von Wyl Viktor , Puhan Milo A. , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Michel Gisela , Rodondi Nicolas , Chocano-Bedoya Patricia
Published: July 2023

Objectives: To describe the frequency of and reasons for changes in healthcare utilization in those requiring ongoing treatment, and to assess characteristics associated with change, during the second wave of the pandemic.

Methods: Corona Immunitas e-cohort study (age ≥20 years) participants completed monthly questionnaires. We compared participants reporting a change in healthcare utilization with those who did not using descriptive and bivariate statistics. We explored characteristics associated with the number of changes using negative binomial regression.

Results: The study included 3,190 participants from nine research sites. One-fifth reported requiring regular treatment. Among these, 14% reported a change in healthcare utilization, defined as events in which participants reported that they changed their ongoing treatment, irrespective of the reason. Reasons for change were medication changes and side-effects, specifically for hypertension, or pulmonary embolism treatment. Females were more likely to report changes [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 2.15, p = 0.002]. Those with hypertension were least likely to report changes [IRR = 0.35, p = 0.019].

Conclusion: Few of those requiring regular treatment reported changes in healthcare utilization. Continuity of care for females and chronic diseases besides hypertension must be emphasized.
Evidence for Alloimmune Sinusoidal Injury in De Novo Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Sebagh Mylène , Yilmaz Funda , Kounis Ilias , Saliba Faouzi , Feray Cyrille , Taupin Jean-Luc , Cherqui Daniel , Azoulay Daniel , Samuel Didier , Coilly Audrey , Demetris Antony-Jake , Neil Desley
Published: July 2023

Posttransplant nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) mostly remains unexplained. Microvascular injury due to antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is suspected, but lack of donor specific antibody (DSA) testing makes it difficult to prove. Centered around a 1-year period of routine DSA testing, concomitant protocol, and indicated posttransplant liver biopsies (LB), recipients with NRH (n = 18) were compared with a matched control group (n = 36). All index, previous, and subsequent LB were reviewed. Both groups were similar in terms of demographics, timing of index LB, and DSA. In the index LB, the NRH group had higher sinusoidal C4d positivity (p = 0.029) and perisinusoidal fibrosis (p = 0.034), both independently associated with NRH (p = 0.038 and 0.050, respectively). Features of “possible” chronic AMR were detected in 28.5% of the NRH group without a known cause and 0% of the control group (p = 0.009). The NRH group had more preceding indicated LB with increased incidence of rejection and biliary obstruction pattern. In the follow-up histology, overall, sinusoidal and portal C4d positivity, sinusoidal microvasculitis, and perisinusoidal fibrosis were also higher (all p < 0.050). In conclusion, we provide evidence towards the hypothesis that some cases of posttransplant NRH are related to preceding active and persistent AMR. Large multicenter studies with protocol DSA testing are required to confirm.
Impedance Force Control of Manipulator Based on Variable Universe Fuzzy Control
Authors: Kong Dexin , Huang Qingjiu
Published: July 2023

Impedance control is a classic and straightforward control method that finds wide applications in various fields. However, traditional constant impedance control requires prior knowledge of the environment’s stiffness and position information. If the environmental information is unknown, constant impedance control is not capable of handling the task. To address this, this paper proposes a variable universe fuzzy model reference adaptive impedance control method that achieves effective force tracking even in the presence of unknown environmental information. A variable universe fuzzy controller was employed to determine the impedance parameters. The force tracking error and its rate of change were used as two input parameters for the variable universe fuzzy controller, which utilizes fuzzy inference to obtain the incremental values of the impedance parameters. For the introduced model reference controller, a novel adaptive law was employed to obtain the coefficients for contact force and torque. Subsequently, the contact force of the manipulator in Cartesian space was taken as the research object, and a simulation model of a six-joint manipulator was established in MATLAB/Simulink. By comparing it with the constant impedance control method, the feasibility and effectiveness of this control approach were validated.
Humate-Coated Urea as a Tool to Decrease Nitrogen Losses in Soil
Authors: Korsakov Konstantin , Stepanov Alexey , Pozdnyakov Lev , Yakimenko Olga
Published: July 2023

Processes of N transformation in soil as affected by application of the three kinds of urea fertilizers, conventional urea (U), humate-coated urea (U_HA), and urea treated with the urease inhibitor NBPT (U_UI), are examined in a model laboratory experiment. Effects of urea fertilizers on soil chemical (content of water-extractable N-NH4 and N-NO3), and microbiological properties (rate of actual and potential N2O emission, basal and substrate-induced respiration, microbial biomass C, emission of ethylene) are focused to answer the following questions: (i) whether humate-coated urea has the ability to decrease N losses in soil; and (ii) how it affects soil biological activity comparable to synthetic urease inhibitor. The results showed that U_HA demonstrated advantages comparable to U in its ability to decrease N losses in soil: it increased N-NH4 content by 35%, reduced nitrate content by 9%, and decreased N2O emissions by 50%. U_HA promoted basal soil respiration by 10% and the specific activity of the soil microbial community by 7%, providing the highest metabolic quotient qCO2. Comparably to NBPT-treated U, U_HA mainly shows intermediate results between U-UI and conventional U. Considering the low cost of raw humates, U-HA can be regarded as a promising tool to decrease N losses in soils.
Understanding Circadian and Circannual Behavioral Cycles of Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Can Help to Promote Good Welfare
Authors: Gandia Kristine M. , Herrelko Elizabeth S. , Kessler Sharon E. , Buchanan-Smith Hannah M.
Published: July 2023

Circadian and circannual cycles of behavior regulate many aspects of welfare including metabolism, breeding, and behavioral interactions. In this study, we aim to demonstrate how systematically determining circadian and circannual cycles can provide insight into animals’ needs and be part of an evidence-based approach to welfare assessment. We measured and analyzed the observational behavioral data of 13 zoo-housed giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), across life stages and between sexes, each month for one year using live camera footage from six zoos across the world. Our results indicate that life stage was associated with changes in overall activity, feeding, locomotion, and pacing, and that sex influenced scent anointing and anogenital rubbing. Overall, the circadian rhythms showed three peaks of activity, including a nocturnal peak, as seen in wild giant pandas. We also found associations between sexual-related, stereotypical/abnormal, and feeding behavior, which are possibly linked to the timing of migration of wild pandas, and elucidated the relationship between a mother and cub, finding that they concentrate maternal behaviors to mainly after closing hours. Understanding these cycle patterns can aid animal care staff in predicting changing needs throughout the day, year, and life cycle and preemptively provide for those needs to best avoid welfare concerns.
Helminths of the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788), from the Strait of Messina (Sicily, Southern Italy)
Authors: De Benedetto Giovanni , Capparucci Fabiano , Iaria Carmelo , Marino Fabio , Gaglio Gabriella
Published: July 2023

Bluntnose sixgill shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788), is a little-known elasmobranch in the Mediterranean Sea. Given the lack of information about H. griseus, the aim of our study was to describe the helminth fauna of this species. In March 2023, one H. griseus juvenile female specimen was found off the coast of Messina (Italy) and referred by the Italian Coast Guard to our laboratory for necropsy and parasitological evaluation. After necropsy, the specimen’s gills, stomach and spiral valve were investigated for parasite presence. All collected parasites were stored in 70% ethanol for routine parasitological analysis. No lesions due to parasites were found in the gills or skin. Three species of helminths were found in one studied female specimen of Hexanchus griseus, namely, two cestode species (Phyllobothrium sinuosiceps and Nybelinia sp., larvae) and one trematode (Otodistomum veliporum). Among them, five Trypanorhyncha plerocercoid larvae were found attached to the stomach mucosa, and six adult cestodes and one digenean trematode were collected from the spiral valve. No other parasite taxa were found in the celomic organs. This study reports new information regarding the parasitic fauna of H. griseus from the central Mediterranean Sea.
Meat Nutritional Value of Puławska Fattening Pigs, Polish Large White × Puławska Crossbreeds and Hybrids of DanBred
Authors: Siemiński Grzegorz , Skałecki Piotr , Florek Mariusz , Domaradzki Piotr , Poleszak Ewa , Dmoch Małgorzata , Ryszkowska-Siwko Małgorzata , Kędzierska-Matysek Monika , Teter Anna , Kowalczyk Marek , Kaliniak-Dziura Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

The nutritional quality of meat and the health-promoting properties of intramuscular fat from randomly selected rearing pigs of the native Puławska breed (PUL, n = 15) and its crossbreeds with the Polish Large White breed (PLW × PUL, n = 16) and the DanBred hybrids (DAN, n = 17) were compared. The typical commercial fattening period was carried out up to 80 days of age. The initial body weight of PUL weaners was 30.55 kg (±3.98 kg), that of PLW × PUL weaners was 30.00 kg (±4.29 kg) and that of DAN weaners was 30.70 kg (±3.40 kg). The protein content and energy value of the complete feeds (Grower and Finisher) were 165 and 155 g/kg, and 12 and 11.8 MJ/kg, respectively. The research material consisted of samples of Longissimus lumborum and Semimembranosus. The chemical analyses included the determination of proximate composition, fatty acid content and amino acid concentration. The lowest fat content was found in the meat of the Puławska pigs, while the highest was found in the DanBred fattening pigs. The highest content of SFAs and MUFAs was found in the meat of DanBred hybrids, while it was significantly lower in Puławska pigs. The genetic group did not affect the content of PUFAs, including n-3 and n-6. Significantly lower and more favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were found for the intramuscular fat of Puławska pigs. The very limited effect of the genetic group on amino acid content was observed, except for that of serine, histidine and lysine. In general, the meat of pigs of the Puławska breed showed the highest nutritional value and the most favourable health-promoting properties.
Antibiotics Prescriptions Pattern among Patients Visiting Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study from Qatar
Authors: Al-Nuaimi Salma , Alkuwari Sara , Al-Jubouri Abdullah M. , Hegazi Salma , Jolo Lolwa , Khalid Hafsa , Bossa Saoud , Al-Shirawi Eisa , Alex Merin , Elawad Khalid H. , Farooqui Habib Hasan , Zughaier Susu M.
Published: July 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been associated with an increased risk of secondary bacterial infections. Numerous studies have reported a surge in antibiotic usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency and patterns of antibiotic prescriptions at Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Qatar, comparing the period before and during the pandemic. Methods: This population-based, cross-sectional study analyzed all antibiotic prescriptions issued in two-month intervals before COVID-19 (November and December 2019) and during the initial wave (June and July 2020) of COVID-19. The study included 27 PHCCs in Qatar. Results: Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the PHCCs dispensed a total of 74,909 antibiotic prescriptions in November and December. During the first wave of COVID-19, the number decreased to 29,273 prescriptions in June and July 2020. Antibiotics were most commonly prescribed for adults and least commonly for the elderly, both before and during the COVID-19 period. In the pre-COVID-19 period, Betalactams and macrolides accounted for the majority (73%) of all antibiotic prescriptions across all age groups. However, during the COVID-19 period, Betalactams and other antibiotics such as Nitrofurantoin and Metronidazole (73%) were the most frequently prescribed. Conclusion: The rate of antibiotic prescriptions during the first wave of COVID-19 was lower compared to the two months preceding the pandemic at the PHCC in Qatar.