bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AHNAKs roles in physiology and malignant tumors
Authors: Zhang Shusen , Cai Zhigang , Li Hui
Published: November 2023

The AHNAK family currently consists of two members, namely AHNAK and AHNAK2, both of which have a molecular weight exceeding 600 kDa. Homologous sequences account for approximately 90% of their composition, indicating a certain degree of similarity in terms of molecular structure and biological functions. AHNAK family members are involved in the regulation of various biological functions, such as calcium channel modulation and membrane repair. Furthermore, with advancements in biological and bioinformatics technologies, research on the relationship between the AHNAK family and tumors has rapidly increased in recent years, and its regulatory role in tumor progression has gradually been discovered. This article briefly describes the physiological functions of the AHNAK family, and reviews and analyzes the expression and molecular regulatory mechanisms of the AHNAK family in malignant tumors using Pubmed and TCGA databases. In summary, AHNAK participates in various physiological and pathological processes in the human body. In multiple types of cancers, abnormal expression of AHNAK and AHNAK2 is associated with prognosis, and they play a key regulatory role in tumor progression by activating signaling pathways such as ERK, MAPK, Wnt, and MEK, as well as promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Combined training in addition to cortisol reduction can improve the mental health of girls with precocious puberty and obesity
Authors: Heidarianpour Ali , Shokri Elnaz , Sadeghian Efat , Cheraghi Fatemeh , Razavi Zahra
Published: November 2023

Background

Obesity and central precocious puberty (CPP) are associated with increased anxiety, depression, and anger in girls. The contribution of exercise as an efﬁcacious component in decreasing anxiety, depression, and anger has been increasingly recognized.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the effects of combined training on cortisol, anxiety, depression, and anger in overweight and obese girls with CPP.

Methods

The study involved 30 girls aged 7–9 years diagnosed with CPP (undergoing triptorelin treatment) and dealing with obesity. In addition, these girls scored higher than the cut-off line for anxiety, depression, and anger. The participants were divided into two groups, with 15 individuals in each group. The exercise group engaged in 60 min of combined aerobic and resistance training three times per week for a duration of 12 weeks. On the other hand, the control group did not receive any training. Throughout the study, the serum cortisol levels were measured in both groups. Anxiety, anger, and depression questionnaires were also completed at three different stages, namely, baseline, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks (after a 4-week period of detraining).

Results

In the exercise group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in cortisol serum levels and anxiety, depression, and anger scores. These changes were observed consistently during detraining (P > 0.05). However, in the control group, only the depression score significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on the results, it can be concluded that combined training is a method to improve the mental health of CPP girls.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://en.irct.ir/trial/61990, identifier IRCT20170411033378N10.
Exploring the antecedents of AI adoption for effective HRM practices in the Indian pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Goswami Manisha , Jain Supriya , Alam Tabish , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Ragab Adham E. , Khargotra Rohit
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the factors that facilitate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to establish effective human resource management (HRM) practices within the Indian pharmaceutical sector.

Design/methodology/approach: A model explaining the antecedents of AI adoption for building effective HRM practices in the Indian pharmaceutical sector is proposed in this study. The proposed model is based on task-technology fit theory. To test the model, a two-step procedure, known as partial least squares structural equational modeling (PLS-SEM), was used. To collect data, 160 HRM employees from pharmacy firms from pan India were approached. Only senior and specialized HRM positions were sought.

Findings: An examination of the relevant literature reveals factors such as how prepared an organization is, how people perceive the benefits, and how technological readiness influences AI adoption. As a result, HR systems may become more efficient. The PLS-SEM data support all the mediation hypothesized by proving both full and partial mediation, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed model.

Originality: There has been little prior research on the topic; this study adds a great deal to our understanding of what motivates human resource departments to adopt AI in the pharmaceutical companies of India. Furthermore, AI-related recommendations are made available to HRM based on the results of a statistical analysis.
Optimization of inpatient medication administration among persons with Parkinson’s disease: recommendations on pharmacy technology and workflow
Authors: Yu Jeryl Ritzi T. , Sokola Brent S. , Walter Benjamin L.
Published: November 2023

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are vulnerable during hospitalizations due to the underlying complexities o1f symptoms, and acute illness or medication changes often lead to decompensation. Complications during hospitalizations are often due to worsening motor and nonmotor symptoms and commonly result from inaccurate medication regimens. Although the accuracy of medication administration relies on an interplay of factors, including patient status, transitions of care, coordination between the hospital prescriber and outpatient neurologist, etc., hospital pharmacists play an integral role in pharmacotherapy. The main aspects of pharmacy strategies aim to achieve timely administration of levodopa-containing medications, reduction of substitution and omissions of antiparkinsonian medications, and avoidance of antidopaminergic medications. This paper highlights critical areas for improvement and recommendations to minimize the impact of other factors from the pharmacy standpoint.
In vitro pharmacological characterization of standard and new lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonists using dynamic mass redistribution assay
Authors: Ruzza C. , Argentieri M. , Ferrari F. , Armani E. , Trevisani M. , Marchini G. , Calo’ G.
Published: November 2023

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid that acts as an agonist of six G protein-coupled receptors named LPA receptors (LPA1-6). LPA elicits diverse intracellular events and modulates several biological functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Overactivation of the LPA–LPA receptor system is reported to be involved in several pathologies, including cancer, neuropathic pain, fibrotic diseases, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Thus, LPA receptor modulators may be clinically relevant in numerous diseases, making the identification and pharmacodynamic characterization of new LPA receptor ligands of strong interest. In the present work, label-free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay has been used to evaluate the pharmacological activity of some LPA1 and LPA2 standard antagonists at the recombinant human LPA1 and LPA2 receptors. These results are compared to those obtained in parallel experiments with the calcium mobilization assay. Additionally, the same experimental protocol has been used for the pharmacological characterization of the new compound CHI. KI 16425, RO 6842262, and BMS-986020 behaved as LPA1 inverse agonists in DMR experiments and as LPA1 antagonists in calcium mobilization assays. Amgen compound 35 behaved as an LPA2 antagonist, while Merck compound 20 from WO2012028243 was detected as an LPA2 inverse agonist using the DMR test. Of note, for all the compounds, similar potency values were estimated by DMR and calcium assay. The new compound CHI was found to be an LPA1 inverse agonist, but with potency lower than that of the standard compounds. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that DMR assay can be successfully used to characterize LPA1 and LPA2 ligands. Compared to the classical calcium mobilization assay, DMR offers some advantages, in particular allowing the identification of inverse agonists. Finally, in the frame of this study, a new LPA1 inverse agonist has been identified.
The protective effect of vagus nerve stimulation against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: pooled review from preclinical studies
Authors: Xu Yu-Peng , Lu Xin-Yu , Song Zheng-Qi , Lin Hui , Chen Yi-He
Published: November 2023

Aims: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury markedly undermines the protective benefits of revascularization, contributing to ventricular dysfunction and mortality. Due to complex mechanisms, no efficient ways exist to prevent cardiomyocyte reperfusion damage. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) appears as a potential therapeutic intervention to alleviate myocardial I/R injury. Hence, this meta-analysis intends to elucidate the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning the beneficial impact of VNS, along with its prospective clinical implications.

Methods and Results: A literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database yielded 10 articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria. VNS was significantly correlated with a reduced infarct size following myocardial I/R injury [Weighed mean difference (WMD): 25.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 32.24 to 18.23, p < 0.001] when compared to the control group. Despite high heterogeneity (I2 = 95.3%, p < 0.001), sensitivity and subgroup analyses corroborated the robust efficacy of VNS in limiting infarct expansion. Moreover, meta-regression failed to identify significant influences of pre-specified covariates (i.e., stimulation type or site, VNS duration, condition, and species) on the primary estimates. Notably, VNS considerably impeded ventricular remodeling and cardiac dysfunction, as evidenced by improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (WMD: 10.12, 95% CI: 4.28; 15.97, p = 0.001) and end-diastolic pressure (EDP) (WMD: 5.79, 95% CI: 9.84; −1.74, p = 0.005) during the reperfusion phase.

Conclusion: VNS offers a protective role against myocardial I/R injury and emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for future clinical application.
Pangenomic and immunoinformatics based analysis of Nipah virus revealed CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell epitopes as potential vaccine candidates
Authors: Muhammad Syed Aun , Guo Jinlei , Noor Komal , Mustafa Aymen , Amjad Anam , Bai Baogang
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Nipah (NiV) is the zoonotic deadly bat-borne virus that causes neurological and respiratory infections which ultimately lead to death. There are 706 infected cases reported up till now especially in Asia, out of which 409 patients died. There is no vaccine and effective treatment available for NiV infections and we have to timely design such strategies as world could not bear another pandemic situation.

Methods: In this study, we screened viral proteins of NiV strains based on pangenomics analysis, antigenicity, molecular weight, and sub-cellular localization. The immunoproteomics based approach was used to predict T-cell epitopes of MHC class-I and II as potential vaccine candidates. These epitopes are capable to activate CD4+, CD8+, and T-cell dependent B-lymphocytes.

Results: The two surface proteins including fusion glycoprotein (F) and attachment glycoprotein (G) are antigenic with molecular weights of 60 kDa and 67 kDa respectively. Three epitopes of F protein (VNYNSEGIA, PNFILVRNT, and IKMIPNVSN) were ranked and selected based on the binding affinity with MHC class-I, and 3 epitopes (VILNKRYYS, ILVRNTLIS, and VKLQETAEK) with MHC-II molecules. Similarly, for G protein, 3 epitopes each for MHC-I (GKYDKVMPY, ILKPKLISY, and KNKIWCISL) and MHC-II (LRNIEKGKY, FLIDRINWI, and FLLKNKIWC) with substantial binding energies were predicted. Based on the physicochemical properties, all these epitopes are non-toxic, hydrophilic, and stable.

Conclusion: Our vaccinomics and system-level investigation could help to trigger the host immune system to prevent NiV infection.
Advancing clinical translation of cardiac biomechanics models: a comprehensive review, applications and future pathways
Authors: Rodero Cristobal , Baptiste Tiffany M. G. , Barrows Rosie K. , Lewalle Alexandre , Niederer Steven A. , Strocchi Marina
Published: November 2023

Cardiac mechanics models are developed to represent a high level of detail, including refined anatomies, accurate cell mechanics models, and platforms to link microscale physiology to whole-organ function. However, cardiac biomechanics models still have limited clinical translation. In this review, we provide a picture of cardiac mechanics models, focusing on their clinical translation. We review the main experimental and clinical data used in cardiac models, as well as the steps followed in the literature to generate anatomical meshes ready for simulations. We describe the main models in active and passive mechanics and the different lumped parameter models to represent the circulatory system. Lastly, we provide a summary of the state-of-the-art in terms of ventricular, atrial, and four-chamber cardiac biomechanics models. We discuss the steps that may facilitate clinical translation of the biomechanics models we describe. A well-established software to simulate cardiac biomechanics is lacking, with all available platforms involving different levels of documentation, learning curves, accessibility, and cost. Furthermore, there is no regulatory framework that clearly outlines the verification and validation requirements a model has to satisfy in order to be reliably used in applications. Finally, better integration with increasingly rich clinical and/or experimental datasets as well as machine learning techniques to reduce computational costs might increase model reliability at feasible resources. Cardiac biomechanics models provide excellent opportunities to be integrated into clinical workflows, but more refinement and careful validation against clinical data are needed to improve their credibility. In addition, in each context of use, model complexity must be balanced with the associated high computational cost of running these models.
Potential functions of the shared bacterial taxa in the citrus leaf midribs determine the symptoms of Huanglongbing
Authors: Xia Kaili , Feng Zengwei , Zhang Xianjiao , Zhou Yang , Zhu Honghui , Yao Qing
Published: November 2023

Instruction

Citrus is a globally important fruit tree whose microbiome plays a vital role in its growth, adaptability, and resistance to stress.

Methods

With the high throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, this study focused on analyzing the bacterial community, especially in the leaf midribs, of healthy and Huanglongbing (HLB)-infected plants.

Results

We firstly identified the shared bacterial taxa in the midribs of both healthy and HLB-infected plants, and then analyzed their functions. Results showed that the shared bacterial taxa in midribs belonged to 62 genera, with approximately 1/3 of which modified in the infected samples. Furthermore, 366 metabolic pathways, 5851 proteins, and 1833 enzymes in the shared taxa were predicted. Among these, three metabolic pathways and one protein showed significant importance in HLB infection. With the random forest method, six genera were identified to be significantly important for HLB infection. Notably, four of these genera were also among the significantly different shared taxa. Further functional characterization of these four genera revealed that Pseudomonas and Erwinia likely contributed to plant defense against HLB, while Streptomyces might have implications for plant defense against HLB or the pathogenicity of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas).

Disccusion

Overall, our study highlights that the functions of the shared taxa in leaf midribs are distinguished between healthy and HLB-infected plants, and these microbiome-based findings can contribute to the management and protection of citrus crops against CLas.
Managing nitrogen for sustainable crop production with reduced hydrological nitrogen losses under a winter wheat–summer maize rotation system: an eight-season field study
Authors: Wang Li , Ma Lei , Li Yan , Geilfus Christoph-Martin , Wei Jianlin , Zheng Fuli , Liu Zhaohui , Tan Deshui
Published: November 2023

Excessive nitrogen (N) application in wheat–maize cropping systems was adjusted towards more sustainable practices to reduce hydrological N losses while maintaining crop yield. In comprehensive quantification of N management effects on crop yield, N use efficiency (NUE), hydrological N losses, and soil nitrate residual across eight seasons, we have added to growing evidence of strategies beneficial for sustainable crop production with lower hydrological N losses. The results show that adjusted N practices enhanced crop yield and NUE, as compared to farmer’s practices, but benefits varied with N rates and types. Optimized N treatment (OPT, 180 kg N ha-1 in both maize and wheat seasons) with or without straw returning produced the most crop yield. They increased maize yield by 5.5% and 7.3% and wheat yield by 6.2% and 3.2% on average, as compared to farmer’s practice with huge N application (FP, 345 kg N ha−1 and 240 kg N ha−1 in maize and wheat). Regulation of N release through amendment with controlled release urea at a rate of 144 kg N ha−1 crop−1 (CRU treatment) obtained 4.4% greater maize yield than FP, and sustained a similar wheat yield with less N input, resulting in the highest crop NUE. Additionally, CRU was most effective in mitigating hydrological N loss, with 39.5% and 45.5% less leachate N and 31.9% and 35.9% less runoff N loss than FP in maize and wheat seasons. Synthetic N input correlated significantly and positively with runoff and leachate N losses, indicating it was one of the dominant factors driving hydrological N losses. Moreover, compared to OPT, additional straw returning (STR) or substituting 20% of the nutrients by duck manure (DMS) further reduced runoff N discharges due to the fact that organic matter incorporation increased resilience to rainfall. N over-application in FP caused considerable nitrate accumulation in the 0–90-cm soil profile, while the adjusted N practices, i.e., OPT, STR, CRU, and DMS treatments effectively controlled it to a range of 79.6–92.9 kg N ha−1. This study suggests that efforts using optimized N treatment integrated with CRU or straw returning should be encouraged for sustainable crop production in this region.
Improving the estimation accuracy of rapeseed leaf photosynthetic characteristics under salinity stress using continuous wavelet transform and successive projections algorithm
Authors: Wang Jingang , Tian Tian , Wang Haijiang , Cui Jing , Shi Xiaoyan , Song Jianghui , Li Tiansheng , Li Weidi , Zhong Mingtao , Zhang Wenxu
Published: November 2023

Soil salinization greatly restricts crop production in arid areas for salinity stress can inhibit crop photosynthesis and growth. Chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic gas exchange (CFPGE) parameters are important indicators of crop photosynthesis and have been widely used to evaluate the impacts of salinity stress on crop photosynthesis and growth. Remote sensing technology can quickly and non-destructively obtain crop information under salinity stress, however, at present, the distribution of spectral features of CFPGE parameters in different regions is still unclear. In this study (2019-2020), under salinity stress conditions, the spectral data of rapeseed leaves were acquired and the CFPGE parameters were simultaneously determined. Then, continuous wavelet transformation (CWT) and standard normal variate (SNV) transformation were utilized to preprocess the raw spectral data. After that, a CFPGE parameter estimation model was constructed by using the partial least squares regression (PLSR) algorithm and the support vector machines (SVM) algorithm based on the spectral features in the red region (600-800 nm) and those in the red, blue-green (350-600 nm), and near-infrared (800-2500 nm) regions. The results showed that the spectral features of CFPGE parameters could be extracted by successive projections algorithm (SPA) based on the CWT preprocessing. The CFPGE parameter estimation model constructed based on the spectral features in the red region (675 nm, 680 nm, 688 nm, 749 nm, and 782 nm) had the highest Fv/Fm estimation accuracy on day 30, with R2c, R2p, and RPD of 0.723, 0.585, and 1.68, respectively. Based on this, the spectral features (578 nm, 976 nm, 1088 nm, 1476 nm, and 2250 nm) in the blue-green and near-infrared regions were added in the variables for modeling, which significantly improved the accuracy and stability of the model, with R2c, R2p, and RPD of 0.886, 0.815, and 2.58, respectively. Therefore, the fusion of the spectral features in the red, blue-green, and near-infrared regions could improve the estimation accuracy of rapeseed leaf CFPGE parameters. This study will provide technical reference for rapid estimation of photosynthetic performance of crops under salinity stress in arid and semi-arid areas.
Impact of students assistance policies on quality of life and mental health
Authors: dos Santos de Brito Lara , Pereira Tiago Novaes , dos Santos Emerson Roberto , de Barros Thales Guardia , Martinez William Donegá , dos Santos Loiane Letícia , Brienze Vânia Maria Sabadoto , de Abreu Lima Alba Regina , Bizotto Thaís Santana Gastardelo , André Júlio César
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Student assistance policies in higher education, in their various modalities, seek to reduce the dropout of a new profile of students, non-traditional, with socioeconomic weaknesses, promoting quality of life (QoL) and mental health during the university journey. In this context, the Student Social Support Center (C.A.S.A) promotes assistance to students who need personal and/or economic support.

Objectives

To evaluate the QoL and the presence of minor mental disorders (MMD) in students from the 1st to the 4th year of medicine at a public college in Brazil, comparing C.A.S.A beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional study with 283 students. SRQ-20 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were used, in addition to a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data.

Results

The general average of QoL was regular in the four evaluated domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, environment) and 55.5% of the students have evidence of MMD, in which the QoL scores are lower in all domains. The environment domain, which discusses socioeconomic conditions, has the worst score among C.A.S.A beneficiaries and the best among C.A.S.A non-beneficiaries.

Discussion

The data corroborate the fragile situation of mental health and QoL of medical students. The student assistance modality of the analyzed program possibly presents vulnerabilities in its performance since the environment domain, the one with the lowest score among the program beneficiaries, precisely encompasses financial resources, access to goods and leisure and the individual’s physical environment.
Evidence-based sentencing and scientific evidence
Authors: Martínez-Garay Lucía
Published: November 2023

Evidence-based sentencing (EBS) is a new name for an aspiration that has deep roots in criminal law: to apply the sentence most appropriate to each offender's risk of reoffending, in order to reduce that risk as far as possible. This modern version of the traditional sentencing goals of rehabilitation and incapacitation fits into the broader approach of so-called “evidence-based public policy.” It takes the view that the best existing evidence for reducing reoffending are modern structured risk assessment tools and claims to be able to achieve several goals at once: reducing reoffending, maintaining high levels of public safety, making more efficient use of public resources, and moving criminal policy away from ideological battles by basing it on the objective knowledge provided by the best available scientific evidence. However, despite the success of this approach in recent years, it is not clear to what extent it succeeds in correctly assessing the risk of individual offenders, nor whether it achieves its intended effect of reducing recidivism. This paper aims to critically examine these two issues: the quality of the scientific evidence on which EBS is based, and the available data on the extent to which it achieves (or does not achieve) its intended goals.
Cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychotic disorders: intermittent, continuous, and sham theta-burst stimulation on time perception and symptom severity
Authors: Shinn Ann K. , Hurtado-Puerto Aura M. , Roh Youkyung S. , Ho Victoria , Hwang Melissa , Cohen Bruce M. , Öngür Dost , Camprodon Joan A.
Published: November 2023

Background

The cerebellum contributes to the precise timing of non-motor and motor functions, and cerebellum abnormalities have been implicated in psychosis pathophysiology. In this study, we explored the effects of cerebellar theta burst stimulation (TBS), an efficient transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol, on temporal discrimination and self-reported mood and psychotic symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a case-crossover study in which patients with psychosis (schizophrenias, schizoaffective disorders, or bipolar disorders with psychotic features) were assigned to three sessions of TBS to the cerebellar vermis: one session each of intermittent (iTBS), continuous (cTBS), and sham TBS. Of 28 enrolled patients, 26 underwent at least one TBS session, and 20 completed all three. Before and immediately following TBS, participants rated their mood and psychotic symptoms and performed a time interval discrimination task (IDT). We hypothesized that cerebellar iTBS and cTBS would modulate these measures in opposing directions, with iTBS being adaptive and cTBS maladaptive.

Results

Reaction time (RT) in the IDT decreased significantly after iTBS vs. Sham (LS-mean difference = −73.3, p = 0.0001, Cohen’s d = 1.62), after iTBS vs. cTBS (LS-mean difference = −137.6, p < 0.0001, d = 2.03), and after Sham vs. cTBS (LS-mean difference = −64.4, p < 0.0001, d = 1.33). We found no effect on IDT accuracy. We did not observe any effects on symptom severity after correcting for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

We observed a frequency-dependent dissociation between the effects of iTBS vs. cTBS to the cerebellar midline on the reaction time of interval discrimination in patients with psychosis. iTBS showed improved (adaptive) while cTBS led to worsening (maladaptive) speed of response. These results demonstrate behavioral target engagement in a cognitive dimension of relevance to patients with psychosis and generate testable hypotheses about the potential therapeutic role of cerebellar iTBS in this clinical population.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02642029.
Prevention of suicides associated with global warming: perspectives from early career psychiatrists
Authors: Shoib Sheikh , Hussaini Syed Sameer , Armiya’u Aishatu Yusha’u , Saeed Fahimeh , Őri Dorottya , Roza Thiago Henrique , Gürcan Ahmet , Agrawal Aditi , Solerdelcoll Mireia , Lucero-Prisno III Don Eliseo , Nahidi Mahsa , Swed Sarya , Ahmed Saeed , Chandradasa Miyuru
Published: November 2023

Climate change poses significant challenges to global mental health, with potential consequences including increased rates of suicide and mental health disorders. Early Career Psychiatrists (ECPs) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The Climate Psychiatry Alliance, a group of psychiatrists dedicated to improving mental health amidst climate change, recognizes the importance of cultivating climate-aware ECPs. Training ECPs to become confident climate-aware clinicians enables them to effectively treat patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD in the context of climate-related distress. Together with other mental health professionals, ECPs can contribute to efforts by implementing strategies for monitoring and treating mental health problems arising from climate events. Additionally, they can raise awareness about the psychological consequences and risks of suicide associated with climate change. Collaboration among ECPs from various regions is essential in developing community-based approaches and reducing vulnerabilities. ECPs must prioritize supporting vulnerable populations by advocating for increased funding for mental health support and research in affected areas. Long-term solutions to address the mental health impacts of climate change and global warming should be pursued to mitigate future suicidality. Integrating climate considerations into local mental health programs and expanding psychological support services is crucial. By promoting emotional resilience and self-awareness, ECPs can contribute to building a more climate-resilient and mentally healthy society.
Cardiovascular disease threat and perceived efficacy of selected preventive behaviors among Polish men: an analysis based on the extended parallel process model
Authors: Domosławska-Żylińska Katarzyna , Włodarczyk Dorota , Krysińska-Pisarek Magdalena
Published: November 2023

Considering the low rate of preventive behaviors (5%), it is important to increase the effectiveness of actions that motivate the public to engage in health-promoting behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the way in which Polish men perceive the threat of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the effectiveness of five preventive behaviors in the context of CVDs. We aimed to identify groups of recipients, based on the extended parallel process model (EPPM), for five preventive behaviors and to compare the identified groups in terms of selected characteristics. We conducted the survey in November 2022, using the computer-assisted web interviewing technique, on a representative sample of 1,000 men aged 18–65 years. Polish men showed relatively low levels of perceived susceptibility to CVDs (15.1%), but at the same time tended to perceive the consequences of CVDs as severe (54.2%). Segmentation of audiences according to the EPPM showed that regardless of the type of preventive behavior, the most numerous groups are responsive (31–37%) and indifferent (29–31%). This study revealed the need to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy diet to prevent CVDs among male population. Less than half of the men indicated that they would be able to implement effective stress management (49.8%) and smoking avoidance (39.4%), indicating the need to implement measures to increase self-efficacy in the areas.
Impact of the new rural social pension insurance on the health of the rural older adult population: based on the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Song Yuegang , Song Changqing , Wang Ziqi , Hu Guoheng
Published: November 2023

The health issues of China’s older adult population in rural areas have been receiving increasing attention with the continuous expansion of the nation’s ageing population and the continuous promotion of urban–rural integration. The impact of the new rural social pension insurance (NRSPI) on the health of the rural older adult population, the mechanism of its action and how old-age service can be improved and optimised according to the health needs of the rural older adult population are urgent and realistic challenges. Based on survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2015 and 2018, this study applies a multivariate ordered logistic regression model to explore the impact mechanism and effect of the NRSPI on the older adult population health in rural China while controlling for endogeneity. The results show that participation in the NRSPI can significantly improve the health of the rural older adult population at a 1% level. The results of the heterogeneity test reveal that the NRSPI has a significant impact on the self-reported health of the rural older adult at a 1% level, with a significantly positive impact on the mental and physical health of rural female older adult, whereas the impact on male older adult is not significant. The mediating effect test results show that medical services, food access and entertainment activities have a mediating effect on the new rural social endowment insurance. The results of the moderating effect test indicate that the NRSPI regulates 7.8% of the effect of physical health on mental health and 10.7% of the effect of mental health on physical health. Based on these findings, this study proposes to strengthen the construction of healthy lifestyle guidance and emotional support systems while improving the NRSPI’s participation rate and treatment level to meet the diverse health service needs of different older adult groups.
3D-printed Chlorella vulgaris snacks: a contribution to a healthy diet
Authors: Oliveira Sónia , Torres Pérez María Dolores , Sousa Isabel , Raymundo Anabela
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present work was to study the potential health benefits of 3D snacks enriched with increasing levels of incorporation of C. vulgaris (2%–18% w/w). Health impact was evaluated based on the nutritional profile of snacks, as well as protein digestibility, mineral bioaccessibility, glycemic index and antioxidant activity. Higher additions of Chlorella vulgaris to snack’s formulation led to obtain a new food product with elevated nutritional properties, that is a source of protein and minerals, that presents a lower glycemic index, a boosted antioxidant activity and an enhanced mineral bioaccessibility. Despite substantial evidence on the health benefits of microalgae-derived food products, functional food value of algae products remains largely qualitative. The present work contributed to provide insights on bioaccessibility of nutritional compounds of a microalgae food—3D snack–aiming to provide a more sustainable healthy food choice.
When virtual reality supports patients’ emotional management in chemotherapy
Authors: Buche Hélène , Michel Aude , Blanc Nathalie
Published: November 2023

Objectives: Our study is a follow-up of a previous research study that was carried out in physiotherapy. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a tool to support emotional management during the acute phase of breast cancer treatment (chemotherapy session).

Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental protocol was implemented in an oncology department with 120 patients randomly assigned to one of four conditions that were being compared. During the first 10 minutes of a chemotherapy session, patients could either be exposed to a participatory immersion in a natural environment; or be placed in a contemplative immersion condition in the same environment; or listen to classical music; or receive no distraction. The involvement of the patients in the virtual environment and the relevance of the immersive modalities were measured through the evaluation of sense of presence. Particular interest was given to the evaluation of anxiety level and the emotional state of the patients.

Results: VR during chemotherapy reduces anxiety and calms emotional tension. The multi-sensory nature of this emotional regulation support tool was more effective than music in inducing positive emotion, and this benefit was the most salient when immersion was offered in an interactive format.

Conclusion: The relevance of providing support through VR in oncology is confirmed in this study. This tool can compensate for the fluctuating availability of caregivers by offering patients the possibility of shaping their own relaxing worlds and could help preserve the patient-caregiver relationship.
How Can Good Bacteria Improve Bone Health?
Authors: Santos Thaís Aguiar , Battistelli Luisa Souza , Anbinder Ana Lia
Published: November 2023

Bones perform several important functions. They support the body and protect internal organs. However, with age and in some diseases such as osteoporosis, bones can become weaker and can break easily. But do not worry! Several treatments are currently available to improve bone health. However, some of those treatments cause unpleasant side effects, which is why scientists have studied alternative therapies for osteoporosis and bone loss. Did you know that good bacteria, known as probiotics, can improve bone health? Although this is a relatively new field of study, the results are encouraging. Curious about how good microbes can beat bone busters? Keep reading to find the answers.
Sustainability of dairy farming in Colombia’s High Andean region
Authors: Durana Claudia , Murgueitio Enrique , Murgueitio Bernardo
Published: November 2023

Bovine livestock covers more than a third of the earth’s surface and has transformed various natural ecosystems in different parts of the world, including those in fragile, biodiverse regions. Such livestock is found in several of these ecosystems throughout Colombia, and face productivity limitations and environmental impacts. One of them, the High Andean region represents a strategic ecosystem for the conservation of biodiversity globally. Dairy farming in this area has undeniable socioeconomic relevance that is currently threatened by climate variability and market globalization. In this article we explore key elements for the sustainability of dairy livestock in the High Andean region, considering environmental conditions, technical and economic viability, as well as its relationship with society’s values and objectives. Through applied research, field trials, participant observation, consultation with experts, and bibliographic review, we analyze the factors that hinder dairy farming in the High Andean region. We conclude that the traditional models-extensive and conventional intensification-present economic problems, generate environmental impacts and are vulnerable to current changes in the social and environmental plains. We propose to venture into different approaches and technologies, such as agroecological production with silvopastoral systems.
Bridging knowledge gaps in fish health management through education, research, and biosecurity
Authors: Zornu Jacob , Tavornpanich Saraya , Shimaa Ali E. , Addo Samuel , Nyaga Philip , Dverdal Mona Jansen , Norheim Kari , Brun Edgar , Cudjoe Kofitsyo S.
Published: November 2023

Education, research, and biosecurity have global recognition as strong pillars of sustainable aquaculture development. In many developing countries, insufficient knowledge and awareness among stakeholders regarding the relevance of education, research, and biosecurity have influenced aquaculture sustainability negatively. To uncover the gaps in education, research, and biosecurity practices in aquatic animal health management, we conducted a questionnaire-based study in various East and West African countries. By adopting the methodology of self-reporting data, we invited a significant number of individuals to participate in the study. In the end, 88 respondents contributed, with the majority from Ghana (47) and Kenya (20), and 21 respondents from five other East and West African nations. The results revealed substantial educational gaps, including the need for practical training in aquatic animal health management, nutrition, and genetics. Respondents also emphasized the importance of creating additional national aquaculture research institutions and augmented funding to enable them to address industry needs. Governments of the represented nations should actively intervene by providing the essential logistics and capacity to support aquaculture research and development. Informed government involvement is paramount for bridging the disconnection among all stakeholders, as revealed in the results. Furthermore, the lack of biosecurity measures and the understanding of the importance of biosecurity measures in the industry addressed through awareness creation. Creating awareness on biosecurity underpinned with national aquaculture biosecurity policies can prevent disease incidences in the industry. The outcomes of this study can serve as a vital working document to enhance aquatic animal health management in East and West Africa, thereby fostering sustainable and resilient aquaculture.
Cognitive tasks as measures of pig welfare: a systematic review
Authors: Ede Thomas , Parsons Thomas D.
Published: November 2023

Cognitive approaches are increasingly used to assess animal welfare, but no systematic review has been conducted on pigs despite their cognitive capacities. Our aims were two-fold: first, to assess the popularity and heterogeneity of this approach by quantifying the different cognitive tasks used and welfare interventions studied. The second was to assess how often results from cognitive tasks supported treatment effects. The search yielded 36 studies that met our criteria. Eleven different cognitive tasks were applied (three most common: judgment bias, learned approach/aversion, and holeboard). Welfare interventions investigated were also diverse: the impact of 19 other different events/conditions/states were reported (most common: housing enrichment). We defined “supportive” as the observation of a significant difference between treatment groups consistent with an author’s expectation or hypothesis. Supportive findings were reported in 44% of papers. Interventions yielded no significant difference in 33% of studies. In another 21% of reports, outcomes were mixed and a single study refuted the author’s predictions. When considering specific cognitive tasks, authors’ predictions of welfare differences were supported most often when using learned approach/aversion (55% of these studies). Similar supportive results were observed less commonly (40% each) when using judgment bias and holeboard tests. Analysis of additional concomitant measures of welfare (health, physiology or behavior) revealed that behavioral measures were most frequently supportive of author’s expectations (41%) as well as often matching the actual outcomes of these cognitive tasks (47%). This systematic review highlights the growing popularity of cognitive tasks as measures of pig welfare. However, overall rates of supportive results, i.e., changes in performance on cognitive tasks due to welfare interventions, have been limited so far, even for the most employed task, judgment bias. The numerous different combinations of experimental paradigms and welfare interventions reported in the literature creates challenges for a critical meta-analysis of the field especially in evaluating the efficiency of specific cognitive tasks in assessing animal welfare. This work also highlights important knowledge gaps in the use of cognitive tasks that will require both further validation as well as novel innovation to ensure that their potential is fully realized in the measurement of pig welfare.
Control technologies to prevent aerosol-based disease transmission in animal agriculture production settings: a review of established and emerging approaches
Authors: Ouyang Hui , Wang Lan , Sapkota Deepak , Yang My , Morán José , Li Li , Olson Bernard A. , Schwartz Mark , Hogan Christopher J. , Torremorell Montserrat
Published: November 2023

Transmission of infectious agents via aerosols is an ever-present concern in animal agriculture production settings, as the aerosol route to disease transmission can lead to difficult-to-control and costly diseases, such as porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus and influenza A virus. It is increasingly necessary to implement control technologies to mitigate aerosol-based disease transmission. Here, we review currently utilized and prospective future aerosol control technologies to collect and potentially inactivate pathogens in aerosols, with an emphasis on technologies that can be incorporated into mechanically driven (forced air) ventilation systems to prevent aerosol-based disease spread from facility to facility. Broadly, we find that control technologies can be grouped into three categories: (1) currently implemented technologies; (2) scaled technologies used in industrial and medical settings; and (3) emerging technologies. Category (1) solely consists of fibrous filter media, which have been demonstrated to reduce the spread of PRRSV between swine production facilities. We review the mechanisms by which filters function and are rated (minimum efficiency reporting values). Category (2) consists of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), used industrially to collect aerosol particles in higher flow rate systems, and ultraviolet C (UV-C) systems, used in medical settings to inactivate pathogens. Finally, category (3) consists of a variety of technologies, including ionization-based systems, microwaves, and those generating reactive oxygen species, often with the goal of pathogen inactivation in aerosols. As such technologies are typically first tested through varied means at the laboratory scale, we additionally review control technology testing techniques at various stages of development, from laboratory studies to field demonstration, and in doing so, suggest uniform testing and report standards are needed. Testing standards should consider the cost–benefit of implementing the technologies applicable to the livestock species of interest. Finally, we examine economic models for implementing aerosol control technologies, defining the collected infectious particles per unit energy demand.
General Practitioner’s Experience of Public-Private Partnerships to Develop Team-Based Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Schütz Leuthold Muriel , El-Hakmaoui Fatima , Senn Nicolas , Cohidon Christine
Published: November 2023

Objectives: A tripartite public–private partnership was established between GPs’ practices, public health authorities and a university department of family medicine, to develop multidisciplinary teams and integrate nurses into GPs’ practices. The present paper describes the points of view of the GPs involved in this collaboration.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study, with data coming from eight interviews with GPs, one from each practice. We also used the facilitator’s project diary to complete the discussion.

Results: The principal issue discussed was the financial aspects of the collaboration. GPs are generally satisfied, but time spent coordinating with nurses and transferring activities made them fear financial losses. Secondly, the partnership with public health authorities was well appreciated, but not clear enough. Some aspects of the partnership, such as referring patient to the nurse should have been better defined et controlled. The last aspect was the academic support. It allowed reducing GPs’ workload in training nurses and supporting the project implementation within the GPs’ practice.

Conclusion: GPs have a positive point of view of such public-private partnership and saw an opportunity to be involved in developing public health policies.
Two Kadane Algorithms for the Maximum Sum Subarray Problem
Authors: Kadane Joseph B.
Published: November 2023

The maximum sum subarray problem is to find a contiguous subarray with the largest sum. The history of algorithms to address this problem is recounted, culminating in what is known as Kadane’s algorithm. However, that algorithm is not the algorithm Kadane intended. Nonetheless, the algorithm known as Kadane’s has found many uses, some of which are recounted here. The algorithm Kadane intended is reported here, and compared to the algorithm attributed to Kadane. They are both linear in time, employ just a few words of memory, and use a dynamic programming structure. The results proved here show that these two algorithms differ only in the case of an input consisting of only negative numbers. In that case, the algorithm Kadane intended is more informative than the algorithm attributed to him.