bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Transitions and Maintenance Patterns of Physical Activity and Tobacco Smoking on Labor Market Outcomes in South Africa
Authors: Megbowon Ebenezer Toyin
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Labor market outcomes can be directly or indirectly influenced by the health behavior patterns of the labor force. This study assesses the association between patterns of physical activity and smoking behavior maintenance (and their transitions) and the labor market outcomes of employment participation and formal employment participation. (2) Methods: The sample evaluated in this study comprises adult individuals aged 18 and above from wave 5 of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a chi-square test, and bivariate probit regression techniques. (3) Results: The bivariate probit regression results regarding the impact of health behavior transition and maintenance patterns on labor market outcomes show that transitioning to physically active behavior or maintaining physically active behavior increases the likelihood of participating in the labor market and being employed in the formal sector compared to those ceasing to be physically active over time. Surprisingly, both the maintenance and uptake of smoking behavior increases the probability of the occurrence of both labor market outcome variables. (4) Conclusions: These findings have both explicit and implicit implications that can serve to increase labor force participation probability and to promote healthy behavior. There is a need for community-wide campaigns via promotions and media coverage to promote active physical activity among the labor force group. Also, interventions to support individuals who lack extensive social networks is necessary. The results further highlight the importance of education, rural economic development, and good health status for desirable labor market outcomes.
Building Learning Trajectories for Intentional, Inclusive, and Individualized Instructional Experiences in STEM
Authors: Guss Shannon Stark , Lim Chih-Ing , Clements Douglas H. , Sharifnia Elica B. , Holland Adam L. , Vinh Megan , Sarama Julie
Published: December 2023

Early science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning experiences often exclude children with disabilities and intersecting identities. To promote learning in STEM for all children, the Curriculum Research Framework (CRF) was applied to build learning trajectories of STEM for children from birth to age 5. The CRF was extended and enhanced to generate explicitly inclusive learning trajectories for children with and without disabilities. The process of generating a priori foundations, building learning trajectories, and testing the results in inclusive settings led to new resources for early childhood education (ECE) and early childhood special education (ECSE) practitioners and generated implications for creating and evaluating learning trajectories in ways that affirm that all children belong in STEM. Challenges faced and lessons learned in this process are presented to guide future research and development using the revised and enhanced CRF.
Piecewise Linear Power Flow Algorithm of DC Distribution Networks Considering Automatic Adjustment of VSC Control Strategy
Authors: Yang Ruixiong , Wang Yizhen , Yu Songtao , Chen Yong , Cheng Xu
Published: December 2023

Voltage source converter (VSC)-based DC distribution networks (DCDNs) can automatically adjust the control strategy of overloaded VSCs to adapt to the variation in renewable energy power, but it brings difficulties to the steady-state performance analysis of DCDNs. This paper presents a piecewise linear power flow (PLPF) algorithm to estimate the joint effect of power disturbance and VSC control strategy adjustment on steady-state performance. Firstly, according to the VSC power balance, the critical point of the VSC hitting the capacity limit is directly determined, and the power variations in each node before VSC control strategy adjustment are obtained. Then, the linear power flow is revised considering the VSC control strategy adjustment. Inversion of the block Jacobian matrix is used to improve the calculation speed of linear power flow revision. Finally, linear power flow calculation is performed in each stage, and the steady-state performance is obtained by using the superposition method. Simulation results show that the proposed PLPF model can estimate the steady-state performance faster and more simply.
Machine Learning Assisted Microchannel Geometric Optimization—A Case Study of Channel Designs
Authors: Huang Long , Zou Junjia , Liu Baoqing , Jin Zhijiang , Qian Jinyuan
Published: December 2023

At present, microchannel heat exchangers are widely applied in the fields of air-conditioning and heat pumping applications given their high heat transfer performance, compact size, and low material cost. However, designing and optimizing the channel geometries remain challenging, as they require balancing multiple competing objectives to achieve the optimal performance. This study investigates various parameters, including the channel count, wetted perimeter, cross-sectional area, and mass flow rate for each channel, to achieve the optimal efficiency. The optimization objectives include maximizing the heat transfer rate, minimizing the refrigerant convective thermal resistance, maximizing the refrigerant heat transfer coefficient, and minimizing the pressure drop. A multi-objective genetic optimization algorithm, in conjunction with artificial neural network (ANN)-based machine learning models, was used to predict the heat transfer rate to speed up the calculation process during the optimization. We identified that a gradient reduction in the wetted perimeter from the air inlet along the airflow direction could enhance the heat transfer rate. Additionally, the results indicate that an increase in the number of channels leads to an enhanced heat transfer efficiency rate. However, with the increase in the number of channels, the cross-sectional area of each channel is correspondingly reduced to maintain a consistent overall cross-sectional area. This reduction increases the fluid resistance, leading to an increased pressure drop across the system. This observation is critical for a microchannel design optimization, highlighting the importance of attaining a balance between achieving a higher heat transfer efficiency and maintaining a favorable fluid dynamic performance.
A Novel Voltage Sensorless Estimation Method for Modular Multilevel Converters with a Model Predictive Control Strategy
Authors: Liao Yantao , Jin Long , You Jun , Xu Zhike , Liu Kaiyuan , Zhang Hongbin , Shen Zhan , Deng Fujin
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a novel voltage estimation scheme for the modular multilevel converter (MMC) based on model predictive control (MPC). The developed strategy is presented by combining a disturbance observer (DOB) with an adaptive neural network (ANN) for voltage estimation in the MMC. Firstly, the ac-side and dc bus voltages are estimated as the disturbance items of the DOB which acts as the cost function during each control cycle and ensures the minimal computational cost. Then, the submodule (SM) capacitor voltage estimation is achieved based on the ANN with the estimated ac-side and dc bus voltages. The proposed method requires only one current sensor per arm and has a simple structure with three weights to be adjusted. Comprehensive simulation studies and experiments are presented to demonstrate its effectiveness and feasibility. The results indicate that the proposed method has a high accuracy, a fast dynamic response, and no effects on the original MPC performance.
Impact of COVID-19 Movement Restrictions on Mobile Financing Services (MFSs) in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Sungida
Published: December 2023

According to the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), Bangladesh aims to achieve a 100% financial inclusion target by 2026 through mobile financing services (MFSs). However, despite several efforts, the financial inclusion score remained only 53% at the end of 2021, compared to 50% in 2017. A substantial proportion of this growth came through MFSs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article investigates the short-run and long-run influence of COVID-19 movement restriction orders on MFSs. An autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) is applied to the monthly transaction data over the period of December 2016 to May 2022 of the three most popular MFSs. Movement restriction orders are associated with a significant increase in person-to-person transactions (P2P) and person-to-business transactions (P2B) in the long run, but the effect is positive and statistically insignificant for remittance transfer. Furthermore, using the volume of ATM transactions as a measure of financial inclusion, this study confirms the crucial role of movement restriction orders in intensifying the financial inclusion of Bangladesh through MFSs. The coefficients of error correction models (ECM) indicate that policymakers must act promptly to develop actionable strategies to maintain the short run momentum of the demand for MFSs to achieve the national target.
Evaluating the Impact of Domain Boundaries on Hemodynamics in Intracranial Aneurysms within the Circle of Willis
Authors: Jeken-Rico Pablo , Goetz Aurèle , Meliga Philippe , Larcher Aurélien , Özpeynirci Yigit , Hachem Elie
Published: December 2023

Hemodynamic simulations are increasingly used to study vascular diseases such as Intracranial Aneurysms (IA) and to further develop treatment options. However, due to limited data, certain aspects must rely on heuristics, especially at the simulation’s distal ends. In the literature, Murray’s Law is often used to model the outflow split based on vessel cross-section area; however, this poses challenges for the communicating arteries in the Circle of Willis (CoW). In this study, we contribute by assessing the impact of Murray’s Law in patient-specific geometries featuring IA at the posterior communication. We simulate different domain extensions representing common modelling choices and establish Full CoW simulations as a baseline to evaluate the effect of these modelling assumptions on hemodynamic indicators, focusing on IA growth and rupture-related factors such as the Wall Shear Stress (WSS) and Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI). Our findings reveal qualitative alterations in hemodynamics when not modeling posterior communication. Comparisons between computing the anterior circulation and computing the whole Circle of Willis reveal that quantitative changes in WSS may reach up to 80%, highlighting the significance of modelling choices in assessing IA risks and treatment strategies.
Comparative Analysis of the Nutritional Quality of Zizania latifolia Cultivars Harvested in Different Growing Seasons
Authors: Hu Guixian , Li Xue , Lai Aiping , Liu Yan , Zhang Yu , Wang Junhong , Sun Suling , Zhu Jiahong , Yang Mengfei
Published: December 2023

Zizania latifolia (Z. latifolia) is a popular aquatic vegetable with various nutrients in south China, but little is known about its cultivars and growing seasons in terms of the nutritional components. This work aims to characterize the nutrients of five Z. latifolia cultivars in different growing seasons. The results showed that Z. latifolia samples differed in terms of chemical parameters, which were significantly affected by variety, growing season, and their interaction. Zhejiao No. 8, harvested in the autumn, stood out with the highest levels of vitamin C. Tangxiajiao and Zhejiao No. 1 contained the highest values of total soluble solids, reducing sugar, soluble proteins, and amino acids. Significant differences were observed between the autumn Z. latifolia and spring samples; the former were of higher quality than the latter based on hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis. Moreover, total amino acids (TAA) and glutamic acid (GLU) were selected as the key indicators for Z. latifolia comprehensive quality by multiple linear regression analysis. This study provides essential information on Z. latifolia quality characteristics corresponding to cultivars and growing seasons, which lays the foundation for promoting the quality improvement of Z. latifolia scientifically.
Health Risk Assessment of Antibiotic Pollutants in Large Yellow Croakers from Zhejiang Aquaculture Sites
Authors: Li Zongjie , Jin Yinyin , Wang Xingyu , Xu Liudong , Teng Liyan , Fu Kang , Li Baoling , Li Yulu , Huang Ying , Ma Ning , Cui Feng , Chai Tingting
Published: December 2023

Intensive aquaculture combatting the decline of large yellow croaker populations can trigger bacterial outbreaks, resulting in extensive antibiotic use. In this study, we screened 5 aquaculture sites in the coastal areas of Zhejiang and identified 17 antibiotics in large yellow croakers using UPLC-MS/MS. The distribution and occurrence of antibiotic pollutants were different in the different tissues of large yellow croakers, being primarily dominated by quinolones. Relatively higher average residue levels of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were detected in the inedible parts, specifically the gills (37.29 μg/kg). Meanwhile, relatively high average residue levels of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were also found in the edible parts, particularly in the muscle (23.18 μg/kg). We observed that the residue levels detected in the swim bladder exceeded the prescribed limit for fish muscle, but there is currently no specific regulatory limit established for this particular tissue. Despite the HI values of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin being below 0.01, the health risks should not be disregarded. The findings of this research provide significant practical implications for assessing antibiotic contamination and enhancing the risk management of coastal regions.
Chemical and Nutritional Fat Profile of Acheta domesticus, Gryllus bimaculatus, Tenebrio molitor and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Authors: Orkusz Agnieszka , Dymińska Lucyna , Banaś Karol , Harasym Joanna
Published: December 2023

The use of edible insects in the human diet is gaining importance because they are characterized by high nutritional value, and their cultivation is much more environmentally friendly than traditional livestock farming. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and nutritional fat profile of selected edible insects as follows: house cricket (Acheta domesticus adult), field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus adult), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larvae), and palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae) which are now commercially available worldwide. Additionally, the degree of implementation of nutrition standards for selected nutrients by these insects was assessed. Freeze-dried insects were studied using infrared-attenuated total reflectance mid-infrared spectroscopy for basic differentiation. The content of fat and fatty acids was determined, and dietary indicators were calculated. The spectroscopic findings align with biochemical data, revealing that Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae contain the highest fat content and the least protein. Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) predominated in the fat of the assessed insects. The highest content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), along with the lowest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), was observed in the larvae of the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus species. From a nutritional standpoint, Tenebrio molitor larvae exhibit the most favorable indicators, characterized by minimal athero- and thrombogenic effects, along with an optimal balance of hypo- and hypercholesterolemic acids. Knowledge of the composition and quantities of fats in different insect species is valuable for planning and preparing meals with accurate nutritional profiles, among other applications.
How Biological Activity in Sea Cucumbers Changes as a Function of Species and Tissue
Authors: Sales Sabrina , Lourenço Helena M. , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Afonso Cláudia , Matos Joana , Botelho Maria João , Pessoa Maria Fernanda , Félix Pedro M. , Veronez Arthur , Cardoso Carlos
Published: December 2023

Biological activity and bioactive compound content in sea cucumbers was assessed, considering Parastichopus regalis, Holothuria mammata, Holothuria forskali, and Holothuria arguinensis as species and intestine, muscle band, respiratory tree, body wall, and gonads as tissues. P. regalis had the lowest content in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in contrast to Holothuria species. In the respiratory tree, the highest phenolic concentration was recorded in H. arguinensis, 76.4 ± 1.2 mg GAE/100 g dw vs. 21.0–49.0 mg GAE/100 g dw in the other species. H. arguinensis had the highest DPPH and FRAP results in the gonads, 13.6 ± 0.7 mg AAE/100 g dw vs. 2.6–3.5 mg AAE/100 g dw and 27.1 ± 0.3 μmol Fe2+/g dw vs. 8.0–15.9 μmol Fe2+/g dw, respectively. Overall, P. regalis biomass presented the highest anti-inflammatory activity levels and H. arguinensis the lowest anti-inflammatory levels. The respiratory tree was the most anti-inflammatory (measured by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2) tissue in H. mammata and H. forskali (also the muscle band in this case), 76.3 ± 6.3% and 59.5 ± 3.6% COX-2 inhibition in 1 mg/mL aqueous extracts, respectively. The results demonstrated a variable bioactive potential and advantage in targeting antioxidant properties in the muscle band and anti-inflammatory activity in the respiratory tree, which may constitute a starting point for a biorefinery approach envisaging multiple applications.
Glucoraphanin Accumulation via Glucoraphanin Synthesis Promotion during Broccoli Germination
Authors: Liu Guangmin , He Hongju , Wang Pengjie , Zhao Xirui , Ren Fazheng
Published: December 2023

Glucoraphanin is an important glucosinolate which is widely distributed in Brassica vegetables and poses an anticancer effect to humans. Although researchers have paid a lot of attention to the changes in glucoraphanin concentration in seedlings of broccoli over 1–2 weeks, there has been little research focusing on the total whole-sprout glucoraphanin content within broccoli seedlings over 1–5 weeks. However, it is necessary to clarify the changes in total glucoraphanin content during the broccoli sprouting stage as broccoli seedlings are novel plant foods. This research explored glucoraphanin absolute accumulation and the biosynthesis mechanism in broccoli seedlings during a 5-week growth period. The results showed that glucoraphanin accumulation content was higher at week 4 than in the seeds. Moreover, the relative DL-methionine contents increased significantly after 3 weeks. Glucoraphanin synthetic gene expression levels were increased after 3 weeks, but the gene expressions of AOP3 (encoding 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases) and MYR (encoding myrosinase) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the 20 essential DEGs obtained can provide new insight into understanding the developmental regulation of broccoli seedlings. In addition, the results can also provide information on how to obtain higher glucoraphanin contents in broccoli sprouts.
Deep-Learning-Based Model Predictive Control of an Industrial-Scale Multistate Counter-Flow Paddy Drying Process
Authors: Zhang Ye , Fang Zhuangdong , Li Changyou , Li Chengjie
Published: December 2023

In practical industrial-scale paddy drying production, manual empirical operation is still widely used for process control. This often leads to poor uniformity in the moisture content distribution of discharged grains, affecting product quality. Model Predictive Control (MPC) is considered the most effective control method for paddy drying, but its implementation in industrial-scale drying is hindered by its high computational cost. This study aims to address this challenge by proposing a deep-learning-based model predictive control (DL-MPC) strategy for paddy drying. By establishing a mapping relation between the inlet and outlet paddy moisture content and paddy flow velocity, a DL-MPC strategy suitable for multistage counter-flow paddy drying systems is proposed. DL-MPC systems are developed using long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks and trained using datasets from single-drying-stage and multistage drying systems. Simulation and analysis are conducted, followed by verification experiments on a 5HNH-15 multistage counter-flow paddy dryer. The results show that the DL-MPC system significantly improves computational speed while achieving satisfactory control performance. The predicted paddy flow velocity exhibits a smooth variation and matches field data obtained from multiple transition points, confirming the effectiveness of the designed DL-MPC system. The mean absolute error between the predicted and actual paddy moisture content under the DL-MPC system is 0.190% d.b., further supporting the effectiveness of the control system.
Effect of Air Drying on the Metabolic Profile of Fresh Wild and Artificial Cordyceps sinensis
Authors: Wang Tao , Tang Chuyu , Xiao Mengjun , Cao Zhengfei , He Min , Qi Jianzhao , Li Yuling , Li Xiuzhang
Published: December 2023

Fresh and dried Cordyceps sinensis are widely used by the public for medicinal and health purposes. However, the differences between them have not been examined. In this study, fresh wild and artificial C. sinensis (WFC and AFC) were dried to obtain dried wild and artificial C. sinensis (WDC and ADC). Non-targeted GC-MS was used to analyze the metabolic profile characteristics of the four groups of samples. The results showed that air drying significantly altered the composition and content of C. sinensis, mainly in the form of higher abundance of organic acids and derivatives and lower abundance of lipids and lipid-like molecules in fresh C. sinensis. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and quantitative analyses showed that air drying increased the abundance of Valine, Zinniol, Urocanate, Vulpinic acid, and Uridine 5’-diphosphate, and decreased Xanthotoxol, Vitexin-4-o-glucoside, Val-trp, and Wogonin. These differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were also shown to be potential biomarkers for C. sinensis. KEGG enrichment analysis identified lysine biosynthesis as the most significantly enriched pathway. Annotation of these DAMs to lysine biosynthesis revealed that citrate cycle and pyruvate metabolism entered lysine biosynthesis via 2-oxohlutarate and Homocitrate, respectively, resulting in significant enrichment of L-saccharopine and L-lysine content was significantly higher. Alanine, aspartate, and Glutamate metabolism synthesized more L-aspartate to promote L-lysine synthesis. Thus, high levels of L-lysine result in lysine degradation and pymolysine, which are the most active metabolic pathways during the drying of fresh C. sinensis and indirectly lead to differences in metabolic profiles.
Biological Aging Acceleration Due to Environmental Exposures: An Exciting New Direction in Toxicogenomics Research
Authors: Dutta Sudipta , Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Ruden Douglas M.
Published: December 2023

Biological clock technologies are designed to assess the acceleration of biological age (B-age) in diverse cell types, offering a distinctive opportunity in toxicogenomic research to explore the impact of environmental stressors, social challenges, and unhealthy lifestyles on health impairment. These clocks also play a role in identifying factors that can hinder aging and promote a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, researchers in epigenetics have developed testing methods that predict the chronological and biological age of organisms. These methods rely on assessing DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at specific CpG sites, RNA levels, and various biomolecules across multiple cell types, tissues, and entire organisms. Commonly known as ‘biological clocks’ (B-clocks), these estimators hold promise for gaining deeper insights into the pathways contributing to the development of age-related disorders. They also provide a foundation for devising biomedical or social interventions to prevent, reverse, or mitigate these disorders. This review article provides a concise overview of various epigenetic clocks and explores their susceptibility to environmental stressors.
DNA Content of Various Fluids and Tissues of the Human Body
Authors: Siuta Jędrzej , Dobosz Agnieszka , Kawecki Jerzy , Dobosz Tadeusz
Published: December 2023

Due to the scarcity of literature data on the DNA content of different human tissues, this study aimed to isolate DNA from different tissues and fluids of the human body together with the determination of its content in the samples studied. Material was collected and tests were performed between 1990 and 2010, during autopsies performed for prosecutor’s offices in the Department of Forensic Medicine. Goiter and thyroid cancer tissues were obtained from the Department of General Surgery, Gastroenterology and Endocrinology of Wroclaw Medical University. Isolated samples were measured spectrophotometrically, yielding an R 260/280 nm between 1.5 and 1.6. In some cases (when a sufficiently pure preparation could not be obtained), isolation was continued using the silica-based commercial QIAquick PCR Purification Kit (Qiagen). If the sampling tissues showed signs of decomposition such as bad odour or colour, the results were calibrated by Real-Time PCR, using the Quantifiler DNA assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Applied Biosystems). The results have shown that the maximum amount of genetic material was obtained from hair roots, adrenal glands, gonads and lymph nodes. The lowest DNA content per gram or milliliter of tissue or body fluid was found in adipose tissue, blood, saliva, bile, sweat, tears and the vitreous body of the eye. The presented findings indicate the best sources of high-quality DNA from the human body: gonads, kidneys, muscle (including heart), blood and bones (after decalcification).
‘New’ Media: Decolonial Opportunities or Digital Colonialism?
Authors: Veracini Lorenzo , Weaver-Hightower Rebecca
Published: December 2023

Can one colonise or liberate cyberspace, space that is not actually space [...]
A 10-Year Retrospective Study on Pediatric Visceral Leishmaniasis in a European Endemic Area: Diagnostic and Short-Course Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Dondi Arianna , Manieri Elisa , Gambuti Giacomo , Varani Stefania , Campoli Caterina , Zama Daniele , Pierantoni Luca , Baldazzi Michelangelo , Prete Arcangelo , Attard Luciano , Lanari Marcello , Melchionda Fraia
Published: December 2023

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially fatal disease, with an increasing occurrence in northern Italy, affecting children and both immunocompetent and immunocompromised adults. Methods: This retrospective study conducted at the St. Orsola University Hospital of Bologna, Italy, evaluates the characteristics of 16 children (with a median age of 14.3 months) who were hospitalized between 2013 and 2022 for VL. Results: Seventy-five percent of patients presented with a triad of fever, cytopenia, and splenomegaly. An abdominal ultrasound examination revealed splenomegaly and hypoechoic spleen abnormalities in 93.8% and 73.3% of cases, respectively. Five VL cases were complicated by secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Eleven patients were treated with a single 10 mg/kg dose of Liposomal Amphotericin B (L-AmB), while five received two doses (total of 20 mg/kg); one of the former groups experienced a recurrence. The fever generally decreased 48 h after the first L-AmB dose, and hemoglobin levels normalized within a month. The splenomegaly resolved in approximately 4.5 months. Conclusions: Pediatricians should consider VL in children with fever of an unknown origin, anemia, cytopenia, and splenomegaly. In our experience, abdominal ultrasounds and molecular tests on peripheral blood contributed to diagnosis without the need for bone marrow aspiration. The short-course therapy with two 10 mg/kg doses of L-AmB is safe and effective.
Evidence-Based Eating Patterns and Behavior Changes to Limit Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ketchum Kiley , Jevitt Cecilia M.
Published: December 2023

Background: International prenatal care guidelines set a standard for clinicians to discuss gestational weight gain with their patients along with the complications associated with prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain. Clinicians often lack evidence-based eating, nutrition, and activity strategies to share with patients. Methods: This systematic review aimed to find eating patterns and behaviors that could be used safely during pregnancy to limit excessive gestational weight gain. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched for research or systematic reviews performed in the United States or Canada and published in English from 2013 to 2023. Keyword search terms included weight, manage, behavior, strategy, strategies, gestational weight gain, and nutrition. Excluded research used pediatric or adolescent populations, restrictive diets, such as no carbohydrate or no fat diets, fasting, bariatric surgery, weight loss medications, private industry or profit-earning programs using food brands, or specific diet programs. Results: A total of 844 abstracts were retrieved, with 103 full-text studies reviewed. Behaviors had to be useful for maintaining a healthy gestational weight gain and had to be safe for use during pregnancy. Behaviors useful during pregnancy included meal planning, home meal preparation, portion control, using diets such as the Mediterranean diet, the low-glycemic index diet, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH), regular physical activity, sleeping 6–7 h a night, mindful eating, intuitive eating, and regular seif-weighing. Conclusion: The evidence-based strategies outlined in this review are safe for use during pregnancy and can assist patients in avoiding excessive gestational weight gain while maintaining the nutrition needed for healthy fetal growth.
Current Review of the Function and Regulation of Tuberoinfundibular Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Qi-Lytle Xiaojun , Sayers Sarah , Wagner Edward J.
Published: December 2023

Tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons have cell bodies located in the arcuate nucleus of the mediobasal hypothalamus. They project to the external zone of the median eminence, and the dopamine (DA) released there is carried by the hypophysial portal vasculature to the anterior pituitary. The DA then activates D2 receptors to inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion from lactotrophs. The TIDA neuronal population is the principal regulatory factor controlling PRL secretion. The neuroendocrine role subserved by TIDA neurons sets them apart from other dopaminergic populations like the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic DA neurons. TIDA neurons exhibit intrinsic oscillatory fluctuations in their membrane potential that give rise to phasic firing and bursting activity. TIDA neuronal activity is sexually differentiated and modulated by gonadal hormones and PRL, as well as an array of small molecule and peptide neurotransmitters. This review covers these characteristics.
The Role of miRNAs in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Relapse and the Associated Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Barrios-Palacios Dalia , Organista-Nava Jorge , Balandrán Juan Carlos , Alarcón-Romero Luz del Carmen , Zubillaga-Guerrero Ma Isabel , Illades-Aguiar Berenice , Rivas-Alarcón Alinne Ayulieth , Diaz-Lucas Jessica Julieth , Gómez-Gómez Yazmín , Leyva-Vázquez Marco Antonio
Published: December 2023

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children worldwide. Although ALL patients’ overall survival rates in wealthy countries currently surpass 80%, 15–20% of patients still experience relapse. The underlying mechanisms of relapse are still not fully understood, and little progress has been made in treating refractory or relapsed disease. Disease relapse and treatment failure are common causes of leukemia-related death. In ALL relapse, several gene signatures have been identified, but it is also important to study miRNAs involved in ALL relapse in an effort to avoid relapse and to achieve better survival rates since miRNAs regulate target genes that participate in signaling pathways involved in relapse, such as those related to drug resistance, survival signals, and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Several miRNAs, such as miR-24, miR-27a, miR-99/100, miR-124, miR-1225b, miR-128b, miR-142-3p, miR-155 and miR-335-3p, are valuable biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response in ALL patients. Thus, this review aimed to analyze the primary miRNAs involved in pediatric ALL relapse and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in an effort to identify miRNAs that may be potential candidates for anti-ALL therapy soon.
Post-Radiotherapy Exosomal Non-Coding RNA and Hemograms for Early Death Prediction in Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Cho Oyeon
Published: December 2023

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) is linked with accelerated disease progression and early death (ED) in various cancers. This study aimed to assess the association of plasma levels of exosomal non-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA) (ncRNA) and blood cell dynamics with ED prediction in patients with cervical cancer undergoing CCRT. Using propensity score matching, a comparison of complete blood counts (CBCs) was performed among 370 CCRT-treated patients. Differences in ncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression before and after CCRT in 84 samples from 42 patients (cohort 2) were represented as logarithmic fold change (log2FC). Networks were constructed to link the CBCs to the RNAs whose expression correlated with ED. From the key RNAs selected using multiple regression of all RNA combinations in the network, CBC dynamics-associated ncRNAs were functionally characterized using an enrichment analysis. Cohort 1 (120 patients) exhibited a correlation between elevated absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) and ED. Cohort 2 exhibited a prevalence of microRNA (miR)-574-3p and long intergenic non-protein coding (LINC)01003 ncRNA, whose expression correlated with ANC and hemoglobin values, respectively. Conversely, acyl-coenzyme A thioesterase 9 (ACOT9) mRNA was relevant to all CBC components. An integrative analysis of post-CCRT ncRNA levels and CBC values revealed that the patients with miR-574-3p-LINC01003-ACOT9 log2FC) < 0 had a better prospect of 30-month disease-specific survival. These findings indicate that miR-574-3p and LINC01003 could serve as ED prognostic biomarkers.
Effects of Argon Gas Plasma Treatment on Biocompatibility of Nanostructured Titanium
Authors: Hayashi Rina , Takao Seiji , Komasa Satoshi , Sekino Tohru , Kusumoto Tetsuji , Maekawa Kenji
Published: December 2023

In this study, we applied argon plasma treatment to titanium surfaces with nanostructures deposited by concentrated alkali treatment and investigated the effects on the surface of the material and the tissue surrounding an implant site. The results showed that the treatment with argon plasma removed carbon contaminants and increased the surface energy of the material while the nanoscale network structure deposited on the titanium surface remained in place. Reactive oxygen species reduced the oxidative stress of bone marrow cells on the treated titanium surface, creating a favorable environment for cell proliferation. Good results were observed in vitro evaluations using rat bone marrow cells. The group treated with argon plasma exhibited the highest apatite formation in experiments using simulated body fluids. The results of in vivo evaluation using rat femurs revealed that the treatment improved the amount of new bone formation around an implant. Thus, the results demonstrate that argon plasma treatment enhances the ability of nanostructured titanium surfaces to induce hard tissue differentiation and supports new bone formation around an implant site.
Identification and Analysis of the Expression of the PIP5K Gene Family in Tomatoes
Authors: Wang Zepeng , Wang Zhongyu , Li Xianguo , Chen Zhaolong , Liu Yuxiang , Zhang Fulin , Dai Qi , Yu Qinghui , Li Ning
Published: December 2023

To explore the function of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) in tomatoes, members of the tomato PIP5K family were identified and characterized using bioinformatic methods, and their expression patterns were also analyzed under salt stress and in different tissues. Twenty-one PIP5K members—namely, SlPIP5K1–SlPIP5K21—were identified from ten chromosomes, and these were divided into three groups according to a phylogenetic analysis. Further bioinformatic analysis showed four pairs of collinear relationships and fragment replication events among the SlPIP5K family members. To understand the possible roles of the SlPIP5Ks, a cis-acting element analysis was conducted, which indicated that tomato PIP5Ks could be associated with plant growth, hormones, and stress responses. We further validated the results of the in silico analysis by integrating RNA-seq and qRT-PCR techniques for salt- and hormone-treated tomato plants. Our results showed that SlPIP5K genes exhibited tissue- and treatment-specific patterns, and some of the SlPIP5Ks exhibited significantly altered expressions after our treatments, suggesting that they might be involved in these stresses. We selected one of the SlPIP5Ks that responded to our treatments, SlPIP5K2, to further understand its subcellular localization. Our results showed that SlPIP5K2 was located on the membrane. This study lays a foundation for the analysis of the biological functions of the tomato SlPIP5K genes and can also provide a theoretical basis for the selection and breeding of new tomato varieties and germplasm innovation, especially under salt stress.
Fibronectin Conformations after Electrodeposition onto 316L Stainless Steel Substrates Enhanced Early-Stage Osteoblasts’ Adhesion but Affected Their Behavior
Authors: Alfonsi Séverine , Karunathasan Pithursan , Mamodaly-Samdjee Ayann , Balathandayutham Keerthana , Lefevre Sarah , Miranda Anamar , Gallet Olivier , Seyer Damien , Hindié Mathilde
Published: December 2023

The implantation of metallic orthopedic prostheses is increasingly common due to an aging population and accidents. There is a real societal need to implement new metal implants that combine durability, good mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, as well as affordable costs. Since the functionalization of low-cost 316L stainless steel substrates through the successive electrodeposition of a polypyrrole film (PPy) and a calcium phosphate deposit doped with silicon was previously carried out by our labs, we have also developed a bio-functional coating by electrodepositing or oxidating of fibronectin (Fn) coating. Fn is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and differentiation. Impacts of either electrodeposition or oxidation on the structure and functionality of Fn were first studied. Thus, electrodeposition is the technique that permits the highest deposition of fibronectin, compared to adsorption or oxidation. Furthermore, electrodeposition seems to strongly modify Fn conformation by the formation of intermingled long fibers, resulting in changes to the accessibility of the molecular probes tested (antibodies directed against Fn whole molecule and Fn cell-binding domain). Then, the effects of either electrodeposited Fn or oxidized Fn were validated by the resulting pre-osteoblast behavior. Electrodeposition reduced pre-osteoblasts’ ability to remodel Fn coating on supports because of a partial modification of Fn conformation, which reduced accessibility to the cell-binding domain. Electrodeposited Fn also diminished α5 integrin secretion and clustering along the plasma membrane. However, the N-terminal extremity of Fn was not modified by electrodeposition as demonstrated by Staphylococcus aureus attachment after 3 h of culture on a specific domain localized in this region. Moreover, the number of pre-osteoblasts remains stable after 3 h culture on either adsorbed, oxidized, or electrodeposited Fn deposits. In contrast, mitochondrial activity and cell proliferation were significantly higher on adsorbed Fn compared with electrodeposited Fn after 48 h culture. Hence, electro-deposited Fn seems more favorable to pre-osteoblast early-stage behavior than during a longer culture of 24 h and 48 h. The electrodeposition of matrix proteins could be improved to maintain their bio-activity and to develop this promising, fast technique to bio-functionalize metallic implants.
Molecular Identification and Characterization of Five Ganoderma Species from the Lower Volta River Basin of Ghana Based on Nuclear Ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) Sequences
Authors: Adotey Gideon , Alolga Raphael N. , Quarcoo Abraham , Yerenkyi Paul , Otu Phyllis , Anang Abraham K. , Okine Laud K. N. , Gbewonyo Winfred S. K. , Holliday John C. , Lombardi Vincent C.
Published: December 2023

Ganoderma is a genus of biomedical fungus that is used in the development of numerous health products throughout the world. The Lower Volta River Basin of Ghana is an undulating land surface covered by extensive vegetation and water bodies and is rich in polypore mushrooms resembling various members of the Ganoderma genus. Despite the extensive biopharmaceutical benefits of Ganoderma spp., the isolates from the Lower Volta River Basin have not been properly characterized, thus limiting their use in the development of biotechnological products. In this study, Ganoderma spp. collected from the Lower Volta River Basin were genetically analyzed using the nuclear ribosomal sequences, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2), the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and the nuclear large subunit (nLSU). Blastn search and sequence analysis revealed that the sample we coded as Ganoderma LVRB-2 belongs to G. mbrekobenum, whereas Ganoderma LVRB-1, Ganoderma LVRB-14, and Ganoderma LVRB-16 belong to the species G. enigmaticum. Our analysis further demonstrates that Ganoderma LVRB-17 belongs to the species G. resinaceum. Thus, the five samples collected in the present study were positioned in three different distinct groups, namely G. mbrekobenum, G. enigmaticum, and G. resinaceum. The current data may serve as reference points for future studies.
Taxation Perspectives: Analyzing the Factors behind Viewing Taxes as Punishment—A Comprehensive Study of Taxes as Service or Strain
Authors: Mohammed Hunar , Tangl Anita
Published: December 2023

This research paper delves into the intricate relationship between taxpayers and taxation systems, seeking to understand the factors influencing individuals’ perceptions of taxes as either a service or a financial burden. The study employed online surveys to collect data from a diverse group of participants, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The research findings demonstrate that people’s perceptions of taxes are not solely shaped by economic factors but are also influenced by psychological aspects, government communication, and societal norms. In economically developed countries, citizens tend to have more positive tax perceptions due to the visible benefits of their tax contributions. In contrast, less developed nations often see negative perceptions rooted in the lack of apparent returns on taxes paid. Additionally, the fairness of tax policies and government communication significantly impact how taxes are perceived. This research provides insights for policymakers on how to enhance tax compliance and improve taxpayer–government relations. It suggests that progressive and fair tax policies can lead to higher compliance rates and increased revenue collection. Furthermore, simplifying tax systems and reducing bureaucratic obstacles can make tax compliance more accessible and less burdensome. The study also offers international case studies for best practices that can be adapted to different contexts. This study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of tax perceptions and their impact on economic behavior. It underscores the importance of considering both economic and psychological factors, as well as government policies and communication, in shaping taxpayers’ views on taxation.
Modeling the Impact of Land Use Optimization on Non-Point Source Pollution: Evidence from Chinese Reservoir Watershed
Authors: Li Guanghui , Chang Lei , Li Haoye , Li Yuefen
Published: December 2023

We assessed the effectiveness of land optimization for controlling non-point source (NPS) pollution by combining a multi-objective dynamic planning approach with the application of the Land Use and its Effects at Small regional extents model and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool. The combined modeling approach showed substantial ability to reduce NPS pollution in Shitoukoumen Reservoir, Changchun City, China, reducing the annual total loads of nitrogen and phosphorus in the study area by 8.7 and 10.12%, respectively. The total nitrogen load decreased significantly and stabilized at less than 8 kg/hm2 from a peak level of over 15 kg/hm2. Higher total phosphorus loads before land use optimization were concentrated in the central parts of the study area, with the highest values exceeding 2.3 kg/hm2, and tended to spread outward but resolved at 1.5 kg/hm2 after optimization. The results showed that from a macro-perspective, optimization of the spatial distribution and quantitative composition of land use can effectively control NPS pollution. The study also demonstrates the potential effectiveness of the coupled multi-model methodology for mitigating NPS in the future.
Silver Diamine Fluoride Renaissance in Paediatric Dentistry: A 24-Month Retrospective and Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Abdulrahim Ruba , Splieth Christian H. , Mourad Mhd Said , Vielhauer Annina , Khole Manasi R. , Santamaría Ruth M.
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been incorporated into the treatment of dental caries in children, mainly in countries with high caries prevalence. In Europe, however, SDF started to gain popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of SDF and to evaluate dentists’/parents’ acceptance of SDF use in paediatric patients treated in a German university setting. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with SDF between 2017 and 2020 was carried out. Only teeth with no reported clinical/radiographic evidence of irreversible pulpal inflammation were included. The outcome measures were success, minor failures (caries progression, reversible pulpitis) and major failures (irreversible pulpitis, abscess). The treatment acceptance by dentists and the parents of SDF-treated children was cross-sectionally evaluated using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed. Results: A total of 93 patients (mean age 5.3 ± 2.9 years) with 455 treated teeth (418 primary/91.9%; 37 permanent/8.1%) were included and followed up for up to 24 months (19.9 ± 10.5 months). SDF was used for dental caries (98.2%) and hypersensitivity relief on MIH teeth (1.8%). Most teeth did not show any failure (total success 84.2%). A total of 5 teeth (1.1%) showed minor failures, and 67 teeth (14.7%) showed major failures (p = 0.001). Success/failure rates were not affected by patient compliance, gender, dentition, or operator (p > 0.05). In total, 30 questionnaires were collected from parents (mean age 36.8 ± 6.4 years). SDF was applied on anterior (n = 2/6.7%), posterior (n = 15/50%) and anterior/posterior teeth (n = 13/43.3%). At the 1-week follow-up, 80% of parents noticed black teeth discoloration. Treatment satisfaction was higher for posterior (95.2%) than for anterior teeth (36.4%; p < 0.001). In the 27 responses from clinicians, SDF was generally considered a viable option in paediatric dentistry (n = 23; 85%). Conclusions: SDF was found to be effective and well-accepted by parents and dentists for caries inactivation in a paediatric dentistry German university setting.