bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on the number of spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells of gentamicin-induced rats
Authors: Ngizzah Nailul , Wurlina Wurlina  , Poedji Hastutiek  , Iwan Sahrial Hamid  , Eka Pramyrtha Hestianah  , Lita Rakhma Yustinasari
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to determine the effect of the administration of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells of gentamicin-induced rats (Rattus norvegicus). This study used 25 white male rats divided randomly into five groups. The rats were injected with Gentamicin 5 mg/kg bw/day subcutaneously for 14 days, except for the negative control group (NCG). During the next 14 days, the rats were given oral moringa leaf extract of 200, 316, and 500 mg/kg bw/day respectively for E200, E316, and E500 groups. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's test. The results showed that the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids in NCG was higher (p <0.05) than in the other groups. The number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids in the E316 group was higher (p <0.05) than in PCG. The number of spermatogonia in the E500 group was higher (p <0.05) than in the E316 group, but the number of spermatocytes and spermatids in the E316 group was similar (p >0.05) to the E500 group. The number of PCG Leydig cells was the smallest (p <0.05) compared to the other groups. The administration of Moringa leaves extract in the E200 and E316 groups increased (p <0.05) the number of Leydig cells compared to PCG. The number of Leydig PCG cells in the E500 group was not significantly different (p >0.05) from that of the NCG. It could be concluded that administration of Moringa oleifera leaves extract restored the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells of gentamicin-induced rats.
Preferential sugar utilization by bifidobacterial species
Authors: Murakami Ryuta , Yoshida Keisuke , Sakanaka Mikiyasu , Urashima Tadasu , Xiao Jin-Zhong , Katayama Takane , Odamaki Toshitaka
Published: August 2023

Aim: Bifidobacteria benefit host health and homeostasis by breaking down diet- and host-derived carbohydrates to produce organic acids in the intestine. However, the sugar utilization preference of bifidobacterial species is poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the sugar utilization preference (i.e., glucose or lactose) of various bifidobacterial species.

Methods: Strains belonging to 40 bifidobacterial species/subspecies were cultured on a modified MRS medium supplemented with glucose and/or lactose, and their preferential sugar utilization was assessed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Comparative genomic analysis was conducted with a focus on genes involved in lactose and glucose uptake and genes encoding for carbohydrate-active enzymes.

Results: Strains that preferentially utilized glucose or lactose were identified. Almost all the lactose-preferring strains harbored the lactose symporter lacS gene. However, the comparative genomic analysis could not explain all their differences in sugar utilization preference. Analysis based on isolate source revealed that all 10 strains isolated from humans preferentially utilized lactose, whereas all four strains isolated from insects preferentially utilized glucose. In addition, bifidobacterial species isolated from hosts whose milk contained higher lactose amounts preferentially utilized lactose. Lactose was also detected in the feces of human infants, suggesting that lactose serves as a carbon source not only for infants but also for gut microbes in vivo .

Conclusion: The different sugar preference phenotypes of Bifidobacterium species may be ascribed to the residential environment affected by the dietary habits of their host. This study is the first to systematically evaluate the sugar uptake preference of various bifidobacterial species.
THE UNSCRUPULOUS TREATMENT OF THE DISEASED IN THE MACEDONIAN CRIMINAL CODE
Authors:   Faculty of Security - Skopje, Krstevska Savovska Katerina
Published: August 2023

The unscrupulous treatment of the diseased is encompassed within the Chapter 21 of the Macedonian Criminal Code titled as Criminal Acts against Human Health. Having in mind the basic provision of this criminal act as defined in the Article 207, i.e. the physician who, when providing physician’s assistance, applies clearly inadequate means or manner of treatment, or does not apply proper hygienic measures, or in general, acts unscrupulously and herewith causes deterioration of the health of their patient, in this paper we will discuss not only the Criminal Code, but also the other relevant legislation. On the other hand, by the means of scientific analysis and description of the statistical data disposable to the Macedonian State Statistical Office, the detecting and proving activities of the Macedonian law enforcement organs shall be noted through the submitted criminal reports, initiated accusations and delivered judgments for sanctioning of the perpetrators of this criminal act. Finally, the Paper shall elaborate specific court cases with the subject of the unscrupulous treatment of the diseased. Keywords: unscrupulous treatment; diseased person; criminal act, Criminal Code; Republic of Macedonia.
Reflections on Implementing Participatory Action Research in Engineering
Authors: Gaskins Whitney , Guy Batsheva , Arthur Brittany
Published: August 2023

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a research approach that utilizes collaborative relationships between researcher and stakeholders in order to solve a problem and generate knowledge (Coghlan & Brannick, 2010). Within the engineering space, PAR is beginning to gain steam and approval as a valid approach to research. More specifically, PAR is an ideal approach to understanding the experiences of marginalized populations. It can be argued that PAR methods and more feminist approaches are necessary within an engineering context, if we hope to make progress in regard to equity and inclusion in the engineering field. This paper provides an overview of PAR, while also discussing the need for positionality and reflection embedded in the research process. Each of the authors share a narrative reflection on their experiences within the PAR space and the challenges that accompany the action implementation phase of PAR. Additionally, example action items from a recent study are shared to provide context to the feasibility of PAR action. The goal of this paper is to raise awareness around PAR as a preferred approach when working with marginalized populations and the necessary resources researchers need to execute action items.
Defining and Measuring Economic Development: A Literature Review and Outlook
Authors: Levine Eli J. , Tantardini Michele
Published: August 2023

Economic development is an increasingly popular topic in different research areas. However, there is not a definite, categorical, and settled definition for economic development, nor a comprehensive measure that is agreed upon. This study aims to fill this gap through a literature review of the scholarly publications 1950–2020 in all the English-language peer-reviewed journals in the subject areas of public administration and development. On this basis, the article identifies 19 themes as well as 14 types of improvements around which it is possible to group this multi-faceted topic. Specifically, the article highlights for each of the identified themes and types of improvements how economic development is defined and measured. In addition to that, our review reveals issues and research questions that go unaddressed. We conclude the article by providing our recommendations in this regard.
Use of Normalizable Seed Solutions for Constructing
Authors: Natanson Gregory
Published: August 2023

The paper examines rational Darboux-Crum transforms (RDCTs) of the Jacobi-reference (JRef) potential on the line, with an emphasis on the transformations using only normalizable seed solutions. The Cooper-Ginocchio-Khare (CGK) potential constitutes the simplest example of this rich family of exactly solvable one-dimensional (1D) potentials. It was explicitly confirmed that that an arbitrary Darboux-Crum transformation (DCT) of the given Sturm-Liouville equation (SLE) can be represented as a chain of sequential Darboux deformations of the associated Liouville potentials. If the rational SLE (RSLE) under consideration is exactly solvable and the transformation function (TF) used at each step is nodeless then each RSLE constructed in such a way was proven being exactly solvable itself. The exact solvability of RDCTs of the JRef canonical SLE (CSLE) was also confirmed for the DCTs using pairs of juxtaposed eigenfunctions (an extension of the renowned Adler theorem to the RCSLEs of our interest). By re-expressing the reference polynomial fraction (RefPF) of the transformed CSLE in terms of the Krein determinant (KD), instead of Crum Wronskian (CW), it was shown that the eigenfunctions under consideration are expressible in terms of polynomial solutions of a generalized Heun equation with positions of the most poles dependent on the exponent parameters. The outlined technique was extended to two isospectral SUSY partners of the JRef potential (as well as to its third sibling with the inserted new lowest-energy level) which, by analogy with the CGK potential, are quantized by polynomial solutions of the 2-Heun equation with all four poles at some fixed positions on the real axis.
Investigating the Significance of Non-Jejuni/Coli Campylobacter Strains in Patients with Diarrhea
Authors: Teksoy Nermin , Ilktac Mehmet , Ongen Betigul
Published: August 2023

Campylobacter is one of the most commonly reported foodborne bacteria worldwide. Although C. jejuni and C. coli have been reported to be responsible for the great majority of campylobacterio-sis, the burden of infections by species other than C. jejuni and C. coli have been increasing as a result of a transition to diagnostic test methods that enable the isolation of emerging species. The aim of the present study was to recover C. jejuni, C. coli, and emerging species from the stool samples of 500 patients with gastroenteritis and 100 healthy subjects by use of a filtration meth-od and culture techniques using Butzler agar and mCCDA under microaerophilic or hydrogen enriched atmosphere, identify the species by multiplex PCR methods and assess the significance of emerging species in enteric diseases. Thirty-one (6.2%) Campylobacter spp. were isolated from the stool samples of diarrheic patients but none from healthy individuals. Of 31 isolates, 21 (67.8%), 9 (29%) and 1 (3.2%) were identified as C. jejuni, C. coli and C. concisus by multiplex PCR, respectively. Filtration method was superior to the culture technique using mCCDA under mi-croaerophilic atmosphere. C. concisus was evaluated as the etiology of gastroenteritis as a result of laboratory and clinical evaluations. The present study was the first to indicate that emerging Campylobacter species are rarely detected and C. concisus is linked to acute gastroenteritis in Tur-key where additional studies are warranted to clarify the significance of emerging species in gastroenteritis.
Simulation of Regular Operating Modes of Oil and Oil Product Pipelines
Authors: Sukharev Mikhail Grigor'evich
Published: August 2023

Regular regimes of oil and oil products pipelines are studied. The problem is to develop an algorithm of effective pipeline system control that ensures the fulfillment of specified boundary conditions at the system boundaries. The product is pumped in batches, the flow is characterized by a change in temperature and pressure flow parameters over time. The developed solution method uses the principle of decomposition in the sense that each computational iteration is im-plemented in 3 stages, in three nested loops. The inner cycle is connected with the material bal-ance relations, at the next cycle the flow equations are introduced and the fulfillment of the 2nd Kirchhoff's law is monitored. If the flow process is significantly affected by temperature, then an external cycle is also implemented, correcting the solution so that the energy conservation equa-tion is satisfied. In the calculation procedure, some computational difficulties may arise, which consist in choosing an appropriate optimization method. On a specific example, the possibility of using various library programs to solve the problem was checked. The developed method is suita-ble for the analysis of systems of arbitrary topology. Since the method is not time-consuming, it can be recommended for online control of oil and oil products supply systems. The paper opens a new direction in the theory of hydraulic circuits. It uses both traditional methods of continuum mechanics and stochastic models.
Monitoring Spatiotemporal Changes of Urban Surface Water Based on Satellite Imagery and Google Earth Engine Platform in Dhaka City From 1990-2021
Authors: Hossain Md. Jakir , Mahmud Md. Munir , Islam Sheikh Tawhidul
Published: August 2023

This research focuses on monitoring the spatiotemporal changes of urban surface water in Dhaka City from 1990 to 2021, utilizing satellite imagery and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Surface water is essential for urban, environmental, and agricultural ecosystems, and its dynamics have significant implications for water resource planning and environmental management. The main objectives of this study are to assess the extent of urban surface water coverage over the last three decades and identify trends of water loss or gain in the study area. The study employs Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS imagery, integrating GEE with machine learning coding and WRI techniques to extract and analyze surface water data efficiently. Traditional remote sensing methods for dynamic monitoring are time-consuming and cumbersome, but GEE offers a user-friendly and accurate approach, providing easy access to satellite data and cloud-based processing. The results reveal a concerning trend in urban surface water coverage, indicating a significant reduction from 36.23 km² in 1990 to 5.83 km² in 2021, representing a loss of approximately 20 square kilometers or 45 percent of surface water over the last three decades. The decline is attributed to factors such as unplanned urban expansion, rapid real estate development, and increased industrial and economic activities in the study area. The developed algorithms utilizing GEE offer valuable insights into the maximum and minimum extent of surface water, enabling effective surface water planning and management. These findings contribute to sustainable water resource management and environmental preservation in Dhaka City.
A Purely Entity-Based Semantic Search Approach for Document Retrieval
Authors: SIDI Mohamed Lemine , GUNAL Serkan
Published: August 2023

Over the past decade, Knowledge bases (KB) have been increasingly utilized to complete and enrich the representation of queries and documents in order to improve the document retrieval task. Although many approaches have used KB for such purpose, understanding how effectively lev-erage entity-based representation still needs to be resolved. This paper proposes a Purely Enti-ty-based Semantic Search Approach for Information Retrieval (PESS4IR) as a novel solution. The approach includes (i) its own entity linking method, (ii) an inverted indexing method, and for document retrieval and ranking, (iii) an appropriate ranking method is designed to take advantage of all the strengths of the approach. We report the findings on the performance of our approach tested by queries annotated by two known entity linking tools, REL and DBpedia-Spotlight. The experiments are performed on the standard TREC 2004 Robust and MSMARCO collections. By using the REL method, for queries whose all terms are annotated and whose average annotation scores are greater than or equal to 0.75, our approach achieves the maximum nDCG@5 score (1.000). Thus, using our approach with any other document retrieval method would be an added value, unless that method achieves the maximum nDCG@5 score for those highly annotated queries.
Formulation and Physiochemical Evaluation of Juice Blends Produced from Orange, Tigernut and Carrot
Authors: HENRY IJEOMA , ECHERE HENRY
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted to prepare juice blend by using Orange, Carrot and Tiger-nut juices. Fully mature raw Orange, Tiger-nut and Carrot were processed into juice forms and combined in different ratios which were analyzed for their composition and Consumer’s acceptability. The analysis showed that the juice with higher Orange juice content had higher levels of acidity. This implies that they would last longer as they are not susceptible to spoilage by most organisms. The Juice with higher orange juice content was also found to be very rich in Vitamin C, due to inherent high amount of Vitamin C in raw Orange Fruit. However, it scored lowest in terms of general acceptability because the raw fruit was purchased separately and there’s a likelihood some of the Orange used in the Juice preparation were sour. This led to a sour taste in this Juice blend. The Juice blend that contained equal proportions of all three juices was the most acceptable to the consumers in terms of color, taste and Nutritional composition. It gave equal amounts of the unique properties of each fruit and provided a unique color and taste that was very appealing to the panelists. This product makes it possible to properly utilize these fruits, reduce post harvest losses, cater to different health needs of the consumers and ensure food security. It is recommended that further work should be done on antioxidant properties, other fruit blends and storage stability of the beverage to determine the shelf-life.
Applying Stochastic Models to Analyze Vibration Features of Roller Bearings
Authors: Bhatti Saima , Shaikh ASIF Ali , Mansoor Asif , Hussain Murtaza
Published: August 2023

Machinery parts gradually wear out over time due to regular usage. To improve machinery health and prevent critical issues, a reliable prognosis framework can be implemented by monitoring the behaviour of machinery parts and issuing warnings before they reach a critical state. To achieve this, vibration data from roller bearings experiencing various fault conditions have been collected. Different techniques from the literature were combined to analyze the distinct configurations in the vibration data sets and identify the main defects in roller bearings. The significant features extracted from this analysis were then used to create optimized stochastic model equations, separately regressing inner and outer race fault features to healthy bearing features under random conditions. These models can help engineers design more dependable systems, optimize their performance, and minimize the risk of failures and downtime.
A Posterior p-Value for Homogeneity Testing of the Three Sample Problem
Authors: Wang Yufan , Xu Xingzhong
Published: August 2023

In this paper we study a special kind of finite mixture model. The sample drawn from the model consisits of three parts. The first two parts are drawn from specified distributions f1 and f2, while the third one is drawn from the mixture. A problem of interest is whether the two distributions f1 and f2 are the same. To test this hypothesis, we first define the regular location and scale family of distributions and assume that f1 and f2 are regular denisty functions. Then the hypothesis transforms to the equalities of the location and scale parameters, respectively. To utilize the information in the sample, we use Bayes’ theorem to obtain the posterior distribution and give the sampling method. Then we propose the posterior p-value to test the hypothesis. The simulation studies show that our posterior p-value largely improves the power in both normal and logistic cases while nicely controls the Type-I error. A real halibut dataset is used to illustrate the validity of our method.
Modification of Neugebauer–Le Fort operation in elderly and senile patients
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ishchenko A.I. ,   Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Moscow, Russian Federation, Asambaeva A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ishchenko A.A. ,   Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kazantsev A.A. ,   Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation, Khokhlova I.D. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Dzhibladze T.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Gorbenko O.Yu. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Aleksandrov L.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Chushkov Yu.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Gadaeva I.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Pyatkina A.N. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Moskvicheva A.P. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Baburin D.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

This article presents an original method of surgical treatment of complete uterine prolapse (a modification of the Neugebauer–Le Fort operation) in elderly and senile patients using titanium tape mesh implants, which contribute to strengthening and firm consolidation of the vaginal walls, elevation and stabilization of the postoperative position of pelvic organs (uterus, vaginal walls, bladder). Key words: complete uterine prolapse, elderly and senile age, modification of Neugebauer–Le Fort operation, titanium implants
Restoration of reproductive function in a patient with extensive diffuse and nodular adenomyosis and large uterine fibroids
Authors:   V.F.Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Makarenko T.A. , Tskhay V.B. ,   V.F.Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternity and Childhood Protection, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Galkina D.E. ,   V.F.Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Gukasyan S.A. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternity and Childhood Protection, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Chubko M.A. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternity and Childhood Protection, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Kurskov D.E. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternity and Childhood Protection, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Levanova E.A. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternity and Childhood Protection, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

The number of young patients with a combination of common uterine proliferative diseases (uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia) is now increasing in the practice of obstetrician-gynecologist. Treatment of such patients presents considerable difficulties due to the need to preserve fertility. The use of assisted reproductive technologies in these women makes little sense since it is predictably doomed to fail. New organ-preserving surgical techniques are currently available to manage severe forms of diffuse adenomyosis and its combination with uterine fibroids. Organ-preserving surgical treatment gives patients with these pathologies a chance to realize their reproductive potential. This article presents a clinical case of successful surgical treatment of a young patient with diffuse and nodular adenomyosis and several large fibroid nodes using the Osada procedure, which resulted in a full-term live birth. Key words: adenomyosis, adenomyomectomy, pregnancy, uterine fibroids, myomectomy, organ-preserving surgical treatment, delivery
Effect of adding mustard oil cake and soybean meal alone or in combination in calf starter on growth and blood metabolites of dairy calves
Authors: Sarker Md. Abid Hasan , Hossain Nobin , Arefin Sumaiya , Bari Md. Sadakatul , Habib Md. Rezwanul , Khandakar Md. Mehedi Hasan , Islam Md. Zakirul , Islam Mohammad Ashiqul , Rashid Md. Harun-ur- , Siddiki Mohammad Shohel Rana , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the potential effect of adding mustard oil cake as a replacer of soybean meal and a mixture of both sources on dry matter (DM) intake, body growth measurements, and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Calves were fed a commercial starter (control), a starter containing mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SM), and a mixture of MOC and SM as MOCSM. The feeding of calf starters started when calves aged 21 days and was carried out for the next 63 days. Data was recorded for DM intake, growth measurements and blood metabolites. Calves consumed greater DM with MOC, which was 22.5% more than that of the control-fed but the second highest was for a mixed protein source MOCSM. The body weight gain (BWG) of calves increased significantly (p<0.01) in calf starters feeding groups. Blood glucose levels did not vary among the calves fed the control, MOC, SM, and MOCSM diets. MOC had higher serum albumin, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations than the other treatments. Calcium and phosphorus concentration was lower in the control group compared to the other dietary groups. The outcome showed that mustard oil cake might be a useful option for calves' diets when soybean meal is not always available for feeding.
Artificial Intelligence Driven Material Design for Porous Materials
Authors: Wijaya Andi , Wagner Julian , Sartory B. , Brunner Roland
Published: August 2023

In general, material properties and the underlaying microstructure are linked to each other. It is a frontier challenge to understand the associated structure-property relationship, which displays an essential ingredient for accelerated material design. Herein, we approach this issue with a unique machine learning assisted material design workflow, suitable to tailor the electrical conductivity based on the 3D microstructure or vice versa, in porous copper. Specifically, we integrate a multi-variable linear regression model for the targeted prediction and utilize a U-Net deep learning architecture to accurately classify the collected 3D image data. The evaluated 3D microstructure features and the electrical conductivity are used as an input for the prediction model. We show that the prediction reaches a maximum r-squared value of about 0.94. Our results highlight the importance of accurately retrieving a set of physical scrutinized microstructure features with statistical confidence, a key to conclude about the microstructure-property relationship.
Optimal Relay Coordination in Solar PV Integrated Power System using Hyper-Sphere Search algorithm
Authors: Rath Shanti S. , Panda Gayadhar , Ray Prakash K , Mohanty Asit
Published: August 2023

The coordination between the relays is extremely important in power network to improve the power systemprotection and reliability. Hence, several soft computing approaches like Genetic Algorithm,particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolfoptimization (GWO) are used to evaluate an optimal value of the Time Setting Multiplier (TSM) and PlugSetting Multiplier (PSM) of the primary as well as back up relays. In recent days, a new optimization technique such as Hyper-Sphere Search(HSS) algorithm, is suggested.This algorithm is suggested in order to find out the optimum values related to overcurrent relays and their TSMs.Results of HSS is compared with other conventional algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolfoptimization (GWO) which are implemented in other previous studies. Further the simulation outcome establish the efficacy and adaptibility of HSS algorithm in providing better coordination.Several case studies are presented in the simulationresults and discussion section to analyze the system protection and relay coordination under the faults at the differentlocation of an IEEE 8-bus and IEEE 14-bus power systems. Comparative performance clearly suggests the improvedperformanceof HSS in comparison to the other techniques.
Substrate metabolism and metabolic flexibility in male astronauts onboard the International Space Station: The ENERGY study
Authors: Bergouignan Audrey , Roux Elisa Le , Zahariev Alexandre , Bourdier Pierre , Chery Isabelle , Schoeller Dale , Maillet Alain , Thévenot Cécile , Garnotel Maël , Gauquelin-Koch Guillemette , Berg Laurie Van Der , Blanc stephane , Simon Chantal
Published: August 2023

Simulated microgravity is known to induce a shift in fasting fuel selection in favor of carbohydrate use and in detriment of lipids, and to reduce metabolic flexibility (MF), i.e., the capacity to adjust fuel oxidation to changes in substrate availability and energy demand. Given their potential adverse effects on performance and health, we aimed to determine whether such metabolic alterations occur in astronauts during long-term spaceflights. We further explored the associations with diet, physical activity, and body composition. Before and after at least three months onboard the International Space Station, respiratory quotient (RQ), carbohydrate and fat oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry before and following a standardized meal in 11 male astronauts (age=45.7 [SD 7.7] years, BMI=24.3 [2.1] kg/m²). MF was determined by 0-to-260 min postprandial incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of nutrient oxidation and the difference between maximal postprandial and fasting RQ (ΔRQ). The food quotient (FQ) was calculated from diet logs. Fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured by hydrometry and physical activity by accelerometry and diary logs. Three months in space increased fasting RQ (P=0.01) and carbohydrate oxidation (P=0.04), and decreased fasting lipid oxidation (P<0.01). An increase in FQ (P<0.001) indicated a shift in diet composition. Spaceflight-induced changes in RQ adjusted on ground RQ were associated with inflight FQ (P<0.01). No changes were noted in mean postprandial nutrient oxidation or ΔRQ. Individual postprandial lipid oxidation iAUC was negatively associated with changes in FFM and inflight aerobic exercise, and positively with changes in FM. The opposite was observed with postprandial carbohydrate oxidation. Changes in ΔRQ were negatively and positively related to FM and FFM changes, respectively. In conclusion, the shift in fasting substrate oxidation observed during spaceflight is essentially driven by dietary modifications. Between-astronaut variability in postprandial substrate oxidation depends on body composition changes and inflight physical activity.
Incoherence: a measure of complexity which quantifies
ensemble divergence and aleatoric uncertainty
Authors: Davey Timothy
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a new measure, named incoherence, which can identify many features of complex
systems. It achieves this by quantifying the uncertainty arising from the lack of reproducibility (known
as aleatoric) in many real-world systems. This is vital for policy and decision-making, as currently this
type of uncertainty is often misinterpreted as a lack of data (known as epistemic) or worse, as lack of
confidence in the science. Rather than being an inevitable and irreducible feature of the system at hand,
as has been the case with the climate crisis. This ambiguity can be used as an excuse for inaction, where
establishing a contingencies-based approach to the decisions would have been much more effective.
Incoherence is designed to be both highly intuitive and interpretable so it can be used across disciplines
and domains. It does this by using the entropy of a system as a baseline measure, so that it can offer
consistency across nearly any structure, dimensionality or data type, be it continuous or discrete.
Residency training or migration: a multi-centric study exploring the inclination to migrate among medical residents in Iran
Authors: soltanizadeh adel , Okhovati Maryam , Shafian Sara , Ilaghi Mehran , Behjati Yasamin , Karamoozian Ali , Rezazadeh Hossein , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz
Published: August 2023

Background
The migration of skilled medical professionals from low- and middle-income countries, particularly when facing a shortage of physicians, negatively affects the capacity to meet essential health and social needs. This study aimed to investigate the inclination to migrate and its associated factors from the perspective of medical residents in Iran.
Methods
This multi-centric cross-sectional study was conducted on the medical residents of four top-ranked medical schools across Iran. A validated questionnaire regarding the inclination to migrate and its associated factors was distributed among eligible medical residents from 17 specialized residency programs.
Results
A total of 254 responses were received. Findings demonstrated that 81.5% of medical residents were inclined to emigrate, while 79.5% stated that if they had the current insight about the condition of the residency programs at the time of enrollment, they would choose migration over entering the residency training. This implies that the conditions of the medical residency programs significantly impact the tendency to migrate among medical residents in Iran. However, the majority of participants had no planning to migrate. Most participants believed that the time after obtaining M.D. degree is the most appropriate time to migrate. The most common reasons for the inclination to migrate were disproportionate income compared to the workload and daily living costs, better welfare in destination countries, and unfair laws of employment and income in the health system.
Conclusion
An alarming percentage of medical residents in Iran are inclined to migrate. Improving the educational and professional status of the residency training programs via adjustment of the weekly shift hours and providing adequate salaries might increase the motivation of Iranian medical doctors to enter the residency program, thereby reducing their inclination to migrate.
Evaluation of Knowledge and Technique of Shade Selection Among Nigerian Dentists: a National Survey
Authors: SULAIMAN AMIDU , Adebayo Gbenga Emmanuel , Egbe Akinyemi Temietan , Agboghoroma Gloria Okeoghenemaro , Umanah Ayamma , Mejabi Martina Okeoghene , Omo Julie , Okoye Oge Linda
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the knowledge of tooth shade matching and the techniques for shade selection among Nigerian dentists.
Methods
A national survey covering all the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. It was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study in which practicing Dentists from government tertiary and secondary facilities as well as private dental practitioners participated. Both online and hardcopy questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. Data pertaining to bio data, knowledge of shade selection, standard protocols and techniques of shade matching were obtained. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. (p value < 0.05)
Results
Of the 350 participants, 192 (54.9%) were male and 158 (45.1%) were females. Almost all (98.6%) of the participants have seen shade guide and most (88.6%) got their experience from the clinical practice. A good number (66.9%) of the participants were aware of the standard protocol for selecting tooth shade. A small proportion (35.1%) of the participants displayed good knowledge of tooth shade selection in general; however, a greater percentage (58.5%) of them exhibited good technique of shade matching. The majority of the participants that demonstrated poor knowledge also showed poor adherence to shade selection protocols and this was statistically significant (p-value = 0.001).
Conclusions
The outcome of this study revealed a manageably fair experience of the participants in the technique of tooth shade selection. This could be improved with the proper adherent to the standard protocols of tooth shade selection and wherever available the use of advance method of tooth shade selection.
Unraveling the carbon emissions Puzzle: Assessing the impact of FDI, financial development, and fossil fuel energy consumption on China's commitment to COP26 Agenda - Asymmetric evidence
Authors: Wu Peixuan , Liu Dunhu , Yang Li , Yang Jianchao
Published: August 2023

In the context of China, this study investigates the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development, fossil fuel energy use, and CO2 emissions. We examine both short- and long-run dynamics, as well as asymmetries, in the connection between these factors and CO2 emissions using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. By utilizing a sophisticated econometric strategy that captures the complexity and nonlinearities of this connection, the study adds to the body of current knowledge. The empirical results show that FDI, financial development, fossil fuel energy use, and CO2 emissions have substantial correlations and asymmetries. Results indicate that FDI and financial development have positive short-term effects on CO2 emissions, but their long-term impacts are negative, indicating that sustainable investment and financial practices may have environmental benefits. Furthermore, fossil fuel energy consumption exhibits a positive relationship with CO2 emissions, emphasizing the need for cleaner energy sources to mitigate environmental impacts. A number of recommendations have been made, including attracting green and sustainable investments through incentives for renewable energy projects, developing green financial systems to facilitate sustainable financing, promoting the transition to cleaner energy sources, and implementing comprehensive policies against climate change aligned with international obligations.
Assessment of endodontic treatment and prevalence of apical periodontitis using cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lewusz-Butkiewicz Katarzyna , Kulas-Bałaban Aleksandra , Kaczor-Wiankowska Kinga , Kubala Elżbieta , Nowicka Alicja
Published: August 2023

Background
The purpose of this study was a retrospective cross-sectional study of the population of Szczecin (Poland) performed to evaluate the quality of endodontic treatment and the condition of the periapical tissues of permanent teeth based on cone-beam computed tomography images and the influence of the quality of endodontic treatment on the occurrence of periapical lesions.
Methods
The retrospective study included a group of patients who underwent cone-beam computed tomography at the University Dental Clinic of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. An endodontically treated tooth index (ETTI) was used to evaluate endodontic treatment. Once apical periodontitis was recognised, the size, extent and ratio of adjacent anatomical structures were assessed using the complex periapical index (COPI). The ETTI and COPI indicators mentioned above are combined to form the Periapical and Endodontic Status Scale (PESS).
Results
Analysis of the cone-beam computed tomography images showed that endodontic treatment was performed in 9.9% of the teeth examined, of which 52.7% of the canals were treated correctly, while 28.1% of the root canals were found to be underfilled, 6.8% were overfilled, 9.3% of the root canals were not obturated at all, and in 3.1% of the teeth examined, the filling material was only visible in the pulp chamber. Apical periodontitis was observed in 6% of all teeth examined, while the percentage of teeth following endodontic treatment was 38.5%.
Conclusions
The quality of the endodontic treatment provided to the population of Szczecin is unsatisfactory. Lack of root canal filling homogeneity is a significant risk factor for endodontic treatment failure. Improper endodontic treatment and poor quality of crown restoration after endodontic treatment have an impact on the increased risk of occurrence, size, degree of root coverage and extent of inflammatory periapical lesions in relation to adjacent anatomical structures.
HSC70，HSPA1A, and HSP90AB1 Facilitate Ebola Virus trVLPs to Induce Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: YU DONGSHAN , Yao Shu-Hao , Xi Wen-Na , Cheng Lin-Fang , Liu Fu-Min , Wu Haibo , Lu Xiang-Yun , Wu Nan-Ping , SUN SHUILIN , Yao Hang-Ping
Published: August 2023

Background
Ebola virus (EBOV) can induce autophagy to benefit the virus life cycle, but detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We previously found that EBOV GP and VP40 proteins interact with host chaperones, including HSC70 (HSPA8), HSPA1A, and HSP90AB1, which are probably associated with chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA).
Methods
We developed EBOV-trVLPs to model the EBOV life cycle, infected 293T cells with trVLPs, evaluated CMA by GFP-LC3 and RFP-LAMP1 co-localization, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, and immunoblot analysis.
Results
The data suggest that EBOV-trVLPs may induce autophagy via CMA, but are not constrained by the CMA pathway. HSC70, HSPA1A and HSP90AB1 participate in and regulate the CMA induced by EBOV-trVLPs.
Conclusions
This is the first study of CMA induced by EBOV-trVLPs and provides insight into viral-host interactions that are presumably related to CMA.
Efficacy of Scapular Treatment on Chronic Neck Pain - A Systemic Review and Meta- Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Chen Yin , Yang Chunlan , Nie Kailu , Huang Jiapeng , Qu Yun , Wang Tingting
Published: August 2023

Background: The treatment of chronic neck pain (CNP) is still a hot topic. This study evaluated the effects of scapular therapy in patients with CNP.
Method: Databases including MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via Ovid), Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopuswere systematically searched for randomized controlled trials published in English investigating treatments of the scapula for CNP before July 16, 2023.
Result: A total of 313 participants from 8 RCTs were included. In comparison with the control groups, the intervention groups with scapular treatment showed better efficiency in improving pain intensity (SMD=2.55; 95% CI=0.97 to 4.13; P=0.002) with moderate evidence. Subgroup analysis for pain intensity revealed a significant difference between the sexes, with only the female population (SMD=6.23, 95% CI=4.80 to 7.65) showing better outcomes than those with both sexes (SMD=1.07, 95% CI=0.57 to 1.56) (p<0.00001). However, moderate evidencedemonstrated no improvement of scapular treatments on neck disability (an SMD of 0.24[-0.14, 0.62] of Neck Disability Index or Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire).In addition, the pressure pain threshold seemed not to be improved, and neck functions, muscle activation status and cervical range of motioncould not be conclusively concluded due to limited support in articles, but head forward posture appeared to be corrected with moderate to low evidence.
Conclusion: Scapular therapy is beneficial in improving pain intensity in patients with CNP, especially in women, but may not improve neck disability. Whether scapular therapy can improve neck muscle function and activity in patients with CNP needs further study.
CLK2-mediated IκBα-independent early-termination of NF-κB activation by phosphorylating nuclear-p65 for cytoplasmic redistribution and degradation
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Dong , Li Shang-Ze , Shu Qi-Peng , Liang Xin-Yi , Zhou Hai-Meng , Qi Lin-Zhi , He Ya-Nan , Liu Xue-Yi , Du Xue-Hua , Huang Xi-Chen , Du Run-Lei
Published: August 2023

The NF-κB transcription factor families play significant roles in both the inflammatory and immune responses. The activation of the NF-κB pathway is subject to strict regulation to prevent excessive inflammatory and immune responses. While a widely accepted negative feedback model, IκBs-dependent NF-κB termination is observed as a lagged response pattern in the later stage of activation, the prompt termination mechanisms of active NF-κB remain not fully clarified. Here, we show an IκBs-independent prompt termination model of nuclear NF-κB that CLK2 negatively regulates active NF-κB by phosphorylating the p65 subunit of NF-κB at Ser-180 in the nucleus to limit the transcriptional activation through degradation and nuclear export. Depletion of CLK2 enhances the production of inflammatory and antiviral cytokines and reduces viral replication. Meanwhile, ablation of Clk2 in mice promotes antiviral effects and increases the survival of mice after virus infection. Mechanistically, CLK2 interacts with and phosphorylates p65 at Ser-180 in the nucleus, leading to the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation and cytoplasmic re-distribution. Importantly, the CLK2 inhibitor promotes the production of cytokines, reduces virus replication, and accelerates mouse psoriasis in vitro and in vivo. The study reveals a novel IκBs-independent NF-κB early-stage termination model wherein phosphorylated Ser-180 p65 turns off the post-translation modifications of transcriptional activation,ultimately resulting in the subsequent degradation and nuclear export of p65 to inhibit excessive inflammatory activation. Our findings show that Ser-180 phosphorylation of p65 in the nucleus serves as the main repression switch of early-stage NF-κB activation, thereby improving the recognition of the NF-κB negative regulation model in time and space.
Red cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation in the general population
Authors: Li Wenhua , Song Yanbin
Published: August 2023

Background: Red cell distribution width to albumin ratio (RAR) has been demonstrated to be associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is still unknown whether the RAR affects atrial fibrillation (AF) . Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between RAR and AF in general population.
Methods: A total of 2436 participants were retrospectively included. Red cell distribution width, albumin and other data were collected. AF was confirmed using 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) or 24-hour Holter. All participants were divided into four groups according to the RAR values by quartile (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to examine the correlation between RAR and AF.
Results: Among the 2436 participants, 227 (9.3%) AF cases were observed. The RDW and RAR were significantly higher in AF group than in non-AF group (all P<0.001). Univariate logistic regression showed an positive association between RAR and AF (P<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, RAR was found to be an independent risk factor of AF after adjusting for confounding factors (OR:2.015, 95%CI:1.315-3.089, P=0.001) .
Conclusions: The present study indicated that elevated RAR level was independently correlated with increased risk of AF in general population.
Microplastic in an apex predator: evidence from barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets in two sites with different levels of anthropization
Authors: Pietrelli Loris , Dodaro Giuseppe , Pelosi Ilaria , Menegoni Patrizia , Battisti Corrado , Coccia Cristina , Scalici Massimiliano
Published: August 2023

Plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments and its accumulation along food chains has been poorly studied in birds. The barn owl (Tyto alba) is an opportunistic and nocturnal apex predator feeding mostly on small mammals. In this note, we report the first evidence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in barn owl pellets collected in two sites with different levels of anthropization (low: natural landscape mosaic vs. high: extensive croplands). The following polymers have been recorded: Polyvinylchloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), Expanded Polyester (EPS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Polyester, Viscose, and starch-based Biopolymer. We found significant higher MPs frequency and density (MPs items/total preyed biomass), in the most anthropized site. Our results suggest that pellet’ analysis may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination along food chains in terrestrial ecosystems.