bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise-induced hormone and blood fatigue factor responses to branched-chain amino acids administration in the recovery period after exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sefidari Azade , Rahimi Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) can boost anabolism through an increase in the internal concentration of BCAA, which leads to facilitating anabolic hormone release to stimulate the power of the muscles. Studies on administration of BCAA to minimize fatigue substances during long periods of high intensity exercise have been conducted. However, there are disagreements concerning the results of these studies.Method: A comprehensive search was performed on electronic databases up to November 2019 for trials evaluating the effects of BCAA on recovery following exercise. Mean ± standard deviation of follow-up cortisol, insulin, ammonia, and lactate concentrations were extracted to calculate the effect size for meta-analysis.Results: A total of 146 participants for cortisol and 279 participants for lactate were found from the 7 and 15 studies, respectively. The results revealed a significant effect of BCAA supplementation on cortisol concentration during 120≤ min post exercise follow-up. Moreover, without considering follow-up times, an overall analysis showed that BCAA was effective in reducing blood lactate in aerobic exercise and the trained status of athletes.Conclusions: The advantages of BCAA administration relate to a reduction in cortisol concentration after 2h and ameliorated muscle function because of a probable attenuation of fatigue substances immediately after exercise.
Using Machine Learning to Identify At-risk Students in an Introductory Programming Course
Authors: Cooper Cameron I. , Cooper Kamea J.
Published: October 2021

Nationally, more than one-third of students enrolling in introductory computer science programming courses (CS101) do not succeed. To improve student success rates, this research team used supervised machine learning to identify students who are “at-risk” of not succeeding in CS101 at a two-year public college. The resultant predictive model accurately identifies \(\approx\)99% of “at-risk” students in an out-of-sample test data set. The programming instructor piloted the use of the model’s predictive factors as early alert triggers to intervene with individualized outreach and support across three course sections of CS101 in fall 2020. The outcome of this pilot study was a 23% increase in student success and a 7.3 percentage point decrease in DFW rate. More importantly, this study identified academic, early alert triggers for CS101. Specifically, the first two graded programs are of paramount importance for student success in the course.
Detection of Gamma Ray Emission from the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy
Authors: Crocker Roland , Macias Oscar , Mackey Dougal , Krumholz Mark , Ando Shin'ichiro , Horiuchi Shunsaku , Baring Matthew , Gordon Chris , Venville Thomas , Duffy Alan , Yang Rui-Zhi , Aharonian Felix , Hinton James , Song Deheng , Ruiter Ashley , Filipovic Miroslav
Published: October 2021

The Fermi Bubbles are giant, γ-ray emitting lobes emanating from the nucleus of the Milky Way [1, 2] discovered in ∼1-100 GeV data collected by the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope [3]. Previous work [4] has revealed substructure within the Fermi Bubbles that has been interpreted as a signature of collimated outflows from the Galaxy’s super-massive black hole. Here we show that much of the γ-ray emission associated to the brightest region of substructure – the so-called cocoon – is actually due to the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal (Sgr dSph) galaxy. This large Milky Way satellite is viewed through the Fermi Bubbles from the position of the Solar System. As a tidally and ram-pressure stripped remnant, the Sgr dSph has no on-going star formation, but we demonstrate that its γ-ray signal is naturally explained by inverse Compton scattering of cosmic microwave back-ground photons by high-energy electron-positron pairs injected by the dwarf’s millisecond pulsar (MSP) population, combined with these objects’ magnetospheric emission. This finding suggests that MSPs likely produce significant γ-ray emission amongst old stellar populations, potentially confounding indirect dark matter searches in regions such as the Galactic Centre, the Andromeda galaxy, and other massive Milky Way dwarf spheroidals.
Developing tools for assessing intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on the health belief model
Authors: maleki azam
Published: October 2021

Background

The study was aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine using a health belief model.
Method

The study was a test and tools design study that was conducted in the period from February to March 2020. Questionnaire items were designed using text review. The sampling method was multi-stage. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis at 95% confidence level using SPSS software version 16.
Results

The questionnaire had an appropriate content validity and internal consistency. The 5-factor was extracted and the conceptual model had good fit indices. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was 0.82 and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.9.
Conclusion

It can be concluded that the designed instrument had good validity and reliability indicators. The constructs of the health belief model well explain the determinants of the intention to receive the Covid-19 vaccine at the individual level.
Pepper variome reveals the history and key loci associated with fruit domestication and diversification
Authors: Giuliano Giovanni , Cao Yacong , Zhang Kang , Yu Hailong , Xu Donghui , Chen Shumin , Zhao Hong , Zhang Zhenghai , Yang Yinqing , Gu Xiaozhen , Liu Xinyan , Wang Haiping , Jing Yaxin , Mei Yajie , Lefebvre Véronique , Zhang Weili , Jin Yuan , An Dongliang , Wang Risheng , Bosland Paul , Li Xixiang , Paran Ilan , Zhang Baoxi , Wang Lihao , Cheng Feng
Published: October 2021

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the earliest domesticated crops, providing a unique pungent sensation when eaten. Through the construction of the first pepper variome, we describe the main groups that emerged during domestication and breeding of C. annuum, their relations and temporal succession, and the molecular events underlying the main transitions. The initial differentiation in fruit shape and pungency, increase in fruit weight, and transition from erect to pendent fruits, and the recent appearance of blocky, large, sweet fruits (bell peppers), were accompanied by strong selection/fixation of key alleles and introgressions in two large genomic regions. Furthermore, we describe the identification of Up, a key domestication gene controlling erect vs pendent fruit orientation, encoding a BIG GRAIN protein involved in auxin transport, and Flip1 associated with capsaicinoid content, encoding a protein involved in phospholipid flipping. The function of Up was confirmed by virus-induced gene silencing. These findings constitute a cornerstone for understanding the domestication and differentiation of a key horticultural crop.
Differential Signal of Change Among Multiple Components of West African Rainfall
Authors: Obarein Omon Aigbovboise , Lee Cameron C.
Published: October 2021

Rainfall components likely differ in the magnitude and direction of their long-term changes for any given location, and some rainfall components may carry a greater regional signal of change than rainfall totals. This study evaluates the magnitude of change of multiple rainfall components relative to other components, and the greatest regions of change across all rainfall components in West Africa. Hourly rainfall data from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset was used to derive twelve rainfall components, which were evaluated for long-term means, interannual variability, and long-term changes. For rainfall totals and rainfall intensity, the central Sahel is witnessing increasing trends while the western Sahel is experiencing significant decreasing trends. In general, decreasing trends predominate in the study domain, especially in the northwestern Congo Basin, where annual rainfall is decreasing by 120mm per decade. Importantly, rainfall frequency accounts for 49% of all significant grid-point trends for the whole domain. In contrast, rainfall totals account for 26% of all combined significant trends across the domain, while rainfall intensity (12.6%), rainy season length (9.5%), and seasonality (3.3%) account for the remaining signals of change. Most of the changes among the rainfall components are in the Tropical Wet and Dry regions (59% of all significant trends); the Saharan and Equatorial regions account for the least changes. This study finds evidence that rainfall frequency is changing more across the regions compared to rainfall totals and should be explored as rainfall inputs in climate models to potentially improve regional predictions of future rainfall.
Reversible Topochemical Polymerization and Depolymerization of a Crystalline Three-Dimensional Porous Organic Polymer with C–C Bond Linkages
Authors: Sun Chenyue , Oppenheim Julius , Skorupskii Grigorii , Yang Luming , Dinca Mircea
Published: October 2021

Three-dimensionally connected porous organic polymers are of interest because of their potential in adsorption, separation, and sensing, among others. When crystalline, they also afford accurate structure description, which in turn can enable particular functions. However, crystallization of three-dimensional (3D) polymers is challenging. This is especially true when targeting polymerization via stable C–C bonds, whose formation is usually irreversible and does not allow for error correction typically required for crystallization. Here, we report polyMTBA, the first 3D-connected crystalline organic polymer with permanent porosity, here formed via C–C linkages. High crystallinity is achieved by solid-state topochemical reaction within monomer MTBA crystals. polyMTBA is recyclable via thermal depolymerization and is solution-processable via its soluble monomers. These results reveal topochemical polymerization as a compelling methodology for generating stable, crystalline, and porous 3D organic frameworks.
Changes in DNA Methylation During Pregnancy and After Delivery
Authors: Lin Ming-Wei , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Shih Ching-Yu , Tai Yi-Yun , Lee Chien-Nan , Lin Shin-Yu , Li Hung-Yuan
Published: October 2021

Background

Gestational adaptation takes place soon after fertilization and continues throughout pregnancy, while women return to a pre-pregnancy state after delivery and lactation. However, little is known about the role of DNA methylation in the fine tuning of maternal physiology. In this study, we investigated whether and how the DNA methylation pattern changes in the three trimesters and after delivery in ten uncomplicated pregnancies.
Results

DNA methylation was measured using Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip. There are 14,018 CpG sites with statistically significant changes in DNA methylation over the four time periods (p < .001). Overall, DNA methylation of the non-pregnant state was higher than that of the three trimesters (p < .001), with the protein ubiquitination pathway the top canonical pathway involved. We classified these CpG sites into nine groups according to the changes in the three trimesters. During pregnancy, most CpG sites (61.63%) had subtle or no changes in DNA methylation (Group 9). There were 3,173 (22.64%) CpG sites in Group 7 and 995 (7.1%) CpG sites in Group 8, which were the two groups with DNA methylation changes between the first and second trimesters. The top systems involved in these two groups were associated with embryonic development and organ morphological changes, as shown by the IPA analysis.
Conclusion

The DNA methylation pattern changes between trimesters, which may be involved in maternal adaptation to pregnancy. Meanwhile, the DNA methylation patterns during pregnancy and in the postpartum period were different, implying that puerperium repair may also act through DNA methylation mechanisms.
ML-WiGR: A Meta Learning based Approach for Cross-Domain Device-Free Gesture Recognition
Authors: Gao Zhenyue , Xue Jianqiang , Zhang Jianxing , Xiao Wendong
Published: October 2021

Accurate sensing and understanding of gestures can improve the quality of human-computer interaction, and has great theoretical significance and application potentials in the fields of smart home, assisted medical care, and virtual reality. Device-free wireless gesture recognition based on WiFi Channel State Information (CSI) requires no sensors, and has a series of advantages such as permission for non-line-of-sight scenario, low cost, preserving for personal privacy and working in the dark night. Although most of the current gesture recognition approaches based on WiFi CSI have achieved good performance, they are difficult to adapt to the new domains. Therefore, this paper proposes ML-WiGR, an approach for device-free gesture recognition in cross-domain applications. ML-WiGR applies convolutional neural networks (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks as the basic model for gesture recognition to extract spatial and temporal features. Combined with the meta learning training mechanism, the approach dynamically adjusts the learning rate and meta learning rate in training process adaptively, and optimizes the initial parameters of a basic model for gesture recognition, only using a few samples and several iterations to adapt to new domain. In the experiments, we validate the approach under a variety of scenarios. The results show that ML-WiGR can achieve comparable performance against existing approaches with only a small number of samples for training in cross domains.
Forced Resonance Orbit Analysis of Binary Asteroid System
Authors: Qian Ying-Jing , Zong Kai , Yang Xiao-Dong , Si Zhen , Gao Feng
Published: October 2021

The solar radiation pressure becomes one of the major perturbations to orbits in the study of binary asteroid system, since asteroids have relatively weak gravity fields. In this paper, based on the idea of treating the solar radiation pressure as periodic external excitation, one novel family of orbits due to primary resonance and another novel family of orbits due to both primary resonance and internal resonance have been found by the classical perturbation method. The two types of steady-state orbits due to external resonance with different area-to-mass ratios have been determined and discussed by the frequency-response equations. Five binary asteroid systems, 283 Emma-S/2003 (283) 1, 22 Kalliope-Linus, 31 Euphrosyne-S/2019 (31) 1, 2006 Polonskaya-S/2005 (2006) 1 and 4029 Bridges have been taken as examples to show the validity of the proposed mechanism in the explanation of orbits formation due to resonance.
Developent and Application of Hybrid Method to Inhomogeneous Geology for Curtain Grouting -Case Study in Sedimentary Rock with Fold Movement for Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project in Lao PDR-
Authors: Yoshizu Yoichi , Nakamura Kazuo , Kawata Tatsuya , Fujii Takahiro , Tsutsui Shoji
Published: October 2021

Curtain grouting for dam foundation treatment is one of the most crucial work items in dam construction to secure the impermeability of the foundation rock. Some decades ago, the Grouting Intensity Number (GIN) Method developed in Europe has been frequently applied to relatively simple geotechnical structures. On the other hand, the Conventional Method, which requires phased mix proportion and water pressure tests through a sequence of the works, is as yet reliable for inhomogeneous geology. This paper presents the development of a modified curtain grouting method and its application to the Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project in Lao PDR, which has an inhomogeneous geology of sedimentary rock with weak layers affected by fold movement. The method has been dubbed as “hybrid” because it garners both the economical superiority of the GIN Method in that it enables the use of a single mix proportion, and the technical superiority of the Conventional Method in that the individual design pressure in each stage is based on water pressure tests.
Forward Osmosis: An Approach to Reclaim Dairy Waste Stream Whey
Authors: Agrawal Vibha , Sarode Dilip , Mogha Saransh , Honmane Bharat
Published: October 2021

Recognizing the issues with conventional water resources and stricter wastewater effluent disposal standards, the treatment and recovery from wastewater are gaining impetus. The dairy industry consumes a substantial amount of water and generates a massive quantity of wastewater annually. Whey, which is about 94% water, is a waste stream produced in the dairy industry during the manufacture of cheese, paneer, yogurt, etc. Although various wastewater treatment technologies are available in the market, membrane technologies are considered the most advanced and reliable ones, but they are expensive. In recent years, Forward Osmosis (FO) is looked upon as a potential alternative to these costly and energy intensive pressure driven membrane processes. FO works on the principle of natural osmotic pressure where energy is just required to lift the solutions. The present lab-scale study investigates the partial reclamation of water from whey using FO technology. The Continuous Single Pass (CSP) and Recirculation mode (RC) study is conducted using high osmotic pressure (π = 375 bar at 298K) saturated aqueous(aq.) NaCl as the draw solution. The aq. NaCl solution is a potential brine stream in the dairy industry and finds applications in the manufacture of paneer, butter, cheese and ice cream eliminating the need for draw regeneration. The back diffusion study of the Hollow Fibre Forward Osmosis (HFFO) membrane revealed about 0.82% back diffusion of solute. The maximum water recovery of ~ 56% is achieved in CSP mode while 57.6% is achieved for RC mode with Feed/Draw ratio of 4.5:1. For F/D of 10:1, the maximum permeate flux of ~ 8.7 kg m− 2 h− 1 is observed for the CSP mode of operation for 10 minutes of study. Thus, FO is an efficient membrane technique that eliminates the need for draw regeneration and can be applied in the dairy industry.
Patients Undergoing Multiple 18F-FDG PET/CT Scans: 11-Year Study At A High-Capacity Center
Authors: AbuQbeitah Mohammad , Demir Mustafa , Sönmezoğlu Kerim , Sayman Haluk , Kabasakal Levent , Sager Sait , Asa Sertaç , Uslu-Beşli Lebriz , Rehani Madan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To assess frequency, clinical indications, and cumulative effective dose (CED) of patients undergoing multiple 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.
Methods

Retrospective analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT scans performed at a University hospital for 11 years was done. Effective dose was computed from activity administered and dose-length-product.
Results

A total of 55,424 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed in 32,658 patients. The average injected activity was 421 MBq and median 417 MBq. 24.2% of the patients were scanned 2-5 times in a year, 16.7% of them being unique patients (not counted as separate patient in different years). The maximum PET/CT scans in a year was five. 23571 (72.2 %) patients underwent a single 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, while 9087 (27.8%) unique patients underwent 2 - 23 scans during 11 years. 82% of the scanned patients had malignant disease, 2.4% among the patients with ≥ 2 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in a year were with non-malignant indications. 1.4% of patients received CED ≥100 mSv in one year from multiple 18F-FDG PET/CT scans and 0.8% of them received ≥ 100 mSv in a year more than one time, the CED of 27.8% (9087 patients) who underwent 2 to 23 18F-FDG PET/CT scans over 11-years ranged from 38 to 575 mSv (median: 271 mSv).
Conclusion

This first and largest ever study covering analysis of 11-years’ data of 18F-FDG PET/CT patients showed that a sizeable number of patients, largely (82%) with malignant disease undergo recurrent imaging during one year and non-ignorable fraction exceed 100 mSv in one year.
Effects of One-day e-learning Education on Perinatal Psychological Support Among Midwives: a Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Shinohara Eriko , Ohashi Yukiko , Hada Ayako , Usui Yuriko
Published: October 2021

Background: Although midwives are expected to play a key role for psychological support throughout perinatal periods, their educational chances are limited. Versatile teaching strategies such as e-learning may be promising in expanding education. The objective of our study was to clarify the effects of an e-learning educational programme on midwives’ empathic communication skills.Methods: From April 2019 to September 2019, a randomised controlled trial of a one-day e-learning educational programme on perinatal psychological issues (both perinatal mental health assessment and empathic communication) was conducted to improve empathic communication skills of midwives. Two types of measurements (paper-and-pencil multiple-choice test and video-viewing tests of simulated patient) were used to measure the competency of empathic communication skills.Results: Participants (N = 115) were randomly allocated to two groups (Intervention: n = 58, Control: n = 57). The intervention group was at a significantly higher level for both post-tests of empathic communication skills compared with the control group. Both intervention and control groups showed improvements in acquiring knowledge about perinatal mental health assessments.Conclusions: The results of our study show that a one-day e-learning programme helped improve the midwives' empathic communications skills. Therefore, an effective one-day e-learning educational programme of perinatal mental health will expand opportunity to learn about empathic communication skills for midwives.Trial registrations: UMIN000036052
Current Status of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) At a University-Affiliated Acute-Care Hospital in The Republic of Korea
Authors: Heo Eunjeong , Choi Yoonhee , Kim Hyung-sook , Namgung Hyung Wook , Lee Eunsook , Lee Euni , Lee Ju-Yeun , Jung Jong Tak , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin , Song Kyoung-Ho
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe current status of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) at a tertiary care hospital in the Republic of Korea.
Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on outpatients and referral patients who had a prescription of parenteral antibiotics from July to December 2019. We reviewed the prescribed antimicrobials, the indication of antimicrobial therapy, where patients administered antimicrobial injection and management of pre- and post- prescriptions.
Results

Of the 577 episodes included in this study, 399 (69.2%) were delivered by referral model, 178 (30.8%) by outpatient model. About 70% of OPATs were prescribed in the pulmonology, infectious diseases, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and hematology departments. Five antibiotics (ertapenem (26.0%), ceftriaxone (12.8%), kanamycin (11.8%), amikacin (10.1%), and cefazolin (8.5%)) accounted for 69.2% of the total OPATs. Urinary tract infections (27.3%), respiratory infections (20.8%), and intra-abdominal infections (15.9%) are the most frequent indications of OPAT. After prescription, there were 295 (73.9%) follow-up visits in referral model and 150 (84.3%) in outpatient model (p<0.05). Laboratory tests necessary for monitoring were totally performed in 274 (47.5%).
Conclusions

We found that significant number of OPAT was prescribed, follow-up visits were not performed in about a quarter of episodes, and laboratory monitoring was not fully conducted in more than half of the cases. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an appropriate management program for OPAT. Considering limited resources and the distribution of OPAT prescriptions, it may be effective to select frequently used antibiotics or frequently prescribed departments and start the program for them.
Observation of a Floquet symmetry-protected topological phase with superconducting qubits
Authors: Deng Dong-Ling , Zhang Xu , Jiang Wenjie , Deng Jinfeng , Wang Ke , Chen Jiachen , Zhang Pengfei , Ren Wenhui , Dong Hang , Zhu Xuhao , Gao Yu , Jin Feitong , Guo Qiujiang , Li Hekang , Song Chao , Gorshkov Alexey , Iadecola Thomas , Liu Fangli , Gong Zhexuan , Wang Zhen , Wang Haohua
Published: October 2021

Quantum many-body systems away from equilibrium host a rich
variety of exotic phenomena that are forbidden by equilibrium thermodynamics. A prominent example is that of discrete time crystals [1-8], where time translational symmetry is spontaneously broken in periodically driven systems. Pioneering experiments have observed signatures of time crystalline phases with trapped ions [9,10], spins in nitrogen-vacancy centers [11-13], ultracold atoms [14,15], solid spin ensembles [16,17], and superconducting qubits [18-20]. Here, we report the observation of a distinct type of intrinsically non-equilibrium state of matter, a Floquet symmetry-protected topological phase, which is implemented through digital quantum simulation with an array of programmable superconducting qubits. Unlike the discrete time crystals reported in previous experiments, where spontaneous breaking of the discrete time translational symmetry occurs for local observables throughout the whole system, the Floquet symmetry-protected topological phase observed in our experiment breaks the time translational symmetry only at the boundaries and has trivial dynamics in the bulk. More concretely, we observe robust long-lived temporal correlations and sub-harmonic temporal response for the edge spins over up to 40 driving cycles using a circuit whose depth exceeds 240. We demonstrate that the sub-harmonic response is independent of whether the initial states are random product states or symmetry-protected topological states, and experimentally map out the phase boundary between the time crystalline and thermal phases. Our work paves the way to exploring novel non-equilibrium phases of matter emerging from the interplay between topology and localization as well as periodic driving, with current noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors [21].
Targeted Delivery of Intranasally Administered Cyclovirobuxine D Liposomes to Brain for Treatment Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Anti-oxidative Stress and Activating Autophagy
Authors: Liu Tuo , Xiao Wen , Yang Fang , Liu Chang , Zhang Jianing , Li Tongming , Chen Zhilian , Yu Yang
Published: October 2021

Background: The lack of effective therapy mandates development of treatment for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). The previous study suggested that CVBD encapsulated in Angiopep-conjugated Polysorbate 80-Coated Liposomes showed a better brain targeting by intranasal administration. Therefore, this study focused on the protection and mechanism of CVBD brain-targeted liposomes in treating CIRI.Methods: The CIRI rat model was induced by MCAO. Pharmacological evaluation was assessed in vivo by general indexs, neurobehavioral scores, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, histopathological staining (HE staining and Nissl staining), small animal magnetic resonance imaging, biochemical assay and Western blot. Then, the protective effect of CVBD liposomes on OGD/R-injured HT22 cell was investigated by cell fusion degree, cell proliferation curve and cell viability. OGD/R-injured HT22 cell was infected by mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus. The autophagosome and autophagy flow were observed by laser confocal microscopy, and autophagy-related protein expressions (LC3, p62 and Beclin 1) were analyzed by Western blot. Meanwhile, the classic autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine, was used to explore the autophagy- regulated mechanism of CVBD brain-targeted liposomes in treating CIRI. Results: In rat model of CIRI, CVBD liposomes alleviated pathological damage of brain. In cell model of oxygen and glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation, CVBD liposomes increased cell viability and decreased ROS level. CVBD liposomes improved oxidative stress protein expressions and activated autophagy in vitro. Furthermore, CVBD liposomes reversed the decrease of cell viability, increase of ROS level, and reduction of protein expressions associated to anti-oxidative stress and autophagy induced by chloroquine. Conclusions: Therefore, CVBD liposomes inhibited CIRI via regulating oxidative stress and enhancing autophagy level in vivo and in vitro, showing a great potential in treating CIRI in clinic.
Caenorhabditis Elegans ETR-1/CELF Has Broad Effects on the Muscle Cell Transcriptome, Including Genes That Regulate Translation and Neuroblast Migration
Authors: Ochs Matthew , McWhirter Rebecca , Unckless Robert , III David Miller , Lundquist Erik
Published: October 2021

Migration of neuroblasts and neurons from their birthplace is central to the formation of neural circuits and networks. ETR-1 is the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the CELF1 (CUGBP, ELAV-like family 1) RNA-processing factor involved in neuromuscular disorders. etr-1 regulates body wall muscle differentiation. Our previous work showed that etr-1 in muscle has a non-autonomous role in neuronal migration, suggesting that ETR-1 is involved in the production of a signal emanating from body wall muscle that controls neuroblast migration and that interacts with Wnt signaling. etr-1 is extensively alternatively-spliced, and we identified the viable etr-1(lq61) mutant, caused by a stop codon in alternatively-spliced exon 8 and only affecting etr-1 isoforms containing exon 8. We took advantage of viable etr-1(lq61) to identify potential RNA targets of ETR-1 in body wall muscle using a combination of fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) of body wall muscles from wild-type and etr-1(lq61) and subsequent RNA-seq. This analysis revealed genes whose splicing and transcript levels were controlled by ETR-1 exon 8 isoforms, and represented a broad spectrum of genes involved in muscle differentiation, myofilament lattice structure, and physiology. Genes with transcripts underrepresented in etr-1(lq61) included those involved in ribosome function and translation, similar to potential CELF1 targets identified in chick cardiomyocytes. This suggests that at least some targets of ETR-1 might be conserved in vertebrates, and that ETR-1 might generally stimulate translation in muscles. As proof-of-principle, a functional analysis of a subset of ETR-1 targets revealed genes involved in AQR and PQR neuronal migration. One such gene, lev-11/tropomyosin, requires ETR-1 for alternative splicing, and another, unc-52/perlecan, requires ETR-1 for the production of long isoforms containing 3’ exons. In sum, these studies identified gene targets of ETR-1/CELF1 in muscles, which included genes involved in muscle development and physiology, and genes with novel roles in neuronal migration.
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Inflammatory Pain by Activating AMPK/autophagy and Inhibiting iNOS and IL-1β in Inflamed Tissues
Authors: Xiang Hongchun , Cai Guowei , Hu Liang , Lan Yuye , Weng Tao , Zou Yan , Yuan Xiaocui , Lin Lixue , Liu Yongmin , Hu Xuefei , Zhang Hong , Pan Huilin , Liu Wentao , Liu Cunzhi , Li Man
Published: October 2021

BackgroundElectroacupuncture (EA) produces analgesic effects on inflammatory pain partially via activating adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in the spinal cord. However, it is unclear whether EA activates AMPK in peripheral tissues in inflammatory pain. This study was aimed at determining whether EA promotes autophagy by activating AMPK to inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and iNOS in inflamed skin tissues. MethodsIn CFA-induced inflammatory pain in mice, mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were tested 2 hours after EA treatment. The AMPK antagonist Compound C was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before EA treatment. The analgesic effects of AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) were determined and its effects on autophagy, IL-1β and iNOS expression were detected. Also, the effects of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on EA analgesia and iNOS/IL-1β expression in inflamed skin tissues were examined. The phosphorylation of AMPK (Thr172) and total AMPK proteins, LC3BII/I, autophagy substrate protein p62, IL-1β and iNOS were detected using Western blotting. Co-labeling of macrophages (CD68) with IL-1β and iNOS was detected using immunofluorescence. In addition, after NR8383 macrophages were treated with CFA, the effects of AICAR and Compound C on autophagy were determined using stubRFP-sensGFP-LC3 Lentivirus..ResultsEA reduced CFA-induced inflammatory pain, activated AMPK and autophagy, and inhibited iNOS and IL-1β expression in inflamed skin tissues. AICAR also attenuated CFA-induced hyperalgesia, promoted autophagy and inhibited iNOS and IL-1β expression in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed the effect of EA on autophagy. Pretreatment with 3-MA, an inhibitor of autophagy, inhibited the effect of EA on inflammatory pain and expression of iNOS and IL-1β in inflamed skin tissues. ConclusionsEA treatment alleviated inflammatory pain by activation of AMPK, enhancing autophagy, and inhibiting iNOS and IL-1β expression in the inflamed skin tissues.
New Balance Capability Index as a Screening Tool for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Tsubaki Takumi , Nakaya Kensuke , Kondo Genta , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Aita Yuichi , Murayama Yuki , Shikama Akito , Masuda Yukari , Suzuki Hiroaki , Kawakami Yasushi , Shimano Hitoshi , Arai Tetsuaki , Hada Yasushi , Yahagi Naoya
Published: October 2021

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not just a prodrome to dementia, but a very important intervention point to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has long been known that AD patients have a higher frequency of falls with some gait instability. Recent evidence suggests that vestibular impairment is disproportionately prevalent among individuals with MCI and dementia due to AD. Here we have developed a useful method to evaluate balance capability as well as vestibular function using Nintendo Wii balance board as a stabilometer and foam rubber on it. The new balance capability indicator, termed visual dependency index of postural stability (VPS), was highly associated with cognitive impairment assessed by MoCA, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was more than 0.8, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. Thus, it was proved that VPS helps screen individuals with MCI at an early and preclinical stage with high sensitivity.
X-ray Irradiation Inhibits Inflammation and Glial Scar Formation through p38 MAPK and Akt Signaling Pathways and Promotes the Recovery of Nerve Function after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Wang Yi , Niu Yanping , Lin Fanguo , Su Peng , Chen Liesong , Liu Dong , Sun Yongming
Published: October 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common clinical disease that can cause permanent disruption of nerve function. Inflammation and glial scar formation influence the recovery of injured spinal cord. X-ray irradiation can reduce inflammation, inhibit cell proliferation and increase cell apoptosis. However, the regulatory effects of X-ray irradiation on inflammation and glial scars and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of X-ray irradiation on the progression of SCI. Behavioural experiments show that X-ray irradiation can effectively improve the motor function of SCI rats. X-ray irradiation inhibits the inflammatory response by reducing the expression of inflammatory factors (including TNF-α and IL-1β) at the lesion site, thereby enhancing the survival of neuronal cells .X-ray irradiation effectively inhibited the formation of the glial scar (the expression of the related proteins GFAP and vimentin) in the lesion. In addition, the p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways were activated after SCI in rats, but these signaling pathways were significantly blocked after X-ray irradiation. Furthermore, the 10 Gy dose had the most significant effects among the 2 Gy, 10 Gy and 20 Gy doses. In summary, X-ray irradiation can inhibit inflammation and glial scar formation by blocking the p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways, thereby improving the recovery of nerve function in rats with SCI. Therefore, X-ray irradiation provides a new strategy for the treatment of SCI.
Effects of Milling and Baking Processes on Bread Quality: A Case in Kamise, Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Tihitinna Asmellash , Geleta Tollosa , Kibatu Girma
Published: October 2021

Milling and baking are processes which determine bread quality. Proximate compositions of wheat grains and flour samples from one central milling factory and bread samples from different bakeries in Kamise, Ethiopia were determined using standard methods in the laboratory. The fat and ash contents decreased by milling wheat grains; whereas, the moisture, protein and fat contents of the wheat flours increased in bread samples after baking. Highest amounts of Mg (243.25± 2.5 mg/Kg) and Ca (350.40 ± 2.2 mg/Kg) were found in the bread; while lowest concentrations of Mg (81.25 ± 0.15 mg/Kg) and a higher Ca concentrations (110.75 ± 0.2mg/Kg) were observed in flour samples. Significantly highest amount iron was obtained in the grains than in the flour and bread samples; indicating loss of iron in milling and baking processes. Lead was found on bread samples than in the grain or flour samples, indicative of the presence of contamination during baking processes. The variations between samples due to milling and differences in baking processes which could be as a result of differences in water used, additives and fermentation parameters. The evaluation of milling and baking processes in affecting nutrient composition are important to control the nutritional quality of bread.
A systematic review about stablished methods and thresholds to determine velocity and accelerations in soccer
Authors: Díaz-Soto Francisco J. , Rico-González Markel , Vieira Luiz H. Palucci , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nobari Hadi , Pino-Ortega José
Published: October 2021

Background

Velocity and accelerations have been highlighted as the most important variables in soccer. However, there is a consensus gap to define different levels of effort. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify those articles that purposed a threshold to establish (i) movement intensity at different velocities using tracking systems and (ii) accelerations using inertial measurement units, classifying the justification methods.
Methods

A systematic review of Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Results

From the 1983 studies initially identified, 40 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed.
Conclusios:

The 40 m maximal linear sprint test is the preferred method used in originating speed and acceleration thresholds in soccer despite recent research opted also to consider composite fitness measures such as anaerobic speed reserve. However, there is a substantial heterogeneity on locomotor testing procedures and workload zones established from these performance data while construct validity of several fitness indicators is not yet supported. Studies diverged on recommending, maybe consider or suggested avoid the use of individualized thresholds. Low sampling frequency (≤ 10 Hertz) in publications computing acceleration and deceleration demands should be also interpreted with caution. The present study collated evidence that may help conditioning professionals when processing and interpreting external load data in a soccer context.
Pregnant adolescents and nurses perspectives on accessibility and utilization of maternal and child health information in Ohangwena Region, Namibia
Authors: Shatilwe Joyce T. , Hlongwana Khumbulani , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani P.
Published: October 2021

Background
The reasons for the inability of most pregnant adolescent girls to access and utilize maternal and child health information (MCHI) are not well-documented. This is despite the policy guidelines promoting the provision of this necessary information to pregnant adolescents in order to prepare them for delivery. This provision is one of the strategies envisaged to improve their attendance of ANC visits and their maternal and child health.
Method
Data for this study were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. These were conducted with 12 adolescent pregnant girls between the ages of 15 and 19 and eight nurses from four different health centres in the Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The study was conducted over the period of three months (December 2018 to March 2019). The data was grouped into clusters aided by NVivo computer software version 12. Data were organized and condensed in small units, prior to being coded, categorized, and finally grouped into main themes and sub-themes.
Results
Results revealed that long travel hours to reach the nearest clinics was amongst the leading challenges affecting accessibility and utilization of MCHI for pregnant adolescent girls. This was exacerbated by poor support with transport fare, poor road infrastructure and non-availability of transport, and these factors were key barriers to accessibility and utilization of clinic services. Other barriers pertained to the family dynamics, such as disclosing the pregnancy to the family members prior to commencing antenatal care (ANC) visits and harsh treatment from family members after the disclosure.
Conclusion
The pregnant adolescent girls were concerned about their inability to access and utilize MCHI. The challenges identified made them susceptible to maternal complications, hence their inability to access relevant MCHI to prepare them for pregnancy. Health educational interventions should prioritize both the adolescent girls and their families for proper support, especially since the reactions of families on the pregnancy of their adolescent girls often negatively affect accessibility and utilization of maternal and child health services. Moreover, further research on adolescents' needs during pregnancy should be expanded to include their parents, in order to better inform policymakers.
Associations Between First Parity Wean-to-Service Interval and Sow Lifetime Productivity Traits
Authors: Segura-Correa Jose C. , Ek-Mex Jesús Enrique , Muñoz-Osorio Germani Adrian , Santos-Ricalde Ronald H , Sarmiento-Franco Luis , Calderón-Díaz Julia Adriana
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to 1) investigate associations between first parity wean-to-service interval (WSI) and sows’ lifetime reproductive traits and 2) identify cut-off values for WSI associated with lifetime traits. Data collected in 3,900-sows of farrow-to-finish commercial farm in Yucatan, Mexico. Lifetime productivity records including parity number at culling (NPC), lifetime number piglets born alive (LNBA) from parity two until culling, lifetime non-productive days (LNPD) and length of productive life (LPL) for sows were used. Association between WSI and sow productive traits were evaluated using general linear models, including year and season as categorical fixed effects and WSI as a continuous linear and quadratic predictors. Cut-off values for WSI were estimated using regression tree analysis. WSI was associated (P < 0.05) with LNBA (linear = -0.62 ± 0.025; quadratic 0.02 ± 0.008) and NCP (linear = -0.04 ± 0.018). Similarly, an association (P < 0.05) was observed between WSI and LNPD (linear = 2.81 ± 0.687; quadratic -0.05 ± 0.023). Cut-off values for WSI varied according to each of the predicted variables: WSI > 5 days would translate into longer 13 more days of LPL, WSI < 7 days would increase LNBA by two extra pigs, WSI ≥ 9 days increases NCP by 0.2 parities, and WSI < 10 days would mean 24 fewer LNPD. Shorter WSI during the first parity was associated with improved lifetime productivity traits. The estimated cut-off values for WSI could be used by producers, to decide when to implement strategies to improve management.
Evaluation of the Effect of Lymphocytes, Platelets, Monocytes on the Development of Acute Renal Failure and Atrial Fibrillation After Open Heart Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zadeh Fatemeh Javaherforoosh , Maleknia Mohsen , Dezfuly Marzieh Babazadeh , Javan Mohammad Reza , kazemi Hashem , shams Seyyede fatemeh , rezaeeyan hadi
Published: October 2021

BackgroundCardiac surgery is the most well-known treatment for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery and valvular heart diseases. Following cardiac surgery, systemic inflammatory responses are induced due to myocardial arrest, surgical trauma and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which lead to greater complications and poorer outcomes in patients. There is growing evidence, that evaluating cellular markers in cardiac surgery patients are promising messengers of inflammation and could predict post-operative inflammatory events. In this study, for the first time, hematological parameters and the ratio of inflammatory cells before, during, and after cardiac surgery are assessed to predict inflammatory complications, such as: acute renal injury (AKI) and atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and MethodsThis retrospective study was performed on patients, who underwent elective open-heart surgery; they referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz during November 2014 - March 2017. The profiles of 400 cardiac surgery patients, who underwent CABG were scanned to evaluate the relationship between hematological parameters, cellular-inflammatory indexes, and inflammatory events before, during, and after cardiac surgery. In this study, AKI was diagnosed based on KIDGO criteria; Electro Cardiogram (ECG) was also used to diagnose AF. The specificity and sensitivity of biomarkers were assessed through the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsAccording to the results, the post-operative NLR was significantly associated with AKI (P-Value: 0.03). Serum markers, including BUN and sCr levels were also significantly correlated with AKI and Non-AKI patients in all post-operative periods (P-Value: 0.0001). Hb core related antigen (HbCr) was also associated with AKI as a hematological parameter.ConclusionsThe findings of this study claimed, that post-operative NLR is significantly associated with the occurrence of AKI; it has also the acceptable sensitivity and specificity results. HbCr levels in the postoperative period also has relatively acceptable sensitivity and specificity concerning AKI.
Growing Rods With Sliding Pedicle Screw System for the Treatment of Early-onset Scoliosis: a Retrospective Analysis of 18 Cases With More Than 5-year Follow-up
Authors: Ouyang Zhi-Hua , Xue Jing-Bo , Tang Ming , Zou Ming-Xiang , Wang Cheng , Yan Yi-Guo , Wang Wen-Jun
Published: October 2021

Background: The growing rod (GR) technique is a viable alternative for the current non-fusion treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). However, conventional GRs are lengthened to allow for spinal growth, which requires multiple surgeries under general anesthesia in association with high cost and potentially negative psychosocial outcomes. Methods: In this study, growing rods with a sliding pedicle screw system (GRSPSS) was developed for the treatment of EOS without need of repeated operative lengthening. A retrospective review of clinical data on EOS patients who were treated with GRSPSS system was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique. Results: 33 patients received GRSPSS instrumentation and 18 of them were finally included with more than 5-year follow-up data. There were 10 girls and 8 boys with a mean age of 9 years old. The mean preoperative curve (56.6 degrees) was corrected to 15.5 degrees at the 4-week follow-up. This magnitude of correction maintained at the 5-year follow-up. T1-S1 spinal height gained an average of 42 mm on measurement from postoperative to the final follow-up period. Complications included transient neurological deficit in one case and skin infection at one end of the rods in three cases during the early-postoperative period. Two patients required minimally invasive revision surgery because of shoulder imbalance. Rod breakage occurred in two cases.Conclusions: The GRSPSS can safely and effectively correct spinal deformity at a 5-year follow-up. This new instrumentation may be a promising approach for facilitating spinal growth without repeated lengthening operations.