bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy at Rustenburg Sub-District, Northwest Province, South Africa
Authors: Khangale Happy Maybe Maambiwa , Raliphaswa Ndidzulafhi Selina , Tshililo Azwidihwi Rose
Published: January 2024

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the treatment of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using anti-HIV drugs. The standard treatment consists of a combination of drugs (often called highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART) that suppress HIV replication. As a result, people who have been infected live longer while on ART, which was initiated in South Africa in 2004. Aim: The study aimed to explore the experiences of adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in two primary health care clinics in Rustenburg sub-district Northwest Province. Methods: Qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual approaches were adopted. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the healthcare facilities, and adolescents were chosen using convenience sampling. In-depth individual interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Only 13 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 years were interviewed. Collected data were analyzed using Tesch’s eight steps. Results: Qualitative themes identified included a description of the experiences of adolescents living HIV to adulthood and challenges experienced from childhood to adolescence period. Each theme had different sub-themes which included the paradoxical experiences of being diagnosed with HIV and being on antiretroviral treatment. Adolescents experienced poor adherence to ART due to treatment side effects such as drowsiness, change in body image, and headaches. Self-stigma resulted in adolescents not disclosing their status to their peers, closest and sexual partners which also made them not to adhere well in treatment. Conclusions: The study findings revealed that HIV-positive adolescents encounter various experiences while on ART, which causes them not to adhere to treatment. In the study, adolescents also experienced self-stigma which also affected their treatment adherence and brought fear of losing their loved ones.
Impact of Lysine Succinylation on the Biology of Fungi
Authors: Adejor John , Tumukunde Elisabeth , Li Guoqi , Lin Hong , Xie Rui , Wang Shihua
Published: January 2024

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in protein functionality and the control of various cellular processes and secondary metabolites (SMs) in fungi. Lysine succinylation (Ksuc) is an emerging protein PTM characterized by the addition of a succinyl group to a lysine residue, which induces substantial alteration in the chemical and structural properties of the affected protein. This chemical alteration is reversible, dynamic in nature, and evolutionarily conserved. Recent investigations of numerous proteins that undergo significant succinylation have underscored the potential significance of Ksuc in various biological processes, encompassing normal physiological functions and the development of certain pathological processes and metabolites. This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Ksuc and its diverse functions in fungi. Both conventional investigation techniques and predictive tools for identifying Ksuc sites were also considered. A more profound comprehension of Ksuc and its impact on the biology of fungi have the potential to unveil new insights into post-translational modification and may pave the way for innovative approaches that can be applied across various clinical contexts in the management of mycotoxins.
An Expeditious Neutralization Assay for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Based on a Recombinant Virus Expressing Green Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Wang Juan , Yan Jiecong , Wang Shuaiyong , Chen Ronglin , Xing Yanru , Liu Qingyan , Gao Shuolei , Zhu Yuxiang , Li Jiannan , Zhou Yanjun , Shan Tongling , Tong Wu , Zheng Hao , Kong Ning , Jiang Yifeng , Liu Changlong , Tong Guangzhi , Yu Hai
Published: January 2024

Due to the extensive genetic and antigenic variation in Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), as well as its rapid mutability and evolution, PRRS prevention and control can be challenging. An expeditious and sensitive neutralization assay for PRRSV is presented to monitor neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in serum during vaccine research. Here, a PRRSV expressing eGFP was successfully rescued with reverse genetics based on the infectious clone HuN4-F112-eGFP which we constructed. The fluorescent protein expressions of the reporter viruses remained stable for at least five passages. Based on this reporter virus, the neutralization assay can be easily used to evaluate the level of NAbs by counting cells with green fluorescence. Compared with the classical CPE assay, the newly developed assay increases sensitivity by one- to four-fold at the early antibody response stage, thus saving 2 days of assay waiting time. By using this assay to unveil the dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against PRRSV, priming immunity through either a single virulent challenge or only vaccination could produce limited NAbs, but re-infection with PRRSV would induce a faster and stronger NAb response. Overall, the novel HuN4-F112-eGFP-based neutralization assay holds the potential to provide a highly efficient platform for evaluating the next generation of PRRS vaccines.
Review of Research on Tire–Pavement Contact Behavior
Authors: Gong Zhenlong , Miao Yinghao , Lantieri Claudio
Published: January 2024

This article presents the latest progress in research on tire–pavement contact behavior. Firstly, the tire–pavement contact characteristics and their influencing factors are summarized. Then, the measurement methods and theoretical research on tire–pavement contact behavior are reviewed, and the advantages and shortcomings of different methods are compared and analyzed. Finally, analysis in the field of pavement engineering is summarized based on contact behavior. This article suggests a few key research directions: Tire–pavement contact behavior is influenced by multiple factors; therefore, multi-physical field-coupling analyses need to be carried out. Tire–pavement contact tests are mostly static and non-standardized, and it is a future trend to develop high-precision, low-cost, and standardized instruments that can measure dynamic contact. Theoretical research models rarely involve environmental factors; a contact model of the tire, pavement, and environment needs to be constructed that can truly describe the contact process. There is a relationship between contact characteristics and pavement performance; pavement performance evaluation indexes need to be established based on tire–pavement contact characteristics in the future.
A Comparative Analysis of COVID-19 Response Measures and Their Impact on Mortality Rate
Authors: Konishi Tomokazu
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the population worldwide, with varying responses implemented to control its spread. This study aimed to compare the epidemic data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) to understand the impact of the measures adopted by each country on the mortality rate. (2) Methods: The increase or decrease in the number of confirmed cases was understood in logarithmic terms, for which logarithmic growth rates “K” were used. The mortality rate was calculated as the percentage of deaths from the confirmed cases, which was also used for logarithmic comparison. (3) Results: Countries that effectively detected and isolated patients had a mortality rate 10 times lower than those who did not. Although strict lockdowns were once effective, they could not be implemented on an ongoing basis. After their cancellation, large outbreaks occurred because of medical breakdowns. The virus variants mutated with increased infectivity, which impeded the measures that were once effective, including vaccinations. Although the designs of mRNA vaccines were renewed, they could not keep up with the virus mutation rate. The only effective defence lies in steadily identifying and isolating patients. (4) Conclusions: these findings have crucial implications for the complete containment of the pandemic and future pandemic preparedness.
Cryptanalysis of Two Conditional Privacy Preserving Authentication Schemes for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Kabil Ahmad Mohamad , Aslan Heba , Azer Marianne
Published: January 2024

Conditional Privacy Preserving Authentication (CPPA) schemes are an effective way of securing communications in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), as well as ensuring user privacy and accountability. Cryptanalysis plays a crucial role in pointing out the vulnerabilities in existing schemes to enable the development of more resilient ones. In 2019, Zhang proposed a CPPA scheme for VANET security (PA-CRT), based on identity batch verification (IBV) and Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT). In this paper, we cryptanalyze Zhang’s scheme and point out its vulnerability to impersonation and repudiation attacks. In 2023, Zhang’s scheme was cryptanalyzed by Tao; however, we point out flaws in Tao’s cryptanalysis due to invalid assumptions; hence, we propose countermeasures to Tao’s attacks. Furthermore, in 2021, Xiong proposed a Certificateless Aggregate Signature (CLAS) scheme which is also cryptanalyzed in this paper. Finally, we analyze the causes and countermeasures by pointing out the vulnerabilities in each scheme that enabled us to launch successful attacks and proposing changes that would fortify these schemes against similar attacks in the future.
Insights into the Spray Synthesis of UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 Metal–Organic Frameworks: Effect of Zirconium Precursors and Process Parameters
Authors: Kubo Masaru , Miyoshi Yusuke , Uchitomi Yushi , Shimada Manabu
Published: January 2024

UiO-66, a zirconium-based metal–organic framework, was synthesized using a one-step spray synthesis method to investigate the effects of preheating the precursor solution and Zr sources on crystallinity. Using ZrCl4 with water as a modulator requires preheating at 80 °C for 120 min or 120 °C for 30 min for the spray synthesis of UiO-66 to form secondary building units (SBUs). By contrast, the use of Zr(OnPr)4 with acetic acid (AcOH) as a modulator allowed the spray synthesis of UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 without preheating because of the rapid formation of SBUs with AcOH. The spray-synthesized UiO-66 using Zr(OnPr)4 exhibited a BET surface area of 1258 m2/g and a CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.43 mmol/g at 273 K and 1 bar, while UiO-66-NH2 exhibited a BET surface area of 1263 m2/g and a CO2 adsorption capacity of 6.11 mmol/g under the same conditions.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit—Incidence and Strategies for Prevention
Authors: Rangelova Vanya , Kevorkyan Ani , Raycheva Ralitsa , Krasteva Maya
Published: January 2024

The second most prevalent healthcare-associated infection in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This review aims to update the knowledge regarding the incidence of neonatal VAP and to summarize possible strategies for prevention. The VAP incidence ranges from 1.4 to 7 episodes per 1000 ventilator days in developed countries and from 16.1 to 89 episodes per 1000 ventilator days in developing countries. This nosocomial infection is linked to higher rates of illness, death, and longer hospital stays, which imposes a substantial financial burden on both the healthcare system and families. Due to the complex nature of the pathophysiology of VAP, various approaches for its prevention in the neonatal intensive care unit have been suggested. There are two main categories of preventative measures: those that attempt to reduce infections in general (such as decontamination and hand hygiene) and those that target VAP in particular (such as VAP care bundles, head of bed elevation, and early extubation). Some of the interventions, including practicing good hand hygiene and feeding regimens, are easy to implement and have a significant impact. One of the measures that seems very promising and encompasses a lot of the preventive measures for VAP are the bundles. Some preventive measures still need to be studied.
Comprehensive and Accurate Molecular Profiling of Breast Cancer through mRNA Expression of ESR1, PGR, ERBB2, MKI67, and a Novel Proliferation Signature
Authors: Wegscheider Anne-Sophie , Gorniak Joanna , Rollinson Sara , Gough Leanne , Dhaliwal Navdeep , Guardiola Agustin , Gasior Anna , Helmer Denise , Pounce Zoe , Niendorf Axel
Published: January 2024

Background: An accurate status determination of breast cancer biomarkers (ER, PR, HER2, Ki67) is crucial for guiding patient management. The “gold standard” for assessing these biomarkers in FFPE tissue is IHC, which faces challenges in standardization and exhibits substantial variability. In this study, we compare the concordance of a new commercial RT-qPCR kit with IHC in determining BC biomarker status. Methods: The performance was evaluated using 634 FFPE specimens, which underwent histological analysis in accordance with standard of care methods. HER2 2+ tumors were referred to ISH testing. An immunoreactive score of ≥2/12 was considered positive for ER/PR and 20% staining was used as a cut-off for Ki67 high/low score. RT-qPCR and results calling were performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: High concordance with IHC was seen for all markers (93.2% for ER, 87.1% for PR, 93.9% for HER2, 77.9% for Ki67 and 80.1% for proliferative signature (assessed against Ki67 IHC)). Conclusions: By assessing the concordance with the results obtained through IHC, we sought to demonstrate the reliability and utility of the kit for precise BC subtyping. Our findings suggest that the kit provides a highly precise and accurate quantitative assessment of BC biomarkers.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Maxillary Expander with Tongue Crib in Growing Open-Bite and Skeletal Class II Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Barone Selene , Bennardo Francesco , Diodati Federica , Salviati Marianna , Calabria Elena , Colangeli Walter , Antonelli Alessandro , Giudice Carmen , Giudice Amerigo
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term changes in growing patients with Class II malocclusion and open bite after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 16 growing patients with open-bite malocclusion enrolled in a group treated with a rapid maxillary expander (RME) with a crib (TG), and 16 untreated patients with similar malocclusion in the control group (CG). Cephalograms were recorded before starting the treatment (T0), at the end of the latency phase (T1), and before the fixed therapy (T2) in order to analyze skeletal and dental changes in vertical, transversal, and sagittal relationships. Statistical analysis was performed with α = 0.05 as level of significance. At the end of the active expansion (T1), all subjects in the TG showed a corrected overbite with a statistically significant difference compared to the CG (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in jaw divergence was found in the TG compared to the CG (p < 0.05). At T2, all treated patients maintained a correct overbite. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in maxillary, mandibular, and intermaxillary divergence in the TG compared to the CG (p < 0.05). This protocol could be effective in growing open-bite patients, showing a long-term decrease in facial divergence. The fixed crib allowed to normalize myofunctional activity.
The Perspectives of Key Stakeholders on the Reintroduction of Apex Predators to the United Kingdom
Authors: Wilson Shannon , Campera Marco
Published: January 2024

Apex predators were extirpated from the UK hundreds of years ago. Practitioners have recently advocated for reintroductions of predators in the UK given their role as keystone species. For a reintroduction to take place, a survey of public desirability needs to be conducted. We aimed to understand the perspectives of people across the United Kingdom on the reintroduction of Eurasian lynxes, gray wolves, and brown bears. We collected data via mixed-methods questionnaires from 78 key stakeholders, such as farmers, the general public, nature conservationists, and those in environmental sectors, with these areas being seen as the most affected by these reintroductions. It was organizations that front these stakeholder groups which mainly distributed the survey as well as social media groups. We ran a path analysis, which highlighted that there was a negative correlation between respondents viewing the species as a danger toward livestock and humans, and the respondent seeing it as being good to have that species in their region. Overall, participants who stated that rewilding their region was a priority also stated that it would be good to have Eurasian lynx in their region. That said, 70% of farmers strongly disagreed with the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx. These findings showed that much of the United Kingdom would welcome the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx, but both farmers and the public would fear the loss of livestock that may come along with these species. Support can be gained through education and knowledge, which is a necessary step needed especially targeting farmers before any reintroduction plans can be made.
Construction of Mining Robot Equipment Fault Prediction Model Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Yanshu , Fei Jiyou
Published: January 2024

In the field of mining robot maintenance, in order to enhance the research on predictive modeling, we introduce the LODS model (long short-term memory network (LSTM) optimized deep fusion neural network (DFNN) with spatiotemporal attention network (STAN)). Traditional models have shortcomings in handling the long-term dependencies of time series data and mining the complexity of spatiotemporal information in the field of mine maintenance. The LODS model integrates the advantages of LSTM, DFNN and STAN, providing a comprehensive method for effective feature extraction and prediction. Through experimental evaluation on multiple data sets, the experimental results show that the LODS model achieves more accurate predictions, compared with traditional models and optimization strategies, and achieves significant reductions in MAE, MAPE, RMSE and MSE of 15.76, 5.59, 2.02 and 11.96, respectively, as well as significant reductions in the number of parameters and computational complexity. It also achieves higher efficiency in terms of the inference time and training time. The LODS model performs well in all the evaluation indexes and has significant advantages; thus, it can provide reliable support for the equipment failure prediction of the mine maintenance robot.
Separable ConvNet Spatiotemporal Mixer for Action Recognition
Authors: Cheng Hsu-Yung , Yu Chih-Chang , Li Chenyu
Published: January 2024

Video action recognition is vital in the research area of computer vision. In this paper, we develop a novel model, named Separable ConvNet Spatiotemporal Mixer (SCSM). Our goal is to develop an efficient and lightweight action recognition backbone that can be applied to multi-task models to increase the accuracy and processing speed. The SCSM model uses a new hierarchical spatial compression, employing the spatiotemporal fusion method, consisting of a spatial domain and a temporal domain. The SCSM model maintains the independence of each frame in the spatial domain for feature extraction and fuses the spatiotemporal features in the temporal domain. The architecture can be adapted to different frame rate requirements due to its high scalability. It is suitable to serve as a backbone for multi-task video feature extraction or industrial applications with its low prediction and training costs. According to the experimental results, SCSM has a low number of parameters and low computational complexity, making it highly scalable with strong transfer learning capabilities. The model achieves video action recognition accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art models with a smaller parameter size and fewer computational requirements.
Rare Earth Elements (REE): Origins, Dispersion, and Environmental Implications—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sager Manfred , Wiche Oliver
Published: January 2024

The rare earth elements (REE) comprise a group of 16 chemically very similar elements that occur widespread in rocks, soils, and water bodies, share similar ionic radii to the essential element Ca2+, and consequently also occur in biota. Given that REE form mainly trivalent cations, they also share similarities to Al3+. Compared to their chemical cognate Ca, they have a higher reactivity. Thus, their accumulation in soils may constitute a severe environmental threat. Over the last decades, the increasing use of REE in modern technology and fertilizers raised concerns about the pollution of soils and water bodies, which led to a rapidly increasing number of publications dealing with REE toxicity to plants, animals and humans, the fate of REE in soil–plant systems, REE cycling in ecosystems and impacts of REE pollution on food security. This review aims to give an overview of the current knowledge on the occurrence of REE in the total environment, including relevant environmental processes governing their mobility, chemical speciation and transfer from abiotic compartments into biota. Beginning with an overview of analytical approaches, we summarize the current knowledge on the ecology of REE in the lithosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, including impacts of soil pollution on food security and public health.
Early Dynamics of Carbon Accumulation as Influenced by Spacing of a Populus deltoides Planting
Authors: Gardiner Emile S. , Poudel Krishna P. , Leininger Theodor D. , Souter Ray A. , Rousseau Randall J. , Dahal Bini
Published: January 2024

The fast-growing tree, eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), currently is being planted to catalyze native forest restoration on degraded agricultural sites in the southeastern United States. Many of these restoration sites are appropriate for short rotation woody crop (SRWC) culture that addresses climate mitigation objectives, but information needed to optimize climate mitigation objectives through such plantings is limited. Therefore, we established a 10-year experiment on degraded agricultural land located in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, USA, aiming to quantify the dynamics of aboveground carbon (AGC) accumulation in a cottonwood planting of four replicated spacing levels (3.7 × 3.7 m, 2.7 × 1.8 m, 2.1 × 0.8 m, and (0.8 + 1.8) × 0.8 m) aligned with SRWC systems targeting various ecosystem services. Annual sampling revealed a substantial range in increments of AGC and year 10 carbon stocks among stands of different densities. Mean annual increments for AGC (MAIAGC) were similar for the two tightest spacing levels, peaking higher than for the other two spacings at about 7.5 Mg ha−1 y−1 in year 7. Year 10 AGC ranged between 22.3 Mg ha−1 for stands spaced 3.7 × 3.7 m and 70.1 Mg ha−1 for stands of the two tightest spacings, leading us to conclude that a spacing between 2.1 × 0.8 m and 2.7 × 1.8 m would maximize aboveground carbon stocks through year 10 on sites of similar agricultural degradation. Increments and accumulation of AGC on the degraded site trended lower than values reported from more productive sites but illustrate that quick and substantial transformation of the carbon stock status of degraded agricultural sites can be achieved with the application of SRWCs to restore forests for climate mitigation and other compatible ecosystem services.
Refined Semi-Supervised Modulation Classification: Integrating Consistency Regularization and Pseudo-Labeling Techniques
Authors: Ma Min , Liu Shanrong , Wang Shufei , Shi Shengnan
Published: January 2024

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) plays a crucial role in wireless communication by identifying the modulation scheme of received signals, bridging signal reception and demodulation. Its main challenge lies in performing accurate signal processing without prior information. While deep learning has been applied to AMC, its effectiveness largely depends on the availability of labeled samples. To address the scarcity of labeled data, we introduce a novel semi-supervised AMC approach combining consistency regularization and pseudo-labeling. This method capitalizes on the inherent data distribution of unlabeled data to supplement the limited labeled data. Our approach involves a dual-component objective function for model training: one part focuses on the loss from labeled data, while the other addresses the regularized loss for unlabeled data, enhanced through two distinct levels of data augmentation. These combined losses concurrently refine the model parameters. Our method demonstrates superior performance over established benchmark algorithms, such as decision trees (DTs), support vector machines (SVMs), pi-models, and virtual adversarial training (VAT). It exhibits a marked improvement in the recognition accuracy, particularly when the proportion of labeled samples is as low as 1–4%.
Advanced Numerical Analysis of In-Cylinder Combustion and NOx Formation Using Different Chamber Geometries
Authors: Doppalapudi Arun Teja , Azad Abul Kalam
Published: January 2024

In diesel engines, emission formation inside the combustion chamber is a complex phenomenon. The combustion events inside the chamber occur in microseconds, affecting the overall engine performance and emissions characteristics. This study opted for using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the combustion patterns and how these events affect nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. In this study, a diesel engine model with a flat combustion chamber (FCC) was developed for the simulation. The simulation result of the heat release rate (HRR) and cylinder pressure was validated with the experimental test data (the engine test was conducted at 1500 rpm at full load conditions). The validated model and its respective boundary conditions were used to investigate the effect of modified combustion chamber profiles on NOx emissions. Modified chambers, such as a bathtub combustion chamber (BTCC) and a shallow depth chamber (SCC), were developed, and their combustion events were analysed with respect to the FCC. This study revealed that combustion events such as fuel distribution, unburnt mass fractions, temperature and turbulent zones directly impact NOx emissions. The modified chambers controlled the spread of combustion and provided better fuel distribution, improving engine performance and combustion rates. The SCC (63.2 bar) showed peak pressure rates compared to the FCC (63.02 bar) and BTCC (62.72 bar). This study concluded that the SCC showed better results than other chambers. This study further recommends conducting lean fuel mixture combustion with chamber modifications and optimising fuel spray, such as by adjusting the fuel injection profile, spray angle and injection timing, which has a better tendency to create complete combustion.
Effect of Treatment with Heated Scallop Shell Powder on the Inactivation of Naturally Existing Bacteria and Listeria monocytogenes Inoculated on Chicken Meat
Authors: Omura Kiuta , Kaibara Emi , Yamaguchi Sae , Aoyagi Hana , Nishio Mari , Tomita Kazuhisa , Sawai Jun
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the efficacy of heated scallop shell powder (HSSP) treatment in preserving chicken thigh meat. Chicken thigh meat was treated with HSSP slurry (1% and 5%) for 60 min, and the variation in aerobic bacteria and coliform populations was assessed during refrigerated storage (10 °C). There was a substantial increase in aerobic bacteria, reaching nearly 7 log10 colony forming unit (CFU)/g following 7 days of refrigeration, in the untreated chicken meat. Conversely, the aerobic bacterial population of the HSSP-treated chicken was <5 log10 CFU/g. Coliform growth in the untreated chicken reached over 5 log10 CFU/g following 7 days. In contrast, the coliform population of the HSSP-treated chicken did not reach 5 log10 CFU/g at 1% HSSP concentration; it was suppressed to <4 log10 CFU/g at 5% concentration. Listeria monocytogenes, which can grow at low temperatures, was inoculated into the chicken meat (5 log10 CFU/g) treated with alcohol, which was followed by HSSP. In the untreated chicken, L. monocytogenes increased to 9 log10 CFU/g even when refrigerated for 7 days. However, in the chicken treated with 5% HSSP, L. monocytogenes was suppressed to approximately 3 log10 CFU/g. These findings reveal that HSSP treatment is an effective method for disinfecting meat, inhibiting bacterial growth, and enhancing preservation.
Product Factors Affecting Milk Choices among Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Chen Ao , Moradi Saleh , Hort Joanne
Published: January 2024

In China, milk is promoted both as an optimal food and gift for older adults. To understand the product factors affecting older Chinese adult milk choices, choice simulations and surveys were conducted in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang, China. Participants (n = 1000, aged 45–55 years old and 65–75 years old) were asked to choose one milk product out of eight alternatives for self-consumption and gifting, respectively, and to indicate product factors under their considerations. Results showed that, for self-consumption, the top four most popular milk products (two with domestic brands and two with international brands) were chosen by 84.9% of the participants. Females and younger participants were more open to international brands than their counterparts. Popular milk products differed across cities, potentially due to brand familiarity. Brand (85.9%), on-the-pack, nutrition-related well-being messaging (72.9%), price (63.1%), shelf-life (63.0%), and production date (57.6%) were the most frequently reported product factors considered when choosing milk. More males considered price than females (66.9% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.02). Female and older participants showed greater concern for certain detailed product factors, such as production date and shelf-life, than their counterparts. Variation across cities was limited, with participants in Chengdu and Shenyang showing less concern for certain product factors such as on-the-pack, certificate-related well-being messaging. When milk products were chosen as a gift, although overall milk choice ranking remained similar, package style received increased attention (32.0% vs. 40.8%, p < 0.01), whilst all other product factors, especially price (63.1% vs. 49.5%, p < 0.01), were considered by significantly fewer participants. These findings provide valuable marketing insights, helping to understand consumer preferences and considerations in the process of milk purchase decision-making.
Camel Milk: Antimicrobial Agents, Fermented Products, and Shelf Life
Authors: Hamed Nejat Shifamussa , Mbye Mustapha , Ayyash Mutamed , Ulusoy Beyza Hatice , Kamal-Eldin Afaf
Published: January 2024

The camel milk (CM) industry has witnessed a notable expansion in recent years. This expansion is primarily driven by the rising demand for CM and its fermented products. The perceived health and nutritional benefits of these products are mainly responsible for their increasing popularity. The composition of CM can vary significantly due to various factors, including the breed of the camel, its age, the stage of lactation, region, and season. CM contains several beneficial substances, including antimicrobial agents, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin G, lactoperoxidase, and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase, which protect it from contamination by spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, and contribute to its longer shelf life compared to bovine milk (BM). Nevertheless, certain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia coli, have been detected in CM, which is a significant public health concern. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and monitor the microbial profile of CM and follow good manufacturing practices to guarantee its safety and quality. This review article explores various aspects of CM, including the types of beneficial and harmful bacteria present in it, the composition of the milk, its antimicrobial properties, its shelf life, and the production of fermented CM products.
Different Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation vs. Blood Lipid Profiles—A Study on a Rat Model
Authors: Sokoła-Wysoczańska Ewa , Czyż Katarzyna , Wyrostek Anna
Published: January 2024

Dyslipidemia is a serious condition affecting an increasing number of people, and thus, preventive measures, including supplementation, are being developed. We aimed to compare the effect of linseed oil, its ethyl esters and fish oil supplementation on the serum lipid profiles of rats fed a high-fat diet. Wistar rats were divided into nine groups. Four of them were fed a high-fat diet for the whole experiment, four groups were fed a high-fat diet before the supplementation period and then the control one with supplements, and one was fed a control diet without supplements. The whole experiment lasted 12 weeks. A significant reduction in blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and the LDL fraction was noted in supplemented groups compared to the controls, especially in groups supplemented with ethyl esters of linseed oil and linseed oil compared to fish oil groups. The results were also more beneficial in groups where, in addition to supplementation, there was also a diet change from a high-fat diet to a control diet during the supplementation period. We may conclude that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, combined with a healthy diet, may be a good way of preventing or alleviating dyslipidemia.
Cognitive Function Is Associated with the Genetically Determined Efficiency of DNA Repair Mechanisms
Authors: Cherbuin Nicolas , Patel Hardip , Walsh Erin I. , Ambikairajah Ananthan , Burns Richard , Brüstle Anne , Rasmussen Lene Juel
Published: January 2024

Several modifiable risk factors for neurodegeneration and dementia have been identified, although individuals vary in their vulnerability despite a similar risk of exposure. This difference in vulnerability could be explained at least in part by the variability in DNA repair mechanisms’ efficiency between individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test associations between documented, prevalent genetic variation (single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP) in DNA repair genes, cognitive function, and brain structure. Community-living participants (n = 488,159; 56.54 years (8.09); 54.2% female) taking part in the UK Biobank study and for whom cognitive and genetic measures were available were included. SNPs in base excision repair (BER) genes of the bifunctional DNA glycosylases OGG1 (rs1052133, rs104893751), NEIL1 (rs7402844, rs5745906), NEIL2 (rs6601606), NEIL3 (rs10013040, rs13112390, rs13112358, rs1395479), MUTYH (rs34612342, rs200165598), NTHL1 (rs150766139, rs2516739) were considered. Cognitive measures included fluid intelligence, the symbol–digit matching task, visual matching, and trail-making. Hierarchical regression and latent class analyses were used to test the associations between SNPs and cognitive measures. Associations between SNPs and brain measures were also tested in a subset of 39,060 participants. Statistically significant associations with cognition were detected for 12 out of the 13 SNPs analyzed. The strongest effects amounted to a 1–6% difference in cognitive function detected for NEIL1 (rs7402844), NEIL2 (rs6601606), and NTHL1 (rs2516739). Associations varied by age and sex, with stronger effects detected in middle-aged women. Weaker associations with brain measures were also detected. Variability in some BER genes is associated with cognitive function and brain structure and may explain variability in the risk for neurodegeneration and dementia.
Integrating Seismic Methods for Characterizing and Monitoring Landslides: A Case Study of the Heinzenberg Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation (Switzerland)
Authors: Glueer Franziska , Mreyen Anne-Sophie , Cauchie Léna , Havenith Hans-Balder , Bergamo Paolo , Halló Miroslav , Fäh Donat
Published: January 2024

While geodetic measurements have long been used to assess landslides, seismic methods are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for providing additional insights into subsurface structures and mechanisms. This work aims to characterize the subsurface structures of the deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DSGSD) at Heinzenberg through the integration of active and passive seismic measurements. Seismic techniques can hereby deliver additional information on the subsurface structure and mechanisms involved, e.g., the degree of rock mass degradation, the resonant frequencies of the potentially unstable compartments, and the local fracture network orientations that are influenced by wavefield polarization. By employing advanced methods such as H/V analysis, site-to-reference spectral ratios, polarization analysis, surface wave analysis, and the joint multizonal transdimensional Bayesian inversion of velocity structures, we establish a comprehensive baseline model of the landslide at five selected sites. This baseline model shall help identify potential changes after the refilling of Lake Lüsch, which started in 2021. Our results reveal the rupture surface of the DSGSD at various depths ranging from 30 m at the top to over 90 m in the middle of the slope. Additionally, we estimate key parameters including the shear wave velocities of the different rock masses. The 2D geophysical profiles and rock mass properties contribute to the understanding of the subsurface geometry, geomechanical properties, and potential water pathways. This study demonstrates the significance of integrating seismic methods with traditional geodetic measurements and geomorphologic analysis techniques for a comprehensive assessment of landslides, enhancing our ability to monitor and mitigate hazardous events.
Association between Cognitive Impairment Severity and Polypharmacy in Older Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Study Using Inpatient Data from a Specialised Geriatric Hospital
Authors: Shimazaki Yoshitomo , Kishimoto Keiko , Ishikawa Joji , Iwakiri Rika , Araki Atsushi , Imai Shinobu
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the association between cognitive impairment and polypharmacy in patients with atrial fibrillation prone to cognitive decline, and to elucidate if the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community-based Integrated Care System 21-Items (DASC-21) severity classification indicates drug adjustment. This retrospective cohort study used the DASC-21 and Diagnosis Procedure Combination data at a specialised geriatric hospital with patients hospitalised between April 2019 and March 2022. The association between cognitive severity evaluated using the DASC-21 and polypharmacy was investigated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Data of 1191 inpatients (44.3% aged ≥85 years, 49.0% male) were analysed. Compared with severe cognitive impairment, mild (odds ratio [OR]: 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–8.57) and moderate (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.06–5.72) impairments were associated with concurrent use of ≥6 medications. Antithrombotics were related to polypharmacy. The ORs did not change with 6, 8, or 10 medications (2.11 [95% CI: 1.51–2.95, p < 0.001], 2.42 [95% CI: 1.79–3.27, p < 0.001], and 2.01 [95% CI: 1.46–2.77, p < 0.001], respectively). DASC-21 severity was associated with polypharmacy in patients with atrial fibrillation, with a trend toward decreased polypharmacy from moderate to severe. The DASC-21 may serve as an indicator for drug adjustment in clinical practice.
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Self-Management Interventions for Adults Living with Heart Failure to Improve Patient-Important Outcomes: An Evidence Map of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Santero Marilina , Song Yang , Beltran Jessica , Medina-Aedo Melixa , Canelo-Aybar Carlos , Valli Claudia , Rocha Claudio , León-García Montserrat , Salas-Gama Karla , Kaloteraki Chrysoula , Niño de Guzmán Ena , Ballester Marta , González-González Ana Isabel , Poortvliet Rune , van der Gaag Marieke , Spoiala Cristina , Gurung Pema , Willemen Fabienne , Cools Iza , Bleeker Julia , Kancheva Angelina , Ertl Julia , Laure Tajda , Kancheva Ivana , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Zafra-Tanaka Jessica Hanae , Tsokani Sofia , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Seitidis Georgios , Christogiannis Christos , Kontouli Katerina Maria , Groene Oliver , Sunol Rosa , Orrego Carola , Heijmans Monique , Alonso-Coello Pablo
Published: January 2024

Self-management interventions (SMIs) may enhance heart failure (HF) outcomes and address challenges associated with disease management. This study aims to review randomized evidence and identify knowledge gaps in SMIs for adult HF patients. Within the COMPAR-EU project, from 2010 to 2018, we conducted searches in the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO. We performed a descriptive analysis using predefined categories and developed an evidence map of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We found 282 RCTs examining SMIs for HF patients, comparing two to four interventions, primarily targeting individual patients (97%) globally (34 countries, only 31% from an European country). These interventions involved support techniques such as information sharing (95%) and self-monitoring (62%), often through a mix of in-person and remote sessions (43%). Commonly assessed outcomes included quality of life, hospital admissions, mortality, exercise capacity, and self-efficacy. Few studies have focused on lower socio-economic or minority groups. Nurses (68%) and physicians (30%) were the primary providers, and most studies were at low risk of bias in generating a random sequence for participant allocation; however, the reporting was noticeably unclear of methods used to conceal the allocation process. Our analysis has revealed prevalent support techniques and delivery methods while highlighting methodological challenges. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers striving to optimize SMIs for individuals living with HF.
Effects of Mineralization Degree of Irrigation Water on Yield, Fruit Quality, and Soil Microbial and Enzyme Activities of Cucumbers in Greenhouse Drip Irrigation
Authors: Ouyang Zan , Tian Juncang , Yan Xinfang
Published: January 2024

Water shortages and soil salinization are the bottlenecks of sustainable agricultural development in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Brackish water as a supplementary water source for agricultural irrigation is an important way to solve the shortage of agricultural water resources in arid regions. To study the effect of the mineralization degree of irrigation water (MIW) on the yield and quality of greenhouse fruit cucumber in arid, semi-arid, and cold regions, the effects of MIW on the photosynthesis, yield, and quality of greenhouse fruit cucumber, as well as the soil microorganisms and enzyme activity, were evaluated based on observed data from spring–summer (S−S) and autumn–winter (A−W). In this study, fruit cucumbers from Ningxia sunlight greenhouses were studied in a comparative experimental design with four MIW levels (CK, 2.8–3.0 g L−1; S1, 1.9–2.3 g L−1; S2, 1.2–1.4 g L−1; S3, 0.3–0.5 g L−1) where CK was used as the control treatment. The main indicators of fruit cucumber yield and fruit quality increased with MIW from 0.3 g L−1 to 3.0 g L−1. Compared with CK, the leaf area index (LAI) and net photosynthetic rate (A) of S3 of S−S (A−W) increased by 17.92% (26.32%) and 112.89% (17.68%), respectively. Vitamin C, soluble protein, and nitrate contents increased by 118.75% (24.92%), 41.67% (28.89%), and 43.09% (41.90%), respectively. The soil respiration rate (SRR) increased by 46.51% (90.48%). The yield and water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 35.98% (27.94%) and 12.95% (10.64%), respectively. A model of MIW and soil EC was developed and the applicability of the model was verified, with relative errors ranging from 2.7% to 7.8% (less than 10%). Within the experimental range, irrigation with lower MIW, which facilitated the increase in soil microbial load and soil respiration rate, promoted fruit cucumber growth, A, yield, and DMA, but was not conducive to fruit sugar accumulation; higher MIW was more conducive to improving fruit quality. The comprehensive assessment determined that the better MIW was 0.3–0.5 g L−1 (S3). The results of the study provide a feasible way to improve the quality and efficiency of greenhouse crops irrigated with brackish water in arid and semi-arid cold regions.
Growth and Leaf Color of Coleus under Light Conditions Modified by Translucent Agrivoltaic Panels and Light-Emitting Diodes in a Greenhouse
Authors: Park Suhyun , Kim Jiseon , Oh Wook
Published: January 2024

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) can be used as greenhouse glazing materials in agrivoltaic systems because they are translucent, have different colors, and can produce electricity. However, the light quality of DSSCs differs from that of sunlight, and the visible light transmittance is low. Therefore, we compared the plant shape, growth, and leaf color of coleus, a highly photosensitive plant, under transparent glass and red-colored DSSCs. Coleus ‘Highway Rose’ was grown in transparent (T, the control), shaded (S), and DSSC (D) chambers maintained at 23 ± 2 °C. The DSSC chambers were additionally illuminated with blue (B), green (G), white (W), B+G, and R+B+W light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (D+L) at 60 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density for 15 h from 05:00 to 20:00. The coleus generally exhibited good growth under the T treatment. However, the light quality of DSSCs differed from that of sunlight, and the visible light transmittance decreased. Coleus exhibited increased growth and leaf color characteristics under the supplemental B lighting treatments (D+L(RBW), D+L(B), D+L(BG), and D+L(W)). Supplemental lighting with B LEDs using DSSCs improved plant morphology growth and leaf color. On the other hand, supplemental G lighting reinforced the shade avoidance syndrome. Moreover, DSSCs could aid in reducing the energy required to control the environment.
The Metacaspase Gene PoMCA1 Enhances the Mycelial Heat Stress Tolerance and Regulates the Fruiting Body Development of Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Pei Jingqi , Zhao Mengran , Zhang Lijiao , Wu Xiangli
Published: January 2024

Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most cultivated edible mushrooms worldwide, of which the fruiting body development is a highly complex process involving the precise genetic regulatory network and suitable environmental factors. Metacaspases play important roles in developmental processes and programmed cell death (PCD) induced by some environmental stress in many organisms. In this study, a type I metacaspase, PoMCA1, was identified via the analysis of the enzyme domain and alignment with homologous metacaspases. PoMCA1 overexpression and RNAi mutants were generated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) into the P. ostreatus mycelium. The roles of the PoMCA1 gene in heat stress and fruiting body development were examined. The results show that both of the overexpression transformants were more tolerant to heat stress than the wild-type strain, while the opposite phenomenons were found for the two RNAi strains. Compared with the wild-type strain, the overexpression strain OE-7 had faster formation of the fruiting body, while the two RNAi strains produced significantly more primordia and young fruiting bodies, and presented morphological deformities and slower fruiting body development. All of the results suggest that the PoMCA1 gene is involved in the positive regulation of heat stress tolerance and fruiting body development in P. ostreatus.