bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Tools for the Promotion of Geological and Mining Heritage: Case Study from the Thames Goldfield, Aotearoa, New Zealand
Authors: Cocal-Smith Vanessa , Hinchliffe Graham , Petterson Michael G.
Published: August 2023

The geoheritage value in the Thames District, North Island, New Zealand, is notable for its over 50 epithermal gold deposits associated with the Coromandel Volcanic Zone, significant to the region’s geological, cultural, and mining heritage. This case study was conducted in collaboration with the Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum to develop a series of web-based applications for public outreach and an accessible museum experience through the utilization of specimens from the mineralogical museum. This research applies a conceptual framework of ex situ geoheritage to explore links between local geology with cultural and mining heritage. Minerals and rock specimens collected for the Thames School of Mines Mineralogical Museum were used to create 3D virtual models demonstrating the epithermal mineralization in the Thames Goldfield. Outputs of this project consist of two digital products, including a digital mineral and rock repository and the dissemination of the geological collection through integrating the photogrammetric models into a user-friendly outreach, ArcGIS Storymaps, to depict the geoheritage relationship of the specimens to regional gold mining, and at the same time, to be developed to be implemented in geoscience education and communication. The results of this paper are intended to promote the use of digital tools for enhancing and raising awareness of the geoheritage values of the Thames Goldfield. This approach has relevance for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands in raising awareness of geological, mineral, and mining heritage within widely distributed and often isolated communities across island archipelago nations.
Cardiac Troponin Release after Exercise in Healthy Young Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Conesa-Milian Enric , Cirer-Sastre Rafel , Hernández-González Vicenç , Legaz-Arrese Alejandro , Corbi Francisco , Reverter-Masia Joaquin
Published: August 2023

Cardiac troponin (cTn) is a recognized marker used to assess damage to the heart muscle. Actual research has indicated that the levels of cTn increase after doing exercise in individuals who are in good health, and this is believed to be a result of a normal cellular process rather than a pathological one. The main goal of this study was to investigate the evidence of a postexercise release of cTn in child and adolescent athletes (6–17.9 years old) of different ages, sex, and sports disciplines. The Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases were used to conduct the research up to March 2023. Three hundred and twenty-eight records were identified from the databases, however, only twenty-three studies were included in the review after being screened and quality-assessed by two independent authors. The gender, age of the participants, maturational status, and training level of the participants, the timing of sample collection, the exercise modality, and the number of participants with values above the cut-off reference were the data analyzed. Males, older young people, and individual sports seemed to have higher levels of serum cTn after practice exercise. Different methodologies, analyzers, and cut-off reference values make it difficult to compare the data among studies.
What Is the Comparative Efficacy of Surgical, Endoscopic, Transanal Resection, and Radiotherapy Modalities in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer?
Authors: Isaic Alexandru , Motofelea Alexandru Cătălin , Costachescu Dan , Pop Gheorghe Nicusor , Totolici Bogdan , Popovici Dorel , Diaconescu Razvan Gheorghe
Published: August 2023

Background: Rectal cancer is a significant healthcare burden, and effective treatment is crucial. This research aims to compare the effectiveness of surgical and endoscopic resection, transanal resection, and radiotherapy. Methods: A literature analysis was conducted in order to identify relevant studies, by comparing the different surgical approaches and variables affecting treatment decisions. The findings were analyzed and synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview. Results: Surgical treatment, particularly TME (total mesorectal excision), proved consistent efficacy in achieving complete tumor resection and improving long-term survival. Endoscopic treatment and transanal resection techniques were promising for early-stage tumors but were associated with higher local recurrence rates. Radiotherapy, especially in combination with chemotherapy, played a crucial role in locally advanced cases, improving local control and reducing recurrence risk. Patient data, tumor characteristics, and healthcare system factors were identified as important factors in treatment modality selection. Conclusion: Surgical treatment, specifically TME, remains the recommended standard approach for rectal cancer, providing excellent oncological outcomes. Endoscopic treatment and transanal resection techniques can be considered for selected early-stage cases, while radiotherapy is beneficial for locally advanced tumors. Treatment decisions should be personalized based on patient and tumor characteristics, considering the available resources and expertise within the healthcare system.
Effect of Winter Outdoor Physical Activity on Body Composition and Motor Performance of Polish Adult Men
Authors: Stanaszek Monika , Fugiel Jarosław , Kozieł Sławomir , Sebastjan Anna , Suder Agnieszka , Ignasiak Zofia
Published: August 2023

There is a relationship between physical activity and environmental factors, including weather conditions. Winter should not be a season in which physical activity is abandoned. Previous studies indicate that reducing the daily level of physical activity in adults has a negative impact on their motor proficiency and respiratory endurance, which subsequently translates into diminished quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of winter outdoor physical activity on somatic parameters, body composition, and motor performance of adult men (age 45.4 ± 5.9 years) involved in regular physical activity (physically active PA, n = 31) during the winter season (study group) compared to the control group of physically inactive men (PI, n = 22). Somatic parameters and selected parameters of motor fitness (Eurofit for Adults) were measured in both groups twice, at the beginning (pre) and at the end (post) of the winter season. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and a post hoc LSD test were performed to evaluate the difference between the mean parameter values. In the PA group, a decrease in body fat mass, waist circumference, and abdominal obesity indicators, as well as an increase in skeletal muscle mass were confirmed. Improvements in motor performance parameters, i.e., flexibility, the speed of upper limb movements, hand and forearm muscle grip strength, the strength of the lower part of the torso, and cardiorespiratory endurance were also observed. Regular physical activity in the open air during the winter brings measurable health benefits, positively influencing the body composition and motor efficiency of adult men.
Slow Breathing Reduces Biomarkers of Stress in Response to a Virtual Reality Active Shooter Training Drill
Authors: Dillard Courtney C. , Martaindale Hunter , Hunter Stacy D. , McAllister Matthew J.
Published: August 2023

Tactical occupations regularly encounter life-threatening situations while on duty. Although these occupations are often trained to utilize slow breathing (SB) during intense stress, there is no evidence supporting the effects on markers of stress in response to a virtual reality active shooter training drill (VR-ASD). The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of acute SB on biomarkers of stress in response to a VR-ASD. Seventy-nine (n = 79) subjects performed either slow breathing method 1 (SB1), slow breathing method 2 (SB2), or normal breathing (control) for five minutes, both pre- and post-VR-ASD. Saliva samples were analyzed for stress markers, including α-amylase (sAA) and secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA). Both methods of SB resulted in significantly lower sAA concentrations at 5 (p < 0.001) and 30 min post-VR-ASD (SB1: p = 0.008; SB2: p < 0.001) compared to the control. In the control condition, the sAA concentrations were significantly elevated 5 min post-VR-ASD (p < 0.001) but did not change across time in SB1 or SB2 (p > 0.05). Thus, both SB1 and SB2 reduced the sAA response and resulted in lower concentrations post-VR-ASD. This study was pre-registered as a clinical trial (“Impact of Breathing Interventions on Stress Markers”; NCT05825846).
Perceived Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Preeclampsia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hussien Nahed Ahmed , Shuaib Nazia , Baraia Zeinab Ali , Laradhi Adel Omar , Wang Wenna , Zhang Zhenxiang
Published: August 2023

Preeclampsia has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the preeclamptic women were unaware of this link. Therefore, this study aims to assess women’s knowledge and perception of future CVD after preeclampsia. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. Two hundred and forty-six women with a preeclampsia history were recruited from the Al Salam MCH Center and Suez Canal University Hospital. Data were collected during March 2022 using a socio-demographic questionnaire, an Adapted Coronary Heart disease knowledge tool for preeclamptic women, and The Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (PRHDS). Most women (96%) were unaware of the relationship between CVD and preeclampsia. The women had a low CVD knowledge level (10.26 ± 6.08) as well as a low perception of cardiovascular disease risk (37.15 ± 7.22). There was a significant positive correlation between CVD knowledge and CVD risk perception (r = 0.434, p = 0.000). This study found that preeclampsia survivors underestimated their CVD risk. Based on these findings, preeclamptic women should receive health education sessions on CVD risk and prevention from their nurses and obstetricians. The hospital pre-discharge plan must contain these sessions in written and electronic formats to help women remember and follow CVD risk reduction measures.
Dose-Response Relationship between Gestational Weight Gain and Neonatal Birthweight in Chinese Women with Excess Weight/Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: He Jing , Hu Kaili , Wang Binghua , Chen Zhen , Wang Hui
Published: August 2023

Total gestational weight gain (GWG) is identified as a strong and potentially controllable predictor of long-term health outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and infants. When the total GWG of women with excess weight/obesity and GDM does not exceed the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggested range, neonatal birthweight outcomes may be favorable, but the evidence is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the dose-response relationship between increased total GWG and the risk of neonatal birthweight in Chinese women with excess weight/obesity and GDM. This study obtained electronic medical records (EMR) from the hospital information system (HIS) of the Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children between July 2017, and June 2020. A retrospective study analyzed the effect of the total GWG of women with excess weight/obesity and GDM on neonatal birthweight. The dose-response relationship between total GWG and neonatal birthweight was studied using a generalized linear model and embedded restricted cubic splines (RCS). The average age of all women with GDM was 31.99 ± 4.47 years, and 27.61% were advanced maternal age (≥35 years). The total GWG among women with excess weight and obesity and GDM greater than the IOM recommendations were found in 42.96% and 58.62% of cases, respectively. Total GWG in women with excess weight and excessing the IOM recommended range is a risk factor for large gestational age (LGA) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.1.47, 1.08–2.01] and macrosomia (aOR 1.55, 1.04–2.31). In the obesity above group, excessive weight gain increased the risk of LGA (aOR 2.92, 1.33–6.41) and macrosomia (aOR 2.83, 1.03–7.72). We used an RCS to examine pregnant women with excess weight and GDM and discovered a linear dose-response relationship between total GWG and LGA/macrosomia. In women with excess weight and obesity, increases in total GWG above the lowest end of the IOM recommendations range (7 kg and 5 kg) were associated with an increased risk of LGA and macrosomia. Therefore, research is urgently needed to support maternal and newborn health to provide recommendations for the ideal weight increase in women with excess weight/obesity and GDM.
Multiscale 3D Documentation of the Medieval Wall of Jaén (Spain) Based on Multi-Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Pérez-García José Luis , Mozas-Calvache Antonio Tomás , Gómez-López José Miguel , Vico-García Diego
Published: August 2023

The medieval wall of Jaén is a historical monument that has suffered from the apathy of institutions in recent years, causing its calamitous current status. This study focuses on the previous geomatic tasks developed to obtain a 3D documentation of this site in order to manage future restoration works. The methodology included the integration of data obtained using several geomatic techniques, such as LiDAR and photogrammetry at three scale levels, from the general to the particular. Therefore, data fusion is the main aspect of this methodology, developed in an attempt to take advantage of the benefits of each technique. The application demonstrated the feasibility of using the methodology in order to obtain a complete documentation, including 3D models, orthoimages and DEMs, at several scales with different resolutions and point densities. In addition, we also considered the accuracy of data and products with respect to the project requirements. Another aspect to highlight is the reduction in acquisition time by minimizing the necessity of conducting classic surveying to obtain georeference data. The results show reliable products for supporting restoration tasks and allowing the development of a BIM application to manage them, but also for the dissemination of knowledge regarding this unknown monument.
Enhancing Antioxidant Properties of Prunus spinosa Fruit Extracts via Extraction Optimization
Authors: Kotsou Konstantina , Stoikou Magdalena , Athanasiadis Vassilis , Chatzimitakos Theodoros , Mantiniotou Martha , Sfougaris Athanassios I. , Lalas Stavros I.
Published: August 2023

Prunus spinosa fruit, commonly known as blackthorn or sloe, possesses a wide range of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of various extraction parameters, such as temperature, time, and solvent composition, on the extraction of bioactive compounds from P. spinosa fruit. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize these parameters and evaluate their impact on the antioxidant properties of the extracts. Furthermore, techniques such as ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) were applied, both individually and in combination, to explore their potential effects on the extraction process. The optimal extraction technique proved to be the combination of PEF and US, followed by stirring. The most suitable solvent was 75% ethanol, whereas the optimum extraction time and temperature were 30 min and 80 °C, respectively. Our findings revealed that under the optimum extraction parameters, a significant improvement in the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds from P. spinosa fruit was achieved. More specifically, the optimal conditions, according to partial least squares (PLS) analysis, were a combination of all three extraction modes (PEF‒US‒ST), the shorter extraction time of the present study (30 min), and the corresponding higher temperature (80 °C). As expected, the presence of ethanol was considered necessary, even in an amount of 25%. The total polyphenol content was found to be 30.74 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, the total flavonoids content 3.23 mg rutin equivalents (RtE)/g and the total anthocyanins 125.2 μg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents (CyE)/g. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that neochlorogenic acid was the polyphenol with the highest concentration (4.13 mg GAE/g) in P. spinosa fruit. The antioxidant activity of the optimized, according to PLS analysis, extract was evaluated and found to be 146.09 μmol ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and by the radical scavenging activity (DPPH) assay was 18.56 μmol AAE/g. Additionally, the ascorbic acid was determined to be 119.4 mg/100 g. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the extraction optimization process and the potential applications of P. spinosa fruit in the development of functional foods and pharmaceutical products.
The Use of High-Quality Watermelon Seedlings Is Prerequisite to Limit the Transplanting Shock and Achieve Yield Earliness
Authors: Bantis Filippos , Koukounaras Athanasios
Published: August 2023

One of the most important crops of the Mediterranean, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), is almost exclusively established through seedlings. For many years, agronomists, nurseries, and farmers have aimed to produce and use high-quality seedlings for better growth in the field. However, seedling quality has not been examined as to what defines the subsequent plant, flower, and fruit development, and to what extent. Our aim was to test whether different seedling qualities labeled as “Optimum”, “Acceptable”, or “Not Acceptable” for cultivation actually perform variably in terms of vegetative, flowering, and fruit development, as well as fruit quality after a full growing cycle in the field. Vegetative growth (stem diameter, plant area, and leaf number) was evaluated until flowering and was enhanced for Optimum plants. The flowering of Not Acceptable plants started two days later, while Optimum plants retained a greater number of female flowers throughout the two-week blooming evaluation. Most importantly, Optimum plants developed mature fruits four and six days faster than the Acceptable and Not Acceptable ones, respectively, showing considerable yield earliness. The photosynthetic mechanism, as well as fruit morphology and phytochemical content, were not affected by quality categories. Overall, indeed it is important to use high-quality seedlings to achieve yield earliness of watermelon fruits.
Effect of Dopamine on Growth, Some Biochemical Attributes, and the Yield of Crisphead Lettuce under Nitrogen Deficiency
Authors: Farouk Saad , El-Hady Mahmoud A. M. Abd , El-Sherpiny Mohamed A. , Hassan Mohamed M. , Alamer Khalid H. , Al-Robai Sami Asir , Ali Esmat F. , El-Bauome Hemat A.
Published: August 2023

Nitrogen (N) represents the most important nutrient for plant growth and productivity, but extreme and ineffective usage of N fertilizer results in boosted plant production expenditures and environmental contamination. For the world’s sustainable food production and environmental profits, there has been increased research interest in reducing the use of N fertilization along with improving plant N deficiency (ND) tolerance. Dopamine (DA), a potential antioxidant, mediates several physio-biochemical processes in plants under normal or stressful conditions. However, their roles in increasing ND tolerance in crisphead lettuce are not well-documented. We investigate the role of DA concentration (0.50 and 100 µM) on the growth and yield of crisphead lettuce plants under ND. Under normal conditions (100% recommended N fertilizer dose), DA (50 and 100 μM) application significantly enhanced growth, chlorophyll concentration, N%, antioxidant enzymes activity, as well as yield and its components, decreased nitrate accumulation and oxidative biomarkers compared to untreated plants (0 μM DA). ND significantly decreased plant growth and yield attributes as well as evoked oxidative impairment and nitrate accumulation as compared to 100% recommended N fertilizer dose in the absence of DA. However, within ND conditions, the application of DA concentrations significantly mitigated ND-induced oxidative burst and improved plant growth, chlorophyll concentration, N%, nitrate concentration, peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, total soluble solid, vitamin C, dry matter %, and total sugars, over 0 μM DA treated plants. Current findings highlighted that exogenous application of 100 μM DA could reinforce the crisphead lettuce plant’s resilience to ND by minimizing reactive oxygen species accumulation and promoting enzymatic antioxidants alongside growth, yield, and quality improvement. The beneficial effects of DA in lessening ND’s drastic impacts on crisphead lettuce resulted from upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity, impairment of oxidative biomarkers, and maintaining chlorophyll levels. The current findings open pioneering prospects to reduce nitrogen fertilization by DA application without any drastic effect on plant productivity. But further research is needed to fully understand DA effects and their mechanisms in inducing ND tolerance in different plant species, including crisphead lettuce.
Genetic Assessment, Propagation and Chemical Analysis of Flowers of Rosa damascena Mill. Genotypes Cultivated in Greece
Authors: Ziogou Fotios-Theoharis , Kotoula Aikaterini-Angeliki , Hatzilazarou Stefanos , Papadakis Emmanouil-Nikolaos , Avramis Panos-George , Economou Athanasios , Kostas Stefanos
Published: August 2023

Rosa damascena Mill. is commercially the most important rose species used to produce essential oils. The plants of this species, cultivated in the district of Western Macedonia (Greece) for rose oil production, originated from indigenous genotypes but also nurseries abroad, mainly from Bulgaria. The present study investigated the genetic relationship between nine genotypes of R. damascena from Greece, one genotype from Turkey, three genotypes from Bulgaria and three genotypes from France using the molecular markers ISSR and SCoT. Also, the rooting ability of shoot cuttings from these nine genotypes was investigated by applying 2 g/L of the rooting regulator K-IBA. In addition, petals were chemically analyzed using GC-MS and LC-MS to identify the compounds that are the main components of the rose oil. The nine rose genotypes of R. damascena, cultivated in Greece, one from Turkey and one of the three genotypes from Bulgaria were clustered in one clade in the dendrogram. The other two genotypes from Bulgaria were clustered in a separate clade that demonstrated the existence of genetic diversity among the three Bulgarian genotypes, while the French genotypes were clustered in a third clade. The shoot cuttings rooted relatively easily (55–70%) with the application of K-IBA, without any significant differences among the nine genotypes. Large variation was observed among the nine genotypes in the main volatile compounds of the flower petal extracts, which are related to rose oil components. For these compounds, the concentrations in μg/g of the fresh petal weight were 2-phenylethylalcohol (1148.35–2777.19), nerol (27.45–64.93), citronellol (88.45–206.59), geraniol (69.12–170.99) and nonadecane (209.27–533.15). Of the non-volatile compounds, gallic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid in the petal extracts of the nine genotypes (0.28–0.82 μg/g), while for the flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol variations of 0.35–1.17 μg/g and 0.26–2.13 μg/g were recorded, respectively.
New Data and Recent Updates on Invasive Horticultural Pest Species Acanalonia conica (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in Romania
Authors: Cojocariu Ana , Crîșmaru Alina Elena
Published: August 2023

As a result of increased trade, transportation, and globalization, the phenomenon of growth regarding the entrance of invasive alien species (IAS) represents a serious concern (including flora, fauna, and microbiota). Acanalonia conica (Say, 1830), also known as the green cone-headed planthopper (GCHP), was first identified in the Chrysanthemum collection of the Botanical Garden in Iaşi, Romania. The principal objectives of this article are to update the limited data on the presence of A. conica in Romania, revealing its occurrence in new areas (East Romania, Iași) and on other host plants that were not previously documented in the United States and Europe, as well as to establish the trends of population evolution, with an emphasis on the peak of GCHP population development during the life cycle on East Romania indoor conditions. The evolution of the GCHP population was established using the recorded data on total counts of adults and nymphs observed from a limited area (greenhouse compartment), checked every two days in 115 days of direct observations. The peak of population was established at late-July (25th to 31st day of the month, 30th week of the year) for the conditions of East Romania and it was the appropriate time to monitor the activity of the species, to estimate the damages in specific crops, and to initiate the specific pest control measures. Current findings are significant not only for the general spread of this species in Europe and in Romania but also for the observations regarding new hosts and the population evolution in a greenhouse habitat for the cultivation of ornamental plants.
Simple and Complex Substrates (Sugar, Acetate and Milk Whey) for In Situ Bioremediation of Groundwater with Nitrate and Actinide Contamination
Authors: Myasnikov Ivan , Artemiev Grigory , Lavrinovich Elena , Kazinskaya Irina , Novikov Alexander , Safonov Alexey
Published: August 2023

The complex contamination of groundwater near radioactive waste repositories by nitrates and actinides is a common problem for many nuclear fuel cycle facilities. One of the effective methods to remove nitrates and reduce actinide migration activity is bioremediation through the activation of native microbial communities by soluble electron donors and carbon sources. This work evaluated the effectiveness of using simple and complex electron donors to remove nitrate in the microbial community in an aquifer near the B2 storage of the Siberian Chemical Combine (Seversk, Siberia). The addition of sugar and milk whey led to the maximum efficiency of nitrate-ion removal and a decrease in the redox potential of the system, creating optimal conditions for the immobilization of actinide. Special attention was paid to the behavior of uranium, plutonium, neptunium, and americium under conditions simulating groundwater when sugar, acetate, and milk whey were added and when microbial metabolic products were formed. Neither microbial metabolites nor organic solutions were found to have a significant effect on the leaching of neptunium. At the same time, for plutonium, a decrease in yield was observed when rocks were treated with organic solutions were compared to groundwater treatment without them. Plutonium leaching is significantly affected by rock composition. In rocks with a low clay fraction content, its yield can reach 40%. At the same time, microbial metabolites can increase americium (Am) desorption from rocks with a low clay fraction content. Additionally, particle size analysis was performed using a step-by-step filtration approach, aiming to evaluate the risks that are associated with colloidal phase formation. It was shown that microbiological stimulation resulted in particle enlargement, substantially diminishing the presence of actinides in the form of dissolved or sub-50 nm nanoparticles. This outcome significantly reduced the potential for colloidal and pseudocolloidal transfer, thereby lowering associated risks.
Toward an Experience-Based Model of Recovery and Recovery-Oriented Practice in Mental Health and Substance Use Care: An Integration of the Findings from a Set of Meta-Syntheses
Authors: Klevan Trude , Sommer Mona , Borg Marit , Karlsson Bengt , Sundet Rolf , Kim Hesook Suzie
Published: August 2023

A model of recovery and recovery-oriented practice has been developed based on three previously published meta-syntheses of experiences and processes of mental health and substance use recovery. The model integrates the findings of these three meta-syntheses into three components: experiences of recovery, processes of recovery-oriented practice, and social and material capital. The experiences of recovery involve being, doing, and accessing and are viewed as embedded in the processes of recovery. The processes of recovery-oriented practice aim to mobilize and apply various forms of capital to support the recovery journey. Social and material capital, in turn, constitute the context in which recovery occurs and requires mobilization for the individual and the service system. The model is grounded in the principles of well-being, person-centeredness, embedding, self-determination, and the interdependency of human living. The model is both descriptive and explanatory, as it depicts the experiential and processual aspects of recovery and recovery-oriented practice and their interrelationships. The model as a framework needs to be elaborated further through application in practice and research, especially for understanding how experiences, processes and practices interact over time, and how they are affected by access to material and social capital.
“It Is Definitely a Good Program for Everyone from Every Community”: A Qualitative Study of Community Partner Perspectives on the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Mindfulness Program
Authors: Blignault Ilse , Saab Hend , Youssef Hanan , Baddah Heba , Giourgas Klara , Woodland Lisa
Published: August 2023

Meeting the health needs of migrant and refugee communities is crucial to successful settlement and integration. These communities are often under-served by mental health services. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of a group mindfulness-based intervention tailored for Arabic and Bangla speakers living in Sydney, Australia. This study aimed to explore community partner perspectives on the program’s impact, contributing factors and sustainability, and to elicit suggestions for future development. Data were collected via semi-structured telephone interviews with a purposively selected sample of 16 informants. Thematic analysis was conducted using the Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction (RADaR) technique. Community partners welcomed the emphasis on promoting wellbeing and reported that the community-based in-language intervention, in both face-to-face and online formats, overcame many of the barriers to timely mental health care for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, with a beneficial impact on group participants, program providers, partner organisations and the broader community. Positive outcomes led to stronger community engagement and demand for more programs. For group mental health programs, both trust and safety are necessary. Relationships must be nurtured, diversity within CALD communities recognised, and projects adequately resourced to ensure partner organisations are not overburdened.
Preliminary Evidence of the Association between Time on Buprenorphine and Cognitive Performance among Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder Maintained on Buprenorphine: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pericot-Valverde Irene , Byrne Kaileigh A. , Ortiz Erik G. , Davis Stephanie , Hammond Ethan , Nahvi Shadi , Thrasher James F. , Sivaraj Laksika B. , Cumby Sam , Goodwin Eli , King Ashley C. , Arnsten Julia , Fernández-Artamendi Sergio , Heo Moonseong , Litwin Alain H.
Published: August 2023

People on buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT) commonly present cognitive deficits that have been associated with illicit drug use and dropout from buprenorphine treatment. This study has compared cognitive responses to the Stroop Task and the Continuous Performance Task (CPT) among individuals on BMT, with recent drug use, and healthy controls and explored the associations between cognitive responses and drug use, craving, and buprenorphine use among participants on BMT. The participants were 16 individuals on BMT and 23 healthy controls. All participants completed a 60 min laboratory session in which they completed the Stroop Task and the CPT, a saliva drug test, a brief clinical history that collected substance-use- and treatment-related information, and the Opioid Craving Scale. The results showed that the BMT participants presented more commission errors (MBMT participants = 2.49; Mhealthy controls = 1.38; p = 0.048) and longer reaction times (MBMT participants = 798.09; Mhealthy controls = 699.09; p = 0.047) in the Stroop Task than did the healthy controls. More days on buprenorphine were negatively associated with reaction time in the CPT (−0.52) and the number of commission errors (−0.53), simple reaction time (−0.54), and reaction time correct (−0.57) in the Stroop Task. Neither drug use nor craving was significantly associated with the results for the cognitive tasks. Relative to the control participants, the BMT individuals performed worse in terms of longer reaction times and more commission errors in the Stroop Task. Within the BMT participants, longer times on buprenorphine were associated with better cognitive results in terms of faster reaction times for both tasks and lower commission errors for the Stroop Task.
Biographical Reinvention: An Asset-Based Approach to Understanding the World of Men Living with HIV in Indonesia
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Mwanri Lillian , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Ward Paul Russell
Published: August 2023

HIV diagnosis and management have often caused disruption to the everyday life and imagined futures of people living with HIV, both at individual and social levels. This disruption has been conceptualised, in a rather dystopian way, as ‘biographical disruption’. This paper explores whether or not biographical disruption of living with HIV encourages men living with HIV (MLHIV; n = 40) in Yogyakarta and Belu, Indonesia, to reinvent their sense of self and future over time using internal and external assets. Our analysis uses the concepts of additive and subtractive resilience strategies, and we show how, rather than having a purely disrupted biography, participants talked about their experiences of ‘biographical reinvention’. Study participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique, beginning with two HIV clinics as the settings. Data were collected using one-on-one in-depth interviews, and a qualitative framework analysis was used to guide step-by-step data analysis. The findings showed that, despite the disruptions in their everyday lives (i.e., mental health condition, work, activities, social relationships, etc.) following the HIV diagnosis and management, MLHIV in our study managed to utilise their internal assets or traits (i.e., hope, optimism, resilience) and mobilised external resources (i.e., support from families, friends and healthcare professionals) to cope with the disruptions. An interweaving of these internal assets and external resources enabled them to take on new activities and roles (additive resilience strategies) and give up health compromising behaviours (subtractive resilience strategies). These were effective for most MLHIV in our study, not only to cope with the HIV repercussions and improve their physical and mental health conditions, but to think or work on a ‘reinvented’ biography which encompassed resilience, hope and optimism for better health, life and future. The findings indicate the need for HIV interventions and healthcare systems that provide appropriate support for the development and maintenance of internal assets of PLHIV to enable them to cope with the repercussions of HIV and work on a ‘reinvented’ biography.
Quantitative Fit Testing on Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Use by Peruvian Healthcare Workers Caring for Tuberculosis Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: PROFIT Study 2020
Authors: Inolopú Jorge , Mayma Kevin , Curisinche-Rojas Maricela , Aylas Rula , Flores Juan A. , Rosales-Rimache Jaime
Published: August 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted a shortage of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and the emergence of new FFRs brands. We aimed to determine the fit provided by in-use FFRs in Peruvian healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We enrolled 279 HCWs from 37 primary healthcare centers with highest burden of care for TB in Peru, of which 263 were assessed using quantitative fit tests (QNFT). Results were expressed as real-time fit factor (rt-FF) and overall fit factor (overall-FF), which was categorized as ≥100 (optimal result), 50–99, and <50. Results: We identified 3M 1860 FFRs (33.1%), Xiantao Zhong Yi ZYB-11 FFRs (24.6%) and Makrite 9500 FFRs (20.5%), mainly. Eighty-seven FFRs (33.1%) had an optimal overall-FF, 27 (10.3%) between 50–99, and 149 (56.6%) less than 50. Of the 87 FFRs with optimal overall-FF, 73 (83.9%) were 3M 1860 FFRs. Of the 27 FFRs with overall-FF between 50–99, 7 (25.9%) were Makrite 9500, while of the 149 with overall-FF less than 50, 58 (38.9%), and 47 (31.5%) were Xiantao Zhong Yi ZYB-11 and Makrite 9500, respectively. Conclusion: Xiantao Zhong Yi and Makrite FFRs do not adapt adequately to the face of Peruvian HCWs, most having fit factors less than 50.
Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial: Comparative Efficacy of Dark Chocolate, Coconut Water, and Ibuprofen in Managing Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Nuha Kaifar , Rusmil Kusnandi , Ganiem Ahmad Rizal , Permadi Wiryawan , Diah Herawati Dewi Marhaeni
Published: August 2023

Dysmenorrhea, the pain experienced by women during menstruation, affects a significant proportion of women worldwide and often leads to decreased productivity. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are available for pain relief, but information on their effectiveness, particularly regarding green coconut water, dark chocolate, and Ibuprofen, remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of green coconut water, dark chocolate bars, and Ibuprofen in reducing the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea. In this research, a randomized controlled trial with a quantitative design was conducted, involving 45 participants randomly assigned to receive 330 mL of green coconut water, 35 g of 70% dark chocolate, or 400 mg Ibuprofen. The interventions were administered on the first day of menstruation when dysmenorrhea symptoms typically occur in subjects. This study used a single-dose approach to evaluate the immediate impact of each treatment. The subjects were instructed to consume the given interventional product within 15 min. The pain intensity was measured using a Numeric Rating Scale before the intervention and 2 h after the subjects finished consuming the interventional product. The multivariate Kruskal–Wallis test revealed a significant difference in effectiveness among the three interventions (p < 0.05). The study found that Ibuprofen was the most effective intervention compared to the other interventions. These findings contribute to understanding the treatment options for primary dysmenorrhea and emphasize the efficacy of Ibuprofen (trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05971186).
The Immunological Capacity of Thrombocytes
Authors: Ferdous Farzana , Scott Thomas
Published: August 2023

Thrombocytes are numerous in the blood of aves (birds) and ichthyoids (fish). The origin of this cell type is a common hematopoietic stem cell giving rise to a cell that is active in blood coagulation, inflammatory functions, and the immune response in general. It has been well documented that thrombocytes can phagocytize small particles and bacteria. While phagocytosis with an associated oxidative burst has been reported for chicken thrombocytes, some questions remain as to the degradation capacity of phagosomes in ichthyoids. As innate cells, thrombocytes can be stimulated by bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens to express altered gene expression. Furthermore, there have been observations that led researchers to state that platelets/thrombocytes are capable of serving as “professional antigen presenting cells” expressing CD40, CD80/86, MHC I, and MHC II. This indeed may be the case or, more likely at this time, provide supporting evidence that these cells aid and assist in the role of professional antigen-presenting cells to initiate adaptive immune responses.
Piezo1 in Digestive System Function and Dysfunction
Authors: He Jing , Xie Xiaotian , Xiao Zhuanglong , Qian Wei , Zhang Lei , Hou Xiaohua
Published: August 2023

Piezo1, a non-selective cation channel directly activated by mechanical forces, is widely expressed in the digestive system and participates in biological functions physiologically and pathologically. In this review, we summarized the latest insights on Piezo1’s cellular effect across the entire digestive system, and discussed the role of Piezo1 in various aspects including ingestion and digestion, material metabolism, enteric nervous system, intestinal barrier, and inflammatory response within digestive system. The goal of this comprehensive review is to provide a solid foundation for future research about Piezo1 in digestive system physiologically and pathologically.
CD155 and Its Receptors as Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Paolini Rossella , Molfetta Rosa
Published: August 2023

CD155, also known as the poliovirus receptor, is an adhesion molecule often overexpressed in tumors of different origins where it promotes cell migration and proliferation. In addition to this pro-tumorigenic function, CD155 plays an immunomodulatory role during tumor progression since it is a ligand for both the activating receptor DNAM-1 and the inhibitory receptor TIGIT, expressed on cytotoxic innate and adaptative lymphocytes. DNAM-1 is a well-recognized receptor involved in anti-tumor immune surveillance. However, in advanced tumor stages, TIGIT is up-regulated and acts as an immune checkpoint receptor, counterbalancing DNAM-1-mediated cancer cell clearance. Pre-clinical studies have proposed the direct targeting of CD155 on tumor cells as well as the enhancement of DNAM-1-mediated anti-tumor functions as promising therapeutic approaches. Moreover, immunotherapeutic use of anti-TIGIT blocking antibody alone or in combined therapy has already been included in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to summarize all these potential therapies, highlighting the still controversial role of CD155 during tumor progression.
Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Regulates Gliogenesis and Neurogenesis of Human Neural Stem Cells by Several Signaling Pathways
Authors: Coronel Raquel , Bernabeu-Zornoza Adela , Palmer Charlotte , González-Sastre Rosa , Rosca Andreea , Mateos-Martínez Patricia , López-Alonso Victoria , Liste Isabel
Published: August 2023

Numerous studies have focused on the pathophysiological role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) because the proteolytic processing of APP to β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide is a central event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, many authors consider that alterations in the physiological functions of APP are likely to play a key role in AD. Previous studies in our laboratory revealed that APP plays an important role in the differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs), favoring glial differentiation (gliogenesis) and preventing their differentiation toward a neuronal phenotype (neurogenesis). In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of APP overexpression in hNSCs at a global gene level by a transcriptomic analysis using the massive RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Specifically, we have focused on differentially expressed genes that are related to neuronal and glial differentiation processes, as well as on groups of differentially expressed genes associated with different signaling pathways, in order to find a possible interaction between them and APP. Our data indicate a differential expression in genes related to Notch, Wnt, PI3K-AKT, and JAK-STAT signaling, among others. Knowledge of APP biological functions, as well as the possible signaling pathways that could be related to this protein, are essential to advance our understanding of AD.
Impact of a Whey Protein Hydrolysate Treated by Electrodialysis with Ultrafiltration Membrane on the Development of Metabolic Syndrome and the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Renaud Valentine , Faucher Mélanie , Dubois Marie-Julie , Pilon Geneviève , Varin Thibault , Marette André , Bazinet Laurent
Published: August 2023

The development of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) affects a large number of people around the world and represents a major issue in the field of health. Thus, it is important to implement new strategies to reduce its prevalence, and various approaches are currently under development. Recently, an eco-friendly technology named electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membrane (EDUF) was used successfully for the first time at a semi-industrial scale to produce three fractions concentrated in bioactive peptides (BPs) from an enzymatically hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate (WPC): the initial (F1), the final (F2) and the recovery fraction (F3), and it was demonstrated in vitro that F3 exhibited interesting DPP-IV inhibitory effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of each fraction on in vivo models of obesity. A daily dose of 312.5 mg/kg was administered to High Fat/High Sucrose diet (HFHS) induced C57BL6/J mice for eight weeks. The physiological parameters of each group and alterations of their gut microbiota by the fractions were assessed. Little effect of the different fractions was demonstrated on the physiological state of the mice, probably due to the digestion process of the BP content. However, there were changes in the gut microbiota composition and functions of mice treated with F3.
Petiveria alliacea Reduces Tumor Burden and Metastasis and Regulates the Peripheral Immune Response in a Murine Myeloid Leukemia Model
Authors: Murillo Natalia , Lasso Paola , Urueña Claudia , Pardo-Rodriguez Daniel , Ballesteros-Ramírez Ricardo , Betancourt Giselle , Rojas Laura , Cala Mónica P. , Fiorentino Susana
Published: August 2023

The poor response, adverse effects and drug resistance to treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have led to searching for safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. We previously demonstrated that the alcoholic extract of Petiveria alliacea (Esperanza) has a significant in vitro antitumor effect on other tumor cells and also the ability to regulate energy metabolism. We evaluated the effect of the Esperanza extract in vitro and in vivo in a murine model of AML with DA-3/ER-GM cells. First, a chemical characterization of the extract was conducted through liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In vitro findings showed that the extract modulates tumor metabolism by decreasing glucose uptake and increasing reactive oxygen species, which leads to a reduction in cell proliferation. Then, to evaluate the effect of the extract in vivo, we standardized the mouse model by injecting DA-3/ER-GM cells intravenously. The animals treated with the extract showed a lower percentage of circulating blasts, higher values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, less infiltration of blasts in the spleen, and greater production of cytokines compared to the control group. These results suggest that the antitumor activity of this extract on DA-3/ER-GM cells can be attributed to the decrease in glycolytic metabolism, its activity as a mitocan, and the possible immunomodulatory effect by reducing tumor proliferation and metastasis.