bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of training status on cardiac and vascular functioning in young recreational and competitive male rowers
Authors: Falcioni Lavinia , Gallotta Maria Chiara , Baldari Carlo , Cardinali Ludovica , Campanella Matteo , Ferrari Dafne , Guidetti Laura , Meucci Marco
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of training status on cardiovascular function in young male recreational and competitive rowers.

Methods

Ejection duration in percentage to the heart rate period (ED%), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), augmentation index at 75 bpm (AIx75) and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) of competitive rowers (CR) (age 17.6 ± 4.1 years), recreational rowers (RR) (age 16.7 ± 2.70 years) and athletes practicing other recreational sports (ORS) (age 15.3 ± 1.4 years) were assessed.

Results

ED% was lower in CR compared to ORS (31.9 ± 3.9% vs. 38.4 ± 4.8%; p = 0.026) and cf-PWV was higher in CR compared to ORS (5.5 ± 1.0 m/s vs. 4.7 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.032). SEVR was higher in CR compared to RR and ORS (165.8 ± 33.7% vs. 127.4 ± 30.4% and 128.3 ± 27.8%; p = 0.022) and AIx75 was lower in CR compared to RR and ORS (−15.7 ± 8.6% vs. 1.2 ± 9.9% and 1.5 ± 9.1; p = 0.001).

Discussion

Healthy, young competitive male rowers reported higher myocardial performance and better cardiovascular health than recreational athletes. Interpretations of cf-PWV in competitive rowers should be performed alongside other cardiovascular indicators.
Evaluation of mulberry leaves’ hypoglycemic properties and hypoglycemic mechanisms
Authors: Chen Sikai , Xi Miaomiao , Gao Feng , Li Min , Dong TaiWei , Geng Zhixin , Liu Chunyu , Huang Fengyu , Wang Jing , Li Xingyu , Wei Peifeng , Miao Feng
Published: April 2023

The effectiveness of herbal medicine in treating diabetes has grown in recent years, but the precise mechanism by which it does so is still unclear to both medical professionals and diabetics. In traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry leaf is used to treat inflammation, colds, and antiviral illnesses. Mulberry leaves are one of the herbs with many medicinal applications, and as mulberry leaf study grows, there is mounting evidence that these leaves also have potent anti-diabetic properties. The direct role of mulberry leaf as a natural remedy in the treatment of diabetes has been proven in several studies and clinical trials. However, because mulberry leaf is a more potent remedy for diabetes, a deeper understanding of how it works is required. The bioactive compounds flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, volatile oils, sterols, amino acids, and a variety of inorganic trace elements and vitamins, among others, have been found to be abundant in mulberry leaves. Among these compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols have a stronger link to diabetes. Of course, trace minerals and vitamins also contribute to blood sugar regulation. Inhibiting alpha glucosidase activity in the intestine, regulating lipid metabolism in the body, protecting pancreatic -cells, lowering insulin resistance, accelerating glucose uptake by target tissues, and improving oxidative stress levels in the body are some of the main therapeutic properties mentioned above. These mechanisms can effectively regulate blood glucose levels. The therapeutic effects of the bioactive compounds found in mulberry leaves on diabetes mellitus and their associated molecular mechanisms are the main topics of this paper’s overview of the state of the art in mulberry leaf research for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Analysis of intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation in circulating neutrophils as a rapid assay for the in vivo effect of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Futosi Krisztina , Bajza Boglárka , Deli Dorottya , Erdélyi András , Tusnády Simon , Mócsai Attila
Published: April 2023

Tyrosine kinases are crucial signaling components of diverse biological processes and are major therapeutic targets in various malignancies and immune-mediated disorders. A critical step of development of novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors is the transition from the confirmation of the in vitro effects of drug candidates to the analysis of their in vivo efficacy. To facilitate this transition, we have developed a rapid in vivo assay for the analysis of the effect of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors on basal tyrosine phosphorylation of circulating mouse neutrophils. The assay uses a single drop of peripheral blood without sacrificing the mice. Flow cytometry using intracellular staining by fluorescently labeled anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies revealed robust basal tyrosine phosphorylation in resting circulating neutrophils. This signal was abrogated by the use of isotype control antibodies or by pre-saturation of the anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies with soluble phosphotyrosine amino acids or tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides. Basal tyrosine phosphorylation was dramatically reduced in neutrophils of triple knockout mice lacking the Src-family tyrosine kinases Hck, Fgr, and Lyn. Neutrophil tyrosine phosphorylation was also abrogated by oral administration of the Abl/Src-family inhibitor dasatinib, a clinically used anti-leukemic agent. Detailed dose-response and kinetic studies revealed half-maximal reduction of neutrophil tyrosine phosphorylation by 2.9 mg/kg dasatinib, with maximal reduction observed 2 h after inhibitor administration. Taken together, our assay allows highly efficient analysis of the in vivo effect of orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and may be used as a suitable alternative to other existing approaches.
The prevalence of trimester-specific dietary supplements and associated factors during pregnancy: An observational study
Authors: Liu Ying , Guo Nafei , Feng Haoxue , Jiang Hui
Published: April 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of trimester-specific dietary supplements (DS)s use and their possible correlates during pregnancy.

Method: Pregnant women were convenience sampled and recruited from a comprehensive obstetric care center in Shanghai, China. Data relating to the use of DS during pregnancy, social support and other social-demographic and obstetric data were collected. Trimester-specific DS use and factors related DS were explored.

Results: Of the 2803 women participating in this study, 94.8%, 96.2%, 93.8%, and 94.4% reported the use of at least one DS during pregnancy (all trimesters) and in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Significant differences were noted in the use of DS containing folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamins, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), during the three trimesters of pregnancy. A higher proportion of DS use was negatively associated with certain categories of pregnant woman, including unemployed/housewife, low education level, obese, and low social support. A positive association was identified with gestational age.

Conclusion for practice: Considering the high prevalence of DS use during pregnancy, future studies are needed to evaluate the accuracy and suitability of DS usage during pregnancy.
PGC-1α in osteoarthritic chondrocytes: From mechanism to target of action
Authors: Wang Haochen , Su Jianbang , Yu Minghao , Xia Yang , Wei Yingliang
Published: April 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases, often involving the entire joint. The degeneration of articular cartilage is an important feature of OA, and there is growing evidence that the mitochondrial biogenesis master regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) exert a chondroprotective effect. PGC-1α delays the development and progression of OA by affecting mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, mitophagy and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication in chondrocytes. In addition, PGC-1α can regulate the metabolic abnormalities of OA chondrocytes and inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis. In this paper, we review the regulatory mechanisms of PGC-1α and its effects on OA chondrocytes, and introduce potential drugs and novel nanohybrid for the treatment of OA which act by affecting the activity of PGC-1α. This information will help to further elucidate the pathogenesis of OA and provide new ideas for the development of therapeutic strategies for OA.
Energy spectra of buoyancy-driven bubbly flow in a vertical Hele-Shaw cell
Authors: Ramadugu Rashmi , Pandey Vikash , Perlekar Prasad
Published: April 2023

We present direct numerical simulations (DNS) study of confined buoyancy-driven bubbly flows in a Hele-Shaw setup. We investigate the spectral properties of the flow and make comparisons with experiments. The energy spectrum obtained from the gap-averaged velocity field shows E(k) ∼ k for k < kd, E(k) ∼ k−5 for k > kd, and an intermediate scaling range with E(k) ∼ k−3 around k ∼ kd. We perform an energy budget analysis to understand the dominant balances and explain the observed scaling behavior. For k < kd, energy injection balances dissipation due to drag, whereas for k > kd, the net injection balances net dissipation. We also show that the Navier-Stokes equation with a linear drag can be used to approximate large scale flow properties of bubbly Hele-Shaw flow.
A STAP anti-interference technology with zero phase bias in wireless IoT systems based on high-precision positioning
Authors: Hao Fang , Li Xin , Wang Wei , Zhao Jun
Published: April 2023

Fog computing has been applied to the data processing for the Internet of Things (IoT) based on distributed high-precision Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). However, the space-time adaptive processing (STAP) interference suppression technology in the system will cause fog computing data deviation that includes carrier phase bias and pseudocode offset. An unbiased STAP technique is proposed to eliminate these deviations. First, it is analyzed that the carrier phase bias and pseudocode offset are caused by the non-linear phase response of the STAP equivalent filter. Then, a coefficient-constrained method based on practical engineering processing is proposed, which can eliminate these deviations by restricting the tap coefficients to be symmetrically equal around the center-tap. Moreover, by analyzing the coherent integral function of the pseudocode after filtering, the tap structure of STAP is modified to eliminate the group offset of the pseudocode without increasing the computational complexity and hardware resources. Finally, the unbiased performance and anti-interference performance of the system are verified by numerical and real data simulations.
Infrared and visible image fusion with edge detail implantation
Authors: Liu Junyu , Zhang Yafei , Li Fan
Published: April 2023

Infrared and visible image fusion aims to integrate complementary information from the same scene images captured by different types of sensors into one image to obtain a fusion image with richer information. Recently, deep learning-based infrared and visible image fusion methods have been widely used. However, it is still a difficult problem how to maintain the edge detail information in the source images more effectively. To address this problem, we propose a novel infrared and visible image fusion method with edge detail implantation. The proposed method no longer improves the performance of edge details in the fused image through making the extracted features contain edge detail information like traditional methods, but by processing source image information and edge detail information separately, and supplementing edge details to the main framework. Technically, we propose a two-branch feature representation framework. One branch is used to directly extract features from the input source image, while the other is utilized to extract features of edge map. The edge detail branch mainly provides edge detail features for the source image input branch, ensuring that the output features contain rich edge detail information. In the fusion of multi-source features, we respectively fuse the source image features and the edge detail features, and use the fusion results of edge details to guide and enhance the fusion results of source image features so that they contain richer edge detail information. A large number of experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of strength training on functional outcomes and strength in patients with polyneuropathy: A scoping review
Authors: Pedersen Britt Stævnsbo , Kodal Louise Sloth , Kaalund Anna Bundgaard , Holm-Yildiz Sonja , Pedersen Mette Merete , Dysgaard Tina
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Polyneuropathy (PNP) is a chronic progressive disease that over time can lead to damage of sensory, motor and/or autonomic peripheral nerves. Symptoms vary from predominantly sensory to severe sensorimotor affection both proximally and distally. This can result in considerable functional impairments that affect activities of daily living. In other neurological patients, strength training has shown to improve strength and functional outcomes. Since medical treatment only exists for very few percentages of the underlying causes it is obvious to consider if strength training could be a potential treatment for functional impairments. To date little is known on the effect of strength training in patients with PNP.

Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to summarize research on strength training and outcomes on physical function in patients with PNP.

Methods: We systematically searched five data bases; Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane library and Web of science. Studies on strength training (load ≥70% of 1RM) in patients with PNP were included. The search was carried out in November 2022.

Results: 362 articles were screened by title and abstract, 101 articles were full text screened. Eight studies were included. Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy (CIDP) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) were represented in the studies (five RCTs, two case-series, and one cross-over trial). The methodological quality ranged from fair-poor in seven studies, one study reached good quality. Results from the studies indicated that strength training in CMT, CIDP and DPN may improve strength. However, various outcomes were used to evaluate strength training, so direct comparisons were difficult.

Discussion: In this scoping review we summarized research on strength training and outcomes evaluated in interventions in patients with PNP. Eight studies were included, they indicated that strength training may be beneficial for patients with PNP. However, due to low methodological strength of most studies a recommendation for patients with PNP cannot be made. Thus, the low number of studies with relatively low quality, where various functional outcomes were used, underscores the importance of future studies to evaluate the effect of strength training on relevant functional outcomes and strength in patients with PNP.
Topics and trends in fresh tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf research: A comprehensive bibliometric study
Authors: Chen YiQin , Li YunFei , Shen ChengWen , Xiao LiZheng
Published: April 2023

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is a widely cultivated cash crop and tea is a favorite functional food in the world. Fresh tea leaves (FTLs) play a critical role in bridging the two fields closely related to tea cultivation and tea processing, those are, tea plant biology and tea biochemistry. To provide a comprehensive overview of the development stages, authorship collaboration, research topics, and hotspots and their temporal evolution trends in the field of FTLs research, we conducted a bibliometric analysis, based on 971 publications on FTLs-related research published during 2001-2021 from Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace, R package Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer were employed in this research. The results revealed that the development history can be roughly divided into three stages, namely initial stage, slow development stage and rapid development stage. Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry published most articles in this field, while Frontiers in Plant Science held the highest total citations and h-index. The most influential country, institution, and author in this field was identified as China, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Xiaochun Wan, respectively. FTLs-related research can be categorized into three main topics: the regulation mechanism of key genes, the metabolism and features of essential compounds, and tea plants’ growth and stress responses. The most concerning hotspots are the application of advanced technologies, essential metabolites, leaf color variants, and effective cultivation treatments. There has been a shift from basic biochemical and enzymatic studies to studies of molecular mechanisms that depend on multi-omics technologies. We also discussed the future development in this field. This study provides a comprehensive summary of the research field, making it easier for researchers to be informed about its development history, status, and trends.
Correlation and predictive ability of sensory characteristics and social interaction in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Zhai Jinhe , Li Xiaoxue , Zhou Yong , Fan Lili , Xia Wei , Wang Xiaomin , Li Yutong , Hou Meiru , Wang Jia , Wu Lijie
Published: April 2023

Background

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have different social characteristics and particular sensory processing patterns, and these sensory behaviors may affect their social functioning. The objective of our study is to investigate the sensory profiles of children with ASD and their association with social behavior. Specifically, we aim to identify the predictive role of sensory processing in social functioning.

Methods

The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was utilized to analyze sensory differences between ASD children and their peers. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and other clinical scales were employed to assess the social functioning of children with ASD. Additionally, the predictive ability of sensory perception on social performance was discussed using random forest and support vector machine (SVM) models.

Results

The SSP scores of ASD children were lower than those of the control group, and there was a significant negative correlation between SSP scores and clinical scale scores (P < 0.05). The random forest and SVM models, using all the features, showed higher sensitivity, while the random forest model with 7-feature factors had the highest specificity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for all the models was higher than 0.8.

Conclusion

Autistic children in our study have different patterns of sensory processing than their peers, which are significantly related to their patterns of social functioning. Sensory features can serve as a good predictor of social functioning in individuals with ASD.
Concepts of good mental health and wellbeing in people with intellectual disability: Study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Komenda Sophie , Brunevskaya Nadine , Moritz Paula , Landskron Sarah Jasmin , Zrnic Novakovic Irina , Oberleiter Sandra , Wurzer Jana , Lueger-Schuster Brigitte , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Zeilinger Elisabeth L.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Good mental health is an indispensable aspect of good general health and different definitions of good mental health have been developed for the general population. However, it is not clear how these definitions can be applied to people with intellectual disabilities (ID), as they may have difficulties in many facets encompassed in existing definitions. Yet, people with ID can be mentally healthy or mentally ill just as people without ID.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review is to summarize existing concepts, definitions, and measurement approaches of good mental health and wellbeing for people with ID.

Methods

A comprehensive, systematic literature review will be conducted in 11 databases, including ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ERIC, MedRxiv, OSF preprints, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. By including preprints and theses servers in the search strategy, we will also consider grey and unpublished literature. The quality of included studies will be rated using standardized checklists. All steps of the literature search, data extraction, and quality rating will be performed independently by two trained researchers. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion between these researchers and, if required, by consulting a third team member. In a narrative synthesis, existing approaches to good mental health and wellbeing for people with ID will be systematically described and linked to current research in mental health for people with and without ID.

Discussion

The findings of this study will provide researchers and practitioners with an evidence-based overview of current approaches to good mental health and wellbeing of people with ID. We will explore and discuss the individual facets of the definitions, concepts, and measurement approaches and identify possible gaps which need to be addressed. This will strengthen future research on this topic and focus research activities on important and unresolved themes that need to be targeted to promote health equity for people with ID.
Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in homeless individuals in the Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Shamebo Tsegaye , Mekesha Sindew , Getahun Muluwork , Gumi Balako , Petros Beyene , Ameni Gobena
Published: April 2023

Background

Homeless individuals are at a high risk of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) as compared to the general population. The number of homeless individuals has been increasing in Addis Ababa City during the last three decades due to the migration of rural inhabitants to the City for better living conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and evaluate associated risk factors in homeless individuals in Addis Ababa City.

Methods

A total of 5,600 homeless individuals were screened for PTB symptoms using WHO guideline between February 2019 and December 2020. Sputum samples were cultured from individuals with symptoms of PTB for mycobacterial isolation. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with PTB.

Results

The prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed cases was 1.1% (59/5,600) or 10.54 per 1000 population. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that being homeless for more than 5 years, body mass index (BMI) < 18.5, smoking cigarette, living in a group of more than five individuals, close contact with chronic coughers, imprisonment and HIV infection were significantly associated with the prevalence of PTB in homeless individuals (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the result of this study indicated that the prevalence of PTB in homeless individuals was higher than the prevalence of PTB in the general population of Addis Ababa City requiring for the inclusion of the homeless individuals in the TB control program.
Recent clinical trials with stem cells to slow or reverse normal aging processes
Authors: Garay Ricardo P.
Published: April 2023

Aging is associated with a decline in the regenerative potential of stem cells. In recent years, several clinical trials have been launched in order to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell interventions to slow or reverse normal aging processes (aging conditions). Information concerning those clinical trials was extracted from national and international databases (United States, EU, China, Japan, and World Health Organization). Mesenchymal stem cell preparations were in development for two main aging conditions: physical frailty and facial skin aging. With regard to physical frailty, positive results have been obtained in phase II studies with intravenous Lomecel-B (an allogeneic bone marrow stem cell preparation), and a phase I/II study with an allogeneic preparation of umbilical cord-derived stem cells was recently completed. With regard to facial skin aging, positive results have been obtained with an autologous preparation of adipose-derived stem cells. A further sixteen clinical trials for physical frailty and facial skin aging are currently underway. Reducing physical frailty with intravenous mesenchymal stem cell administration can increase healthy life expectancy and decrease costs to the public health system. However, intravenous administration runs the risk of entrapment of the stem cells in the lungs (and could raise safety concerns). In addition to aesthetic purposes, clinical research on facial skin aging allows direct evaluation of tissue regeneration using sophisticated and precise methods. Therefore, research on both conditions is complementary, which facilitates a global vision.
Modeling needs user modeling
Authors: Çelikok Mustafa Mert , Murena Pierre-Alexandre , Kaski Samuel
Published: April 2023

Modeling has actively tried to take the human out of the loop, originally for objectivity and recently also for automation. We argue that an unnecessary side effect has been that modeling workflows and machine learning pipelines have become restricted to only well-specified problems. Putting the humans back into the models would enable modeling a broader set of problems, through iterative modeling processes in which AI can offer collaborative assistance. However, this requires advances in how we scope our modeling problems, and in the user models. In this perspective article, we characterize the required user models and the challenges ahead for realizing this vision, which would enable new interactive modeling workflows, and human-centric or human-compatible machine learning pipelines.
Diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders: Overview and experience in Oceania
Authors: Rich Alison M. , Hussaini Haizal M. , Nizar Muhammad Aiman Mohd , Gavidi Ratu Osea , Tauati-Williams Elizabeth , Yakin Muhammed , Seo Benedict
Published: April 2023

The diagnosis and management of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) should be the same the world over, but there are important nuances in incidence, aetiological factors, and management opportunities that may lead to differences based on ethnogeography. In this review, we update and discuss current international trends in the classification and diagnosis of OPMD with reference to our experience in various regions in Oceania. Oceania includes the islands of Australia, Melanesia (including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Micronesia and Polynesia (including New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga) and hence has diverse populations with very different cultures and a range from well-resourced high-population density cities to remote villages.
Understanding factors influencing home pregnancy test use among women in western Kenya: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Mazumder Christina , Dollah Annabel , Ouda Rosebel , Okombo Moses , Nyakina Judith , Makia Monica L. , Dettinger Julia C. , Gómez Laurén , Marwa Mary , Ochieng Ben , Abuna Felix , Gwayi-Chore Claire , Pintye Jillian , Kinuthia John , John-Stewart Grace , Pfeiffer James , Mugambi Melissa L.
Published: April 2023

Background

There are limited data on home pregnancy test use among women in low-and-middle-income countries. A prior survey found that only 20% of women in western Kenya used a home pregnancy test to confirm their pregnancies before going to antenatal care. This qualitative study aims to understand why women do not use home pregnancy tests in early pregnancy.

Methods

From April 2021 to July 2021, we interviewed women from four antenatal care clinics in Homa Bay and Siaya counties. We recruited women previously enrolled in the PrEP Implementation for Mothers in Antenatal care (PrIMA) study, a cluster-randomized trial that evaluated the best approaches to implementing PrEP in maternal and child health clinics in Western Kenya (NCT03070600). Interviews were conducted via phone, audio recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. We coded and analyzed the transcripts to capture factors influencing women's capability, opportunity, and motivation to use home pregnancy tests.

Results

We conducted 48 semistructured interviews with women aged 21–42 years. Twenty-seven women did not use a home pregnancy test in their most recent pregnancy. Seventeen of these women reported not using a home pregnancy test before. Lack of knowledge, mistrust in the accuracy of tests, preferring to rely on signs and symptoms of pregnancy or get a test from the health facility, cost, and accessibility were key barriers to home pregnancy test use.

Conclusion

Improving the uptake of home pregnancy testing during early pregnancy will require efforts to enhance community knowledge of test use and associated benefits and reduce cost burdens by making tests more affordable and accessible.
Marine plastic: The solution is bigger than removal
Authors: García-Hermosa M. Isabel , Woodall Lucy C.
Published: April 2023

Despite the increase in the documentation on, and interest in marine debris, there remains a gap between the analytic information available and the recommendations developed by policy and decision makers that could reduce this pollutant. Our paper summarizes some successful initiatives across policy, industry, infrastructure and education; and where they sit in the value chain of plastic products. We suggest that a multidisciplinary approach is required to most effectively address the marine plastic litter problem. This approach should emphasize (1) minimizing plastic production and consumption (where possible), and waste leakage; by (2) improving waste management (taking into consideration the informal sector) rather than focussing on clean-up activities. We then suggest some steps that once addressed would assist policy professionals, and a wide variety of entities and individuals with decision-making to reduce marine plastic litter. We suggest the creation of a user-friendly framework (tool) would facilitate transparency and democratization of the decision-making process across stakeholders and the wider community. This tool would be most useful if it comprised information on (i) defining appropriate metrics for quantifying plastic waste for the study/work case; (ii) providing a list of possible interventions with their key associated enabling and disabling factors, (iii) identifying the main influential factors specific to the situation/region; (iv) recognizing the risks associated with the selected interventions and the consequences of these interventions on the most influential factors; (v) objectively ranking solutions using the information gathered (metrics, targets, risks, factors) based on the regional, national, and/or international context. This tool then provides an opportunity for user groups to explore different suites of options for tackling marine plastic pollution and co-create a suite that is optimum for them.
A new nursing pattern based on ERAS concept for patients with lumbar degenerative diseases treated with OLIF surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Lu Hai-rong , Yang Ao , Li Xu , He Meng-zi , Sun Jia-yuan
Published: April 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to introduce enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept into patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who were treated with oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), and to assess whether it could increase clinical efficacy, reduce perioperative complications, shorten length of hospital stay (LHS), decrease readmission rate, and improve patient satisfaction.

Methods

The study included patients with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDDs) who underwent OLIF between July 2017 and October 2018 (non-ERAS group), and between November 2018 and July 2020 (ERAS group). The two groups were compared according to the demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

There was no significant difference in descriptive characteristics and concomitant diseases between the two groups. The preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) score (P = 0.191), lumbar visual analogue scale (VAS) score (P = 0.470), and leg VAS score (P = 0.657) did not significantly different. Most of the ERAS measures were also well implemented after surgery, except for early delivery (74.2%), early catheter removal (63.9%), and multimodal analgesia (80.6%). The LHS in the ERAS group was significantly shorter than that in the non-ERAS group (P = 0.004). Besides, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) score at 3 days after surgery showed a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.019). The patient satisfaction in ERAS group was significantly higher than that in the non-ERAS group (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The new nursing pattern combined with ERAS in patients with LDDs who underwent OLIF did not improve the short-term prognosis of surgery, while it could effectively reduce postoperative complications, shorten the LHS, and improve patient satisfaction, and did not lead to additional adverse events.
Ethylhexadecyldimethylammonium bromide, a quaternary ammonium compound, controls inflammatory response through NRF2 pathway in a human immortalized keratinocyte cell line
Authors: Aubry Lise , Vallion Romain , Salman Sara , Damiens Marie-Hélène , Ferret Pierre-Jacques , Kerdine-Römer Saadia
Published: April 2023

Many everyday products contain quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and some of them are known to be skin irritants such as benzalkonium chloride. Others, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride, have been shown to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Ethylhexadecyldimethylammonium bromide (EHD) is a QAC for which sensitization potential is not clearly known. Therefore, we have studied its mechanism in human keratinocytes (KC), the main cells of the epidermis. We used the well-described human KC cell line KERTr exposed to EHD, cinnamaldehyde (CinA), a well-known skin sensitizer, and a mixture of both. Since chemical sensitizers are known to activate the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), leading to cellular detoxification and suppressed proinflammatory cytokines, protein or mRNA expression of NRF2 pathway-related enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines were investigated by Western blot and RT-qPCR. The activity of the NRF2 pathway on inflammation was studied by RT-qPCR in NRF2-invalidated KERTr cells. We showed that EHD cannot induce the NRF2 pathway, unlike contact sensitizers like CinA. EHD triggers an inflammatory response by inducing the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β or IL-6. Moreover, mixing EHD and CinA inhibits the effect of CinA on NRF2 expression and mitigates the inflammatory response induced by EHD alone. EHD treatment of KERTr cells in which NRF2 has been invalidated showed an exacerbation of the inflammatory response at the transcriptional level. Hence, EHD may elicit an inflammatory response in KC via the NF-κB pathway, which could lead to irritation when applied to the skin. This inflammation is negatively controlled by the basal activity of the NRF2 pathway.
Canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs engineered with mRNA to overexpress TSG-6 and enhance the anti-inflammatory effects in canine macrophages
Authors: Yun Ga-Hee , Park Su-Min , Lim Ga-Hyun , Seo Kyoung-Won , Youn Hwa-Young
Published: April 2023

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are useful agents in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs are largely related to their secretory properties. mRNA engineering emerged as a safe alternative to enhance the secretory function of MSCs. Optimization of the untranslated region (UTR) sequence is important for enhancing the translational efficiency of exogenous mRNAs. However, research on the optimization of UTR in canine MSCs has not yet been conducted.

Objectives

We aimed to identify the UTR sequence related to the expression efficiency of in vitro transcription (IVT) mRNA in canine MSCs and investigate whether mRNA-engineered MSCs that overexpress TSG-6 exhibit enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods

Canine adipose tissue-derived (cAT)-MSCs were transfected with green fluorescence protein (GFP) mRNA with three different UTRs: canine hemoglobin subunit alpha-like 1 (HBA1), HBA2, and hemoglobin subunit beta-like (HBB). The translation efficacy of each mRNA was evaluated using relative fluorescence. TSG-6 mRNA was produced with the UTR optimized according to relative fluorescence results. cAT-MSCs were transfected with TSG-6 mRNA (MSCTSG-6), and TSG-6 expression was analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR, ELISA, and western blotting. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of MSCsTSG-6, DH82 cells were co-cultured with MSCsTSG-6 or treated with dexamethasone, and changes in the expression of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed using qPCR.

Results

The highest fluorescence level was observed in the HBA1 UTR at 24 h post-transfection. TSG-6 mRNA transfection yielded high levels of TSG-6 in the cAT-MSCs. In DH82 cells co-cultured with MSCsTSG-6, the expression of inflammatory cytokines decreased compared to that in co-culturing with naïve MSCs and dexamethasone treatment.

Conclusions

Optimization of the HBA1 UTR improved the translation efficiency of IVT mRNA in canine MSCs. cAT-MSCs engineered with TSG-6 mRNA effectively enhanced the anti-inflammatory effects of the MSCs when co-cultured with LPS-activated DH82 cells.
Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs
Authors: Pinto Julio , Dissanayake Ravi Bandara , Dhand Navneet , Rojo-Gimeno Cristina , Falzon Laura Cristina , Akwar Holy , Alambeji Rianatou Bada , Beltran-Alcrudo Daniel , Castellan David Mario , Chanachai Karoon , Guitian Javier , Hilmers Angela , Larfaoui Fairouz , Loth Leo , Motta Paolo , Rasamoelina Harentsoaniaina , Salyer Stephanie , Shadomy Sean , Squarzoni Cécile , Rwego Innocent , Santos Carmen Varela , Wongsathapornchai Kachen , Lockhart Caryl , Okuthe Sam , Kane Yaghouba , Gilbert Jeffrey , Soumare Baba , Dhingra Madhur , Sumption Keith , Tiensin Thanawat
Published: April 2023

A workforce with the adequate field epidemiology knowledge, skills and abilities is the foundation of a strong and effective animal health system. Field epidemiology training is conducted in several countries to meet the increased global demand for such a workforce. However, core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology have not been identified and agreed upon globally, leading to the development of different training curricula. Having a set of agreed core competencies can harmonize field veterinary epidemiology training. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated a collective, iterative, and participative process to achieve this and organized two expert consultative workshops in 2018 to develop core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology at the frontline and intermediate levels. Based on these expert discussions, 13 competencies were identified for the frontline and intermediate levels. These competencies were organized into three domains: epidemiological surveillance and studies; field investigation, preparedness and response; and One Health, communication, ethics and professionalism. These competencies can be used to facilitate the development of field epidemiology training curricula for veterinarians, adapted to country training needs, or customized for training other close disciplines. The competencies can also be useful for mentors and employers to monitor and evaluate the progress of their mentees, or to guide the selection process during the recruitment of new staff.
Case report: Low dose dexmedetomidine infusion for the management of hypoglycemia in a dog with an insulinoma
Authors: Green Randolph , Musulin Sarah E. , Baja Alexie Jade , Hansen Bernie D.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the use of a low dose dexmedetomidine infusion as preoperative treatment for hypoglycemia secondary to a functional pancreatic tumor in a dog.

Case summary

An 8.7-year-old castrated male Hungarian Vizsla presented for further evaluation of persistent hypoglycemia after the referring veterinarian established a tentative diagnosis of insulinoma based on paired insulin and glucose measurements. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography demonstrated evidence of a pancreatic mass with possible hepatic metastases. Attempts to aspirate the lesions under ultrasound guidance were unsuccessful, and the dog was hospitalized overnight for planned surgical resection of the presumed pancreatic tumor and biopsy of the hepatic lesions the following day. In response to a progressive increase in patient anxiety and agitation trazodone was prescribed ~5 mg/kg orally every 8 h and gabapentin at ~7 mg/kg every 8 h. As the dog continued to remain anxious dexmedetomidine at a dose of 1 mcg/kg was administered intravenously immediately followed with an infusion of dexmedetomidine at 1 mcg/kg/h. The anxious behaviors were successfully controlled with minimal cardiovascular side effects. Serial blood glucose measurements obtained during this time demonstrated euglycemia. The dog remained euglycemic while receiving dexmedetomidine for the remainder of the pre-operative period and for duration of hospitalization following surgical resection and biopsy.

New or unique information provided

This case report demonstrates a possible role for dexmedetomidine to counteract hypoglycemia in dogs with insulinomas.
A Real-Time Path Planning Algorithm Based on the Markov Decision Process in a Dynamic Environment for Wheeled Mobile Robots
Authors: Chen Yu-Ju , Jhong Bing-Gang , Chen Mei-Yung
Published: April 2023

A real-time path planning algorithm based on the Markov decision process (MDP) is proposed in this paper. This algorithm can be used in dynamic environments to guide the wheeled mobile robot to the goal. Two phases (the utility update phase and the policy update phase) constitute the path planning of the entire system. In the utility update phase, the utility value is updated based on information from the observable environment. Obstacles and walls reduce the utility value, pushing agents away from these impassable areas. The utility value of the goal is constant and is always only the largest. In the policy update, a series of policies can be obtained by the strategy of maximizing its long-term total reward, and the series will eventually form a path towards the goal, regardless of where the agent is located. The simulations and experiments show that it takes longer to find the first path in the beginning due to the large changes of utility value, but once the path is planned, it requires a small amount of time cost to respond to the environmental changes. Therefore, the proposed path planning algorithm has an advantage in dynamic environments where obstacles move in unpredictable ways.
Is Customer Satisfaction Achieved Only with Good Hotel Facilities? A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Baquero Asier
Published: April 2023

Modern hotel business models tend to split ownership of the property and its business operations. It can be assumed that a good-quality hotel facility per se can easily achieve high customer satisfaction. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of customer perception of hotel facilities on customer satisfaction by integrating the mediating effect of customer perception of the personnel and business organization and the moderating effect of the customers’ family income. Three-hundred and seventy-six surveys were completed in two four-star Spanish hotels in June 2022. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the hypothesis in a moderated mediation model, using a bootstrapping method. The results showed that customer perceptions of facilities had a positive effect on their overall satisfaction, which was partially mediated by both personnel and business organization. Family income moderated the relationship between the perception of facilities and satisfaction in such a way that it was more intense in high-income customers. Medium-income customers had a more intense relationship with the perception of the personnel and business organization, together with the hotel facilities being to their satisfaction. Therefore, not only facilities, but also personnel and business organizations are important key players for achieving customer satisfaction in hotels, and family income should also be considered.
Single-Pass Grain Corn Harvest and Stubble Shredding: Performance of Three Corn Header Configurations as Effected by Harvesting Speed and Cutting Height
Authors: Ramm Sebastian , Hasler Mario , Reckleben Yves , Hartung Eberhard
Published: April 2023

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of a new type of corn header equipped with flail knives that shreds corn stubble close to the ground. A field trial was carried out to quantify the influence of the shredding tool design (flail knives, standard knives, horizontal choppers disengaged), harvesting speed (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 km/h) and cutting height (approx. 20 cm variation, 4 levels) on the power consumption of the corn header, engine load and fuel consumption of the combine harvester. The regression analyses revealed that modifications of the shredding tool assembly have significant effects on the parameters of the functional relationships. The power consumption of the flail knives configuration was 15 kW/row unit at 6 km/h at the lowest cutting height setting, making it compatible with most current combine harvester models. The additional power demand and fuel consumption that arise when switching to the new shredding tool design (flail knives) show a wide range, depending on the initial situation. Compared to the standard knives at 6 km/h, the additional power consumption was 3.6–5.5 kW/row unit and the additional fuel consumption was 2.6–3.9 L/ha. Compared to the configuration with disengaged horizontal choppers, it was 5.3–6.6 kW/row unit and 3.9–5.1 L/ha, respectively. At 90% engine load the additional power requirement was 1.6–3.1 kW/row unit and the additional fuel consumption was 2.9–5.6 L/ha compared to the standard knives configuration and 2.6–3.6 kW/row unit and 5.6–7.2 L/ha respectively, compared to the configuration with disengaged horizontal choppers.
Multiple Pesticide Resistance in Rust-Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum, Herbst 1797) from Northern Nigeria Is Probably Driven by Metabolic Mechanisms
Authors: Mukhtar Muhammad M. , Mustapha Muhammad A. , Aliyu Mubarak , Ibrahim Sulaiman S.
Published: April 2023

There is a severe lack of information about molecular mechanisms of pesticide resistance in the rust-red flour beetle, a major pest destroying grains and flour across Nigeria, hindering evidence-based control. Here, we identified to the species level three populations of the red flour beetle from Kano, Nigeria, as Tribolium castaneum (Herbst 1797) and investigated the mechanism driving their insecticide resistance. The IRAC susceptibility bioassays established cypermethrin resistance, with LC50s of 4.35–5.46 mg/mL in the three populations, NNFM, R/Zaki and Yankaba. DDT and malathion resistance were observed in NNFM, with LC50s of 15.32 mg/mL and 3.71 mg/mL, respectively. High susceptibility was observed towards dichlorvos in all three populations with LC50s of 0.17–0.35 mg/mL. The synergist bioassay with piperonylbutoxide significantly restored cypermethrin susceptibility, with mortality increasing almost threefold, from 24.8% obtained with 1.5 mg/mL of cypermethrin to 63.3% in the synergised group (p = 0.013), suggesting a preeminent role of P450s. The two major knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, T929I and L1014F, in the IIS4 and IIS6 fragments of the voltage-gated sodium channel were not detected in both cypermethrin-alive and cypermethrin-dead beetles, suggesting a lesser role of target-site insensitivity mechanisms. These findings highlight the need to explore alternative control tools for this pest and/or utilise synergists, such as piperonyl butoxide, as additional chemistries in pesticide formulations to improve their efficacy.