bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment pattern and health care resource utilization for Taiwanese patients with migraine: a population-based study
Authors: Wang Yen-Feng , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Huang Yao Hsien , Chen Yung-Tai , Yen Yu-Chun , Shia Ben-Chang , Tsai Ching-Wen , Chan Hoi-Fong , Panni Tommaso , Dell’Agnello Grazia
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Given the substantial disease burden, appropriate and effective management of migraine is a public health priority. To gain insights into real-world migraine management practices in Taiwan, current treatment patterns, costs, and health care resource use were assessed.

Methods

This was a retrospective, longitudinal study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Included patients had an initial diagnosis of migraine (defined using International Classification of Diseases codes) between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017. Data analyzed included demographics; the use, number, and type of acute and preventive medications; and drug and medical services costs. Data were stratified according to migraine type (chronic [CM] or episodic [EM] migraine).

Results

A total of 312,718 patients were included in the analyses: 53,992 (17.3%) had CM and 258,726 (82.7%) had EM. Most patients (81.7%) had used acute and/or preventive medications; acute medications used more frequently than preventive medications (78.0% vs. 20.2%). Acute medications were used by 81.6 and 77.3% of patients with CM and EM, respectively. Commonly used acute medications were acetaminophen (68.8%), ergots (49.4%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (38.4%); the use of triptans (6.0%), tramadol (3.1%), and other opioids (0.2%) was less common. A total of 28.6 and 18.5% of patients with CM and EM, respectively, used preventive medications. Flunarizine (68.9%), propranolol (40.7%), and topiramate (16.0%) were the most commonly used preventive medications. Most patients had used 1–2 acute or preventive medications, with the use of ≥3 acute or preventive medications more common in patients with CM than EM. Average total medical costper annumwas 4,169 New Taiwan Dollars (NTDs) per CM patient and 2,928 NTDs per EM patient, with CM patients having higher costs associated with medical service utilization and acute medication use.

Conclusion

These real-world data suggest unmet needs for Taiwanese patients with migraine, including under-utilization of preventive medications and greater costs and health care resource use for patients with CM versus EM. These findings provide important information on treatment patterns, cost, and health care resource use for patients with migraine in Taiwan.
Choriocarcinoma complicated with intra-abdominal and intrapleural hemorrhage in pregnancy – case report
Authors: Jaz Kamila , Miedziarek Cezary , Piasek Ewa , Florek Artur , Nowak-Markwitz Ewa , Zaborowski Mikołaj Piotr
Published: August 2023

Background

Choriocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm, exceptionally uncommon during an ongoing pregnancy. The disease often has a metastatic character, causing severe symptoms from various anatomic sites like the lungs, central nervous system, vagina, pelvis, or liver. Due to the condition’s rarity, evidence on how to treat the choriocarcinoma originating during pregnancy remains scarce.

Case presentation

Here, we present a case of a patient who developed choriocarcinoma before the 29th week of gestation. The neoplasm had a metastatic character, resulting in hemorrhage complicated by a hypovolemic shock. The patient underwent an emergency cesarean section and several surgeries to stop the massive hemorrhage. The treatment of the choriocarcinoma included chemotherapy with methotrexate followed by an EMA-CO regimen. The patient had a complete response to the therapy. The neonate suffered from complications related to prematurity.

Conclusion

Metastatic choriocarcinoma can be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge during ongoing pregnancy. Treatment of the disease can be associated with severe complications, but a complete response to chemotherapy is possible with a favorable long-term prognosis.
Antitumor effect of anti-vascular therapy with STING agonist depends on the tumor microenvironment context
Authors: Czapla Justyna , Drzyzga Alina , Matuszczak Sybilla , Cichoń Tomasz , Rusin Marek , Jarosz-Biej Magdalena , Pilny Ewelina , Smolarczyk Ryszard
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Targeting tumor vasculature is an efficient weapon to fight against cancer; however, activation of alternative pathways to rebuild the disrupted vasculature leads to rapid tumor regrowth. Immunotherapy that exploits host immune cells to elicit and sustain potent antitumor response has emerged as one of the most promising tools for cancer treatment, yet many treatments fail due to developed resistance mechanisms. Therefore, our aim was to examine whether combination of immunotherapy and anti-vascular treatment will succeed in poorly immunogenic, difficult-to-treat melanoma and triple-negative breast tumor models.

Methods

Our study was performed on B16-F10 melanoma and 4T1 breast tumor murine models. Mice were treated with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway agonist (cGAMP) and vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P). Tumor growth was monitored. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was comprehensively investigated using multiplex immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. We also examined if such designed therapy sensitizes investigated tumor models to an immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1).

Results

The use of STING agonist cGAMP as monotherapy was insufficient to effectively inhibit tumor growth due to low levels of STING protein in 4T1 tumors. However, when additionally combined with an anti-vascular agent, a significant therapeutic effect was obtained. In this model, the obtained effect was related to the TME polarization and the stimulation of the innate immune response, especially activation of NK cells. Combination therapy was unable to activate CD8+ T cells. Due to the lack of PD-1 upregulation, no improved therapeutic effect was observed when additionally combined with the anti-PD-1 inhibitor. In B16-F10 tumors, highly abundant in STING protein, cGAMP as monotherapy was sufficient to induce potent antitumor response. In this model, the therapeutic effect was due to the infiltration of the TME with activated NK cells. cGAMP also caused the infiltration of CD8+PD-1+ T cells into the TME; hence, additional benefits of using the PD-1 inhibitor were observed.

Conclusion

The study provides preclinical evidence for a great influence of the TME on the outcome of applied therapy, including immune cell contribution and ICI responsiveness. We pointed the need of careful TME screening prior to antitumor treatments to achieve satisfactory results.
Calmodulin mutations affecting Gly114 impair binding to the NaV1.5 IQ-domain
Authors: Brohus Malene , Busuioc Ana-Octavia , Wimmer Reinhard , Nyegaard Mette , Overgaard Michael Toft
Published: August 2023

Missense variants in CALM genes encoding the Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) cause severe cardiac arrhythmias. The disease mechanisms have been attributed to dysregulation of RyR2, for Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) and/or CaV1.2, for Long-QT Syndrome (LQTS). Recently, a novel CALM2 variant, G114R, was identified in a mother and two of her four children, all of whom died suddenly while asleep at a young age. The G114R variant impairs closure of CaV1.2 and RyR2, consistent with a CPVT and/or mild LQTS phenotype. However, the children carrying the CALM2 G114R variant displayed a phenotype commonly observed with variants in NaV1.5, i.e., Brugada Syndrome (BrS) or LQT3, where death while asleep is a common feature. We therefore hypothesized that the G114R variant specifically would interfere with NaV1.5 binding. Here, we demonstrate that CaM binding to the NaV1.5 IQ-domain is severely impaired for two CaM variants G114R and G114W. The impact was most severe at low and intermediate Ca2+ concentrations (up to 4 µM) resulting in more than a 50-fold reduction in NaV1.5 binding affinity, and a smaller 1.5 to 11-fold reduction at high Ca2+ concentrations (25–400 µM). In contrast, the arrhythmogenic CaM-N98S variant only induced a 1.5-fold reduction in NaV1.5 binding and only at 4 µM Ca2+. A non-arrhythmogenic I10T variant in CaM did not impair NaV1.5 IQ binding. These data suggest that the interaction between NaV1.5 and CaM is decreased with certain CaM variants, which may alter the cardiac sodium current, INa. Overall, these results suggest that the phenotypic spectrum of calmodulinopathies may likely expand to include BrS- and/or LQT3-like traits.
Trinity of inflammation, innate immune cells and cross-talk of signalling pathways in tumour microenvironment
Authors: Attiq Ali , Afzal Sheryar
Published: August 2023

Unresolved inflammation is a pathological consequence of persistent inflammatory stimulus and perturbation in regulatory mechanisms. It increases the risk of tumour development and orchestrates all stages of tumorigenesis in selected organs. In certain cancers, inflammatory processes create the appropriate conditions for neoplastic transformation. While in other types, oncogenic changes pave the way for an inflammatory microenvironment that leads to tumour development. Of interest, hallmarks of tumour-promoting and cancer-associated inflammation are striking similar, sharing a complex network of stromal (fibroblasts and vascular cells) and inflammatory immune cells that collectively form the tumour microenvironment (TME). The cross-talks of signalling pathways initially developed to support homeostasis, change their role, and promote atypical proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and subversion of adaptive immunity in TME. These transcriptional and regulatory pathways invariably contribute to cancer-promoting inflammation in chronic inflammatory disorders and foster “smouldering” inflammation in the microenvironment of various tumour types. Besides identifying common target sites of numerous cancer types, signalling programs and their cross-talks governing immune cells’ plasticity and functional diversity can be used to develop new fate-mapping and lineage-tracing mechanisms. Here, we review the vital molecular mechanisms and pathways that establish the connection between inflammation and tumour development, progression, and metastasis. We also discussed the cross-talks between signalling pathways and devised strategies focusing on these interaction mechanisms to harness synthetic lethal drug combinations for targeted cancer therapy.
Biplanar quadrature coil for versatile low-field extremity MRI
Authors: Yushchenko Maksym , Choquet Philippe , Salameh Najat , Sarracanie Mathieu
Published: August 2023

Biplanar magnets offer extended flexibility in MRI, particularly appealing due to unmatched accessibility to the patient. At low field strength (<0.2 T), such geometries could be particularly suitable for interventional settings or purpose-built applications such as musculoskeletal imaging. In the proposed work, we present a dual-channel, biplanar coil array for low-field MRI featuring almost fully open access when sited in a biplanar magnet. The proposed detector relies on the assembly of two orthogonal biplanar coils (single transmit channel, two receive channels in quadrature) respectively interfaced with custom inductive couplers. Simulations of the B1 field in each element were performed before the quadrature coil was built and used at ∼ 0.1 T (4.33 MHz). Once assembled, the best performance in our setup was achieved in undermatched conditions in place of conventional 50-Ω matching. Phantom images display the extended coverage of the quadrature coil, with similar SNR from each individual biplanar coil. The combined images show an expected SNR gain of 2 that confirms good decoupling between the two channels (−36 dB). To the best of our knowledge, the proposed coil represents the first implementation of a biplanar geometry at low field and the first quadrature detection for a biplanar design. The open design and overall good sensitivity of our biplanar design enabled fast and quasi-isotropic 3D imaging with (1.6 × 1.6 × 2.2) mm3 resolution in vivo in human extremities.
Inactivation influences the extent of inhibition of voltage-gated Ca+2 channels by Gem—implications for channelopathies
Authors: Allam Salma , Levenson-Palmer Rose , Chia Chang Zuleen , Kaur Sukhjinder , Cernuda Bryan , Raman Ananya , Booth Audrey , Dobbins Scott , Suppa Gabrielle , Yang Jian , Buraei Zafir
Published: August 2023

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) directly control muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release, and slower processes such as cell differentiation, migration, and death. They are potently inhibited by RGK GTP-ases (Rem, Rem2, Rad, and Gem/Kir), which decrease Ca2+ channel membrane expression, as well as directly inhibit membrane-resident channels. The mechanisms of membrane-resident channel inhibition are difficult to study because RGK-overexpression causes complete or near complete channel inhibition. Using titrated levels of Gem expression in Xenopus oocytes to inhibit WT P/Q-type calcium channels by ∼50%, we show that inhibition is dependent on channel inactivation. Interestingly, fast-inactivating channels, including Familial Hemiplegic Migraine mutants, are more potently inhibited than WT channels, while slow-inactivating channels, such as those expressed with the Cavβ2a auxiliary subunit, are spared. We found similar results in L-type channels, and, remarkably, Timothy Syndrome mutant channels were insensitive to Gem inhibition. Further results suggest that RGKs slow channel recovery from inactivation and further implicate RGKs as likely modulating factors in channelopathies.
Incorporating the pedigree information in multi-environment trial analyses for improving common vetch
Authors: Munoz Santa Isabel , Nagel Stuart , Taylor Julian Daniel
Published: August 2023

Common vetch is one of the most profitable forage legumes due to its versatility in end-use which includes grain, hay, green manure, and silage. Furthermore, common vetch is one of the best crops to rotate with cereals as it can increase soil fertility which results in higher yield in cereal crops. The National Vetch Breeding Program located in South Australia is focused on developing new vetch varieties with higher grain and dry matter yields, better resistance to major diseases, and wider adaptability to Australian cropping environments. As part of this program, a study was conducted with 35 field trials from 2015 to 2021 in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales with the objective of determining the best parents for future crosses and the vetch lines with highest commercial value in terms of grain yield production. A total of 392 varieties were evaluated. The individual field trials were combined in a multi-environment trial data, where each trial is identified as an environment. Multiplicative mixed models were used to analyze the data and a factor analytic approach to model the genetic by environment interaction effects. The pedigree of the lines was then assembled and incorporated into the analysis. This approach allowed to partition the total effects into additive and non-additive components. The total and additive genetic effects were inspected across and within environments for broad and specific selections of the lines with the best commercial value and the best parents. Summary measures of overall performance and stability were used to aid with selection of parents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which used the pedigree information to breed common vetch. In this paper, the application of this statistical methodology has been successfully implemented with the inclusion of the pedigree improving the fit of the models to the data with most of the total genetic variation explained by the additive heritable component. The results of this study have shown the importance of including the pedigree information for common vetch breeding programs and have improved the ability of breeders to select superior commercial lines and parents.
Unraveling Chinese talk about emotion
Authors: Yik Michelle , Chen Celia Z.
Published: August 2023

Research in cross-cultural psychiatry has asserted that Chinese people have a higher tendency to report somatic symptoms of their psychological distress than people with a European ethnic background. However, recent studies have reached inconsistent conclusions and most have confounded language use with culture in their study designs. Focusing on the varying degrees of orientation to Chinese culture, the present study examined the words freely listed by two Chinese groups of university students (mainland Chinese and Hong Kong Chinese) when describing their illness experience. Words were categorized into somatic, emotion, and somatic–emotion clusters. Overall, the Chinese participants were more willing to talk about their emotions than their somatic symptoms in an anonymous survey. The enculturated mainland Chinese participants—who reported greater Chinese cultural identity—used significantly more emotion words but fewer somatic–emotion words than the Hong Kong Chinese participants. No group differences were found in somatic words. In contrast to previous findings, the current study failed to find support for the relationship between orientation to Chinese culture and somatic symptom reporting when controlling for language use.
Post-healing perceptions and experiences of alcohol withdrawal and life management in men with alcoholic pancreatitis: a qualitative study
Authors: Chen Runpeng , Wang Qinghua , Wang Dongyang , Liu Xinyue , Wang Haiyun , Guo Jiaoyang , Liu Xinghui
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions and experiences of male patients with alcoholic pancreatitis after healing regarding alcohol withdrawal and life management.

Methods

This study used a qualitative descriptive design, and participants were selected by purposive sampling from two tertiary care hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 male patients discharged from the gastroenterology department who had recovered from alcoholic pancreatitis. Colaizzi’s method was used to analyze the interview data, and the findings were reported using COREQ criteria.

Results

By analyzing the interview data, we summarized five themes, (1) the dilemma of sobriety, (2) role change, (3) illness status, (4) family influence, and (5) life management.

Conclusion

By profiling the perceptions and experiences of post-healing alcoholic pancreatitis patients’ alcohol cessation and life management in men, it helps to grasp the details of alcohol cessation and health direction of patients’ home management, which provides more directional guidance to help patients maintain positive and good lifestyle habits and active management awareness, followed by targeted personalized interventions to provide patients with knowledge of disease care and health management.
Factors in cognitive processing of Japanese loanwords by advanced Chinese Japanese-as-a-foreign-language learners
Authors: Geng Yaoyao , Song Qichao , Fei Xiaodong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Previous studies have highlighted the challenges faced by Chinese Japanese-as-a-foreign-language (JFL) learners (whose L2 is English) in acquiring L3 Japanese loanwords. These challenges arise from the linguistic characteristics of loanwords and the limited emphasis on teaching and learning them. However, there is a lack of research on the specific factors that influence the processing of Japanese loanwords among Chinese JFL learners. Significant motivation exists, therefore, to investigate these influencing factors as they provide valuable insight into the integration of phonographic and ideographic language systems, ultimately facilitating future lexical acquisition.

Methods

In this study, an experiment was conducted on 31 Chinese JFL learners to investigate the effects of loanword familiarity, English vocabulary proficiency, English-Japanese phonological similarity, and context on the processing of Japanese loanwords.

Results

Data analysis, using a (generalized) linear mixed-effect model, provided the following insights: (1) the processing of Japanese loanwords is influenced by English-Japanese phonological similarity, loanword familiarity, context, and learner English proficiency. Among these four factors, familiarity has the most significant impact on Japanese loanword processing; (2) the effects of context and phonological similarity on the processing of Japanese loanwords are not consistently positive. As learners improve their proficiency in L3 Japanese, they tend to decrease their reliance on English knowledge and instead access loanword representations directly to conceptual representations.

Discussion

Based on the findings of this study, a processing model for Japanese loanwords among advanced Chinese JFL learners is proposed. The model emphasizes the critical importance of the characteristics of loanwords, including phonological similarity and familiarity. It is necessary to determine the specific circumstances in which context considerably enhances learner processing ability.
Defining and measuring motor imagery in children: mini review
Authors: Saleem Ghazala T.
Published: August 2023

Motor imagery (MI) is the ability to engage in the mental representation of a task consciously or automatically without generating a voluntary movement. While the construct of MI and its various dimensions have been comprehensively studied in adults, research remains limited in children. Children as young as 5 years old can engage in MI, and this engagement is crucial to their motor development and skill acquisition. Further, the degree of skill achievement is directly linked to MI responsiveness. Clinicians and researchers often measure MI responsiveness in children to facilitate skill development and retention. However, few measures exist that can appropriately assess MI responsiveness in children. To date, a focused review examining the MI dimensions in children as well as comparing the characteristics of MI measures in children is lacking, and thus a research gap exists. This paper examines past and current research describing MI ability in children from the theoretical, developmental, and neurological lens and systematically analyzes the properties of three widely used operations – the movement imagery questionnaire in children (MIQ-C), the Florida praxis imaginary questionnaire (FPIQ-C), and the mental chronometry paradigm (MCP) – to measure MI and its dimensions in children.
Predictors of referral behaviour and intention amongst physicians in a medical consortium based on the theory of planned behaviour: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zhao Dongbao , Chen Shengliang , Jin Sihui , Chen Lijin , Zheng Caiyun , Wang Xin , Huang Yixiang
Published: August 2023

Introduction

To promote patients’ referral across healthcare institutions and integrated care delivery, we identified predictors of physicians’ behaviour and intention to refer patients in a county medical consortium in China on the basis of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Methods

This census-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Yangxi Hospital Group (YHG). All physicians in county hospitals and township health centres were invited to participate. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the relationships between referral intention and behaviour and other TPB variables in the group of whole participants and in sub-groups.

Results

In total, 330 physicians participated in this study. One-third of participants were general practitioners, and half of them were from county hospitals. Referral behaviour of females (χ2 = 20.372, p < 0.001), who had lower education levels (χ2 = 17.859, p = 0.001), lower professional title (χ2 = 14.963, p = 0.005), and lower monthly salary (χ2 = 33.753, p < 0.001) were less frequent than the others. Among them, 116 (35.2%), 108 (32.7%), and 106 (32.1%) respondents reported that they had never referred patients, had referred patients 1–9 times, and had referred patients over 10 times during the past 3 months, respectively. The mean score of referral intention was 4.23/5 (SD = 0.71). In the model with all participants, a stronger referral intention (β = 0.218, 95% CI = 0.080–0.356) was associated with more frequent referral behaviour. The subjective norm (β = 0.703, 95% CI = 0.590–0.817) was the strongest predictor of physicians’ referral intention, followed by perceived behavioural control (β = 0.234, 95% CI = 0.090–0.378). Mediated by referral intention, subjective norms (β = 0.153, p < 0.01) and perceived behavioural control (β = 0.190, p < 0.01) had significant indirect effects on physicians’ referral behaviour. The model with participants in county hospitals showed similar results to the model with all participants. Meanwhile, in the model with participants in township health centres, there were no significant associations between referral behaviour and other TPB constructs.

Conclusion

Physicians’ referral behaviour was influenced by intention, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control in Chinese county hospitals.
Research on the impact of the development of green finance in the China region on residents’ health
Authors: Fan Shuhao , Kong Fanchao , Li Cheng
Published: August 2023

In the context of implementing the strategy of “double carbon” and “healthy China,” this paper firstly measures the level of green finance development and the comprehensive index of health care accessibility in each province by using the entropy weight method based on 30 provincial panel data from 2007 to 2021. A panel fixed effects model was also used to empirically analyze the effect of regional green finance development on the improvement of residents’ health. In addition, a panel threshold model was constructed to empirically test the threshold effect of green finance on residents’ health under the influence of four external environments: carbon intensity level, healthcare accessibility, residents’ living standard and human capital level. The empirical results show that the regional green financial development in China significantly improves the health level of residents. And the impact has significant regional heterogeneity, as shown in the improvement effect is more significant for the provinces in the central and western regions. In addition, the impact of green financial development on the health level of residents in China is non-linearly influenced by external environmental factors. The improvement effect of green finance on residents’ health level is more significant in the provinces with higher carbon intensity level, residents’ living standard, human capital level and lower accessibility to medical services. In this regard, regional governments should continue to build and optimize a synergistic development ecosystem of green finance and public health, give full play to the advantages of financial leverage, promote green, low-carbon and high-quality economic and social development, and realize the beautiful vision of harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature.
Characterization of rumen microbiota in lactating Holstein cows fed molasses versus corn grain at two levels of rumen-degradable protein
Authors: Guduk E. , Hall M. B. , Zanton G. I. , Steinberger A. J. , Weimer P. J. , Suen G. , Weigel K. A.
Published: August 2023

We evaluated the influence of diets differing in non-fiber carbohydrates and rumen-degradable protein (RDP) levels on changes in the ruminal bacterial populations in lactating Holstein cows. In all, 12 ruminally cannulated cows were assigned to diets with high or low RDP levels. Within each RDP level, molasses was substituted for corn grain at a concentration of 0%, 5.25%, or 10.5% of diet dry matter in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-day periods. Liquid and solid rumen digesta fractions collected at the end of each period underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify operational taxonomic units and were analyzed for short-chain fatty acids. Protein degradability affected 6 bacterial genera, whereas carbohydrate alteration impacted 13 genera (p < 0.05). Of the 30 genera with the highest relative abundance, 26 differed by digesta fraction (p < 0.05), with Bacteroidetes genera showing a greater abundance in solids and Firmicutes genera demonstrating a greater prevalence in liquids. Regarding relative abundances, with increasing molasses, Succiniclasticum decreased in liquid (p < 0.05), and CF231, YRC22, Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, BF311, and Oscillospira increased in solids (p < 0.05). In contrast, at higher RDP levels, Succiniclasticum increased while YRC22 and Pseudobutyrivibrio decreased in solids (p < 0.05). Genera with abundances found to be correlated with fermentation products in the liquid included Shuttleworthia, Treponema, Lachnospira, and Schwartzia, which typically have lower relative abundances, showing strong positive correlations with molar proportions (mol%) of propionate, butyrate, and valerate (p < 0.05), and negative correlations with pH and acetate mol% (p < 0.05). Fibrobacter was positively correlated with lactate mol% (p < 0.05). Butyrate mol% exhibited a quadratic increase as molasses increased (p = 0.017), and lactate mol% rose with increased RDP levels (p = 0.042). No treatment effects were detected for pH propionate and valerate mol%; however, we observed a tendency (p = 0.075) for a quadratic effect of molasses treatment on the mol% of acetate. These findings substantiate the pivotal role of diet in shaping rumen microbiota and metabolism, elucidating a nuanced relationship between dietary components, bacterial community structure, and metabolic output. This offers a more detailed understanding of rumen function and the potential for high-precision dietary management in lactating cows.
Radio emissions of auroral origin observable at ground level: outstanding problems
Authors: LaBelle James
Published: August 2023

Auroral radio emissions are of intrinsic interest as part of the Earth’s environment but also provide remote sensing of ionospheric conditions and processes and a laboratory for emission processes applicable to a wide range of space and astrophysical plasmas. At VLF and above, four broad classes of radio emissions occur. All have been observed with ground-based and, in some cases to a lesser degree, with space-based instruments. Related to each type of radio emission, many experimental and theoretical challenges remain, for example: explanations of frequency and time structure, relations to auroral substorms or current systems, and application to remote sensing of the auroral ionosphere. In some cases, basic parameters such as source heights or generation mechanisms are uncertain. Emerging technological advances such as cubesat fleets, ultra-large capacity disk drives, and software defined radio show promise for developing better understanding of auroral radio emissions.
Current challenges in the endovascular treatment of medium vessel occlusions
Authors: Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Dibas Mahmoud , Casanova Daniel , Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Farooqui Mudassir , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: August 2023

Medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) account for 25%−40% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). While mechanical thrombectomy is the standard-of-care for selected patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), there is currently a lack of level I evidence of the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) for MeVOs. Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have attempted to answer this relevant clinical question. However, several questions related to the EVT of MeVO stroke may remain unanswered even after successful completion of these trials: What is the optimal EVT approach for secondary MeVOs? Is EVT beneficial for posterior circulation MeVOs? Is pre-EVT intravenous thrombolysis better than EVT alone? What is the optimal first line thrombectomy technique for these lesions? Are the outcome assessment tools used for LVOs appropriate for MeVOs? Upcoming evidence and the natural evolution and development of new technologies will aid in overcoming these challenges.
Uncovering the candidate genes related to sheep body weight using multi-trait genome-wide association analysis
Authors: Li Yunna , Yang Hua , Guo Jing , Yang Yonglin , Yu Qian , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhang Chaoxin , Wang Zhipeng , Zuo Peng
Published: August 2023

In sheep, body weight is an economically important trait. This study sought to map genetic loci related to weaning weight and yearling weight. To this end, a single-trait and multi-trait genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using a high-density 600 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. The results showed that 43 and 56 SNPs were significantly associated with weaning weight and yearling weight, respectively. A region associated with both weaning and yearling traits (OARX: 6.74–7.04 Mb) was identified, suggesting that the same genes could play a role in regulating both these traits. This region was found to contain three genes (TBL1X, SHROOM2 and GPR143). The most significant SNP was Affx-281066395, located at 6.94 Mb (p = 1.70 × 10−17), corresponding to the SHROOM2 gene. We also identified 93 novel SNPs elated to sheep weight using multi-trait GWAS analysis. A new genomic region (OAR10: 76.04–77.23 Mb) with 22 significant SNPs were discovered. Combining transcriptomic data from multiple tissues and genomic data in sheep, we found the HINT1, ASB11 and GPR143 genes may involve in sheep body weight. So, multi-omic anlaysis is a valuable strategy identifying candidate genes related to body weight.
Assessing the impact of draught load pulling on welfare in equids
Authors: Bukhari Syed S. U. H. , Parkes Rebecca S. V.
Published: August 2023

About 112 million working equids are the source of income for 600 million people globally. Many equids are used for pulling loads (up to 15,000 kg per day) to transport goods. Most of them are associated with brick kilns, mining, and agriculture industries in developing countries. They may suffer from welfare issues such as overloading, being beaten, and being forced to work for long periods. These issues may occur due to a poor understanding of load-pulling equids. Understanding their capabilities and the elements that influence them is critical for efficient performance and welfare. The measurement of stride characteristics and gait kinematics can reveal loading adaptations and help identify loading limitations. It is known that both loading and fatigue change the locomotor patterns of load-pulling horses. Heart rate is a stress quantifying metric and an important representative of the speed of work and draught force. Heart rate variability is a regularly used statistic to quantify a physiological response to stresses, but it has never been used for load-pulling equids. Changes in blood lactate, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide contents are reliable biochemical indicators of the effects of load pulling. Changes in plasma cortisol levels reflect the intensity of exercise and stress levels in horses while pulling a load. However, eye blink rate is a cheap, simple, and immediate indicator of acute equine stress, and we suggest it may be used to aid in load-pulling equine welfare assessment. However, further research is needed for a standardized and evidence-based draught load pulling capacity of working horses, mules, and donkeys.
Parametric Investigation of Leading-Edge Slats on a Blended-Wing-Body UAV Using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Antoniou Spyridon , Kapsalis Stavros , Panagiotou Pericles , Yakinthos Kyros
Published: August 2023

The current study investigated the effect of leading-edge slats on the longitudinal stability at high angles of attack of a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). Using a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach and, specifically, the Taguchi method, four leading-edge slat design parameters were investigated on three different levels. These parameters were the slat semi-span, the rotation of the slat element, the extension forward of the leading edge and the downward drop below the leading edge. An L9 orthogonal array (OA) was used to investigate the influence of these key design parameters using three performance criteria, namely the angle at which pitch break occurs, the corresponding speed and the distance between the Neutral point of each configuration and the Neutral point of the reference platform. The investigation was conducted by using high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods for each of the nine configurations defined by the L9 OA, over a range of angles of attack between −4 and 16 degrees. Based on these results, and using a Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) analysis, two combinations were eventually derived, one that optimized pitch break angle and speed and one that optimized longitudinal stability. Finally, the Pareto Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique was conducted to define the contribution of each of the six design parameters on the selected performance criteria. More specifically, the semi-span seemed to have the most significant effect on pitch break angle and speed, whereas the rotation of the slat element was the most important parameter with regard to static stability.
Understanding In Vitro Embryo Development through Classical Germination Measurements: A Case Study of Dragon’s Blood (Croton lechleri Müll Arg.)
Authors: de Albuquerque Janai Pereira , Ribeiro-Oliveira João Paulo , de Oliveira-Júnior João Bosco , da Silva Costa Frederico Henrique , Amaral da Silva Edvaldo Aparecido
Published: August 2023

Sample size fluctuation and the restriction of measurements that demonstrate kinetics (typical of physiological processes) are two of the largest inferential constraints in studies on embryonic development in vitro. Thus, we hypothesize that a practical and robust way of aggregating knowledge on aspects of embryonic development in vitro is to use measurements based on the binary counting component. These are typically used to measure the germination process (intraeminal embryonal development). Our biological model was Dragon’s blood (Croton lechleri Müll Arg.), a species native to the Amazon with great socioeconomic impact. Matrices originating from two populations (one native and another cultivated) were the source of biological material. From this material, we studied five sampling densities (5, 25, 50, and 100 embryos), forming a 2 × 4 factorial ANOVA. Among the measurements studied, the coefficient of variation of time, uncertainty, and the synchronization index were the most sensitive to sample-size fluctuation. The synchronization index, however, also proved to be an interesting measurement to detect the parental effect related to the place of occurrence of the matrices. The embryonic development ability, mean development time, and mean development rate were not affected by fluctuations in the sample size or the origin of the material, demonstrating highly conserved traits of the species. Finally, in general, the measurements based on binary counting demonstrated robustness for modeling embryonic growth.
Melatonin Secretion in Regulating the Circadian Rhythms of Reproduction in Goose (Anser cygnoides)
Authors: Bao Qiang , Liu Di , Guo Yujiao , Gu Wang , Cao Zhengfeng , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yang , Xu Qi , Chen Guohong
Published: August 2023

Circadian rhythms affect the physiology and behavior of most organisms. The ovulation–laying cycle of poultry exhibits evident rhythmic patterns. However, the underlying biological mechanism has remained unclear. Herein, Yangzhou goose (Anser cygnoides) were selected at 6:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 24:00 (n = 6/timepoint) to investigate the regulation of circadian egg-laying through the light-driven melatonin secretion. Our study revealed that the laying rates displayed diurnal fluctuations, with a peak of 40% of eggs being laid between 4:00 and 7:00. The cosine analysis revealed that the expression of clock genes exhibited rhythmicities (p < 0.05). Relevantly, melatonin secretion also displayed circadian rhythmicity and sharply decreases with increasing amount of light (p < 0.001). The immunohistochemical analysis found that the melatonin receptor is highly expressed during the night period. Notably, tissue distribution analysis further revealed that the melatonin receptor genes showed a decreasing trend in the pineal gland and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonad (HPG) axis throughout the day. Concomitantly, the expression of reproduction-related genes at 12:00 was significantly higher than that at 24:00 (p < 0.01). Taken together, these data suggested cyclical secretion of melatonin in response to photoperiod, which acts as a neuroendocrine transducer of circadian rhythm and the time preference of reproduction in domestic geese.
Research on Insect Pest Identification in Rice Canopy Based on GA-Mask R-CNN
Authors: Liu Sitao , Fu Shenghui , Hu Anrui , Ma Pan , Hu Xianliang , Tian Xinyu , Zhang Hongjian , Liu Shuangxi
Published: August 2023

Aiming at difficult image acquisition and low recognition accuracy of two rice canopy pests, rice stem borer and rice leaf roller, we constructed a GA-Mask R-CNN (Generative Adversarial Based Mask Region Convolutional Neural Network) intelligent recognition model for rice stem borer and rice leaf roller, and we combined it with field monitoring equipment for them. Firstly, based on the biological habits of rice canopy pests, a variety of rice pest collection methods were used to obtain the images of rice stem borer and rice leaf roller pests. Based on different segmentation algorithms, the rice pest images were segmented to extract single pest samples. Secondly, the bug generator based on a generative adversarial network strategy improves the sensitivity of the classification network to the bug information, generates the pest information images in the real environment, and obtains the sample dataset for deep learning through multi-way augmentation. Then, through adding channel attention ECA module in Mask R-CNN and improving the connection of residual blocks in the backbone network ResNet101, the recognition accuracy of the model is improved. Finally, the GA-Mask R-CNN model was tested on a multi-source dataset with an average precision (AP) of 92.71%, recall (R) of 89.28% and a balanced score F1 of 90.96%. The average precision, recall, and balanced score F1 are improved by 7.07, 7.65, and 8.83%, respectively, compared to the original Mask R-CNN. The results show that the GA-Mask R-CNN model performance indexes are all better than the Mask R-CNN, the Faster R-CNN, the SSD, the YOLOv5, and other network models, which can provide technical support for remote intelligent monitoring of rice pests.
Metabolic Profile of Growing Immune- and Surgically Castrated Iberian Pigs Fed Diets of Different Amino Acid Concentration
Authors: Fernández-Fígares Ignacio , Haro Ana , Lachica Manuel , Lara Luis , Seiquer Isabel , Nieto Rosa
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the current study was to further characterize the performance and nitrogen retention differences previously observed between immunocastrated (IC) and surgically castrated (SC) pure Iberian pigs. Fifty-four pigs were used (three sexes: IC males, IC females and SC males), fed three isoenergetic diets (160, 140 and 120 g CP/kg DM; six pigs/treatment combination) from 40 kg BW until slaughter (105 kg BW). Plasmatic post-absorptive metabolites and hormones, and backfat tissue composition were determined. The IC males showed a trend towards higher plasmatic creatinine (p = 0.06) and IGF-1 concentrations than SC males and IC females (p < 0.001). SC males showed a higher predisposition to carcass fatness and insulin resistance compared to IC males. Plasmatic isoleucine concentration was higher in IC and SC males compared to IC females (p < 0.01), and valine was greater in IC males compared to the rest of the pigs (p < 0.001). Total branched-chain amino acids (AA) were greater in IC males than in IC females (p < 0.01). Total plasmatic essential AA concentrations tended to be greater in IC males (p = 0.09). The present results support the increased performance and nitrogen retention capacity previously observed in IC male Iberian pigs compared to SC males and IC females, which can be attributed to increased anabolic capacity related with lean growth in Iberian IC males.
Analysis of Cyber-Intelligence Frameworks for AI Data Processing
Authors: Sánchez del Monte Alberto , Hernández-Álvarez Luis
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with the concept of cyber intelligence and its components as a fundamental tool for the protection of information today. After that, the main cyber-intelligence frameworks that are currently applied worldwide (Diamond Model, Cyberkill Chain, and Mitre Att&ck) are described to subsequently analyse them through their practical application in a real critical cyber incident, as well as analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each one of them according to the comparison of seventeen variables of interest. From this analysis and considering the two actions mentioned, it is concluded that Mitre Att&ck is the most suitable framework due to its flexibility, permanent updating, and the existence of a powerful database. Finally, an explanation is given for how Mitre Att&ck can be integrated with the research and application of artificial intelligence in the achievement of the objectives set and the development of tools that can serve as support for the detection of the patterns and authorship of cyberattacks.
Analysis of Heat and Mass Transfer in Compost-Bedded Pack Barns for Dairy Cows Using Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Review
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Alves , Tinôco Ilda de Fátima Ferreira , Sousa Fernanda Campos de , Damasceno Flávio Alves , Andrade Rafaella Resende , Maciel Fabiane de Fátima , Barbari Matteo , Martins Márcio Arêdes
Published: August 2023

To ensure a supply of dairy products, modern dairy farming has assumed an intensive nature, characterized by production in collective facilities with the presence of thermal conditioning, some automation level, and high-use inputs. Among the systems used for dairy cattle confinement, Compost-Bedded Pack Barns (CBPs) have been gaining importance and increasingly have been used in recent decades. CBPs must be designed and managed to ensure the best thermal comfort conditions throughout the year and, consequently, improve productivity, milk quality, and the health of the dairy herd. In this context, modeling via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) emerges as a tool with huge potential for studying the thermal environmental conditions in the beds of CBPs, making it possible to improve projects and/or management practices in this kind of facility. This document is organized as a review, and its objective is to present the state of the art of the applicability of the CFD technique in the study of heat and mass transfer in CBP systems. So far, only four studies have used CFD for modeling CBP systems and have shown that the use of this tool helps to better understand the phenomena of heat and mass transfer in this kind of facility. Therefore, it is important that more studies using this technique in CBP systems be conducted, including additional considerations on constructive elements, animals, and the presence of beds in composting.