bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rule-based systems to automatically count bites from meal videos
Authors: Tufano Michele , Lasschuijt Marlou P. , Chauhan Aneesh , Feskens Edith J. M. , Camps Guido
Published: May 2024

Eating behavior is a key factor for nutritional intake and plays a significant role in the development of eating disorders and obesity. The standard methods to detect eating behavior events (i.e., bites and chews) from video recordings rely on manual annotation, which lacks objective assessment and standardization. Yet, video recordings of eating episodes provide a non-invasive and scalable source for automation. Here, we present a rule-based system to count bites automatically from video recordings with 468 3D facial key points. We tested the performance against manual annotation in 164 videos from 15 participants. The system can count bites with 79% accuracy when annotation is available, and 71.4% when annotation is unavailable. The system showed consistent performance across varying food textures. Eating behavior researchers can use this automated and objective system to replace manual bite count annotation, provided the system’s error is acceptable for the purpose of their study. Utilizing our approach enables real-time bite counting, thereby promoting interventions for healthy eating behaviors. Future studies in this area should explore rule-based systems and machine learning methods with 3D facial key points to extend the automated analysis to other eating events while providing accuracy, interpretability, generalizability, and low computational requirements.
The correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthmatic people: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Hejun , Yang Guijun , Chen Jing , Yuan Shuhua , Wu Jinhong , Zhang Jing , Zhang Lei , Yuan Jiajun , Lin Jilei , Chen Jiande , Yin Yong
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthmatic people.

Methods

A total of 4,541 individuals in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. Multivariate linear regression, variance inflation factor, restricted cubic splines and quantile regression were used to analyze the relationship between Se intake and lung function. We divided selenium intake into four levels based on quartiles: Q1: Se ≤ 76.75 mcg/d; Q2: 76.75–105.1 mcg/d; Q3: 105.1–137.65 mcg/d; and Q4: Se ≥137.65 mcg/d.

Results

Asthma was negatively associated with the Ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume 1st Second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (β = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.06 to −0.02) and FEV1 (β = −215, 95% CI: −340 to −90). Se intake was positively associated with Forced Expiratory Volume 1st Second (FEV1) (β =3.30 95% CI: 2.60 to 4.00) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (β =4.30, 95% CI: 3.50 to 5.10). In asthmatic individuals, the positive effects of Se intake on FVC were enhanced with increasing Se intake, while the positive effects of Se intake on FEV1 varied less dramatically. High Se intake (Q4 level, above 137.65 mcg/d) improved FVC (β = 353, 95% CI: 80 to 626) and FEV1 (β = 543, 95% CI: 118 to 969) in asthmatic patients compared to low Se intake (Q1 level, below 76.75 mcg/d). At the Q2 level (76.75–105.1 mcg/d) and Q4 level (Se ≥137.65 mcg/d) of Se intake, the correlation between FEV1 and asthma disappeared.

Conclusion

Our research has revealed a positive correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthma patients and the strength of this positive correlation is related to the amount of selenium intake. We recommend that asthma patients consume 137.65 mcg to 200 mcg of selenium daily to improve pulmonary function while avoiding the adverse effects of selenium on the human body.
MicroRNAs and angiosarcoma: are there promising reports?
Authors: Modarresi Chahardehi Amir , Afrooghe Arya , Emtiazi Nikoo , Rafiei Sajjad , Rezaei Negin Jafarkhanloo , Dahmardeh Sarvin , Farz Fatemeh , Naderi Zahra , Arefnezhad Reza , Motedayyen Hossein
Published: May 2024

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have garnered increasing attention for their potential implications in cancer pathogenesis, functioning either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Notably, angiosarcoma, along with various other cardiovascular tumors such as lipomas, rhabdomyomas, hemangiomas, and myxomas, has shown variations in the expression of specific miRNA subtypes. A substantial body of evidence underscores the pivotal involvement of miRNAs in the genesis of angiosarcoma and certain cardiovascular tumors. This review aims to delve into the current literature on miRNAs and their prospective applications in cardiovascular malignancies, with a specific focus on angiosarcoma. It comprehensively covers diagnostic methods, prognostic evaluations, and potential treatments while providing a recapitulation of angiosarcoma’s risk factors and molecular pathogenesis, with an emphasis on the role of miRNAs. These insights can serve as the groundwork for designing randomized control trials, ultimately facilitating the translation of these findings into clinical applications. Moving forward, it is imperative for studies to thoroughly scrutinize the advantages and disadvantages of miRNAs compared to current diagnostic and prognostic approaches in angiosarcoma and other cardiovascular tumors. Closing these knowledge gaps will be crucial for harnessing the full potential of miRNAs in the realm of angiosarcoma and cardiovascular tumor research.
Multiple benign metastasizing leiomyoma in the abdominal wall: a case report and literature review
Authors: Hu Jiaqi , Tian Shuyuan , Pan Qing , Yu Yonghong
Published: May 2024

Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare disease that results from metastasis of uterine leiomyoma to distant sites with benign pathologic features. The lung is the most common metastatic site for BML. This report describes the case of a 49-year-old woman who presented with a mass in the abdominal wall with a surgical history of uterine myomectomy. Ultrasound and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple mass lesions. The histopathology of the mass specimen indicated BML. The imaging and clinical features of BML are discussed based on the characteristics of this case and related literature reports.
Mechanisms of complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Devarajan Jagan , Mena Shayla , Cheng Jianguo
Published: May 2024

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by a diverse array of symptoms, including pain that is disproportionate to the initial triggering event, accompanied by autonomic, sensory, motor, and sudomotor disturbances. The primary pathology of both types of CRPS (Type I, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, RSD; Type II, also known as causalgia) is featured by allodynia, edema, changes in skin color and temperature, and dystrophy, predominantly affecting extremities. Recent studies started to unravel the complex pathogenic mechanisms of CRPS, particularly from an autoimmune and neuroimmune interaction perspective. CRPS is now recognized as a systemic disease that stems from a complex interplay of inflammatory, immunologic, neurogenic, genetic, and psychologic factors. The relative contributions of these factors may vary among patients and even within a single patient over time. Key mechanisms underlying clinical manifestations include peripheral and central sensitization, sympathetic dysregulation, and alterations in somatosensory processing. Enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of CRPS is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. While our mechanistic understanding of CRPS remains incomplete, this article updates recent research advancements and sheds light on the etiology, pathogenesis, and molecular underpinnings of CRPS.
Growth and gut comfort of healthy term infants exclusively fed with a partially hydrolysed protein-based infant formula: a randomized controlled double-blind trial
Authors: Kantaras Paris , Kokkinopoulou Anna , Hageman Jeske H. J. , Hassapidou Maria , Androutsos Odysseas , Kanaki Maria , Bovee-Oudenhoven Ingeborg , Karaglani Eva , Kontochristopoulou Aikaterini-Maria , Bos Rolf , Manios Yannis
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate growth and gut comfort of healthy infants fed with a partially hydrolysed cow's milk protein-based infant formula (pHF) compared to a standard intact cow's milk protein-based formula (IPF).

Methods

A double-blind, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial was performed. Healthy full-term, exclusively formula-fed infants (n = 345), aged ≤28 days were allocated to consume either a pHF (n = 173) or an IPF (n = 172) until the age of 17 weeks. The primary outcome was equivalence of weight gain (g/d) until the age of 17 weeks. The secondary outcomes were equivalence of other growth parameters, i.e., infants’ weight, length, head circumference, body mass index (BMI) and anthropometric Z-scores, while tertiary outcomes were gut comfort, formula intake, and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Overall, 288 infants completed the study (pHF group: 138, IPF group: 150). No differences were observed between the two groups in weight gain (g/d) during the three-months intervention [p = 0.915 for the Per Protocol (PP) population]. The 90% CI was [−1.252 to 1.100] being within the pre-defined equivalence margin of ±3.0 g/d. Similar findings were observed in the Full Analysis Set (FAS) and the sensitivity analysis. Regarding the secondary outcomes, no differences over the intervention period were shown between the two groups in both the PP and FAS analysis sets. Average Z-scores were in the normal range based on World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards for both groups at all time points in both analysis sets. Stool consistency, amount, and colour were different in the two groups. No differences were observed in gut comfort, stool frequency, and formula intake, between the two groups. In total 14 AEs and 22 serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported of which 15 (12%) and 1 (5%) were considered as (possibly) related to the study product, respectively.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that the consumption of pHF results in adequate infant growth, equivalent to that of infants consuming IPF. Furthermore, the overall gut comfort was comparable between the two groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that the pHF is safe for and well tolerated by healthy infants.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05757323?id=NCT05757323&rank=1, identifier (NCT05757323).
Repeated epidural delivery of Shinbaro2: effects on neural recovery, inflammation, and pain modulation in a rat model of lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Hong Jin Young , Yeo Changhwan , Kim Hyun , Lee Junseon , Jeon Wan-Jin , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: May 2024

The choice of treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) depends on symptom severity. When severe motor issues with urinary dysfunction are not present, conservative treatment is often considered to be the priority. One such conservative treatment is epidural injection, which is effective in alleviating inflammation and the pain caused by LSS-affected nerves. In this study, Shinbaro2 (Sh2), pharmacopuncture using natural herbal medicines for patients with disc diseases, is introduced as an epidural to treat LSS in a rat model. The treatment of primary sensory neurons from the rats’ dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons with Sh2 at various concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL) was found to be safe and non-toxic. Furthermore, it remarkably stimulated axonal outgrowth even under H2O2-treated conditions, indicating its potential for stimulating nerve regeneration. When LSS rats received epidural injections of two different concentrations of Sh2 (1 and 2 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks, a significant reduction was seen in ED1+ macrophages surrounding the silicone block used for LSS induction. Moreover, epidural injection of Sh2 in the DRG led to a significant suppression of pain-related factors. Notably, Sh2 treatment resulted in improved locomotor recovery, as evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale and the horizontal ladder test. Additionally, hind paw hypersensitivity, assessed using the Von Frey test, was reduced, and normal gait was restored. Our findings demonstrate that epidural Sh2 injection not only reduced inflammation but also improved locomotor function and pain in LSS model rats. Thus, Sh2 delivery via epidural injection has potential as an effective treatment option for LSS.
LP340, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, decreases liver injury and fibrosis in mice: role of oxidative stress and microRNA-23a
Authors: Samuvel Devadoss J. , Lemasters John J. , Chou C. James , Zhong Zhi
Published: May 2024

Effective therapy for liver fibrosis is lacking. Here, we examined whether LP340, the lead candidate of a new-generation of hydrazide-based HDAC1,2,3 inhibitors (HDACi), decreases liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 treatment and bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice. At 6 weeks after CCl4, serum alanine aminotransferase increased, and necrotic cell death and leukocyte infiltration occurred in the liver. Tumor necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase markedly increased, indicating inflammation. After 6 weeks, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen-1 expression increased by 80% and 575%, respectively, indicating hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and fibrogenesis. Fibrosis detected by trichrome and Sirius-red staining occurred primarily in pericentral regions with some bridging fibrosis in liver sections. 4-Hydroxynonenal adducts (indicator of oxidative stress), profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), and TGFβ downstream signaling molecules phospho-Smad2/3 also markedly increased. LP340 attenuated indices of liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis markedly. Moreover, Ski-related novel protein-N (SnoN), an endogenous inhibitor of TGFβ signaling, decreased, whereas SnoN expression suppressor microRNA-23a (miR23a) increased markedly. LP340 (0.05 mg/kg, ig., daily during the last 2 weeks of CCl4 treatment) decreased 4-hydroxynonenal adducts and miR23a production, blunted SnoN decreases, and inhibited the TGFβ/Smad signaling. By contrast, LP340 had no effect on matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. LP340 increased histone-3 acetylation but not tubulin acetylation, indicating that LP340 inhibited Class-I but not Class-II HDAC in vivo. After BDL, focal necrosis, inflammation, ductular reactions, and portal and bridging fibrosis occurred at 2 weeks, and αSMA and collagen-1 expression increased by 256% and 560%, respectively. LP340 attenuated liver injury, ductular reactions, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. LP340 also decreased 4-hydroxynonenal adducts and miR23a production, prevented SnoN decreases, and inhibited the TGFβ/Smad signaling after BDL. In vitro, LP340 inhibited immortal human hepatic stellate cells (hTERT-HSC) activation in culture (αSMA and collagen-1 expression) as well as miR23a production, demonstrating its direct inhibitory effects on HSC. In conclusions, LP340 is a promising therapy for both portal and pericentral liver fibrosis, and it works by inhibiting oxidative stress and decreasing miR23a.
Benserazide, a cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) inhibitor, potentially enhances the anticancer effects of paclitaxel via inhibiting the S-sulfhydration of SIRT1 and the HIF1-α/VEGF pathway
Authors: Zhao Wei , Feng Shasha , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhenshuai , Chen Lu , Jiang Li , Li Ming , Wang Tianxiao
Published: May 2024

Cancer targeted therapy is essential to minimize damage to normal cells and improve treatment outcomes. The elevated activity of Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), an enzyme responsible for producing endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), plays a significant role in promoting tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastatic potential. Consequently, the selective inhibition of CBS could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer. Currently, there is much interest in combining paclitaxel with other drugs for cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combining benserazide, a CBS inhibitor, with paclitaxel in treating tumors. Firstly, we demonstrated CBS is indeed involved in the progression of multiple cancers. Then it was observed that the total binding free energy between the protein and the small molecule is −98.241 kJ/mol. The release of H2S in the group treated with 100 μM benserazide was reduced by approximately 90% compared to the negative control, and the thermal denaturation curve of the complex protein shifted to the right, suggesting that benserazide binds to and blocks the CBS protein. Next, it was found that compared to paclitaxel monotherapy, the combination of benserazide with paclitaxel demonstrated stronger antitumor activity in KYSE450, A549, and HCT8 cells, accompanied by reduced cell viability, cell migration and invasion, as well as diminished angiogenic and lymphangiogenic capabilities. In vivo studies showed that the combined administration of benserazide and paclitaxel significantly reduced the volume and weight of axillary lymph nodes in comparison to the control group and single administration group. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the combination of benserazide and paclitaxel significantly suppressed the S-sulfhydration of SIRT1 protein, thereby inhibiting the expression of SIRT1 protein and activating SIRT1 downstream Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway in KYSE450, A549, and HCT8 cells. Meanwhile, we observed that benserazide combined with paclitaxel induced a more significant downregulation of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D proteins expression levels in KYSE450, A549, and HCT8 cells compared to paclitaxel alone. These findings indicated that benserazide enhances the anticancer effects of paclitaxel via inhibiting the S-sulfhydration of SIRT1 and down-regulating HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. This study suggests that benserazide may have potential as a chemosensitizer in cancer treatment.
Study on droplet deposition characteristics and application of small and medium crown garden plants sprayed by UAV sprayer
Authors: Gao Jinye , Bo Ping , Lan Yubin , Sun Liangchen , Liu Haiteng , Li Xinlong , Wang Guobin , Wang Huizheng
Published: May 2024

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sprayer has the advantages of high work efficiency, simple operation, and high safety factor, and has broad application prospects UAV sprayer are widely used in the agricultural field, and the application of UAV sprayer spraying technology in agriculture has provided convenience and increased profits for farmers, and has also become a research hotspot in the field of agriculture. In recent years, although research has been conducted on the feasibility and application effects of UAV sprayer spraying crown shaped plants, there have been no experiments or studies in the field of garden plants. This experiment conducted a droplet deposition experiment of UAV sprayer spraying garden plants, exploring the droplet deposition effect of UAV sprayer in the field of garden plants, and conducting experiments on the influence of spray volume and nozzle type on droplet deposition. The experimental results showed that the canopy performance of small and medium-sized garden plants was better at a flight altitude of 1.5m, a spray volume of 180L/hm2, and a flight speed of 2m/s. Reducing flight altitude, increasing spray volume, and reducing flight speed can improve the distribution of droplets in the canopy. This experiment lays the foundation for the application of UAV sprayer for the prevention and control of pests and diseases in garden plants, as well as for the application of growth regulators, and provides a basis for further innovative research in the field of garden plant application technology.
Cracking the code to female sexual satisfaction: the serial mediation of sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality from sexual self-efficacy
Authors: Ogallar-Blanco Adelaida Irene , Lara-Moreno Raquel , García-Pérez Raquel , Liñán-González Antonio , Godoy-Izquierdo Débora
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Sexual satisfaction has been shown to have a strong association with many aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. It is further considered a robust indicator of an individual’s health status and general wellbeing, revealing that a person can enjoy pleasurable and healthy sexual experiences, beyond the mere absence of sexual and reproductive health issues.

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction, sexual behaviors, sexual self-efficacy, and the importance personally attributed to maintaining an active and satisfying sexual life among young and middle-aged women aged 18–50.

Design

A descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted.

Methods

Participants (N = 1,076 women) completed self-reports on sexual self-efficacy beliefs, frequency of sexual behaviors, the importance attributed to active and healthy sexuality, and multidimensional sexual satisfaction.

Results

The supported mediation model indicated that sexual self-efficacy was related to sexual satisfaction directly and indirectly through sexual behavior and a serial path through sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality. The total effect was significant, and the full model explained 7.3% of the global sexual satisfaction variance (F = 17.218, p = 0.000), with the mediated effect accounting for 44.3%.

Conclusion

This study confirms a partial serial mediation model by which sexual self-efficacy significantly predicts sexual satisfaction through sexual behaviors and the importance attributed to a healthy sexuality. Due to its significant contribution, the perceived importance of sexuality should be considered when studying correlates of sexual satisfaction. These findings have interesting implications for the development of strategies aimed at sexual health promotion and sexual education among women in early and middle adulthood.
TIAP: an observational procedure for assessing family relationships: a clinical case from the parenting evaluation context
Authors: Cigala Ada , Venturelli Elena , Fruggeri Laura
Published: May 2024

TIAP is an observational procedure to assess family functioning detecting simultaneously the role of each participant and the interdependence of relational behaviors. In particular, the procedure requires family members to play according to different interactive configurations (parent1-children; parent2-children, all together, children and parents as separate units) and therefore different microtransitions from one configuration to another. As such, the procedure allows to study how family members coordinate to maintain stability, promote change, and encourage members to explore different interactive configurations within the family system. TIAP has been validated through several studies conducted with different non-clinical groups of families that have highlighted the salient aspects of family functioning, and significant correlations with variables external to the family system, such as children’s social–emotional competence in the educational context. This paper focuses on the use of TIAP in the contexts of assessing parental competence. Specifically, the article aims to describe, through the reference to a clinical case, the results emerged from a study conducted with 33 families involved in a parenting assessment process. The study is part of a broader collaborative project between the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Clinic of the Italian National Health Service in Parma, the University of Parma, and the Bologna Family Therapy Center. TIAP was administered to all the families involved as a complement to other tools routinely used for all cases handled by the professionals of the clinic. The coding system includes different indices. Some analyze the interactive family modes: family coordination (mutual attention and responsiveness), the responses to potentials for change (disregard, absorption, amplification), and intra-familiar exploration. Other indices concern the quality of the interactions: the relational triadic dynamic of microtransition (detaching-entrusting-welcoming-joining) and the consistency/inconsistency of the communication channels. The results highlighted how TIAP makes it possible to identify the specific interactive modalities of the different members and their interdependence and reciprocity, favoring the identification of both family weaknesses and family resources, including the children’s contribution. Furthermore, the general data trend showed that TIAP indices detect some important prognostic elements capable of guiding the court’s decisions.
Problem solving is embedded in context… so how do we measure it?
Authors: Rhodes Katherine T. , Richland Lindsey E. , Alcalá Lucia
Published: May 2024

Problem solving encompasses the broad domain of human, goal-directed behaviors. Though we may attempt to measure problem solving using tightly controlled and decontextualized tasks, it is inextricably embedded in both reasoners’ experiences and their contexts. Without situating problem solvers, problem contexts, and our own experiential partialities as researchers, we risk intertwining the research of information relevance with our own confirmatory biases about people, environments, and ourselves. We review each of these ecological facets of information relevance in problem solving, and we suggest a framework to guide its measurement. We ground this framework with concrete examples of ecologically valid, culturally relevant measurement of problem solving.
Altered dynamic functional connectivity of insular subdivisions among male cigarette smokers
Authors: Xie An , Sun Yunkai , Chen Haobo , Li Ling , Liu Peng , Liao Yanhui , Li Yonggang
Published: May 2024

Background

Insular subdivisions show distinct patterns of resting state functional connectivity with specific brain regions, each with different functional significance in chronic cigarette smokers. This study aimed to explore the altered dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of distinct insular subdivisions in smokers.

Methods

Resting-state BOLD data of 31 smokers with nicotine dependence and 27 age-matched non-smokers were collected. Three bilateral insular regions of interest (dorsal, ventral, and posterior) were set as seeds for analyses. Sliding windows method was used to acquire the dFC metrics of different insular seeds. Support vector machine based on abnormal insular dFC was applied to classify smokers from non-smokers.

Results

We found that smokers showed lower dFC variance between the left ventral anterior insula and both the right superior parietal cortex and the left inferior parietal cortex, as well as greater dFC variance the right ventral anterior insula with the right middle cingulum cortex relative to non-smokers. Moreover, compared to non-smokers, it is found that smokers demonstrated altered dFC variance of the right dorsal insula and the right middle temporal gyrus. Correlation analysis showed the higher dFC between the right dorsal insula and the right middle temporal gyrus was associated with longer years of smoking. The altered insular subdivision dFC can classify smokers from non-smokers with an accuracy of 89.66%, a sensitivity of 96.30% and a specify of 83.87%.

Conclusions

Our findings highlighted the abnormal patterns of fluctuating connectivity of insular subdivision circuits in smokers and suggested that these abnormalities may play a significant role in the mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction and could potentially serve as a neural biomarker for addiction treatment.
Effects of exercise interventions on negative emotions, cognitive performance and drug craving in methamphetamine addiction
Authors: Xu Conghui , Zhang Zunyue , Hou Dezhi , Wang Guangqing , Li Congbin , Ma Xingfeng , Wang Kunhua , Luo Huayou , Zhu Mei
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Methamphetamine is currently one of the most commonly used addictive substances with strong addiction and a high relapse rate. This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of physical activity in improving negative emotions, cognitive impairment, and drug craving in people with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).

Methods

A total of 17 studies out of 133 found from Embase and PubMed were identified, reporting results from 1836 participants from MUD populations. Original research using clearly described physical activity as interventions and reporting quantifiable outcomes of negative mood, cognitive function and drug craving level in people with MUD were eligible for inclusion. We included prospective studies, randomized controlled trials, or intervention studies, focusing on the neurological effects of physical activity on MUD.

Results

Taken together, the available clinical evidence showed that physical activity-based interventions may be effective in managing MUD-related withdrawal symptoms.

Discussion

Physical exercise may improve drug rehabilitation efficiency by improving negative emotions, cognitive behaviors, and drug cravings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024530359.
Sex-specific associations of urinary mixed-metal concentrations with femoral bone mineral density among older people: an NHANES (2017–2020) analysis
Authors: Li Hecheng , Li Guoliang , Yi Mushi , Zhou Jiazhen , Deng Yaotang , Huang Yiqi , He Shuirong , Meng Xiaojing , Liu Lili
Published: May 2024

Background

Heavy metal exposure is an important cause of reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Epidemiological studies focusing on the effects of mixed heavy metal exposure on BMD in middle-aged and older people are scarce. In single-metal studies, men and women have shown distinct responses of BMD to environmental metal exposure. This study therefore aimed to elucidate the association between mixed heavy metal exposure and BMD and to investigate whether it is sex-specific.

Methods

Data from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were selected for this cross-sectional study. The study used three statistical methods, i.e., linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) modeling, and weighted quartiles (WQS) regression, to explore the association between the urinary concentrations of 11 metals (barium, cadmium, cobalt, cesium, manganese, molybdenum, lead, antimony, tin, thallium, and Tungsten), either individually or as a mixture, and total femoral BMD.

Results

A total of 1,031 participants were included in this study. Femoral BMD was found to be higher in men than women. A significant negative correlation between the urinary concentrations of the 10 metals and femoral BMD was found in the overall cohort. Further gender sub-stratified analyses showed that in men, urinary metal concentrations were negatively correlated with femoral BMD, with cobalt and barium playing a significant and non-linear role in this effect. In women, although urinary metal concentrations negatively modulated femoral BMD, none of the correlations was statistically significant. Antimony showed sex-specific differences in its effect.

Conclusion

The urinary concentrations of 10 mixed heavy metals were negatively correlated with femoral BMD in middle-aged and older participants, and this effect showed gender differences. These findings emphasize the differing role of mixed metal exposure in the process of BMD reduction between the sexes but require further validation by prospective studies.
Recent expansion of the Atlantic cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) into Bermudian waters
Authors: Ajemian Matthew J. , Hampton Cecilia M. , Coleman Lauren M. , Pitt Joanna M. , Smith Struan R. , Jones Christian M. , Phillips Nicole M.
Published: May 2024

Cownose rays (Family Rhinopteridae) are highly migratory pelagic rays that are generally restricted to continental shelves. Despite 100's of years of natural history records, cownose rays have never been reported in Bermuda, an atoll-like coral reef ecosystem that is separated from the continental mainland United States by ~1,000 km. Here we compile evidence that the Atlantic cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) has recently established in Bermuda, supported by both morphological and genetic data. Potential ecological and inter-specific competition concerns are presented as well as probable physical mechanisms that facilitated this recent and presumed range expansion.
Applications of natural language processing tools in the surgical journey
Authors: Le Khang Duy Ricky , Tay Samuel Boon Ping , Choy Kay Tai , Verjans Johan , Sasanelli Nicola , Kong Joseph C. H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Natural language processing tools are becoming increasingly adopted in multiple industries worldwide. They have shown promising results however their use in the field of surgery is under-recognised. Many trials have assessed these benefits in small settings with promising results before large scale adoption can be considered in surgery. This study aims to review the current research and insights into the potential for implementation of natural language processing tools into surgery.

Methods

A narrative review was conducted following a computer-assisted literature search on Medline, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases. Papers related to natural language processing tools and consideration into their use for surgery were considered.

Results

Current applications of natural language processing tools within surgery are limited. From the literature, there is evidence of potential improvement in surgical capability and service delivery, such as through the use of these technologies to streamline processes including surgical triaging, data collection and auditing, surgical communication and documentation. Additionally, there is potential to extend these capabilities to surgical academia to improve processes in surgical research and allow innovation in the development of educational resources. Despite these outcomes, the evidence to support these findings are challenged by small sample sizes with limited applicability to broader settings.

Conclusion

With the increasing adoption of natural language processing technology, such as in popular forms like ChatGPT, there has been increasing research in the use of these tools within surgery to improve surgical workflow and efficiency. This review highlights multifaceted applications of natural language processing within surgery, albeit with clear limitations due to the infancy of the infrastructure available to leverage these technologies. There remains room for more rigorous research into broader capability of natural language processing technology within the field of surgery and the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to understand the ways in which these algorithms can best be integrated.
Microsurgical central lymphatic reconstruction—the role of thoracic duct lymphovenous anastomoses at different anatomical levels
Authors: Weinzierl Andrea , Grünherz Lisanne , Puippe Gilbert Dominique , Gnannt Ralph , von Reibnitz Donata , Giovanoli Pietro , Vetter Diana , Möhrlen Ueli , Wildgruber Moritz , Müller Andreas , Pieper Claus Christian , Gutschow Christian Alexander , Lindenblatt Nicole
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In recent years advances have been made in the microsurgical treatment of congenital or acquired central lymphatic lesions. While acquired lesions can result from any surgery or trauma of the central lymphatic system, congenital lymphatic lesions can have a variety of manifestations, ranging from singular thoracic duct abnormalities to complex multifocal malformations. Both conditions may cause recurrent chylous effusions and downstream lymphatic congestion depending on the anatomical location of the thoracic duct lesion and are associated with an increased mortality due to the permanent loss of protein and fluid.

Methods

We present a case series of eleven patients undergoing central lymphatic reconstruction, consisting of one patient with a cervical iatrogenic thoracic duct lesion and eleven patients with different congenital thoracic duct lesions or thrombotic occlusions.

Results

Anastomosis of the thoracic duct and a nearby vein was performed on different anatomical levels depending on the underlying central lymphatic pathology. Cervical (n = 4), thoracic (n = 1) or abdominal access (n = 5) was used for central lymphatic reconstruction with promising results. In 9 patients a postoperative benefit with varying degrees of symptom regression was reported.

Conclusion

The presented case series illustrates the current rapid advances in the field of central microsurgical reconstruction of lymphatic lesions alongside the relevant literature.
Molecular survey of tick-borne infectious agents in cricetid rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Central and Southern Chile
Authors: Ardila Marlon Mauricio , Thomas Richard , Santodomingo Adriana , Silva-de la Fuente María C. , Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Landaeta-Aqueveque Carlos , Henríquez AnaLía
Published: May 2024

Tick-borne infectious agents (TBIAs) include several bacteria and protozoa that can infect vertebrates, including humans. Some of these agents can cause important diseases from both a public health perspective, such as Lyme disease, and from an animal health and production viewpoint, such as Texas fever. In Chile, several studies have assessed the presence of tick-borne disease agents in vectors and mammal hosts, mainly in the northern regions, but few studies have assessed the presence of these agents in Central and Southern Chile. This study aimed to assess the presence of three groups of TBIAs—Borrelia, Anaplasmataceae, and Piroplasmida—in cricetid rodents of Central and Southern Chile. A total of 207 specimens from 13 localities between the O’Higgins and Los Lagos regions were captured. DNA was extracted from the liver and spleen, and subsequently underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification targeting the 16S rRNA, flaB, and 18S rRNA genes to detect DNA from Borrelia, Anaplasmataceae, and Piroplasmida, respectively. Although no DNA from these TBIAs was detected, the DNA extraction process was validated by optimal DNA purity ratios (an A260/A280 ratio within the 1.6–2.0 range) and successful internal control amplification in all samples. These results, in addition to findings from previous reports, suggest a very low prevalence of these TBIAs in the rodent population studied. Further research into the factors influencing the presence of these agents and their vectors will provide insight into the reasons underlying this low prevalence.
Research on Displacement Sensorless Control for Bearingless Synchronous Reluctance Motor Based on the Whale Optimization Algorithm–Elman Neural Network
Authors: Xu Enxiang , Zhao Ruijie
Published: May 2024

The unique structure of bearingless motors requires extra displacement sensors to monitor rotor movement, unlike conventional synchronous motors. However, this requirement inevitably escalates the cost and size of the motor. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel approach: a bearingless synchronous reluctance motor (BSRM) without displacement sensors, utilizing the whale optimization algorithm–Elman neural network (WOA-ENN). The paper firstly introduces the suspension mechanism and mathematical model of the BSRM, upon which a function containing rotor position information is constructed. Subsequently, a sensorless method based on Elman neural network (ENN) is proposed, optimized using the whale optimization algorithm (WOA). Finally, the feasibility and reliability of the proposed approach are validated through simulations and experiments.
Soil-Specific Calibration Using Plate Compression Filling Technique and Monitoring Soil Biomass Degradation Based on Dielectric Properties
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Awais Muhammad , Li Linze , Zhang Wei , Abdulraheem Mukhtar Iderawumi , Xiong Yani , Raghavan Vijaya , Hu Jiandong
Published: May 2024

Accurate estimation of soil water content (SWC) is crucial for effective irrigation management and maximizing crop yields. Although dielectric property-based SWC measurements are widely used, their accuracy is still affected by soil variability, soil–sensor contact, and other factors, making the development of convenient and accurate soil-specific calibration methods a major challenge. This study aims to propose a plate compression filling technique for soil-specific calibrations and to monitor the extent of soil biomass degradation using dielectric properties. Before and after biodegradation, dielectric measurements of quartz sand and silt loam were made at seven different water contents with three different filling techniques. A third-order polynomial fitting equation explaining the dependence of the dielectric constant on the volumetric water content was obtained using the least-squares method. The suggested plate compression filling method has a maximum mean bias error (MBE) of less than 0.5%, according to experimental results. Depending on the water content, silt loam’s dielectric characteristics change significantly before and after biodegradation. The best water content, measured in gravimetric units, to encourage the decomposition of biomass was discovered to be 24%. It has been demonstrated that the plate compression filling method serves as a simple, convenient, and accurate alternative to the uniform compaction method, while the dielectric method is a reliable indicator for evaluating biomass degradation. This exploration provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between SWC, biomass degradation, and soil dielectric properties.
The Influence and Mechanism of Digital Village Construction on the Urban–Rural Income Gap under the Goal of Common Prosperity
Authors: Liu Muziyun , Liu Hui
Published: May 2024

Digital village construction is not only a vital component of the digital China strategy but also a crucial measure by which to realize common prosperity. This study theoretically elaborates the influence of digital village construction on the urban–rural income gap (URIG) and its mechanism and empirically tests it by using a panel fixed-effect model, a mediating-effect model, and a moderating-effect model based on the provincial data of major producing areas from 2011 to 2020. The results show that digital village construction can significantly narrow the URIG, and rural industry revitalization is a vital channel for digital village construction in driving the decline of the URIG. The construction of transportation infrastructure can significantly enhance the inhibition effect of digital village construction on the URIG. Moreover, there is a human capital threshold for the impact of digital village construction on the URIG; after crossing the threshold, digital village construction better suppresses the URIG. So, the government should increase the financial support and technical support for digital village construction, improving the rural production conditions and industrial development environment and establishing a rural digital talent cultivation mechanism so as to achieve the goal of common prosperity.
Effects of Unbalanced Incentives on Threshing Drum Stability during Rice Threshing
Authors: Que Kexin , Tang Zhong , Wang Ting , Su Zhan , Ding Zhao
Published: May 2024

As a result of the uneven growth of rice, unbalanced vibration of threshing drum caused by stalk entanglement in combine harvester is more and more severe. In order to reveal the influence of unbalanced excitation on the roller axis locus during rice threshing, the stability of threshing drum was studied. The dynamic signal test and analysis system are used to test the axial trajectory of threshing drum. At the same time, the influence of the unbalanced excitation caused by the axis winding on the axis trajectory is analyzed by the experimental results. Axis locus rules under no-load and threshing conditions are obtained. In order to simulate the axial and radial distribution of unbalanced excitation along the threshing drum, the counterweight was distributed on the threshing drum instead of the entangled stalk. Then, the definite effect of unbalanced excitation on the rotating stability of threshing drum is analyzed. Results show that the amplitude of stem winding along the grain drum is larger in the vertical direction and smaller in the horizontal direction when compared with the unloaded state under 200 g weight. It was found that the amplitude in both horizontal and vertical directions decreased after 400 g and 600 g counterweights were added, respectively, to simulate the radial distribution of stalk winding along the grain barrel. Finally, it can be seen that with the increase in the weight of the counterweight, the characteristics of the trajectory misalignment of the threshing cylinder axis become more and more obvious. This study can provide reference for reducing the unbalanced excitation signal of threshing drum and improving driving comfort.
Improving the Spatiotemporal Transferability of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing for Estimating Soil Organic Matter by Minimizing the Coupling Effect of Soil Physical Properties on the Spectrum: A Case Study in Northeast China
Authors: Sui Yuanyuan , Jiang Ranzhe , Lin Nan , Yu Haiye , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2024

Soil organic matter (SOM) is important for the global carbon cycle, and hyperspectral remote sensing has proven to be a promising method for fast SOM content estimation. However, because of the neglect of the spectral response of soil physical properties, the accuracy and spatiotemporal transferability of the SOM prediction model are poor. This study aims to improve the spatiotemporal transferability of the SOM prediction model by alleviating the coupling effect of soil physical properties on spectra. Based on satellite hyperspectral images and soil physical variables, including soil moisture (SM), soil surface roughness (root-mean-square height, RMSH), and soil bulk weight (SBW), a soil spectral correction model was established based on the information unmixing method. Two important grain-producing areas in Northeast China were selected as study areas to verify the performance and transferability of the spectral correction model and SOM content prediction model. The results showed that soil spectral corrections based on fourth-order polynomials and the XG-Boost algorithm had excellent accuracy and generalization ability, with residual predictive deviations (RPDs) exceeding 1.4 in almost all the bands. In addition, when the soil spectral correction strategy was adopted, the accuracy of the SOM prediction model and the generalization ability after the model migration were significantly improved. The SOM prediction accuracy based on the XG-Boost-corrected spectrum was the highest, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.76, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 5.74 g/kg, and an RPD of 1.68. The prediction accuracy, R2 value, RMSE, and RPD of the model after the migration were 0.72, 6.71 g/kg, and 1.53, respectively. Compared with the direct migration prediction of the model, adopting the soil spectral correction model based on fourth-order polynomials and XG-Boost reduced the RMSE of the SOM prediction results by 57.90% and 60.27%, respectively. This performance comparison highlighted the advantages for considering soil physical properties in regional-scale SOM predictions.