bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performances of D-dimer, prothrombin time, and red blood cell distribution width for coronary artery lesion in children with acute stage Kawasaki disease
Authors: Yin Qi-Gai , Zhou Jing , Zhou Qin , Shen Lu , Zhang Mei-Yu , Wu Yan-Hui
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate the performances of D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for the diagnosis of coronary artery lesion (CAL) in acute stage Kawasaki disease (KD).

Methods

Between January 2018 and January 2021, a total of 102 children with acute stage KD were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 36 KD children with CAL were divided into the CAL group, and 66 KD children without CAL were divided into the NCAL group. Independent predictors of CAL in acute stage KD were identified by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate the association between CAL in acute stage KD and different indicators. The diagnostic performance of different indicators for CAL in acute stage KD was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Compared with the NCAL group, children in the CAL group had significantly higher white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, D-dimer, and RDW levels, but lower PT levels (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that D-dimer (OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 1.004–1.012, p < 0.001), PT (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8, p = 0.01), and RDW (OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.6–19.2, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of CAL in children with acute stage KD. CAL showed a positive correlation with D-dimer (r = 0.4, p < 0.001) and RDW (r = 0.5, p < 0.001), and had a negative association with PT (r = −0.2, p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the combination of the three indicators had the highest diagnostic performance for CAL in acute stage KD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.922 (sensitivity, 86.1%; specificity, 89.4%), compared with D-dimer (AUC = 0.736), PT (AUC = 0.640), and RDW (AUC = 0.819) alone.

Conclusion

A combination of D-dimer, PT, and RDW may help predict CAL in children with acute stage KD.
Enrichment analysis of phenotypic data for drug repurposing in rare diseases
Authors: Ambesi-Impiombato Alberto , Cox Kimberly , Ramboz Sylvie , Brunner Daniela , Bansal Mukesh , Leahy Emer
Published: July 2023

Drug-induced Behavioral Signature Analysis (DBSA), is a machine learning (ML) method for in silico screening of compounds, inspired by analytical methods quantifying gene enrichment in genomic analyses. When applied to behavioral data it can identify drugs that can potentially reverse in vivo behavioral symptoms in animal models of human disease and suggest new hypotheses for drug discovery and repurposing. We present a proof-of-concept study aiming to assess Drug-induced Behavioral Signature Analysis (DBSA) as a systematic approach for drug discovery for rare disorders. We applied Drug-induced Behavioral Signature Analysis to high-content behavioral data obtained with SmartCube®, an automated in vivo phenotyping platform. The therapeutic potential of several dozen approved drugs was assessed for phenotypic reversal of the behavioral profile of a Huntington’s Disease (HD) murine model, the Q175 heterozygous knock-in mice. The in silico Drug-induced Behavioral Signature Analysis predictions were enriched for drugs known to be effective in the symptomatic treatment of Huntington’s Disease, including bupropion, modafinil, methylphenidate, and several SSRIs, as well as the atypical antidepressant tianeptine. To validate the method, we tested acute and chronic effects of tianeptine (20 mg/kg, i. p.) in vivo, using Q175 mice and wild type controls. In both experiments, tianeptine significantly rescued the behavioral phenotype assessed with the SmartCube® platform. Our target-agnostic method thus showed promise for identification of symptomatic relief treatments for rare disorders, providing an alternative method for hypothesis generation and drug discovery for disorders with huge disease burden and unmet medical needs.
A nutrigenomics approach to study the effects of ω-3 fatty acids in laying hens under physiological stress
Authors: Berenjian Atefeh , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh Abdollah , Sharifi Seyed Davood
Published: July 2023

Supplement of ω-3 fatty acids can decrease the harmful effects of stress. However, the potential molecular mechanisms that are modulated by dietary ω-3 fatty acids in laying hens under stress remain unknown. Hence, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to gain new insights into different gene expression profiles and potential pathways involved in response to stress in the liver of 35-week-old Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens supplemented with ω-3. Three groups including control (non-stress), stress, and stress_ω-3 fatty acids (three layers per each group) were applied. A total of 1,321 genes were detected as differentially expressed genes of which 701, 1,049, and 86 DEGs belonged to stress vs. control, stress_ω-3 vs. control, and stress vs. stress_ω-3 pairwise comparisons, respectively. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched in particular regulation of steroid and cholesterol biosynthetic process, fatty acid degradation, AMPK signaling pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis, and immune response. Our data represented a promising approach regarding the importance of ω-3 as anxiolytic and anti-stress. In this context, UNC13B and ADRA1B genes were downregulated in the stress_ω-3 group compared to the stress group, which are associated with decreased activity of glutamatergic stimulatory neurons and probably play important role in facilitating the response to stress. This study extends the current understanding of the liver transcriptome response to physiological stress, and provides new insights into the molecular responses to stress in laying hens fed a diet supplemented with ω-3 fatty acids.
Echocardiography and extravascular lung water during 3 weeks of exposure to high altitude in otherwise healthy asthmatics
Authors: Saxer S. , Bader P. R. , Schneider S. R. , Mademilov M. , Sheraliev U. , Appenzeller P. , Müller J. , Sooronbaev T. M. , Bloch K. E. , Ulrich S. , Lichtblau M.
Published: July 2023

Background: Asthma rehabilitation at high altitude is common. Little is known about the acute and subacute cardiopulmonary acclimatization to high altitude in middle-aged asthmatics without other comorbidities.

Methods: In this prospective study in lowlander subjects with mostly mild asthma who revealed an asthma control questionnaire score >0.75 and participated in a three-week rehabilitation program, we assessed systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), cardiac function, and extravascular lung water (EVLW) at 760 m (baseline) by Doppler-echocardiography and on the second (acute) and last day (subacute) at a high altitude clinic in Kyrgyzstan (3100 m).

Results: The study included 22 patients (eight male) with a mean age of 44.3 ± 12.4 years, body mass index of 25.8 ± 4.7 kg/m2, a forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 92% ± 19% predicted (post-bronchodilator), and partially uncontrolled asthma. sPAP increased from 21.8 mmHg by mean difference by 7.5 [95% confidence interval 3.9 to 10.5] mmHg (p < 0.001) during acute exposure and by 4.8 [1.0 to 8.6] mmHg (p = 0.014) during subacute exposure. The right-ventricular-to-pulmonary-artery coupling expressed by TAPSE/sPAP decreased from 1.1 by −0.2 [−0.3 to −0.1] mm/mmHg (p < 0.001) during acute exposure and by −0.2 [−0.3 to −0.1] mm/mmHg (p = 0.002) during subacute exposure, accordingly. EVLW significantly increased from baseline (1.3 ± 1.8) to acute hypoxia (5.5 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) but showed no difference after 3 weeks (2.0 ± 1.8).

Conclusion: In otherwise healthy asthmatics, acute exposure to hypoxia at high altitude increases pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and EVLW. During subacute exposure, PAP remains increased, but EVLW returns to baseline values, suggesting compensatory mechanisms that contribute to EVLW homeostasis during acclimatization.
Mechanism and implications of pro-nature physical activity in antagonizing psychological stress: the key role of microbial-gut-brain axis
Authors: Lou Hu , Liu Xue , Liu Ping
Published: July 2023

Appropriate physical activities and a biodiversity-rich environment are conducive to the relief of psychological stress, and pro-nature physical activities are a combination of the two, which has good application potential in antagonizing psychological stress, but the intervention mechanism is still unclear. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is cyclically associated with psychological stress, and psychological stress can affect the microbiota through the gut-brain pathway, and conversely, the microbiota can also affect the psychological stress-induced symptoms. It is suggested that the microbe-gut-brain axis may provide a new perspective and target for the treatment of psychological stress-related diseases. Pro-nature physical activity can improve the number of Firmicutes, short-chain fatty acids, Akkermansia bacteria, and the gut-brain barrier and further affect the HPA axis, BDNF, and serotonin pathways of gut-brain two-way communication, thereby maintaining the body’s homeostasis and reducing antagonistic psychological stress. According to the comprehensive influence of physical activities on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, a “green + exercise prescription hypothesis” in line with the holistic medical concept is revealed, which is expected to be effective in the prevention, alleviation, and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. It provides new means for treating psychological stress-related diseases such as mental disorders and mood disorders. In addition, it enlightens the construction of green infrastructure that is conducive to the diversified contact of microorganisms in outdoor physical activities venues and induces healthy interaction between the human body and the microbial population in the natural ecology. However, the current research is still in its early stages, and the intervention effect and mechanism of pro-nature physical activities need further demonstration in the future.
The contribution of cultural identity to subjective well-being in collectivist countries: a study in the context of contemporary Chinese culture
Authors: Zhou Song , Liu Gaoyu , Huang Yingming , Huang Tingyu , Lin Shiya , Lan Jie , Yang Huaqi , Lin Rongmao
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Though the important effect of cultural identity on subjective well-being is widely acknowledged, the details of how different cultures’ unique features influence well-being remain to be revealed. To address this issue in the context of Chinese culture, the present study investigates whether and how the prominent features of Chinese culture—collectivism and red culture—shape Chinese people’s subjective well-being.

Methods

The Red Cultural Identity Scale, Subjective Well-Being Scale, Collectivism Scale, and Perspective-Taking Scale were used to assess 1,045 Chinese residents.

Results

The results showed that red cultural identity positively predicted participants’ subjective well-being through the mediated role of collectivism. Furthermore, perspective-taking was found to moderate the mediating effect of collectivism.

Discussion

These results demonstrate that the way cultural identity predicts subjective well-being is highly correlated to specific cultural features, e.g., the opinion of values, which was significant in practice with a cross-cultural background.
Use of social network sites among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Alon-Tirosh Michal , Meir Naama
Published: July 2023

Background

Social network sites (SNS) have become an integral part of the daily lives of billions of users, including adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is a seeming contrast between ASD, characterized by social communication difficulties, and SNS use, requiring social skills. However, few studies examine these adolescents’ personal and subjective experiences on and their self-reports regarding the benefits and difficulties of using them.

Methods

This study examines the communication strategies of adolescents with ASD in using SNS, through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 adolescents diagnosed with ASD.

Results

Findings are on three main aspects: reasons for using SNS, actual SNS use, and social characteristics of ASD as expressed through SNS engagement.

Conclusion

The main finding is that SNS use among adolescents with ASD exposes their deficiencies in communication despite providing emotional support. This study highlights the importance of guiding SNS use by adolescents with ASD.
Effects of a virtual reality-based motivational reinforcement + desensitization intervention program on psychological craving and addiction memory in female MA-dependent young adults
Authors: Ji Xihui , Tang Yuyao , Jing Lushi , Zhou Li , Wu Binbin , Deng Yong , Zhou Sijin , Yang Yangyan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a virtual reality (VR)-based motivational reinforcement + desensitization intervention program on psychological craving and addiction memory in female methamphetamine (MA)-dependent young adults.

Methods

We recruited 60 female MA-dependent young adults in a compulsory isolation drug rehabilitation facility in Sichuan Province, and randomly assigned them to intervention (mean age = 23.24 ± 2.06) and control groups (mean age = 23.33 ± 2.09). The intervention group received a VR-based motivational enhancement + desensitization intervention (total of eight sessions over a 4-week period), while the control group received regular detoxification management during the same period. Assessments were conducted before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) being used to assess subjective craving, electronic sphygmomanometer employed to measure physiological parameters, and the Addiction Memory Intensity Scale (AMIS) applied to assess addiction memory intensity.

Results

Generalized estimating equation analysis showed significant main effects of group on changes in heart rate difference, systolic blood pressure difference, VAS and AMIS scores (all p < 0.01), and a significant time main effect on changes in diastolic blood pressure difference, VAS and AMIS scores (all p < 0.01), and a significant group × time interaction effect on changes in the difference values of three physiological parameters, VAS and AMIS scores (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). After the intervention, the differences in three physiological parameters, and the VAS and AMIS scores, were significantly lower in the intervention than in the control group (all p < 0.05), and the difference between the two groups remained significant 1 month after the end of the intervention (both p < 0.01). VAS scores, heart rate difference, and diastolic blood pressure difference in the intervention group were significantly lower than baseline scores, both at the end of the intervention and 1 month thereafter (all p < 0.01); the systolic blood pressure difference in the intervention group was significantly lower at the end of the intervention than at baseline (p < 0.05); AMIS scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than the baseline scores 1 month after the end of the intervention (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our VR-based motivational reinforcement + desensitization intervention program can effectively reduce psychological craving and physiological reactivity for drugs, and the intensity of addictive memories in female MA-dependent young adults, even after 1 month.
Building menstrual health and hygiene-supportive environments: exploring teachers’ experience in rural Western Kenya
Authors: Shenkman Julia L. , Neubauer Leah C. , Mason Linda , Oruko Kelvin , Alexander Kelly , Phillips-Howard Penelope A. , Nyothach Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Existing school environments and staff play a critical role in Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) for school aged girls in middle and low-income countries. This paper leverages teachers’ perspectives on menstruation and the impact of the Menstrual Solutions (MS) study, an open cluster randomized controlled feasibility study to determine the impact of puberty education, nurses support, and menstrual product provision on girls’ academic performance and emotional well-being.

Methods

Seventeen focus group discussions were conducted from October 2012 through November 2013 with teachers at six participating schools, held at three different time points during the study period.

Results

Key themes that emerged were emotions and blood, absenteeism, the role of teachers in MHH, and the impact of sensitization. Teachers noted that poor MHH had an impact on school attendance, transparency and openness with teachers, and student behavior in class. It was reported that adolescent girls would absent themselves for 3–5 days during their menstrual cycle depending on what materials they could use, and they would often shy away from teachers, when possible, only speaking to them about their menses if it was urgent or they needed to go home. Emotions such as fear and embarrassment were commonly associated with bleeding. At the midpoint and end of the study, teachers noted that the puberty education and menstrual product provision (where applicable) had a positive impact on girls’ attendance, attention, and comfort in the classroom. Girls became more open with both male and female teachers about their menses, and more comfortable and confident in the classroom among all classmates.

Discussion

This research highlights the importance of building an MHH-supportive environment with multiple school personnel within schools to develop a gender-equitable environment for girls to learn confidently without undue interference. Teachers are key adults in adolescent girls’ lives, having the potential to foster an environment that empowers girls with greater autonomy to manage their menses. This highlights a need to consider their perspectives in intervention development. Sensitization of teachers and puberty education across both genders are key components to developing the MHH-supportive environment in schools.
Enhancing corporate readiness for and resilience to future public health threats, development and deployment of the public health readiness and resilience (PHRR) assessment tool
Authors: Garfield Susan , Almeida Rebeca , Donaldson Kira , Eslami Natasha
Published: July 2023

As the world suffered through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is increasingly clear that the health of populations is foundational to a high-functioning economy, corporate well-being, and a core driver of social justice. Thus, companies need to understand how to become more resilient to current and future threats. This study (1) explored dimensions of resilience from a public health risk-specific lens and reviewed existing evaluation tools and frameworks to develop a methodology and framework (Public Health Readiness and Resilience—PHRR Assessment Tool) for organizations; and (2) leveraged the framework to evaluate a sample of large corporations to validate the insights the tool can provide, confirm functionality, and evaluate the ability to leverage publicly available vs. propriety data to complete the assessment. We conducted a non-exhaustive search for relevant indices using key word searches and cascade sampling. For the initial review of indices (n = 24), the team evaluated each document based on predefined criteria. Gaps identified in the available indices informed the development of the PHRR assessment tool. The tool was then used to examine real-world companies (n = 22) from eight different industries. Findings from the PHRR tool illustrated variation in readiness and resilience as well as the availability of data. Approximately half of the companies analyzed (n = 11) indicated high levels of potential resilience and readiness with significant data available. Leveraging the PHRR Assessment Tool can inform investments and cross-sector partnerships that enhance companies’ readiness and resilience to a variety of public health threats. Additional research is needed to further validate this tool.
Evaluative altmetrics: is there evidence for its application to research evaluation?
Authors: Arroyo-Machado Wenceslao , Torres-Salinas Daniel
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Altmetrics have been demonstrated as a promising tool for analyzing scientific communication on social media. Nevertheless, its application for research evaluation remains underdeveloped, despite the advancement of research in the study of diverse scientific interactions.

Methods

This paper develops a method for applying altmetrics in the evaluation of researchers, focusing on a case study of the Environment/Ecology ESI field publications by researchers at the University of Granada. We considered Twitter as a mirror of social attention, news outlets as media, and Wikipedia as educational, exploring mentions from these three sources and the associated actors in their respective media, contextualizing them using various metrics.

Results

Our analysis evaluated different dimensions such as the type of audience, local attention, engagement generated around the mention, and the profile of the actor. Our methodology effectively provided dashboards that gave a comprehensive view of the different instances of social attention at the author level.

Discussion

The use of altmetrics for research evaluation presents significant potential, as shown by our case study. While this is a novel method, our results suggest that altmetrics could provide valuable insights into the social attention that researchers garner. This can be an important tool for research evaluation, expanding our understanding beyond traditional metrics.
The impact of meditation aided by VR technology as an emerging therapeutic to ease cancer related anxiety, stress, and fatigue
Authors: Franklin D. Michael , Silvestro Charles , Carrillo Robert A. , Yang Yewon , Annadurai Dharani , Ganesan Sangavai , Vasantham Divya Sai Jyothi , Mettu Soujanya , Patel Mehal , Patil Manasi S. , Akurathi Nandini Devi
Published: July 2023

Patients diagnosed with cancer experience a high degree of stress as well as side effects from treatments that can greatly impact their quality of life. Many patients experience long-term side effects such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Several studies have reported that the use of virtual reality (VR) interventions show substantial benefits in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain, and cognitive functions in cancer patients undergoing therapy. In this study we analyzed the acceptability, feasibility, and tolerance of PNI Thrive, a 10-min VR guided meditation application, as an adjuvant digital therapeutic aid for cancer patients in a clinical setting. Patients diagnosed with various cancers, and at different stages of therapy, participated in this study. Our data suggests that the adjuvant VR treatment was successful in making patients feel calmer, more relaxed, refreshed, and more empowered. We propose that routine exposure of patients to VR interventions will help improve their response to anti-cancer therapies and quality of life.
Current practices, challenges and new advances in the collection and use of food composition data for Africa
Authors: Pretorius Beulah , Muka Junior M. , Hulshof Paul J. M. , Schönfeldt Hettie C.
Published: July 2023

High-quality food composition data are indispensable for improved decision-making in food security, health policy formulation, food labeling, diet formulation, agricultural policymaking, nutrition research, and many other nutrition-related activities. The optimisation of dietary patterns is a powerful tool to reduce the impact of malnutrition on a population’s health and well-being. Many countries in resource-poor settings lack a framework for developing and managing food composition data appropriate for these purposes. In the article, an overview of available food composition tables in Africa and the origin, use and limitations of theses tables are discussed. It is important that those working on any nutrition-related activity for resource-poor settings understand the limitations of current food composition data. Production of high-quality data requires the harmonization and adoption of international standards and guidelines across Africa. Moreover, continuity in the production, compilation and management of high-quality food composition data is challenged by suboptimal capacity building in terms of organizational, institutional and legal framework development. In this perspective article, the authors deliberate on challenges with a focus on Africa, while discussing new advances in food composition activities. Opportunities (such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable devices, natural language processing (NLP) and other machine learning techniques) to improve existing resources must be more actively explored and supported.
Variation of rectal temperature in dogs undergoing 3T-MRI in general anesthesia
Authors: Paul Frauke , Alef Michaele
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Managing body temperature during MRI scanning under general anesthesia poses challenges for both human and veterinary patients, as many temperature monitoring devices and patient warming systems are unsuitable for the use inside an MRI scanner. MRI has the potential to cause tissue and body warming, but this effect may be counteracted by the hypothermia induced by general anesthesia and the low ambient temperature usually encountered in scanner rooms. This study aimed to observe temperature variations in dogs undergoing MRI under general anesthesia.

Materials and methods

In this prospective observational study, client-owned dogs scheduled for 3-Tesla MRI under anesthesia between February and October 2020 at a veterinary teaching hospital were eligible for enrollment. Recorded data included breed, body mass, body condition score, age, fur quality, pre- and post-MRI rectal temperatures, time in the MRI room, scan area and coil used, application of contrast medium, choice of anesthetic agents, use of blankets, and infusion therapy. Group comparisons were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U-test or Kruskal-Wallis test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

In total 171 dogs met the inclusion criteria. The median body temperature at admission was 38.4°C (IQR 38.1–38.7°C). The median body temperature before MRI was 38.2°C (IQR 37.8–38.6°C), and the median temperature after the MRI scan was 37.7°C (IQR 37.238.2°C) resulting in a median temperature difference (∆T) before and after MRI of - 0.6°C (IQR −0.8–−0.1°C). The median duration of MRI scans was 49 min (IQR 38–63 min). A temperature loss of more than 0.1°C was observed in 121 (70.8%) dogs, 29 (16.9%) dogs maintained their temperature within 0.1°C, and 21 (12.3%) dogs experienced a temperature increase of more than 0.1°C. Factors associated with a higher post-MRI temperature included greater body mass, medium or long fur, and the application of α2- receptor-agonists.

Conclusion

Dogs undergoing MRI under general anesthesia are likely to experience temperature loss in the given circumstances. However, in larger dogs and those with much fur, an increase in body temperature is possible and more common than generally anticipated, although clinically insignificant in most cases.
Assessment of the quality of the healing process in experimentally induced skin lesions treated with autologous platelet concentrate associated or unassociated with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells: preliminary results in a large animal model
Authors: Iacopetti Ilaria , Perazzi Anna , Patruno Marco , Contiero Barbara , Carolo Anna , Martinello Tiziana , Melotti Luca
Published: July 2023

Regenerative medicine for the treatment of skin lesions is an innovative and rapidly developing field that aims to promote wound healing and restore the skin to its original condition before injury. Over the years, different topical treatments have been evaluated to improve skin wound healing and, among them, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have shown promising results for this purpose. This study sought to evaluate the quality of the healing process in experimentally induced full-thickness skin lesions treated with PRP associated or unassociated with MSCs in a sheep second intention wound healing model. After having surgically created full-thickness wounds on the back of three sheep, the wound healing process was assessed by performing clinical evaluations, histopathological examinations, and molecular analysis. Treated wounds showed a reduction of inflammation and contraction along with an increased re-epithelialization rate and better maturation of the granulation tissue compared to untreated lesions. In particular, the combined treatment regulated the expression of collagen types I and III resulting in a proper resolution of the granulation tissue contrary to what was observed in untreated wounds; moreover, it led to a better maturation and organization of skin adnexa and collagen fibers in the repaired skin compared to untreated and PRP-treated wounds. Overall, both treatments improved the wound healing process compared to untreated wounds. Wounds treated with PRP and MSCs showed a healing progression that qualitatively resembles a restitutio ad integrum of the repaired skin, showing features typical of a mature healthy dermis.
Temperature and humidity index (THI) affects salivary cortisol (HC) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations in growing bulls following stress generated by performance test procedures
Authors: Giaretta Elisa , Mongillo Paolo , Da Dalt Laura , Gianesella Matteo , Bortoletti Martina , Degano Lorenzo , Vicario Daniele , Gabai Gianfranco
Published: July 2023

The hypothalamus-pituitary–adrenal axis response to a challenge was proposed for genetic selection of robust and resilient animals. As ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) test and hormone measurements in blood may result impractical, it may be useful to measure salivary hormones in response to natural stressors, after an accurate biological validation, to control factors that could contribute to the response. We evaluated whether animal handling during performance test affects salivary HC and DHEA secretion and could be used for selection. We tested the effects of habituation to repeated handling and THI as putative bias. Bull calves (N = 273) undergoing performance test were sampled at 8–9 and 11–13 months (N = 101), 8–9 months (N = 131), or 11–13 months (N = 41). On each test day (D0), calves were isolated, conducted to a squeeze chute and immobilized for 6 min. Saliva samples were collected in the morning after feed administration (T0), and after 6 min immobilization in the squeeze chute (T1) for HC and DHEA measurement. Environmental temperature and relative humidity were recorded every hour from 1:00 h to 24:00 h during the 6 days before the performance test and on D0. Salivary HC and DHEA concentrations were higher in T1 (p < 0.01), although a clear individual positive response to handling could be observed in less than 10% of subjects. The mixed model revealed: (i) HC and HC/DHEA were higher in Young bulls (p < 0.05). (ii) The time of T0 sample collection significantly affected DHEA (p < 0.01) and HC/DHEA (p < 0.05). (iii) THI affected both steroids (p < 0.001) but not HC/DHEA. Spearman correlations suggested that THI weakly affected salivary HC at T0 only (ρ = 0.150, p < 0.01), while moderate statistically significant correlations were found between DHEA and THI at T0 (ρ = 0.316, p < 0.001), and T1 (ρ = 0.353, p < 0.001). Salivary HC and DHEA in response to handling procedures might identify subpopulations of subjects with sensitive HPA axis. Habituation to repeated handling played a role, as the hormone response was lower in older animals. Chronic exposure to high THI had a minor effect on salivary HC visible at T0. A more intense THI effect was observed on salivary DHEA concentrations at both T0 and T1, which should be worth of further investigations.
Phylogenomic and population genetics analyses of extant tomato yellow leaf curl virus strains on a global scale
Authors: Marchant Wendy G. , Mugerwa Habibu , Gautam Saurabh , Al-Aqeel Hamed , Polston Jane E. , Rennberger Gabriel , Smith Hugh , Turechek Bill , Adkins Scott , Brown Judith K. , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu
Published: July 2023

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is a monopartite DNA virus with a genome size of ~ 2,800 base pairs. The virus belongs to the genus Begomovirus within the family Geminiviridae. Extant TYLCV strains are differentiated based on an established threshold of 94% genome-wide pairwise nucleotide identity. The phylogenetic relationships, diversification mechanisms, including recombination, and extent of spread within and from the center of origin for TYLCV have been reported in previous studies. However, the evolutionary relationships among strains, strains’ distribution and genomic diversification, and genetic mechanisms shaping TYLCV strains’ evolution have not been re-evaluated to consider globally representative genome sequences in publicly available sequence database, including herein newly sequenced genomes from the U.S. and Middle East, respectively. In this study, full-length genome sequences for the extant strains and isolates of TYLCV (n=818) were downloaded from the GenBank database. All previously published genome sequences, and newly sequenced TYLCV genomes of TYLCV isolates from Kuwait and USA, determined herein (n=834), were subjected to recombination analysis. To remove the ‘phylogenetic noise’ imparted by interspecific recombination, the recombinant genomes were removed from the data set, and the remaining non-recombinant genome sequences (n=423) were subjected to population genetics and Bayesian analyses. Results of the phylogeographical analysis indicated that the type strain, TYLCV-Israel, and TYLCV-Mild strain, were globally distributed, spanning Africa, America, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, and New Caledonia, while the other TYLCV strains were prevalent only throughout the Middle East. The results of Bayesian evolutionary (ancestral) analysis predicted that TYLCV-Israel represents the oldest, most recent common ancestor (MRCA) (41,795 years), followed by TYLCV-Mild at 39,808 years. These were closely followed by two Iranian strains viz., TYLCV-Kerman and TYLCV-Iran at 37,529 and 36,420 years, respectively. In contrast, the most recently evolving strains were TYLCV-Kuwait and TYLCV-Kahnooj at 12,445 and 298 years, respectively. Results of the neutrality test indicated that TYLCV-Israel and TYLCV-Mild populations are undergoing purifying selection and/or population expansion, although statistically significant selection was documented for only TYLCV-Israel, based on positive selection acting on five codons.
Discrete Data Rate Adaptation for Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Szkaliczki Tibor
Published: July 2023

eHealth services require continuous data streaming and a stable level of quality of service. However, wireless network connections can be characterized by variable bandwidths. This requires continuous adaptation of systems, including adapting the bit rates of data streamed by sensors. Assigning appropriate rates to the data represents a main task in congestion control. Most of the current methods look for proper sensor data rates within continuous domains. We examine the case when sensors can generate data streams with several different qualities (e.g., sampling rates, sampling accuracies, etc.). For this reason, the domain of the data rate values can be restricted to the discrete values representing the data rates of the possible quality variations. This paper examines the optimization of the utility of the delivered data under resource constraints by selecting an appropriate variation of the provided data from a discrete set. We provide a formal model for delivering data streams in WBANs and recommend an optimization algorithm to solve the problem. Our recommended solutions are related to the multiple-choice multidimensional knapsack problem. By comparing the proposed algorithms, we found that the greedy method closely approximates the optimum in a short running time.
Spider Lightning Characterization: Integrating Optical, NLDN, and GLM Detection
Authors: Green Gilbert , Watanabe Naomi
Published: July 2023

Here, we investigate the characteristics of spider lightning analyzing individual lightning flashes as well as the overall electric storm system. From July to November 2022, optical camera systems captured the visually spectacular spider lightning in Southwest Florida. The aspects and activities of the discharges were analyzed by merging the video images with lightning flash data from the National Detection Lightning Network (NLDN) and the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). Spider lightning discharges primarily occurred during the later stages of the overall lightning activity when there was a decrease in the flash count and flash locations were drifting apart. The propagation path of the spider discharge was predominantly luminous and exhibited an extended duration, ranging from 300 ms to 1720 ms, with most of the path remaining continuously illuminated. Occasionally, observed discharges produced cloud-to-ground flashes (CG) along their propagation paths. This study represents the first attempt to utilize video images, NLDN, and GLM data to investigate the correlation between visual observed spider lightning events and detection networks. These combined datasets facilitated the characterization of the observed spider lightning discharges.
Advances in Biomimetics: Combination of Various Effects at Different Scales
Authors: Gorb Stanislav , Carbone Giuseppe , Speck Thomas , Taubert Andreas
Published: July 2023

Biomimetics (bionics, bioinspired technology) refers to research on living systems and attempts to transfer their properties to engineering applications [...]
Overestimation of Phonological Judgments on the Right Side of Space
Authors: Turriziani Patrizia , Santostefano Alessia , Catania Angela , Oliveri Massimiliano
Published: July 2023

Spatial attentional biases can be observed during the processing of linguistic material. For example, we previously reported that healthy subjects overestimate the semantic distance between word stimuli in the right vs. left space. Here, we explored whether or not attentional biases are also observed in tasks requiring an evaluation of phonological distance between words in the right and left hemifield. Forty-one healthy subjects were presented with triplets of words arranged in space and were asked to indicate the side of the space in which the phonological distance between the middle word and an outer word was smaller. In Experiment 1, real words and pseudowords were used, while in Experiment 2, only pseudowords and consonant strings were used. Subjects overestimated the phonological distance between the middle and outer words in the right space. These findings were specific to word stimuli. These results are consistent with the idea that semantic and phonological information may be internally mapped onto spatial representations.
Refined Simulation of Reinforced Concrete Beam Based on a Hybrid Peridynamic Method
Authors: Lin Chun , Lin Zhe , Xue Xin , He Song , Wang Lei
Published: July 2023

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures under earthquake excitation may fail and cause significant casualties and economic losses, highlighting the importance of studying their seismic failure mechanisms. Considering that the commonly used finite element method and discrete element method have inherent limitations, a more efficient meshless method, known as peridynamics (PD), has been proposed and applied in various areas. PD has two types, namely, bond-based peridynamics (BPD) and state-based peridynamics (SPD). BPD is limited by its fixed Poisson’s ratio, while SPD suffers from the zero-energy mode issue. A hybrid peridynamics (HPD) method is introduced in this paper to overcome these limitations, as it establishes bonds between each PD point and other PD points within its horizon and sums up all bond forces on the PD point to calculate the total force. The proposed HPD method is then applied to simulate three RC beams with different shear span-to-depth ratios. The simulation results, including the shear force–deflection of the beams, shear force–strain of stirrups, crack formation and propagation, and diagonal crack width, are compared against experimental data. The proposed HPD method is demonstrated as being capable of simulating RC structures’ behaviors in an accurate and stable manner.
Investigating the Effects of Parameter Tuning on Machine Learning for Occupant Behavior Analysis in Japanese Residential Buildings
Authors: Furuhashi Kaito , Nakaya Takashi
Published: July 2023

Global warming is currently progressing worldwide, and it is important to control greenhouse gas emissions from the perspective of adaptation and mitigation. Occupant behavior is highly individualized and must be analyzed to accurately determine a building’s energy consumption. However, most of the resident behavior models in existing studies are based on statistical methods, and their accuracy in parameter tuning has not been examined. The accuracy of heating behavior prediction has been studied using three different methods: logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), and deep neural network (DNN). The generalization ability of the support vector machine and the deep neural network was improved by parameter tuning. The parameter tuning of the SVM showed that the values of C and gamma affected the prediction accuracy. The prediction accuracy improved by approximately 11.9%, confirming the effectiveness of parameter tuning on the SVM. The parameter tuning of the DNN showed that the values of the layer and neuron affected prediction accuracy. Although parameter tuning also improved the prediction accuracy of the DNN, the rate of increase was lower than that of the SVM.
Diagnostic Yield of Repeat Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Biopsy for Solid Pancreatic Lesions
Authors: Camus Baptiste , Pellat Anna , Rouquette Alexandre , Marchese Ugo , Dohan Anthony , Belle Arthur , Abou Ali Einas , Chaussade Stanislas , Coriat Romain , Barret Maximilien
Published: July 2023

Patients and methods: we performed a retrospective case-control study, including cases with repeat EUS FNB for a solid pancreatic lesion, matched on a 1:2 ratio on age, sex, tumor location and presence of chronic pancreatitis with cases diagnosed on the first EUS FNB. Results: thirty-four cases and 68 controls were included in the analysis. Diagnostic accuracies were 80% and 88% in the repeat and single EUS FNB groups, respectively (p = 0.824). The second EUS FNB had a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 75%, a positive predictive value of 96%, and a negative predictive value of 33%. Of the 34 patients in the repeat EUS FNB group, 25 (74%) had a positive diagnosis with the second EUS FNB, 4 (12%) after surgery due to a second negative EUS FNB, 4 (12%) during clinical follow-up, and 1 (3%) after a third EUS FNB. Of the 25 patients diagnosed on the repeat EUS FNB, 17 (68%) had pancreatic adenocarcinomas, 2 (8%) neuroendocrine tumors, 2 (8%) other autoimmune pancreatitis, 2 (8%) chronic pancreatitis nodules, 1 (4%) renal cancer metastasis, and 1 (4%) other malignant diagnostic. There were no complications reported after the second EUS FNB in this study. Conclusion: repeat EUS FNB made a diagnosis in three fourths of patients with solid pancreatic lesions and a first negative EUS FNB, with 26% of benign lesions. This supports the repetition of EUS FNB sampling in this clinical situation.
Intratumoural Delivery of mRNA Loaded on a Cationic Hyper-Branched Cyclodextrin-Based Polymer Induced an Anti-Tumour Immunological Response in Melanoma
Authors: Khazaei Monfared Yousef , Mahmoudian Mohammad , Zakeri-Milani Parvin , Cecone Claudio , Hayashi Tomoya , Ishii Ken J. , Conde João , Matencio Adrián , Trotta Francesco
Published: July 2023

mRNA technology has demonstrated potential for use as an effective cancer immunotherapy. However, inefficient in vivo mRNA delivery and the requirements for immune co-stimulation present major hurdles to achieving anti-tumour therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we used a cationic hyper-branched cyclodextrin-based polymer to increase mRNA delivery in both in vitro and in vivo melanoma cancer. We found that the transfection efficacy of the mRNA-EGFP-loaded Ppoly system was significantly higher than that of lipofectamine and free mRNA in both 2D and 3D melanoma cancer cells; also, this delivery system did not show cytotoxicity. In addition, the biodistribution results revealed time-dependent and significantly higher mEGFP expression in complexes with Ppoly compared to free mRNA. We then checked the anti-tumour effect of intratumourally injected free mRNA–OVA, a foreign antigen, and loaded Ppoly; the results showed a considerable decrease in both tumour size and weight in the group treated with OVA-mRNA in loaded Ppoly compared to other formulations with an efficient adaptive immune response by dramatically increasing most leukocyte subtypes and OVA-specific CD8+ T cells in both the spleen and tumour tissues. Collectively, our findings suggest that the local delivery of cationic cyclodextrin-based polymer complexes containing foreign mRNA antigens might be a good and reliable concept for cancer immunotherapy.
Assessing Skin Cancer Risk Factors, Sun Safety Behaviors and Melanoma Concern in Atlantic Canada: A Comprehensive Survey Study
Authors: Lagacé François , Noorah Bibi Nuzha , Conte Santina , Mija Lorena Alexandra , Chang Jasmine , Cattelan Leila , LeBeau Jonathan , Claveau Joël , Turchin Irina , Gulliver Wayne , Gniadecki Robert , Netchiporouk Elena , Miller Jr. Wilson H. , Salopek Thomas G. , Rahme Elham , Peláez Sandra , Litvinov Ivan V.
Published: July 2023

Background: The incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) is increasing at an alarming rate in Canada and elsewhere around the world. Significant regional differences in CM incidence have been identified in Atlantic provinces. The goal of this study is to compare ultraviolet exposure, sun protective behaviours, level of worry and baseline CM knowledge in provinces with a high versus low incidence of CM as well, as between various demographic groups. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Atlantic provinces between July 2020 and August 2022. All participants aged ≥ 16 years with a completed survey were eligible. Survey responses were summarized using frequency counts, percentages, and means. Two-sided Z-tests for equality of proportions and logistic regression models were used to compare the survey results between geographic and demographic groups. Results: In total, 7861 participants were included (28.0% men; mean age 61.3 years; response rate 28%). Our results (gender- and age-adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) show that high-incidence provinces for CM (Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia) had significantly more sunburns (OR 2.00, 1.72–2.31), total sun exposure (OR 2.05, 1.68–2.50), recreational sun exposure (OR 1.95, 1.61–2.35) and tans (OR 1.77, 1.53–2.05) than individuals in low-incidence provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador). However, individuals in high-incidence provinces displayed more protective behaviors: there were less tanning bed users (OR 0.82, 0.71–0.95), they checked their skin more frequently for new moles (OR 1.26, 1.06–1.51) and practiced more sun protection overall. Additional analyses are presented based on education, income, sexual orientation and gender. Discussion: These findings suggest that future efforts aimed at reducing the CM burden in Atlantic Canada should be tailored for target geographic and/or demographic groups. Limitations: the study participants are not representative of the population in Atlantic Canada due to recruitment strategies.