bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance, blood and histological parameters and gene expression of lipogenic markers in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed Tenebrio molitor larvae meal
Authors: Soares L.J.F. , Ribeiro G.O. , Freitas D.F. , Madureira E.R. , Aiura F.S. , Maciel M.P. , Nascimento J.C.S. , Ribeiro A.G. , Santos S.H.S. , Costa D.V.
Published: November 2023

The objective of the present study was to evaluate different inclusion levels of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae meal in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two hundred male Tilapia juveniles were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments (0%, 6.5%, 13%, 19.5% and 26% mealworm larvae meal) and four repetitions (polyethylene tanks), with 10 animals each. Productive performance, blood, histological and molecular parameters and viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic indices were evaluated. Among the evaluated parameters, final biomass, biomass gain, final weight, weight gain and apparent feed consumption were influenced by the inclusion of mealworm larvae meal in the feeds; the best results were obtained with an inclusion level of 26%. The tilapia fed with mealworm larvae meal showed higher body and fillet weights and larger muscle fibres. In addition, they presented similar values of biochemical components compared to animals fed the standard diet. Lipogenic genes were significantly higher expressed in groups fed mealworm larvae meal. In view of the findings, the inclusion of mealworm larvae meal in the diet of Nile tilapia is a viable approach, and inclusion levels of up to 26% of replacement of digestible protein have no negative impacts on the analysed parameters.
Crickets (Gryllus Bimaculatus) using food waste usefulness of self-selection feed design method through each growth stage
Authors: Akiyama D. , Kaewplik T. , Fujisawa T. , Kurosu T. , Sasaki Y.
Published: November 2023

In this study, a self-selected feed design was conducted for Japanese food wastes, considering the macronutrients (protein, lipid, carbohydrate) and six feed options and three options for vegetable wastes, and performance was compared with commercial diet to determine the usefulness of the feed design method and the possibility of using food waste in Japan were examined by comparing the performance of the feed design method with commercial diet. Data on self-selection diet design for crickets at different growth stages were obtained to determine the differences in feed consumption rates and nutrient requirements among stages. The results showed that it is possible to achieve cricket weight and feed conversion efficiencies (0.5-0.8) comparable to those of commercial diets using food residues when macro-nutrients are considered, and abundant options are provided. On the other hand, the use of only vegetable wastes resulted in lower cricket weight and higher feed conversion efficiency (0.8-1.4). Based on feed consumption rates, bread bran, rice bran, and fish meal were found to be suitable feeds among Japanese food waste for production in all growth stages, while bean curd and sake less were found to be suitable for production in some growth stages. Data obtained from self-selections separated by growth stage revealed that the percentage of feed consumption varied greatly among growth stages, being about 50-68% in the late growth stage. Percentages of macronutrients and micronutrients were also found to vary by growth stage. Protein percentages were found to be higher in the second week after hatching. Lipids were highest in the first week and decreased thereafter. Crude fiber was lowest in the fourth week. Ash content did not change significantly at all stages. This research is the first attempt at self-selection of crickets in different growth stages, and the data obtained can contribute to feed design.
Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal based extruded diets: potential to improve canine oral health
Authors: Santos Neto E.L. , Cardoso R.K.N. , Santos L.A.T.A. , Sampaio F.C. , Santos E.M. , Restan W.A.Z. , Aarts K. , Paul A. , Loureiro B.A.
Published: November 2023

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal-based pet food is gaining traction in Europe. In order to unlock the full potential of antimicrobial peptides and fatty acids present in BSFL meal, we evaluated the role of BSFL meal containing pet food in modulating the oral health of dogs. During this study eight female beagle dogs were fed with two iso-nutritive diets in a cross-over design with two periods of 50 days each. These diets were made using defatted BSFL meal or low ash poultry by product (PBP) meal as the main protein source. At the end of the first period, the animals underwent a wash out period of 7 days and the treatments were inverted following this treatment. Oral health of dogs was measured by: (1) count of colony forming unit of volatile sulfur producing bacterial (VSC) in dental plaque; (2) DNA extraction and amplification of 16S rRNA genes from saliva for bacterial profiling; and (3) oral malodor scoring. We found significant reduction of VSC () before and after 50 days of BSFL based pet food consumption. Oral malodor score was not significantly different before and after BSFL based pet food consumption. However, there was a strong tendency for malodor reduction related to BSFL fed groups (). Finally, there was a significant difference () between treatments in the relative abundance of Moraxella, with higher abundance in dog’s saliva when fed BSFL diets. This bacterial group is identified as a marker of oral health. In conclusion, the consumption of BSFL meal-based diets has strong potential to decrease VSC and positively modulates the saliva microbiota, which can suppress the occurrence of halitosis and improve oral health.
Dietary replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal improves growth and disease resistance in juvenile Pangasius bocourti
Authors: Fatima S. , Afzal A. , Aziz K. , Carter C.G.
Published: November 2023

This eight week long experiment was performed to study the effects of substitution of crude protein from soybean meal (SBM) with non-defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) on growth, nutritional quality, haematology, biochemistry, oxidative stress biomarkers, and bacterial disease resistance in juvenile basa (Pangasius bocourti). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (30% crude protein) were formulated to replace 0% (T0), 40% (T40), 80% (T80) and 100% (T100) of crude protein from SBM with BSFLM. Fingerlings (initial weight = 18.00 ± 1.25 g, n = 135) were stocked in aquaria. At end of the growth experiment, fifteen fish from each group were exposed to bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) challenge (0.80 CFU/ml) for fifteen days. Fish in BSFLM substituted groups showed significantly higher growth and condition as compared to those in T0. Inclusion of BSFLM did not affect the chemical composition, profile of amino acids, and fatty acids in fish. However, the levels of lauric acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, decosahexanoic acid, and eicosapentanoic acid increased in BSFLM fed fish. The concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme increased with addition of BSFLM in diet at end of the growth experiment. These oxidative stress biomarkers indicate that replacement of SBM with BSFLM up to 80% improved the growth and disease resistance in basa against gram-positive bacteria. BSFLM can be a future alternative protein source for commercial production of aquafeed for this species.
Cross-breeding of Tenebrio molitor strains from a large-scale perspective
Authors: Adamaki-Sotiraki C. , Deruytter D. , Rumbos C.I. , Athanassiou C.G.
Published: November 2023

To meet the increased future needs in insect Processed Animal Proteins PAPs, insect sector has to optimize the mass rearing of insects. That being the case, a means to tackle this growing demand for insects is to invest in breeding strategies aiming for the production of hybrids with improved economically and biologically valuable traits. In this framework, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the mating compatibility among four strains of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, from different geographical areas (Greece, Belgium, Italy and USA) and to assess and compare the performance of the produced inbred and partially outbred lines. All trials were performed in crates of the size (40 × 60 cm) typically used in industrial rearing of mealworm. Adults of T. molitor were placed in the crates and were left to mate and oviposit. To assess mating compatibility, the amount of oviposited eggs (g) as well as the larval hatching rate were recorded. For the assessment of larval performance of inbred and partially outbred lines, two to three weeks old larvae were placed in crates together with Insectus as feeding substrate. The results showed that all crossed lines demonstrated compatibility, and certain combinations outperformed others as suggested by the high cumulative number of eggs and the larval hatch rates for both inbred and partially outbred lines produced. For hatched larvae, there were significant differences among the inbred and partially outbred lines. The highest hatch rates recorded for the Italian-Italian, Belgian-Italian, and Belgian-USA lines. Concerning offspring performance, all crosses followed a similar pattern in terms of final larval weight. The present study aims to draw the attention of the scientific community and insect producing companies to cross-breeding practices to start unfolding its potential for the genetical improvement of commercially farmed insects.
Ethnobiology of edible palm weevil larvae Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Curculionidae, Coleoptera), a common food source in Amazonian Ecuador
Authors: Jaramillo-Vivanco T. , Cámara R.M. , Cámara M. , Tejera E. , Balslev H. , Álvarez-Suarez J.M.
Published: November 2023

Since ancient times, indigenous communities have depended on traditional and sustainable use of available food sources. Throughout the tropics, the larvae of the palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Curculionidae, Coleoptera) have served this purpose. Several studies have described the ancestral use of R. palmarum as an edible and medicinal insect in the Americas. The use of the grub for food and a system for rearing them are byproducts of the use of palms among several ethnic groups, many of which rely on the same harvesting techniques. The grubs also are used as treatments for several conditions. To better characterise these applications, we developed semi-structured surveys with 58 mostly open-ended questions focused on habitat, food, medicinal use, and commerce of grubs. Respondents were 42 informants from five ethnic groups in Amazonian Ecuador. Analysis indicated that the five groups had similar patterns of use, rearing, and collection of the larvae, but without a structured management plan. Grub collection remains a side activity related to traditional use of palms, but the larvae of this species could offer new opportunities in breeding, commercialisation, and consumption of edible insects as part of a sustainable-use strategy to strengthen food security in Amazonian populations. The potential of the larvae in medicinal use and as a factor in tourism in these regions suggests untapped opportunities with this year-round forest resource.
Mealworms for food and feed: are they only yellow?
Authors: Rumbos C.I. , Athanassiou C.G.
Published: November 2023

Among edible insects, mealworms have attracted a lot of scientific and commercial attention as a nutrient source in food and feed during the last decade. However, the main focus has been on the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, which undisputedly possesses numerous advantages that render it ideal for mass production. Apart from the yellow mealworm though, other mealworm species have great potential for food and feed applications. The lesser mealworm and the superworm are two species that, although less studied, show promise and could gain their share of the edible insect market in the near future. The present publication aims to put the main edible mealworm species under the spotlight and give a brief overview of their potential as food and feed source.
The Demographic Ceiling of Changes Driven by the Umbrella Movement
Authors: Blenkitni Ariel
Published: November 2023

This article explains post-Umbrella Movement shifts in public opinion in Hong Kong by correlating demographic subgroups with changes in support for the status quo, utilizing Asian Barometer Survey data regarding support for the existing system of government and idealized models for the future. The aim is to determine whether public opinion shifts occurred evenly through population subgroups or were limited to participants and peers. The findings show that while Hong Kongers’ views underwent a seismic shift, the expansion of dissent was unevenly distributed across demographic cohorts, rather than representing demographically symmetric diffusion reflecting societal bridging and cross-demographic coalition building. This indicates that, while the social movement may have shifted aggregate public opinion away from the status quo, its precepts permeated differently across age, class, and especially gender lines, and that views on the status quo were also strongly linked to idealized models for their future, relative to China.
A new genus and new species of palaemonid shrimp (Decapoda: Caridea), associated with the deep-sea crinoid Metacrinus rotundus (Echinodermata: Isocrinidae), from Suruga Bay, Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , SAKIYAMA HIROKI
Published: November 2023

Metacrimenes fenestra, a new palaemonid genus and species is described on the basis of an ovigerous female and one juvenile specimen from Suruga Bay, central Japan. The specimens were associated with the stalked crinoid Metacrinus rotundus Carpenter, 1885, collected at a depth of 131–200 m. Photographs taken in situ indicate that the shrimp lives ectosymbiotically on its crinoid host. The greatly reduced bud-like exopod on the third maxilliped links the new genus to Mesopontonia Bruce, 1967 (Indo-West Pacific) and Waldola Holthuis, 1951 (East Pacific), in which the exopod is absent, but the presence of antennal spine on the carapace and the non-elongate, symmetrical second pereopods immediately distinguish Metacrimenes n. gen. from these genera. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using a dataset concatenating two mitochondrial markers (16S rRNA and COI genes) clusters the new genus with Paraclimenes gorgonicola (Bruce, 1967), two species of Mesopontonia and Brucecaris tenuis (Bruce, 1969). However, in Paraclimenes Bruce, 1995 and Brucecaris Marin & Chan, 2006, the third maxilliped exopod is normally developed, flagellum-like. Other differentiating characters between the new taxon and the presumably allied taxa are discussed.
Morphology of the larvae of Rhantaticus congestus (Klug, 1833) and phylogenetic comparison with other known Aciliini (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Dytiscinae)
Authors: ALARIE YVES , MICHAT MARIANO C. , BERGSTEN JOHANNES , HÁJEK JIŘÍ
Published: November 2023

We describe the second- and third instar larvae of the diving beetle Rhantaticus congestus (Klug, 1833), including detailed morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, terminal abdominal segment and urogomphi in order to discover useful characters for distinguishing Rhantaticus Sharp, 1882 larvae from those of other known Aciliini (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Dytiscinae). A parsimony analysis based on 94 larval characteristics of nine Aciliini species in five genera (Acilius Leach, 1817, Graphoderus Dejean, 1833, Rhantaticus, Sandracottus Sharp, 1882, Thermonectus Dejean, 1833) was conducted using the program TNT. Rhantaticus shares with all these genera several larval character states which support its inclusion in the Aciliini. Whereas Rhantaticus larva stands out from other known genera by several unique character states, our parsimony analysis did not recover any clear phylogenetic position of this genus within the Aciliini.
Description of a new species of the genus Falsotrachystola Breuning, 1950 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: WANG YINGQI , HE TIANLONG , WANG PING , WANG WENKAI
Published: November 2023

In this work, a new species of the genus Falsotrachystola Breuning, 1950 (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) is described and illustrated, namely Falsotrachystola xui sp. nov. from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guizhou province, China.
Introduction
Authors: Kantor Benjamin Paul
Published: November 2023

Scholars have long acknowledged that the discipline of Biblical Hebrew grammar inherited many concepts and terms from the Arabic grammatical tradition of the Middle Ages. What has garnered less attention, however, is the respective language ideologies of each of these communities, and particularly the influence of the latter on the former. After all, language ideology can have a profound impact on how the grammar of a language is institutionalised. This first introductory chapter thus introduces the relevance of these issues along with an outline of the rest of the book.
Previous Studies on the Interface between the Medieval Hebrew and Arabic Grammatical Traditions
Authors: Kantor Benjamin Paul
Published: November 2023

The second chapter summarises previous scholarship on the interface between the medieval Hebrew and Arabic grammatical traditions and their respective literatures. In particular, it considers research on Jewish education in Muslim countries, the Arabic sources for the Hebrew grammarians’ works, attitudes towards sacred texts, comparative Semitic philology of the Middle Ages, terminology for the languages, traditional Jewish and Arab societies, and literary genres and topoi. Though none of the existing scholarship is specifically devoted to the interface of language ideology between the two traditions, these numerous adjacent topics underscore the relevance and need for such a study. These issues also feed into numerous topics addressed later in the book.
(Standard) Language Ideology as a Theoretical Framework
Authors: Kantor Benjamin Paul
Published: November 2023

The third chapter introduces the concept of using language ideology as a theoretical framework for research, beginning by looking at its nascence in scholarship in the 1970s and 1980s. We go on to outline the relevance of language ideology for the institutionalisation of grammar. In particular, we look at features of a ‘standard language culture’ and the phenomenon of ‘enregisterment’. The relevance of performance and performative language is also considered before our conclusion, in which we discuss how studying language ideology does not always bring one closer to actual linguistic practice on the ground. Rather, it brings one closer to users’ thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and feelings about the language, even if they contradict the linguistic behaviour of real speakers. As such, it serves as the theoretical framework through which we examine the primary material in the rest of the book.
Defining the Standard Language and Its Corpus
Authors: Kantor Benjamin Paul
Published: November 2023

The fourth chapter constitutes the first of two chapters dealing with the primary material of the study. It includes three subsections, each of which is devoted to a particular aspect of ‘standard language ideology’ evidenced in both the Hebrew and Arabic grammarians of the ʿAbbasid period. Moreover, each of these subsections is somehow concerned with the definition of the standard language and/or its corpus. These aspects are as follows: language as a cultural possession (see §1.0), proper language determined by an ancient corpus (see §2.0), and the ‘fieldwork’ topos (see §3.0).
The Purpose of the Standard Language and the Grammarians’ Mission
Authors: Kantor Benjamin Paul
Published: November 2023

The fifth chapter constitutes the second of two chapters dealing with the primary material of the study. It also includes three subsections dealing with the ‘standard language ideology’ of the Hebrew and Arabic grammarians of the ʿAbbasid period. In this case, each subsection is related to the purpose of the standard language (in the thought of the grammarians) and the grammarians’ ultimate mission in promoting it. Included in this chapter are treatments of linguistic-ideological similarities with respect to a performative register of language (see §1.0), the complaint tradition (see §2.0), and a negative attitude towards foreign languages (see §3.0).
Design of Low Power Temperature Sensor Based on Full Resistance Frequency Domain Readout
Authors: Zengjun Wang , Xian Yu
Published: November 2023

Combining with on-chip heat management application scenario, firstly, this paper introduces the advantages of resistance-based frequency-domain readout all-digital temperature sensor and its poor ability to resist power supply fluctuation, as well as the existing solutions, the basic
principle of digital temperature sensor with anti-power fluctuation suppression is analyzed, and its feasibility is proved by system modeling and theoretical analysis. Secondly, based on the proposed architecture, a new kind of near-digital temperature sensor architecture is proposed, which
adopts a ring oscillator dominated by leakage current, thus it can work directly in a wide voltage range from 0.8 V to 1.3 V without the need for a separate regulator. Finally, to further optimize the power consumption, a delay cell structure with lower power consumption and stronger robustness
is proposed to further reduce the overall power consumption. The results show that the improved temperature sensor achieves lower power consumption and higher energy efficiency while keeping a small area, and it is advanced compared with other high level temperature sensors.
Synthesis and Characterization of BaO-Enhanced Therm500 Nanofluids
Authors: Prakash P. , Kingson Solomon Jeevaraj A. , Hashem Mohamed , Fouad Hassan , Shaheer Akhtar M.
Published: November 2023

In this study, we enhance the thermal conductivity of the conventional heat transfer fluid Therm500 by incorporating BaO nanoparticles. BaO:Therm500 nanofluids are synthesized and characterized at various concentrations (ranging from 0.001 to 0.006 g) and temperatures (300 K, 303 K,
313 K, and 323 K). The investigation includes the use of FT-IR spectroscopy to analyze the interaction between BaO nanoparticles and Therm500. Our findings indicate that there is no significant particle-fluid interaction. The enhanced thermal conductivity observed in BaO:Therm500 nanofluids
is attributed to multiple factors. As the temperature increases, the viscosity of the nanofluid decreases, resulting in increased Brownian motion of nanoparticles and convective-like effects, ultimately leading to improved thermal conductivity. Additionally, we report the acoustic properties
of BaO-Enhanced Therm500 nanofluids at the same four temperatures (300 K, 303 K, 313 K, and 323 K). Density, refractive index, and ultrasonic velocity measurements are performed for six different molar concentrations of BaO nanofluids (0.001 g, 0.002 g, 0.003 g, 0.004 g, 0.005 g, and 0.006
g). Subsequently, various acoustical parameters, such as adiabatic compressibility (β), intermolecular free length (Lf ), specific acoustic impedance (Z), Rao’s constant (R), molar compressibility (W), viscous relaxation time (τ),
free volume (Vf ), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and internal pressure (πi), are calculated. These acoustical characteristics are utilized to investigate molecular interactions within the nanofluid system. The study reveals a non-linear relationship
between ultrasonic velocity and particle concentration, which is attributed to weak particle-fluid interactions. These findings provide valuable insights into the preparation and characterization of BaO-enhanced Therm500 nanofluids and their potential applications in heat transfer systems.
Hg2+ Ions Sensor: Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes Incorporated Zn-Metal Organic Framework
Authors: Bodkhe Gajanan A. , More Mayuri S. , Hashem Mohamed , Fouad Hassan , Siva Subramanian , Deshmukh Megha A. , Ingle Nikesh N. , Kim Myunghee , Shirsat Mahendra D.
Published: November 2023

In the present work, zinc benzene 1,4 dicarboxylate (ZnBDC) metal organic framework (MOF) and its composite with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), we called as SWNTs@ZnBDC, has been synthesized by traditional solvothermal method. The synthesized materials have been evaluated with
various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sensor has been fabricated
by depositing SWNTs@ZnBDC MOF on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The SWNTs@ZnBDC/GCE electrode shows excellent sensing behaviour in terms of selectivity towards Hg2+ ions only at pH = 5 and does not show any sensing response towards Pb2+, Cr2+, Cd2+,
Cu2+, and Ni2+ ions at a concentration of 1 μM. For the Hg2+ ions, the sensor shows a high sensitivity of 0.86 μA/nM with a limit of detection of 6.74 nM and a limit of quantification of 5 nM.
Design of Light Emitting Diode-Based Fiber Optic Current Sensor and Its Application in Pollution Flash Prevention in Digitalized Substations
Authors: Li Jingxiang , Lai Hao , Yin Haitao , Xia Xiaopeng
Published: November 2023

Prevention of pollution flash in electrical equipment in digitalized substations and transmission lines has always been a crucial part of power operation. In order to prevent pollution flash, it is essential to detect the contamination of electrical equipment. The measurement of leakage
current is a fundamental aspect of preventive pollution flash work in electrical equipment. Applying fiber optic current sensors to online monitoring systems in the power system offers advantages such as resistance to harsh environments, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and resistance
to chemical corrosion. This study designs a unidirectional half-wave fiber optic current sensor based on Light Emitting Diodes (LED) for selectively observing the positive and negative half-cycles of leakage current. Due to the light emission and unidirectional conduction characteristics of
LED, with a well-designed circuit, LED performs photoelectric conversion on the current, allowing the sensor to selectively measure the positive and negative half-cycles of leakage current. Subsequently, a combination circuit of silicon detectors and amplifiers is used to complete the photoelectric
conversion, facilitating voltage signal measurement. In experiments, the response of the unidirectional half-wave LED fiber optic current sensor reached 37.8 mV/mA, with a detection bandwidth range between [1.2 kHz, 9.8 kHz]. In leakage current tests, using the leakage current of insulators
as a reference, experiments were conducted using the voltage boosting method. As the applied voltage increased, the leakage current displayed on the sampling resistor increased, and the measurement waveform indicated that the sensor could correctly select the unidirectional half-wave. In leakage
current and salt density tests, the designed fiber optic sensor accurately reflected the exponential relationship between insulator leakage current and contamination, demonstrating the practical value of the designed fiber optic current sensor.
Analysis of Underlap Tri-Gate FinFET and Its Capacitance Effects for Analog/Radio Frequency Applications
Authors: Kasthuri Bha J. K. , Aruna Priya P.
Published: November 2023

Manufacturing ultra-scaled FinFET devices has become a massive obstacle for device engineers. The critical challenge experienced Multi-Gate FETs is process variation; Consequently, devices’ performances are impacted and analyzed for device performance losses due to misalignments
of gate locations close to sources and drain edgess (lower regions). FinFET is examined using a 3D mathematical model, the impact of base gate areas on variables such as electric fields, surface channel potentials, subthreshold oscillations, threshold voltages, and drainage-induced barrier
reductions and effects beneath coating. 3D simulators validate the outcomes yielded by the model. The advantage of underlap FinFET of streamlining investigates the spacer dielectric material (low k and high k) and its underlapped Gate length using the TCAD simulator.
Threshold Impact of Remittances on Real Exchange Rates for WAEMU: A Panel Smooth Transition Regression Approach
Authors: Anoruo Emmanuel , Afolabi Felix , Nwala Kingsley
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the nonlinear relationship between workers’ remittances and real effective exchange rates for West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) member countries using the panel smooth transition regression (PSTR). The PSTR was estimated with one transition function and one location parameter as dictated by the diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests reveal that the relationship between workers’ remittances and real effective rates is nonlinear. The estimated threshold value is 3.07%. The results reveal that increases in workers’ remittances have a depreciating effect on real effective exchange rates in regime one, associated with threshold value of less than 3.07%. However, in the second regime when the threshold value is greater than or equal to 3.07%, increases in workers remittances have an appreciating impact on real effective exchange rates. These results substantiate that the relationship between workers’ remittances and real effective exchange rates is asymmetric and as such should be modeled accordingly. Above all, the results confirm the presence of Dutch disease effect in the second regime where the estimated coefficient on workers’ remittances is negative and statistically significant. However, there is no evidence of Dutch disease effect in the first regime where the regression coefficient on workers remittances is positive and also statistically significant. Policy implications are discussed.
Association of Higher Mediterranean Diet Adherence With Lower Prevalence of Disability and Symptom Severity, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Sleep Quality, Cognitive Impairment, and Physical Inactivity in Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tryfonos Christina , Pavlidou Eleni , Vorvolakos Theofanis , Alexatou Olga , Vadikolias Konstantinos , Mentzelou Maria , Tsourouflis Gerasimos , Serdari Aspasia , Antasouras Georgios , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Aggelakou Exakousti-Petroula , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: November 2023

A good nutritional status and healthy diets may decelerate disease disability and symptom severity and quality of life of peoples with multiple sclerosis (MS). Mediterranean diet (MD) can prevent several chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative disease. This is an observational, cross-sectional study on 279 older adults with MS, aiming to investigate the effects of MD against several aspects of mental health. Qualified questionnaires were used to assess disability and symptom severity, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, cognitive status, physical activity, and MD adherence. Multivariate analysis showed that enhanced MD adherence was independently associated with lower prevalence of disability and symptom severity ( P = .0019), depression ( P = .0201), anxiety ( P = .0287), perceived stress ( P = .0021), inadequate sleep quality ( P = .0033), cognitive impairment ( P = .0018) and physical inactivity ( P = .0028). Adopting MD may ameliorate mental health disturbances in older adults with MS. Future public health policies should inform older adults with MS for the favorable impacts of MD in improving the mental health MS comorbidities.
A mobile health intervention for improving the technique of inhaled medications among children with asthma: A pilot study
Authors: Smith Mary Jane , Gao Zhiwei , Chafe Roger , Alwashmi Meshari
Published: November 2023

Objective

BreatheSuite MDI is a Bluetooth-enabled inhaler attachment and mobile application which aims to improve asthma control. The objective was to compare pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) technique and asthma control test (ACT) scores pre- and post-use of the device and mobile application. Secondary objectives were to assess user satisfaction and therapy adherence.

Methods

Patients between the ages of 8 and 18 were recruited from several pediatric asthma clinics. Technique and ACT scores were assessed at baseline. Users were given no prompts on technique during the first month of device use. For the subsequent three months, users were given technique scores through the mobile application after each inhaler use and provided weekly performance summaries. At the end of the study, technique and ACT scores were analyzed and an exit survey was completed. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between well-controlled asthma (ACT score > 19) and the intervention.

Results

24 patients completed the study. Technique scores improved following the use of Breathesuite (44.19 vs. 62.54; P = 0.01). Well-controlled asthma did not significantly improve (OR = 1.20 [0.4–3.9], P = 0.76). 87% of study subjects agreed or strongly agreed that their asthma control improved while using BreatheSuite; 79% were satisfied with the device and mobile application; and 91% preferred using the device compared to a standard logbook to track inhaler usage.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, the use of BreatheSuite device was associated with improved technique scores. These results need to be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial. There was high user satisfaction with the BreatheSuite device.
Characterization of refractory bricks from selected Cameroonian kaolins
Authors: Pountouenchi Amadou , Njoya Andre , Mbey Jean Aimé , Mache Jacque Richard , Njoya Dayirou , Yongue Fouateu Rose , Njopwouo Daniel , Fagel Nathalie , Pilate Pascal , Van Parys Laurent
Published: November 2023

Three clay materials (codded MY3, KG and KK) from western Cameroon were selected and investigated for the production of refractory bricks. Samples MY3 and KG are kaolinite-rich materials, having clay mineral contents of 88% and 72%, respectively, whereas KK is a sand-rich material with a total clay content of 44%. Chamottes were prepared using each clay, and the ground chamottes were later used in the refractory formulation, with each raw clay used as a binding phase. After firing, the X-ray diffraction analyses of all of the refractory bricks indicated the same mineral assemblage made of quartz, cristobalite and mullite. The cristobalite is due to high-temperature conversion of quartz, whereas the mullite is due to clay mineral conversion. The evaluation of the linear shrinkage, physical properties (including bulk density and open porosity) and mechanical testing through refractoriness under load and compressive strength indicates that all of these clays could be used as raw materials for standard clay refractory materials. These results stand as a proof for the potential for these locally available materials to be used as raw materials for refractories that could be locally produced to reduce the cost of access to refractory raw materials faced by industries located in Cameroon.
Pralatrexate injection combined with CHOP for treatment of PTCL: results from the Fol-CHOP dose-finding phase 1 trial
Authors: Iyer Swaminathan P. , Johnston Patrick B. , Barta Stefan K.
Published: November 2023

Pralatrexate is a folate antagonist that selectively enters cells expressing reduced folate carrier type 1 and competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, leading to interruption of RNA synthesis, DNA replication, and apoptosis. This phase 1 study was conducted to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of pralatrexate in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) regimen (part 1) and the response and pharmacokinetics of 6 cycles of this combination (CHOP + Folotyn 30 mg/m2 [Fol-CHOP]) in patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). In part 1, on days 1 and 8 of each cycle, patients were treated with 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 mg/m2 of pralatrexate in combination with CHOP, per dose escalation, in 5 sequential cohorts. No patients experienced DLTs in cohorts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The pralatrexate dose of 30 mg/m2 was selected to be combined with CHOP for part 2 and administered to 33 additional patients in the expansion cohort. At the MTD, the Fol-CHOP regimen was generally well tolerated in patients with PTCL, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 83.9% (20 complete response and 6 partial response), as assessed by treating investigators. Thirty-five patients (67.3%) experienced grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events, the most common of which were anemia (21.2%), neutropenia (19.2%), febrile neutropenia (11.5%), fatigue, mucosal inflammation, nausea, and vomiting (7.7% each). In conclusion, Fol-CHOP was found to be a safe and effective treatment for newly diagnosed PTCL and deemed worthy of further investigation. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT02594267.
Functional relevance of circRNA aberrant expression in pediatric acute leukemia with KMT2A::AFF1 fusion
Authors: Tretti Parenzan Caterina , Molin Anna Dal , Longo Giorgia , Gaffo Enrico , Buratin Alessia , Cani Alice , Boldrin Elena , Serafin Valentina , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Biondi Andrea , Locatelli Franco , Meyer Lueder H. , Buldini Barbara , te Kronnie Geertruij , Bresolin Silvia , Bortoluzzi Stefania
Published: November 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging molecular players in leukemogenesis and promising therapeutic targets. In KMT2A::AFF1 (MLL::AF4)-rearranged leukemia, an aggressive disease compared with other pediatric B-cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), data about circRNAs are limited. Here, we disclose the circRNA landscape of infant patients with KMT2A::AFF1 translocated BCP-ALL showing dysregulated, mostly ectopically expressed, circRNAs in leukemia cells. Most of these circRNAs, apart from circHIPK3 and circZNF609, previously associated with oncogenic behavior in ALL, are still uncharacterized. An in vitro loss-of-function screening identified an oncogenic role of circFKBP5, circKLHL2, circNR3C1, and circPAN3 in KMT2A::AFF1 ALL, whose silencing affected cell proliferation and apoptosis. Further study in an extended cohort disclosed a significantly correlated expression of these oncogenic circRNAs and their putative involvement in common regulatory networks. Moreover, it showed that circAFF1 upregulation occurs in a subset of cases with HOXA KMT2A::AFF1 ALL. Collectively, functional analyses and patient data reveal oncogenic circRNA upregulation as a relevant mechanism that sustains the malignant cell phenotype in KMT2A::AFF1 ALL.
Linking GATA2 to myeloid dysplasia and complex cytogenetics in adult myelodysplastic neoplasm and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Robbins Daniel J. , Pavletich Tatiana S. , Patil Apoorva T. , Pahopos Demetra , Lasarev Michael , Polaki Usha S. , Gahvari Zhubin J. , Bresnick Emery H. , Matson Daniel R.
Published: November 2023

GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2) is a conserved zinc finger transcription factor that regulates the emergence and maintenance of complex genetic programs driving development and function of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Patients born with monoallelic GATA2 mutations develop myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), whereas acquired GATA2 mutations are reported in 3% to 5% of sporadic AML cases. The mechanisms by which aberrant GATA2 activity promotes MDS and AML are incompletely understood. Efforts to understand GATA2 in basic biology and disease will be facilitated by the development of broadly efficacious antibodies recognizing physiologic levels of GATA2 in diverse tissue types and assays. Here, we purified a polyclonal anti-GATA2 antibody and generated multiple highly specific anti-GATA2 monoclonal antibodies, optimized them for immunohistochemistry on patient bone marrow bioosy samples, and analyzed GATA2 expression in adults with healthy bone marrow, MDS, and acute leukemia. In healthy bone marrow, GATA2 was detected in mast cells, subsets of CD34+ HSPCs, E-cadherin–positive erythroid progenitors, and megakaryocytes. In MDS, GATA2 expression correlates with bone marrow blast percentage, positively correlates with myeloid dysplasia and complex cytogenetics, and is a nonindependent negative predictor of overall survival. In acute leukemia, the percent of GATA2+ blasts closely associates with myeloid lineage, whereas a subset of lymphoblastic and undifferentiated leukemias with myeloid features also express GATA2. However, the percent of GATA2+ blasts in AML is highly variable. Elevated GATA2 expression in AML blasts correlates with peripheral neutropenia and complex AML cytogenetics but, unlike in MDS, does not predict survival.
Is moderate resistance training adequate for older adults with sarcopenia? A systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs
Authors: Chen Yu Chang , Chen Wang-Chun , Liu Chia-Wei , Huang Wei-Yu , Lu ICheng , Lin Chi Wei , Huang Ru Yi , Chen Jung Sheng , Huang Chi Hsien
Published: November 2023

Background

Resistance training (RT) and nutritional supplementation are recommended for the management of sarcopenia in older adults. However, optimal RT intensity for the treatment of sarcopenia has not been well investigated.

Methods

This network meta-analysis aims to determine the comparative effectiveness of interventions for sarcopenia, taking RT intensity into consideration. RT intensity was classified into light-to-moderate intensity RT(LMRT), moderate intensity RT(MRT), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity RT(MVRT) based on percentage of one repetition maximum (%1RM) and/or rating of perceived exertion.

Results

A total of 50 RCTs (N = 4,085) were included after screening 3,485 articles. The results confirmed that RT with or without nutrition was positively associated with improved measures of muscle strength and physical performance. Regarding RT intensity, LMRT only demonstrated positive effects on hand grip (aerobic training + LMRT + nutrition: mean difference [MD] = 2.88; 95% credential intervals [CrI] = 0.43,5.32). MRT provided benefits on improvement in the 30-s chair stand test (repetitions) (MRT: MD = 2.98, 95% CrI = 0.35,5.59), timed up and go test (MRT: MD = -1.74, 95% CrI: = -3.34,-0.56), hand grip (MRT: MD = 2.44; 95% CrI = 0.03,5.70), and leg press (MRT: MD = 8.36; 95% CrI = 1.87,13.4). MVRT also improved chair stand test repetitions (MVRT: MD = 5.64, 95% CrI = 0.14,11.4), gait speed (MVRT + nutrition: MD = 0.21, 95% CrI = 0.003,0.48), appendicular skeletal muscle index (MVRT + nutrition: MD = 0.25, 95% CrI = 0.01,0.5), and leg press (MVRT: MD = 14.7, 95% CrI: 5.96,22.4; MVRT + nutrition: MD = 17.8, 95% CrI: 7.55,28.6).

Conclusion

MVRT had greater benefits on muscle mass, lower extremity strength, and physical performance compared to MRT. Increasing RT intensity may be recommended for sarcopenic older adults.
Self-discharge during treatment for acute recreational drug toxicity: an observational study from emergency departments in seven European countries
Authors: Vallersnes Odd Martin , Dines Alison M. , Wood David M. , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Hovda Knut Erik , Yates Christopher , Giraudon Isabelle , Caganova Blazena , Ceschi Alessandro , Galicia Miguel , Liakoni Evangelia , Liechti Matthias E. , Miró Òscar , Noseda Roberta , Persett Per Sverre , Põld Kristiina , Schmid Yasmin , Scholz Irene , Vigorita Federico , Dargan Paul I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Self-discharge is a risk factor for readmission and excess mortality. We assess the rate of self-discharge from the emergency department (ED) among presentations for acute recreational drug toxicity and identify factors associated with self-discharge.

Methods

From the Euro-DEN Plus database of presentations to the ED with acute recreational drug toxicity, we extracted data from 11 centres in seven European countries from 2014 to 2017. Self-discharge was defined as taking one’s own discharge or escaping from the ED before being medically cleared. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to look for factors associated with self-discharge.

Results

Among 15,135 included presentations, 1807 (11.9%) self-discharged. Self-discharge rates varied from 1.7 to 17.1% between centres. Synthetic cannabinoids were associated with self-discharge, adjusted odds ratio 1.44 (95% confidence interval 1.10–1.89), as were heroin, 1.44 (1.26–1.64), agitation, 1.27 (1.10–1.46), and naloxone treatment, 1.27 (1.07–1.51), while sedation protected from self-discharge, 0.38 (0.30–0.48).

Conclusion

One in eight presentations self-discharged. There was a large variation in self-discharge rates across the participating centres, possibly partly reflecting different discharge procedures and practices. Measures to improve the management of agitation and cautious administration of naloxone to avoid opioid withdrawal symptoms may be approaches worth exploring to reduce self-discharge.
Biocaiv: an integrative webserver for motif-based clustering analysis and interactive visualization of biological networks
Authors: Li Dong-Xu , Zhou Peng , Zhao Bo-Wei , Su Xiao-Rui , Li Guo-Dong , Zhang Jun , Hu Peng-Wei , Hu Lun
Published: November 2023

Background

As an important task in bioinformatics, clustering analysis plays a critical role in understanding the functional mechanisms of many complex biological systems, which can be modeled as biological networks. The purpose of clustering analysis in biological networks is to identify functional modules of interest, but there is a lack of online clustering tools that visualize biological networks and provide in-depth biological analysis for discovered clusters.

Results

Here we present BioCAIV, a novel webserver dedicated to maximize its accessibility and applicability on the clustering analysis of biological networks. This, together with its user-friendly interface, assists biological researchers to perform an accurate clustering analysis for biological networks and identify functionally significant modules for further assessment.

Conclusions

BioCAIV is an efficient clustering analysis webserver designed for a variety of biological networks. BioCAIV is freely available without registration requirements at http://bioinformatics.tianshanzw.cn:8888/BioCAIV/.