bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Average Body Mass Index of 5th and 6th Grade Korean Elementary School Students: The Role of Physical Education for Student Health
Authors: Chang Byung-Kweon , Park Se-Won , Kim Young-Sik , Lee Seung-Man
Published: March 2024

This study investigated changes in the average BMI of 5th and 6th grade elementary school students in Korea and provided foundational data to suggest the role of physical education for student health and set future directions. The 2019–2021 Physical Activity Promotion System (PAPS) of the Korean Ministry of Education was used. Data corresponding to 5th and 6th grade students (124,693 from 2019, 126,226 from 2020, and 117,809 from 2021) in 1,208 elementary schools in Korea were collected. The BMI was obtained by dividing weight by the square of height (㎏/m2). Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted for data analysis, and confidence intervals were modified through the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The Greenhouse-Geisser correction was used for effects test. The study findings are: First, the average BMI of 5th and 6th grade elementary school students in Korea increased significantly in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020. Second, changes in the yearly average BMI showed a significant difference depending on gender and grade. Obesity among 5th and 6th grade elementary school students in Korea increased steadily in 2019–2021, which may be due to a decrease in students’ physical activity. Male students showed a steeper increase, regardless of grade.
Molecular Identification and Prevalence of the Mite Carpoglyphus lactis (Acarina: Carpoglyphidae) in Apis mellifera in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Thu , Yoo Mi-Sun , Lee Hyang-Sim , Youn So Youn , Lee Se-Ji , Seo Su-Kyoung , Kim Jaemyung , Cho Yun Sang
Published: March 2024

Apis mellifera, especially weak ones, are highly vulnerable to Carpoglyphus lactis mites, which can rapidly infest and consume stored pollen, leading to weakened colonies and potentially colony collapse. This study aimed to ascertain and investigate the prevalence of this mite in honeybee colonies across 9 provinces in the Republic of Korea (ROK). A total of 615 honeybee colonies were collected, from 66 apiaries during the spring and 58 apiaries during the summer of 2023. A 1,242 bp segment of the the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction method. The detection levels of C. lactis in the honeybees were compared between winter and summer. Based on the COI sequence analysis, the nucleotide sequence similarity of C. lactis mites isolated in the ROK with those from China (NC048990.1) was found to be 99.5%, and with those from the United Kingdom (KY922482.1) was 99.3%. This study is the first report of C. lactis in Korean apiaries. The findings in this study demonstrate a significantly higher detection rate in winter, which is 4.1 times greater than that in summer (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the results underscore the usefulness of molecular diagnostic techniques for detecting C. lactis mites.
GnRH Vaccine could Suppress Serum Testosterone in Stallion Mules
Authors: Khumsap Siriporn , Tangtrongsup Sahatchai , Towiboon Patcharapa , Somgird Chaleamchat
Published: March 2024

Stallion mules have been used as working equids in several countries. Aggressiveness, under the influence of testosterone, resulted in the necessity for surgical castration before work training. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine may be an alternative method for immunocastration in mules. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of GnRH vaccine on anti-GnRH antibody production, serum testosterone level, clinical adverse effects, and behavior toward human manipulation. Twenty-five mules were separated into 3 groups: Control-intact, Control-castrated, and Treatment. Treatment was further divided into subgroups according to condition (intact or unilateral cryptorchid) and age. Treatment received 195 µg GnRH vaccine intramuscularly at week 0, 4, and 8. Anti-GnRH antibody increased at week 6 and 10, then gradually decreased to baseline at week 22. Treatment-intact-young had the highest anti-GnRH antibody, resulting in lower serum testosterone levels during week 2-6 and 12-16 compared to Control-intact. Subcutaneous edema adjacent to the injection site was detected only in Treatment-intact after booster vaccination. During week 6-22, the behavioral scores of Treatment significantly changed toward at ease with human contact compared to a score before vaccination. In conclusion, mules responded to GnRH vaccine, which could temporarily suppress testosterone for up to 16 weeks.
Who in England Engages in Outdoor Water-Based Recreation and Who Does the Most?
Authors: Brainard Julii , Jones Natalia R , Lake Iain R
Published: March 2024

Visits to coastal and inland-waterways have strong associations with many health and economic benefits but are also opportunities for exposure to environmental pollution. In England, few balanced survey samples exist which can facilitate accurate identification of correlates with recreation in blue spaces. This information could support risk assessment for likelihood of exposure and message targeting in case of environmental threats. We process data from a recent (2022-2023) and large (n = 177,551) survey of English residents to describe demographic, seasonal and regional correlates with any participation in water-based recreational activities in previous year (logistic regression model), and in the previous 28 days (zero-inflated negative binomial regression). Activities studied were: surfing and paddleboarding; open water swimming; scuba-diving and snorkelling; canoeing and kayaking; angling. Summer was associated with most frequent participation, winter with fewest sessions except for rowing. Anglers were group most likely to be socially vulnerable: less likely to be university educated, more likely to be disabled and especially likely to be male. People resident in rural locations were more likely to participate at least once in prior year, but did not have higher participation rates in the previous 28 days. Regional variations in specific activities may suggest where demand for water recreation is unmet. The results provide a reference description of outdoor water-recreationalists doing specific types of activity in England and may be useful when designing emergency messages and otherwise setting policy with regard to management of microbiological, radiological or chemical hazards in coastal and inland waters.
Revitalising the Coastal Landscape of Qatar: The Urban Renewal Approach in Westbay
Authors: Patel Shikha , John Deepthi , Furlan Raffaello , John Deepthi
Published: March 2024

Historically, urban development has always been centered on coastal areas – with access to waterbodies – seas, rivers and canals being a significant advantage for movement and trade. With most of the world’s megapolises located on coasts, land reclamation offers a solution for the expansion of city centers which are otherwise restricted by the coastline. The current understanding of urban regeneration and development on reclaimed lands is defined in this study, answering the basic questions of what, why and how. This study aims to assess the urban regeneration on reclaimed coastal land based on the principles of sustainable development defined by existing studies. The literature review establishes a theoretical framework and defines performance-based benchmarks identifying the spatial indicators of urban development. Composite indicators namely open space coverage, land use mix, percentage of coast for people, accessibility to public transportation and amenities, availability of pedestrian paths and cycling tracks and adequate road networks are considered for this framework. The conclusions are drawn based on the results of the analysis of spatial layout using GIS as a tool to map and empirically measure each indicator. The framework is validated using a major land reclamation project, West Bay, in the coastal urban area of ​​the city of Doha. The results determine that West Bay has achieved a good level of sustainability, although there are areas that could be enhanced to further improve the overall sustainability of urban development. These findings can serve as a guide for policymakers and various stakeholders for sustainable urban planning on reclaimed coastal lands.
Barrier Effects of a Novel Poly (Lactic acid/Caprolactone) Bilayer Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration on Skull without Periosteum of Adult-Senior Staged Rats
Authors: Murata Masaru , Kabir Md. Arafat , Yokozeki Kenji , Shakya Mamata , Kusano Kaoru
Published: March 2024

Vertical and horizontal bone augmentation is one of the most challenging techniques in bone engineering. The use of barrier membranes and scaffolds in guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures is a common approach for the treatment of lost bone around teeth and dental implants. The aim of this study was to estimate the barrier effects of a synthetic poly (lactic acid/caprolactone) [P(PA/CL)] bilayer membrane for GBR, compared to a porcine collagen bilayer membrane, in the vertical augmentation model on 10–12-months old rat skull without periosteum. The HAp block (diameter: 4 mm, height: 3 mm, porosity:75%, average pore size:150 μm) was placed on the rat skull without a periosteum. The P(LA/CL) membrane (solid layer: 25 μm, porous layer: 175 μm) or the collagen membrane (solid layer, porous layer) was applied onto the HAp block. At 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the surgery, the incised tissues were fixed, decalcified, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation. The P(LA/CL) membrane remained until 12 weeks and could achieve barrier effects to inhibit cellular invasion from the repositioned soft tissues. Local bone formation occurred in the interconnected pores of HAp at 6 weeks. On the other hand, the collagen membrane did not inhibit cellular invasion for its expansion until 3 weeks, and was absorbed until 6 weeks. The results indicated that the P(LA/CL) membrane might be effective in GBR as occlusive absorbable membrane.
Effect of Air Pollutants on Allergic Inflammation in Structural Cells of the Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Park Joo-Hoo , Moon Jee Won , Yang Hyun-Woo , Song Dae Jin , Park Il-Ho
Published: March 2024

Objectives. Air pollution is an increasing global concern, and its effect on allergic inflammation has attracted the attention of many researchers. Particulate matter (PM) is a major component of ambient air pollution, and heavy metals are the primary toxic constituents of PM. As previous studies on the impact of air pollutants on allergic inflammation did not adequately mimic real-world atmospheric exposure, we developed an experimental model to investigate the effects of aerosolized air pollutants on nasal epithelial cells and fibroblasts.Methods. We collected particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) samples from ambient 24-hour air samples obtained in Seoul from August 2020 to August 2022, and then conducted component analysis for metallic constituents. Primary nasal epithelial cells and nasal fibroblasts, obtained and cultured from the turbinate tissues of human participants, were treated with PM2.5. The associations of heavy metals identified from the component analysis with cytokine expression were investigated. A three-dimensional (3D)-hybrid culture model, consisting of co-culture of an air-liquid interface and nasal fibroblast spheroids, was constructed to observe the impact of aerosolized air pollutants.Results. Among the heavy metals, Si was the predominant component of PM2.5, and Zn showed the highest correlation with the concentration of PM2.5 in Seoul. PM2.5, Zn, and Si increased the production of epithelial cell-derived cytokines, and PM2.5 and Zn exhibited similar trends with one another. Exposure of the 3D-hybrid model to aerosolized PM2.5 and Zn resulted in elevated periostin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin expression in fibroblast spheroids, and those without an epithelial barrier exhibited a similar increase in periostin expression.Conclusion. Ambient air pollutants in the form of aerosols increase the expression of allergic inflammatory cytokines in both nasal epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Regulations on air pollution will help reduce the global burden of allergic diseases in the future.
Raw Material Control Production of Crumble Type Chicken Animal Feed at PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, Tbk.
Authors: Wijatmiko Erie Fadma Noer Fitriana , Sukmono Tedjo
Published: March 2024

. Raw materials are tangible items used in production which can be obtained from natural sources or purchased from suppliers or companies that produce raw materials for the industry that uses them. MRP (Material Requirement Planning) According to Haizer and Render (2005: 160) the material requirement planning method is a bound demand technique that uses materials, inventory, estimated receipts, and master production schedules to determine the amount of material. Inventory control is a very important managerial function for the Company, material requirements planning is a planning system that focuses on the amount and time of finished goods requested which then determines the derivative demand for raw materials. From inventory control, it can be seen from the MRP calculation how much raw material PPIC must order, so that there is no shortage of raw materials or no inventory at all.And the results of MRP for one year or 12 periods can be known how much raw material must be provided for production in a year that will be data.
Website of the Health Office of PPKB (Population Control, and Family Planning) of Mojokerto City
Authors: Nashrullah Mochammad Daffa Khasifi , Suprianto Suprianto
Published: March 2024

The use of information technology has become mandatory in the current digital era, followed by the increasingly widespread development of the internet, which has further strengthened the importance of a web- based system. In designing a website-based system, the Department of Health, Population Control and Family Planning creates a Health Information System, PPKB Program, or Population Statistics. With this system, it explains the importance of the PPKB Health Strategy, in information related to population in an interesting and easy to understand way, detailed information regarding available health services, the PPKB (Population Control and Family Planning) program, population policies, and the latest initiatives. Tools or Interactives that help users in planning a family or understanding population statistics. Responsive design that ensures the website can be accessed well on various devices, including mobile phones and tablets, and ensures accessibility for users with special needs such as health services, information, or adequate accessibility features such as clear actions for visitors to engage further, or such as register for the PPKB program, look for further health information or can join relevant events or campaigns. Integrate social media, video streaming or other latest technology to improve user order and distribute information more effectively. This website must be a valuable and reliable source of information for the residents of the city of Mojokerto, providing needed support in health, PPKB programs, and understanding population issues. The success of this website depends on its ease of use, relevance of content, and its ability to encourage positive actions from visitors.
Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Choroidal Vascularity Index: Tracking Uveitis Progression Over Time
Authors: Agrawal Rupesh , Wei Xin , Loh Nicholas Chieh , Boon Joewee , Bong Jo Earn , Choo Sheriel Shannon , Chua Chun Hau , Rojas-Carabali William , Lee Bernett
Published: March 2024

Objectives
To investigate longitudinal changes in choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in uveitis patients with active inflammation at baseline, and at six months.
Methods
This prospective comparative study included 49 eyes of 49 patients with anterior, intermediate, posterior or panuveitis, and 49 eyes of 49 healthy controls. Uveitis patients were recruited at baseline with active inflammation. Clinical data and multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography were obtained at baseline and six months. Both two-dimensional (2D) subfoveal CVI and three-dimensional (3D) macular CVI were measured using previously published algorithms. Comparison between uveitis and control group as well as between baseline visit and 6 months visit in the uveitis group were performed using ANCOVA model.
Results
At baseline, 2D CVI was lower in the uveitis group (62.4% vs 63.8%, p = 0.007) and 3D CVI also showed a lower trend in the uveitis group (62.0% vs 62.8%, p = 0.109) compared to that of healthy subjects. Within the uveitis group, both 2D and 3D CVI were higher at 6 months compared to baseline, but both were not significant (p = 0.055 and 0.177, respectively). Uveitis patients who were still clinically active at 6 months had lower 2D and 3D CVI at baseline compared to those who were clinically quiescent at 6 months (p = 0.027 and p = 0.008, respectively).
Conclusions
Changes in CVI are correlated with the diagnosis and prognosis of uveitis patients. Lower CVI values at baseline were associated with persistent inflammation after 6 months of follow-up. Thus, CVI may be a useful outcome measure in uveitis management and clinical trials.
Potential healthcare resource use and associated costs of every 2 month injectable cabotegravir plus rilpivirine long-acting regimen implementation in the Spanish National Healthcare System compared to daily oral HIV treatments
Authors: Aparicio Laura Amanda Vallejo , García Victoria Neches , Hernández-Novoa Beatriz , Casado Gregorio , Jodar Ferrán , Pinel Marco , Velasco Daniel Callejo
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
HIV treatment currently consists of daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (CAB + RPV LA) is the first ART available in Spain administered every 2 months through intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional (HCP). The objective of this analysis was to assess potential healthcare resource use (HRU) and cost impact of implementing CAB + RPV LA vs. daily oral ART at National Health System (NHS) hospitals.
Methods
Online quantitative interviews and cost analysis were performed. Infectious disease specialists (IDS), hospital pharmacists (HP) and nurses were asked about their perception of potential differences in HRU between CAB + RPV LA vs. daily oral ART, among other concepts of interest. Spanish official tariffs were applied as unit costs to the HRU estimates (€2,022).
Results
120 responders (n = 40 IDS, n = 40 HP, n = 40 nurses) estimated an average number of annual visits per patient by speciality (IDS, HP, and nurse, respectively) of 3.3 vs. 3.7; 4.4 vs. 6.2; 6.1 vs. 3.9, for CAB + RPV LA vs. daily oral ART, and 3.0 vs. 3.2; 4.8 vs. 5.8; 6.9 vs. 4.9, respectively when adjusting by corresponding specialist responses. Estimation by the total sample led to an annual total cost per patient of €2,076 vs. €2,473, being €2,032 vs. €2,237 after adjusting by corresponding HCP, for CAB + RPV LA vs. daily oral ART.
Conclusions
These results suggest that the implementation of CAB + RPV LA in NHS hospitals would not incur in increased HRU-related costs compared to current daily oral ARTs, being potentially neutral or even cost-saving.
Accessible Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models Predict Response and Survival in Early Stage Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Garufi Giovanna , Mastrantoni Luca , Giordano Giulia , Maliziola Noemi , Monte Elena Di , Arcuri Giorgia , Frescura Valentina , Rotondi Angelachiara , Orlandi Armando , Carbognin Luisa , Palazzo Antonella , Miglietta Federica , Pontolillo Letizia , Fabi Alessandra , Gerratana Lorenzo , Pannunzio Sergio , Paris Ida , Pilotto Sara , Marazzi Fabio , Franco Antonio , Franceschini Gianluca , Dieci Maria Vittoria , Mazzeo Roberta , Puglisi Fabio , Guarneri Valentina , Milella Michele , Scambia Giovanni , Giannarelli Diana , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio
Published: March 2024

Hormone receptor-positive/HER2 negative breast cancer (BC) is the most common subtype of BC and typically occurs as an early, operable disease. In patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), pathological complete response (pCR) is rare and multiple efforts have been made to predict disease recurrence and survival. We developed a framework to predict pCR, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using clinicopathological characteristics widely available at diagnosis and after surgery. The machine learning (ML) model trained to predict pCR (n = 463) was evaluated in an internal validation cohort (n = 109) and validated in an external validation cohort (n = 171), achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of respectively 0.86 and 0.81. The models trained to predict DFS and OS were evaluated in the internal validation cohort, achieving a concordance index of 0.70 and 0.69. Our results emphasize the value of including accessible ML algorithms in clinical practice and provide a framework for the development of risk-adapted clinical trials based on ML models.
Studies on Genetic Divergence through Principal Component Analysis and Mahalanobis D2 Analysis for Seed Cotton Yield and Important FiberTraits in G. hirsutum L. Bt Cotton
Authors: CHAPARA RANI , Reddy K.V. Siva , Rani M. Sudha , Sudhamani K. , Grace A.D.G. Diana , Lakshmi N. Venkata , Sreek B. , Lak B. Sree , Rao G.M.V. Prasada
Published: March 2024

Background:
Cotton is a unique and notable cash crop of India occupying first place in the world’s ranking with an acreage of 130.61 lakh hectares area i.e. around 40% of the world's area (324.16 lakh hectares) whereas, in productivity, India occupied 39th rank with an average yield of 447 kg/ha. The main reason for less productivity is most of the cotton cultivation is under rainfed conditions (https://ministryoftextiles.gov.in/annual-report-2022-2023). Hence, there is an immense need to develop high-yield varieties or hybrids which give higher yields. Therefore, the current investigation was executed to evaluate the association among yield and its attributing traits, genetic variations, genetic diversity of yield and its related traits, fiber quality traits along with sucking pest tolerance in cotton, and to evaluate the associations existing among the elite lines.
Results:
Analysis of variance manifested a substantial variation for all studied traits boll weight, seed index, and lint yield. It was noticed that the evaluations of phenotypic variances were a little higher than genotypic variances for many of the characters and observed low environmental variances indicating a lesser amount of influence of environment on these traits. Direct selection can be practiced in heterosis breeding on lint yield, seed cotton yield/ha, plot weight, number of monopodia/plant, number of bolls/plant, micronaire, number of sympodia/plant and lint index as these traits showcased a high heritability coupled with high genetic advance per percent mean (GAM). The association studies discovered that the seed cotton yield/ha manifested a positive significant kinship with plant height (0.91), number of sympodia/plant (0.87), number of bolls/plant (0.96), boll weight (0.91), lint yield (0.94), GOT (%) (0.72), plot weight (0.98) and uniformity index (UHML) (0.48) signifying that the surge in seed cotton yield is due to increase in one or more of the above traits. Three principal components (PCs) out of sixteen PCs manifested eigenvalues (> 1) with a maximum share of the total variability (80.93%). The traits lint yield, lint index, seed cotton yield, plot weight, number of bolls/plant, boll weight, plant height, number of sympodia/plant, ginning out turn, seed index, and uniformity index contributed maximum share to the total divergence. Wide genetic divergence was observed between clusters IV and IX (1621.59) followed by clusters IV and VI (1178.50) and clusters IV and X (1031.41).
Conclusion
Based on PCA about the D2 analysis the elite lines LH Bt Cotton − 7, 8, 12, 27, 22, 20, 24, 2, 17, 11, 14, 26, and 20 were found to be genetically diverse. Hence, these lines can be exploited in future breeding programs to develop better-performing varieties/hybrids and also for breeding for advanced lines.
Exploring the link between academic orientation and alcohol-related harm among adolescents. - Does the inclusion of a disadvantaged group add to the social gradient?
Authors: Thor Siri , Landberg Jonas , Karlsson Patrik , Gripe Isabella
Published: March 2024

Background
This study aimed to examine the social gradient in self-reported alcohol-related harm (ARH) among young alcohol consumers by including a largely overlooked group of disadvantaged adolescents. We also explored the extent to which such a gradient could be attributed to differential exposure or differential vulnerability to risk factors.
Method
Cross-sectional survey of upper-secondary students (n = 3044) in Sweden. Negative binomial regressions estimated the relationship between academic orientation (higher education preparatory; HEP, vocational; VP and introductory; IP) and ARH. To assess the contribution of explanatory factors, we estimated models that included risk factors such as heavy episodic drinking (HED).
Results
A graded association was observed between academic orientation and ARH, with more ARH among students in IP (IRR = 1.77) and VP (IRR = 1.45) than in HEP. Adjustments for risk factors attenuated the estimates by approximately half, but there was still 17% more ARH in VP and 43% more in IP than in HEP. The additive interaction test indicated a positive and significant interaction for students in VP who engaged in HED, versus students in HEP, who did not.
Conclusion
The findings suggest a negative gradient in the association between academic orientation and ARH, where the most disadvantaged group of adolescents also experienced the highest levels of ARH. While differential exposure and vulnerability to HED account for a significant proportion of the excess risk among VP students, HED seems to be less important relative to other risk factors among IP students. More research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the elevated levels of ARH among the most disadvantaged group—students enrolled in IP.
Preterm Birth Risk Stratification through Longitudinal Heart Rate and HRV Monitoring in Daily Life
Authors: Feli Mohammad , Azimi Iman , Sarhaddi Fatemeh , Sharifi-Heris Zahra , Niela-Vilen Hannakaisa , Liljeberg Pasi , Axelin Anna , Rahmani Amir M.
Published: March 2024

Preterm birth (PTB) remains a global health concern, impacting neonatal mortality and lifelong health consequences. Traditional methods for estimating PTB rely on electronic health records or biomedical signals, limited to short-term assessments in clinical settings. Recent studies have leveraged wearable technologies for in-home maternal health monitoring, offering continuous assessment of maternal autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and facilitating the exploration of PTB risk. In this paper, we conduct a longitudinal study to assess the risk of PTB by examining maternal ANS activity through heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). To achieve this, we collect long-term raw photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals from 58 pregnant women (including seven preterm cases) from gestational weeks 12-15 to three months post-delivery using smartwatches in daily life settings. We employ a PPG processing pipeline to accurately extract HR and HRV, and an autoencoder machine learning model with SHAP analysis to generate explainable abnormality scores indicative of PTB risk. Our results reveal distinctive patterns in PTB abnormality scores during the second pregnancy trimester, indicating the potential for early PTB risk estimation. Moreover, we find that HR, average of interbeat intervals (AVNN), SD1SD2 ratio, and standard deviation of interbeat intervals (SDNN) emerge as significant PTB indicators.
Ezetimibe anticancer activity via the p53/Mdm2 pathway: Implications for RBBP6
Authors: Twala Charmy , Russell Bonnie , Malindisa Sibusiso , Munnik Chamone , Sooklal Selisha , Ntwasa Monde
Published: March 2024

Ezetimibe is used to treat cardiovascular disease as it blocks the sterol transporter Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1CL1) protein. However, recent evidence indicates that ezetimibe inhibits several cancers, indirectly by reducing circulating cholesterol or via specific signalling pathways. Our in-silico studies indicate that ezetimibe binds to the Tp53 binding domain in Mdm2, forming a more thermodynamically stable complex than nutlin3a. Moreover, we show that Tp53 functions in complex with the Retinoblastoma Binding Protein 6 (RBBP6), another negative regulator of p53, and Mdm2. RBBP6 is dysregulated in many cancers, and various studies and may be a prognostic biomarker for certain cancers. We show that ezetimibe inhibits the growth of several cancer cell lines at concentrations that are not toxic to a normal cell line. Thus ezetimibe is probably active against cancers that overexpress Mdm2. Moreover, inhibitors of RBBP6 may be combined with ezetimibe for effective anticancer activity. Due to poor oral bioavailability ezetimibe must be administered parenterally for cancer treatment.
Traditional medicine regulation status and challenges in Malawi and Nigeria
Authors: Mponda John Samson , Muula Adamson Sinjani , Choko Augustine , Ajuwon Ademola Johnson , Moody Jones Olanrewaju
Published: March 2024

Background The World Health Organization encourages governments to develop legal frameworks for the regulation of traditional medicines to ensure their safety, quality, and efficacy. There is very little published research on the availability of herbal medicine regulatory tools and the extent of compliance by manufacturers in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study assessed the current situation on traditional medicine regulatory frameworks and compliance of herbal medicinal products among people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi and Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using a structured questionnaire and checklist to collect data from officers, premises, and herbal medicinal products. Twenty-three officers from the Medicines Regulatory Authorities and Ministries of Health from Malawi and Nigeria were interviewed. Thirty-one small-scale manufacturers and sixty-six herbal medicinal products from Malawi, and twenty-eight herbal medicinal products from Nigeria were evaluated. Results The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority scored 7.7% in Malawi while the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Nigeria, scored 77.0% on the 13-item regulatory checklist. The Ministry of Health, Malawi scored 28.6% while Nigeria scored 71.4% on the 7-item checklist of regulatory requirements. Both countries had no regulations on traditional medicine practice, and traditional and complementary medicine had not been integrated into the health system. Most manufacturers performed poorly on personnel hygiene (58.6%) and were non-compliant with cleaning production equipment (69.0%), inadequate storage room (72.4%), and lack of documentation on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleaning equipment and premises (93.1%). There was non-compliance on the list of names of active ingredients (45.5%, 93.0%, p < 0.001), list of quantities of active ingredients (12.1%, 53.6%, p < 0.001), list of side effects (9.1%, 57.1%, p < 0.001) and storage conditions (15.2%, 67.9%, p < 0.001) in Malawi and Nigeria, respectively. Conclusion Malawi lacked a well-established regulatory framework for the regulation of herbal medicines and with evidence of poor compliance with manufacturing and labeling requirements. This may have contributed to the production of more herbal medicinal products with questionable quality and safety putting the public at risk in Malawi than in Nigeria.
The Relationship Between Visceral Adiposity Index and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: zhou haoran , li tianshu , li jie , Zhuang Xin
Published: March 2024

Background and aim: Relationships between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been underexplored.The purpose of this study is to explore correlations between VAI and T2DM in adults in the US.
Methodsang and results: Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018, 11,214participants aged 20 years or older were included in a cross-sectional study. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis and smoothed curve fitting analysis were performed to investigate links between VAI and the prevalence of T2DM，as well as the stability and incidence between subgroups.In a fully adjusted continuous model, the aggregate population risk of T2DM increased 0.43-fold with each 1-unit increase in VAI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-1.50]. In the fully adjusted categorical model with VAI scores stratified by quartiles, results showed a higher T2DM advantage among participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles (Q2: OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.71; Q3: OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.95-3.11; Q4: OR 4.42, 95% CI 3.55-05.50 ). Compared with Q1, the prevalence of T2DM in the total population increased 3.42-fold in Q4. The above results indicated that VAI was positively associated with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was consistent and nonlinear with the smoothed curve-fitting analysis (P for non-linear =0). Subgroup analyses after adjusting for covariates showed that keeping with the overall population results, it also was found that there was an interaction between sex and hypertension in the subgroups.
Conclusions: VAI was nonlinearly and positively associated with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and was more prevalent in women, non-hypertensive than in men, hypertensive populations.
Abnormal sensorimotor network in brain functional connectivity in herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia patients
Authors: Jiang xiaofeng , Yan Yi , Xie Yangyang , Li Zihan , Zou Wanqing , Qin Shuhong , Lu Jing , Kuang Hongmei , Gu Lili , Jiang Jian
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the sensorimotor network(SMN) in patients with herpes zoster(HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia patients(PHN). Then, We applied machine learning to distinguish PHN/HZ patients from healthy controls(HC).
METHODS: HZ (n=53), PHN (n=57), and HC (n=50) were included, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed on them. Seed-based and ROI-to-ROI analyses were applied to evaluate connectivity inside and between the SMN and other voxels throughout the brain. After that, we used machine learning to separate patients with PHN/HZ from those with HC.
RESULTS: Compared to HC, there was a substantial reduction in functional connectivity between the lateral SMN (R), lateral SMN (L), and superior SMN in PHN patients. There was a disruption of rsFC between SMN subregions and several brain regions (insula, parietal, occipital, and superior frontal gyrus) in PHN. These damaged FCs were linked positively with clinical data (such as mood scores, disease duration, and VAS scores). Furthermore, We discovered that the rsFC value of SMN could successfully classify PHN patients from other types of pain with an accuracy of 85.7% when applied to a machine-learning approach.
CONCLUSION: Significant changes occurred in the rsFC of SMN in HZ and PHN. Suggesting that the role of SMN in HZ/PHN may help understand the pathophysiology and development of these diseases.
Dietary Lactobacillus sp. mitigates Deltamethrin-induced toxic and immune-suppression impacts in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Khalil Wagdy K.B. , –Tawab Marwa I. Abdel , Nasraa Mohamed Hassan , Bassem Samah M. , Temraz Tarek A. , Enshasy Hesham A. El , Abdel-Gawad Fagr Kh.
Published: March 2024

Both organic and inorganic contaimanants in the aquatic environment seriously affect marine organisms, including fish. In this study we aim to isolate diatryLactobacillus sp.from both sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata) fish and evaluate their probiotic impact and ability to mitigate the toxic impact of the existing insecticide deltamethrin (DLM) residuals in fish farming water resources. Out of the 40 isolatedLactobacillus sp., 22 were gram positive, catalase-negative and non-hemolytic in the γ hemolysis reaction. One out of the above mentioned 22 isolates (denoted as SB8) were antagonistically reacted withAeromonas hydrophilic ss. hydrophila(ATCC 130 37) andPseudomonas fluorescens(ATCC13525). The probiotic candidate SB8 was resistant to acidic conditions, grow well in 0.3% bile salt and 0.4% phenol. Morover, anin-vivostudy was conducted on Nile tilapia to evaluate the impact of using the SB8 as feed supplement on haematological profile, oxidative stress enzymatic activities, protein content, micronucleus formation, and IL-1 & IL-6 expression. The obtained results indicated that 1) white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (Neu), lymphocytes (Lum), monocytes and eosinophils (Mon and Eos, 2) malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (MDA, SOD, CAT and GPx, 3) Protein content (total protein, albumin (A), globulin (B) and albumin/globulin (A/G), 4) micronucleus formation, and 5) Interleukin-1 and Interleukin-6 (IL-1 and IL-6 expression in the DLM-exposed/ SB8-supplemented and in the control fish are reasonably similar in comparison with the DLM-exposed fish. In conclusion, the probiotic candidtae SB8 has a potential to mitigate the DLM-induced deleterious oxidative stress impact in Nile tilapia fish.
Lightening the Mind: Comparing Audiovisual Stimulation and Meditation for Mood and Cognition Enhancement
Authors: Johnson Micah Alan , Simonian Ninette , Reggente Nicco
Published: March 2024

In this randomized, controlled, and double-blind experiment with a relatively large sample (n = 262), a novel technique of audiovisual stimulation (AVS) was demonstrated to substantially improve self-reported mood states by reducing several negative affects, including anxiety and depression, and enhancing performance on mood-sensitive cognitive tasks. Most of the AVS effects were highly similar whether binaural beats were present or not and regardless of the duration of experience. Remarkably, the mood benefits from AVS closely aligned with those achieved through breath-focused meditation with additional evidence that a brief AVS exposure of approximately five minutes may be sufficient or even optimal for improving mood to a comparable or greater degree than meditation sessions of equal or longer durations (11 or 22 minutes). These exciting findings position AVS as a promising avenue for psychological enhancement and a potentially more accessible “plug-and-play” alternative to meditation, which is especially relevant considering the high attrition rates commonly observed in meditation practices.
Racial and ethnic disparities in ED use among older adults with asthma and primary care nurse practitioner work environments
Authors: Poghosyan Lusine , Liu Jianfang , Turi Eleanor , Flandrick Kathleen , Robinson Marcia , George Maureen , Martsolf Grant , Carthon J. Margo Brooks , O'Reilly-Jacob Monica
Published: March 2024

Background
Nurse practitioners (NPs) increasingly deliver primary care in the United States. Yet, poor working conditions strain NP care. We examined whether racial/ethnic health disparities in ED visits among older adults with asthma are moderated by primary care NP work environments.
Methods
Survey data on NP work environments in six states were collected from 1,244 NPs in 2018–2019. 2018 Medicare claims data from 46,658 patients with asthma was merged with survey data to assess the associations of all-cause and ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) ED visits with NP work environment and race/ethnicity using logistic regression.
Results
NP work environment moderated the association of race (Black patients versus White patients) with all-cause (odds ratio [OR]: 0.91; p-value = 0.045) and ACSC (OR: 0.90; p-value = 0.033) ED visits.
Conclusions
Disparities in ED visits between Black and White patients with asthma decrease when these patients receive care in care clinics with favorable NP work environments.
An Experiment of Nitrogen Removal from Leachate on Two-Stage SBBCOR
Authors: Liu Yali , Lu Tao , Liu Fang , Zhang Zhen , yan jingjing , wu fangfang
Published: March 2024

In view of the technical limitations of nitrogen removal of leachate treatment project in a domestic waste comprehensive disposal site, a Two-Stage Sequencing Batch Biological Contact Oxidation Reactor (I/II-SBBCOR for short) was proposed, and the comparative and orthogonal experiment of the I/II-SBBCOR was carried out, in order to optimize the treatment process and operation parameters. The experiment showed that: Nitrogen removal process of I/II-SBBCOR is remarkably better than its prototype, Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT for short), Sequencing Batch Cycle (SBC for short), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO for short), are the significant factors affecting the nitrogen removal efficiency of the I/II-SBBCOR, and the significance order from highest to lowest was: HRT, SBC, DO; with HRT decreasing from 12d/6d to 2d/1d, the removal rate of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N for short) and total nitrogen (TN for short) present a downward trend; with SBC decreasing from 12h to 1h and DO increasing from1.0/1.5mg/L to 2.5/3.0 mg/L, the removal efficiency of NH4+-N increased, while that of TN increased first and then decreased; and the optimal combination of operating parameters of the I/II-SBBCOR are: HRT = 6d/3d, SBC = 6 h, DO = 2.0 /2.5mg/L.
Sugar transporters PpSWEET9a and PpSWEET14 synergistically mediate peach sucrose allocation from source leaves to fruit
Authors: Xi Wanpeng , Luo Min , Jia Mengxiao , Pan Lin , Chen Weifeng , Zhou Kun
Published: March 2024

Sugar content is a critical indicator of fruit quality. Sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEET) proteins play an indispensable role in sugar allocation between and within plant organs. Sucrose is the major sugar and the predominant form of sugar translocated in peach. However, the role of the multiple peach SWEET genes in sucrose allocation to fruit remains elusive. In this study, a total of 19 SWEET genes were identified in the peach genome, and two Clade III SWEET genes, PpSWEET9a and PpSWEET14, were found to be highly expressed in mature source leaves and branches. Complementation assays, transgene manipulations, and protein interaction studies revealed that PpSWEET9a and PpSWEET14 served as sucrose efflux proteins and formed a heterooligomer that synergistically directed sucrose allocation from source leaves to fruits. Our findings provide insights into the effect of SWEETs on sugar accumulation in peach fruit and identify genetic candidates for improving fruit quality.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Factor XIa Inhibitors with Bicyclic Isoquinoline and Naphthalene Fragments
Authors: Zhang Yi , Dai Linjun , Tan Yi , Yu Yongpeng , Xing Junhao , Yang Feng , Ren Boquan , Xu Yan-Jun , Li Qing
Published: March 2024

FXIa has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for treating thrombotic diseases. With the aim to replace the aniline motif of asundexian with novel P2’ fragments, bicyclic isoquinoline and naphthalene rings were designed. The target compounds with isoquinoline ring were synthesized via 13 steps of chemical reactions. Substituents within the rings were investigated to elucidate the structural determinants governing selective or dual inhibition of FXIa and Plasma Kallikrein (PKa). In vitro testing showed that some of designed compounds exhibited comparable potency against both FXIa and PKa, while others achieved up to 94-fold selectivity. Analysis of structure-activity relationships (SARs) uncovered the pivotal role of the carboxylic acid moiety in retaining inhibition of FXIa and PKa, and the steric hindrance and hydrogen-bond receptor functional groups were identified as key factors influencing the selectivity of FXIa inhibition over PKa. The docking study additionally unveiled different binding modes that play a significant role in the observed activity and selectivity. Furthermore, the selected compounds significantly extended the plasma coagulation time in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, the bicyclic compounds may be promising lead compounds for the development of highly effective FXIa inhibitors.
Development and implementation of a novel approach to scaling the Meeting Centre intervention for people living with dementia and their unpaid care workers in the community
Authors: STEPHENS Nathan , EVANS Shirley , RUSSELL Chris , BROOKER Dawn
Published: March 2024

Background
In the UK there is a post-diagnostic support gap experienced by people affected by dementia. Effective post-diagnostic support interventions, therefore, need to be replicated at scale to meet demand. Reporting an intervention is key to this process because it can support the translation of research into routine practice. Describing the intervention is a key area of reporting recommended when developing, implementing, and evaluating complex health interventions. The objective of this study was to systematically report a novel county-wide approach for scaling the Meeting Centre intervention for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers.
Methods
An adapted version of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to describe the programme. Adaptations were made to consider items specific to complex social interventions and scaling programmes. Key programme stakeholders contributed to its development.
Results
The adapted TIDieR checklist was an effective way to systematically report essential reporting criteria for the complex scaling programme. Criteria included the components and sub-components, how these were adaptatively implemented, and the modifications made because of complexity.
Discussion
Key findings suggest essential features of the intervention may not be feasible at scale; highlight the critical role of the programme leader to drive culture and systems change; and emphasise the use of scaling science frameworks to determine optimal scale.
Conclusions
This research reported the programme’s development and implementation that can aid the process of translating evidence into routine practice. Further research and theory development should include testing implementation outcomes so that we can understand if the intervention is a scalable solution to the gap in the post-diagnostic support for people affected by dementia.