bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aromatase inhibition and ketamine in rats: sex-differences in antidepressant-like efficacy
Authors: Ledesma-Corvi Sandra , Jornet-Plaza Jordi , García-Fuster M. Julia
Published: October 2023

Background

Ketamine has been recently approved to treat resistant depression; however preclinical studies showed sex differences in its efficacy. Sex steroids, such as estrogens and testosterone, both in the periphery and locally in the brain, are regarded as important modulators of these sex differences. Therefore, the present study evaluated how inhibiting the biosynthesis of estrogens with letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) could affect the observed sex differences in ketamine's antidepressant-like-response.

Methods

We performed several consecutive studies in adult Sprague–Dawley rats to evaluate potential sex differences in the antidepressant-like effects of ketamine (5 mg/kg, 7 days, i.p.), letrozole (1 mg/kg, 8 days, i.p.) and their combination (letrozole pre-treatment 3 h before ketamine). Acute and repeated antidepressant-like responses were ascertained in a series of behavioral tests (forced-swim, novelty-suppressed feeding, two-bottle choice for sucrose preference).

Results

The main results proved clear sex differences in the antidepressant-like response induced by ketamine, which was observed following a repeated paradigm in adult male rats, but rendered inefficacious in female rats. Moreover, decreasing estrogens production with letrozole induced on itself an antidepressant-like response in female rats, while also increased ketamine's response in male rats (i.e., quicker response observed after only a single dose). Interestingly, both the antidepressant-like effects induced by ketamine in male rats or letrozole in female rats persisted over time up to 65 days post-treatment, suggesting long-term sex-directed benefits for these drugs.

Conclusions

The present results demonstrated a sex-specific role for aromatase inhibition with letrozole in the antidepressant-like response induced by ketamine in male rats. Moreover, letrozole itself presented as a potential antidepressant for females with persistent effects over time. Clearly, the production of estrogens is key in modulating, in a sex-specific manner, affective-like responses and thus deserve further studies.
Examining specific and non-specific symptoms of the best-fitting posttraumatic stress disorder model in conflict-exposed adolescents
Authors: Mordeno Imelu G. , Luzano Jelli Grace C.
Published: October 2023

Background

The 5th revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) construes PTSD symptoms into 4 clusters (intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, alterations in arousal and reactivity; Model 1). However, recent literature has shown that this symptom structure does not best represent PTSD. Unfortunately, the findings of studies investigating the proposed alternative models are from consensus. Adding to the complexity of the issue of symptom-grouping models is the identification of specific and non-specific symptoms of PTSD. The present study aims to address these gaps by identifying the best-fitting PTSD model and subsequently examining what symptoms are considered specific and non-specific to PTSD in adolescent-survivors of armed political conflict and violence.

Methods

The study utilized a sample of 641 adolescent victim survivors. We conducted CFA analyses and compared nested models through the scaled χ2 difference test, while comparison of non-nested models was done using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The best-fitted model was used in the consequent analysis, where we statistically controlled for the effect of non-specific psychological distress on PTSD by comparing the factor loadings and factor correlations before and after accounting for distress using the Aroian z-test.

Results

The results provide support for the 7-factor hybrid model of PTSD over other proposed models for the current sample. Moreover, the data reveal that only 7 items could be construed as core symptoms, while the rest of the symptoms can be considered non-PTSD specific.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings provide support for the validity of the hybrid PTSD model among political conflict-exposed adolescents. The results also show that the DSM-5 PTSD has both specific and non-specific features in the present sample of conflict-exposed adolescents. This has potential implications for theory, practice, and treatment of the disorder.
Are algorithmically controlled gig workers deeply burned out? An empirical study on employee work engagement
Authors: Lang Jiao Jiao , Yang Li Feng , Cheng Chen , Cheng Xiang Yang , Chen Fei Yu
Published: October 2023

Background

With the emergence of the gig economy as a new economic form, the influence of algorithmic technology control on gig workers’ perceptions and engagement has become a topic of academic concern. This study explores the emotional impact of perceived algorithmic control on gig workers and how it affects their work engagement.

Methods

This study takes gig workers as the research object to build a structural equation model. Based on the background of gig economy and the Job Demands-Resources model, this paper constructs a mechanism model of the influence of perceived algorithmic control on the work engagement of gig workers. The research data in this paper are collected by questionnaire, and the research hypothesis is tested by the SEM structural model.

Results

The gig workers in this study believed that perceived algorithmic control positively affects employee work engagement. In addition, burnout was positively correlated with employee work engagement. Burnout played a partial mediating role in the relationship between perceived algorithmic control and employee work engagement. And flow experience played a moderating role through the indirect effect of burnout on employees’ work engagement.

Conclusion

Perceived algorithmic control causes burnout among gig workers, but strong algorithmic technology support provides them with rich work resources that can help them meet their work needs. That is, the gig workers may still demonstrate a high level of work engagement even if they experience burnout symptoms.
Smart bactericide based on reduced graphene oxide decorated with copper and zinc nanoparticles
Authors: Bytešníková Zuzana , Pečenka Jakub , Tekielska Dorota , Pekárková Jana , Ridošková Andrea , Bezdička Petr , Kiss Tomáš , Eichmeier Aleš , Adam Vojtěch , Richtera Lukáš
Published: October 2023

Graphene oxide (GO) synthesised by modified Tour’s method was decorated with copper and zinc nanoparticles (NPs) and simultaneously reduced by sodium borohydride to obtain a nanocomposite of reduced GO with copper and zinc NPs (rGO–Cu–Zn). The nanocomposite rGO–Cu–Zn was characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The rGO–Cu–Zn was tested against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (X. euvesicatoria), which attacks tomatoes and causes bacterial spots (BSs), and compared with the commercial product Champion 50 WG. Total bacterial growth inhibition was observed for the 1% rGO–Cu–Zn, whereas Champion 50 WG at the same concentration inhibited but did not eradicate all the bacterial colonies. To evaluate the negative effect of the rGO–Cu–Zn on the molecular level, the expression of the genes associated with the action of abiotic and biotic stress factors was analysed. Gene expression in the plants treated with 10% rGO–Cu–Zn did not exhibit a noticeable increase.

Graphical Abstract
Advancing the impact of plant biostimulants to sustainable agriculture through nanotechnologies
Authors: Magnabosco Pietro , Masi Antonio , Shukla Ravi , Bansal Vipul , Carletti Paolo
Published: October 2023

Nanomaterials and plant biostimulants are attracting significant attention for their potential applications in the agri-food sector. These efforts have mostly focused on the independent applicability of these two emerging fields to achieve improved agricultural outcomes. However, an even larger impact can be created if the emerging fields of nanotechnology and biostimulant technology are combined. This transdisciplinary review combines two diverse fields to highlight the potential role of nanotechnologies in advancing the impact of plant biostimulants for the sustainable production of high-quality food. The review first explains the key concepts of nanotechnology in a tutorial style to offer the agri-food research community an improved understanding of the potential of nanotechnology. The review then dives deeply into plant biostimulants which are substances or microorganisms or complex mixtures capable of improving plant nutrition and growth, directly influencing the aspects relevant to food quality, safety, and security. The review presents a convincing case that combining nanomaterials with biostimulants provides a promising sustainable answer against food insecurity for the near future. Sustainability is central to our discussions, which is exemplified by cases, such as the production of plant biostimulants from waste material, thus contributing to a circular economy. The review also identifies promising avenues to utilize nanotechnology for improving the value of biostimulants. Strategies such as nanoencapsulation are proposed to produce nano-biostimulants that could act synergistically to enhance food quality while offering a solution to the increasing challenge of food production while respecting the environment.

Graphical Abstract
Prognostic value of MRI volumetric parameters in non-small cell lung cancer patients after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: comparison with response assessment criteria
Authors: Roh Yun Hwa , Park Ji Eun , Kang Sora , Yoon Shinkyo , Kim Sang-We , Kim Ho Sung
Published: October 2023

Background

Accurate response parameters are important for patients with brain metastasis (BM) undergoing clinical trials using immunotherapy, considering poorly defined enhancement and variable responses. This study investigated MRI-based surrogate endpoints for patients with BM receiving immunotherapy.

Methods

Sixty-three non-small cell lung cancer patients with BM who received immune checkpoint inhibitors and underwent MRI were included. Tumor diameters were measured using a modification of the RECIST 1.1 (mRECIST), RANO-BM, and iRANO adjusted for BM (iRANO-BM). Tumor volumes were segmented on 3D contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. Differences between the sum of the longest diameter (SLD) or total tumor volume at baseline and the corresponding measurement at time of the best overall response were calculated as “changes in SLDs” (for each set of criteria) and “change in volumetry,” respectively. Overall response rate (ORR), progressive disease (PD) assignment, and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared among the criteria. The prediction of overall survival (OS) was compared between diameter-based and volumetric change using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

The mRECIST showed higher ORR (30.1% vs. both 17.5%) and PD assignment (34.9% vs. 25.4% [RANO-BM] and 19% [iRANO-BM]). The iRANO-BM had a longer median PFS (13.7 months) than RANO-BM (9.53 months) and mRECIST (7.73 months, P = 0.003). The change in volumetry was a significant predictor of OS (HR = 5.87, 95% CI: 1.46–23.64, P = 0.013). None of the changes in SLDs, as determined by RANO-BM or iRANO-BM, were significant predictors of OS, except for the mRECIST, which exhibited a weak association with OS.

Conclusion

Quantitative volume measurement may be an accurate surrogate endpoint for OS in patients with BM undergoing immunotherapy, especially considering the challenges of multiplicity and the heterogeneity of sub-centimeter size responses.
Developing an AI-based automated fashion design system: reflecting the work process of fashion designers
Authors: Choi Woojin , Jang Seyoon , Kim Ha Youn , Lee Yuri , Lee Sang-goo , Lee Hanbit , Park Sungchan
Published: October 2023

With the recent expansion of the applicability of artificial intelligence into the creative realm, attempts are being made to use AI (artificial intelligence) in the garment development system in various ways, both in academia and the fashion business. Several IT companies have developed and possess AI-based garment design technologies that utilize StyleGAN2 for image transformation. However, they are not widely utilized in the fashion business. Since fashion brands need to create numerous designs to launch new garment products for at least two seasons per year, the adoption of AI-based garment design generation technology can be one way to increase work efficiency. Therefore, this research aims to collect and analyze existing cases of AI-based garment design tools in order to identify the similarities and differences between the garment development processes of human designers and the existing AI-based garment design tools. Based on this analysis, the research aims to develop an AI-based garment development system that takes into consideration the garment development process of human designers, incorporating fashion domain knowledge.
Use of wild edible and nutraceutical plants in Raya-Azebo District of Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Giday Mirutse , Teklehaymanot Tilahun
Published: October 2023

Background

Although there is a wide use of wild edible plants (WEPs) in Ethiopia, very little work has so far been done, particularly, in the Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia, to properly document the associated knowledge. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to document knowledge and analyze data related to the use of wild edible and nutraceutical plants in Raya-Azebo District of Tigray Region. The district was prioritized for the study to avoid the further loss of local knowledge and discontinuation of the associated practices because of the depletion of wild edible plants in the area mainly due to agricultural expansion and largely by private investors.

Methods

A cross-sectional ethnobotanical study was carried out in the study District to collect data through individual interviews held with purposively selected informants, observation, market surveys, and ranking exercises. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to analyze and summarize the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.

Results

The study documented 59 WEPs, the majority of which (57.63%) were sought for their fruits. Most of the WEPs (49 species) were consumed in the autumn, locally called qewei, which includes the months of September, October, and November.Ziziphus spina-christiL. Desf.,Balanites aegyptiaca(L.) Del. andOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) Miller were the most preferred WEPs. Both interviews and local market surveys revealed the marketability ofOpuntia ficus-indica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Ficus vastaForssk., Ficus surForssk.,andBalanites aegyptiaca. Of the total WEPs, 21 were reported to have medicinal (nutraceutical) values, of whichBalanites aegyptiacaandAcacia etbaicascored the highest rank order priority (ROP) values for their uses to treat anthrax and skin infections, respectively.

Conclusions

The current investigation demonstrated the wide use of WEPs in the district. In future nutritional composition analysis studies, priority should be given to the most popular WEPs, and nutraceutical plants with the highest ROP values.
CXCL10 deficiency limits macrophage infiltration, preserves lung matrix, and enables lung growth in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Hirani Dharmesh V. , Thielen Florian , Mansouri Siavash , Danopoulos Soula , Vohlen Christina , Haznedar-Karakaya Pinar , Mohr Jasmine , Wilke Rebecca , Selle Jaco , Grosch Thomas , Mizik Ivana , Odenthal Margarete , Alvira Cristina M. , Kuiper-Makris Celien , Pryhuber Gloria S. , Pallasch Christian , van Koningsbruggen-Rietschel S. , Al-Alam Denise , Seeger Werner , Savai Rajkumar , Dötsch Jörg , Alejandre Alcazar Miguel A.
Published: October 2023

Preterm infants with oxygen supplementation are at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a neonatal chronic lung disease. Inflammation with macrophage activation is central to the pathogenesis of BPD. CXCL10, a chemotactic and pro-inflammatory chemokine, is elevated in the lungs of infants evolving BPD and in hyperoxia-based BPD in mice. Here, we tested if CXCL10 deficiency preserves lung growth after neonatal hyperoxia by preventing macrophage activation. To this end, we exposed Cxcl10 knockout (Cxcl10−/−) and wild-type mice to an experimental model of hyperoxia (85% O2)-induced neonatal lung injury and subsequent regeneration. In addition, cultured primary human macrophages and murine macrophages (J744A.1) were treated with CXCL10 and/or CXCR3 antagonist. Our transcriptomic analysis identified CXCL10 as a central hub in the inflammatory network of neonatal mouse lungs after hyperoxia. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis revealed that Cxcl10−/− mice are in part protected from reduced alveolar. These findings were related to the preserved spatial distribution of elastic fibers, reduced collagen deposition, and protection from macrophage recruitment/infiltration to the lungs in Cxcl10−/− mice during acute injury and regeneration. Complimentary, studies with cultured human and murine macrophages showed that hyperoxia induces Cxcl10 expression that in turn triggers M1-like activation and migration of macrophages through CXCR3. Finally, we demonstrated a temporal increase of macrophage-related CXCL10 in the lungs of infants with BPD. In conclusion, our data demonstrate macrophage-derived CXCL10 in experimental and clinical BPD that drives macrophage chemotaxis through CXCR3, causing pro-fibrotic lung remodeling and arrest of alveolarization. Thus, targeting the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis could offer a new therapeutic avenue for BPD.
Hail to thee, my sports team brand: investigating the drivers of eFANgelism among fans of selected sports teams in the English Premier League (EPL)
Authors: Amani David
Published: October 2023

Sports fans participate in supporting sports teams by demonstrating various attitudinal behaviors such as loyalty, purchase intention, and stadium attendance. However, although the literature indicates that sports fans who are fanatics can demonstrate advanced attitudinal behavior such as eFANgelism, very little has been done on the drivers of this advanced attitudinal behavior. This study utilized social identity theory to create a conceptual model which looked at how fan identification and fan community identification can be used to promote eFANgelism via perceived brand sacredness among sports fans in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to provide insights into factors that can improve positive brand promotion among sports fans in Tanzania. Partial least square-structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected from 322 sports fans of selected sports teams in the English Premier League. The findings indicate that fan identification and fan community identification are important drivers of eFANgelism via perceived brand sacredness. The study recommends that sports team managers should view sports fans as valuable assets that can help create and maintain a competitive advantage for their teams. In addition, sports managers can consider sports fans as an engine toward building the corporate reputation of sports organizations.
Identification of vestibular loss in children with sensorineural hearing loss using the balance subset of the BOT-2 test
Authors: EL-Badry Mohamed Mohamed , Makhlouf Mohamed , Fahim Dalia , Mamdouh Ghada , Mohamad Alfarghal , Gamal Reham
Published: October 2023

Background

Vestibular loss in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is quite high. Despite the high prevalence of vestibular loss and balance impairment in children with SNHL, they are rarely assessed by clinicians and therefore are commonly undiagnosed. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the balance subset of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT-2) as a tool to identify vestibular loss in children with SNHL and to determine its predictive values for vestibular loss.

Methods

The study included 210 children allocated into 4 groups: group 1 (control healthy children), group II (children with SNHL but without vestibular loss), group III (children with SNHL and unilateral vestibular loss), and group IV (children with SNHL and bilateral vestibular loss). Caloric test, video head impulse test (vHIT), and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (c-VEMP) test were used for vestibular assessment in children with SNHL and to allocate them accordingly into one of the aforementioned groups. Scores of the balance subset of the BOT-2 were compared among the three groups and compared to the control healthy children.

Results

21.4% of children with SNHL but without vestibular loss have balance deficit revealed by the balance subset of the BOT-2, reflecting its better sensitivity for detecting balance deficit than the physiologic vestibular tests. Children with unilateral or bilateral vestibular loss (groups III and IV) showed a more significant balance deficit than children without vestibular loss (group II). The worst balance score was found in children with bilateral vestibular loss. The positive predictive value of the BOT-2 for peripheral vestibular loss in children with SNHL was 88%.

Conclusion

The balance subset of the BOT-2 has particularly good predictive values for vestibular loss in children with SNHL. The test is a simple, easy, fast office test which does not require any costly equipment.
Endoscopic septoplasty below the age of 17 years
Authors: Abdelaal Taha Mohamed , Badie Samer , Ibrahim Ahmed Abdelatty , Eldib Diaa Bakry , Abdelsamie Alaa
Published: October 2023

Background

The claim that septoplasty in children should not be done was raised in the early last century. Pediatric septoplasty is highly controversial. Some surgeons are concerned that early surgical intervention before age 17 can adversely affect the normal growth of the nose and face. On the contrary, there is evidence of significant dental, palatal, and facial abnormalities following traumatic damage to the septal cartilage. Therefore, surgical correction of the deviated nasal septum may be performed regardless of the patient’s age. The recommendation of early surgery is based on the explanation that the earlier the correction of septal deviation, the better the outcome of developing normal breath and acceptable facial growth. This study evaluates the nasal and facial bony growth after endoscopic septoplasty for patients below the age of 17 years.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed 39 patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty. The involved patients’ age at surgery was below 17 years old. Postoperative evaluation was done for all patients subjectively using the visual analog scale (VAS) and objectively by endoscopic nose examination. The nasal and facial bony growth were evaluated using lateral cephalometry, which was carried out for each patient when they reached the age of 17.

Results

Thirty-nine patients underwent endoscopic septoplasty. The median visual analog scale for nose block and headache significantly declined after the procedure significant differences were observed between patients and controls regarding the following parameters: palatal length, anterior skull base, mid-face protrusion, and mid-face length.

Conclusion

Early endoscopic septoplasty below the age of 17 is a safe procedure and does not compromise the nasal or facial growth when indicated for patients with severe persistent nose block and poor quality of life.
Do You See Me?
Authors: McCullough Kristen B.
Published: October 2023

Processing grief from the outside. How a pharmacist experiences patient loss.
Introduction to Bayesian Analyses for Clinical Research
Authors: Bayman Emine Ozgur , Oleson Jacob J. , Dexter Franklin
Published: October 2023

Bayesian analyses are becoming more popular as a means of analyzing data, yet the Bayesian approach is novel to many members of the broad clinical audience. While Bayesian analyses are foundational to anesthesia pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, they also can be used for analyzing data from clinical trials or observational studies. The traditional null hypothesis significance testing (frequentist) approach uses only the data collected from the current study to make inferences. On the other hand, the Bayesian approach quantifies the external information or expert knowledge and combines the external information with the study data, then makes inference from this combined information. We introduce to the clinical and translational science researcher what it means to do Bayesian statistics, why a researcher would choose to perform their analyses using the Bayesian approach, when it would be advantageous to use a Bayesian instead of a frequentist approach, and how Bayesian analyses and interpretations differ from the more traditional frequentist methods. Throughout this paper, we use various pain- and anesthesia-related examples to highlight the ideas and statistical concepts that should be relatable to other areas of research as well.
Monitoring cases of pyrethroid intoxications in cats in Tirana region, Albania during 2016-2020
Authors: Mavromati J , Mehmedi B
Published: October 2023

Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides which are being widely used to control fleas and ticks in household pets. However, their use extends to pest control as well. Products used worldwide to protect pets are in liquid form and comprise spot-ons, shampoos, and spray. Close attention should be paid to proper usage of such insecticides in pets, particularly in cats. As already indicated by many studies, accidental or improper usage of such products can trigger severe health problems even proving fatal in cats. The objective of the current paper is to undertake a retrospective study of a total number of 47 cases suffering from pyrethroid intoxication in cats across several clinics in Tirana, Albania during the period 2016-2020. Records from the veterinary clinics were closely scrutinized with only specific cases of pyrethroid intoxication being included for the purposes of this study. The main clinical signs which were noticed in 47 cats included symptoms such as tremor/muscle fasciculation (37 cats; 76.6%), seizures (18; 38.3%), hyperaesthesia (19; 40.43%), ptyalism (13; 27.66%), ataxia (11; 23.4%), mydriasis (10; 21.28%). Out of 47 cases, 7 or 14.9 % of the treated cats did not survive. The outcome was solid after rapid interventions in 31 (65.96%) cats with the exception of 2 cats which did not survive dispide receiving treatment. Whereas as many as 16 (34.04%) of cats, having being taken late to the clinics, survived upon receiving treatment, while as few as 5 cats (31.25%) died. Awareness campaign targeting pet owners, owner education, appropriate product labelling and consultations with veterinarians may help eliminate this problem in the future.
Biochemical and microbiological characteristics of industrial Tsalafouti cheese
Authors: Pappa EC , Kondyli E , Samelis J , Malamou E , Kakouri A , Vlachou AM
Published: October 2023

Tsalafouti is a white cheese with mild sour, acidic taste. Its spreadable texture has no gas holdings. In the present work, Tsalafouti cheese was industrially manufactured and its biochemical, organoleptic and microbiological characteristics were investigated. At 30 days of storage, the mean pH was 4.05 and  moisture content was 68.06%, fat 14.9%, fat-in-dry matter 46.52%, salt 1.55%, ash 2.4%, and proteins 10.92%. Level of proteolysis remained stable during storage. The volatile compounds 3 methyl butanol, acetoin, ethanol, acetone, were found in high levels on day 30. During the organoleptic evaluation Tsalafouti  was very much appreciated until day 45. Total viable counts enumerated on skim-milk containing media at 37oC remained constant within 7.5-8.0 log CFU/g from day 15 to day 90 of  storage of the industrially ripened cheese. However, typical mesophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increased to 8.1-8.5 log CFU/g and predominated the technological biota, whereas typical thermophilic LAB, inclusive of enterococci, remained subdominant by 1-3 log units throughout storage. Yeasts were beneficial for the sensory quality of industrial Tsalafouti from day 30 to 45 when their counts were below 6-7 log CFU/g; however, yeasts turned to be the primary spoilage agents after their counts increased to 7.5 log CFU/g with prolonged storage (day 60 to 90). All industrial cheese samples were microbiologically safe as due to their low pH (3.85 to 4.13). These data could be useful for the better recognition of traditional Greek Tsalafouti cheese.
Nutritive value and in-vitro digestibility of peels and pomaces of different citrus species
Authors: Olowu OO , Yaman Firincioglu S
Published: October 2023

The nutritive value and invitro digestibility of agro-industrial byproducts of Citrus aurantium, Citrus paradisi, Citrus reticulata, Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis were assessed for their feed modification potential. Nutritive value assessment was done through chemical analysis while the ANKOM Daisy II incubator method was used to determine the invitro digestibility. At p>0.05, there was no statistical significance for nutritive value of the citrus byproducts for the five species. The agro-industrial by-products had significantly different phenolic content. Invitro digestibility of the peels significantly differed from the pomaces (p<0.001). The byproducts of the five citrus species showed potential to be considered as non-forage energy sources in ruminant feed. Lemon byproducts had high protein but not sufficient as a single protein source while bitter orange pomace may be considered for antioxidant capacity and high digestibility. Abundance of citrus agro-industrial byproducts, nutritive value potentials and their digestibility makes it a good strategy for ruminant feed modification and utilization.
Troxerutin as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative drug could ameliorate Type 1 diabetes complications in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Jafari-Khataylou Y , Ahmadiafshar S , Mirzakhani N
Published: October 2023

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that even with insulin therapy, inflammatory complications will develop in the long term. 40 inbred C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): Control group consisted of healthy mice receiving citrate buffer, Diabetic group included a group of diabetic mice, Diabetic+TX group was a group of diabetic mice treated with troxerutin (TX), and TX group was a group of healthy mice treated with TX. Two weeks after the final dose of streptozotocin (STZ), The cytokine levels were measured using ELISA in the culture supernatants of spleen cells after 72 hours. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure insulin and c-peptide levels. The fasting blood sugar (FBS) was measured by an automatic glucometer device. lymphocyte proliferation index was evaluated using MTT assay, myeloperoxidase (MPO) level was measured in serum and pathologic studies of the kidney and liver were performed. The levels of IL-1, IL-17, TNF-α and IFN-γ as well as MPO, FBS levels and proliferation index was significantly decreased in the treated diabetic group compared to the diabetic mice (p<0.05). plasma C-peptide and insulin significantly increased in treated diabetic group than in the diabetic mice (p<0.05). Histologically, in diabetic animals treated with Tx, inflammatory and degenerative processes in both kidney and liver tissues were alleviated significantly (p<0.05). According to the results, it was supported the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of TX, however, more studies are needed to investigate the effects of TX and the dose-response relationship in this disease.
Presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in raw cow’s milk: adhesive capacities and extracellular enzymes characterization
Authors: Belmamoun AR , Ammam A , Mhamdia C , Chadli R , Baki A , Madouni N
Published: October 2023

Raw milk contamination by Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) threatens food safety and leads to public health problems. Our study evaluates biofilm formation and virulence factors among 21 MRSA in raw cow’s milk. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by cefoxitin screening using the automated VITEK2 system, with a minimum inhibitory concentration greater than 8 mg/l. Qualitative characterization of biofilm-producing strains was performed on Congo red agar (CRA), with a semi-quantitative adhesion test on 96-well tissue culture plates (TCP). The ability to produce different enzymes was evaluated, such as caseinase, lipase, and phospholipase (lecithinase). The surface hydrophobicity of the bacteria was determined, and the autoaggregation test was used to predict the interactions between bacterial cells. Among the tested strains, 61.9% were biofilm producers in the CRA, developing a positive and variable phenotype. Furthermore, 19.05% and 80.95% of isolates were high and low biofilm formation on TCP. The enzymatic activity showed that lécithinase, caseinase, and lipase activities were detected in 100%, 80.95%, and 80.95% of cases. Highly hydrophilic (85.71%) and weakly hydrophobic (14.29%) were detected in MRSA isolates. The strains showed that 71.43% were moderate autoaggregation and 28.57% were low autoaggregation. No significant difference was found between the CRA method and TCP (P> 0.05). A significant association was found between adhesion capacity and bacterial autoaggregation in S. aureus strains (p>0.05). On the other hand, no statistical association between the hydrophobicity of microbial strains and adhesion capacity (p<0.05) was found. The same result was for the hydrophobicity of microbial strains and autoaggregation (p<0.05). This investigation could be beneficial for developing new control measures, prevention, and effective treatment against staphylococcal bacterial resistance.
Emigration From Post-Communist Central Europe After 1989 Interpreted Within the Aspirations/Capabilities Framework
Authors: Fihel Agnieszka , Kaczmarczyk Paweł
Published: October 2023

In the period of post-communist transition, Central Europe witnessed complex and multifaceted mobility processes; permanent outmigration, of an ethnic or labour-related nature, coexisted with temporary, seasonal, or cross-border movements and an increasing influx of foreigners. To study these complex processes, we have chosen to apply a holistic and comprehensive approach, rather than limit conceptual considerations to one theory of migration determinants. We focus on eleven post-communist countries that joined the European Union (EU-11) and on the period extending from around 1989, covering the EU’s eastward enlargement, to the present. The aim of this study is twofold: first, we propose a general conceptual framework, based on the aspirations/capabilities approach, to present the main determinants of emigration from this part of the European continent. Second, in relation to each determinant, we formulate research questions postulated by selected theories of international migration and present the evidence, based on existing empirical studies, that addresses these questions. The paper contributes to the literature by providing a broad interpretation of post-transition mobility and pointing to commonly overlooked explanatory factors. We highlight the importance of economic factors that have enhanced and directed the outward migration from the EU-11 to selected EU member states and selected economic sectors; in particular, as regards capabilities, these factors include the lifting of labour market restrictions, high demand in the secondary sector of labour markets, and the roles of migration networks and the migration industry. Emphasis is also placed on aspirational factors, such as labour market failures and the substantial aspirational gap resulting from improvements in high educational attainment in the countries of origin. The aspirations/capabilities approach serves well as a general framework of migration determinants, but its explanatory power is enhanced by reference to other, more specific theories of migration. We show that a combination of the complementary approaches provides a more refined and in-depth picture of migration from the region.

* This article belongs to a special issue on “Demographic Developments in Eastern and Western Europe Before and After the Transformation of Socialist Countries”.
Dynamic Information Regimes in Financial Markets
Authors: Glasserman Paul , Mamaysky Harry , Shen Yiwen
Published: October 2023

We develop a model of investor information choices and asset prices in which the availability of information about fundamentals is time-varying and responds to investor demand for information. A competitive research sector produces more information when more investors are willing to pay for that research. This feedback, from investor willingness to pay for information to more information production, generates two regimes in equilibrium, one having high prices and low volatility, the other the opposite. The low-price, high-volatility regime is associated with greater information asymmetry between informed and uninformed investors. Information dynamics move the market between regimes, creating large price drops even with no change in fundamentals. In our calibration, the model suggests an important role for information dynamics in financial crises.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.01213 .
Centralization and Organization Reproduction: Ethnic Innovation in R&D Centers and Satellite Locations
Authors: Kerr William R.
Published: October 2023

We study the relationship between firm centralization and organizational reproduction in satellite locations. For decentralized firms, the ethnic compositions of inventors in satellite locations mostly resemble their host cities with little link to the inventor composition of their parent firms’ research and development headquarters. For highly centralized firms, by contrast, organizational reproduction has an explanatory power equal to half or more of the host city effect. Reproduction is strongest when a firm exhibits a hands-on approach to the satellite facility, such as cross-facility team collaboration or internal talent mobility.

Funding: W. R. Kerr thanks the National Science Foundation, Harvard Business School, the Smith Richardson Foundation, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for financial support that made this research possible.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.16070 .
Fatal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-induced multiorgan dysfunction secondary to Burkholderia pseudomallei sepsis: A case report
Authors: Sui Ming-Ze , Wan Ke-Cheng , Chen Yuan-Lu , Li Huan-Long , Wang Shan-Shan , Chen Ze-Fu
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging. Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India, the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries. Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations. In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India. Currently, India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field, but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.
Traditional Chinese medicine for foot pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report
Authors: Shin Woo-Chul , Kim Hyungsuk , Chung Won-Seok
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging. Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India, the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries. Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations. In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India. Currently, India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field, but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.
Reading Walter Scott on the Solway Firth: Books and Borrowing at the Wigtown Subscription Library, 1828–36
Authors: McKeever Gerard Lee
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This article analyzes a previously unstudied set of borrowing records covering 1828–36 from the Wigtown Subscription Library in Galloway, southwest Scotland. It describes the context of the library and key features of this borrowing data, including the finding that forty-one Walter Scott titles accounted for 19 percent of all borrowing in this period. Galloway famously provided the outland setting of Scott's Guy Mannering (1815); this borrowing data enables an alternative view of the region and his influence on it. The article argues that readers at the Wigtown library were encountering an expansive network of "thickly" described localities through Scott.
Effective selection of shears in variable lateral shearing holography
Authors: Shanmugam Prithiviraj , Falaggis Konstantinos
Published: October 2023

The efficiency of reconstruction of complex wavefields in digital holography through shear interferometry has a direct correlation with the shears selected for image acquisition. Although studies to investigate the effect of shears have shown correlations between the selected shear set and the spatial and frequency contents of the reconstructed complex wavefield, to our best knowledge, not much information is available to provide a guide on how to select these shears optimally and what factors to be considered during this selection procedure. In this paper, we study the effect of shear parameters on the phase error through a series of simulations using a synthetic object wavefield and provide a range of shear parameters for optimal reconstruction. Further, we correlated the data by comparing the results with corresponding frequency information density maps.
SNR improved digital-cascaded-pulse-code-modulation radio-over-fiber scheme supporting 16,777,216 QAM for mobile fronthaul
Authors: Wang Mingxu , Yu Jianjun , Zhao Xianming , Zhou Wen , Wang Kaihui
Published: October 2023

We propose a digital-cascaded-pulse-code-modulation radio-over-fiber (DCP-RoF) scheme and verify it experimentally in a coherent transmission system. The 50-Gbaud 2-order 6-bit DCP-RoF signal with a common public radio interface equivalent data rate of 279Gb/s/λ is successfully transmitted in a 10-km standard single-mode fiber link. Results show that the 2-order 6-bit DCP-RoF scheme achieves a maximum recovered signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 83.43 dB, which meets the requirements for 16,777,216-quadrature-amplitude-modulation (16,777,216-QAM) transmission. The DCP-RoF scheme has advantages over analog RoF and digital–analog RoF in terms of SNR improvement, as well as advantages over digital RoF (D-RoF) in spectral efficiency. Furthermore, an average SNR enhancement of 13.48 dB for each linearly increased bandwidth is achieved in the DCP-RoF scheme. Our work suggests many optimistic possibilities for the future radio access networks and mobile fronthaul.
Accurate calibration for fringe projection profilometry based on an improved subpixel mapping with local gray distribution
Authors: Liu Bin , He Xinxin , Wang Chunliu , Wang Sen , Wu Guanhao
Published: October 2023

Fringe projection profilometry is an efficient and accurate technique for three-dimensional (3D) measurement to calibrate a camera and projector setup. The feature centers of circles on a calibration board are extracted on the camera image plane and mapped to the projector image plane during the calibration procedure. The accuracy of the mapping between camera pixels and projector pixels is crucial to the calibration accuracy, which directly affects the measurement precision of the system. In this paper, we investigate an improved subpixel mapping with local gray distribution from the camera to the projector. The mapped pixels and their gray values are regarded as a set of 3D grayscale space points. The subpixel coordinates of the feature centers on the projector image plane are obtained by directly processing the 3D points. The entire procedure retains the subpixel precision. Calibration experiments were designed to verify the feasibility of our calibration method, which was compared to three existing methods. The reprojection errors and object-space errors were used to evaluate the calibration accuracy of the methods. Additionally, measurement experiments of displacement and in-plane distance were employed to verify the calibration results of the methods. Compared to the three existing methods, we believe our method can improve the calibration accuracy for fringe projection profilometry.
Quantum electrodynamics with a nonmoving dielectric sphere: quantizing Lorenz–Mie scattering
Authors: Maurer Patrick , Gonzalez-Ballestero Carlos , Romero-Isart Oriol
Published: October 2023

We quantize the electromagnetic field in the presence of a nonmoving dielectric sphere in vacuum. The sphere is assumed to be lossless, dispersionless, isotropic, and homogeneous. The quantization is performed using normalized eigenmodes as well as plane-wave modes. We specify two useful alternative bases of normalized eigenmodes: spherical eigenmodes and scattering eigenmodes. A canonical transformation between plane-wave modes and normalized eigenmodes is derived. This formalism is employed to study the scattering of a single photon, coherent squeezed light, and two-photon states off a dielectric sphere. In the latter case, we calculate the second-order correlation function of the scattered field, thereby unveiling the angular distribution of the Hong–Ou–Mandel interference for a dielectric sphere acting as a three-dimensional beam splitter. Our results are analytically derived for a dielectric sphere of arbitrary refractive index and size with a particular emphasis on the small-particle limit. As shown in Phys. Rev. A 108, 033714 (2023)PLRAAN1050-294710.1103/PhysRevA.108.033714, this work sets the theoretical foundation for describing the quantum interaction between light and the motional, rotational, and vibrational degrees of freedom of a dielectric sphere.
Tunable radar compound coherent jamming signal generation based on microwave photonics
Authors: Wang Yuchao , Wen Aijun , Men Yuan
Published: October 2023

A photonic-assisted scheme to generate radar compound coherent jamming signals based on a dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DP-MZM) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The received linear frequency-modulated (LFM) signal is interrupted sampled and comb spectrum modulated by a DP-MZM. After photoelectric conversion, the compound coherent jamming signal, which combines the comb spectrum modulation jamming (CSMJ) and interrupted sampling repeater jamming (ISRJ), is generated. In the experiment, the generated coherent jamming signals have a 1-GHz bandwidth centered at 8 GHz and 18 GHz, respectively. The tunability of the frequency interval for CSMJ, the duty cycle, and the sampling frequency for ISRJ are verified. After pulse compression (PC), 10 false target groups are evenly distributed over a radial distance of 120 m, and the total number of false targets reaches to 50. The jamming effectiveness in radar imaging is also demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, photonic-assisted CSMJ and ISRJ compound jamming generation is proposed for the first time. The proposed scheme is compact, wideband, and tunable, which shows a good potential application in the future electronic warfare system.