bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public health risk communication through the lens of a quarantined community: Insights from a coronavirus hotspot in Germany
Authors: Licht Annika , Wetzker Wibke , Scholz Juliane , Scherag André , Weis Sebastian , Pletz Mathias W. , Bauer Michael , Dickmann Petra ,   the CoNAN study group
Published: October 2023

Background

Quarantine is one of the most effective interventions to contain an infectious disease outbreak, yet it is one of the most disruptive. We investigated the quarantine of an entire village to better understand risk communication requirements for groups.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey study on a single cohort of adult residents in Neustadt am Rennsteig, Germany, six weeks after the removal of a 14-day mandatory community quarantine. The survey response rate was 33% (289/883 residents).

Findings

Survey participants reported a lack of information on the quarantine implementation process. What authorities communicated was not necessarily what residents desired to know. While inhabitants used social media and telephones to communicate with each other, the official information sources were regional radio, television, newspapers and official websites. Public health authorities did not employ social media communication to engage with their communities. Despite a lack of information, the majority of respondents stated that they had complied with the quarantine and they expressed little sympathy for those who violated the quarantine. After lifting the quarantine, many respondents continued to avoid places where they suspected a significant risk of infection, such as family and friends’ homes, doctor’s offices and grocery stores.

Interpretation

The survey participants utilised existing social networks to disseminate vital information and stabilise its group identity and behaviour (quarantine compliance). The authorities communicated sparsely in a unidirectional, top-down manner, without engaging the community. Despite the lack of official information, the social coherency of the group contributed to considerate and compliant conduct, but participants expressed dissatisfaction with official leadership and asked for more attention.

Conclusion

Public health risk communication must engage with communities more effectively. This necessitates a deeper comprehension of groups, their modes of communication and their social needs.
Allosteric inhibition of muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by a neuromuscular blocking agent pancuronium
Authors: Sakata Souhei , Ono Fumihito
Published: October 2023

Muscle relaxants are indispensable for surgical anesthesia. Early studies suggested that a classical non-depolarizing muscle relaxant pancuronium competitively binds to the ligand binding site to block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Our group recently showed that nAChR which has two distinct subunit combinations are expressed in zebrafish muscles, αβδε and αβδ, for which potencies of pancuronium are different. Taking advantage of the distinct potencies, we generated chimeras between two types of nAChRs and found that the extracellular ACh binding site is not associated with the pancuronium sensitivity. Furthermore, application of either 2 μM or 100 μM ACh in native αβδε or αβδ subunits yielded similar IC50 of pancuronium. These data suggest that pancuronium allosterically inhibits the activity of zebrafish nAChRs.
Understanding the influence of ethnicity on adherence to antidiabetic medication: Meta-ethnography and systematic review
Authors: Asiri Rayah , Robinson-Barella Anna , Iqbal Anum , Todd Adam , Husband Andy
Published: October 2023

Introduction

A high prevalence of diabetes and diabetes-related complications in people from minority ethnic communities in high income countries is of significant concern. Several studies have indicated low adherence rates to antidiabetic medication in ethnic minority groups. Poor adherence to antidiabetic medication leads to a higher risk of complications and potential mortality. This review aims to qualitatively explore the barriers to and facilitators of adherence to antidiabetic medication among ethnic minority groups in high-income countries.

Methods

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Global Health databases for qualitative studies exploring the barriers to or facilitators of adherence to antidiabetic medication in minority ethnic groups was conducted from database inception to March 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022320681). A quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Key concepts and themes from relevant studies were synthesised using a meta-ethnographic approach. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual) approach was used to assess the Confidence in the review findings.

Result

Of 13,994 citations screened, 21 studies that included primary qualitative studies were selected, each of which involved people from minority ethnic communities from eight high income countries. This qualitative evidence synthesis has identified three overarching themes around the barriers to and facilitators of adherence to antidiabetic medication among ethnic minority groups.: 1) cultural underpinnings, 2) communication and building relationships, and 3) managing diabetes during visiting home countries. Based on the GRADE-CERQual assessment, we had mainly moderate- and high-confidence findings.

Conclusion

Multiple barriers and facilitators of adherence to antidiabetic medication among people from minority ethnic communities in high-income countries have been identified. A medication adherence intervention focusing on identified barriers to adherence to antidiabetic medication in these communities may help in improving diabetes outcomes in these groups.
Research on performance variations of classifiers with the influence of pre-processing methods for Chinese short text classification
Authors: Zhang Dezheng , Li Jing , Xie Yonghong , Wulamu Aziguli
Published: October 2023

Text pre-processing is an important component of a Chinese text classification. At present, however, most of the studies on this topic focus on exploring the influence of preprocessing methods on a few text classification algorithms using English text. In this paper we experimentally compared fifteen commonly used classifiers on two Chinese datasets using three widely used Chinese preprocessing methods that include word segmentation, Chinese specific stop word removal, and Chinese specific symbol removal. We then explored the influence of the preprocessing methods on the final classifications according to various conditions such as classification evaluation, combination style, and classifier selection. Finally, we conducted a battery of various additional experiments, and found that most of the classifiers improved in performance after proper preprocessing was applied. Our general conclusion is that the systematic use of preprocessing methods can have a positive impact on the classification of Chinese short text, using classification evaluation such as macro-F1, combination of preprocessing methods such as word segmentation, Chinese specific stop word and symbol removal, and classifier selection such as machine and deep learning models. We find that the best macro-f1s for categorizing text for the two datasets are 92.13% and 91.99%, which represent improvements of 0.3% and 2%, respectively over the compared baselines.
CARRoT: R-package for predictive modelling by means of regression, adjusted for multiple regularisation methods
Authors: Bazarova Alina , Raseta Marko
Published: October 2023

We present an R-package for predictive modelling, CARRoT (Cross-validation, Accuracy, Regression, Rule of Ten). CARRoT is a tool for initial exploratory analysis of the data, which performs exhaustive search for a regression model yielding the best predictive power with heuristic ‘rules of thumb’ and expert knowledge as regularization parameters. It uses multiple hold-outs in order to internally validate the model. The package allows to take into account multiple factors such as collinearity of the predictors, event per variable rules (EPVs) and R-squared statistics during the model selection. In addition, other constraints, such as forcing specific terms and restricting complexity of the predictive models can be used. The package allows taking pairwise and three-way interactions between variables into account as well. These candidate models are then ranked by predictive power, which is assessed via multiple hold-out procedures and can be parallelised in order to reduce the computational time. Models which exhibited the highest average predictive power over all hold-outs are returned. This is quantified as absolute and relative error in case of continuous outcomes, accuracy and AUROC values in case of categorical outcomes. In this paper we briefly present statistical framework of the package and discuss the complexity of the underlying algorithm. Moreover, using CARRoT and a number of datasets available in R we provide comparison of different model selection techniques: based on EPVs alone, on EPVs and R-squared statistics, on lasso regression, on including only statistically significant predictors and on stepwise forward selection technique.
Assessing radiation dosimetry for microorganisms in naturally radioactive mineral springs using GATE and Geant4-DNA Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Kolovi Sofia , Fois Giovanna-Rosa , Lanouar Sarra , Chardon Patrick , Miallier Didier , Baker Lory-Anne , Bailly Céline , Beauger Aude , Biron David G. , David Karine , Montavon Gilles , Pilleyre Thierry , Schoefs Benoît , Breton Vincent , Maigne Lydia ,   with the TIRAMISU Collaboration
Published: October 2023

Mineral springs in Massif Central, France can be characterized by higher levels of natural radioactivity in comparison to the background. The biota in these waters is constantly under radiation exposure mainly from the α-emitters of the natural decay chains, with 226Ra in sediments ranging from 21 Bq/g to 43 Bq/g and 222Rn activity concentrations in water up to 4600 Bq/L. This study couples for the first time micro- and nanodosimetric approaches to radioecology by combining GATE and Geant4-DNA to assess the dose rates and DNA damages to microorganisms living in these naturally radioactive ecosystems. It focuses on unicellular eukaryotic microalgae (diatoms) which display an exceptional abundance of teratological forms in the most radioactive mineral springs in Auvergne. Using spherical geometries for the microorganisms and based on γ-spectrometric analyses, we evaluate the impact of the external exposure to 1000 Bq/L 222Rn dissolved in the water and 30 Bq/g 226Ra in the sediments. Our results show that the external dose rates for diatoms are significant (9.7 μGy/h) and comparable to the threshold (10 μGy/h) for the protection of the ecosystems suggested by the literature. In a first attempt of simulating the radiation induced DNA damage on this species, the rate of DNA Double Strand Breaks per day is estimated to 1.11E-04. Our study confirms the significant mutational pressure from natural radioactivity to which microbial biodiversity has been exposed since Earth origin in hydrothermal springs.
Minimum chi-square method for estimating population size in capture-recapture experiments
Authors: Zheng Yuyan , Mao Yongfei , Tsao Min , Cowen Laura L. E.
Published: October 2023

Closed population capture-recapture estimation of population size is difficult under heterogeneous capture probabilities. We introduce the minimum chi-square method which can handle multi-occasion capture-recapture data. It complements likelihood methods with elements that can lead to confidence intervals and assessment of goodness-of-fit. We conduct a comprehensive study on the minimum chi-square method for estimating the size of a closed population using multiple-occasion capture-recapture data under heterogeneous capture probability. We also develop two different bootstrap techniques that can be combined with any underlying estimator, be it the minimum chi-square estimator or a likelihood estimator, to perform useful inference for estimating population size. We present a simulation study on the minimum chi-square method and apply it to analyze white stork multiple capture-recapture data. Under certain conditions, the chi-square method outperforms the likelihood based methods.
Fifty years of change in the lower tree line in an arid coniferous forest in the Qilian Mountains, northwestern China
Authors: Fang Shu , He Zhibin , Zhao Minmin
Published: October 2023

Tree line areas exhibited significant changes in response to climate change, including upward migration. Lower tree line dynamics are rarely studied, but as unique features in arid and semi-arid areas, they may influence forest distribution. Here, eight lower tree line plots in a Picea crassifolia Kom. (Qinghai spruce) forest in the arid and semi-arid Qilian Mountains of northwestern China were used to determine changes in tree line location and relationships with meteorological factors during 1968–2018. The results showed that the lower tree line descended by an average of 9.82 m during 1968 to 2018, and exhibited almost no change after 2008. The change in the lower tree line was significantly correlated with the annual average temperature (°C) and annual precipitation (mm) and may be affected by human activities. In the past 50 years, the lower tree line in arid areas exhibited a downward trend. Our findings indicate that the movement of the lower tree line is also an important aspect of climatic changes in coniferous forest distribution in arid and semi-arid mountains.
Preliminary assessment of three quantitative approaches for estimating time-since-deposition from autofluorescence and morphological profiles of cell populations from forensic biological samples
Authors: Gentry Amanda Elswick , Ingram Sarah , Philpott M. Katherine , Archer Kellie J. , Ehrhardt Christopher J.
Published: October 2023

Determining when DNA recovered from a crime scene transferred from its biological source, i.e., a sample’s ‘time-since-deposition’ (TSD), can provide critical context for biological evidence. Yet, there remains no analytical techniques for TSD that are validated for forensic casework. In this study, we investigate whether morphological and autofluorescence measurements of forensically-relevant cell populations generated with Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) can be used to predict the TSD of ‘touch’ or trace biological samples. To this end, three different prediction frameworks for estimating the number of day(s) for TSD were evaluated: the elastic net, gradient boosting machines (GBM), and generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) LASSO. Additionally, we transformed these continuous predictions into a series of binary classifiers to evaluate the potential utility for forensic casework. Results showed that GBM and GLMM-LASSO showed the highest accuracy, with mean absolute error estimates in a hold-out test set of 29 and 21 days, respectively. Binary classifiers for these models correctly binned 94–96% and 98–99% of the age estimates as over/under 7 or 180 days, respectively. This suggests that predicted TSD using IFC measurements coupled to one or, possibly, a combination binary classification decision rules, may provide probative information for trace biological samples encountered during forensic casework.
Evidence-based severity assessment of the forced swim test in the rat
Authors: Becker Laura , Mallien Anne S. , Pfeiffer Natascha , Brandwein Christiane , Talbot Steven R. , Bleich André , Palme Rupert , Potschka Heidrun , Gass Peter
Published: October 2023

The forced swim test (FST) is a traditional assay, which has been used for more than 40 years to assess antidepressant effects of novel drug candidates. In recent years, a debate about the test has focused on the assumption that the FST is highly aversive and burdening for the animals because of the earlier anthropomorphic interpretation and designation as a "behavioral despair test". The Directive 2010/63/EU and the German Animal Welfare law require a prospective severity classification of the planned experimental procedures. Still, an objective examination of the animals’ burden in this test has not been performed yet. To fill this gap, we conducted an evidence-based severity assessment of the forced swim test in rats according to a ’standard protocol’ with a water temperature of 25°C. We examined parameters representing the physiological and the affective state, and natural as well as locomotion-associated behaviors in three separate experiments to reflect as many dimensions as possible of the animal’s condition in the test. Hypothermia was the only effect observed in all animals exposed to the FST when using this standard protocol. Additional adverse effects on body weight, food consumption, and fecal corticosterone metabolite concentrations occurred in response to administration of the antidepressant imipramine, which is frequently used as positive control when testing for antidepressant effects of new substances. We conclude that this version of the FST itself is less severe for the animals than assumed, and we suggest a severity classification of ’moderate’ because of the acute and short-lasting effects of hypothermia. To refine the FST according to the 3Rs, we encourage confirming the predictive validity in warmer water temperatures to allow the rats to maintain physiological body temperature.
Knowledge of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among reproductive age women in high HIV/AIDS prevalent countries: A multilevel analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Eshetu Habitu Birhan , Kebede Natnael , Bogale Eyob Ketema , Zewdie Amare , kassie Tadele Derbew , Anagaw Tadele Fentabil , Mazengia Elyas Melaku , Gelaw Sintayehu Shiferaw , Fenta Eneyew Talie
Published: October 2023

Background

A lack of enough knowledge about the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among reproductive-age women is thought to be a key contributor to new pediatric HIV infections worldwide, and rising HIV-related infant mortality, particularly in resource-limited countries. Knowledge of MTCT of HIV is key to halt the progression of HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge of MTCT of HIV and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in high HIV/AIDS prevalent countries.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was performed using 8 HIV/AIDS prevalent countries’ Demographic and Health Surveys. A total weighted sample of 97,130 respondents was included in this study. Stata 17 was used for data extraction, coding, and analysis. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. The odds ratios along with the 95% confidence interval were generated to determine the factors of good knowledge of MTCT of HIV among reproductive-age women. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.

Results

The prevalence of good knowledge of MTCT HIV was 57.89% (95% CI: 57.67,58.29). Mothers aged 25–34 (AOR  =  1.37, 95% CI = 1.32, 1.42), 35 and above(AOR  =  2.46,95% CI = 1.41, 1.52), mothers’ primary education (AOR  = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.26, 1.38),), secondary education (AOR  = 1.65,95% CI = 1.56, 1.74), higher education (AOR  = 1.72,95% CI = 1.58,1.86), exposed to mass media (AOR  = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.08,1.16) rich wealth status (AOR  = 1.11 (95% CI = 1.06,1.15), talked about MTCT (AOR  = 1.70,95% CI = 1.64, 1.76), visited by field worker (AOR  = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.03,1.14), health facility visit (AOR  = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.18), urban dwellers (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04,1.14), ever tested for HIV(AOR = 2.18 (95% CI = 2.10,2.27), currently working status (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.12,1.19) were factors associated with good knowledge of MTCT of HIV/AIDS among reproductive age women.

Conclusions

Overall, the prevalence of good knowledge of MTCT was low in high HIV/AIDS prevalent countries. Maternal age, primary education and above, exposed to media, having higher wealth status, talked about MTCT during ANC visits, being visited by a field worker, visited a health facility, currently working, living in the urban area, and ever been tested for HIV were positively associated with knowledge of MTCT. Health policy and programs should focus on educating mothers, encouraging women to contact health facilities and a well-targeted communications program is required to enhance knowledge of MTCT of HIV.
Policy Suggestions through Social Perception Analysis of Defense YouTube Channels
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Cha Sang Yoon , Kim Hyunho
Published: October 2023

YouTube is a platform that delivers video content on diverse topics and enables communication, making it the most utilized service for conveying knowledge and exchanging information. The Korean Army is also proactively operating official Defense YouTube channels related to the military and producing videos to promote a positive perception and instill faith in the military among the general public and soldiers. However, there is a lack of research on the current status of the content and societal perceptions of defense-related channels. To understand societal awareness, we qualitatively analyzed video content and comments. In addition, we used big data analysis methods such as keyword derivation, term frequency analysis, word cloud visualization, word association analysis, and sentiment analysis of comments based on a Korean sentiment dictionary. These analyses identify current defense channel strategies and society's awareness of these strategies and provide a foundation for improving and perfecting future video creation and operation processes.
Institutional quality and renewable energy transition: Empirical evidence from Poland
Authors: Mukhtarov Shahriyar , Aliyev Javid , Borowski Piotr F. , Disli Mustafa
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the impact of institutional quality as measured by the corruption perception index, income, CO2 emissions, and trade openness on renewable energy consumption in Poland from 1996 to 2021. The Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR) technique was employed for empirical analysis. The analysis results revealed that the corruption perception index, income, and CO2 emissions have a positive and statistically significant effect on renewable energy consumption, while trade openness has an insignificant impact. The positive influence of institutional quality on renewable energy consumption highlights the significance of implementing policies that contribute to environmental sustainability and energy security.
Influence of green human resource management on employees’ behavior through mediation of environmental knowledge of managers
Authors: Bhattarai Ujjwal , Lopatka Agnieszka , Devkota Niranjan , Paudel Udaya Raj , Németh Péter
Published: October 2023

Lately, there has been a rising awareness of the significance of becoming green and applying different environmental management strategies within the corporate community. This paper endeavours to explore the adoption of Green HRM practices by managers in Patan Industrial Estate. This study addresses the importance of knowledge development in relation to HRM practices and employee behavior. The goal is to see how Green HRM influences EGB in Patan Industrial Estate through mediation of managers' environmental knowledge. Exploratory research design was chosen as the primary study paradigm to determine the truth. The data was evaluated quantitatively by using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The associations between the 113 replies were analyzed using SEM. According to the findings of the study, environmental knowledge does not operate as a facilitator between Green HRM and EGB. This result is also theoretically significant in terms of the AMO theory. However, Green HRM is an emerging concept that deserves more attention. Employees and organizations must make even more changes to ensure that greening processes are implemented in all of their activities. General recommendations for successful implementation of Green HRM practices include revising the vision, mission and organization policies of an organization, ensuring its ISO certification, advancement of technologies, and enhancing GHRM practices by providing training and empowering employees, as well as participating in proactive government initiatives.
Literature Survey and Analysis of Digital Humanities and Libraries in Recent Years
Authors: Makwana Prakashbhai N , Gadhavi Geeta Girish
Published: October 2023

The term “Digital Humanities (DH)” suggests a sub-field of the humanities that makes the ideal utilisation of digital media, as well as the practices and instructions that are naturally associated with it, to explore a broad spectrum of topics. This sub-field is fast developing an increasingly significant sphere of academic research. The conversion to digital has brought about a considerable transformation to several underlying library services, and one of the most fundamental examples of a field where a basic foundation of digital skills can be used to promote the development of an emerging discipline is the field of digital humanities. In the past, only a few studies on digital humanities were conducted. There was a disparity in the amount of research done on the role of librarians concerning digital humanities libraries. This article presents a comprehensive review of previous literature on “Digital Humanities and Libraries,” which included contributions from a diverse range of authors. These factors include the origins and history of DH and libraries, as well as the current state of DH and libraries. The theory and concepts of digital humanities as a field of study are examined, as well as the potential mapping of these theories and concepts to traditional university library collections and services. The research concluded that effective cultural heritage digital initiatives are best carried out through the formation of constructive partnerships between DH scholars and community groups.
Book Purchase Model for Academic Libraries Using Digital Humanities Tool
Authors: A Aysha Zakhiya , K. S. Aparna , C. Syamili
Published: October 2023

Most libraries don’t buy books based on a set of rules that reflect the research done at their affiliated institutions. A structured method for evaluating evolving research areas is a must have process in libraries, especially academic libraries. So, in this study, with the help of the digital humanities tool, the authors developed a book purchasing algorithm for an academic library that functions in accordance with the core research subjects and evolving research areas of that institution. To conduct this study, the researchers searched the SCOPUS database for articles published by the “University of Calicut” as of February 13, 2023, yielding 3305 publications. Voyant tools have been used to analyse the collected data. Significant changes in the area of research at the University of Calicut are observed from its beginning to its recent history (1967–2023). The analysis revealed a discrepancy between the primary subject areas of research and the book collection at the Calicut University library. The findings of this paper will aid librarians in their acquisition processes, and the institution will be able to support the research community. This study proposes a novel “Book Purchase Model for Academic Libraries” using a digital humanities tool that can be used in professional practice.
Knowledge Production through Open Data for Digital Humanities
Authors: Nehra Satveer Singh , Bansode Sadanand Y
Published: October 2023

The study examines how open data can be used to generate meaningful insights into the cultural, historical, and geographical features of India and can be the best tool for digital humanities researchers, allowing them to access large datasets about the country’s diverse landscape and interpret the data in meaningful and creative ways. An attempt is made to explore the potential of open data in digital humanities projects and discuss the need to create a comprehensive digital humanities platform that caters to the needs of different stakeholders as well as the advantages and challenges of open data and government initiatives in digital humanities. Additionally, the implications of open data and government initiatives in terms of improving access to digital humanities resources, increasing collaboration, and enhancing the quality of digital humanities projects and their contribution to creating a vibrant digital humanities community in India. The paper concludes that open data can be a powerful tool for digital humanities researchers in India, allowing them to access large datasets about the country’s diverse landscape and to interpret the data in meaningful and creative ways.
Jakobińska wolność opresyjna
Authors: Drozdowicz Zbigniew
Published: October 2023

The advice of oppressive freedom in Western culture dates back to ancient times, including those principles of democracy that were implemented in Greek city-states. It changed forms of expression together with Christianity gaining the position of the dominant religion. However, this Christianization over the centuries encountered such unbelievers or infidels who were not willing to subscribe to the Christian conviction that surrendering to the slavery of God and the Church representing Him on earth is the best way to free oneself from various sins. In the 16th and 17th centuries, attempts were made to justify oppressive freedom with earthly needs. In the eighteenth century, however, such social forces came to the fore, which, regardless of the existing beliefs, implemented its form, which in the final phase was primarily terror. It was Jacobin oppressive freedom. Later, various political forces in Western Europe distanced themselves from it, but in Eastern Europe they added their card to it under the title – communist terror.
Aktualność Oświecenia według Stevena Pinkera (ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem idei postępu)
Authors: Kopciuch Leszek
Published: October 2023

In this article, I begin by sketching Steven Pinker’s understanding of main ideas of the Enlightenment, and then discuss in detail his understanding of the idea of progress. In the reconstruction section, I mainly refer to Pinker’s 2018 work Enlightenment Now: the Case for Science, Reason, Humanism, and Progress. Then I consider the issue of the relationship between Pinker’s concept of progress and the strictly philosophical understanding of this idea, clarified both in the texts of its defenders and critics.
Effects of heat‐killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarumTWK10 on exercise performance, fatigue, and muscle growth in healthy male adults
Authors: Cheng Yi‐Chen , Lee Chia‐Chia , Lee Mon‐Chien , Hsu Han‐Yin , Lin Jin‐Seng , Huang Chi‐Chang , Watanabe Koichi
Published: October 2023

Consumption of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 (TWK10) has beneficial probiotic effects, improves exercise endurance performance, regulates body composition, and mitigates aging‐related problems in mice and humans. Here, we investigated the effects of heat‐killed TWK10 on exercise endurance performance, muscle weight and strength, fatigue, and body composition in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Thirty healthy males aged 20–40 years were assigned to the Control group or heat‐killed TWK10 group (TWK10‐HK) in a balanced order according to each individual's initial maximal oxygen uptake. After 6‐week administration, the exercise endurance time in the TWK10‐HK was significantly increased (p = 0.0028) compared with that in the Control group. The grip strength on the right and left hands of the subjects was significantly increased (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0140, respectively) in the TWK10‐HK compared with that in the Control group. Administration of heat‐killed TWK10 resulted in a significant increase (p = 0.0275) in muscle weight. After 6‐week administration, serum lactate, and ammonia levels were significantly lower in the TWK10‐HK group than in the Control group during the exercise and recovery periods. These findings demonstrate that heat‐killed TWK10 has significant potential to be used as a postbiotic for humans.
M-protein diagnostics in multiple myeloma patients using ultra-sensitive targeted mass spectrometry and an off-the-shelf calibrator
Authors: Wijnands Charissa , Langerhorst Pieter , Noori Somayya , Keizer-Garritsen Jenneke , Wessels Hans J.C.T. , Gloerich Jolein , Bonifay Vincent , Caillon Hélène , Luider Theo M. , van Gool Alain J. , Dejoie Thomas , VanDuijn Martijn M. , Jacobs Joannes F.M.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Minimal residual disease status in multiple myeloma is an important prognostic biomarker. Recently, personalized blood-based targeted mass spectrometry (MS-MRD) was shown to provide a sensitive and minimally invasive alternative to measure minimal residual disease. However, quantification of MS-MRD requires a unique calibrator for each patient. The use of patient-specific stable isotope labelled (SIL) peptides is relatively costly and time-consuming, thus hindering clinical implementation. Here, we introduce a simplification of MS-MRD by using an off-the-shelf calibrator.

Methods

SILuMAB-based MS-MRD was performed by spiking a monoclonal stable isotope labeled IgG, SILuMAB-K1, in the patient serum. The abundance of both M-protein-specific peptides and SILuMAB-specific peptides were monitored by mass spectrometry. The relative ratio between M-protein peptides and SILuMAB peptides allowed for M-protein quantification. We assessed linearity, sensitivity and reproducibility of SILuMAB-based MS-MRD in longitudinally collected sera from the IFM-2009 clinical trial.

Results

A linear dynamic range was achieved of over 5 log scales, allowing for M-protein quantification down to 0.001 g/L. The inter-assay CV of SILuMAB-based MS-MRD was on average 11 %. Excellent concordance between SIL- and SILuMAB-based MS-MRD was shown (R2>0.985). Additionally, signal intensity of spiked SILuMAB can be used for quality control purpose to assess system performance and incomplete SILuMAB digestion can be used as quality control for sample preparation.

Conclusions

Compared to SIL peptides, SILuMAB-based MS-MRD improves the reproducibility, turn-around-times and cost-efficacy of MS-MRD without diminishing its sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, SILuMAB can be used as a MS-MRD quality control tool to monitor sample preparation efficacy and assay performance.
Algorithm of differential diagnosis of anemia involving laboratory medicine specialists to advance diagnostic excellence
Authors: Hevessy Zsuzsanna , Toth Gabor , Antal-Szalmas Peter , Tokes-Fuzesi Margit , Kappelmayer Janos , Karai Bettina , Ajzner Eva
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Anemia is a severe global public health issue. Testing practices for anemia suggest overuse of screening laboratory tests and misinterpretation of studies even in “easy-to-diagnose” underlying causes, leading to late diagnoses and missed treatment opportunities. We aimed to develop a complete and efficient algorithm for clinical pathologists and laboratory medicine physicians for the differential diagnosis of anemia.

Methods

Comprehensive literature search encompassing original articles, studies, reviews, gold standard books, and other evidence.

Results

We created a complex algorithm, primarily for clinical pathology/laboratory use, that explores all major and several rare causes of anemia in an efficient and evidence-based manner. The algorithm includes gold-standard diagnostic laboratory tests available in most clinical laboratories and indices that can be easily calculated to provide an evidence-based differential diagnosis of anemia.

Conclusions

The diagnostic strategy combines previously available diagnostic tests and protocols in an efficient order. Clinical pathologists following the algorithm can independently provide valuable diagnostic support for healthcare providers. Clinical pathologists providing complete differential diagnostic services with the proposed algorithm may create an opportunity for an advanced diagnostic service that supports diagnostic excellence and helps patients receive a timely diagnosis and early treatment opportunities.
Shear capacity of reinforced concrete beams with recycled steel fibers
Authors: Muneam Ali K. , Makki Ragheed F.
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effect of using recycled steel fibers (RSFs) extracted from cut tires with dimensions of 0.8 and 40 mm in diameter and length, respectively. Different percentages of fibers were used, which are 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2%. Ten beams with dimensions of 150 mm × 240 mm and a length of 1,700 mm were tested, two of which are control beams without stirrups and using stirrups at a distance higher than the upper limit (d/2), which is a distance of 250 mm. In the case of using steel fibers without a stirrup, it is noticed that shear resistance increases gradually, but the type of failure remains shear. When using a minimum stirrup with steel fibers, the shear resistance increased significantly by 11.1, 23.7, 33.3, and 41.4%, respectively, compared to the reference beam without steel fibers so that the increased shear capacity in the presence of the minimum stirrups and optimal ratio of steel fibers of 2% reaches 122%, compared to the reference beam without stirrup and steel fibers, as well as converting the type of failure from shear failure to pure bending failure. When using a stirrup, this effect will be greater. The presence of RSF reduces deflection at cracking load, while increasing deflection at the ultimate load. Therefore, the stiffness and ductility ratio increased with the presence of steel fibers by 41.5 and 50.3%, respectively. Also, steel fibers delayed the appearance of beam cracks and reduced their widths.
‘Syria Rises to Receive the Caliph’: Umayyad Caliphal Titles from Cordoba to Damascus
Authors: Cardoso Elsa
Published: October 2023

The concept and image of a court is strongly associated with its main character, the sovereign around whom court life revolves. How was the Umayyad caliph named and conceptualized in al-Andalus? Keeping this in mind, the purpose of this paper is the discussion of the Umayyad Andalusī caliphal titles. Sources repeatedly stress the Umayyad legitimacy to the caliphate as heirs of the Umayyads of Damascus. In a panegyric, even Syria rises to receive the Andalusī caliph. The contrast of these titles with those reserved for rebels will also be considered. While the caliph was seen as a sun, the darkness was associated with rebels. Official titles used for bureaucracy and metaphorical titles reproduced in official letters and panegyric poetry will be considered, which were preserved in Andalusī sources such as the Muqtabis of Ibn Ḥayyān (d. 1075) or the ʿIqd al-Farīd of Ibn ʿAbd Rabbih (d. 940). Ceremonial situations will also be considered as the figure of the caliph was central and praised in official letters and panegyric poetry.
Reducing the fear of re-injury during rehabilitation through mental imagery as a mental health strategy in sport and exercise
Authors: Lindsay Riki , McNeil Dominic , Spittle Michael
Published: October 2023

Returning to sport and exercise following injury requires the athlete to become more confident in the ability to gradually explore the use of the injured area in increasingly complex and challenging ways. Emotional responses, such as fear of re-injury, are a key mental health barrier to a performer’s return to sport and exercise. To navigate such psychological responses, performers need well-developed psychological strategies, like mental imagery (MI), to facilitate a successful return to pre-injury levels of sport and exercise. MI is a well-established strategy for dealing with negative symptoms associated with injury, providing a safe and less intimidating environment to practice movements that may be perceived as risky and otherwise performed within physical training due to the fear of causing further injury. This paper aims to provide sport psychologists with recommendations on how to utilize MI to reduce fear of re-injury during the rehabilitation process to successfully facilitate return to sport and exercise. Specific examples are also outlined and discussed.
Archaeology of the Late Local Landscapes of the Hualfín Valley (Catamarca, Argentina): A Political Perspective from Cerro Colorado of La Ciénaga de Abajo
Authors: Wynveldt Federico , Iucci María Emilia , Sallés Juan Manuel , Fuertes Juana
Published: October 2023

As seen in many examples of imperial expansions throughout history, the Inkas applied a whole range of policies strategically adapted for the different local organizations, in every corner of their empire, and local groups, in turn, were reconfigured based on the new conditions. Starting from the investigation of a group of late local landscapes of the Hualfín Valley (Department of Belén, Catamarca) in the Northwestern Argentina, from a critical perspective of the sociopolitical definitions classically given to these societies, the aim of this study consists of describing the spatial, social, and temporal dimensions of these landscapes and advancing the discussion about how local groups socially and politically organized themselves, in immediately pre-Inka times and after the incorporation of their territories into the Inka state. To this end, a brief discussion on the Late and Inka periods in Northwestern Argentina and theoretical guidelines for landscape analysis are presented. Then, we address the analysis of one of the landscapes in particular: the Cerro Colorado de La Ciénaga de Abajo and its surroundings, and we briefly analyze the cases of Asampay, Palo Blanco, and Puerta de Corral Quemado, and the regional landscape network.
Use of gamma radiation for the antioxidant improvement of saffron [Crocus sativus] petal extract
Authors: Heidarieh Marzieh , Parsaeimehr Mahnoosh , Sheikhzadeh Najmeh
Published: October 2023

This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the impact of gamma-irradiation on the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Crocus sativus petals. After gamma-irradiation at 5, 10, and 35 kGy doses, Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques were deployed to analyze the irradiated and non-irradiated extracts. The obtained results were indicative of boosted levels of phenolic and total flavonoids compounds in methanolic extracts irradiated at 5 and 10 kGy. Results of the HPLC method also revealed that gamma-irradiation, especially at 5 kGy, could increase the quantity of certain polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid, epicatechin caffeic acid, and thioxanthene, in the saffron extract. In contrast, gamma-irradiation at 35 kGy exerted certain adverse effects on polyphenols contents. In conclusion, gamma-irradiation, especially at 5 kGy, could enhance the antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract of saffron petals.
Effects of edaravone dexborneol on neurological function and serum inflammatory factor levels in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Qian Zhenhong , Chen Jianhui , Chen Mingsheng , Zhong Wenying , Shen Chaoxiong , Hu Zhizhou , Li Rongtong
Published: October 2023

The goal of this study is to evaluate and analyze the effects of edaravone (EDV) dexborneol on neurological function and serum inflammatory factor levels among patients with acute anterior circulation big artery blockage stroke. A total of 142 patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) were randomly allocated to the study group (69 patients) or the control group (73 patients). In the study group, patients were treated with 37.5 mg EDV dexborneol twice a day for 10–14 days, based on the control group. The primary efficacy outcome was the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score change from baseline to 90 days and the proportion of modified Rankin Scale (mRS)score ≤1 at 90 days after randomization. The secondary outcome included the decrease in inflammatory factors at 14 days. The primary safety outcome was the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation assessed according to Heidelberg bleeding classification within 7 days. A higher percentage of patients with HIHSS score ≤5 at 90 days in the EDV dexcamphorol group was observed than in the control group (75.36% vs 64.38%; P = 0.015). A higher percentage of patients with mRS score ≤1 at 90 days in the EDV dexcamphorol group was observed than in the control group (63.77% vs 50.68%; P = 0.012). After treatment, the levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP were significantly lower following treatment and compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In patients receiving the EDV dexborneol group, a significantly decreased risk of radiographic intracranial hemorrhage was found compared with the control group (20.29% vs 39.73%; P = 0.0006). In conclusion, EDV dexborneol can improve the clinical outcomes of patients with acute anterior circulation LVO stroke, which can be used as an effective supplement to thrombectomy therapy.
Why does momentum depend on inertia?
Authors: Melia Fulvio
Published: October 2023

Momentum is characterized in terms of inertial mass for particles moving at less than the speed of light, but entirely in terms of their energy for those lacking inertia. Does this difference suggest a physically distinct origin of momentum in the two cases and, if so, what is actually being conserved in interactions involving both types of particle? In this paper, we consider a recently proposed gravitational origin for rest-mass energy to demonstrate that a single definition of momentum applies to all particles, massless or otherwise. When introduced into this description, inertial mass is merely a surrogate for the particle’s ‘free’ energy, but does not imply an origin of momentum different from that of particles without mass.
PROPOLİSİN BİYOAKTİF BİLEŞENLERİ ÜZERİNE EKSTRAKSİYON YÖNTEMLERİNİN VE EKSTRAKSİYON DEĞİŞKENLERİNİN ETKİLERİ
Authors: ÖZDAL Harun Reşit , NAKİLCİOĞLU Emine , ÖTLEŞ Semih
Published: October 2023

Propolis içeriğinde bulundurduğu biyoaktif bileşenler sayesinde antik çağlardan beri geleneksel tıpta kullanılan, günümüzde ise zengin içeriği sayesinde çok sayıda çalışmaya konu olmuş ve olacak bir arı ürünüdür. Doğal antioksidan ve antimikrobiyal maddelere olan ilgi tüketicinin bilinçlenmesi ile artmaktadır. Bilimin bir şeyi etkili ve en verimli yapma çabası biyoaktif bileşenlerin ekstraksiyonunu konu alan birçok çalışmaya yol açmıştır. Propolisten biyoaktif bileşenlerin ekstraksiyonunu inceleyen, geleneksel metotlardan modern tekniklere kadar birçok yöntemin kullanıldığı araştırmalar bu çalışmada incelenmiş olup, yöntemlerin birbirine karşı etkinliği vurgulanmıştır. Farklı çözücü tiplerinin, farklı ekstraksiyon süresi ve sıcaklıklarının araştırdığı çalışmalar literatürde mevcuttur. Ekstraksiyon işlemine etki eden birçok değişkenin mevcut olması nedeniyle propolis ekstraksiyonunda ekstraksiyon değişkenlerinin optimizasyonu konu alan çalışmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.