bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness and construct validity of two outcome measures of bilateral upper limb function in patients with chronic stroke
Authors: Tsai Han-ting , Lau Hiu-ying , Lin Keh-chung , Li Yi-chun , Lin Chia-jung , Yao Grace , Lee Ya-yun , Chen Wen-shiang , Chen Chia-ling , Chang Ya-ju , Horng Yi-shiung
Published: May 2024

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability among stroke survivors. Despite the availability of numerous stroke rehabilitative therapies, such as mirror therapy, bilateral arm training, and robot-assisted therapy, the recovery of motor function after stroke remains incomplete. Bilateral arm function is a key component in stroke patients to perform activities of daily living and to reflect their functional autonomy.

Objective

This clinimetric study investigated and compared the construct validity and responsiveness of 2 bimanual activity outcome measures, the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) and the ABILHAND Questionnaire, in individuals receiving stroke rehabilitation.

Methods

The present study is a secondary analysis following the framework of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Individuals with chronic stroke (N = 113) were recruited from outpatient rehabilitation settings. Participants received 18 to 20 sessions of robot-assisted therapy, mirror therapy, combined therapy, or conventional rehabilitation for 4 to 6 weeks. The CAHAI, ABILHAND Questionnaire, and a comparison instrument, the Motor Activity Log (MAL), were administered twice at a 4- to 6-week interval to all participants. ABILHAND scores, in logits, were converted from raw ordinal scores into a linear measure.

Results

There was medium to large correlation of the CAHAI and the MAL (ρ = 0.60–0.62, p < 0.01) as well as the ABILHAND Questionnaire and the MAL (ρ = 0.44–0.51, p < 0.01). Change scores from the initial measurement to the post-intervention measurement demonstrated small to medium correlation of the CAHAI and the MAL (ρ = 0.27–0.31, p < 0.01) and medium to large correlation of the ABILHAND Questionnaire and the MAL (ρ = 0.37–0.41, p < 0.01). Overall, 7 of 8 hypotheses were supported. The hypothesis testing regarding the construct validity and responsiveness of the CAHAI and ABILHAND Questionnaire was confirmed.

Conclusion

The CAHAI and ABILHAND Questionnaire are both responsive and suitable to detect changes in bilateral arm functional daily activities in individuals with chronic stroke. Patient-reported outcome measures are recommended to use along with therapist-rated outcome measures for upper limb capacity evaluation in stroke rehabilitation. Further study with a prospective study design to capture specific clinical features of participants and the use of body-worn sensors, such as the arm accelerometer, is suggested.
Resistance to KRAS inhibition in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sreter Katherina Bernadette , Catarata Maria Joana , von Laffert Maximilian , Frille Armin
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death globally. More than 50% of new cases are diagnosed in an advanced or metastatic stage, thus contributing to the poor survival of such patients. Mutations in the KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma virus) gene occur in nearly a third of lung adenocarcinoma and have for decades been deemed an ‘undruggable’ target. Yet, in recent years, a growing number of small molecules, such as the GTPase inhibitors, has been investigated in clinical trials of lung cancer patients harboring KRAS mutations, yielding promising results with improved outcomes. Currently, there are only two approved targeted therapies (adagrasib and sotorasib) for advanced or metastatic KRAS-mutated NSCLC from the second-line setting onwards. In this narrative review, we will focus on KRAS, its molecular basis, the role of its co-mutations, clinical evidence for its inhibition, putative mutation to resistance, and future strategies to overcome resistance to KRAS inhibition.
Risk factors for the development of cervical cancer: analysis of the evidence
Authors: Luvián-Morales Julissa , Gutiérrez-Enríquez Sandra Olimpia , Granados-García Víctor , Torres-Poveda Kirvis
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most prevalent female cancer globally. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for devising practical strategies suited to geographic and social contexts to attain the global eradication of CC. Hence, this study examined the latest evidence of risk factors contributing to CC development.

Methods

An independent literature search was conducted on PubMed using MESH terms. The primary sources were meta-analyses published from 2010 to 2023, which detail updated evidence on risk factors associated with CC. Additionally, the quality of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE system and recommendations were made accordingly.

Results

The main risk factors related to the cause of CC include co-infections with other sexually transmitted infections, genetic markers, cervicovaginal microbiota, nutritional factors, comorbidities that affect the immune response, smoking, and the use of hormonal contraceptives with a quality evidence based on the GRADE scale moderate.

Conclusions

Since the necessary cause for CC is persistent cervicovaginal HPV, all the risk factors implicated in the causality of CC act as non-independent cofactors that increase the risk of CC. Thus, changes in public policies aimed at addressing these risk factors are highly recommended and can substantially decrease the risk of CC.
Impact of metformin on melanoma: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Feng Hua , Shang Shuxian , Chen Kun , Sun Xuan , Yue Xueping
Published: May 2024

Background

There is evidence of a modest reduction in skin cancer risk among metformin users. However, no studies have further examined the effects of metformin on melanoma survival and safety outcomes. This study aimed to quantitatively summarize any influence of metformin on the overall survival (OS) and immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) in melanoma patients.

Methods

Selection criteria: The inclusion criteria were designed based on the PICOS principles. Information sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature published from the inception of these databases until November 2023 using ‘Melanoma’ and ‘Metformin’ as keywords. Survival outcomes were OS, progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and mortality; the safety outcome was irAEs. Risk of bias and data Synthesis: The Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trial 2 (RoB2) and methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) were selected to assess the risk of bias. The Cochrane Q and I2 statistics based on Stata 15.1 SE were used to test the heterogeneity among all studies. Funnel plot, Egger regression, and Begg tests were used to evaluate publication bias. The leave-one-out method was selected as the sensitivity analysis tool.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included, involving 111,036 melanoma patients. The pooled HR for OS was 0.64 (95% CI [0.42, 1.00], p = 0.004, I2 = 73.7%), HR for PFS was 0.89 (95% CI [0.70, 1.12], p = 0.163, I2 = 41.4%), HR for RFS was 0.62 (95% CI [0.26, 1.48], p = 0.085, I2 = 66.3%), and HR for mortality was 0.53 (95% CI [0.46, 0.63], p = 0.775, I2 = 0.0%). There was no significant difference in irAEs incidence (OR = 1.01; 95% CI [0.42, 2.41]; p = 0.642) between metformin and no metformin groups.

Discussion

The improvement in overall survival of melanoma patients with metformin may indirectly result from its diverse biological targets and beneficial effects on multiple systemic diseases. While we could not demonstrate a specific improvement in the survival of melanoma patients, the combined benefits and safety of metformin for patients taking the drug are worthy of recognition.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024518182.
Fragment-based virtual screening identifies novel leads against Plasmepsin IX (PlmIX) of Plasmodium falciparum: Homology modeling, molecular docking, and simulation approaches
Authors: Almuqdadi Haider Thaer Abdulhameed , Kifayat Sumaiya , Anwer Razique , Alrehaili Jihad , Abid Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Despite continuous efforts to develop safer and efficient medications, malaria remains a major threat posing great challenges for new drug discovery. The emerging drug resistance, increased toxicities, and impoverished pharmacokinetic profiles exhibited by conventional drugs have hindered the search for new entities. Plasmepsins, a group of Plasmodium-specific, aspartic acid protease enzymes, are involved in many key aspects of parasite biology, and this makes them interesting targets for antimalarial chemotherapy. Among different isoforms, PlmIX serves as an unexplored antimalarial drug target that plays a crucial role along with PlmV and X in the parasite’s survival by digesting hemoglobin in the host’s erythrocytes. In this study, fragment-based virtual screening was performed by modeling the three-dimensional structure of PlmIX and predicting its ligand-binding pocket by using the Sitemap tool. Screening identified the fragments with the XP docking score ≤ −3 kcal/mol from the OTAVA General Fragment Library (≈16,397 fragments), and the selected fragments were chosen for ligand breeding. The resulting ligands (≈69,858 ligands) were subsequently subjected to filtering based on the QikProp properties along with carcinogenicity testing performed using CarcinoPred-EL and then docked in the SP (≈14,078 ligands) as well as XP mode (≈3,104 ligands), and compared with that of control ligands 49C and I0L. The top-ranked ligands were taken further for the calculation of the free energy of binding using Prime MM–GBSA. Overall, a total of six complexes were taken further for MD simulation studies performed at 100 ns to attain a better understanding of the binding mechanisms, and compounds 3 and 4 were found to be the most efficient ones in silico. The analysis of compound 3 revealed that the carbonyl group present in position 1 on the isoindoline moiety (Arg554) was responsible for inhibitory activity against PlmIX. However, the analysis of compound 4 revealed that the amide linkage sandwiched between the phenyl ring and isoquinoline moiety (Lys555 and Ser226) as well as carbonyl oxygen of the carbamoyl group present at position 2 of the pyrazole ring (Gln222) were responsible for PlmIX inhibitory activity, owing to their crucial interactions with key amino acid residues.
Bacillus coagulans and Clostridium butyricum synergistically alleviate depression in a chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model through altering gut microbiota and prefrontal cortex gene expression
Authors: Xu Jingyi , Zhou Lei , Chen Zhaowei , Wang Yuezhu , Xu Fang , Kuang Qun , Zhang Yixuan , Zheng Huajun
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) has gradually increased and has attracted widespread attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a probiotic compound consisting of Bacillus coagulans and Clostridium butyricum, on a mouse depression model.

Methods: Mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and then treated with the probiotics at different concentrations. And mice received behavior test such as forced swimming test and tail suspension test. After that, all mice were sacrificed and the samples were collected for analysis. Moreover, prefrontal cortex (PFC) gene expression and the gut microbiota among different groups were also analyzed.

Results: Probiotics improved depressive-like behavior in CUMS mice, as indicated by decreased immobility time (p < 0.05) in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test. probiotics intervention also increased the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the prefrontal cortex and decreased the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level in serum. In addition, by comparing the PFC gene expression among different groups, we found that the genes upregulated by probiotics were enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex. Moreover, we found that downregulated genes in prefrontal cortex of CUMS group such as Sfrp5 and Angpt2, which were correlated with depression, were reversed by the probiotics. Furthermore, the probiotics altered the structure of the gut microbiota, and reversed the reduction of cob(II)yrinate a,c-diamide biosynthesis I pathway in CUMS group. Several species like Bacteroides caecimuris and Parabacteroides distasoni, whose abundance was significantly decreased in the CUMS group but reversed after the probiotics intervention, showed significantly positive correlation with depression associated genes such as Tbxas1 and Cldn2.

Discussion: These findings suggested that CUMS-induced depression-like behavior can be alleviated by the probiotics, possibly through alterations in the PFC gene expression and gut microbiota.
Can major public health emergencies increase the participation of commercial insurance? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Yiqiu , Guo Chong , Xu Yang , Xie Meng
Published: May 2024

Background

Public health emergencies have a lasting impact on a country's economic and social development. However, commercial insurance can disperse these negative consequences and reduce risk losses.

Method

Based on the Chinese Household Tracking Survey and Peking University Digital Inclusive Finance Index, this study employed a difference-in-differences model to test the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on commercial insurance participation and the impact mechanism.

Results

The analysis showed that the outbreak of COVID-19 improved residents' risk perception, risk preference and digital finance and promoted their participation in commercial insurance, commercial endowment insurance, and commercial medical insurance.

Conclusion

Major public health emergencies can increase commercial insurance participation, but the promotional effect of commercial insurance on rural and low-income individuals is relatively limited. To tap into potential customers, financial institutions should focus on vulnerable societal groups. This study supplements the relevant literature on the impact of major public health emergencies on commercial insurance participation.
Preference for novel biomedical HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis methods among adolescent girls and young women in Kampala, Uganda: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mayanja Yunia , Kayesu Ivy , Kamacooko Onesmus , Lunkuse Jane Frances , Muturi-Kioi Vincent , Price Matt , Kosidou Kyriaki , Ekström Anna Mia
Published: May 2024

Background

Novel HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) methods including a potential future HIV vaccine, will increase prevention options for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at high risk of HIV infection in Eastern and Southern Africa, yet data on AGYW’s preferences for various PrEP methods is limited. We investigated preferences for five biomedical PrEP methods (oral, injectable, vaginal ring, implant, HIV vaccine) among 14–24-years-old AGYW in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

From January to December 2019, we conducted a mixed methods study including 265 high-risk AGYW. After receiving two education sessions on the five PrEP methods, participants were asked about their “most preferred PrEP method.” Multinomial logistic regression (oral PrEP as reference category) was used to determine participant characteristics associated with method preference. Results are presented as adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 selected participants to examine reasons influencing PrEP preferences and suggestions for method improvements. Transcripts were analyzed thematically.

Results

Participants preferred methods were: HIV vaccine (34.7%), oral PrEP (25.7%), injectable PrEP (24.9%), PrEP implant (13.6%), and vaginal ring (1.1%). Preference for injectable PrEP increased with every year of age (aRRR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04–1.44) and among participants with chlamydia or gonorrhoea (aRRR 2.53; 95% CI 1.08–5.90), while it was lower among participants having sexual partner(s) living with HIV or of unknown HIV status (aRRR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10–0.91). Preference for PrEP implants also increased with age (aRRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.14–1.77) and was strong among participants having ≥10 sexual partners in the past 3 months (aRRR 3.14; 95% CI 1.16–8.55), while it was lower among those with sexual partner(s) living with HIV or of unknown HIV status (aRRR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07–0.92). PrEP method preference was influenced by product attributes and prior experiences with similar product forms commonly used in health care.

Conclusion

AGYW have varied preferences for biomedical PrEP method and those with higher sexual behavioral risk prefer long-acting methods. As we anticipate more available PrEP options, oral PrEP use should be supported among AGYW, especially for those with sexual partners living with HIV or of unknown HIV status.
Vaccine communication strategies among healthcare workers as a reflection of the Israeli Ministry of Health’s communication strategies before and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hijazi Rana , Gesser-Edelsburg Anat , Mesch Gustavo S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Healthcare workers play a central role in communicating information to the public regarding vaccines. Most of the literature has focused on healthcare workers’ hesitancy and doubts about getting the flu vaccine themselves. However, few studies have dealt with how they perceive their role in communicating information regarding vaccines, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

(1) To identify the communication strategies used by the Israeli Ministry of Health regarding vaccines during epidemic crises (before and after the COVID-19 pandemic); (2) To identify the communication strategies used by healthcare workers regarding vaccines before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A qualitative study based on in-depth interviews was conducted among healthcare workers and used a semi-structured protocol as a research tool. A total of 18 healthcare workers were sampled using purposeful and snowball sampling.

Results

Despite healthcare workers’ perception that there has been a decrease in trust in the Israeli Ministry of Health among the public following the COVID-19 outbreak, they still rely on the Israeli Ministry of Health as their primary source of information and use the same communication strategies (such as fear appeals and correcting information) as of the Israeli Ministry of Health to communicate with the public, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders.

Conclusion

Healthcare workers have been shaped by the professional socialization processes within the health system, leading to a predominant reliance on established communication strategies and informational channels. This reliance underscores the importance of evolving these methods to better engage with the public. To address this, there is a compelling need to innovate and adopt new communication techniques that emphasize effective dialogue and transparent interactions. By doing so, healthcare professionals can ensure that their outreach is not only informative but also responsive to the diverse needs and preferences of the community.
Adherence to physical activity recommendations and associations with self-efficacy among Norwegian adolescents: trends from 2017 to 2021
Authors: Grasaas Erik , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: May 2024

Background

The crucial role of physical activity (PA) in promoting well-being and overall health of adolescents is widely acknowledged. Previous global studies have consistently revealed low adherence to PA recommendations among adolescents, emphasizing potential links between PA engagement and self-efficacy in school-based populations. However, there is a need for further exploration of this relationship, in particularly gender differences and taking into account the potential influences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of adherence to PA recommendations and its associations with self-efficacy in Norwegian school-based adolescents over the period from 2017 to 2021.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on physical activity (PA) levels and self-efficacy among 13–19-year-old Norwegian adolescents were collected from the Norwegian Ungdata Survey during the period 2017 to 2021. The survey, conducted in Norwegian lower- and upper-secondary schools, was administered electronically during school hours. All data collected is anonymous and has received approval from the Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research (SIKT). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results

Girls consistently exhibited lower adherence to PA recommendations (17.6–19.8%) compared to boys (27.7–31.1%) each year from 2017 to 2021 (all p < 0.01). Similarly, girls reported lower self-efficacy (14.1 to 14.8 out of 20) than boys (15.5 to 15.9) during the same period (all p < 0.01). Regression analyses highlighted robust positive associations between PA and self-efficacy in those adhering to PA recommendations (i.e., physically active at least 5 times a week) and strong inverse associations for those reporting inactivity (never active) in both girls and boys from 2017 to 2021.

Conclusion

Adolescents in Norway report PA adherence ranging from 15 to 30%, with girls consistently exhibiting lower adherence to PA recommendations and reporting lower self-efficacy than boys. Notably, there are substantial associations between self-efficacy and both adherence to PA recommendations and inactivity over time. These findings underscore the significance of promoting adherence to PA recommendations during adolescence, especially among girls. Policymakers in Norway should focus on initiatives to increase PA levels among adolescents in both lower and upper secondary schools.
COVID-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia: data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey
Authors: Akūlova Lāsma , Paegle Linda , Mārtiņsone Inese , Vanadziņš Ivars , Knudsen Lisbeth E. , Matisāne Linda
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has globally influenced the exposure of populations to chemical substances through various channels. This study aims to evaluate the tendencies of the use of chemical products in Latvia amidst the pandemic. Answers from 597 respondents (26.6% male, 73.4% female, mean age 46.0 ± 12.2) which were gathered as part of the HBM4EU (Human Biomonitoring Initiative) citizen survey and 8 focus group participants were used.

Methods

The study utilized data from the HBM4EU citizen survey and conducted focus group discussions to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chemical product usage in Latvia. Survey responses were analyzed to identify changes in exposure to chemicals, particularly in relation to disinfection agents and household products.

Results

More than two-thirds of survey participants reported increased exposure to chemicals during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly related to the use of disinfection agents and household products. About 2-in-5 (39.8%) of survey respondents considered that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their interest in exposure to chemicals. The excessive use of disinfectant products is the main concern of citizens (mentioned by 66.7%, n = 389). Also, two focus group participants noted that the use of disinfectant products is too widespread and should be minimized.

Discussion

The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only increased the use of chemical products in Latvia but also promoted an interest in safe and healthy use of chemicals which could be useful to raise the awareness of the general public.
Exposure characteristics and cumulative risk assessment of bisphenol A and its substitutes: the Taiwan environmental survey for toxicants 2013
Authors: Lin Yu-Jung , Chen Hsin-Chang , Chang Jung-Wei , Huang Han-Bin , Chang Wan-Ting , Huang Po-Chin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Ever since the use of bisphenol A (BPA) has been restricted, concerns have been raised regarding the use of its substitutes, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). Meanwhile, the EU European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued the new tolerable daily intake (TDI) after the latest re-risk assessment for BPA, which enforced the need for cumulative risk assessment in the population. This study was conducted to identify BPA and its substitute’s exposure characteristics of the general Taiwanese population and estimate the cumulative risk of bisphenol exposure.

Methods

Urine samples (N = 366 [adult, 271; minor, 95]) were collected from individuals who participated in the Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants 2013. The samples were analyzed for BPA, BPS, and BPF through ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Daily intake (DI) levels were calculated for each bisphenol. Hazard quotients (HQs) were calculated with the consideration of tolerable DI and a reference dose. Additionally, hazard index (HI; sum of HQs for each bisphenol) values were calculated.

Results

Our study found that the median level of BPA was significantly higher in adults (9.63 μg/g creatinine) than in minors (6.63 μg/g creatinine) (p < 0.001). The DI of BPS was higher in female (0.69 ng/kg/day) than in male (0.49 ng/kg/day); however, the DIs of BPF and BPS were higher in boys (1.15 and 0.26 ng/kg/day, respectively) than in girls (0.57 and 0.20 ng/kg/day, respectively). Most HI values exceeded 1 (99% of the participants) after EFSA re-establish the TDI of BPA.

Discussion

Our study revealed that the exposure profiles and risk of BPA and its substitute in Taiwanese varied by age and sex. Additionally, the exposure risk of BPA was deemed unacceptable in Taiwan according to new EFSA regulations, and food contamination could be the possible source of exposure. We suggest that the risk of exposure to BPA and its substitutes in most human biomonitoring studies should be reassessed based on new scientific evidence.
Unsupervised literature mining approaches for extracting relationships pertaining to habitats and reproductive conditions of plant species
Authors: Gabud Roselyn , Lapitan Portia , Mariano Vladimir , Mendoza Eduardo , Pampolina Nelson , Clariño Maria Art Antonette , Batista-Navarro Riza
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Fine-grained, descriptive information on habitats and reproductive conditions of plant species are crucial in forest restoration and rehabilitation efforts. Precise timing of fruit collection and knowledge of species' habitat preferences and reproductive status are necessary especially for tropical plant species that have short-lived recalcitrant seeds, and those that exhibit complex reproductive patterns, e.g., species with supra-annual mass flowering events that may occur in irregular intervals. Understanding plant regeneration in the way of planning for effective reforestation can be aided by providing access to structured information, e.g., in knowledge bases, that spans years if not decades as well as covering a wide range of geographic locations. The content of such a resource can be enriched with literature-derived information on species' time-sensitive reproductive conditions and location-specific habitats.

Methods

We sought to develop unsupervised approaches to extract relationships pertaining to habitats and their locations, and reproductive conditions of plant species and corresponding temporal information. Firstly, we handcrafted rules for a traditional rule-based pattern matching approach. We then developed a relation extraction approach building upon transformer models, i.e., the Text-to-Text Transfer Transformer (T5), casting the relation extraction problem as a question answering and natural language inference task. We then propose a novel unsupervised hybrid approach that combines our rule-based and transformer-based approaches.

Results

Evaluation of our hybrid approach on an annotated corpus of biodiversity-focused documents demonstrated an improvement of up to 15 percentage points in recall and best performance over solely rule-based and transformer-based methods with F1-scores ranging from 89.61 to 96.75% for reproductive condition - temporal expression relations, and ranging from 85.39% to 89.90% for habitat - geographic location relations. Our work shows that even without training models on any domain-specific labeled dataset, we are able to extract relationships between biodiversity concepts from literature with satisfactory performance.
The association between betel quid use and oral potentially malignant and malignant disorders in Southeast Asian and Pacific regions: a systematic review and meta-analysis with GRADE evidence profile
Authors: Jasim Aula , Li Xia , Octavia Alfini , Gunardi Indrayadi , Crocombe Leonard , Sari Elizabeth Fitriana
Published: May 2024

Background

Betel quid (BQ) chewing is a prevalent habit in the Asian and Pacific regions. It is deeply intertwined within cultural customs, and has been reported to result in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and malignant disorders (MDs).

Objective

We aim to present a summative and broad overview of the burden that BQ chewing has imposed on the residents of the Southeast Asian, Pacific, and Australasian regions, allowing us to quantify the level of impact it is currently causing on the risk of people developing oral cancer.

Methods

This scoping review and meta-analysis screened databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for publications that investigated the association between BQ and OPMDs and MDs. The search strategy involved MeSH headings relating to BQ, OPMDs, and MDs, and a search for results during the period between January 2010 and June 2023 within the set geographical boundaries of the Southeast Asian and Pacific regions. This systematic review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). R software was used to screen outliers. The included studies were further analysed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results

Nine articles (n = 19,312 participants) presented odds ratio outcomes from 11 regionally different study groups. We indicated a strong correlation between BQ chewing and the increased risk of OMPDs and MDs. The risk was quantified through meta-analyses with an odds ratio (OR) of 8.18 (5.27–12.72) and an increased OR of 9.93 (7.36–13.39) when the outlier was removed. BQ chewing was further identified within various Australian communities and discovered to be produced locally in North Queensland.

Discussion

A meta-analysis of two outcomes revealed substantial heterogeneity and minor evidence of publication bias, thus the association effect was included with and without these articles. The overall GRADE quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very high and highlighted five studies with a high level of imprecision.

Conclusion

The lingering high prevalence of BQ in the Southeast Asia and Pacific regions, as well as its rising acceptance among non-ethnic Australians, is alarming and requires prompt and rigorous intervention to prevent the risk of oral cancer.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42023429694).
Challenges for compound coastal flood risk management in a warming climate: a case study of the Gulf Coast of the United States
Authors: Lewis Michael , Moftakhari Hamed , Passalacqua Paola
Published: May 2024

Compound flooding (CF) events, driven by coincident/concurrent and mutually reinforcing factors such as heavy rainfall, storm surges, and river discharge, pose severe threats to coastal communities around the Globe. Moreover, the exacerbating influence of climate change and sea-level rise further amplifies these risks. This study delves into the complex and multifaceted issue of compound coastal flooding in two freshwater-influenced systems on the Gulf Coast of the United States – Southeast Texas and South Alabama. We first conduct a robust statistical analysis to evaluate the significance of non-stationarity, multi-dimensionality, and non-linearity of interactions among various drivers of CF. Second, to assess the extent to which current flood resilience policies and guidelines account for these characteristics of CF events, we perform a critical review of existing policy documents. The results of the statistical analysis reveal significant compounding and shifts in the statistics of flood drivers that emphasize the pressing need for a multi-mechanism, non-stationary approach to flood hazard assessment. We also found an evident lack of appropriate language/recommendation in policy documents of solid tools that systematically take non-stationarity, multi-dimensionality, and non-linearity of CF into account. By identifying the gaps between current policy measures and the detected complexities of CF, we seek to provide insights that can inform more effective flood resilience policies and design guidelines. Through this robust analysis, we aspire to bridge the divide between research and policy.
Exploring how arm movement moderates the effect of lower limb muscle fatigue on dynamic balance in healthy youth
Authors: Borgmann Katharina , Ferdenhert Jendrik , Neyses Alexandra C. , Bauer Julian , Hill Mathew W. , Muehlbauer Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background

In young adults, there is evidence that free arm movements do not help to compensate muscle fatigue-induced deteriorations in dynamic balance performance. However, the postural control system in youth is immature, and as a result, the use of arm movements may provide a compensatory “upper body strategy” to correct fatigue-related balance impairments. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of free vs. restricted arm movement on dynamic balance performance prior and following exercise-induced muscle fatigue.

Methods

Forty-three healthy youth (19 females; mean age: 12.8 ± 1.9 years) performed the Y Balance Test–Lower Quarter before and immediately after a fatiguing exercise (i.e., repetitive vertical bipedal box jumps until failure) using two different arm positions: free (move the arms freely) and restricted (keep the arms akimbo) arm movement.

Results

Muscle fatigue (p ≤ 0.033; 0.10 ≤ ηp2 ≤ 0.33) and restriction of arm movement (p ≤ 0.005; 0.17 ≤ ηp2 ≤ 0.46) resulted in significantly deteriorated dynamic balance performance. However, the interactions between the two did not reach the level of significance (p ≥ 0.091; 0.01 ≤ ηp2 ≤ 0.07).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the use of an “upper body strategy” (i.e., free arm position) has no compensatory effect on muscle fatigue-induced dynamic balance deteriorations in healthy youth.
The potential use of brewers' spent grain-based substrates as horticultural bio-fertilizers
Authors: Bianco Angela , Melito Sara , Garau Matteo , Giannini Vittoria , Zara Giacomo , Assandri Davide , Oufensou Safa , Coronas Roberta , Pampuro Niccolò , Budroni Marilena
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the most important by-product of breweries. Currently, the primary method of recycling BSG is through its use in livestock feed production, due to its high fiber content, non-degradable protein, and water-soluble vitamins. Nonetheless, composting, vermicomposting, and biochar production pathways offer promising alternatives for managing this organic byproduct.

Methods

BSG-based substrates were evaluated as bio-fertilizers for use during the transplantation of Lactuca sativa L. and without additional fertilization at the end of the crop cycle. Biochar (B), vermicompost (V), compost (CP), and compost enriched with a microbial consortium (CPE), each mixed at 2 and 4% with peat, were compared with two control treatments: 100% peat (C1) and peat with ternary chemical fertilizer (C2). The experiment was designed with six replicates, half of which were inoculated with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelium during transplantation to assess the contribution of different substrates to pathogen resistance.

Results

Overall, it was found that the control treatment C2 was the most effective, yielding the greatest plant height at the seedbed stage and the best results across all parameters at harvest. The V 4%, CP 4%, and CPE 4% treatments showed similar results without significant differences compared to the control. At the end of the seedbed phase, plants treated with CP 4% and CPE 4% exhibited the most substantial root development, with statistically significant differences from all other treatments. Moreover, the CPE 4% treatment demonstrated superior performance, resulting in statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the chlorophyll content (α and β) and carotenoid parameters when compared to the control treatment C2. The interaction between the treatment and the pathogen was statistically significant only for the carotenoid content in the CPE 4% treatment and for the flavonoid content in most of the treatments.

Discussion

The most promising results were obtained at the nursery phase, highlighting the potential use of processed BSG-based substrates as bio-fertilizers. These products provided plants with both a growth substrate and nutrients, effectively contributing to waste recycling and aligning with the principles of a circular economy. Additional studies are required to investigate the potential use of brewer's spent grain as bio-fertilizers in other vegetable crop species.
Unveiling the Impact of Smokers’ Self-Construals on the Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Campaigns: A Comparative Analysis of E-Cigarettes and Combustible Cigarettes
Authors: Kim Dong Hoo , Hong Ji Mi
Published: May 2024

Objective

This research conducted two studies in South Korea to explore the relationship between smokers’ self-construals and the types of cigarettes they use, emphasizing their combined effects on cessation campaign effectiveness.

Methods

Study 1 explored how smokers’ self-construals influenced their intentions to quit smoking or vaping, considering their primary cigarette usage. Study 2 further investigated this relationship within cessation campaigns, employing messages framed by both self-construal (independent vs. interdependent) and cigarette type (combustible vs. electronic).

Results

The results of Study 1 showed that individuals with a strong interdependent self-construal were more likely to express intentions to quit smoking or vaping when using e-cigarettes compared to combustible cigarettes. Similarly, Study 2 demonstrated that cessation messages for e-cigarettes were more effective in eliciting intentions to quit when presented with an interdependent self-construal frame, while messages for combustible cigarettes showed greater effectiveness with an independent self-construal frame.

Conclusion

Campaigns solely focused on independent self-construals might not effectively persuade e-cigarette users to quit, as they may prioritize communal wellbeing over individual benefits. Adapting anti-e-cigarette campaigns to align with the values of interdependent self-construals could yield better outcomes in promoting cessation among e-cigarette users.
Gain and Pain in Graph Partitioning: Finding Accurate Communities in Complex Networks
Authors: Ferdowsi Arman , Dehghan Chenary Maryam
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an approach to community detection in complex networks by simultaneously incorporating a connectivity-based metric and Max-Min Modularity. By leveraging the connectivity-based metric and employing a heuristic algorithm, we develop a novel complementary graph for the Max-Min Modularity that enhances its effectiveness. We formulate community detection as an integer programming problem of an equivalent yet more compact counterpart model of the revised Max-Min Modularity maximization problem. Using a row generation technique alongside the heuristic approach, we then provide a hybrid procedure for near-optimally solving the model and discovering high-quality communities. Through a series of experiments, we demonstrate the success of our algorithm, showcasing its efficiency in detecting communities, particularly in extensive networks.
A Study on the Effect Mechanism of Pectin Modification on the Carrot Cell Wall’s Texture Formation under Ultrasonic and Infrared Drying
Authors: Gao Kun , Liu Bin , Wu Bengang , Guo Yiting , Song Chenyu , Nan Shenao , Dai Junjun , Shen Yan , Ma Haile
Published: May 2024

The carrot has a high water content, and dehydration is an important means to extend its edible period and reduce storage and transportation costs. In the case of infrared (IR) drying, the porosity of the product is low and the structure is compact; the textural properties of the product are improved by using combined ultrasound and infrared (US-IR) drying; however, there is a lack of reports on the mechanism of this. Pectin has an important influence on the formation of the textural properties of fruit and vegetable tissues. In order to investigate the mechanism of the change in endogenous pectin properties in the carrot cell wall under US-IR drying on the improvement of the textural properties of the product, different fractions of pectins (water-soluble pectin, chelating pectin, alkali-soluble pectin) of the carrot were extracted, separated, and analysed. The thermal stability, component and content changes, Fourier infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), esterification degree, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, Ca ion content, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the pectins were determined. The results showed that the changes in the contents and properties of the carrot pectins under US-IR conditions had a positive effect on the improvement of the textural properties of the carrot tissues.
Recyclable Rubber Flooring in Farrowing Crates and Its Influence on the Development and Welfare of Piglets in the Maternity Phase
Authors: de Oliveira Possagnolo Beatriz , da Silva Condotta Isabella Cardoso Ferreira , Amorim Magno do Nascimento , Harada Érik dos Santos , de Stefano Piedade Sônia Maria , Cipriano Daniele Aparecida Mendonça , da Silva-Miranda Késia Oliveira
Published: May 2024

To boost productivity in pig production, it is essential to improve the litter size per sow. However, achieving this goal requires reducing newborn mortality rates and increasing their weight gain. In this regard, prioritizing animal welfare and adopting practices that promote sustainability in the activity is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the sustainable flooring coverage of farrowing crates, considering piglet adaptation, thermal comfort, animal development, and increased productivity. Three types of flooring treatments were defined: T1—wood shavings; T2—solid rubber mat; T3—perforated rubber mat, for 12 litters (±50 animals/treatment). Behavior, physiology, piglet production indices, and facility microclimate were assessed. The facility’s microclimate indicated the possibility of cold stress. There was a greater preference for the mat treatments among the animals, as they remained on them for longer periods and showed increased activity in the farrowing crates. The presence of mats resulted in lower mortality due to crushing, positively contributing to production. These findings suggest the potential of using recyclable rubber mats in pig production and encourage the exploration of new designs and installation locations.
Comparison of the Effect of Pruning on Plant Growth and Transcriptome Profiles in Different Tea Varieties
Authors: Kan Shizhuo , Tang Dandan , Feng Lufang , Tan Xiaoqin , Zhang Yijing , Tang Qian
Published: May 2024

Although pruning contributes to the growth and development of new shoots, it is important to note that the growth potential and yield of tea varieties may differ after pruning due to genetic and environmental factors. In this experiment, 20 different varieties of tea plants were used to observe their potential for growth, shoot development, and other phenotypic indexes after pruning. The study aimed to determine the suitability of each variety for heavy pruning. It was concluded that there were obvious differences in tree strength and new growth after pruning of the different varieties, with ‘Zhongcha 302’ exhibiting the strongest growth and ‘Emei Wenchun’ showing the weakest growth. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms involved, a transcriptomic analysis was carried out on the two tea varieties. The results of the data indicate that the expression of CYP450 family was high in ‘Zhongcha 302’. In ‘Emei Wenchun’, the expression of NCED was higher than that in ‘Zhongcha 302’. The KEGG results indicate that pruning stimulates the expression of genes involved in phytohormone signalling and plant–pathogen interaction pathways in tea plants. The study offered scientific guidance for tea plant pruning suitability and preliminarily revealed the regulatory mechanism of new shoot growth in different tea plant varieties at the transcriptome level.
Vermicomposting as a Valorization Solution to the Winery Sector By-Products
Authors: Nascimento-Gonçalves Elisabete , Azevedo Tiago , Lopes Henda , Sousa João Ricardo , Oliveira Paula Alexandra , Roboredo Marta , Coimbra Ana Maria , Morais Maria Cristina
Published: May 2024

Winemaking is one of the most relevant socio-economic activities in the world, particularly in countries such as Portugal, generating substantial amounts of by-products across its various phases. Managing these by-products presents significant environmental, ecological, and economic challenges. Vermicomposting, the use of earthworms to process and transform organic wastes into nutrient-rich end-products, provides a viable alternative for waste management within the wine sector. This bioprocess also produces vermicompost that enhances soil health and fosters optimal conditions for plant growth, thereby promoting resilient and sustainable viticulture practices. This review explores the various by-products produced by the vine and wine industry, highlighting the potential of vermicomposting. Remarkably, grape marc, the primary solid waste of the winemaking process, has been the most commonly vermicomposted material. In contrast, other vineyard and wine cellar by-products have been comparatively underutilized and understudied in this context. However, we hypothesize that all vine and wine industry by-products have vermicomposting potential, allowing for the production of fertilizers and soil amendments. This approach aligns with the principles of the circular economy, ensuring that all materials stemming from viticulture and wine production are valued and reused, thereby contributing to enhanced sustainability and the preservation of resources like soil.