bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and tolerability of a low glycemic load dietary intervention in adults with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study
Authors: Scully Kevin J. , Truex Laura , Brennan Alina , Fowler Robert , Sawicki Gregory S. , Uluer Ahmet , Ludwig David S. , Ebbeling Cara B. , Langlais Leah , Dziok Angela , Freedman Steven D. , Putman Melissa S.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

To achieve and maintain adequate weight, people with cystic fibrosis (CF) May often consume energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods high in added sugars and refined carbohydrates; however, little is known about the glycemic and metabolic effects of dietary composition in this patient population. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the safety and tolerability of a low glycemic load (LGL) diet in adults with CF and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT).

Methods

Ten adults with CF and AGT completed this prospective, open-label pilot study. Mean age was 27.0 ± 2.1 years, 64% were female, and all had pancreatic insufficiency. Each participant followed his/her typical diet for 2 weeks, then transitioned to a LGL diet via meal delivery service for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was change in weight from baseline to study completion, with safety established if no significant decline was noted. Other key safety outcomes included change in hypoglycemia measured by patient report and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Exploratory outcomes included changes in other CGM measures, body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and patient reported outcomes.

Results

There were no significant changes in weight or in subjectively-reported or objectively-measured hypoglycemia. Favorable non-significant changes were noted in CGM measures of hyperglycemia and glycemic variability, DXA measures of fat mass, and gastrointestinal symptom surveys.

Discussion

A LGL dietary intervention was safe and well tolerated in adults with CF and AGT. These results lay the groundwork for future trials investigating the impact of low-glycemic dietary interventions on metabolic outcomes in the CF population.
Maternal oral probiotic use is associated with decreased breastmilk inflammatory markers, infant fecal microbiome variation, and altered recognition memory responses in infants—a pilot observational study
Authors: Gonia Sara , Heisel Timothy , Miller Neely , Haapala Jacob , Harnack Lisa , Georgieff Michael K. , Fields David A. , Knights Dan , Jacobs Katherine , Seburg Elisabeth , Demerath Ellen W. , Gale Cheryl A. , Swanson Marie H.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Early life gut microbiomes are important for brain and immune system development in animal models. Probiotic use has been proposed as a strategy to promote health via modulation of microbiomes. In this observational study, we explore if early life exposure to probiotics via the mother during pregnancy and lactation, is associated with decreased inflammation in breastmilk, maternal and infant microbiome variation, and altered infant neurodevelopmental features.

Methods

Exclusively breastfeeding mother-infant dyads were recruited as part of the “Mothers and Infants Linked for Healthy Growth (MILk) Study.” Probiotic comparison groups were defined by exposure to maternal probiotics (NO/YES) and by timing of probiotic exposure (prenatal, postnatal, total). C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels were determined in breastmilk by immunoassays, and microbiomes were characterized from 1-month milk and from 1- and 6-month infant feces by 16S rDNA sequencing. Infant brain function was profiled via electroencephalogram (EEG); we assessed recognition memory using event-related potential (ERP) responses to familiar and novel auditory (1 month) and visual (6 months) stimuli. Statistical comparisons of study outcomes between probiotic groups were performed using permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) (microbiome) and linear models (all other study outcomes), including relevant covariables as indicated.

Results

We observed associations between probiotic exposure and lower breastmilk CRP and IL-6 levels, and infant gut microbiome variation at 1- and 6-months of age (including higher abundances of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus). In addition, maternal probiotic exposure was associated with differences in infant ERP features at 6-months of age. Specifically, infants who were exposed to postnatal maternal probiotics (between the 1- and 6-month study visits) via breastfeeding/breastmilk, had larger differential responses between familiar and novel visual stimuli with respect to the late slow wave component of the EEG, which may indicate greater memory updating potential. The milk of mothers of this subgroup of infants had lower IL-6 levels and infants had different 6-month fecal microbiomes as compared to those in the “NO” maternal probiotics group.

Discussion

These results support continued research into “Microbiota-Gut-Brain” connections during early life and the role of pre- and postnatal probiotics in mothers to promote healthy microbiome-associated outcomes in infants.
The influence of multivitamins on neurological and growth disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhu Jiaxiao , Xu Penghong , Yan Wu , Hu Yahui , Guo Hongli , Chen Feng , Bigambo Francis Manyori , Wang Xu
Published: September 2024

Background

While vitamin deficiencies can pose serious health consequences for the body, excessive intake of vitamins can also lead to health risks. However, there is limited data about the impact of multivitamins on neurological and growth disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between multivitamins and neurological and growth disorders.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 16,921 subjects who visited the Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2019 to 2021. The subjects were categorized into two groups based on their health status including 9,368 cases (4,484 with neurological disorders and 4,884 with growth disorders) and 7,553 healthy controls. Statistical tests including the T-test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, and Chi-Square test were employed to compare the groups, and logistic regression and Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression were used to identify associations.

Results

In the adjusted logistic regression, serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], vitamin B2, and vitamin B9 were associated with decreasing risks of neurological disorders, whereas vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B12 were associated with increasing risks of neurological disorders. Nevertheless, vitamin A and vitamin B2 were associated with increasing risks of growth disorders. In the WQS model, nine multivitamins were positively associated with risks of neurological disorders, and Vitamins D and C were weighted the most. In addition, the inverse association but not statistically significant was observed between multivitamins and growth disorders, particularly growth retardation revealed a negative association, and some individual growth disorders revealed positive associations including obesity and malnutrition.

Conclusion

In general, the study observed that multivitamins may be associated with neurological and growth disorders either positive or negative depending on the type of disorder.
Results of the Italian cross-sectional web-based survey “Nutrition and breast cancer, what would you like to know?” An attempt to collect and respond to patients’ information needs, through social media
Authors: Caprara Greta , Pagan Eleonora , Titta Lucilla , Tieri Maria , Magionesi Giada , Gallosti Silvia , Bagnardi Vincenzo , Mazzocco Ketti , Mazza Manuelita
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Several studies have demonstrated that, following a breast cancer (BC) diagnosis, patients are eager to obtain information on cancer and nutrition, in order to ameliorate both their quality of life (QoL) and disease outcome. To avoid BC survivors to get wrong information from unreliable sources, healthcare providers need to be aware of patients’ needs, to guide them toward optimal nutrition recommendations, aimed at preventing tumor recurrence and increasing survival rates.

Material and methods

The cross-sectional web-based survey “Nutrition and breast cancer, what would you like to know?” has been conceived and conducted, in Italy, between the 2nd and the 25th of June 2023. The link to the 19-items questionnaire, structured in 6 sections, was distributed via social media (Facebook and Instagram), newsletter, institutional websites, and printed flyers. Patients’ responses were collected and analyzed, reporting absolute and relative frequencies.

Results

A total of 1616 participants (98.9% female and 1.1% male), with an average age of 47.5 years, answered the survey. Only subjects who declared having previously received a BC diagnosis (N=1159, 71.7%) were included in the present analysis. Overall, the respondents showed a wide interest in understanding whether nutrition might help to manage therapy side effects, as well as knowing how specific diets, foods, nutrients, and supplements could affect disease onset, progression and prognosis. Importantly, the need to receive evidence-based information from the “referring physician/specialist” and “nutritionist/dietitian” was expressed by 95.8% and 88.8% of them, respectively.

Discussion

In this study, we primarily aimed at intercepting nutrition information needs and sources of an Italian BC survivors’ group. Based on that, we first organized a proactive digital intervention, to respond via Instagram live broadcasts to patients’ “cancer and nutrition”-related questions. Secondly, we arranged a healthcare providers dedicated-workshop focused on the latest evidence-based knowledge on nutrition and BC. It is crucial, in fact, that once healthcare professionals capture patients’ information needs, they can respond with appropriate nutritional guidance, counseling and education programs, while counteracting misleading and incorrect messages.
Causality of genetically determined serum metabolites on lower back pain or/and sciatica: a comprehensive Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Ren Yi-Ming , Hou Wei-Yu , Fan Bao-You , Duan Yuan-Hui , Sun Yun-Bo , Yang Tao , Zhang Han-Ji , Sun Tian-Wei , Tian Meng-Qiang
Published: September 2024

Background

There is an urgent need to confirm biomarkers reflecting the pathogenesis and targeted drugs of lower back pain or/and sciatica in clinical practice. This study aimed to conduct a two sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal link between 486 serum metabolites and lower back pain or/and sciatica.

Methods

All data come from two public shared databases of European ancestry and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for lower back pain or/and sciatica acted as instrumental variables. The traditional inverse variance weighting (IVW) method, weighted-median method, MR-Egger methodand other methods were used to estimate causality. The horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneities were also verified through the MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO test and the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Reverse MR analysis was employed to evaluate the direct impact of metabolites on lower back pain or/and sciatica. Additionally, we conducted the colocalization analysis to reflect the causality deeply. Furthermore, metabolic pathway analysis was performed.

Results

28 metabolites (18 known metabolites, 1 identified metabolites and 9 unknown metabolites) relevant to the risk of sciatica or/and lower back pain after using genetic variants as probes at PIVW < 0.05 were identifed. Among them, 8 serum metabolites decreased risk of sciatica or/and lower back pain significantly (P < 0.05), and 14 serum metabolites increased risk of sciatica or/and lower back pain significantly (P < 0.05). No reverse causal association was found between 28 metabolites and sciatica or/and lower back pain. Colocalization analysis results showed that the associations between sciatica or/and lower back pain and the 28 identified metabolites were not due to shared causal variant sites. Moreover, pathway enrichment analysis identifed 11 signifcant metabolic pathways, which are mainly involved in the pathological mechanism of sciatica or/and lower back pain (P < 0.05). There was no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity in the other analyses.

Conclusion

Our analyses provided robust evidence of causal associations between blood metabolites on sciatica or/and lower back pain. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be further investigated.
Case Report: MDFIC gene mutation resulting in central conducting lymphatic anomaly facilitates group A Streptococcus sepsis
Authors: Weidner Johannes , Fiedler Kai , Schulze-Becking Mechthild , Sentner Christiaan Peter , Korenke Christoph , Heep Axel
Published: September 2024

Background

Central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by structural anomalies in the main collecting lymphatic vasculature. These anomalies result in chronic chylous leaks, causing issues such as congenital hydrothorax and potentially impairing the normal immune response. Recently, mutations in the MyoD family inhibitor domain-containing (MDFIC) gene have been identified as a cause of CCLA. Group A Streptococcus infections are common, and timely identification of patients at risk for severe complications is crucial.

Case presentation

Here, we present the case of a 13-year-old female patient with CCLA associated with an MDFIC mutation, who suffered from a severe group A Streptococcus sepsis. Initially, the patient was unresponsive to aggressive fluid resuscitation. Although the course of the sepsis was severe, standardized treatment according to the surviving sepsis campaign proved effective in stabilizing the patient.

Discussion

The patient's MDFIC mutation may have contributed to the severe clinical course of the sepsis. It is theorized that this mutation affects the function of the immune system both indirectly, by causing CCLA, and directly, by potentially influencing transcriptional activity in immune cells. More research on the effect of MDFIC mutations on immune responses is required.
Anterior deflected urinary stream in female children: description of a unique clinical entity and surgical management
Authors: Swallow Matthew S. , Sharadin Cynthia A. , Schaeffer Anthony J. , Jacobson Deborah L. , Lau Glen A.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To investigate the clinical presentation and outcomes for a series of female pediatric patients with severe anterior deflection of the urinary stream (ADUS) who were managed via urethromeatoplasty.

Methods

This single institution retrospective cohort study used the institutional billing database to identify female patients ≤18 years who received a urethromeatoplasty (CPT 53450) from 2007 to 2022. Patients were included if a substantial anterior deflection of their urinary stream was the primary indication for surgery. Patients were excluded if they were >18 years of age, had a history of prior genital trauma, or underwent surgery for an indication other than a deflected urinary stream.

Results

Twenty female patients underwent urethromeatoplasty between 2007 and 2022, with a median age of 3 years old. All patients presented with difficulty aiming the urinary stream during toilet training and demonstrated a web of tissue along the posterior aspect of the urethral orifice. 19/20 patients noted immediate response (i.e., normal, non-deflected urinary stream) after the urethromeatoplasty with no further urinary complaints. There were no post-operative complications within a 90-day period.

Conclusions

ADUS is a clinical entity characterized by a web of deflecting tissue at the female posterior urethral meatus that causes severe urinary deflection without other urologic symptoms. This is not well-described in the literature. Surgical correction via urethromeatoplasty is safe and effective.
Eucalyptus essential oil exerted a sedative-hypnotic effect by influencing brain neurotransmitters and gut microbes via the gut microbiota-brain axis
Authors: Li Xuejiao , Zhang Yuanyi , Zhang Qian , Cao Aizhi , Feng Jie
Published: September 2024

Sleep disorders are becoming more and more common, leading to many health problems. However, most of current available medications to treat sleep disorders are addictive and even impair cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is important to find a natural and safe alternative to treat sleep disorders. In this study, twenty-four 8-week-old male ICR mice (25 ± 2 g) were equally divided into three groups: the control group (gavage of 0.9% saline), the eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) group (10 mg/kg B.W.), and the diazepam group (1 mg/kg B.W.). Firstly, open field test and sleep induction test were used to determine the sedative-hypnotic effect of EEO. Secondly, the effect of EEO on neurotransmitters in the mice brain was determined. Finally, based on the gut microbiota-brain axis (GMBA), the effect of EEO on the intestinal flora of mice was explored. It was found that EEO significantly reduce the activity and prolong the sleep duration of mice, exhibiting a good sedative-hypnotic effect. In the brain, EEO could increase the levels of sleep-promoting neurotransmitters, such as glutamine, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, tryptophan, N-acetylserotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). In the intestine, EEO was found to increase the diversity of gut microbes, the abundance of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing flora, and the abundance of functional flora synthesizing GABA and glycine neurotransmitters. These studies suggested that EEO exerted a sedative-hypnotic effect by acting on gut microbes and neurotransmitters in the brain. EEO has the potential to become a natural and safe alternative to traditional hypnotic sedative drugs.
Ozone stress-induced DNA methylation variations and their transgenerational inheritance in foxtail millet
Authors: Wang Long , Liu Yang , Song Xiaohan , Wang Shiji , Zhang Meichun , Lu Jiayi , Xu Sheng , Wang Hongyan
Published: September 2024

Elevated near-surface ozone (O3) concentrations have surpassed the tolerance limits of plants, significantly impacting crop growth and yield. To mitigate ozone pollution, plants must evolve a rapid and effective defense mechanism to alleviate ozone-induced damage. DNA methylation, as one of the most crucial epigenetic modifications, plays a pivotal role in maintaining gene stability, regulating gene expression, and enhancing plant resilience to environmental stressors. However, the epigenetic response of plants to O3 stress, particularly DNA methylation variations and their intergenerational transmission, remains poorly understood. This study aims to explore the epigenetic mechanisms underlying plant responses to ozone stress across generations and to identify potential epigenetic modification sites or genes crucial in response to ozone stress. Using Open Top Chambers (OTCs), we simulated ozone conditions and subjected foxtail millet to continuous ozone stress at 200 nmol mol-1 for two consecutive generations (S0 and S1). Results revealed that under high-concentration ozone stress, foxtail millet leaves exhibited symptoms ranging from yellowing and curling to desiccation, but the damage in the S1 generation was not more severe than that in the S0 generation. Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP) analysis of the two generations indicated that ozone stress-induced methylation variations ranging from 10.82% to 13.59%, with demethylation events ranged from 0.52% to 5.58%, while hypermethylation occurred between 0.35% and 2.76%. Reproductive growth stages were more sensitive to ozone than vegetative stages. Notably, the S1 generation exhibited widespread demethylation variations, primarily at CNG sites, compared to S0 under similar stress conditions. The inheritance pattern between S0 and S1 generations was mainly of the A-A-B-A type. By recovering and sequencing methylation variant bands, we identified six stress-related differential amplification sequences, implicating these variants in various biological processes. These findings underscore the potential significance of DNA methylation variations as a critical mechanism in plants’ response to ozone stress, providing theoretical insights and references for a comprehensive understanding of plant adaptation mechanisms to ozone stress and the epigenetic role of DNA methylation in abiotic stress regulation.
A pact of iron? China’s deepening of the Sino-Russian partnership
Authors: Morgado Nuno , Hosoda Takashi
Published: September 2024

To characterize the bilateral partnership, this paper applies the neoclassical geopolitics approach. We first measure China’s potential, and the perception of Chinese geopolitical agents, and placed within the international distribution of capabilities. This is followed by our analytical results on Sino-Russian relations in the spheres of potential, strategic culture, and geopolitical design. The paper concludes that while there is a strategic necessity for China to strengthen the partnership, the Sino-Russian relations are unlikely transforming into a traditional military alliance, due to Beijing’s self-interest to maintain trade relations with Western countries, to avoid being tainted by Russia’s deteriorating reputation, to grasp its goal of multipolar world order, and to spread positive narratives of China as a new global leader. The Sino-Russo relations has been shifting its nature from “marriage of convenience” to “marriage who pretend to be a good couple.”
Meeting the multidimensional self: fostering selfhood at the interface of Creative Arts Therapies and neuroscience
Authors: Vaisvaser Sharon
Published: September 2024

Intriguing explorations at the intersection of the fields of neuroscience and psychology are driven by the quest to understand the neural underpinnings of “the self” and their psychotherapeutic implications. These translational efforts pertain to the unique Creative Arts Therapies (CATs) and the attributes and value of the self-related processes they offer. The self is considered as a multi-layered complex construct, comprising bodily and mental constituents, subjective–objective perspectives, spatial and temporal dimensions. Neuroscience research, mostly functional brain imaging, has proposed cogent models of the constitution, development and experience of the self, elucidating how the multiple dimensions of the self are supported by integrated hierarchical brain processes. The psychotherapeutic use of the art-forms, generating aesthetic experiences and creative processes, touch upon and connect the various layers of self-experience, nurturing the sense of self. The present conceptual analysis will describe and interweave the neural mechanisms and neural network configuration suggested to lie at the core of the ongoing self-experience, its deviations in psychopathology, and implications regarding the psychotherapeutic use of the arts. The well-established, parsimonious and neurobiologically plausible predictive processing account of brain-function will be discussed with regard to selfhood and consciousness. The epistemic affordance of the experiential CATs will further be portrayed, enabling and facilitating the creation of updated self-models of the body in the world. The neuropsychological impact of the relational therapeutic encounter will be delineated, acknowledging the intersubjective brain synchronization through communicative verbal and non-verbal means and aesthetic experiences. The recognition and assimilation of neuroscientific, phenomenological and clinical perspectives concerning the nested dimensionality of the self, ground the relational therapeutic process and the neuroplastic modulations that CATs have to offer on the premise of fostering, shaping and integrating selfhood.
Dual career in the workplace: co-creation of a conceptual framework by employers and employee-sportspersons incorporating corporate social responsibility and brand alignment
Authors: Fusco Andrea , MacDonncha Ciaran , Capranica Laura , Barat Chloé , Bichi Alberto , Blondel Laurence , Daniel Rosemary , Doupona Mojca , Figueiredo António José , Keldorf Ole , Mattia Giovanni , Papale Olga , Milovan Bratic , Oblak Viktorija Pecnikar , Pernetti Valeria , Pisl Andrej , Podnar Klement , Juhl Lotte , Sherwin Ian , Stojiljkovic Nenad , Verk Nataša , Warrington Giles David , Mingione Michela
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to provide an evidence base and conceptual framework to inform new guidelines for achieving a balance between sports and employment commitments (i.e., dual career, DC) of the employee-sportspersons. To shape a DC discourse in the workplace, the distinct and combined views of the employee-sportspersons (i.e., the Employee), the managers (i.e., the Employer) were considered.

Methods

Following a concept mapping methodology, 257 international participants (25% employers and 75% employee-sportspersons) sorted and rated 50 potential statements associated with DC circumstances and supports in the workplace.

Results

Six distinct clusters emerged, with the combined employers-employee co-creation scenario assigning 6 statements to the micro dimension (Cluster 1 = Workplace Benefits), 4 statements to the meso dimension (Cluster 2 = Role of National Sports Governing Bodies), 19 statements to the macro dimension (Cluster 3 = Dual Career Policy Development), 4 and 5 statements to the organizational dimensions (Cluster 4 = Employee-Employer Collaboration and Responsibility; Cluster 5 = Sport Career Integration), and 12 statements to the policy (Cluster 6 = Workplace Strategies for Dual Career Support) dimension. With respect to the employers, the employee-sportspersons showed higher scores (p < 0.05) for importance of clusters 2, 4, and 6, and for feasibility of clusters 2 and 6.

Discussion

These findings suggest priorities for changes within the DC dimensions identified, and envisage flexible models for aligning corporate brand values and corporate social responsibility strategies through meaningful and proactive DC support of the employee-sportspersons in the workplace. The findings provide a rigorously derived evidence base to inform the formulation of new DC workplace guidelines.
High immersion/escapism motivation makes gaming disorder risk less dependent of playtime among highly engaged male gamers
Authors: Kiszka Patrycja , Strojny Agnieszka , Strojny Paweł
Published: September 2024

In the realm of gaming-related concerns, the relationship between gaming time (GT) and gaming disorder (GD) remains an intriguing and complex subject. Although increased GT is not a reliable predictor of GD risk, the circumstances under which this relationship strengthens or weakens remain relatively unknown. This study explores the roles of immersion/escapism motive (IEM) and GT in the context of GD among highly engaged gamers (N = 294), each dedicating a minimum of 20 hours weekly to gaming. The findings confirm that IEM significantly moderates the relationship between GT and GD in the male sample. Specifically, low and moderate levels of IEM result in a stronger relationship between GT and GD. In the case of women, the effect was not significant. These findings suggest the importance of comprehensive assessments of gaming motivations when addressing gaming-related issues, particularly in GD research. Moreover, they emphasize the value of adopting a complex approach to comprehending the development of problematic gaming behaviors.
Health-related quality of life and self-care in heart failure patients under telecare—insights from the randomized, prospective, controlled AMULET trial
Authors: Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Krzesiński Paweł , Galas Agata , Stańczyk Adam , Siebert Janusz , Jankowska Ewa Anita , Siwołowski Paweł , Gutknecht Piotr , Murawski Piotr , Szalewska Dominika , Banasiak Waldemar , Ponikowski Piotr , Gielerak Grzegorz
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The growing population of heart failure (HF) patients places a burden on the healthcare system. Patient-centered outcomes such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-care behaviors are key elements of modern HF management programs. Thus, optimized strategies to improve these outcomes are sought.

Purpose

To assess the effects of a new model of medical telecare on HRQoL and self-care in patients with HF (the AMULET study).

Methods

The study was prospective, randomized, open-label, and controlled with two parallel groups: telecare and standard care. In the telecare group, HF nurses performed patient clinical assessments with telemedical support by a cardiologist and provided education focused on the prevention of HF exacerbation. In the standard care group, patients were followed according to standard practices in the existing healthcare system. At the baseline and at 12 months, HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLwHF). The level of self-care was assessed with the 12-item standardized European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale (EHFScBS-12).

Results

In the overall study group, 79% of the subjects were male, the mean age was 67 ± 14 years, and 59% of the subjects were older than 65 years of age. The majority of the subjects (70%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%. After 12 months, statistically significant increases in physical component of the SF-36 (43.3 vs. 47.4 for telecare vs. 43.4 vs. 46.6 for standard care) and mental component of SF-36 (58.4 vs. 62 for telecare vs. 60.4 vs. 64.2 for standard care) were noted, with no intergroup differences. However, patients receiving telecare showed improvement in specific domains, such as physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health. There was a significant decrease in MLwHF (29 vs. 35.0; lower is better) at follow-up for both groups. Telecare patients had a statistically significant decrease in EHFScBS-12 (lower is better) at 12 months.

Conclusion

AMULET outpatient telecare, which is based on nurse-led non-invasive assessments supported by specialist teleconsultations, improved the HRQoL and self-care of HF patients after an episode of acute HF.
Salinity limits mosquitofish invasiveness by altering female activity during mate choice
Authors: Pirroni Sara , Leggieri Francesca , Cuccuru Jessica , Domenici Paolo , Brown Mark J. F. , Marras Stefano , Riesch Rüdiger
Published: September 2024

Biological invasions of freshwater habitats are of increasing biological and economical concern, and both, salinity and parasites are considered to be key contributors to invasion success. Salinity, for example, influences the distribution of invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) and native killifish (Aphanius fasciatus) in Europe, with the latter now predominantly confined to high-salinity habitats. Here, we examined how salinity might affect female activity and preference for large and non-parasitized males in multiple populations of mosquitofish and killifish in Sardinia, Italy. We predicted that (1) females of both species would associate preferentially with larger and uninfected males, and that (2) female behavior in both species would be significantly influenced by salinity. We used dichotomous choice tests, in which we presented focal females with video animations of photos of the same male but differing in body size and presence/absence of an ectoparasite (Lernaea cyprinacea). We calculated female preference based on association time and quantified female inactivity as time spent in the central neutral zone during trials. Contrary to prediction 1, females did not prefer the large or uninfected male stimuli over their counterparts in any of the populations. However, while salinity did not significantly affect female preferences, it did significantly affect their activity, with mosquitofish becoming more inactive at higher salinities and killifish exhibiting the opposite pattern, matching prediction 2. These results suggest that salinity limits mosquitofish invasiveness by reducing their activity and thus provides a refuge for the Mediterranean killifish.
Ethical challenges in qualitative sociology: a systematic literature review
Authors: Scheytt Carla , Pflüger Jessica
Published: September 2024

Qualitative researchers often encounter ethical challenges during their research process. Due to the large number of papers in which researchers reflect on specific and various ethical challenges within their projects, it proves difficult to keep track of them. To capture these reflexive practices, we conducted a literature review of 72 papers in sociology. Our review shows who reflects on research ethics and when and where such reflections occur. We identify 11 ethical issues that sociologists reflect on. Some issues address the challenges of implementing established ethical principles, such as (1) informed consent, (2) voluntary participation, (3) avoiding harm, (4) anonymization, and (5) confidentiality. Others go beyond these principles and refer to (6) the relationship between researchers and participants, (7) power asymmetries, (8) protecting yourself as a researcher, (9) deviant actions, (10) covert research, and (11) leaving the field. Our findings help researchers gain an overview of ethical challenges, enhancing their reflexivity.
Impacts and mechanisms of digital village construction on agricultural green total factor productivity
Authors: Cai Qihua , Han Xinyu
Published: September 2024

Green is the foundation of agricultural development. By leveraging modern information technology, digital village construction injects new momentum into the green growth of agriculture. Using balanced panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2022, this paper employs the entropy approach and SBM-GML index to measure the indicators of digital village construction and agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP). The impacts and mechanisms of digital village construction on AGTFP are examined through fixed effect, mediating effect, and threshold models. The findings are as follows: (1) AGTFP in China shows an overall increasing trend from 2011 to 2022, with significant growth in the western region compared to the eastern and central regions. (2) Digital village construction significantly accelerates the improvement of AGTFP, a conclusion supported by robustness tests. (3) Mechanism analysis indicates that digital village construction advances AGTFP by fostering agricultural technology innovation, enhancing agricultural human capital, and improving agricultural productive services. (4) Digital village construction has a more significant impact on major grain-producing areas, economically underdeveloped areas, and northern region compared to other regions. (5) Environmental regulation acts as a threshold effect on the impact of digital village construction on AGTFP. Digital village construction substantially impacts AGTFP when environmental regulation is below the threshold, with the positive effect continuing beyond this point but at a reduced intensity.
Evaluation of the effect of cannabidiol administration with and without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs with mobility disorders: a prospective, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Talsma Bryce , Elam Lindsay Hochman , McGrath Stephanie , Zhou Tianjian , Webb Craig B. , Duerr Felix Michael
Published: September 2024

Introduction

With rapidly growing interest in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in the management of pain and other conditions, more information is needed on the safety and efficacy of this supplement, particularly its co-administration with commonly used pharmaceuticals such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study sought to assess the effect of CBD in dogs with mobility impairments, as well as evaluate the clinical tolerance of CBD used together with NSAIDs.

Materials and methods

Forty-two client-owned dogs with diagnosed mobility impairments were enrolled in this prospective, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Baseline data were collected for 10–14 days followed by random allocation to either placebo or CBD oil for 45 days with a 30-day washout period in between. CBD was dosed at 5 mg/kg orally every 12 h with masked placebo administered at equal volume. Outcome measures included objective gait analysis, accelerometry, and clinical metrology instruments. CBD plasma levels and serum biochemistry were also collected along with hepatic ultrasound if warranted.

Results

Thirty-eight dogs finished the study with thirty-nine included for at least partial analysis. Compared to baseline, dogs receiving CBD showed evidence of improved outcomes based on blinded veterinary assessments and accelerometer data. Compared to placebo, dogs receiving CBD showed some evidence of improved outcomes on CBPI, CSOM, and blinded veterinary assessments, but not for objective outcome measures. There was evidence of increased ALP when CBD was co-administered with NSAIDs compared to CBD administration alone. Additionally, there was evidence of ALT elevations with CBD and NSAID co-administration, but this elevation did not show evidence of an increase over CBD use alone.

Discussion

These results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit in the administration of CBD for the management of mobility impairments, but greater ALP elevations were seen when administered with NSAIDs. While the sample size of dogs that received further hepatic work-up for liver enzyme elevations is small, chosen diagnostics varied, and liver biopsies were not performed, there did not appear to be clinically apparent liver damage. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy of CBD in a larger population of dogs and patient tolerance and safety when administered with NSAIDs or other medications long term.
Hybridization promotes growth performance by altering rumen microbiota and metabolites in sheep
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Liwa , An Xuejiao , Li Jianye , Niu Chune , Zhang Jinxia , Geng Zhiguang , Xu Tao , Yang Bohui , Xu Zhenfei , Yue Yaojing
Published: September 2024

Hybridization can substantially improve growth performance. This study used metagenomics and metabolome sequencing to examine whether the rumen microbiota and its metabolites contributed to this phenomenon. We selected 48 approximately 3 month-old male ♂Hu × ♀Hu (HH, n = 16), ♂Poll Dorset × ♀Hu (DH, n = 16), and ♂Southdown × ♀Hu (SH, n = 16) lambs having similar body weight. The sheep were fed individually under the same nutritional and management conditions for 95 days. After completion of the trial, seven sheep close to the average weight per group were slaughtered to collect rumen tissue and content samples to measure rumen epithelial parameters, fermentation patterns, microbiota, and metabolite profiles. The final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI) values in the DH and SH groups were significantly higher and the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) significantly lower than the value in the HH group; additionally, the papilla height in the DH group was higher than that in the HH group. Acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the DH group were higher than those in the HH group, whereas NH3-N concentration decreased in the DH and SH groups. Metagenomic analysis revealed that several Prevotella and Fibrobacter species were significantly more abundant in the DH group, contributing to an increased ability to degrade dietary cellulose and enrich their functions in enzymes involved in carbohydrate breakdown. Bacteroidaceae bacterium was higher in the SH group, indicating a greater ability to digest dietary fiber. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the concentrations of rumen metabolites (mainly lysophosphatidylethanolamines [LPEs]) were higher in the DH group, and microbiome-related metabolite analysis indicated that Treponema bryantii and Fibrobacter succinogenes were positively correlated with the LPEs. Moreover, we found methionine sulfoxide and N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid were characteristic metabolites in the DH and SH groups, respectively, and are related to oxidative stress, indicating that the environmental adaptability of crossbred sheep needs to be further improved. These findings substantially deepen the general understanding of how hybridization promotes growth performance from the perspective of rumen microbiota, this is vital for the cultivation of new species and the formulation of precision nutrition strategies for sheep.
An in vitro evaluation of intravenous lipid emulsion on three common canine toxicants
Authors: Jones Emery , Walton Stuart A. , Davis Jennifer , Council-Troche McAlister
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine whether intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy significantly reduces the concentration of baclofen, ibuprofen, and/or bromethalin in canine whole blood over time.

Animals

Seven 500 mL bags of canine DEA 1.1 negative blood were divided into aliquots of 125 mL and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (baclofen, ibuprofen, bromethalin) or four control groups (a positive control for each treatment group and a negative control group).

Procedures

Injectable ibuprofen (200 mg/kg), baclofen (8 mg/kg), or bromethalin (3 mg/kg) was apportioned into 125 mL aliquots of canine whole blood and incubated for 30 min at 38.5°C. ILE (12.4 mL, Intralipid®) was added to each sample and the solution vortexed [215 rpm for 15 min at 37°C (98.6°F)]. Samples were obtained at designated time points (0, 15, 30, 60, 180, 360 min), centrifuged, and separated into serum and RBC fractions. Serum samples were ultracentrifuged (22,000 g for 10 min at 37°C) to separate lipid rich and poor fractions. Samples were stored at −80°C prior to analysis.

Results

A significant decrease in total drug concentration was established for bromethalin and its metabolite desmethylbromethalin compared to positive controls. ILE significantly reduced desmethylbromethalin at the 30-and 360-min time points. The remainder of the desmethylbromethalin time points did not reach significance. Bromethalin concentration was significantly reduced at all time points compared to positive controls. Neither baclofen nor ibuprofen had significant changes in concentration.

Conclusion

ILE therapy was effective at reducing the total drug concentration of bromethalin and its metabolite desmethylbromethalin supporting the lipid sink theory. As a single compartment in vitro study, this study does not evaluate other proposed mechanisms of action of ILE therapy. ILE therapy may have other means of significantly decreasing lipophilic drug concentration in cases of toxicosis.
Lower Healthcare Access and Its Association With Individual Factors and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults With Rare Diseases in Switzerland
Authors: Wehrli Susanne , Dwyer Andrew A. , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Lehmann Carmen , Landolt Markus A.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aims to determine clusters of access to healthcare among adults with rare diseases in Switzerland, identify associated individual characteristics of access, and impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Swiss adults (N = 341) diagnosed with a rare disease completed an online survey including the Perception of Access to Healthcare Questionnaire (PAHQ) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). We employed partition around medoids algorithm to identify patient clusters based on the PAHQ. Various sociodemographic/disease-related factors and HRQoL were assessed.

Results

We identified two patient clusters: higher (n = 227) and lower access (n = 114). Significantly associated with lower access were an unstable disease course (p < 0.05), increased number of misdiagnoses (p < 0.05), and diseases affecting the nervous system (p < 0.01). Membership in the lower access cluster was significantly associated with worse HRQoL (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in adults with rare diseases and identifies potential targets for tailored interventions.
A Meta-Analysis on Quantitative Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium Metabolism in Horses and Ponies
Authors: Maier Isabelle , Kienzle Ellen
Published: September 2024

The aims of the present meta-analysis were (i) to re-evaluate the factorially calculated Ca, P and Mg requirements to replace endogenous faecal losses, taking new data into account, (ii) to identify potential differences between horses and ponies regarding requirements, apparent digestibility, serum levels and renal excretion of Ca, P and Mg and (iii) to investigate the influence of mineral sources, i.e., “inorganic” sources from added mineral salts and “organic” sources from feed plants. For P, the water solubility of “inorganic” sources was taken into consideration. Data on the aforementioned parameters from 42 studies were plotted against intake, similar to the Lucas test for true digestibility and faecal endogenous losses. Within specific intake ranges, data were compared using t-tests and an ANOVA, followed by Holm–Sidak post hoc tests. Ponies had lower endogenous faecal Mg losses than horses. Consequently, apparent Mg digestibility was higher in ponies. Factorial calculations of Mg requirements to replace faecal losses showed that ponies needed approximately half of the current recommended amount, while horses required 1.9 times the amount currently recommended by Kienzle and Burger. The overall mean matched previous recommendations. For Ca, there was no discernible difference between ponies and horses. True Ca digestibility calculated by the Lucas test was higher and endogenous losses were lower when “organic” Ca was fed as opposed to when “inorganic” sources were used. The resulting factorial calculations of the requirements to replace faecal losses were close to current recommendations for “organic” Ca. For “inorganic” sources, however, the new calculations were below the recommended level. For P, there were no discernible differences between horses and ponies. There were also no clear effects of “inorganic” or “organic” P sources. The water solubility of “inorganic” sources was the key factor determining P metabolism. Water-soluble P sources exhibited higher true and apparent digestibility. The intake of these P sources led to hyperphosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia, even at low intakes. In other species, this has been shown to pose a health risk. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the use of highly water-soluble “inorganic” P sources in horses and ponies. Given the lower digestibility of insoluble P sources, the factorially calculated P requirements for such sources are higher than the current recommendations.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Maternal Diseases as Risk Factors for the Development of Macrosomia in Newborns
Authors: Ailbayeva Nazym , Alimbayeva Aliya , Yurkovskaya Oxana , Faizova Raida , Tanatarov Sayat , Taiorazova Gulnara , Abylgazinova Aizhan , Orekhov Andrey , Jamedinova Ulzhan , Pivina Lyudmila
Published: September 2024

Background: The aim is to assess the association between the level of vitamin D, maternal diseases, and macrosomia in newborns. Methods: This study included 258 full-term newborns (86 newborns with macrosomia; and 172 newborns with normal weight). Enzyme immunoassays for the determination of vitamin D were performed. Results: Newborns with macrosomia were statistically significantly more likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency compared with control (13.5 ± 6.7 ng/mL vs. 21.3 ± 12.1 ng/mL; p < 0.05). In the main group, severe deficiency was found in 40.7% of newborns, in the control group this rate was 5.8% (χ2 = 71,788, df = 3, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis shows that statistically significant risk factors for the development of macrosomia were vitamin D deficiency in the cord blood (OR = 2.29), maternal age over 36 years old (OR = 19.54), and hypothyroidism (OR = 9.35). Conclusion: the results of our study demonstrate relationship between macrosomia in newborns and vitamin D deficiency in the cord blood, maternal overweight and obesity, maternal age and thyroid disease.