bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Armeniacae semen amarum: a review on its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Tang Shun , Wang Minmin , Peng Yuhui , Liang Yuanjing , Lei Jiarong , Tao Qiu , Ming Tianqi , Shen Yanqiao , Zhang Chuantao , Guo Jinlin , Xu Haibo
Published: January 2024

Armeniacae semen amarum—seeds of Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) (ASA), also known as Kuxingren in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese herbal drug commonly used for lung disease and intestinal disorders. It has long been used to treat coughs and asthma, as well as to lubricate the colon and reduce constipation. ASA refers to the dried ripe seed of diverse species of Rosaceae and contains a variety of phytochemical components, including glycosides, organic acids, amino acids, flavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols, phenylpropanoids, and other components. Extensive data shows that ASA exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as anticancer activity, anti-oxidation, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammation, protection of cardiovascular, neural, respiratory and digestive systems, antidiabetic effects, and protection of the liver and kidney, and other activities. In clinical practice, ASA can be used as a single drug or in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines, forming ASA-containing formulas, to treat various afflictions. However, it is important to consider the potential adverse reactions and pharmacokinetic properties of ASA during its clinical use. Overall, with various bioactive components, diversified pharmacological actions and potent efficacies, ASA is a promising drug that merits in-depth study on its functional mechanisms to facilitate its clinical application.
Shizao decoction for cirrhotic ascites: assessing potential targets based on network analysis combined with pharmacokinetics and metabolomics
Authors: Li Wenjing , Hou Yujiao , Wang Yanping , Liu Ronghong , Zhang Han , Luo Yanqiong , Li Qian , Njolibimi Mosesmanaanye , Hong Bo , Xu Tao
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Shizao decoction (SZD) is a traditional Chinese medicine decoction that has therapeutic effects on cirrhotic ascites (CAS). Because of the unclear treatment mechanism, in the current study, the anti-CAS activity of SZD and molecular mechanisms were analyzed by network analysis combined with pharmacokinetics and metabolomics.

Methods: Firstly, we assessed the anti-CAS efficacy of SZD by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), liver function tests, NO and ET-1 levels, and portal venous pressure. Secondly, network analysis was applied to dig out the metabolites, targets, and pathways related to SZD and CAS. Then, the pharmacokinetics of the pharmacokinetically relevant metabolites (PRM) were analyzed. Thirdly, the serum and urine metabolic biomarkers of rats with CAS were identified using metabolomics by comparing them with the SZD treatment group. In addition, MetaboAnalyst was utilized to conduct metabolic pathway analysis. Finally, the correlation analysis established a dynamic connection between absorbed PRM from SZD and CAS-associated endogenous metabolites.

Results: Pharmacodynamic analysis indicated that SZD effectively mitigated liver injury symptoms by ameliorating inflammatory cell infiltration in CAS rats. The network analysis results indicated that twelve RPM contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of SZD against CAS; the key signaling pathways involved might be hepatitis B and PI3K-Akt. Pharmacokinetics results showed that the 12 RPM were efficiently absorbed into rat plasma, ensuring desirable bioavailability. The metabolomic analysis yielded 21 and 23 significantly distinct metabolites from the serum and urine, respectively. The 12 bioavailable SZD-PRM, such as luteolin, apigenin, and rutin, may be associated with various CAS-altered metabolites related to tryptophan metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, glycine metabolism, etc.

Discussion: A novel paradigm was provided in this study to identify the potential mechanisms of pharmacological effects derived from a traditional Chinese medicine decoction.
GP60 and SPARC as albumin receptors: key targeted sites for the delivery of antitumor drugs
Authors: Ji Qingzhi , Zhu Huimin , Qin Yuting , Zhang Ruiya , Wang Lei , Zhang Erhao , Zhou Xiaorong , Meng Run
Published: January 2024

Albumin is derived from human or animal blood, and its ability to bind to a large number of endogenous or exogenous biomolecules makes it an ideal drug carrier. As a result, albumin-based drug delivery systems are increasingly being studied. With these in mind, detailed studies of the transport mechanism of albumin-based drug carriers are particularly important. As albumin receptors, glycoprotein 60 (GP60) and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) play a crucial role in the delivery of albumin-based drug carriers. GP60 is expressed on vascular endothelial cells and enables albumin to cross the vascular endothelial cell layer, and SPARC is overexpressed in many types of tumor cells, while it is minimally expressed in normal tissue cells. Thus, this review supplements existing articles by detailing the research history and specific biological functions of GP60 or SPARC and research advances in the delivery of antitumor drugs using albumin as a carrier. Meanwhile, the deficiencies and future perspectives in the study of the interaction of albumin with GP60 and SPARC are also pointed out.
Mindful breathing as an effective technique in the management of hypertension
Authors: Natarajan Aravind , Emir-Farinas Hulya , Su Hao-Wei
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most important, modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The popularity of wearable devices provides an opportunity to test whether device guided slow mindful breathing may serve as a non-pharmacological treatment in the management of hypertension.

Methods: Fitbit Versa-3 and Sense devices were used for this study. In addition, participants were required to own an FDA or Health Canada approved blood pressure measuring device. Advertisements were shown to 655,910 Fitbit users, of which 7,365 individuals expressed interest and filled out the initial survey. A total of 1,918 participants entered their blood pressure readings on at least 1 day and were considered enrolled in the study. Participants were instructed to download a guided mindful breathing app on their smartwatch device, and to engage with the app once a day prior to sleep. Participants measured their systolic and diastolic blood pressure prior to starting each mindful breathing session, and again after completion. All measurements were self reported. Participants were located in the United States or Canada.

Results: Values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced following mindful breathing. There was also a decrease in resting systolic and diastolic measurements when measured over several days. For participants with a systolic pressure ≥ 130 mmHg, there was a decrease of 9.7 mmHg following 15 min of mindful breathing at 6 breaths per minute. When measured over several days, the resting systolic pressure decreased by an average of 4.3 mmHg.

Discussion: Mindful breathing for 15 min a day, at a rate of 6 breaths per minute is effective in lowering blood pressure, and has both an immediate, and a short term effect (over several days). This large scale study demonstrates that device guided mindful breathing with a consumer wearable for 15 min a day is effective in lowering blood pressure, and a helpful complement to the standard of care.
Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function, activities of daily living, and quality of life in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Duchun , Zhao Kun , Lei Wei , Yu Yanmei , Li Weili , Kong Yurou , Lai Junmei , Ma Fenghao , Ye Xiangming , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) in patients with stroke, specifically focusing on its effects on physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL). Additionally, potential moderators influencing WBVT outcomes were explored.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to September 2022. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials employing WBVT in patients with stroke. Two investigators independently extracted the data and calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) using random-effect models.

Results: Twenty-five studies involving 991 patients were included in this meta-analysis. WBVT demonstrated significant reductions in spasticity (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI = −0.61 to −0.06, p = 0.02), improvements in motor function (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.61, p < 0.01), and enhancements in balance function (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.47, p < 0.01) in patients with stroke. However, no significant effects were observed for gait (SMD = −0.23, 95% CI = −0.50 to 0.04, p = 0.10), ADL (SMD = −0.01, 95% CI = −0.46 to 0.44, p = 0.97), or QOL (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI = −0.30 to 0.53, p = 0.59). Subgroup analyses revealed that variable frequency vibration and side-alternating vibration exhibited significant efficacy in reducing spasticity and improving motor and balance functions, while fixed frequency vibration and vertical vibration did not yield significant therapeutic benefits in these domains.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that WBVT may serve as a viable adjunct therapy for stroke patients to alleviate spasticity and enhance motor and balance functions. Variable frequency and side-alternating vibration appear to be crucial factors influencing the therapeutic effects of WBVT on these dysfunctions. Nonetheless, WBVT did not show significant effects on gait, ADL, or QOL in stroke patients.

Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier (CRD42022384319)
Intracardiac electrophysiology to characterize susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in murine models
Authors: Ferrand Marine C. , Giordano Gauthier , Mougenot Nathalie , Laporte Pierre-Léo , Vignier Nicolas , Leclerc Arnaud , Algalarrondo Vincent , Extramiana Fabrice , Charpentier Flavien , Neyroud Nathalie
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular fibrillation are rare but severe complications of many cardiovascular diseases and represent a major health issue worldwide. Although the primary causes are often acute or chronic coronary diseases, genetic conditions, such as inherited channelopathies or non-ischemic cardiomyopathies are leading causes of SCD among the young. However, relevant experimental models to study the underlying mechanisms of arrhythmias and develop new therapies are still needed. The number of genetically engineered mouse models with cardiac phenotype is growing, making electrophysiological studies in mice essential tools to study arrhythmogenicity and arrhythmia mechanisms and to test novel treatments. Recently, intracardiac catheterization via the jugular vein was described to induce and record ventricular arrhythmias in living anesthetized mice. Several strategies have been reported, developed in healthy wild-type animals and based on aggressive right ventricular stimulation.

Methods: Here, we report a protocol based on programmed electrical stimulation (PES) performed in clinical practice in patients with cardiac rhythm disorders, adapted to two transgenic mice models of arrhythmia - Brugada syndrome and cardiolaminopathy.

Results: We show that this progressive protocol, based on a limited number of right ventricular extrastimuli, enables to reveal different rhythmic phenotypes between control and diseased mice. In this study, we provide detailed information on PES in mice, including catheter positioning, stimulation protocols, intracardiac and surface ECG interpretation and we reveal a higher susceptibility of two mouse lines to experience triggered ventricular arrhythmias, when compared to control mice.

Discussion: Overall, this technique allows to characterize arrhythmias and provides results in phenotyping 2 arrhythmogenic-disease murine models.
The relationship between university students’ goal orientation and academic achievement. The mediating role of motivational components and the moderating role of achievement emotions
Authors: Frumos Florin-Vasile , Leonte Roxana , Candel Octav Sorin , Ciochină-Carasevici Laura , Ghiaţău Roxana , Onu Camelia
Published: January 2024

The present study aims to expand the understanding of the role played by achievement emotions in the learning process and academic achievement of university students. We investigated how achievement emotions moderate the direct and indirect associations between mastery and performance goal orientation and academic achievement. Also, we used as mediators the motivational components from Pintrich and De Groot’s theoretical framework of motivation and learning strategies. 274 Romanian university students (Mage = 20.23, 84.7% women) participated in the study. Moderated mediation analyses indicated that self-efficacy was the only significant mediator, and this relationship was moderated by hope, pride and hopelessness. In addition, the links between mastery and performance approach goals and motivational components are stronger when the positive emotions are higher and the negative ones are lower. Mastery avoidance goals were linked with high scores of motivational components at higher levels of negative and lower levels of positive achievement emotions, whereas the association of avoidance goals with motivational components was moderated by two positive emotions (pride and enjoyment). The patterns derived from the moderating role of achievement emotions in the relationships between goal orientation, motivational components and academic achievement, alongside several inconsistent results and implications in theory and education, are discussed.
A network approach to investigating the inter-relationship between health-related quality of life dimensions and depression in 1735 Chinese patients with heterogeneous cancers
Authors: Muhetaer Sulaiman , Mijiti Peierdun , Aierken Kaibinuer , Ziyin Huang , Talapuhan Wulan , Tuoheti Kaibinuer , Lixia Ye , Shuang Qi , Jingjing Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

We aimed to explore the inter-connection between depression and HRQOL dimensions in cancer patients using a network approach, which might provide new insights for precise interventions to improve cancer patients’ overall HRQOL.

Methods

Between June 1, 2016, and August 31, 2017, a total of 1735 eligible patients with heterogeneous types of cancer were recruited. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) were used to measure patients’ depression status and HRQOL, respectively. A regularized partial correlation network was established. Central and bridge symptoms/functions were identified using expected influence and bridge expected influence. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was used to explore the possible causal relationship between depression and HRQOL dimensions.

Results

In this study, depression and 15 dimensions of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 scale were highly inter-correlated and could be represented as a network. We found that nearly two-thirds of cancer patients experienced various degrees of depression, and depression was consistently the central symptom in the network, in addition to nausea/vomiting, pain, and physical function. DAG and bridge symptoms indicated that depression might influence overall HRQOL in cancer patients mainly through emotional function, pain, physical function, and sleeplessness, particularly in cancer patients with moderate-to-severe depression. The disparity in network structures between mild and moderate-to-severe depression suggested that the relationship between depression and HRQOL dimensions might be bidirectional.

Conclusion

The prevalence of depression remained high in Chinese patients with cancer, and depression may influence various symptoms and functions within the HRQOL network. Screening and early treatment of depression were warranted to improve the overall HRQOL of cancer patients, in addition to adequate treatment of pain and nausea/vomiting and improvement in physical function.
Study on the impact of central environmental protection inspection on the health of the older adult population—A quasi-natural experiment in China
Authors: Yang Jiayu , Deng Juqiu , Ye Lianguang , Liu Li , Hu Xiuying
Published: January 2024

In 2015, the central government of China established the Central Environmental Protection Inspection (CEPI) system for oversight of local governments. It enhanced local government enforcement of environmental regulations, which had a considerable influence on the health of the local older adult population. This study quantifies the effects of local government regulation brought about by CEPI on the health of the older adult. It examines the impact mechanism using the DID model and panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The results show that (1) local governments’ environmental protection regulations implemented by CEPI have a positive impact on the general health of the older adult. The results of the study passed the parallel trend test, PSM test, replacement variable test, and placebo test and remained significant; (2) in terms of the impact mechanism, CEPI has promoted local governments’ environmental governance initiatives, which has reduced industrial wastewater emissions, industrial sulfur dioxide emissions, and industrial fumes emissions. This has improved air quality, thereby creating a good living environment for the older adult and improving their overall health; (3) according to heterogeneity research, the health of older adult living in the Yangtze River Basin, urban older adult, and older adult without chronic diseases is more significantly affected by the environmental protection regulations of the local governments brought about by CEPI.
Transitions Pop-ups: Co-designing client-centred support for disabled youth transitioning to adult life
Authors: Seko Yukari , Oh Anna , Thompson Laura , Bowman Laura R. , Curran C. J.
Published: January 2024

Background

When transitioning to adulthood, youth with disabilities and their families face many service gaps. Successful inter-agency collaborations can promote family-centred, inclusive transition support amenable to personal choice and health conditions. This paper reports the 3-year co-design process of an innovative transition service that links a pediatric hospital and adult service agencies and addresses key areas of transition preparedness with joint accountability.

Methods

A team of pediatric rehabilitation professionals, adult service providers, young adults with disabilities and their families, and researchers engaged in a co-design process over three years. Following a design thinking (DT) framework, the team went through an iterative process of Empathize. Define, Ideation, Prototyping, and Testing phases. The trial-and-error process allowed for deeper reflection and an opportunity to pivot the design.

Results

The co-design yielded Transitions Pop-ups, a nimble service model that can “pop up” at critical times and places to meet clients’ urgent and emergent transition-related needs. Two pilot sessions were conducted at the testing phase with adult service agencies. The final model included five key elements: (1) community partnership; (2) targeted information sharing; (3) peer mentoring; (4) action (on-the-spot completion of a key transition task/activity such as submitting an adult funding application); and (5) warm handover.

Conclusion

The co-design process highlighted the importance of open communication and iterative prototype testing as a means for trialing new ideas and clarifying the intent of the project. The DT framework optimally facilitated the co-development of a contextually relevant and sustainable service model for pediatric rehabilitation clients and families.
Impacts of stocking densities on soil biochemical and microbial properties in a mixed-grass prairie ecosystem at two landscape positions
Authors: Bansal Sangeeta , Sanyal Debankur , Graham Christopher , Gonzalez Hernandez Jose L. , Menendez Hector , Kumar Sandeep
Published: January 2024

Grazing management is a critical land-use requirement that facilitates the preservation of plant community composition, soil properties and environmental quality. Grazing density of livestock has a significant impact on soil health, and there is a need to study the interactions of grazing densities and topographical positions influencing soil biochemical and microbial properties. This study was conducted at Cottonwood Field Station in Philip, South Dakota to assess the influence of more than 7 years of low, medium, and high grazing stocking densities (0.33, 0.41, 0.72 animal units/ac, respectively) at summit and footslope landscape positions on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions, microbial community composition, and enzymatic activities in a mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. Medium grazing density showed a 16% increase in soil N at the footslope compared with summit. Low grazing density significantly reduced microbial biomass C (~269 μg g−1 soil) and N (~26 μg g−1 soil) at summit compared with other grazing densities and landscape positions, except, the summit at high grazing density. Medium grazing density significantly enhanced hot-water extractable N by 21–23% at footslope compared with low grazing density at the footslope and high grazing density at the summit. Low grazing density increased urease (3.64 μg NH4+ g−1 soil h−1) at footslope than all other grazing densities and landscape positions. Low grazing density enhanced β-glucosidase by 75% than high grazing density; alkaline phosphatase was significantly greater by 60% at footslope than summit. High grazing density at the summit decreased total PLFA (mean 56.53 nmol g−1 soil) due to lower AM fungi, G (+), G (−) and actinomycetes biomass. Microbial stress indicators such as G (+)/G (−), saturated/unsaturated, monosaturated/polysaturated, GNeg stress revealed that high grazing density especially at summit position posed elevated physiological stressed conditions to the microbial community. Overall, long-term medium grazing density of 0.41 animal units/ac may enhance soil N, microbial composition, microbial biomass C and N, hot-water extractable C and N fractions, and reduce stress conditions for microbial community at both footslope as well as summit landscape positions. Moreover, long-term overgrazing of pastures, particularly at summit slopes, appears to inhibit microbial populations and degrade overall soil health.
Novel enzyme-fermentation process for bioconversion of restaurant food waste into isomaltooligosaccharide-and L-lactic acid-enriched animal feed
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Niu Dandan , Wang Zhengxiang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Considering the valuable organic fraction contained, restaurant food waste (RFW) has attracted more attention as an alternative substrate for animal feed production. In this work, a new enzyme-fermentation process (EFP) for diverting RFW into synbiotic animal feed was developed, and its economic and environmental benefits were evaluated.

Methods

The process initiated with enzymatic hydrolysis of RFWs, intending to convert starch into isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) via simultaneous saccharification and transglycosylation (SST). Subsequently, the hydrolysate underwent fermentation with engineered Pichia pastoris GSL to form L-lactic acid (L-LA) from the free glucose and to biologically enhance the nutritional value.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that employing the EFP yielded the highest IMOs levels, ranging from 17.10–38.00 g/L. Simultaneously, the process achieved the maximum L-LA concentration (20.75–27.16 g/L), with a conversion efficiency of 0.64–0.78 g/g. Additionally, 5.0–8.5 g/L of yeast biomass was generated. Economic estimates elucidated that the cost of RFW-derived animal feed through EFP was about $0.16/kg, signifying a substantial cost reduction (≥ 70%) compared to traditional feeds. Achieving complete conversion of RFW into animal feed while eliminating residual waste highlights the significant environmental benefits and the compatibility of the present technology with the zero-waste concept.
How Public Health Organizational Structure Affected the Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Berman Peter , Cheng Michael , Bridget Elvira , Brubacher Laura Jane , Ruck Candice
Published: January 2024

Objectives: This study sought to examine how public health organizational structures affected decision-making and provides recommendations to strengthen future public health crisis preparedness.

Methods: The Institutions-Politics-Organizations-Governance (IPOG) framework and an organizational lens was applied to the analysis of COVID-19 governance within British Columbia (BC). Organizational charts detailing the structure of public health systems were compiled using available data and supplemented with data collected through key informant interviews.

Results: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BC initiated several changes in its public health organization. BC’s COVID-19 response attempted to utilize a centralized command structure within a decentralized health system. Four key themes were identified pertaining to the 1) locus of decision-making and action; 2) role of emergency structures; 3) challenges in organizational structure; and 4) balance between authority and participation in decision-making.

Conclusion: The organizational adaptations enabled a substantively effective response. However, our findings also illustrate deficiencies in organizational structure in the current public health system. Two recommendations for consideration are: 1) a more formal vertical organizational structure; and 2) developing new mechanisms to link health and general emergency response structures.
Koncept CUDZOZIEMCA w filmie milicyjnym. Przyczynek do badań nad dyskursem ludyczno-propagandowym PRL-u
Authors: Bobrowski Jakub
Published: January 2024

An increasing interest in the popular culture of the Polish People’s Republic has been noticeable in recent years. The author believes that the ludic and propaganda discourse, which combines entertainment and persuasive functions, has a major part in it. This is evidenced by numerous multimodal texts, including crime stories, the so-called militia crime stories. They provide an interesting research material for the contemporary media linguistics. This article presents a media linguistic reconstruction of the discursive image of a foreigner in militia cinema. The tool applied in the analytical procedure is the cognitive definition model. The analysis has proved that the image of foreigners is dominated by negative evaluation, which concerns Germans and Americans in particular. In the author’s opinion, developing this type of research will contribute to broadening the knowledge of persuasion mechanisms and Polish cultural memory
„Królestwo samotnej duszy” – czyli konceptualizacje pojęcia  w filmie animowanym pt. Kraina lodu
Authors: Czerkas Karolina
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the conceptualisations of the notion ‘loneliness’ in the film titled Frozen(2013), directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. The study employs the cognitive methodology coupled with the media linguistic perspective. Multimodal metaphors and their functions in the narrative of the film have a special place in the analysis. The aim of the study is to analyse the aforemenƟ oned animated film in terms of what components of the conceptual structure of ‘loneliness’ were shown by its authors, what domains found in language they invoked, and what new contents related to the subject matter they used. The text shows that loneliness in Frozen is conceptualised as singleness, lack of company, lack of love, otherness, freedom, escape, experience of loss, rejection, closure, darkness, cold, and emptiness. A special image of the analysed notion emerges from two metaphors: LONELINESS in ICE, LIONELINESS is a CLOSED DOOR.
Subskrypcja kanałów, subskrybowanie hot-dogów, platforma subskrypcyjna: o neosemantyzmach subskrypcja, subskrybować, subskrybent i subskrypcyjny w polszczyźnie
Authors: Zabawa Marcin
Published: January 2024

The aim of this article is to describe the neosematism subskrypcja (and its derivatives) in the Polish language. The description consists in juxtaposing the hitherto meanings of the word (derived from the Universal Dictionary of Polish (USJP)) with new meanings, derived mainly from the Internet, and with selected definitions of the corresponding English word (asubscription). The frequency of the word along with its derivatives in Polish is also analysed (using the corpus-based research method). The findings show that the frequency of the discussed word and its derivative forms is growing, they are found in more and more new contexts, and their development in Polish is multidirectional. This article presents also a brief normative commentary on the described innovations. This is because the discussed words are often overused and their new usages do not always seem purposeful.
Nazwy ptaków dziko żyjących w dawnych i współczesnych materiałach dialektologicznych z Wielkopolski
Authors: Kobus Justyna
Published: January 2024

The dialectological record of wild bird names is scant. This article presents the Greater Polish material covering wild bird names obtained as part of the field research carried out in the Pobiedzisko commune (Poznań poviat) and completed in 2022. Contemporary names are juxtaposed with the dialectal material collected by Adam Tomaszewski (the 1930s) and the material found in Atlas języka i kultury ludowej Wielkopolski (Atlas of Greater Poland’s regional language and folk culture) (the 1970s and the 1980s) for the same area. The overview of the old and contemporary material allows conclusions on the functioning of dialectal and general Polish names of wild birds gathered by three generations of Poznań dialectologists and indication of the research needs as regards recording names from the thematic field NATURE (not only bird names).
Profesjolekt polskich pielęgniarek pediatrycznych – ujęcie funkcjonalne
Authors: Dzięcioł Alicja
Published: January 2024

This study describes the functional aspect of the jargon of Polish paediatric nurses working at selected hospitals in Mazowieckie Voivodeship (Warsaw, Mińsk Mazowiecki, Wołomin, Siedlce, Płock). On the basis of the analysis, it can be concluded that nurses’ vocabulary fulfils various functions depending on the communicative situation and the degree of its officiality (e.g. educational function, informative function, personal identification function or integrative function). Specific lexis and phraseology are primarily aimed at naming important aspects of working at hospital. What is the most important for Polish pediatric nurses is the realities of treatment, the patient’s condition, and the equipment of the hospital ward
Słownictwo rzadkie na przykładzie pola tematycznego WYPOSAŻENIE WNĘTRZ – DOM WIEJSKI
Authors: Zagłoba Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

This article presents rare vocabulary, defined in this study as testified by one person, in the speech of inhabitants of the surroundings of Poddębice (Łódź voivodship) on the example of the thematic field INTERIOR DESIGN. The author, using the quantitative method, shows that rare words are found in a substantial portion of the collected material. What follows from the discussion is that over 60% of them are general Polish units. However, in the group of differential lexemes, the majority were dialectal lexemes and ones not found in the selected sources. In the case of units that are not recorded, most of them are differential in terms of word-formation and semantics, while in the case of dialectal units – in terms of lexis. The material was obtained using the questionnaire method in the form of recorded conversations with 44 residents of Poddębice poviat.
Temperature Matters More than Fertilization for Straw Decomposition in the Soil of Greenhouse Vegetable Field
Authors: Ma Long , Li Ruonan , Luan Haoan , Tang Jiwei , Wang Liying , Huang Shaowen
Published: January 2024

As the largest organic carbon input to agroecosystems, crop straw can solve the problem of soil quality degradation in greenhouse vegetable fields, harmonize the balance between soil nutrients and energy, and improve soil quality to maintain the sustainable production of greenhouse vegetables. However, the microbial mechanism of the straw decomposition process under different temperatures and fertilization treatments in greenhouse vegetable soils has not been clarified. Soil samples were used to investigate the biology of straw decomposition in the soil at three incubation temperatures (15, 25, and 35 °C) through a soil incubation experiment (60 d) under different fertilization treatments. Fertilization treatments for this long-term field experiment included chemical fertilizer (CF), substitution of half of the chemical N fertilizer with manure (CM), straw (CS), or combined manure and straw (CMS). The results showed that soil hydrolase activities tended to decrease with increasing temperature during straw decomposition. Compared with the CF, organic substitutions (CM, CMS, and CS) increased soil β-glucosidase, β-cellobiosidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, and β-xylosidase activities during straw decomposition. Soil CO2 emission rates were the highest at each incubation temperature on the first day, rapidly declining at 25 °C and 35 °C and slowly declining at 15 °C. The soil CO2 cumulative emissions tended to increase with increasing temperature under different fertilization treatments. PCA showed that the responses of soil enzyme activities to temperature at 7, 15, and 30 d of straw decomposition were stronger than those of fertilization. In summary, both fertilization treatment and incubation temperature could influence soil CO2 emissions by affecting soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities during straw decomposition, whereas incubation temperature had a stronger effect on straw decomposition than fertilization, as indicated by PLS-PM and three-way ANOVA. Considering the influence for fertilization on the straw decomposition process at different incubation temperatures, the straw applications (CMS and CS) were more suitable to temperature changes.
Effects of Nitrogen Input and Aeration on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Pollutants in Agricultural Drainage Ditches
Authors: Zhang Qisen , Wu Jingwei , Guo Chenyao , Wang Jing , Zhao Yanchao , Li Qiangkun , Hu Yawei
Published: January 2024

Understanding the patterns of greenhouse gas emissions and the changes in pollution load in terrestrial freshwater systems is crucial for accurately assessing the global carbon cycle and overall greenhouse gas emissions. However, current research often focuses on wetlands and rivers, with few studies on agricultural drainage ditches, which are an important part of the agricultural ecosystem. Investigating the greenhouse gas emission patterns and pollution load changes in agricultural drainage ditches can help accurately assess the greenhouse effect of agricultural systems and improve fertilization measures in farmlands. This study explored the effects of nitrogen input and aeration on the pollution load and greenhouse gas emission processes in paddy field drainage ditches. The results showed that aeration significantly reduced the concentration of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) in the water, decreased the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), and slightly increased the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting in an overall reduction of the global warming potential (GWP) by 34.02%. Nitrogen input significantly increased the concentration of ammonium nitrogen in the water, slightly reduced the emissions of N2O and CH4, and increased the CO2 emissions by 46.60%, thereby increasing the GWP by 15.24%. The drainage ditches reduced the pollution load in both the water and sediment, with the overall GWP downstream being 9.34% lower than upstream.
Computed Tomography Evaluation of Frozen or Glycerinated Bradypus variegatus Cadavers: A Comprehensive View with Emphasis on Anatomical Aspects
Authors: Cunha Michel Santos e , Albuquerque Rodrigo dos Santos , Campos José Gonçalo Monteiro , Monteiro Francisco Décio de Oliveira , Rossy Kayan da Cunha , Cardoso Thiago da Silva , Carvalho Lucas Santos , Borges Luisa Pucci Bueno , Domingues Sheyla Farhayldes Souza , Thiesen Roberto , Thiesen Roberta Martins Crivelaro , Teixeira Pedro Paulo Maia
Published: January 2024

Bradypus variegatus has unique anatomical characteristics, and many of its vascular and digestive tract aspects have yet to be clearly understood. This lack of information makes clinical diagnoses and surgical procedures difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical aspects of frozen and glycerinated corpses of B. variegatus using computed tomography (CT), emphasizing vascular and digestive contrast studies. Nine corpses that died during routine hospital were examined via CT in the supine position with scanning in the craniocaudal direction. In frozen cadavers, the contrast was injected into a cephalic vein after thawing and, subsequently, was administered orally. In addition to bone structures, CT allowed the identification of organs, soft tissues, and vascular structures in specimens. Visualization of soft tissues was better after contrast been administered intravenously and orally, even without active vascularization. Furthermore, the surfaces of the organs were highlighted by the glycerination method. With this technique, it was possible to describe part of the vascularization of the brachial, cervical, thoracic, and abdominal regions, in addition to highlighting the esophagus and part of the stomach. CT can be another tool for the evaluation of B. variegatus cadavers by anatomists or pathologists, contributing to the identification of anatomical structures.
Effect of Replacing Corn Meal with Winged Bean Tuber (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Pellet on Gas Production, Ruminal Fermentation, and Degradability Using In Vitro Gas Technique
Authors: Srichompoo Pachara , Suriyapha Chaichana , Suntara Chanon , Chankaew Sompong , Rakvong Teppratan , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of replacing corn meal in ruminant diets with winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) tubers (WBT) on ruminal fermentation, gas production parameters, and in vitro degradability. The study employed a completely random design (CRD) in its execution. The experimental design employed was a completely randomized design (CRD), featuring eleven levels of corn meal substitution with winged bean tubers pellet (WBTP) at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. The levels were grouped into four categories of replacement: control (0% in the diet), low levels (10%, 20%, and 30% in the diet), medium levels (40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% in the diet), and high levels (80%, 90%, and 100% in the diet). The experimental results indicated that substituting corn meal with WBTP at moderate and high levels in the diet could improve the performance of the fermentation process by increasing the gas production rate constant from the insoluble fraction (p < 0.01). The IVDMD exhibited a higher degree of in vitro degradation after 12 h (h), with the mean value being higher in the high group compared to the medium until the high group (p < 0.05). At the 4 h mark, the groups that substituted corn meal with WBTP exhibited a decrease in pH value (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. The substitution of corn meal with WBTP resulted in the lowest protozoal count after 8 h in the median group (p < 0.05). A significant difference in the effect of WBTP on total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration was observed at 8 h after incubation (p < 0.05). The medium and high levels of WBTP replacement resulted in the lowest TVFA concentration at 8 h (p < 0.05). The mean proportion of acetic acid (C2) linearly declined and was lowest when a high level of WBTP replaced cornmeal (p < 0.05). The concentration of propionic acid (C3) at 8 h after incubation and average values were linearly significantly different when various levels of WBTP were utilized. Replacing corn meal with WBTP at a high level showed the highest concentration of C3. Moreover, substituting medium and high concentrations of WBTP for corn meal resulted in a significant reduction in both the C2:C3 ratio at 8 h and the mean value (p < 0.05). In conclusion, WBTP exhibits a nutritional composition that is advantageous and may be an energetic substitute for corn meal.
Dietary Paper Mulberry Silage Supplementation Improves the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Yangzhou Goose
Authors: Wang Ruhui , Wang Xin , Xiong Yi , Cao Jingwen , Nussio Luiz Gustavo , Ni Kuikui , Lin Yanli , Wang Xuekai , Yang Fuyu
Published: January 2024

There have been few investigations into the health benefits and meat quality of supplementing Yangzhou geese with paper mulberry silage. One hundred and twenty 28-day-old Yangzhou geese were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CON) and a paper mulberry silage group (PM), with six replicates in each group. The experiment lasted for a total of 6 weeks. The experiment found that compared with CON, PM had a promoting effect on the average daily weight gain of Yangzhou geese (p = 0.056). Sensory and nutritional analysis of breast muscles revealed a decrease in a* value (p < 0.05) and an increase in protein content (p < 0.05) following PM treatment. Through untargeted metabolomics analysis of breast muscle samples, it was found that 11 different metabolites, including guanidinoacetic acid and other substances, had a positive effect on amino acid metabolism and lipid antioxidant pathways of PM treatment. Overall, the strategy of feeding Yangzhou geese with paper mulberry silage is feasible, which can improve the sensory quality and nutritional value of goose meat. The experiment provides basic data for the application form of goose breeding, so exploring the impact of substances within paper mulberry on goose meat should be focused on in the future.
Effects of Complex Antioxidants Added to Chicken Diet on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Meat Quality, and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Chen Xiaochun , Zeng Dan , Zeng Xiangyi , Zeng Qiufeng
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets supplemented with various levels of complex antioxidants (CA) containing tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and tea polyphenols (TP) on growth performance, meat quality of breast and leg muscles, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of serum, liver, breast meat, jejunum, and ileum in broilers. A total of 600 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into three groups (10 replicates/group, 20 broilers/replicate). Birds in the three experimental groups were fed a basal diet with CA at 0, 300, and 500 mg/kg. The results showed that supplementing with 300 mg/kg CA significantly increased (p < 0.05) 42 d BW and 22–42 d ADG, and markedly decreased (p < 0.05) 22–42 d F: G ratio in comparison to the control group. Birds fed a diet with 300 mg/kg CA had a higher (p < 0.05) pH of chicken meat at 24 h and 48 h post mortem and lower (p < 0.05) yellowness values (b*) of chicken meat at 45 min and 24 h post mortem, along with a lower (p < 0.05) cooking loss. Supplementing with 300 mg/kg CA significantly increased (p < 0.05) serum and liver T-SOD activity, serum T-AOC level, as well as jejunual GST activity, and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) liver MDA content when compared with the control group. These results indicate that diet supplementation with 300 mg/kg CA containing TBHQ and TP could improve growth performance and meat quality by increasing the antioxidant capacity of broilers.
Liposomal Glutathione Augments Immune Defenses against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Neonatal Mice Exposed in Utero to Ethanol
Authors: Gauthier Theresa W. , Ping Xiao-Du , Harris Frank L. , Brown Lou Ann S.
Published: January 2024

We previously reported that maternal alcohol use increased the risk of sepsis in premature and term newborns. In the neonatal mouse, fetal ethanol (ETOH) exposure depleted the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), which promoted alveolar macrophage (AM) immunosuppression and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. In this study, we explored if oral liposomal GSH (LGSH) would attenuate oxidant stress and RSV infections in the ETOH-exposed mouse pups. C57BL/6 female mice were pair-fed a liquid diet with 25% of calories from ethanol or maltose–dextrin. Postnatal day 10 pups were randomized to intranasal saline, LGSH, and RSV. After 48 h, we assessed oxidant stress, AM immunosuppression, pulmonary RSV burden, and acute lung injury. Fetal ETOH exposure increased oxidant stress threefold, lung RSV burden twofold and acute lung injury threefold. AMs were immunosuppressed with decreased RSV clearance. However, LGSH treatments of the ETOH group normalized oxidant stress, AM immune phenotype, the RSV burden, and acute lung injury. These studies suggest that the oxidant stress caused by fetal ETOH exposure impaired AM clearance of infectious agents, thereby increasing the viral infection and acute lung injury. LGSH treatments reversed the oxidative stress and restored AM immune functions, which decreased the RSV infection and subsequent acute lung injury.
Combination Screening of a Naïve Antibody Library Using E. coli Display and Single-Step Colony Assay
Authors: Kato Mieko , Hanyu Yoshiro
Published: January 2024

The use of single-domain camelid antibodies, termed VHHs or nanobodies, has found increasing application in diagnosis, pharmaceutical development, and research because of their superior properties, such as small size, elevated stability, high water solubility, and excellent affinity for the antigen. Antigen-specific VHHs are generated by screening VHH display libraries via bio-panning. However, the bio-panning step needs to be repeated multiple times, which is time-consuming and laborious. Here, we developed a simple and rapid screening method that combined Escherichia coli display and a single-step colony assay to successfully identify positive clones from a naïve VHH library. The library was constructed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of alpaca, and VHHs were displayed on the surface of E. coli using the inverse autotransporter intimin. Libraries enriched by magnetic cell sorting were screened directly using a single-step colony assay. Colonies formed on the hydrophilic filter and antigen-coated membrane. The expression of VHHs was induced, and those bound to the antigen on the membrane were detected as positive clones. Screening and identification of positive clones required only two days, which saves considerable time and resources compared to existing protocols.