bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain Amyloid in Sporadic Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Panegyres Peter K. , Robins Peter
Published: March 2023

Background:

Controversy exists as to the role of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:

To clarify the effect of age on Aβ deposition in sporadic AD by exploring the degree of amyloid burden in patients with sporadic young onset AD (YOAD).

Methods:

Patients were diagnosed with YOAD with dementia starting before the age of 65 years (N = 42; males = 20, females = 22). A cross-sectional analysis of amyloid binding using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was performed using the C-Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB). The global standardized uptake value ratios (gSUVR) were examined using the Wilcoxon two-sample test, as were the cognitive scores between disease and healthy control populations. Differences in PiB retention in different anatomical areas were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The contrast in APOE genotyping between groups was calculated with Fisher’s Exact Test.

Results:

Women had a median gSUVR = 2.68±0.73 and 73% had at least one APOE ɛ4 allele. Men had gSUVR = 2.37±0.54, with 80% having at least one APOE ɛ4 allele. The gSUVRs were significantly higher than the control populations for men and women and had significantly greater frequency of APOE ɛ4. Men and women analyzed together had significantly greater amyloid burden and APOE ɛ4 allele frequencies than controls, but no differences existed between them in gSUVR nor in the anatomical distribution of amyloid uptake.

Conclusion:

Men and women with YOAD have greater amyloid uptake than controls and have more APOE ɛ4 alleles. Our findings suggest that the Aβ peptide is operational in young onset dementia and driven by the APOE ɛ4 allele.
The 11th IJCAR automated theorem proving system competition – CASC-J11
Authors: Sutcliffe Geoff , Desharnais Martin
Published: March 2023

The CADE ATP System Competition (CASC) is the annual evaluation of fully automatic, classical logic, Automated Theorem Proving (ATP) systems. CASC-J11 was the twenty-seventh competition in the CASC series. Twenty-four ATP systems competed in the various competition divisions. This paper presents an outline of the competition design and a commentated summary of the results.
Observation of the therapeutic effect of auricular bean pressing on early knee osteoarthritis pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Yeyan , Wu Yongqin , Zhou Xuelai , Shen Bin , Lv Cunxian
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), there is a need for the long-term use of therapeutic drugs that reduce joint pain and have fewer adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of bean pressing on ear points on early KOA pain. METHODS: One hundred patients with KOA recruited at the Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2019 and May 2022 were divided randomly into a treatment group (n= 50) and control group (n= 50). Patients in the treatment group received regular rehabilitation combined with auricular bean-pressing treatment, while patients in the control group only received conventional rehabilitation treatment. The measurement indicators – knee swelling, tenderness, range of motion sign score, C-reactive protein, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) indexes – were recorded before and after treatment. RESULTS: On day 5 following the start of treatment, the visual analog scale (VAS) and WOMAC scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P< 0.05), and the VAS and WOMAC scores in the treatment group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P< 0.05). At week 4 after the start of treatment, the dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). No adverse events were observed during the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Auricular bean-pressing therapy had an analgesic effect and could also alleviate mild to moderate KOA swelling, joint stiffness, and other symptoms, effectively reducing the demand for NSAIDs and improving both knee function and quality of life. The results suggested that auricular bean-pressing therapy has promising prospects in the treatment of early KOA pain.
Estimation with incomplete frames using varying probability sampling with replacement
Authors: Jyoti  , Pareek Sarla , Gupta P.C.
Published: March 2023

Sampling frames are mostly incomplete in large scale surveys. This paper suggests the use of probability proportional to size with replacement (PPSWR) sampling scheme for estimation of population mean with an incomplete frame. The variance of the estimators has been obtained and its efficiency has been compared with Agarwal and Gupta (2008) estimator when the frame is not complete. The results obtained have been illustrated with the help of hypothetical data. The problem of determining optimum sample size and retainment factor has also been discussed using a suitable linear cost function.
Prioritization and decision-making: A brief review of methods
Authors: Lipovetsky Stan
Published: March 2023

Statistical and decision-making techniques for solving prioritization problems are described. These approaches include the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) of the multi-attribute decision-making and its extension to the statistical modeling and testing, scaling techniques of priority estimation, maximum difference models, identification of key drivers in regression, and other methods. The described techniques have been widely applied and proved to be helpful for identification and ordering the most important items in solving various marketing research and decision-making problems.
Time-optimized sequential decision making for service management in smart city environments
Authors: ALFahad Saleh , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Kolomvatsos Kostas
Published: March 2023

Edge Computing is a new computing paradigm that aims to enhance the Quality of Service (QoS) of applications running close to end users. However, edge nodes can only host a subset of all the available services and collected data due to their limited storage and processing capacity. As a result, the management of edge nodes faces multiple challenges. One significant challenge is the management of the services present at the edge nodes especially when the demand for them may change over time. The execution of services is requested by incoming tasks, however, services may be absent on an edge node, which is not so rare in real edge environments, e.g., in a smart cities setting. Therefore, edge nodes should deal with the timely and wisely decision on whether to perform a service replication (pull-action) or tasks offloading (push-action) to peer nodes when the requested services are not locally present. In this paper, we address this decision-making challenge by introducing an intelligent mechanism formulated upon the principles of optimal stopping theory and applying our time-optimized scheme in different scenarios of services management. A performance evaluation that includes two different models and a comparative assessment that includes one model are provided found in the respective literature to expose the behavior and the advantages of our approach which is the OST. Our methodology (OST) showcases the achieved optimized decisions given specific objective functions over services demand as demonstrated by our experimental results.
A Mathematical Characterisation of COVID-19 in Mauritius
Authors: Sayed-Hassen Sayed Z
Published: March 2023

Since the advent of COVID-19, a fair amount of work has been undertaken by researchers around the world to model its progression. It became clear from the start of pandemic that its progression is affected by numerous factors within different communities. Subsequently, the necessary means and the range of measures used to effectively control the virus would vary from place to place. And we have been witness to different approaches adopted around the world to maintain the virus under check both in the short term and the long term. Various metrics have been used to mathematically represent the effectiveness of the approaches used. In this work, an attempt is made at determining those metrics for Mauritius and comparing them with that of the rest of the world. We first develop mathematical models of the progression of COVID-19 in Mauritius and in numerous other countries primarily in Europe. An intriguing observation is made when the growth rate and the ceiling value of the mathematical models obtained for different countries are compared. We computed the reproduction number, which showed us how many subjects a contagious individual was infecting on average at the onset of the pandemic in Mauritius. This value in turn allowed the determination of the percentage of the population needing immunity to stop the spread of the virus. The case fatality rate as well as the crude mortality rate for different countries are also compared and contrasted.
A Study on Trust in God in Juvenile Delinquents
Authors: YILDIZ Mualla , KENEVİR Fatma
Published: March 2023

Adolescence is a critical stage of life in the triangle of education, family, and peers for young people. During adolescence, young people might need to overcome many hassles and fluctuations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the levels of trust in God and some variables such as education levels, mother’s literacy, family unity, drug addiction, having a close friend at the correctional facility, repetitive crime, and experience of running away from home in male juvenile delinquents. This study is an associational research and the population of the study was 500 male adolescents who were in the Ankara Sincan Youth Closed Prison and Correctional Center, Turkey. 389 male adolescents were selected from the research population through purposeful sampling as the sample. In this study, the attitudes of the sample were measured by the Scale of the Image of God. The questions were asked in a closed-ended way, and the data was analyzed by using the SPSS software (version 22). T-Test and ANOVA were utilized to compare the means. The data revealed that the levels of the trust in God of the adolescents differed depending on using addictive substances, repetitive crime, criminal peers, and education level. The male adolescents whose close friends were in prison, those who used drugs, those who were involved in repetitive crimes, and those who had a low education level had a lower level of trust in God than others. It has been deduced that the social environment of adolescents can be consequential in the development of religious perceptions, and that negative life experiences, as well as adverse social conditions, inhibit the development of trust in God.
Blasting efficiency in granite aggregate quarry based on the combined effects of fragmentation and weighted environmental hazards
Authors: Shehu Shaib Abdulazeez , Yusuf Kudirat Oziohu , Zabidi Hareyani , Jimoh Onimisi A , Hashim M. H. M
Published: March 2023

Purpose. Mine and quarry operators determine blasting efficiency by the sizes of fragments, while regulatory agencies evaluate the same from the level of environmental discomfort. Thus, a conflict of interest exists. This research distinguishes fragmentation efficiency from blasting efficiency. It proposes a new approach for evaluating blasting efficiency to break the conflict of interests between the quarry operators and the regulatory agencies. Methods. Five blasting events in the FYS granite aggregate quarry have been studied, and design parameters have been obtained. As an indicator of blast-induced environmental discomfort, vibrations and air blasts are measured using a seismograph. The WipFrag desktop and Kuz-Ram model are used to assess the resulting fragmentations. Blasting efficiency is evaluated as a function of fragmentation and environmental constraints. Findings. The powder factor affects the fragment size distribution and the environmental hazards of blasting but in a conflicting manner. Increased powder factor enhances good fragmentation but results in further environmental discomfort. Blast event 4 has the highest fragmentation efficiency of 46.53%, while 3 has the highest environmental control efficiency of 69.47%. Cumulatively, blast event 4 has the highest overall blasting efficiency of 45.43%. Future research is expected to standardise this novel approach and incorporate more blasting effects. Originality. This work is the first attempt to quantify the efficiency of blasting operations in the aggregate quarry by combining the fragmentation produced and the resulting environmental hazards in a single model. Practical implications. The model proposed in this research can be adopted by quarry operators and regulatory agencies for sustainable quarrying and mining to address identified conflicts of interest between them.
ERIC GUTSTEIN E A LEITURA E ESCRITA DO MUNDO COM A MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Moura Amanda Queiroz , Faustino Ana Carolina
Published: March 2023

Eric Gutstein, ou Rico Gutstein como prefere ser chamado, nasceu em Nova York nos Estados Unidos, e é uma referência internacional, na perspectiva da Educação Matemática Crítica. Ele tem atuado, tanto na escola básica como na universidade, para que a matemáticacontribua para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa. É professor do Departamento de Curriculum e Instrução da Universidade de Illinois, em Chicago e tem ensinado e pesquisadosobre ensinar e aprender matemática para justiça social, alfabetização crítica em um contexto urbano e multicultural, bem como, abordagens freirianas de ensino e de aprendizagem e apolítica escolar de Chicago.
ATIVIDADES MATEMÁTICAS PROPOSTAS POR PROFESSORES QUE ENSINAM NA EJA CAMPO - ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Silva Josias Pedro da , Lima Iranete Maria da Silva
Published: March 2023

apresentamos parte de uma pesquisa de mestrado em Educação, com enfoque na Educação Matemática Crítica em articulação com a Educação do Campo. Buscamos, em particular, analisar as relações que professores de Matemática de turmas de Educação de Jovens e Adultos - EJA Campo Ensino Médio estabelecem entre o conceito de função afim e as atividades produtivas desenvolvidas por estudantes camponeses. Neste artigo trazemos a parte da pesquisa que analisou as respostas e as atividades propostas por sete professores que ensinam em oito turmas de EJA Campo em três Municípios do Agreste e Sertão Pernambucano. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de um questionário, uma entrevista semiestruturada e solicitamos aos professores que, a partir de um gráfico de função afim, elaborassem atividades para seus alunos. Os dados foram analisados à luz da Educação Matemática Crítica e da Educação do Campo. Os professores apontam possibilidades de relacionar os conteúdos matemáticos com as atividades produtivas, no entanto, das dezessete atividades que propuseram apenas uma faz referência à vida real, ao passo que doze fazem referência a uma semirrealidade. Este resultado indica que o ensino de função afim neste contexto social requer alguma contextualização, mesmo que ela não retrate a realidade dos estudantes e da comunidade.
USO DO MIP COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE REDUÇÃO DE CUSTOS NA PRODUÇÃO DE SOJA NO ESTADO DO PARANÁ
Authors: Staback Daiane , Blanck Priscila Laís , Mariussi Vanderlei , Galante Valdir Antonio
Published: March 2023

Pretendeu-se com este estudo comparar os custos de produção da soja convencional í quela com o monitoramento integrado de pragas – MIP- para as safras 2013/2014 a 2017/2018. O uso do MIP constitui ferramenta útil à atividade agrí­cola por viabilizar menores custos de produção sem afetar a produção, com ação corretiva apenas em caso de dano econômico, com redução de riscos às pessoas e ao ambiente. Os resultados demonstram volume de produção ligeiramente acima do sistema convencional, enquanto o número médio de aplicação de inseticidas, bem como o custo destas aplicações, oscila na casa de 50% das necessárias no sistema convencional no perí­odo. Do mesmo modo, um menor número de aplicações também significa que o produtor assume menor risco de intoxicação ou acidentes de trabalho pelo sistema MIP, assim como menor risco ao ambiente.
Green biosynthesis of rare DHA-phospholipids by lipase-catalyzed transesterification with edible algal oil in solvent-free system and catalytic mechanism study
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Li Binglin , Wang Zhulin , Hu Dan , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhao Binxia , Wang Jiao
Published: March 2023

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched phosphatidylcholine (PC) has received significant scientific attention due to the health benefits in food and pharmaceutical products. In this work, the edible algal oil rich in DHA-triacylglycerol (DHA-TAG) without pretreatment was first used as the DHA donor for the transesterification of phospholipids (PLs) to prepare three kinds of rare PLs, including DHA-PC, DHA-phosphatidylethanolamine (DHA-PE), and DHA-phosphatidylserine (DHA-PS). Here, 153 protein structures of triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) were virtually screened and evaluated by transesterification. PLA1 was the best candidate due to a higher DHA incorporation. Results showed that the transesterification of PC with DHA-TAG at 45°C and 0.7% water content (without additional water addition) could produce DHA-PC with 39.1% DHA incorporation at 30 min. The different DHA donors, including forms of fatty acid, methyl ester, and triglycerides, were compared. Molecular dynamics (MD) was used to illustrate the catalytic mechanism at the molecular level containing the diffusions of substrates, the structure-activity relationship of PLA1, and the effect of water content.
Serum HBsAg and HBcrAg is associated with inflammation in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Zhao Jing , Bian Dandan , Liao Hao , Wang Yang , Ren Yan , Jiang Yingying , Liu Shuang , Chen Xinyue , Hu Zhongjie , Duan Zhongping , Lu Fengmin , Zheng Sujun
Published: March 2023

Backgrounds & aims

Liver inflammation is the main risk factor for developing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. To replace biopsy, additional non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose and grade liver necroinflammation are urgently required in clinical practice.

Method

Ninety-four CHB patients, including 74 HBeAg-positive and 20 HBeAg-negative patients, were enrolled and started entecavir or adefovir therapy. Serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), ALT and AST levels, as well as intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA were measured at baseline and during treatment. Liver inflammation was assessed at baseline and month 60 by liver biopsy. Inflammation regression was defined as a ≥1-grade decrease according to the Scheuer scoring system.

Results

In HBeAg-positive CHB patients, at baseline, serum HBsAg and HBcrAg levels negatively correlated with inflammation grade, while ALT and AST levels positively correlated with inflammation grade. AST plus HBsAg exhibited excellent diagnostic ability for significant inflammation with an AUROC of 0.896. After 60 months of antiviral treatment, almost all the patients’ liver inflammation ameliorated to G1, and no patients had inflammation progression.

Conclusion

Besides ALT and AST, serum HBsAg and HBcrAg correlated with inflammation grade in HBeAg-positive CHB patients before NAs treatment. Moreover, the combination of HBsAg and AST exhibited excellent diagnostic ability for significant inflammation.
European dietitians as key agents of the green transition: An exploratory study of their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and training
Authors: Muñoz-Martínez Júlia , Carrillo-Álvarez Elena , Janiszewska Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

Introduction

How food systems are currently provisioning food to the population is a matter of debate worldwide. Food systems, driven by widespread and increasing adherence to a westernized dietary pattern, are failing to meet people’s basic needs and are draining natural resources. There is a push to make food systems more healthy, fair, and sustainable. To this end, action from all players is needed to meet the international agenda. In this regard, dietitians play a crucial role, as they can provide advice and promote actions that foster the adoption of more sustainable dietary patterns (SDP) as well as the promotion of sustainable food systems. As an emerging requirement in their training, it is crucial to know what dietitians know about SDP as well as their attitudes and current practices in this field in order to strengthen their competences and be key agents for the green transition. For this reason, the aim of the present study is to explore the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and training (KAPT) of European dietitians on SDP by administering an online survey.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey administered between April-August 2021 to dietitians based in the European countries with National Dietetic Associations or Education Associate Members affiliated to the European Federation of Associations of Dietitians (EFAD). Results were analyzed based on European region of professional practice (Northern/Southern/Western/South-East Europe), area of expertise and years of experience.

Results

Responses from 2211 dietitians from 25 countries were received, although the analysis was based on those that responded at least 90% of the survey (n=208). European dietitians are lacking training on SDP but are willing to learn more about it. Most dietitians perceive themselves as able to define an SDP, although aspects concerning social and economic sustainability were underestimated. Dietitians concur that barriers exist to the promotion of SDP, such as the lack of updated national food-based dietary guidelines and the absence of support from peers and managers. The country of professional activity seemed to be key to influencing dietitians’ KAPT.

Discussion

These results emphasize the need to strengthen European dietitians’ training in SDP and increase public/private commitment to consider dietitians as key professionals for the transition towards SDP.
Pathogenesis and therapy of radiation enteritis with gut microbiota
Authors: Yang Qilin , Qin Bingzhi , Hou Weiliang , Qin Huanlong , Yin Fang
Published: March 2023

Radiotherapy is widely used in clinic due to its good effect for cancer treatment. But radiotherapy of malignant tumors in the abdomen and pelvis is easy to cause radiation enteritis complications. Gastrointestinal tract contains numerous microbes, most of which are mutualistic relationship with the host. Abdominal radiation results in gut microbiota dysbiosis. Microbial therapy can directly target gut microbiota to reverse microbiota dysbiosis, hence relieving intestinal inflammation. In this review, we mainly summarized pathogenesis and novel therapy of the radiation-induced intestinal injury with gut microbiota dysbiosis and envision the opportunities and challenges of radiation enteritis therapy.
Optimal experimental design for efficient toxicity testing in microphysiological systems: A bone marrow application
Authors: Cairns Jonathan , Leonard Emilyanne , Khan Kainat , Parks Conor , Maglennon Gareth , Zhang Bairu , Lazic Stanley E. , Ewart Lorna , David Rhiannon
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Microphysiological systems (MPS; organ-on-a-chip) aim to recapitulate the 3D organ microenvironment and improve clinical predictivity relative to previous approaches. Though MPS studies provide great promise to explore treatment options in a multifactorial manner, they are often very complex. It is therefore important to assess and manage technical confounding factors, to maximise power, efficiency and scalability.

Methods: As an illustration of how MPS studies can benefit from a systematic evaluation of confounders, we developed an experimental design approach for a bone marrow (BM) MPS and tested it for a specified context of use, the assessment of lineage-specific toxicity.

Results: We demonstrated the accuracy of our multicolour flow cytometry set-up to determine cell type and maturity, and the viability of a “repeated measures” design where we sample from chips repeatedly for increased scalability and robustness. Importantly, we demonstrated an optimal way to arrange technical confounders. Accounting for these confounders in a mixed-model analysis pipeline increased power, which meant that the expected lineage-specific toxicities following treatment with olaparib or carboplatin were detected earlier and at lower doses. Furthermore, we performed a sample size analysis to estimate the appropriate number of replicates required for different effect sizes. This experimental design-based approach will generalise to other MPS set-ups.

Discussion: This design of experiments approach has established a groundwork for a reliable and reproducible in vitro analysis of BM toxicity in a MPS, and the lineage-specific toxicity data demonstrate the utility of this model for BM toxicity assessment. Toxicity data demonstrate the utility of this model for BM toxicity assessment.
Primary plant nutrients modulate the reactive oxygen species metabolism and mitigate the impact of cold stress in overseeded perennial ryegrass
Authors: Ihtisham Muhammad , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , El-Sappah Ahmed H. , Zaman Fawad , Khan Nawab , Raza Ali , Sarraf Mohammad , Khan Shamshad , Abbas Manzar , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Li Jia , Zhao Xianming , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2023

Overseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) turf on dormant bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Pers. L) in transitional climatic zones (TCZ) experience a severe reduction in its growth due to cold stress. Primary plant nutrients play an important role in the cold stress tolerance of plants. To better understand the cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass under TCZ, a three-factor and five-level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with a regression model was used to study the interactive effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization on lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and their detoxification by the photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The study demonstrated substantial effects of N, P, and K fertilization on ROS production and their detoxification through enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress. Our results demonstrated that the cold stress significantly enhanced malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, and hydrogen peroxide contents, while simultaneously decreasing ROS-scavenging enzymes, antioxidants, and photosynthetic pigments in overseeded perennial ryegrass. However, N, P, and K application mitigated cold stress-provoked adversities by enhancing soluble protein, superoxide dismutase, peroxide dismutase, catalase, and proline contents as compared to the control conditions. Moreover, N, P, and, K application enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress as compared to the control treatments. Collectively, this 2−years study indicated that N, P, and K fertilization mitigated cold stress by activating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants defense systems, thereby concluding that efficient nutrient management is the key to enhanced cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass in a transitional climate. These findings revealed that turfgrass management will not only rely on breeding new varieties but also on the development of nutrient management strategies for coping cold stress.
A comparison of physiological intensity and psychological perceptions during three different group exercise formats
Authors: Gottschall Jinger S. , Hastings Bryce
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Past research highlighted that group fitness is an ideal format to meet exercise prescription guidelines. To add, a group enhances exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction. In the last five years, streaming (live classes on screen with other participants visible) and on demand (pre-recorded classes on screen without other participants visible) formats have grown in popularity. Our goal is to compare the physiological intensity and psychological perceptions of live group, live streaming, and non-live on demand classes. We hypothesize that live classes will have the greatest cardiovascular intensity, enjoyment, and satisfaction followed by streaming and finally on demand.

Methods

Fifty-four adults between 18–63 years, who regularly participate in group fitness classes, recorded their heart rate with a chest transmitter during a mixed-martial arts cardiovascular class on consecutive weeks in random order. We calculated the mean, identified the max, and extracted the top 300 values (5 min) for comparison between conditions.

Results

Following each class, the participants completed an online survey to evaluate their rate of perceived exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Confirming our hypothesis, mean class heart rate and mean heart rate for the five minutes at the highest intensity were 9% greater during the live group format compared to both live streaming and non-live on demand (all values, p < 0.01). However, there was no difference in any heart rate variables between the streaming and on demand formats. Also, rate of perceived exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction were all significantly greater during the live session compared to the home collections (all values, p < 0.05).

Discussion

Streaming and on demand group fitness formats are viable options for meeting exercise prescription guidelines. But physiological intensity and psychological perceptions were greater during the live class format.
Tightly Coupled 3D Lidar Inertial SLAM for Ground Robot
Authors: Li Daosheng , Sun Bo , Liu Ruyu , Xue Ruilei
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a robotic state estimation and map construction method. The traditional lidar SLAM methods are affected by sensor measurement noise, which causes the estimated trajectory to drift, especially along the altitude direction caused by lidar noise. In this paper, ground parameters in the environment are extracted to construct the ground factors to compress the trajectory estimation drifting along the altitude direction using the characteristics of constant robot pose relative to the ground. Our method uses tightly coupled lidar and inertial to obtain low-drift lidar odometry factors by factor graph optimization. The optimized lidar odometry factors are then added to a global factor graph, together with ground, loop closure, and GPS factors to obtain accurate robot state estimation and mapping after factor graph optimization. The experimental results show that our method has comparable results with advanced lidar SLAM methods, and even performs better in some complex and large-scale environments.
Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation: Considerations for Improving Clinical Practice
Authors: Chatwin Michelle , Wakeman Ruth Helen
Published: March 2023

The provision of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) devices to enhance cough efficacy is increasing. Typically, MI-E devices are used to augment cough in patients with neuromuscular disorders but also in patients who are weak in an acute care setting. Despite a growing evidence base for the use of these devices, there are barriers to the provision of MI-E, including clinician lack of knowledge and confidence. Enhancing clinician education and confidence is key. Individualized or protocolized approaches can be used to initiate MI-E. Evaluation of MI-E efficacy is critical. One method to evaluate effectiveness of MI-E is the MI-E-assisted cough peak flow (CPF). However, this should always be considered alongside other factors discussed in this review. The purpose of this review is to increase the theoretical understanding of the provision and evaluation of MI-E and provide insight into how this knowledge can be applied into clinical practice. Approaches to initiation and titration can be selected based on the clinical situation, patient diagnosis (including and beyond neuromuscular disorders), and clinician’s confidence.
Analysis of the Formation of Characteristic Aroma Compounds by Amino Acid Metabolic Pathways during Fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lu Xingjun , Yang Chao , Yang Yingdi , Peng Bangzhu
Published: March 2023

Amino acid metabolic pathways can have profound impacts on the activities of key enzymes in the biosynthesis of specific aroma compounds during yeast fermentation. Aroma compounds, pyruvic acid and glucose were monitored in relation to the key enzymes of leucine aminotransferase (LTR), phenylalanine aminotransferase (PAL), pyruvate kinase (PK) and acetyl-CoA in the amino acid metabolic pathways during the fermentation of simulated juice systems with added amino acids in order to explore the formation of characteristic aroma compounds. The addition of L-phenylalanine or L-leucine to the simulated juice systems significantly improved the activities of PK, PAL and LTR, and the content of acetyl-CoA, and significantly increased the concentrations of phenylethyl alcohol, octanoic acid, isoamyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and ethyl caprylate during fermentation. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between PAL, LTR, PK and acetyl-CoA and pyruvic acid formation. Path analysis revealed that the addition of amino acids affected the metabolism of pyruvate to alcohols, acids and esters to some extent.
Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Fungi of the Genus Cytospora Ehrenb. (Ascomycota)
Authors: Kianfé Boris Yotta , Tchamgoue Joseph , Narmani Abolfazl , Teponno Rémy Bertrand , Njouonkou André-Ledoux , Stadler Marc , Fogue Kouam Simeon
Published: March 2023

Cytospora is a genus of fungi belonging to the Cytosporaceae family (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota) considered as a prolific source of specialized metabolites due to their ability to produce diverse secondary metabolites with a broad range of biological activities. Since the first chemical investigation of this genus in the 1980s, further studies have led to the isolation and structural elucidation of several bioactive compounds including cytosporones, nonanolides, macrocyclic dilactones, and terpenoids. This review summarizes, for the first time, the chemical diversity of bioactive secondary metabolites from the genus Cytospora and highlights its potential as an alternative source of secondary metabolites for pharmacological studies. Moreover, this review will serve as a basis for future investigations of compounds of this genus.
A General Picture of Cucurbit[8]uril Host–Guest Binding: Recalibrating Bonded Interactions
Authors: Sun Zhaoxi , He Qiaole , Gong Zhihao , Kalhor Payam , Huai Zhe , Liu Zhirong
Published: March 2023

Atomic-level understanding of the dynamic feature of host–guest interactions remains a central challenge in supramolecular chemistry. The remarkable guest binding behavior of the Cucurbiturils family of supramolecular containers makes them promising drug carriers. Among Cucurbit[n]urils, Cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) has an intermediate portal size and cavity volume. It can exploit almost all host–guest recognition motifs formed by this host family. In our previous work, an extensive computational investigation of the binding of seven commonly abused and structurally diverse drugs to the CB8 host was performed, and a general dynamic binding picture of CB8-guest interactions was obtained. Further, two widely used fixed-charge models for drug-like molecules were investigated and compared in great detail, aiming at providing guidelines in choosing an appropriate charge scheme in host-guest modelling. Iterative refitting of atomic charges leads to improved binding thermodynamics and the best root-mean-squared deviation from the experimental reference is 2.6 kcal/mol. In this work, we focus on a thorough evaluation of the remaining parts of classical force fields, i.e., the bonded interactions. The widely used general Amber force fields are assessed and refitted with generalized force-matching to improve the intra-molecular conformational preference, and thus the description of inter-molecular host–guest interactions. The interaction pattern and binding thermodynamics show a significant dependence on the modelling parameters. The refitted system-specific parameter set improves the consistency of the modelling results and the experimental reference significantly. Finally, combining the previous charge-scheme comparison and the current force-field refitting, we provide general guidelines for the theoretical modelling of host–guest binding.
The Reason Beer Makes You Pee and Why You Should Abstain before Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Briguglio Matteo
Published: March 2023

Hydration practices in the view of hip, knee, or spine surgery instruct patients to avoid caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and sugar-sweetened drinks because they adversely impact body fluid homeostasis. However, some patients might be inclined to not include beer among the prohibited beverages because of its low alcohol content and conflicting evidence about its rehydrating effects. The author of this opinion article discusses the shreds of evidence that establish beer as a drink to avoid prior to orthopedic surgery.
Developing a Mediterranean Healthy Food Basket and an Updated Australian Healthy Food Basket Modelled on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating
Authors: Bracci Ella L. , Davis Courtney R. , Murphy Karen J.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Australian healthy food baskets are typically modelled off the Government Guidelines for healthy eating. However, these baskets have not been updated recently, nor has there been a Mediterranean Diet basket developed for an Australian population despite research suggesting high adherence is possible and subsequent health benefits observed. Food baskets typically only present the nutrition profile or the cost of a basket, seldom both. Methods: Baskets were developed based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, The Mediterranean Diet and typical Australian dietary intake (Western Diet). Four reference families were created based on data from Australian censuses and population statistics. Seven-day meal plans for reference families were entered into Foodworks software and aimed to meet 100% of nutrition and energy requirements. Basket costs were calculated from Coles Australia online. Results: The AGHE basket met all NRVs except for VLCN3 for the 7-year-old male (73% adequate intake). The Mediterranean Diet met all NRVs except zinc (44-year-old male) ranging from 98 to 257% of the RDI. The Western Diet failed to meet NRVs for numerous nutrients. The MedDiet baskets were generally cheaper ($78 for a one-person household to $285 for a four-person household) than AGHE and Western Diet. Discussion: Meeting nutrition requirements over seven days for zinc can be challenging for males. Fortified products provide an opportunity to improve nutrient profile; however, nutrient intake should equilibrate over time. Further, cost saving strategies can increase affordability. This research suggests a MedDiet is not more costly than a typical Western Diet or healthy AGHE diet.
Immunomodulatory Properties of Vitamin D in the Intestinal and Respiratory Systems
Authors: Hamza Fatheia N. , Daher Sarah , Fakhoury Hana M. A. , Grant William B. , Kvietys Peter R. , Al-Kattan Khaled
Published: March 2023

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in modulating the innate immune response by interacting with its intracellular receptor, VDR. In this review, we address vitamin D/VDR signaling and how it contributes to the regulation of intestinal and respiratory microbiota. We additionally review some components of the innate immune system, such as the barrier function of the pulmonary and intestinal epithelial membranes and secretion of mucus, with their respective modulation by vitamin D. We also explore the mechanisms by which this vitamin D/VDR signaling mounts an antimicrobial response through the transduction of microbial signals and the production of antimicrobial peptides that constitute one of the body’s first lines of defense against pathogens. Additionally, we highlight the role of vitamin D in clinical diseases, namely inflammatory bowel disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, where excessive inflammatory responses and dysbiosis are hallmarks. Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation may have potentially beneficial effects on those diseases.
Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Gruca Marta , Zamojska Justyna , Niewiadomska-Jarosik Katarzyna , Wosiak Agnieszka , Stasiak Aleksandra , Sikorska Karolina , Stańczyk Jerzy , Smolewska Elżbieta
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Intima–media complex thickness (IMT), selected metabolic parameters and health behaviors were assessed in the course of the study. Methods: The study included study group, which consisted of 45 patients with JIA and 37 healthy age- and sex-matched children in the control group. Analyses in both groups included anthropometric parameters, laboratory tests, IMT and a questionnaire on exposure to modifiable CVD risk factors. Results: The study confirmed that CVD risk factors were present in both groups of patients. Significantly more children with JIA had abnormal BMI (p = 0.006) compared to the control group. Children in the study group were more likely to consume fruit regularly (p = 0.021) and less likely to consume fast food (p = 0.011) and sweetened beverages (p = 0.042) than children in the control group. Only 1 patient with JIA met criteria for ideal cardiovascular health. Dietary habits were not associated with IMT values, BMI, presence of joint pain or biochemical parameters in the study group. Conclusions: Patients with JIA are exposed to cardiovascular risk factors equally to their healthy peers. Ideal cardiovascular health should be pursued in the pediatric population with particular attention paid to patients with chronic diseases (i.e., JIA). The application of carotid artery IMT measurement in the assessment of CVD risk requires studies on a larger group of patients.
Childhood Obesity and Plasma Micronutrient Deficit of Chilean Children between 4 and 14 Years Old
Authors: Castillo-Valenzuela Oscar , Duarte Lissette , Arredondo Miguel , Iñiguez Germán , Villarroel Luis , Pérez-Bravo Francisco
Published: March 2023

Objective: To analyze the nutritional status and plasma levels of vitamins and minerals in a cohort of Chilean children between 4 and 14 years old from three cities in Chile (Santiago, Antofagasta, and Concepcion). Design: This is a descriptive analysis of micronutrient levels in Chilean children as it relates to obesity and food consumption. Setting: This study included 1235 children from schools in Santiago (central area), Antofagasta (northern area), and Concepcion (southern area) in Chile. Results: Plasma levels of micronutrients revealed deficiencies in children from all these cities. Copper (26.4%) and calcium (33.0%) deficiencies were found in the children from Antofagasta, whereas iron (26.7%) and zinc (20.8%) deficiencies were found in the children from Concepcion and Santiago, respectively. The percentage of children with vitamin D deficiencies was exceptionally high in all cities (over 78%). The analysis of micronutrients and nutritional status revealed that vitamin D deficiencies were significantly higher (p = 0.02) in overweight children, particularly in Antofagasta. In the analysis of the nutritional status of children and their food consumption habits, the proportion of overweight and obesity was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in children that skipped breakfast compared to children that did not. Finally, children from low socioeconomic levels were significantly more overweight and obese compared to children from high socioeconomic levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: this is the first study to describe plasma levels of micronutrients in Chilean children and adolescents. High percentages of obesity, overweight, and vitamin D deficiency were detected in children. These results are of significant relevance to future public health policies in Chile.
Akkermansia muciniphila Cell-Free Supernatant Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolisms in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wu Zhong-Qin , Chen Xin-Ming , Ma Hui-Qin , Li Ke , Wang Yuan-Liang , Li Zong-Jun
Published: March 2023

To explore the mechanism by which Akkermansia muciniphila cell-free supernatant improves glucose and lipid metabolisms in Caenorhabditis elegans, the present study used different dilution concentrations of Akkermansia muciniphila cell-free supernatant as an intervention for with Caenorhabditis elegans under a high-glucose diet. The changes in lifespan, exercise ability, level of free radicals, and characteristic indexes of glucose and lipid metabolisms were studied. Furthermore, the expression of key genes of glucose and lipid metabolisms was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that A. muciniphila cell-free supernatant significantly improved the movement ability, prolonged the lifespan, reduced the level of ROS, and alleviated oxidative damage in Caenorhabditis elegans. A. muciniphila cell-free supernatant supported resistance to increases in glucose and triglyceride induced by a high-glucose diet and downregulated the expression of key genes of glucose metabolism, such as gsy-1, pygl-1, pfk-1.1, and pyk-1, while upregulating the expression of key genes of lipid metabolism, such as acs-2, cpt-4, sbp-1, and tph-1, as well as down-regulating the expression of the fat-7 gene to inhibit fatty acid biosynthesis. These findings indicated that A. muciniphila cell-free supernatant, as a postbiotic, has the potential to prevent obesity and improve glucose metabolism disorders and other diseases.
The Impact of Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus-Related Mortality among U.S. Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Honda Trenton J. , Kazemiparkouhi Fatemeh , Suh Helen
Published: March 2023

Background: Little of the previous literature has investigated associations between air pollution exposure and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-related mortality, despite a well-established link between air pollution exposure and other autoimmune diseases. Methods: In a cohort of 53 million Medicare beneficiaries living across the conterminous United States, we used Cox proportional hazard models to assess the association of long-term PM2.5 and NO2 exposures on T1DM-related mortality from 2000 to 2008. Models included strata for age, sex, race, and ZIP code and controlled for neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES); we additionally investigated associations in two-pollutant models, and whether associations were modified by participant demographics. Results: A 10 μg/m3 increase in 12-month average PM2.5 (HR: 1.183; 95% CI: 1.037–1.349) and a 10 ppb increase in NO2 (HR: 1.248; 95% CI: 1.089–1.431) was associated with an increased risk of T1DM-related mortality in age-, sex-, race-, ZIP code-, and SES-adjusted models. Associations for both pollutants were consistently stronger among Black (PM2.5: HR:1.877, 95% CI: 1.386–2.542; NO2: HR: 1.586, 95% CI: 1.258–2.001) and female (PM2.5: HR:1.297, 95% CI: 1.101–1.529; NO2: HR: 1.390, 95% CI: 1.187–1.627) beneficiaries. Conclusions: Long-term NO2 and, to a lesser extent, PM2.5 exposure is associated with statistically significant elevations in T1DM-related mortality risk.