bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional multimedia audit reveals a multinational commercial milk formula industry circumventing the Philippine Milk Code with misinformation, manipulation, and cross-promotion campaigns
Authors: Capili Donna Isabel S. , Datu-Sanguyo Janice , Mogol-Sales Claire S. , Zambrano Paul , Nguyen Tuan T. , Cashin Jennifer , Mathisen Roger
Published: February 2023

The Philippine Milk Code was enacted in 1986 to protect breastfeeding and reduce inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS). The Philippine Milk Code is categorized as “substantially aligned” with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (“the Code”), but its provisions are assessed as relatively weak in prohibiting promotion to the general public. The extent to which violations of the Philippine Milk Code persist in traditional media platforms and in the digital space has not been systematically explored. This study employed a cross-sectional multimedia audit to examine the marketing and promotion of products under the scope of the Code, as well as those regulated by the Philippine Milk Code. Through a media monitoring conducted from March to September 2018, a total of 430 unique television (n = 32), printed (n = 87) and online (n = 311) promotional materials were identified. A coding tool was used to analyze the content, including the marketing elements used in the materials. Our findings show that commercial milk formula (CMF) for children ≥36 months old was the most promoted type of product (n = 251); and staging of events (n = 211), provision of special discounts or financial inducements (n = 115) and the use of taglines (n = 112) were the most used marketing elements. Promotion of CMF for children <36 months old was uncommon, which supports the conclusion that there is broad compliance with the Philippine Milk Code in terms of the types of products promoted. However, analysis of marketing elements reveals that the CMF industry circumvents the Philippine Milk Code through the use of false and misleading health and nutrition claims, emotionally manipulative language in promotional materials, and cross-promotion. The findings indicate gaps in enforcement and regulatory measures that require urgent attention.
Effects of selenium supplementation on concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-parallel controlled phase II clinical trial
Authors: Yang Mei , Pei Bo , Hu Qiancheng , Li Xiaoying , Fang Xiping , Huang Xue , Yang Zunjing , Chen Jiaquan , He Du , Sun Guogen , Lv Peng , Wang Li , Zhang Zixiong , Lai Lin , Huang Chuying
Published: February 2023

Objective

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and may affect cervical cancer occurrence and progression. The association between selenium supplementation and acute toxic reactions and clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the safety profile of add-on Se yeast and assess the potential of Se to ameliorate the hematologic toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

Patients with Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB cervical cancer who met all inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received Se yeast tablets (100 μg Se, twice daily), while the control group received placebos (twice daily) for 5 weeks in total. All patients in both groups received standard treatment, including pelvic external irradiation, concurrent five cycles of chemotherapy, and brachytherapy. Measures included the incidence of myelosuppression, impairment of liver and kidney function, objective response rate (ORR), and blood Se concentrations before, during and after the treatment of the two groups.

Results

A total of 104 eligible patients were enrolled in the experimental group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 54). The ORR in the experimental group and control group were 96 and 94%, respectively (p = 0.47). The baseline levels of blood Se before treatment in the experimental and control groups were similar (58.34 ± 17.63 μg/L and 60.21 ± 18.42 μg/L, p = 0.60), but the concentrations became significantly different after course completion between the two groups (76.16 ± 24.47 μg/L and 57.48 ± 14.92 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.01). Se dramatically decreased the incidence of grade 3 myelosuppression (48% vs. 63%, p = 0.034) compared to the control group. In the subgroup of patients with moderately well-differentiated cervical cancer, the incidence of thrombocytopenia induced by concurrent chemoradiotherapy was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (53.8% vs. 78.9%, p < 0.01). However, no difference was observed in liver and kidney injuries between the two groups.

Conclusion

Supplementation with Se effectively increased blood Se levels in Se-inadequate cervical cancer patients. As an add-on to standard treatment, Se-yeast significantly decreased the hematologic toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
Case Report: Transient antenatal bartter syndrome in an extremely preterm infant with a novel MAGED2 variant
Authors: Yang Hongyuan , Liu Zhiyong , Wu Yaying , Xu Jinglin , He Ying , Wang Ruiquan , Zhang Weifeng , Chen Dongmei
Published: February 2023

Variants in the MAGED2 may cause antenatal transient Bartter syndrome, which is characterised by polyhydramnios, preterm labour, postnatal polyuria, hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis. Transient gross hematuria and acute kidney injury in such cases have not been reported previously. The patient, a boy, was born at a gestational age of 27 + 5 weeks. Polyhydramnios has been detected at 24 weeks of gestation. Polyuria, hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, weight loss, transient hematuria and acute kidney injury occur after birth. The urinary ultrasonography showed no abnormality, and after a month of treatment with liquid electrolytes and nutritional management, the clinical symptoms improved. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a variant in MAGED2: c.1426C > T, p.Arg476X, inherited from the mother, who was healthy. During the 1-year follow-up, the child grew and developed with normal renal function and electrolyte levels. This is the first report of transient antenatal Bartter syndrome caused by a MAGED2 variant in China in an extremely preterm infant who exhibited previously unreported symptoms: transient hematuria and acute kidney injury. This newly found variant expands the spectrum of genetic variants associated with antenatal Bartter syndrome; it can be detected by early genetic testing and overmedication, thereby avoided.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies heparan sulfate proteoglycans acting as different progress subtypes of biliary atresia
Authors: Ding Zequan , Song Wenyu , Zhu Wei , Xie Hua , Zhu Zhongxian , Tang Weibing
Published: February 2023

Background

Biliary atresia (BA) is a life-threatening disorder, which is characterized by the obliteration of biliary tracts. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are important regulators in liver diseases. Whether HSPGs participate in the development of BA is poorly understood.

Methods

RNA-seq dataset GSE122340, including 171 BA and 7 normal liver tissue, was integrated for bioinformatic analysis. R function “wilcox.test” was used to compare HSPGs expression levels, and “cor.test” was used to evaluate the correlation analysis. MCPcounter was used to assess the abundance of immunocytes. Molecular subtypes of BA were clustered via NMF clustering and LASSO regression was applied to screen hub HSPGs genes in BA clusters. RT-PCR analysis was used to assess the expression of hub HSPGs in BA liver. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence assay were used to evaluated the location and expression of hub HSPGs in BA liver tissue.

Results

Majority of HSPGs was up-regulated in BA and correlated with liver fibrosis and ductular reaction markers. The abundance of immunocytes was higher in BA and associated with HSPGs. Based on the expression of HSPGs, BA patients were classified into 3 subtypes (C1, C2, and C3). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed C1 subtype had severe liver injury with SDC4 identified as the hub gene, while C3 subtype presented relatively normal liver condition with GPC3 identified as the hub gene. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the expression levels of 2 hub genes in BA liver tissue with different jaundice clearance standards. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence assay showed that SDC4 was mostly expressed in ductular reaction area, while GPC3 was mostly expressed in hepatocytes.

Conclusion

Majority of HSPGs are aberrant expressed in BA. The subtype hub gene SDC4 and GPC3 might be used as a potential indicator for different types of prognosis.
Characteristics and treatment of congenital perineal groove in male patients
Authors: Wang Kai , Pang Wenbo , Chen Wei , Zhang Dan , Wu Dongyang , Chen Yajun
Published: February 2023

Background

Congenital perineal groove (CPG) of male patients has rarely been reported before. The purpose of this study was to review our cases and describe their characteristics and treatment.

Methods

Four male patients diagnosed with CPG were included in this study. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Type of CPG and anal position index (API) of the patients were recorded. Follow-up was through outpatient visits.

Results

Their age ranged from 4 years and 2 months to 10 years and 9 months. Among the four patients, two complained of intermittent CPG mucosal hemorrhage and the other two had mucous secreting and soiling. The API was 0.24, 0.35, 0.36, and 0.40 for each patient, respectively, all represented anterior displacement. Type of CPG for the four patients were all partial, and the sulcus was from the posterior perineum to the edge of anus. Two patients were associated with hydrocele, imperforated anus, and rectoperineal fistula; one patient had left varicocele; the remaining patient had sacrum split. All the patients had no postoperative complication, and during the follow-up period of 5–8 months, no symptoms recurred in the four patients; they all had normal defecation.

Conclusions

Both genders share the common three characteristics. In addition, shortened perineum with anterior anus, association of perineal malformations, and partial type occurrence are the extra morphological features in male patients. Furthermore, CPG in males are rarely accompanied by urinary tract infection. Favorable prognosis could be reached after operation.
Genetic diversity, population structure, and selection of breeder germplasm subsets from the USDA sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) collection
Authors: Slonecki Tyler J. , Rutter William B. , Olukolu Bode A. , Yencho G. Craig , Jackson D. Michael , Wadl Phillip A.
Published: February 2023

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is the sixth most important food crop and plays a critical role in maintaining food security worldwide. Support for sweetpotato improvement research in breeding and genetics programs, and maintenance of sweetpotato germplasm collections is essential for preserving food security for future generations. Germplasm collections seek to preserve phenotypic and genotypic diversity through accession characterization. However, due to its genetic complexity, high heterogeneity, polyploid genome, phenotypic plasticity, and high flower production variability, sweetpotato genetic characterization is challenging. Here, we characterize the genetic diversity and population structure of 604 accessions from the sweetpotato germplasm collection maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (PGRCU) in Griffin, Georgia, United States. Using the genotyping-by-sequencing platform (GBSpoly) and bioinformatic pipelines (ngsComposer and GBSapp), a total of 102,870 polymorphic SNPs with hexaploid dosage calls were identified from the 604 accessions. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and Bayesian clustering identified six unique genetic groupings across seven broad geographic regions. Genetic diversity analyses using the hexaploid data set revealed ample genetic diversity among the analyzed collection in concordance with previous analyses. Following population structure and diversity analyses, breeder germplasm subsets of 24, 48, 96, and 384 accessions were established using K-means clustering with manual selection to maintain phenotypic and genotypic diversity. The genetic characterization of the PGRCU sweetpotato germplasm collection and breeder germplasm subsets developed in this study provide the foundation for future association studies and serve as precursors toward phenotyping studies aimed at linking genotype with phenotype.
Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of a cytoplasmic male sterility line and associated maintainer line in soybean
Authors: Wang Dagang , Wang Yanan , Zhang Lei , Yang Yong , Wu Qian , Hu Guoyu , Wang Weihu , Li Jiekun , Huang Zhiping
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Heterosis is a critical phenomenon in crop improvement. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and Restorer gene (Rf) systems are essential components for heterosis-based breeding. However, the molecular mechanism underlying CMS remains largely unclear in soybean.

Methods

We integrated a morphological investigation with comparative analyses of transcriptomic and proteomic changes in pollen from the CMS line W931A and its maintainer line, W931B, at the uninucleate microspore (UM) and binucleate pollen (BP) stages.

Results

Compared to W931B, which had healthy, oval pollen grains, W931A showed shrunken or degraded pollen grains with an irregularly thickened endothelium and decreased starch accumulation. Transcriptomic comparisons revealed a total of 865 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in W931A over the two stages. These genes were primarily associated with pentose and glucuronate interconversions, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. Proteomic analysis revealed 343 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which were mainly involved in carbon metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and nitrogen metabolism. Consistently, Gene Ontology (GO) biological process terms related to pollen development were enriched among DEGs at the UM and BP stages. Notably, four genes with demonstrated roles in pollen development were differentially expressed, including AGAMOUS-LIKE 104, PROTEIN-TYROSINE-PHOSPHATASE 1, and PHOSPHOLIPASE A2. A total of 53 genes and the corresponding proteins were differentially expressed in W931A at both the UM and BP stages, and many of these were pectinesterases, polygalacturonases, peroxidases, and ATPases.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that pollen development in W931A is likely regulated through suppression of the identified DEGs and DEPs. These findings increase our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying CMS in soybean, aiding future research into soybean fertility and promoting the efficient use of heterosis for soybean improvement.
Design and validation of a multi-objective waypoint planning algorithm for UAV spraying in orchards based on improved ant colony algorithm
Authors: Tian Haoxin , Mo Zhenjie , Ma Chenyang , Xiao Junqi , Jia Ruichang , Lan Yubin , Zhang Yali
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Current aerial plant protection with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) usually applies full coverage route planning, which is challenging for plant protection operations in the orchards in South China. Because the fruit planting has the characteristics of dispersal and irregularity, full-coverage route spraying causes re-application as well as missed application, resulting in environmental pollution. Therefore, it is of great significance to plan an efficient, low-consumption and accurate plant protection route considering the flight characteristics of UAVs and orchard planting characteristics.

Methods

This study proposes a plant protection route planning algorithm to solve the waypoint planning problem of UAV multi-objective tasks in orchard scenes. By improving the heuristic function in Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), the algorithm combines corner cost and distance cost for multi-objective node optimization. At the same time, a sorting optimization mechanism was introduced to speed up the iteration speed of the algorithm and avoid the influence of inferior paths on the optimal results. Finally, Multi-source Ant Colony Optimization (MS-ACO) was proposed after cleaning the nodes of the solution path.

Results

The simulation results of the three test fields show that compared with ACO, the path length optimization rate of MS-ACO are 3.89%, 4.6% and 2.86%, respectively, the optimization rate of total path angles are 21.94%, 45.06% and 55.94%, respectively, and the optimization rate of node numbers are 61.05%, 74.84% and 75.47%, respectively. MS-ACO can effectively reduce the corner cost and the number of nodes. The results of field experiments show that for each test field, MS-ACO has a significant optimization effect compared with ACO, with an optimization rate of energy consumption per meter of more than 30%, the optimization rate of flight time are 46.67%, 56% and 59.01%, respectively, and the optimization rate of corner angle are 50.76%, 61.78% and 71.1%, respectively.

Discussion

The feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm were further verified. The algorithm proposed in this study can optimize the spraying path according to the position of each fruit tree and the flight characteristics of UAV, effectively reduce the energy consumption of UAV flight, improve the operating efficiency, and provide technical reference for the waypoint planning of plant protection UAV in the orchard scene.
Enriching drought resistance in Solanum lycopersicum using Abscisic acid as drought enhancer derived from Lygodium japonicum: A new-fangled computational approach
Authors: Perveen Kahkashan , Alfagham Alanoud T. , Debnath Sandip , Bukhari Najat A. , Wei Dong-Qing , Alshaikh Najla A. , Alwadai Aisha Saleh
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Drought is the largest abiotic factor impacting agriculture. Plants are challenged by both natural and artificial stressors because they are immobile. To produce drought-resistant plants, we need to know how plants react to drought. A largescale proteome study of leaf and root tissue found drought-responsive proteins. Tomato as a vegetable is grown worldwide. Agricultural biotechnology focuses on creating drought-resistant cultivars. This is important because tomato drought is so widespread. Breeders have worked to improve tomato quality, production, and stress resistance. Conventional breeding approaches have only increased drought tolerance because of drought’s complexity. Many studies have examined how tomatoes handle drought. With genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and modern sequencing technologies, it’s easier to find drought-responsive genes.

Method

Biotechnology and in silico studies has helped demonstrate the function of drought-sensitive genes and generate drought-resistant plant types. The latest tomato genome editing technology is another. WRKY genes are plant transcription factors. They help plants grow and respond to both natural and artificial stimuli. To make plants that can handle stress, we need to know how WRKY-proteins, which are transcription factors, work with other proteins and ligands in plant cells by molecular docking and modeling study.

Result

Abscisic acid, a plant hormone generated in stressed roots, was used here to make plants drought-resistant. Abscisic acid binds WRKY with binding affinity -7.4kcal/mol and inhibitory concentration (Ki) 0.12 microM.

Discussion

This study aims to modulate the transcription factor so plants can handle drought and stress better. Therefore, polyphenols found to make Solanum lycopersicum more drought-tolerant.
Integrated TTF and self-determination theories in higher education: The role of actual use of the massive open online courses
Authors: Alturki Uthman , Aldraiweesh Ahmed
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between users’ satisfaction with actual use of massive open online courses (MOOCs) and intrinsically motivated, task-technology fit, attitudes toward using MOOCs, and behavioral intention to use MOOCs. As the primary technique for data collection, a survey questionnaire on self-determination theory (SDT) as well as task-technology fit (TTF) was distributed to a total of 228 students. The results of the users’ (TTF) to attitude toward using MOOCs and their behavioral intention to use MOOCs had a positive impact on their satisfaction and actual use of MOOCs in higher education institutes. However, the users’ perceived autonomy was not entirely satisfied, based on the results of their intrinsic motivation for the actual use of learning courses. Similarly, technology characteristics were insignificant with TTF for the actual use of MOOCs in academic institutions. Additionally, mediation studies showed that the correlations between independent factors on the one hand and users’ satisfaction with their actual use of MOOCs on the other were significantly mediated by intrinsic motivation, TTF attitude, and behavioral intention to use. Finally, practical ramifications were examined, and recommendations were made with regards to the direction of future studies.
Fear of clowns: An investigation into the aetiology of coulrophobia
Authors: Tyson Philip John , Davies Shakiela K. , Scorey Sophie , Greville William James
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Fear of clowns or coulrophobia is a little understood phenomenon despite studies indicating that it has a high prevalence in the general population. There have been no previous investigations into the aetiology of this fear, although several plausible hypotheses from the wider literature can be generated; the fear stems from media portrayals of scary clowns, from the unusual physical appearance or the unpredictable behaviour displayed, or it derives from an unpleasant personal experience.

Methods

The current study reviews the literature in this area and also pilots a new questionnaire (Origin of Fear of Clowns Questionnaire; OFCQ) to explore the causes of the fear of clowns in a sample of 528 participants who reported such a fear.

Results

Our findings suggest that uncertainty of harmful intent, media influences and unpredictability of behaviour play an important role in the origins of coulrophobia. There are also multiple features of clown appearance which produce a negative experiential state and a sense of a direct threat.

Discussion

We conclude that the origins of clown fear are multi-factorial and primarily relate to aspects of their facial appearance, their behaviour, and how they have been portrayed in the media. Surprisingly, fear derived from personal experience was not one of our main findings. Further research is focused on looking at associations between the level of fear and each aetiological category.
The influence of deliberate rumination on the post-traumatic growth of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the moderating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Xu Yanhua , Yang Guang , Liu Luan , Wu Xinyi
Published: February 2023

Objective

To understand the relationship between deliberate rumination and post-traumatic growth and the mechanisms affecting this relationship, we constructed an adjustment model to test the impact of deliberate rumination on the post-traumatic growth of college students and the moderating role of self-efficacy during the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic.

Study design and setting

A total of 881 college students from a university of science and technology in Guangdong Province, China, completed a questionnaire that measured deliberate rumination, post-traumatic growth, and self-efficacy. SPSS (version 26) and the PROCESS plug-in (version 4.0) were used for correlation and moderation analyses.

Results

The correlation analysis showed that deliberate rumination was positively correlated with post-traumatic growth (r = 0.353, P < 0.01) and self-efficacy (r = 0.261, P < 0.01). Self-efficacy was also positively correlated with post-traumatic growth (r = 0.466, P < 0.01). In addition, we found that self-efficacy had a regulatory effect on the relationship between deliberate rumination and post-traumatic growth (R2 = 0.287, P < 0.001) and that this effect was significant.

Conclusion

The results show that deliberate rumination can be a positive predictor of post-traumatic growth and can play a certain role in fostering such growth. In addition, self-efficacy is a moderator that plays a buffer role between deliberate rumination and post-traumatic growth. These results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that affect post-traumatic growth.
Licensing policy and platform models of telemedicine: A multi-case study from China
Authors: Wang Zhong , Xu Rui , Liu Yan , Li Yiming
Published: February 2023

Introduction

As a form of platform economy, telemedicine is not growing as fast as other digital platforms. The existing literature seldom pays attention to how licensing policy affects the development of telemedicine platform models.

Methods

This paper uses the method of multi-case study and the theory of policy implementation as mutual adaptation to research the influence mechanism of telemedicine platform licensing policy on the platform model in China.

Results

The findings of the current study are as follows: (1) three models can be classified in accordance with different platform providers in China: medical institution platform, Internet company platform and local government platform; (2) bargaining power, reputation mechanism and resource specificity are important dimensions in the analysis of platform models; (3) as an implementer in the process of licensing policy, the platform provider can not only directly determine the establishment and formation of platform model but also indirectly affect the sustainable development of platform model by affecting the supplier and the demander of platform; and (4) The impact between licensing policy and platform model is dynamic and bidirectional, mainly exerted via administrative orders, market-oriented mechanism and medical insurance.

Conclusions

The research enlightens practical exploration in telemedicine and enriches the theoretical innovation in platform.
Local-scale impacts of water hyacinth on water quality in a hypereutrophic lake
Authors: Corman Jessica R. , Roegner Amber , Ogari Zachary , Miller Todd R. , Aura Christopher M.
Published: February 2023

Increased nutrient concentrations have been linked to water quality impairments across the world. In Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world, decades of eutrophication have challenged water quality management and led to conditions with compromising levels of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. Our study focuses on Winam Gulf, where a resurgence of water hyacinth has led to renewed challenges with navigation and anoxia, but also may present a local-scale opportunity for water quality improvements. Over the course of 1.5 years, we conducted three, in situ experiments to vary levels of water hyacinth density and determined its effects on lake water nutrient composition, biochemical parameters (chlorophyll a, cyanotoxins), and fecal indicators (fecal coliforms and Escherchia coli). While our study did not show overwhelming improvements in water quality with increasing water hyacinth density, we did find that small-scale removal of water hyacinth led to decreases in coliforms (F1, 11 = 11.14, p < 0.01), E. coli (F1, 11 = 22.95, p < 0.001), and total microcystins (F1, 9 = 3.47, p = 0.095). Throughout the experiment, the majority of samples collected had both E. coli and microcystin concentrations, notably exceeding World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Our data suggest that magnitude of scale, as well as season considerations such as rainfall and background level of water hyacinth, will strongly influence the phytoremediation potential of water hyacinth. The data encourages further exploration of remediation potential of native and introduced macrophytes.
Changes in P forms and fractions due to the addition of stover and biochar to growing crops in soils amended with stover and its biochar
Authors: Li Xue , Li Na , Yang Jin-Feng , Xiang Yan-Sen , Wang Xin , Han Xiao-Ri
Published: February 2023

Introduction

To comprehend soil P transformation and crop P uptake, it is necessary to understand how the long-term substitution of mineral fertilizers with stover or biochar affects soil properties and P forms. However, the effects of large-scale continuous stover or biochar application on soil P forms and fractions and the response of P uptake by corn are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of stover and its biochar in the variation of P forms and Hedley-P fractions.

Methods

A five-year field experiment in brown soil was carried out using the following treatments: non-fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer (NPK), chemical fertilizer + corn stover (SNPK), and chemical fertilizer + biochar (CNPK). Hedley fractionation and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to determine P compounds.

Results and discussion

The greatest increases in P uptake occurred during the CNPK treatment, specifically orthophosphate and Resin-P, and coincided with increases in total inorganic P and Hedley-P fractions. On the other hand, total organic P accumulation was found to be highest in the SNPK treatment, as was total inositol hexakisphosphate and orthophosphate diester accumulation. Treatments with SNPK and CNPK significantly increased adenosine monophosphate and DNA. However, no difference was found between NaHCO3-Pi and NaOH-Pi of the NPK, SNPK, and CNPK treatments. Decreasing chemical fertilizer and partially replacing it with biochar in brown soil may increase crop P uptake by degrading applied organic P forms and multiplying inorganic P forms.
Biomechanical strategies to maximize gait attractiveness among women
Authors: Tanabe Hiroko , Fujii Keisuke , Kaneko Naotsugu , Yokoyama Hikaru , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: February 2023

Physical attractiveness is a key factor in social communication, and through this communication process, we attractively brand and express ourselves. Thus, this study investigated the biomechanical strategies used by women to express gait attractiveness. Our aim was to extend the current literature by examining this aspect of dynamic motion from the perspective of expressed, rather than perceived attractiveness. In this regard, we obtained motion capture data from 17 women, including seven professional fashion models. The participants walked on a treadmill under two conditions: 1) a normal condition in which they were instructed to walk as casually as possible; and 2) an attractive-conscious condition where they were asked to walk as attractively as possible. Then, we used whole-body kinematic data to represent motion energy at each joint, flexibility of the upper body, and the up-down/forward-backward silhouettes of the limbs, and compared these parameters between the two conditions by using statistical parametric mapping. During the attractive-conscious condition, the non-model women increased the energy of the hip and thoracolumbar joints, which emphasized the motions of their bosoms and buttocks. They also increased their upper body flexibility (possibly reflecting fertility) and continued to face front and downward. Conversely, although the fashion models partially shared the same strategy with the non-models (e.g., hip energy, upper body flexibility, and head bending downward), the strategy of the former was prominent in the stretching of the knee during the push-off phase and pulling the upper arm back, allowing them to showcase their youth and emphasize their chests. In addition, the fashion models used a wider variety of strategies to express their gait attractiveness. The findings indicate that the biomechanical strategy used to express gait attractiveness in women involves showcasing femininity, fertility, and youth. Our results not only deepen the understanding of human movement for self-expression through gait attractiveness, but they also help us comprehend self-branding behavior in human social life.
Evaluation of enlarged laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation in relieving nerve root symptoms and correcting kyphosis for cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy
Authors: Fang Zhao , Li Yuqiao , Huang Zongyu , Luo Gan , Yang Houzhi , Cheng Haiyang , Xu Tiantong
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the surgical efficacy of enlarged laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation (EL-LMSF) and anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for multilevel cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy (CMR) related to kyphosis.

Methods

75 patients were retrospectively reviewed and divided into ACDF and EL-LMSF group. Clinical results including operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications were compared. The JOA scoring system was used to evaluate spinal cord function and the VAS score evaluate nerve root pain severity. Cervical alignment a C2–C7 was measured with Cobb method and compared to confirm the reconstruction effect.

Results

Data on 75 patients (M/F: 41:34; EL-LMSF/ACDF:42/33) with the mean age of 57.5 years (range 43–72 year old) were reviewed retrospectively. Discectomy and/or sub-toal corpectomy in ACDF group was performed with a mean of 3.24 levels (range, 3–4). Enlarged laminectomy in EL-LMSF group was performed with a mean of 3.89 enlarged levels (range, 3–5). The procedure of ACDF group showed a shorter operation time (103 ± 22 min vs. 125 ± 37 min, P = 0.000) and less blood loss (78 ± 15 ml vs. 226 ± 31 ml, P = 0.000) compared than that of the EL-LMSF group. Patients treated with EL-LMSF indicated lower VAS for upper extremity (1.3 ± 1.7 vs. 3.3 ± 1.3, P = 0.003) and better curvature corrected (10.7 ± 4.2° vs. 8.5 ± 3.5°, P = 0.013). The difference were of statistical significance. No statistical difference was found after surgery in the JOA score (14.1 ± 1.7 vs. 13.5 ± 2.1, P = 0.222). During the follow-up period, 15.2% of patients in the ACDF group had complications including 2 cases with transient dysphagia, 1 case with C5 palsy, 1 case with axial pain, and 1 case with screw pullout 3 month after surgery. However, only 9.5% of cases in the EL-LMSF group experienced complications, including 3 cases of axial pain and 1 case of epidural hematoma.

Conclusion

The EL-LMSF procedure requires a longer operation time and more blood loss because of the incision of the stenosed foramen. However, the procedure has obvious advantages in relieving nerve root symptoms and correcting cervical curvature with fewer postoperative complications.
Effect of zinc on boar sperm liquid storage
Authors: Marini Patricia , Fernández Beato Luciana , Cane Fernando , Teijeiro Juan Manuel
Published: February 2023

Storage and transport of liquid boar sperm for artificial insemination (AI) requires the addition of solutions called extenders, which increase the volume of the ejaculate and help preserve its functional characteristics. Yet, the quality of sperm decreases over time primarily due to the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage the plasma membrane. Many commercial extenders are supplemented with additives that mitigate this effect. In semen, zinc is supplied at high concentration on the seminal plasma and helps protect the plasma membrane of sperm. However, zinc in the seminal plasma is diluted and chelated upon addition of extenders for storage, potentially reducing its antioxidant effect. Here we characterize viability, motility, mitochondrial activity, DNA integrity and ROS content of boar sperm diluted with Sus (Medi Nova, Italy) extender supplemented with different concentrations of ZnCl2, at intervals after dilution during 3 days. The ability of sperm supplemented with 2 mM ZnCl2 to fertilize oocytes in vivo of was also tested. Sperm viability was over 82% for all treatments. Mitochondrial integrity analysis, measured by Cytochrome c activity, indicated a protector effect of Zn, noted as a reduced number of sperm with extensive loss of mitochondrial activity. Acrosomal integrity was improved by treatment with all concentrations of ZnCl2 tested. Sperm kinematics were affected by treatment with ZnCl2, showing higher percentage of progressive and rapid sperm in doses supplemented with 2mM ZnCl2. ROS levels and chromatin integrity did not show differences between ZnCl2-supplemented doses and the control. Fertilization rate, total number, live, still born and mummified piglets did not change when sperm were diluted with extender containing 2 mM ZnCl2. The presented characterization indicates that Zn addition to Sus extender have a protective effect on mitochondrial sheath and acrosomal membranes; and provides the basis for further studies aimed to optimize sperm performance in AI.
Genetic diversity of Contracaecum rudolphii sp. A (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitizing the European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii from the Spanish Mediterranean coast
Authors: Roca-Geronès Xavier , Fisa Roser , Montoliu Isabel , Casadevall Margarida , Tobella Carles , Bas Josep M. , Palomba Marialetizia , Mattiucci Simonetta
Published: February 2023

Sibling species of the Contracaecum rudolphii (s.l.) complex are habitual endoparasites of cormorants of the Phalacrocoracidae family, worldwide. In Europe, the two species, C. rudolphii sp. A and C. rudolphii sp. B, have been identified. However, information regarding the occurrence and distribution of these anisakids in cormorants from Spain is scarce. In the present study, 20 specimens of the European Shag, Ph. aristotelis desmarestii, from the western Mediterranean Spanish marine coast were parasitologically analyzed for the presence of nematodes. All hosts were found parasitized with Contracaecum specimens (n = 1,517). A representative subsample was genetically identified as C. rudolphii sp. A by sequence analysis of the mtDNA cox2 gene and the ITS1 and ITS2 regions of the rDNA. This represents the first report of C. rudolphii sp. A from the Spanish Mediterranean waters. Population genetic analysis was performed including other C. rudolphii sp. A specimens from the west Sardinian and the Tyrrhenian Sea. At the intraspecific level, a significant genetic differentiation (Fst ≈ 0.08, p < 0.00001) between the metapopulation from the Spanish Mediterranean coast and that from the Sardinian waters was observed; whereas, no differentiation was found between metapopulations of the parasite from the Spanish and the Tyrrhenian Italian coast. The findings highly support the hypothesis of the adaptation of the life cycle of C. rudolphii sp. A in brackish and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the results on the population genetics of C. rudolphii sp. A suggest the possible role of the migration routes of wintering populations of cormorants in the Mediterranean Sea in influencing the parasite genetic structure.
Some Additional Data That Might Be Useful for Diastasis Recti Assessment
Authors: Ngo P. , Cossa J.-P. , Gueroult S. , Blum D. , Pélissier E.
Published: February 2023

Background: Diastasis recti (DR) is characterized by separation of both rectus muscles and protrusion of the median bulging, but besides median bulging DR can also entail global abdominal bulging. On other note, DR classification is based on the width of divarication, but measurement values are different at rest and at effort due to muscle contraction. Aim of the study is to provide additional features concerning the type of bulging and the width of divarication.

Methods: Findings were retrospectively drawn from the data prospectively collected in the records of a continuous cohort of 105 patients (89 females, 16 males) referred for diastasis and concomitant ventral hernia repair.

Results: There was a median bulging alone in 45 (42.9%) cases, a global bulging alone in 18 (17.1%) cases, both types combined in 37 (35.2%) cases and no bulging in 5 (4.8%). On 55 patients with a global bulging, 51 were females. Tape measurements values of DR width were closer to the values measured on the CT scan at leg raise than at rest. The differences were significant at rest as well as at leg raise. Though the difference at rest was highly significant (p = 0.000), the difference at effort was not far from being not significant (p = 0.049).

Conclusion: Besides median bulging, presence or absence of the global bulging should be included in DR assessment. The difference between width of divarication at rest and on exertion raises the question of which value should be used for DR classification. The question is worth being debated.
Case report: Gastric adenosquamous carcinoma with EBV-positive component of squamous cell carcinoma mixed with gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma: A novel case report and literature review
Authors: Lu Chang , Feng Jizhen , Yao Zhigang , Shi Lei , Li Jiamei
Published: February 2023

Background: Gastric adenosquamous carcinoma with EBV-positive component of squamous cell carcinoma mixed with gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma are extremely unusual variants of gastric carcinoma. We herein reported such a case and summarized five related cases that have been reported previously.

Case presentation: A 59-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with upper abdominal discomfort and acid reflux. Gastric endoscopic examination revealed an irregular ulcer in the gastric angle. Biopsy of the lesion revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection subsequently. Histologically, the tumor showed coexistence of GASC and GCLS. SCC and GCLS were positive for EBER in situ hybridization, while adenocarcinoma component was negative. Accordingly, the present case was diagnosed as GASC with EBV-positive component of SCC mixed with GCLS.

Conclusion: GASC with EBV-positive component of SCC mixed with GCLS is extremely rare. Although the pathogenesis of GASC and the role of EBV in the development of an ASC component have not been fully elucidated, this case will help clinicians and pathologists better understand this special subtype of gastric tumor.
Finite Element Method-Based Optimisation of Magnetic Coupler Design for Safe Operation of Hybrid UAVs
Authors: Arslan Sami , Iskender Ires , Navruz Tuğba Selcen
Published: February 2023

The integration of compact concepts and advances in permanent-magnet technology improve the safety, usability, endurance, and simplicity of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) while also providing long-term operation without maintenance and larger air gap use. These developments have revealed the demand for the use of magnetic couplers to magnetically isolate aircraft engines and starter-generator shafts, allowing contactless torque transmission. This paper explores the design aspects of an active cylindrical-type magnetic coupler based on finite element analyses to achieve an optimum model for hybrid UAVs using a piston engine. The novel model is parameterised in Ansys Maxwell for optimetric solutions, including magnetostatics and transients. The criteria of material selection, coupler types, and topologies are discussed. The Torque-Speed bench is set up for dynamic and static tests. The highest torque density is obtained in the 10-pole configuration with an embrace of 0.98. In addition, the loss of synchronisation caused by the piston engine shaft locking and misalignment in the case of bearing problems is also examined. The magnetic coupler efficiency is above 94% at the maximum speed. The error margin of the numerical simulations is 8% for the Maxwell 2D and 4.5% for 3D. Correction coefficients of 1.2 for the Maxwell 2D and 1.1 for 3D are proposed.
Untangling Energy Consumption Dynamics with Renewable Energy Using Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Yazdan Munshi Md Shafwat , Saki Shah , Kumar Raaghul
Published: February 2023

The environmental issues we are currently facing require long-term prospective efforts for sustainable growth. Renewable energy sources seem to be one of the most practical and efficient alternatives in this regard. Understanding a nation’s pattern of energy use and renewable energy production is crucial for developing strategic plans. No previous study has been performed to explore the dynamics of power consumption with the change in renewable energy production on a country-wide scale. In contrast, a number of deep learning algorithms have demonstrated acceptable performance while handling sequential data in the era of data-driven predictions. In this study, we developed a scheme to investigate and predict total power consumption and renewable energy production time series for eleven years of data using a recurrent neural network (RNN). The dynamics of the interaction between the total annual power consumption and renewable energy production were investigated through extensive exploratory data analysis (EDA) and a feature engineering framework. The performance of the model was found to be satisfactory through the comparison of the predicted data with the observed data, the visualization of the distribution of the errors and root mean squared error (RMSE), and the R2 values of 0.084 and 0.82. Higher performance was achieved by increasing the number of epochs and hyperparameter tuning. The proposed framework has the potential to be used and transferred to investigate the trend of renewable energy production and power consumption and predict future scenarios for different communities. The incorporation of a cloud-based platform into the proposed pipeline to perform predictive studies from data acquisition to outcome generation may lead to real-time forecasting.
Matrix Chain Multiplication and Equivalent Reduced-Order Parallel Calculation Method for a Robotic Arm
Authors: Yu Jiyang , Huang Dan , Li Wenjie , Wang Xianjie , Shi Xiaolong
Published: February 2023

Intelligence development has put forward increasing requirements of real-time planning and dynamic feedback in controlling robotic arms. It has become essential in engineering applications to complete the kinematics calculation of complex manipulators in real time. This paper proposes a matrix cascading multiplication equivalent reduced-order parallel computing method for the multiplication of homogeneous matrices in the process of forward and inverse kinematics solutions, which reduces the order of the matrix according to the distribution of zero vectors in the homogeneous matrix calculations. The method removes the unnecessary multiplication in joint homogeneous matrixes containing zero vectors. It obtains the optimal calculation order of the cascade matrix multiplication through dynamic planning searches, improving the efficiency of effective dot product calculation by parallel computation. Calculation processes and specific examples are presented in this paper. Compared with the previous algorithms, the proposed algorithm reduces the calculation cycle by 90%, effectively improving the real-time calculation efficiency in the complex control process.