bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mediterranean diet plan in lactating women with obesity reduces maternal energy intake and modulates human milk composition – a feasibility study
Authors: Sims Clark R. , Saben Jessica L. , Martinez Audrey , Sobik Sarah R. , Crimmins Meghan R. , Bulmanski Jessica E. , Turner Donald , Furst Annalee , Jansen Lisa T. , Bode Lars , Andres Aline
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Maternal obesity is associated with increased concentrations of human milk (HM) obesogenic hormones, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oligosaccharides (HMOs) that have been associated with infant growth and adiposity. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if adherence to a Mediterranean meal plan during lactation modulates macronutrients and bioactive molecules in human milk from mothers with obesity.

Methods

Sixteen healthy, exclusively breastfeeding women with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) enrolled between 4 and 5 months postpartum. The women followed a 4-week Mediterranean meal plan which was provided at no cost. Maternal and infant anthropometrics, HM composition, and infant intakes were measured at enrollment and at weeks 2 and 4 of the intervention. Thirteen mother-infant dyads completed the study. Additionally, participants from an adjacent, observational cohort who had obesity and who collected milk at 5 and 6 months postpartum were compared to this cohort.

Results

Participants’ healthy eating index scores improved (+27 units, p < 0.001), fat mass index decreased (−4.7%, p < 0.001), and daily energy and fat intake were lower (−423.5 kcal/day, p < 0.001 and-32.7 g/day, p < 0.001, respectively) following the intervention. While HM macronutrient concentrations did not change, HM leptin, total human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), HMO-bound fucose, Lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP)-II, LNFP-III, and difucosyllacto-N-tetrose (DFLNT) concentrations were lower following the intervention. Infant intakes of leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, total HMOs, HMO-bound fucose, LNFP-III and DFLNT were lower following the intervention. Specific components of the maternal diet (protein and fat) and specific measures of maternal diet quality (protein, dairy, greens and beans, fruit and vegetables) were associated with infant intakes and growth.

Discussion

Adherence to a Mediterranean meal plan increases dietary quality while reducing total fat and caloric intake. In effect, body composition in women with obesity improved, HM composition and infants’ intakes were modulated. These findings provide, for the first time, evidence-based data that enhancing maternal dietary quality during lactation may promote both maternal and child health. Longer intervention studies examining the impact of maternal diet quality on HM composition, infant growth, and infant development are warranted.
Association between obesity and anemia in an nationally representative sample of United States adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Cao Bingyan , Liu Lu , Tang Xudong , Xu Hao
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Few studies are about the relationship between anemia and obesity, and previous studies have only paid attention to BMI.

Methods and Results

We first included body fat percentage (BF%) as an assessment indicator and divided it into quartiles, grouped participants into obesity and non-obesity used data from NHANES database. After adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, education and family income, the level of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and incidence of elevated CRP or HsCRP were progressively higher with increased BF%, whereas mean cell volume (MCV), natural logarithm (Ln) serum ferritin (SF), and Ln SF/sTfR were progressively reduced. Although a higher prevalence of anemia and lower hemoglobin was observed with increased BF%, but there was no statistical difference. Women in the highest BF% group demonstrated a significantly higher risk of iron deficiency compared to those in the lowest BF% group.

Discussion

BF% should be given more attention, and women with high BF% should pay attention to iron deficiency.
Prospective changes in anemia are associated with the incidence and persistence of sarcopenia among older Mexican adults
Authors: De La Cruz-Góngora Vanessa , Salinas-Rodriguez Aaron , Manrique-Espinoza Betty
Published: March 2024

Background

Low hemoglobin levels are a significant biomarker in the prognosis of sarcopenia. Anemia and sarcopenia are frequent and disabling conditions in the older adult population, but little is known about the role of anemia in the onset and progression of sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine whether prospective changes in anemia are associated with the incidence and persistence of sarcopenia.

Methods

Data come from the second and third waves (2014, 2017) of the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) in Mexico. SAGE-Mexico is a dynamic cohort with national representativeness, including a follow-up sample and new enrollments. For this study, 1,500 older adults (aged 50 or above) with measurements in both waves were included. Sarcopenia was defined as having low muscle quantity and either/both slow gait speed and weak handgrip strength. Anemia was defined according to hemoglobin concentrations, adjusted for altitude, as recommended by the WHO, <120 g/L for women and <130 g/L for men. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the association between anemia and prospective changes in sarcopenia.

Results

The baseline prevalence of anemia was 17.4%, and that of sarcopenia was 12.1%. The incidence and persistence of anemia were 10.6% (95% CI: 7.3–15.0%) and 6.9% (95% CI: 4.7–9.8%), respectively, and for sarcopenia, they were 5.3% (95% CI: 3.7–7.7%) and 9.2% (95% CI: 6.4–13.0%), respectively. Incident anemia was associated with incident (RRR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.18–11.19) but not with persistent (RRR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.18–3.20) sarcopenia. Persistent anemia was significantly associated with persistent (RRR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.14–11.27) but not incident (RRR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.30–4.54) sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Changes in anemia are significantly associated with incident and persistent sarcopenia. Primary actions to promote a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, high-quality proteins, and micronutrients, as well as moderate physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, are crucial for the aging population to delay the deleterious effects of anemia and sarcopenia.
Mapping breast and prostate cancer in the Brazilian public health system: study protocol of the Onco-Genomas Brasil
Authors: Schuch Jaqueline Bohrer , Bordignon Cláudia , Rosa Mahira Lopes , de Baumont Angélica Cerveira , Bessel Marina , Macedo Gabriel S. , Rosa Daniela Dornelles
Published: March 2024

Background

Breast and prostate cancers are the most common malignancies diagnosed in women and men respectively, and present with great clinical heterogeneity, even in tumors with the same histology and same site of origin. Somatic and germline molecular alterations in DNA may have prognostic and predictive impact, influencing response to therapies and overall survival. Our aim is to characterize the somatic and germline genomic landscape of women with locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer and men with metastatic prostate cancer in Brazil. Secondarily, we aim to identify genetic variants associated with tumor prognosis and treatment response, identify patients carrying pathogenic alterations in cancer-predisposing genes, and characterize the genetic ancestry of the population included in the study.

Methods

This observational multicenter cohort study will include 550 adult patients from the five macro-regions of Brazil, divided into two arms: 1) breast cancer and 2) prostate cancer. Clinical and pathological data will be collected, as well as DNA samples from peripheral blood and tumor samples. In arm 1, the inclusion criteria are a histological diagnosis of breast carcinoma with overexpression of HER-2, clinical stage II or III, and current neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy plus trastuzumab. In arm 2, the criterion is a histological diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma, clinical stage IV. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) will be performed to identify variants that may be drivers and/or actionable in a specific patient or tumor. These variants will be interpreted and classified according to their population frequencies, in silico predictors, functional studies, and literature data, following international guidelines proposed by expert societies.

Discussion

This trial will contribute to the construction of a robust database that should provide a better understanding of the genomic profile of patients with breast and prostate cancer in Brazil. Considering the miscegenation of the Brazilian population, knowledge generated from these data will have implications for future studies of this specific population.

Clinical trial registration

[clinicaltrial.gov], identifier [NCT05306600]
Gemcitabine combination therapies induce apoptosis in uterine carcinosarcoma patient-derived organoids
Authors: Dahl Matías J. , Lofgren Kristopher A. , Haugen Cleo , Harmon Gil E. , Hughes Sarah P. , Cowden Dahl Karen D.
Published: March 2024

Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a rare but aggressive endometrial cancer. Survival outcomes for women diagnosed with UCS remain poor with lower survival than those of endometrioid or high-grade serous uterine cancers. The histopathological hallmark of carcinosarcoma is the presence of both sarcomatous and carcinomatous elements. The survival rates for UCS have not improved for over 40 years; therefore, there is a profound need to identify new treatments. To investigate novel chemotherapy treatment combinations for UCS, we generated a UCS patient-derived organoid (PDO) cell line from a patient that received neoadjuvant treatment with paclitaxel and carboplatin. The PDO cell line (UCS1) was grown in three-dimensional domes. The PDO domes were treated with six individual chemotherapies or nine combinations of those six drugs. Cell death in response to chemotherapy was assessed. We found that the six monotherapies had minimal effectiveness at inducing cell death after 48 h of treatment. The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin (which is the standard-of-care chemotherapy treatment for UCS) led to a small increase in apoptosis compared with the monotherapies. Importantly, when either carboplatin or paclitaxel was combined with gemcitabine, there was an appreciable increase in cell death. In conclusion, for the UCS1 patient-derived tumor cells, gemcitabine combinations were more effective than carboplatin/paclitaxel. Our data support the use of PDOs to predict responses to second-line chemotherapy.
Effectiveness and safety of Danshen injections in treatment of cardiac failure: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Song Yuchen , Song Nan , Jia Lianqun , Pei Yupeng
Published: March 2024

Objective: The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the therapeutic effects of various Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge [Lamiaceae; Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizoma]) injections on heart failure to determine the optimal Danshen injection combined with conventional treatment.

Methods: 8 databases were searched from the inception of these databases to May 2023 to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness and safety of Danshen injections in the treatment of heart failure. This NMA was performed using Stata 16.0 software and R 4.1.3 software.

Results: A total of 24 RCTs involving 2,186 subjects were included. The intervention group received Danshen injections plus conventional treatment, involving the following 7 Danshen injections. The results of the NMA showed that Compound Danshen injection + Common (SUCRA: 79.6%) and Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection + Common (SUCRA: 78.0%) exhibited higher total effective rates. Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection + Common (SUCRA: 94.3%) and Danshen injection + Common (SUCRA: 68.2%) were superior to other traditional Chinese medicines in improving left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Danshen injection + Common (SUCRA: 99.9%) and Shenxiong glucose injection + Common (SUCRA: 77.2%) were the most effective in reducing brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). In addition, compared with conventional treatment, all Danshen injections did not increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Conclusion: Current evidence shows that all seven Danshen injections are effective for heart failure. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, our findings need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Emerging therapeutic drug monitoring technologies: considerations and opportunities in precision medicine
Authors: Liang Winnie S. , Beaulieu-Jones Brett , Smalley Susan , Snyder Michael , Goetz Laura H. , Schork Nicholas J.
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the development of sensor and wearable technologies have led to their increased adoption in clinical and health monitoring settings. One area that is in early, but promising, stages of development is the use of biosensors for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Traditionally, TDM could only be performed in certified laboratories and was used in specific scenarios to optimize drug dosage based on measurement of plasma/blood drug concentrations. Although TDM has been typically pursued in settings involving medications that are challenging to manage, the basic approach is useful for characterizing drug activity. TDM is based on the idea that there is likely a clear relationship between plasma/blood drug concentration (or concentration in other matrices) and clinical efficacy. However, these relationships may vary across individuals and may be affected by genetic factors, comorbidities, lifestyle, and diet. TDM technologies will be valuable for enabling precision medicine strategies to determine the clinical efficacy of drugs in individuals, as well as optimizing personalized dosing, especially since therapeutic windows may vary inter-individually. In this mini-review, we discuss emerging TDM technologies and their applications, and factors that influence TDM including drug interactions, polypharmacy, and supplement use. We also discuss how using TDM within single subject (N-of-1) and aggregated N-of-1 clinical trial designs provides opportunities to better capture drug response and activity at the individual level. Individualized TDM solutions have the potential to help optimize treatment selection and dosing regimens so that the right drug and right dose may be matched to the right person and in the right context.
On the functional independence of numerical acuity and visual working memory
Authors: Dell’Acqua Roberto , Sessa Paola , Brigadoi Sabrina , Gervain Judit , Luria Roy , Doro Mattia
Published: March 2024

Deciding where to direct our vehicle in a crowded parking area or where to line up at an airport gateway relies on our ability to appraise the numerosity of multitudes at a glimpse and react accordingly. Approximating numerosities without actually counting is an ontogenetically and phylogenetically primordial ability, given its presence in human infants shortly after birth, and in primate and non-primate animal species. Prior research in the field suggested that numerosity approximation is a ballistic automatism that has little to do with human cognition as commonly intended. Here, we measured visual working memory capacity using a state-of-the-art change detection task and numerosity approximation using a dot-comparison task, and found a null correlation between these two parametrical domains. By checking the evidential strength of the tested correlation using both classic and Bayesian analytical approaches, as well as the construct validity for working memory capacity and numerosity approximation estimates, we concluded that the present psychophysical evidence was sufficiently strong to support the view that visual working memory and numerosity approximation are likely to rely on functionally independent stages of processing of the human cognitive architecture.
State of perinatal mental health care in the WHO region of Europe: a scoping review
Authors: Horakova Anna , Nemcova Hana , Hrdlickova Kristyna , Kalli Stefani , Davletova Alina , Duarte Mario Filipe Rodrigues Saraiva , Molodina Darya , Riekki Tiina , Sebela Antonin
Published: March 2024

Background

Although perinatal mental disorders are the most common health complication among women in the perinatal period, there is a huge gap in the implementation of related research findings in the health care system. We mapped the state of perinatal mental health (PMH) care in the WHO Europe region with aim to identify leading countries, which can serve as models for countries with less developed perinatal mental health care.

Methods

Guidelines, policies, and documents related to screening and treatment services for PMH were searched as grey literature. Results were analysed to assess the status of PMH care in the WHO European countries and to identify gaps (absence of relevant service or documents). The state of perinatal mental health care was scored on a 0-5 scale.

Results

The grey literature search resulted in a total of 361 websites. Seven countries (Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, Malta) received full points for the presence of relevant PMH services or documents, while five countries received zero points. Most WHO European countries (48/53) have general mental health policies, but only 25 countries have policies specifically on perinatal mental health. Ten countries offer PMH screening, and 11 countries offer PMH service (of any type). Any PMH guidelines were provided in 23/53 countries.

Conclusions

Perinatal mental health care is in its infancy in most WHO European countries. Leading countries (Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, Malta) in PMH care can serve as conceptual models for those less developed and geopolitically close.
A link between ghrelin and major depressive disorder: a mini review
Authors: Lis Michał , Miłuch Tymoteusz , Majdowski Maciej , Zawodny Tomasz
Published: March 2024

Ghrelin is primarily responsible for regulating energy balance, as it increases appetite. However, in recent years, its new physiological functions have been discovered—it regulates lipogenesis, plays a role in the development of insulin resistance, and even acts protectively on heart muscle. Moreover, ghrelin was associated with many psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) or schizophrenia. Ghrelin levels were elevated in patients diagnosed with depression and in patients after suicide attempts. Moreover, ghrelin was connected to depression among postmenopausal women and was shown to be a predictive marker of MDD among the elderly. Ghrelin may influence mood disorders in various ways: by regulating stress response or inflammation or altering neurotransmission in the amygdala, dorsal raphe nucleus, or hippocampus, brain regions previously connected to the pathophysiology of MDD. Genetic variants of ghrelin and its receptor have also been associated with depression. Moreover, ghrelin can interfere with the antidepressant’s action and may play a role in treatment resistance. This review highlights ghrelin’s role in depression, summarizes the existing knowledge on the subject, and presents ideas for further research.
Communication in disasters to support families with children with medical complexity and special healthcare needs: a rapid scoping review
Authors: Smith Neale , Donaldson Meghan , Mitton Craig , Lee Esther
Published: March 2024

Disasters can disrupt normal healthcare processes, with serious effects on children who depend upon regular access to the health care system. Children with medical complexity (CMC) are especially at risk. These children have chronic medical conditions, and may depend on medical technology, like feeding tubes. Without clear, evidence-based processes to connect with healthcare teams, families may struggle to access the services and supports they need during disasters. There is limited research about this topic, which has been pushed forward in importance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors therefore conducted a rapid scoping review on this topic, with the intention to inform policy processes. Both the peer-reviewed and gray literatures on disaster, CMC, and communication were searched in summer 2020 and spring 2021. Twenty six relevant articles were identified, from which four main themes were extracted: 1. Cooperative and collaborative planning. 2. Proactive outreach, engagement, and response. 3. Use of existing social networks to connect with families. 4. Return to usual routines. Based on this review, good practices appear to involve including families, professionals, other stakeholders, and children themselves in pre-disaster planning; service providers using proactive outreach at the outset of a crisis event; working with existing peer and neighborhood networks for support; employing multiple and two-way communication channels, including social media, to connect with families; re-establishing care processes as soon as possible, which may include virtual connections; addressing mental health issues as well as physical functioning; and prioritizing the resumption of daily routines. Above all, a well-established and ongoing relationship among children, their caregivers, and healthcare teams could reduce disruptions when disaster strikes.
Description of the COVID-19 epidemiology in Malaysia
Authors: Md Nadzri Mohamad Nadzmi , Md Zamri Ahmed Syahmi Syafiq , Singh Sarbhan , Sumarni Mohd Ghazali , Lai Chee Herng , Tan Cia Vei , Aris Tahir , Mohd Ibrahim Hishamshah , Gill Balvinder Singh , Mohd Ghazali Nur’Ain , Md Iderus Nuur Hafizah , Lim Mei Cheng , Ahmad Lonny Chen Rong Qi , Kamarudin Mohd Kamarulariffin , Ahmad Nur Ar Rabiah , Tee Kok Keng , Zulkifli Asrul Anuar
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it has spread rapidly across the world and has resulted in recurrent outbreaks. This study aims to describe the COVID-19 epidemiology in terms of COVID-19 cases, deaths, ICU admissions, ventilator requirements, testing, incidence rate, death rate, case fatality rate (CFR) and test positivity rate for each outbreak from the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 till endemicity of COVID-19 in 2022 in Malaysia.

Methods

Data was sourced from the GitHub repository and the Ministry of Health’s official COVID-19 website. The study period was from the beginning of the outbreak in Malaysia, which began during Epidemiological Week (Ep Wk) 4 in 2020, to the last Ep Wk 18 in 2022. Data were aggregated by Ep Wk and analyzed in terms of COVID-19 cases, deaths, ICU admissions, ventilator requirements, testing, incidence rate, death rate, case fatality rate (CFR) and test positivity rate by years (2020 and 2022) and for each outbreak of COVID-19.

Results

A total of 4,456,736 cases, 35,579 deaths and 58,906,954 COVID-19 tests were reported for the period from 2020 to 2022. The COVID-19 incidence rate, death rate, CFR and test positivity rate were reported at 1.085 and 0.009 per 1,000 populations, 0.80 and 7.57%, respectively, for the period from 2020 to 2022. Higher cases, deaths, testing, incidence/death rate, CFR and test positivity rates were reported in 2021 and during the Delta outbreak. This is evident by the highest number of COVID-19 cases, ICU admissions, ventilatory requirements and deaths observed during the Delta outbreak.

Conclusion

The Delta outbreak was the most severe compared to other outbreaks in Malaysia’s study period. In addition, this study provides evidence that outbreaks of COVID-19, which are caused by highly virulent and transmissible variants, tend to be more severe and devastating if these outbreaks are not controlled early on. Therefore, close monitoring of key epidemiological indicators, as reported in this study, is essential in the control and management of future COVID-19 outbreaks in Malaysia.
Intervention in autism based on Early Start Denver Model in a multiethnic immigrant setting—experiences of preschool staff involved in its implementation
Authors: Linnsand Petra , Nygren Gudrun , Hermansson Jonas , Gillberg Christopher , Carlsson Emilia
Published: March 2024

Background

Early interventions for young children with autism have been shown to enhance developmental outcomes. However, opportunities for targeted interventions in autism, both in care and preschool, are often lacking, particularly in immigrant communities. The early start denver model (ESDM) stands as one of the most well-established intervention models, including improvement in core developmental domains and reduction of maladaptive behaviours, also delivered in preschool settings. An intervention program based on the ESDM was implemented in collaboration with parents, preschool staff, and health care professionals locally in a multiethnic immigrant and socioeconomically disadvantaged area in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Purpose

The present study aimed to describe a low intensity intervention program based on the ESDM for young children with autism in a multiethnic immigrant setting and capture the experiences of the preschool staff involved in implementing the program.

Method

Fifteen preschool professionals were interviewed through focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The interviews focused on capturing the crucial factors in the intervention program and to get more in-depth information about the intervention program's influence on the children with autism, their parents, the preschool staff, and preschool activities.

Results

Central components of the intervention program were emphasized by the preschool staff. These encompassed contextual prerequisites, such as the preschool staff's participation in intervention program fostered by the local environment and features linked to the ESDM methodology. The preschool staff emphasized that shared objectives and regular network meetings as fundamental components of the model. They also underscored the seamless alignment between the ESDM and the preschool curriculum emphasizing how ESDM strategies could be easily integrated into the preschool's daily routines. The staff's experience indicated that the implementation of ESDM enriched the learning experiences of children with autism and yielded benefits to their parents, fellow peers in the preschool, and the preschool staff.

Conclusions

The intervention program based on the ESDM presents a promising model for young children with autism in a multiethnic immigrant setting. Several critical factors based on the preschool staff's experiences were essential for implementation: contextual prerequisites such as organizational support, close collaboration with healthcare professionals, good competence among preschool staff, and the ESDM itself.
Inspired by Nature: Fighting Pests With Friendly Bacteria
Authors: Díaz-Valerio Stefani , Liesegang Heiko
Published: March 2024

The starting point of this story is an imaginary garden. Within this garden we find plants, insects, and Bacillus thuringiensis, a friendly type of bacteria that helps humans in the fight against different pests. These bacteria are quite successful in nature, partly due to their ability to go into “sleep mode” when the conditions are not good for them, and their production of powerful weapons that help them survive. This article will tell you about these fascinating features, and we will explain how humans can use the weapons of these bacteria for environmentally friendly crop-protection strategies. Some of B. thuringiensis’s weapons may also help in the fight against certain dangerous parasites that infect humans and animals. Investigations of bacteria and their weapons can inspire us to find novel solutions for current challenges in agriculture and health.
Multidimensional Deprivations and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Urban Geographies of Nigeria: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes in Later Life
Authors: Mobolaji Jacob Wale
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Many urban-dwelling older Nigerians are multidimensionally deprived and are unable to meet their daily financial, nutritional, and healthcare needs. This has implications for their health outcomes, yet it has been under-researched. This study assessed the multidimensional deprivation index (MDI) of urban-dwelling older Nigerians and the associated factors.

Methods: The study analysed a weighted sample of 5,225 older persons aged ≥60 years from Nigeria’s Demographic and Health Survey, 2018. MDI was estimated, and associations were examined using a multilevel multinomial logistic regression model.

Results: Nationally, 75% of the older persons were multidimensionally deprived, with 27% severely deprived. Women (36%) were more severely deprived than men (20%). Those in the Northern regions (38%–40%) were the most deprived. Higher MD risk was associated with female gender and older ages ≥70–79 years. Conversely, lower risk was associated with households headed by family and residence in educated communities. Community variation accounts for 10.4% and 35.9% of the MD and severe MD risks, respectively.

Conclusion: This study suggests socioeconomic interventions that address gender disparities and target highly deprived regions, with consideration for individual and community characteristics.
Strategic Design of a Business Model for Providing Services over the 5G Network in Peru
Authors: Moreno-Cardenas Edison , Moreno Yackelin , Barrial-Lujan Abel I.
Published: March 2024

The advance of the fifth generation (5G) network globally has completely changed business models, giving rise to the birth of new companies with their business models and the adaptation of existing companies. This change is greatest in developing countries where 5G network deployment is scarce and key to their economy. This article aims to analyze the strategic design of a business model to provide 5G network equipment installation services in Peru. In addition, the article includes the design of a business structure for the implementation of the business model, as well as the evaluation of economic and financial projections to determine the economic viability of its implementation. The methodological approach covers business management applied to business design, examining several key areas such as business management, human resource management, finance, accounting, marketing, and operations management. The study of the business model is based on business management theory, using accounting and finance concepts to analyze the most significant financial indicators. The information and data used to analyze the aspects of the business model are extracted from the databases of Peruvian institutions. Our results reveal that implementing a business model for providing 5G network equipment installation services in Peru is economically viable since the economic and financial projections show that a Net Present Value of 146,931.02 monetary units is obtained. Also, the results justify the design of the business structure based on the value proposition of experience and specialization focused on 5G networks in Peru.
Staggered-Phase Spray Control: A Method for Eliminating the Inhomogeneity of Deposition in Low-Frequency Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) Variable Spray
Authors: Zhang Chunfeng , Zhai Changyuan , Zhang Meng , Zhang Chi , Zou Wei , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: March 2024

The pulse-width modulation (PWM) variable spray system is the most widely used variable spray system in the world at present, which has the characteristics of a fast response, large flow adjustment range, and good atomization. Recently, the pressure fluctuation and droplet deposition uniformity of the PWM variable spray system caused by the intermittent spray mode of the nozzle have attracted more and more attention. In this study, a method for eliminating the inhomogeneity of ground deposition in low-frequency PWM variable sprays based on a staggered-phase drive mode was proposed, and a PWM variable spray system was built. The experimental results indicated that the pressure fluctuation amplitude upstream of the nozzle of the PWM variable spray system with the staggered-phase drive was reduced by 40.91%, and the dispersion rate of the pressure fluctuation was reduced by 62.78% (the initial pressure was 0.3 MPa, solenoid valve frequency was 5 Hz, and duty cycle was 50%). The PWM control parameters had a significant effect on the upstream pressure fluctuation (initial pressure > duty cycle > frequency). The droplet spectrum relative span of the staggered phased PWM variable spray system decreased by 24.83%, the coefficient of variation of the droplet particle size decreased by 4.40%, the particle size was more uniform, and the atomization effect was improved. The average deposition of droplets in the forward direction driven by the staggered phase was 4.87% greater than that in the same phase, and the variation rate decreased by 20.87%. The average deposition amount increased, and the deposition became more uniform. Staggered-phase spray control could effectively reduce the inhomogeneity of deposition in low-frequency PWM intermittent spraying. This research provides strong technical support for a precision variable spraying effect and droplet drift prevention.
Assessing Climate Change Effects on Winter Wheat Production in the 3H Plain: Insights from Bias-Corrected CMIP6 Projections
Authors: Xu Yifei , Li Te , Xu Min , Tan Ling , Shen Shuanghe
Published: March 2024

Climate change exerts significant impacts on regional agricultural production. This study assesses the implications of climate change on winter wheat yields in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain (3H Plain), utilizing bias-corrected climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) for mid-21st century (2041–2060) and late 21st century (2081–2100) periods under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5). These projections were incorporated into the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) CERES-Wheat model to forecast potential alterations in winter wheat production. Initial findings reveal that uncorrected CMIP6 projections underestimated temperature and precipitation while overestimating solar radiation across the southern 3H Plain. Following bias correction through the equidistant cumulative distribution function (EDCDF) method, the regional average biases for temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation were reduced by 18.3%, 5.6%, and 30.7%, respectively. Under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios, mid-21st century simulations predicted a 13% increase in winter wheat yields. Late 21st century projections indicated yield increases of 11.3% and 3.6% under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively, with a notable 8.4% decrease in yields south of 36° N under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. The analysis of climate change factors and winter wheat yields in the 3H Plain under both scenarios identified precipitation as the key contributing factor to yield increases in the northern 3H Plain, while temperature limitations were the primary constraint on yields in the southern region. Consequently, adaptive strategies are essential to mitigate climate change impacts, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges posed by elevated temperature in the southern 3H Plain.
From Microscale Interactions to Macroscale Patterns in Copepod–Crinoid Symbiosis
Authors: Korzhavina Oksana A. , Gubareva Natalia V. , Kitashov Andrey V. , Britayev Temir A. , Ivanenko Viatcheslav N.
Published: March 2024

Crinoids (Echinodermata) exhibit unique morphological and behavioral characteristics that facilitate a wide range of symbiotic relationships with diverse organisms. Our comprehension of their interactions with microscopic copepod crustaceans is, however, still in a nascent and fragmented state. Here, we review and discuss the 166 literature records to date in which a total of 39 copepod species in 6 families have been reported in association with 33 species of the crinoid order Comatulida. Many of these associations have been reported just once. The respective localities cover 5 of the World Ocean’s 12 ecoregions, with a notable concentration of both host and symbiont diversity in the Central and Western Indo-Pacific. In contrast, the documentation of copepod–crinoid associations in the Atlantic appears markedly limited. Copepods have been found predominantly in ectosymbiotic relationships with crinoids, with a lower incidence of endosymbiosis. Copepods of the genera Collocheres Canu, 1893 and Pseudanthessius Claus, 1889 are particularly prominent in the list, and the comatulid family Comatulidae displays the most diverse assortment of copepod associations. The current scope of knowledge encompasses a mere 5% of the potential crinoid host diversity, underscoring the need for more extensive research in this area.
The Characterization of Pastures by Grazing Cycle and Evaluation of Supplementation with Agro-Industry Co-Products on the Performance of Buffaloes in the Humid Tropics
Authors: Oliveira Kelly Cavalcanti Conor de , Faturi Cristian , Garcia Alexandre Rossetto , Joele Maria Regina Sarkis Peixoto , de Souza Nahúm Benjamin , Silva Welligton Conceição da , de Carvalho Rodrigues Thomaz Cyro Guimarães , Silva Éder Bruno Rebelo da , Lourenço-Júnior José de Brito
Published: March 2024

The objective was to characterize the pastures by grazing cycle, as well as to evaluate the performance of buffaloes in intensive rotational grazing in a silvopastoral system in the eastern Amazon supplemented with agro-industry co-products in order to characterize the grazing cycles, the composition of the fractions, and the carcass yield. Fifteen non-castrated, crossbred water buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used. All animals used in the study were clinically healthy and weighed approximately 458 kg. The animals were grazed in a single group, and supplementation (1% of live weight—LW/day) was divided into three treatments: control (control—conventional ingredients); Cocos nucifera coconut cake (Cocos nucifera) (coconut cake—70%); and palm kernel cake (Guinean elaeis) (palm kernel cake—70% palm kernel cake). The chemical composition of the forage is different in each part of the plant, with higher protein values in the leaves (11.40%) and higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) values in the stems (50.03%). Among the ingredients of the supplement, corn has the highest percentage of indigestible protein (35.57%), most of the protein in palm kernel cake is B3 (49.11%), and in Coco, B2 (51.52%). Mombasa grass has a higher percentage of B3 and B2 proteins; the indigestible fraction is lower in the leaves (17.16%). The leaf/stem ratio also varied between grazing cycles, being better in the second cycle (2.11%) and with an overall average of 1.71. Supplement consumption varied between cycles and was higher in the control treatment, with an overall mean of 4.74. There was no difference in daily weight gain and carcass yield, with an average of 1 kg/day and 49.23%, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that including supplements based on by-products from the coconut and palm oil agro-industries promotes performance and carcass yields compatible with conventional supplements. Their use reduces production costs, optimizes the utilization of forage mass, enhances the sustainability of the production chain, and, therefore, is recommended.
Owls’ Responses to Environmental Challenges
Authors: Solonen Tapio
Published: March 2024

Owls are a group of predatory birds characterized by their largely nocturnal way of life [...]
Early Intensive Neurorehabilitation in Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injury—State of the Art
Authors: Gouveia Débora , Cardoso Ana , Carvalho Carla , Oliveira Ana Catarina , Almeida António , Gamboa Óscar , Lopes Bruna , Coelho André , Alvites Rui , Varejão Artur Severo , Maurício Ana Colette , Ferreira António , Martins Ângela
Published: March 2024

Traumatic nerve injuries are common lesions that affect several hundred thousand humans, as well as dogs and cats. The assessment of nerve regeneration through animal models may provide information for translational research and future therapeutic options that can be applied mutually in veterinary and human medicine, from a One Health perspective. This review offers a hands-on vision of the non-invasive and conservative approaches to peripheral nerve injury, focusing on the role of neurorehabilitation in nerve repair and regeneration. The peripheral nerve injury may lead to hypersensitivity, allodynia and hyperalgesia, with the possibility of joint contractures, decreasing functionality and impairing the quality of life. The question remains regarding how to improve nerve repair with surgical possibilities, but also considering electrical stimulation modalities by modulating sensory feedback, upregulation of BDNF, GFNF, TrKB and adenosine monophosphate, maintaining muscle mass and modulating fatigue. This could be improved by the positive synergetic effect of exercises and physical activity with locomotor training, and other physical modalities (low-level laser therapy, ultrasounds, pulsed electromagnetic fields, electroacupuncture and others). In addition, the use of cell-based therapies is an innovative treatment tool in this field. These strategies may help avoid situations of permanent monoplegic limbs that could lead to amputation.
Analysis of Management Practices and Breeders’ Perceptions of Climate Change’s Impact to Enhance the Resilience of Sheep Production Systems: A Case Study in the Tunisian Semi-Arid Zone
Authors: Mohamed-Brahmi Aziza , Ameur Mehrez , Mekki Ilyes , Tenza-Peral Alicia , Nasraoui Masarra , Yagoubi Yathreb , Smeti Samir , Ben Saïd Samia , Atti Naziha , Lobón Sandra , Mahouachi Mokhtar
Published: March 2024

Global climate change inflicts unambiguous risks on agricultural systems and food security. Small ruminants are known for their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This paper aims to characterize sheep production systems in a vulnerable agricultural zone and the breeders’ perceptions of climate change to apprehend challenges that they are confronting, and formulate resilience actions. The data analysis is based on 94 semi-structured surveys of sheep farmers carried out in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The PCA analysis results revealed three main sheep production systems. The agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF) is dominant (55%), with large farms and common pastures integrating cereals and fodder. The agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI: 20%) is characterized by small-area and forage irrigation (1.8 ha) and a smaller number of ewes but a greater use of animal feed supplementation. The agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP: 25%) is a system where grazing is based on common lands and using tree sub-products, while the agricultural area is exclusively used to cultivate cereal crops. Sheep breeders’ climate perceptions are summarized as unpredictable climate events, a decrease in precipitation, and an increase in temperature. Resilience actions principally consist of reducing flocks’ numbers, using alternative local feed, fodder, and water resources, and building more shelters and planting more trees in the grazing areas. Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness should be considered in such vulnerable zones to insure the sheep production systems’ sustainability.
Physiological Effect of Gentle Stroking in Lambs
Authors: Janicka Kamila , Masier Patrycja , Nazar Paulina , Staniszewska Patrycja , Zięba Grzegorz , Strachecka Aneta , Rozempolska-Rucińska Iwona
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study was to determine changes in physiological indicators in lambs subjected to gentle stroking. The study included 40 three-week-old lambs (20 females of the synthetic prolific-meat (BCP) line and 20 females of the Świniarka (SW) breed). The animals were assigned to two control groups (n = 20) and two experimental groups (n = 20). Lambs from the experimental groups received treatment. Analyses consisted of determining the following parameters: heart rate (HR), saturation (S) and biochemical analysis. In the groups of sheep subjected to gentle massage, the analyses revealed a significant increase in the levels of cortisol, CAT, GST, GPx, among others, and a significant decrease in the levels of total protein, SOD, TAC, uric acid and Na+. At the same time, indicators of reduced stress levels were revealed, i.e., a significant increase in glycogen levels and a significant decrease in glucose and HR values. These results suggest that the introduction of gentle touch can induce positive states in lambs, and that the stress response may be transient and adaptive. Nevertheless, it is important to note that these interactions can be a source of stress, even if the behavioral response does not necessarily indicate stress.
Influence of Different Plant Extracts on CYP-Mediated Skatole and Indole Degradation in Pigs
Authors: Marro Philipp , Wesoly Raffael , Stefanski Volker
Published: March 2024

One of the primary substances responsible for the unpleasant odor in boar meat is skatole. Enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family play a pivotal role in the hepatic clearance of skatole. This study aimed to investigate the impact of oregano essential oil (OEO), Schisandra chinensis extract (SC), and garlic essential oil (GEO) on hepatic CYP2E1 and CYP2A activity in pigs. In three consecutive trials, cannulated castrated male pigs were provided with a diet containing 0.2–0.3% of one of these plant extracts. Following a 14-day feeding period, the animals were slaughtered, and liver and fat samples were collected. The findings indicate that the activities of CYP2E1 were unaffected by any treatment. However, GEO treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in CYP2A activity (p < 0.05). Pigs treated with GEO also exhibited a notable increase in skatole concentrations in both plasma and adipose tissue. In contrast, animals fed SC displayed elevated skatole concentrations in plasma but not in fat tissue. OEO did not influence skatole concentrations in either blood or fat. Furthermore, the study revealed that a supplementation of 6 g GEO per animal per day induced a significant increase in skatole concentrations in blood plasma within 24 h.
Nutrient Composition and Feed Hygiene of Alfalfa, Comparison of Feed Intake and Selected Metabolic Parameters in Horses Fed Alfalfa Haylage, Alfalfa Hay or Meadow Hay
Authors: Köninger Marlene , von Velsen-Zerweck Astrid , Eiberger Carolin , Löffler Christof , Töpper Anja , Visscher Christian , Reckels Bernd , Vervuert Ingrid
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the nutrient composition and feed hygiene of alfalfa as well as investigate the feed intake, blood, urine and faecal parameters of horses fed alfalfa haylage (AS) compared with alfalfa hay (AH) and meadow hay (MH). A total of 11 geldings were fed ad libitum (2.1% dry matter (DM) of body weight (BW)) with alfalfa haylage, alfalfa hay and meadow hay (MH) in a Latin square design. On days 0 and 21 of the feeding period, blood samples were analysed for kidney and liver parameters. Faecal samples were analysed for pH, DM and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Spontaneous urine was collected during the feeding period to analyse selected parameters. Forage was analysed in terms of feed hygiene and crude nutrients. In several feed samples of AS, AH and MH, the microbial reference ranges were exceeded for product-typical and spoilage-indicating bacteria and fungi. Crude nutrient analyses revealed a median crude protein content of 139 (138/142) g/kg DM for AS, which was similar to that in AH (127–135 g/kg DM) and substantially higher than in MH (79.1–87.7 g/kg DM). The calcium level in AS (11.3 g/kg DM) was significantly higher than that in MH (4.00–4.95 g/kg DM) but not compared with that in AH (9.80–10.4 g/kg DM). All blood parameters were within the reference ranges. Fractional excretion (FE)Ca for AS-fed horses ranged from 8.13 to 22.0%; the FECa for AH-fed horses ranged from 6.48 to 24.8%; the FECa for MH-fed horses ranged from 6.69 to 53.2%. No significant differences were found in faecal pH or SCFA content in AS-fed horses compared with AH-fed and MH-fed horses. We concluded that alfalfa haylage provides an alternative forage for equine nutrition.