bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammation response of Sebastiscus marmoratus to different concentrations of hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Liu Yifan , Luo Jun , Ren Chuanchen , Chen Long , Zhao Yifeng , Yin Xiaolong , Liu Bingjian 
Published: July 2024

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an important public health therapeutic agent widely used in the prevention and treatment of malaria and autoimmune diseases, with some antiviral effects, as well as a common autophagy inhibitor. Its autophagy-inhibiting effect attracts great research interest in mammals but is still little studied in fish. We even have no idea about the effects of HCQ on different tissues of fish and what concentrations should be used for safety studies. This study investigated the effect of different concentration of HCQ treatments on the survival, tissue structure, and expressions of genes related to autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammation in the gill, spleen, testis, and ovary of Sebastiscus marmoratus. The results showed that the higher HCQ concentration (77.40 and 154.80 mg/mL) led to mass mortality within an hour. The half-lethal concentration (LC50, 24 h) of HCQ for S. marmoratus was approximately 48.95 mg/mL. When exposed to 30.96 mg/mL HCQ for 24 hours, autophagy was blocked as revealed by electron microscopy from gill, spleen and testis of fish. The expressions of autophagy-related genes (LC3/Cx43), apoptosis-related genes (Cas3/p53), and inflammation-related genes (TNF-α/IL8) exhibited tissue-specific and dose-dependent responses. The gonads showed preferential expression of all these genes and were found to be sensitive and regular after HCQ treatment. For example, at a concentration of 30.96 mg/mL, the testis demonstrated a regularity that suggests it is an ideal candidate tissue for studying the role of HCQ or autophagy. This study systematically revealed the response of S. marmoratus to different concentrations of HCQ and provided optional assay concentrations for key tissues, serving as an important reference for the future studies on HCQ and autophagy in S. marmoratus. Furthermore, the potential crosstalk between autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways initially identified in this study could be helpful for the future research on autophagy regulation in marine fish.
Associations of serum lactate and lactate clearance with delirium in the early stage of ICU: a retrospective cohort study of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Qian Xiangfeng , Sheng Yi , Jiang Yinsheng , Xu Yong’an 
Published: July 2024

AimThis study aimed to investigate the associations of serum lactate level [within and after 24 h of the intensive care unit (ICU) admission] and lactate clearance rate with delirium and assess associations of lactate and lactate clearance rate with 30-day mortality in delirium patients.MethodsData in this retrospective cohort study were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database in 2012–2019. The associations of lactate and lactate clearance rate with delirium were explored through univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, whereas the associations of lactate and lactate clearance rate with 30-day mortality in delirium patients were investigated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. Subgroup analysis was performed for age, gender, sepsis, hypertension, sedative drug, ventilation, antibiotic drug, vasopressors, and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. The evaluation indexes were odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsAmong 7,812 (14.58%) eligible participants, 4,338 (8.19%) had delirium and 1,903 (24.36%) died within 30 days. After adjusting for covariates, patients with lactic acidosis (lactate level &gt; 5 mmol/L and PH &lt; 7.35) at T0 (within 24 h of the ICU admission) had higher odds of delirium (OR = 1.235, 95%CI: 1.105–1.382). Hyperlactatemia (lactate level 2–5 mmol/L and PH &gt; 7.35) at T1 (after 24 h of the ICU admission) was also associated with higher odds of delirium (OR = 1.277, 95%CI: 1.126–1.447). Lactate clearance rate &gt; 50% was linked to lower odds of delirium (OR = 0.705, 95%CI: 0.613–0.811), and this relationship was also observed in ≥65 years old, female, male, non-sepsis, sepsis, non-hypertension, non-sedative drug use, sedative drug use, ventilation, antibiotic drug use, use of vasopressors, and different SOFA score subgroups (all p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis (whether at T0 or T1) may be potential risk factors for 30-day mortality in delirium patients, whereas lactate clearance rate ≥ 0 had a potential protective effect on 30-day mortality (all p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionHigher serum lactate levels in the early stage of the ICU were associated with a higher risk of delirium and subsequent mortality. Measures taken to increase the lactate clearance rate are necessary to reduce potential delirium or mortality risk in clinical settings. However, more evidence from prospective studies is needed to verify these findings.
Costs over benefits: mind wandering in sporting performance
Authors: Li Jieling , Liu Yafang , Xue Shuangpeng , Tian Bao 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAthletes’ mind wandering during competition has positive and negative effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the reason for these bidirectional effects.MethodsWe recruited 51 athletes from China to take part in semi-structured interviews in which we explored their experiences of mind wandering in competition. We used grounded theory combined with systems thinking to complete the data analysis and theoretical construction.ResultsResults showed that the influence of mind wandering on sporting performance was dynamically influenced by “mind wandering source,” “competition anxiety,” “content of mind wandering,” “attentional resources” and “attentional control,” resulting in our development of the theory of “mind wandering in sporting performance (MWSP).” The above factors determine how mind wandering occurs and how it affects the competition.DiscussionAlthough the occurrence of mind wandering during competition has positive effects, its negative effects cannot be ignored, which may lead to athletes losing the race (costs over benefits). Potential strategies focusing on the mitigation of negative effects and promotion of positive effects of mind wandering are discussed.
Prevalence and pattern of multimorbidity in China: a cross-sectional study of 224,142 adults over 60 years old
Authors: Hu Xing , Li Shugang , Wei Zhimin , Wu Dishan , Meng Lingbing , Li Jianyi , Xu Jiapei , Zhang Luyao , Ma Qinan , Li Hui , Zeng Xuezhai , Zhang Qiuxia , Li Juan , Liu Deping 
Published: July 2024

AimTo examine the prevalence and potential risk factors of multimorbidity among older adult in China. In addition, we investigated the pattern of multimorbidity.MethodsThis study is based on data from the fourth Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China (SSAPUR) in 2015, a comprehensive survey of individuals aged 60 years or older in China. We calculated baseline data and prevalence rates for comorbidities, stratified by household registration, age, sex, education, exercise, and health insurance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for comorbidities. Furthermore, we determined the prevalence rates for the three most frequent disease combinations.ResultsA total of 215,040 participants were included in our analysis. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 50.5% among the older adult in China. The prevalence rate was slightly higher in rural areas than in urban areas, with rates of 51.5 and 49.6%, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, the prevalence rate was higher in females than in males, with rates of 55.2 and 45.3%, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals aged 70–79 years (OR:1.40, 95% CI: 1.38–1.43, p &lt; 0.001) and over 80 years (OR:1.41, 95% CI: 1.38–1.45, p &lt; 0.001) had a higher prevalence of multimorbidity than those aged 60–69 years. The most prevalent pair of comorbidities was hypertension and osteoarthropathy, with 19.6% of the participants having these two conditions, accounting for 5.4% of the total participants.ConclusionOur findings indicate a high prevalence of multimorbidity among the older adult in China. Increased expenditure on preventive health care, popularization of general medicine and popular medical education may be adopted by the Government to cope with the high prevalence of multimorbidity.
Doctors’ perception on the ethical use of AI-enabled clinical decision support systems for antibiotic prescribing recommendations in Singapore
Authors: Huang Zhilian , Lim Hannah Yee-Fen , Ow Jing Teng , Sun Shirley Hsiao-Li , Chow Angela 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesThe increased utilization of Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare changes practice and introduces ethical implications for AI adoption in medicine. We assess medical doctors’ ethical stance in situations that arise in adopting an AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support System (AI-CDSS) for antibiotic prescribing decision support in a healthcare institution in Singapore.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with 30 doctors of varying medical specialties and designations between October 2022 and January 2023. Our interview guide was anchored on the four pillars of medical ethics. We used clinical vignettes with the following hypothetical scenarios: (1) Using an antibiotic AI-enabled CDSS’s recommendations for a tourist, (2) Uncertainty about the AI-CDSS’s recommendation of a narrow-spectrum antibiotic vs. concerns about antimicrobial resistance, (3) Patient refusing the “best treatment” recommended by the AI-CDSS, (4) Data breach.ResultsMore than half of the participants only realized that the AI-enabled CDSS could have misrepresented non-local populations after being probed to think about the AI-CDSS’s data source. Regarding prescribing a broad- or narrow-spectrum antibiotic, most participants preferred to exercise their clinical judgment over the AI-enabled CDSS’s recommendations in their patients’ best interest. Two-thirds of participants prioritized beneficence over patient autonomy by convincing patients who refused the best practice treatment to accept it. Many were unaware of the implications of data breaches.ConclusionThe current position on the legal liability concerning the use of AI-enabled CDSS is unclear in relation to doctors, hospitals and CDSS providers. Having a comprehensive ethical legal and regulatory framework, perceived organizational support, and adequate knowledge of AI and ethics are essential for successfully implementing AI in healthcare.
Promoting dual careers at higher education institutions: 31 benefits ranked by the project Student Athletes Erasmus+ Mobility in Europe (SAMEurope)
Authors: Hernando Domingo Carlos , Renau Michavila Marta , Thorén Per , Bankel Johan , Karlsteen Magnus , Kalaja Sami , Rasinaho Minna , Karjalainen Aki , Scharenberg Swantje , Kohler Pascale , Agneray Florian , Deflon Alexia , Brac de la Perriere Dorothée , Marín Gil María Pilar 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe project Student Athletes Erasmus+ Mobility in Europe identified and defined a total of 31 benefits offered to dual-career student athletes who are combining their university studies with high-level training. The project was co-funded by the European Union and carried out by five universities: Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Institut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon (France), University of Jyväskylä (Finland), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), and Universitat Jaume I (Spain).MethodsThe purpose of the study was to rank these benefits by combining the perspectives of the university staff and the student athletes from each university in the consortium. The university staff included experts from sports services and the international relations office. A questionnaire was also sent to the dual-career athletes enrolled at the consortium's universities. Of the 514 dual-career athletes, 208 (116 women) completed the questionnaire. The overall response rate was 40.47%. The university staff assessed the importance of each benefit, how easy it was to implement at the institution, and whether or not the university offered the benefit to its students. The dual-career students rated each of the 31 benefits and indicated whether or not they had used them. A specific methodology was designed to rank these benefits using the ratings of the university staff and the student athletes. Intra-group and inter-group Pearson correlations were performed.ResultsThe results show a strong and significant correlation between the benefits from the perspective of the university staff (r = 0.710, p = 7.76E-7) and from the perspective of the students (r = 0.715, p = 2.44E-6). The correlation is moderate and significant when the benefits are correlated from the perspective of the two groups as a whole (0.363, p = 0.045), with the three most important benefits being the free use of sports facilities, justification for absences, and the adaptation of the pace of studies.DiscussionThe study makes visible the commitment of higher education institutions to facilitating the dual career of student athletes and identifies those benefits that may be of greater interest to European universities as a whole. The European perspective has been considered, while respecting the specificities of each university and the country in which it is located.
Use of Microalgae-Derived Astaxanthin to Improve Cytoprotective Capacity in the Ileum of Heat-Induced Oxidative Stressed Broilers
Authors: Kuehu Donna Lee , Fu Yuanyuan , Nasu Masaki , Yang Hua , Khadka Vedbar S. , Deng Youping 
Published: July 2024

The gastrointestinal tract has a pivotal role in nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall homeostasis. The ileum segment of the small intestine plays respective roles in nutrient breakdown and absorption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of heat-induced oxidative stress and the potential mitigating effects of an astaxanthin antioxidant treatment on the ileum of broilers. By comparing the growth performance and gene expression profiles among three groups—thermal neutral, heat stress, and heat stress with astaxanthin—thermal neutral temperature conditions of 21–22 °C and heat stress temperature of 32–35 °C, this research aims to elucidate the role of astaxanthin in supporting homeostasis and cellular protection in the ileum. Results showed both treatments under heat stress experienced reduced growth performance, while the group treated with astaxanthin showed a slightly lesser decline. Results further showed the astaxanthin treatment group significantly upregulated in the cytoprotective gene expression for HSF2, SOD2, GPX3, and TXN, as well as the upregulation of epithelial integrity genes LOX, CLDN1, and MUC2. In conclusion, our experimental findings demonstrate upregulation of cytoprotective and epithelial integrity genes, suggesting astaxanthin may effectively enhance the cellular response to heat stress to mitigate oxidative damage and contribute to cytoprotective capacity.
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of Amantadine in a Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Model in Rats
Authors: Drummond Isabela Santana Albertazzi , de Oliveira Jéssica Natália Silva , Niella Raquel Vieira , Silva Álvaro José Chávez , de Oliveira Iago Santos , de Souza Sophia Saraiva , da Costa Marques Claire Souza , Corrêa Janaina Maria Xavier , Silva Juneo Freitas , de Lavor Mário Sérgio Lima 
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of amantadine in a vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy model in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were used. The treated groups received oral amantadine at doses of 2, 5, 12, 25 and 50 mg/kg, with daily applications for 14 days. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold was measured using a digital analgesimeter. Immunohistochemical analysis of IL-6, TNFα, MIP1α, IL-10, CX3CR1, CXCR4, SOD, CAT and GPx, and enzymatic activity analysis of CAT, SOD and GPx were performed, in addition to quantitative PCR of Grp78, Chop, Ho1, Perk, Bax, Bcl-xL, Casp 3, Casp 9, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 and IL-1β. The results showed an increase in nociceptive thresholds in animals that received 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg amantadine. Immunohistochemistry showed a decrease in the immunostaining of IL-6, TNFα, MIP1α and CX3CR1, and an increase in IL-10. CAT and SOD showed an increase in both immunochemistry and enzymatic analysis. qPCR revealed a reduced expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and regulation in the expression of immunological and apoptotic markers. Amantadine demonstrated antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy model in rats, suggesting that amantadine may be considered an alternative approach for the treatment of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.
Effect of Gastrodia elata Bl Cultivation under Forest Stands on Runoff, Erosion, and Nutrient Loss
Authors: Yang Shuyuan , Li Jianqiang 
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: The understory planting of Chinese herbal medicine is a common soil and water conservation farming measure, and this approach makes full use of the natural conditions of the understory. However, a large number of studies on soil erosion have focused on the simulation of natural indoor conditions, and there are very few investigations on soil erosion caused by understory planting in the field. This study aims to investigate the effects of different slopes on soil and water and nitrogen–phosphorus nutrient loss from understory planting of Gastrodia elata Bl by changing the vegetation structure and soil structure of forest land. (2) Methods: To reveal the nitrogen and phosphorus loss and flow and sediment characteristics of the understory planting of Gastrodia elata Bl, runoff plots were set up in a field, and three surface slopes (5°, 15°, and 20°) were designed to collect runoff sediments and compare the soil and water loss between the natural slopes and those with Gastrodia elata Bl. This provides a basis for the restoration of vegetation cover and the enhancement of soil fertility. (3) Results: The total loss of soil, water, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the forested land with Gastrodia elata Bl increased significantly compared with that in the natural forested land, and the greater the slope was, the greater the loss was. (4) Conclusions: Planting Gastrodia elata Bl should be avoided in areas with steep slopes and serious soil erosion. However, some soil and water conservation engineering measures can be taken, such as the construction of retaining walls, drainage ditches, etc., to minimize the scouring and erosion of soil by rainwater.
Utilizing Biomolecule-Rich Citrus Fruit Waste as a Medium for the Eco-Friendly Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Bhat Ramesa Shafi , Al-Dbass Abeer M. , Khayyat Arwa Ishaq A. , Al-Daihan Sooad 
Published: July 2024

An ample amount of fruit waste is generated as agro-industrial waste, leading to significant nutritional, economic, and environmental challenges. Fruit peels are rich in many valuable bioactive compounds with the potential for developing nanoparticles. This study examined fresh juices of two citrus fruit peel wastes (Citrus sinensis: C. sinesis and Citrus limon: C. limon) for antioxidants and total protein. Then, we investigated their ability to produce silver nanoparticles, which were further analyzed for anti-microbial activity against thirteen pathogenic microbes. Both Citrus peel juices were rich in secondary metabolites. The formation of Ag nanoparticles was initially confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, with peaks at 400 nm for C. sinensis peel Ag nanoparticles and 430 nm for C. limon peel Ag nanoparticles. Further characterization was conducted using zeta sizer, zeta potential, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity was tested using the well diffusion method against 11 bacterial strains (five Gram-positive and six Gram-negative) and two fungal strains of Candida. TEM and SEM results revealed a spherical shape, with an average diameter of about 13 nm for C. sinensis and 21 nm for C. limon Ag. EDX confirmed the presence of silver in both nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum of the extract indicated the presence of biomolecules, which facilitated the reduction and capping of the synthesized Ag nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles showed remarkable antimicrobial activity, but the nanoparticles from C. sinensis exhibited stronger antibacterial properties because of their smaller size. Citrus peel waste is a suitable medium for the eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles.
Phytotoxic Strains of Fusarium commune Isolated from Truffles
Authors: Zvonarev Anton , Terentyev Vasily , Zhelifonova Valentina , Antipova Tatiana , Baskunov Boris , Avtukh Aleksander , Abashina Tatiana , Kachalkin Aleksey , Vainshtein Mikhail , Kudryavtseva Anna 
Published: July 2024

Most Fusarium species are known as endophytes and/or phytopathogens of higher plants and have a worldwide distribution. Recently, information discovered with molecular tools has been also published about the presence of these fungi in the microbiome of truffle fruiting bodies. In the present work, we isolated and identified three Fusarium strains from truffle fruiting bodies. All isolates were assigned to the same species, F. commune, and the strains were deposited in the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms under accession numbers VKM F-5020, VKM F-5021, and VKM F-5022. To check the possible effects of the isolated strains on the plants, the isolates were used to infect sterile seedlings of Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.). This model infection led to a moderate suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus activity and plant growth. Here, we present characteristics of the F. commune isolates: description of the conidial morphology, pigmentation, and composition of the mycelium fatty acids. Overall, this is the first description of the Fusarium cultures isolated from truffle fruiting bodies. Possible symbiosis of the F. commune strains with truffles and their involvement in the cooperative fatty acid production are proposed.
A Power Combiner–Splitter Based on a Rat-Race Coupler for an IQ Mixer in Synthetic Aperture Radar Applications
Authors: Ruhiyat Abdurrasyid , Kurniawan Farohaji , Apriono Catur 
Published: July 2024

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a powerful tool in remote sensing applications that can produce high-resolution images and operate in any weather condition. It is composed of many RF components, such as the IQ mixer, which mixes the base chirp signal (IF) with the carrier signal (LO) and increases the bandwidth of the transmitted signal to twice the maximum frequency of the base chirp signal, reducing the workload of Programmable Field Gate Arrays (FPGA) and increasing the resolution of the SAR system. This research proposes a power combiner–splitter design that will be used as a supporting component to construct the IQ mixer in SAR applications based on a rat-race coupler. The measurement results show that the coupler has good S-parameter values. S11, S22, and S33 have a low reflection value below −17 dB, S13 has a high isolation value below −22 dB, and S21 and S31 have a low attenuation value below −4 dB with amplitude unbalance below 0.1 dB and phase unbalance below 1°. The 150 MHz requirement bandwidth for the RF signal is also achieved.