bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Piperine enhances contractile force in slow‐ and fast‐twitch muscle
Authors: Herskind Jon , Ørtenblad Niels , Cheng Arthur J. , Pedersen Peter , Overgaard Kristian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPiperine has been shown to bind to myosin and shift the distribution of conformational states of myosin molecules from the super‐relaxed state to the disordered relaxed state. However, little is known about the implications for muscle force production and potential underlying mechanisms. Muscle contractility experiments were performed using isolated muscles and single fibres from rats and mice. The dose–response effect of piperine on muscle force was assessed at several stimulation frequencies. The potentiation of muscle force was also tested in muscles fatigued by eccentric contractions. Potential mechanisms of force potentiation were assessed by measuring Ca2+ levels during stimulation in enzymatically dissociated muscle fibres, while myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity was assessed in chemically skinned muscle fibres. Piperine caused a dose‐dependent increase in low‐frequency force with no effect on high‐frequency force in both slow‐ and fast‐twitch muscle, with similar relative increases in twitch force, rate of force development and relaxation rate. The potentiating effect of piperine on low‐frequency force was reversible, and piperine partially recovered low‐frequency force in fatigued muscle. Piperine had no effect on myoplasmic free [Ca2+] levels in mouse muscle fibres, whereas piperine substantially augmented the force response to submaximal levels of [Ca2+] in rat MyHCII fibres and MyHCI fibres along with a minor increase in maximum Ca2+‐activated force. Piperine enhances low‐frequency force production in both fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscle. The effects are reversible and can counteract muscle fatigue. The primary underlying mechanism appears to be an increase in Ca2+ sensitivity.
imageKey points
Piperine is a plant alkaloid derived from black pepper. It is known to bind to skeletal muscle myosin and enhance resting ATP turnover but its effects on contractility are not well known.
We showed for the first time a piperine‐induced force potentiation that was pronounced during low‐frequency electrical stimulation of isolated muscles.
The effect of piperine was observed in both slow and fast muscle types, was reversible, and could counteract the force decrements observed after fatiguing muscle contractions.
Piperine treatment caused an increase in myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity in chemically skinned muscle fibres, while we observed no effect on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations during electrical stimulation in enzymatically dissociated muscle fibres.
Thermodynamics of Taub-NUT-AdS spacetimes
Authors: Liu Jun-Fei , Liu Hai-Shan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe apply the generalised Komar method proposed in [arXiv:2208.05494] to Taub-NUT-AdS spacetime in the theory of Einstein gravity plus a cosmological constant. Based on a generalised closed 2-form, we derive the total mass and NUT charge of the Taub-NUT-AdS spacetime. Together with other thermodynamic quantities calculated through standard method, we conform the first law and Smarr relation. Then, we consider charged AdS NUT spacetimes in Einstein–Maxwell theory with a cosmological constant, and show that the generalised Komar method works, too. We obtain all the thermodynamic quantities, and the first law and Smarr relation are checked to be satisfied automatically.
Catalogue and identification key of the bee genus Epeolus Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) from the Palaearctic region
Authors: ASTAFUROVA YULIA V. , PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU. 
Published: May 2024

Available information about bees of the genus Epeolus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the Palaearctic region is summarized. Forty-eight species are currently known from this area. A new synonymy is proposed for Epeolus tsushimensis Cockerell, 1926=E. japonicus Bischoff, 1930, syn. nov. and a lectotype is designated for E. fallax Morawitz, 1872. The first illustrated key and an updated catalogue of all 48 species known from the Palaearctic region are provided. Brief information about the history of the study and distribution patterns of these сleptoparasitic bees is also included.
Bone in the Womb: A Case Report of Endometrial Osseous Metaplasia
Authors: Somani Kavita , Singh Pretty , Joseph Diya , Poduval Sujatha 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Osseous metaplasia in the endometrium is a rare pathological condition characterised by the presence of mature bone, potentially leading to menorrhagia and infertility. The probable pathogenesis of this condition is metaplastic alterations in the endometrial stromal cells, leading to the formation of bony spicules. The gold standard for diagnosis of the condition remains histopathological examination, aided by radiological findings. Methods: This was a case report of a single case with evidence-based discussions. Informed consent was obtained. Case report: We present a case of a 26-year-old female with a previous lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) five years ago and an abortion, followed by dilation and curettage three years ago, presented with heavy menstrual bleeding. Trans-vaginal ultrasound revealed bright, highly echogenic and linear echo-reflective shadows in the endometrial cavity. The complete removal of bony spicules from the endometrium was done by hysteroscopy under sonographic guidance. On histology, a diagnosis of osseous metaplasia of the endometrium was given. Conclusion: The accuracy of the diagnosis is pivotal; it signifies a reversible factor contributing to infertility. Therefore, an accurate identification not only aids in appropriate treatment but also offers substantial relief and hope for those experiencing fertility challenges due to this condition.
Analgesia for Donor Hepatectomy: Recent Perspectives
Authors: Malik Ashish , Pal Atish 
Published: May 2024

Background: Donor hepatectomy is a complex surgical procedure associated with significant postoperative pain, which can impact both short-term recovery and long-term outcomes. Adequate pain management plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the living liver donor and optimising their overall experience. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current practices and emerging strategies in analgesic management for donor hepatectomy. Methodology: To find relevant material, searches were conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar. The evaluation took into consideration review articles, clinical trials, retrospective studies, observational studies, and case-control studies. Results: The conventional approach to pain control involves a multimodal strategy combining opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and regional anaesthesia techniques. However, concerns regarding opioid-related side effects and potential complications have prompted a re-evaluation of analgesic protocols. Alternative methods such as thoracic epidural analgesia, transversus abdominis plane blocks and continuous wound infusion systems have gained attention for their potential to minimise opioid requirements and enhance recovery. Recent advancements in the field of pain management, including the utilisation of enhanced recovery, after surgery protocols, personalised analgesic regimens, and novel pharmaceutical agents, are explored in this review. Additionally, the impact of psychological factors and patient-centred care on postoperative pain experiences is discussed. Conclusion: The review concludes by emphasising the importance of tailoring analgesic strategies to individual patient needs and characteristics. It highlights the potential benefits of incorporating innovative approaches to enhance pain control, reduce opioid consumption and ultimately improve the overall outcome and satisfaction of living liver donors undergoing hepatectomy. Future directions in research and clinical practice are also suggested to further refine and optimise analgesic management in the context of donor hepatectomy.
Current Medical Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Narrative Review
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Background: Recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep cause obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Patients with OSA, a serious clinical condition, frequently halt or reduce their breathing while they are asleep. This results in non-restful, fragmented sleep, which exacerbates symptoms such as morning headaches and drowsiness during the day. Aims and objectives: This review article focuses only on the current medical treatment of OSA. It will also catalyse further study and better awareness of the current medical treatment of OSA. Materials and methods: A search was conducted for recent research articles on current medical treatment for OSA. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar online databases. Results: Heart arrhythmias, depression, hypertension and coronary artery disease are among the medical disorders linked to OSA. Clinical symptoms that are predictive include obesity, enlarged neck circumferences, gasping when sleeping and loud snoring. Those who are obese, hypertensive, frequent snorers and hyper-somnolent should be suspected of having OSA. An essential test for accurately diagnosing OSA is overnight polysomnography. Conclusion: As OSA is a chronic illness, a long-term, interdisciplinary strategy is required. The first step in managing OSA is patient education. For treatment of OSA, lifestyle changes including losing weight, switching to a different sleeping position, abstaining from alcohol and using certain drugs are crucial. When treating OSA, positive airway pressure is a crucial choice. Since OSA affects both the person and society as a whole, further investigation is needed to find novel treatment approaches for this morbid clinical condition.
Digital Twin Modeling Enabled Machine Tool Intelligence: A Review
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Jianhua , Zhuang Cunbo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMachine tools, often referred to as the “mother machines” of the manufacturing industry, are crucial in developing smart manufacturing and are increasingly becoming more intelligent. Digital twin technology can promote machine tool intelligence and has attracted considerable research interest. However, there is a lack of clear and systematic analyses on how the digital twin technology enables machine tool intelligence. Herein, digital twin modeling was identified as an enabling technology for machine tool intelligence based on a comparative study of the characteristics of machine tool intelligence and digital twin. The review then delves into state-of-the-art digital twin modeling-enabled machine tool intelligence, examining it from the aspects of data-based modeling and mechanism-data dual-driven modeling. Additionally, it highlights three bottleneck issues facing the field. Considering these problems, the architecture of a digital twin machine tool (DTMT) is proposed, and three key technologies are expounded in detail: Data perception and fusion technology, mechanism-data-knowledge hybrid-driven digital twin modeling and virtual-real synchronization technology, and dynamic optimization and collaborative control technology for multilevel parameters. Finally, future research directions for the DTMT are discussed. This work can provide a foundation basis for the research and implementation of digital-twin modeling-enabled machine tool intelligence, making it significant for developing intelligent machine tools.
Comparing the effects of aquatic-based exercise and land-based exercise on balance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Ying , Tang Zheng , Yang Zhengting , Chai Qi , Lu Wenting , Cai Yunshi , Luo Yiting , Zhou Yongzhao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Balance plays a crucial role in the daily activities of older adults. Aquatic-based exercises (AE) are widely conducted as an alternative to land-based exercises (LE). Previous studies have compared AE and LE as effective ways to improve balance and have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this review aimed to compare the effects of AE and LE on balance function in older adults.

Methods
Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, were searched. Randomized controlled trials published from January 2003 to June 2023 were included following predetermined criteria. Data extraction was carried out by two independent reviewers. Data synthesis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. The fixed-effect model or random-effect model was chosen based on the results of the heterogeneity test. Meta-analysis for the effect sizes of balance outcomes was calculated as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. This review was registered at PROSPERO CRD42023429557.

Results
A total of 29 studies involving 1486 older adults (with an average age of 66.2 years) were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that AE could improve balance ability based on two tests: the Berg balance scale (BBS: SMD = 1.13, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.00, p = 0.01, I2 = 94%) and the 30-s chair stand test (30 CST: SMD = 2.02, 95% CI 0.50 to 3.54, p = 0.009, I2 = 96%). However, there were no significant differences between the AE group and the LE group in terms of the 6-min walking test (6 MWT: SMD = 0.13, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.43, p = 0.38, I2 = 62%) and time up to go test (TUGT: SMD = 0.44, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.91, p = 0.07, I2 = 85%). Older adults with different health conditions have different gains in different balance measurements after AE intervention and LE intervention.

Conclusions
Although this was influenced by participant health status, transfer effects, sample size, and other factors, AE offers better benefits than LE for improving balance function in older adults.
Correlation between small-cell lung cancer serum protein/peptides determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and chemotherapy efficacy
Authors: Li Zhihua , Chen Junnan , Xu Bin , Zhao Wei , Zha Haoran , Han Yalin , Shen Wennan , Dong Yuemei , Zhao Nan , Zhang Manze , He Kun , Li Zhaoxia , Liu Xiaoqing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Currently, no effective measures are available to predict the curative efficacy of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) chemotherapy. We expect to develop a method for effectively predicting the SCLC chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis in clinical practice in order to offer more pertinent therapeutic protocols for individual patients.

Methods
We adopted matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and ClinPro Tools system to detect serum samples from 154 SCLC patients with different curative efficacy of standard chemotherapy and analyze the different peptides/proteins of SCLC patients to discover predictive tumor markers related to chemotherapy efficacy. Ten peptide/protein peaks were significantly different in the two groups.

Results
A genetic algorithm model consisting of four peptides/proteins was developed from the training group to separate patients with different chemotherapy efficacies. Among them, three peptides/proteins (m/z 3323.35, 6649.03 and 6451.08) showed high expression in the disease progression group, whereas the peptide/protein at m/z 4283.18 was highly expressed in the disease response group. The classifier exhibited an accuracy of 91.4% (53/58) in the validation group. The survival analysis showed that the median progression-free survival (PFS) of 30 SCLC patients in disease response group was 9.0 months; in 28 cases in disease progression group, the median PFS was 3.0 months, a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 46.98, P < 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) of the two groups was 13.0 months and 7.0 months, a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 40.64, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
These peptides/proteins may be used as potential biological markers for prediction of the curative efficacy and prognosis for SCLC patients treated with standard regimen chemotherapy.
Regulatory and practical considerations on the implementation of a mixture allocation factor in REACH
Authors: Treu Gabriele , Schulze Jona , Galert Wiebke , Hassold Enken 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThere is indisputable evidence that the environment, humans and wildlife are continuously exposed not to single but to multiple chemicals from different sources. Exposure to these mixtures can lead to combined risks not yet sufficiently addressed in any of the European chemical legislations. Under the REACH regulation for industrial chemicals, specific environmental mixture assessments are challenged by a lack of data on toxicity, use and exposures and the communication of data along the supply chain. Within the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability the European Commission proposed to introduce (a) mixture allocation factor(s) (MAF) as regulatory management tool to reduce exposures, effects and potential risks of unintentional mixtures. The MAF is proposed to be applied as default value within the chemical safety assessments undertaken by companies under REACH. Here, we critically review the relevant literature discussing the conceptual background of the MAF and approaches to derive its magnitude. The analysis focuses on the environment and key issues for an implementation in regulatory practise together with remaining uncertainties and needs for possible ways forward. At this stage introducing a MAF in REACH Annex I appears the most pragmatic and immediately implementable measure to address risks from unintentional mixtures in the environment. A so-called MAFceiling appears as the preferred option of policy makers, since it would only affect relevant substances close to their respective risk threshold. While the magnitude of a MAF will be decided politically, the choice of methods and assumptions to derive its size should be clear and transparent, build on the available scientific evidence and take account for uncertainties. A MAF will be most effective reducing environmental releases and exposure levels if risk mitigation measures are implemented in practise. Its socioeconomic impacts and costs need to be assessed in a balanced way together with the benefits for the environment, society, and for companies—also in comparison to the efforts needed for specific mixture risk assessments. In the future and with the experiences gathered in practise, a discussion is needed on how to assess and regulate unintentional mixtures across different pieces of chemicals legislation to consider the true exposure situation and ensure harmonisation.
Short-time work, labor hoarding, and curtailed hiring: establishment-level evidence from Japan
Authors: Kuo Chiu-Wei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study analyzes the mechanisms by which short-time work (STW) schemes affect firm’s employment adjustments, using establishment-level data during the Great Recession from Japan. The findings show that STW leads to a decrease in both hiring and separations, with no significant positive effect on net employment. The observed curtailed hiring can be explained within the context of how STW promotes labor hoarding. STW encourages firms to maintain redundant employment by subsidizing the costs of labor hoarding. The excess labor surplus in firms adopting STW diminishes the incentive to recruit new workers in anticipation of the recovery period. Furthermore, as firms generally lack the motivation to hoard marginal workers, STW may exacerbate job security disparities between regular and marginal workers. These findings have important implications for policy evaluation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the potential adverse consequences of STW on labor market entrants and marginal workers.
Seasonal trends and population status of the highly threatened Pteropus livingstonii in the Comoros archipelago
Authors: Mandl Isabella , Houmadi Amelaid , Said Ishaka , Abdou Badrane Ben Ali , Mohamed Nastazia , Fardane Abdoulkader , Soulaïmana Samirou , Mohamed Misbahou , Anthoy M. Ben , Doulton Hugh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFlying foxes of the genus Pteropus, especially those inhabiting islands, face increasing pressure from anthropogenic threats. A first step to implementing effective conservation actions is to establish monitoring projects to understand a species’ population status and trend. Pteropus species are highly affected by seasonality which further requires regular, repeated, and long-term data to understand population trends, and reactions to severe weather events. In the present case study, a regular, bi-annual population census was implemented on Comoros between 2016 and 2023 for the highly threatened Livingstone’s fruit bat, Pteropus livingstonii, and compared the results of standardized monitoring to historical population data. Seasonality had a large impact on the number of bats found at roost sites, with more bats present in the wet season, but the data over the past eight years revealed no significant in- or decrease in the number of bats counted on the island Anjouan. We estimated around 1,200–1,500 bats on Anjouan and 300–400 bats on Mohéli, and found that landcover type has no measurable effect on population distribution at roost sites. Our study highlights the need for long-term surveys to understand past population trends and that single counts are not sufficient to draw final conclusions of a species’ status.
Assessment of secular trends of three major gynecologic cancers burden and attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019: an age period cohort analysis
Authors: Liu Yiran , Shi Wenqi , Mubarik Sumaira , Wang Fang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims to assess the long-term trends in the burden of three major gynecologic cancers(GCs) stratified by social-demographic status across the world from 1990 to 2019. To assess the trends of risk factor attributed mortality, and to examine the specific effects of age, period, cohort behind them in different regions.

Methods
We extracted data on the mortality, disability-adjusted life years(DALYs), and age-standardized rates(ASRs) of cervical cancer(CC), uterine cancer(UC), and ovarian cancer(OC) related to risks from 1990 to 2019, as GCs burden measures. Age-period-cohort analysis was used to analyze trends in attributable mortality rates.

Results
The number of deaths and DALYs for CC, UC and OC increased since 1990 worldwide, while the ASDRs decreased. Regionally, the ASDR of CC was the highest in low SDI region at 15.05(11.92, 18.46) per 100,000 in 2019, while the ASDRs of UC and OC were highest in high SDI region at 2.52(2.32,2.64), and 5.67(5.16,6.09). The risk of CC death caused by unsafe sex increased with age and then gradually stabilized, with regional differences. The period effect of CC death attributed to smoking showed a downward trend. The cohort effect of UC death attributed to high BMI decreased in each region, especially in the early period in middle, low-middle and low SDI areas.

Conclusions
Global secular trends of attributed mortality for the three GCs and their age, period, and cohort effects may reflect the diagnosis and treatment progress, rapid socioeconomic transitions, concomitant changes in lifestyle and behavioral patterns in different developing regions. Prevention and controllable measures should be carried out according to the epidemic status in different countries, raising awareness of risk factors to reduce future burden.