bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of cycling practice on gaze, body, and bicycle controls
Authors: Kojima Takashi , Cho Katsuki , Kokubu Masahiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Although cycling is a fundamental skill acquired by a lot of people, insights into the factors contributing to the learning of more stable cycling remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the aspects of movement that contribute to cycling stability through the skill acquisition process in non-cyclists. Nineteen participants practiced cycling on a straight and narrow path for 20 trials daily for 2 days. After the practice session, the movements related to steering, frame roll, and head were stabilized. In the pre-test, multiple regression analysis showed that steering, head angle, frequency of optokinetic nystagmus, and cycling speed were explanatory variables for the deviation rate as the dependent variable in the regression equation. In the retention test, the head roll tilt, head angle, head angle range, and optokinetic response duration were included. These findings suggest that the strategy shifted from minimizing the variability of steering to stabilizing head movements as participants improved their cycling skills. Furthermore, the periodic eye movements and the act of lowering the head were identified as contributing factors to cycling stability in both pre- and retention tests.
The probe trial in a water maze test should not exceed two times
Authors: Han Xiaodong , Liu Xiaobin , Jiang Yanna , Wu Shuai , Zhang Zhe , Gao Cheng , Fu Zhaoying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We performed two types of water maze tests (a visual-cued and an acoustic-cued) to determine the appropriate number of probe trials for a water maze test. Three probe trials were applied in the probe trial phase of each experiment. The observational indexes included the time of the first crossing and the number of crossing. In both types of the tests, the results showed that the time of the first crossing increased significantly from the second to the third probe trials (P < 0.05), while the number of crossing decreased significantly from the second to the third probe trials (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the differences between the first and the second probe trials were not statistically significant regarding both the time of the first crossing and the number of crossing (both P > 0.05). Therefore, we believe that the number of probe trials in a water maze test should be one or two but no more than two times.
Epidemiological and transmission characteristics comparison analysis between Delta and Omicron variants of the SARS-CoV-2 (BA.2.1, BA.2.2, BA.2.76, BA.5.2)
Authors: Dai Zhihui , Luo Kaiwei , Liu Qiao , Zhan Zhifei , Sun Qianlai , Lin Huijun , Chen Tianmu , Zhao Zeyu , Li Xiaojun , Liu Ziyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the virus has undergone three mutations, with Delta and Omicron being the most affected.This study aimed to understand the epidemiology and transmission differences between the Delta and Omicron variants, and to analyze the infection characteristics of different variants, providing a scientific theoretical basis for prevention and control strategies.We conducted a comparative analysis by selecting six local outbreaks of the Delta variant that occurred in Hunan Province in July 2021 and six local outbreaks of different sub-lineages of the Omicron variant that occurred in 2022. The results showed that asymptomatic cases were more prevalent in Omicron variant infections, with BA.5.2 having the highest proportion. The Delta and Omicron variants have identical median incubation periods of 2–3 days. In terms of secondary situations, the secondary attack rate of the Delta variant is 0.85%, while that of the Omicron variant is 1.69%. For specific Omicron subvariants, Omicron BA.2.1 has a secondary attack rate of 0.89%, Omicron BA.2.2 is 0.71%, Omicron BA.2.76 is 2.51%, and Omicron BA.5.2 has a secondary attack rate of 4.63%. The predominant mode of exposure for cases with recurrent infections of the Delta variant is cohabitation, while for Omicron variant outbreaks, cohabitation remains predominant, followed by spatial proximity and dining together.The Delta variant and the Omicron variant are both make it prone to causing multiple generations of cases in a short period, leading to a wider impact. The secondary attack rates of Omicron and Delta variants in this study were much lower than in other countries, indicating that strengthening personnel control and social regulations are beneficial for the prevention and control of newly emerging severe infectious diseases. Meanwhile, the exposure types of Omicron variant secondary cases were more diverse, and the symptoms of infected individuals were milder, indicating its greater stealthiness. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on virus mutations, strengthen surveillance, and increase prevention and control efforts if enhanced transmissibility of the variant is detected.
Brain Activity During Defensive Reactions to Virtual Threats
Authors: Lopes Carolina , Godinho Jaime , Teixeira César , Petrella Lorena 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The study of brain activity under the appearance of an unexpected visual threat can give some insights into how the brain reacts to potential dangers, and how the consequent defensive response is originated. In this study, a virtual reality (VR) scene is used to present an unexpected threat aiming to invoke a defensive reaction, as well as non-threatening stimuli as control. The brain activity is measured along the pre and post stimuli conditions using electroencephalography (EEG). The goal is to identify how the information propagates between cortical regions once the threatening situation is presented. The functional connectivity study evidenced a flux of information from the left middle temporal gyrus to the premotor cortex, evidencing a defensive response induced by the sound involved in the stimulus. Additional connections involving diverse cortical areas as the left inferior frontal gyrus, the primary motor cortex, the prefrontal cortex, beside the premotor cortex may represent part of the information flux involved in action planning. Other activated cortical areas were the supplementary motor cortex, the right temporal gyrus, the associative visual cortex, and primary somatosensory cortex. Concluding, the immersive scenario provided by VR allowed to induce more natural defensive response, and consequently the identification of relevant brain activity.
A rare case of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure following Hump-nosed Viper bite in a Sri Lankan female
Authors: Wannin W.M.D.A.S. , Aponso Tilan , Seneviratne Manohari , Dissanayake Dhanapala 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Hump-nosed viper (Hypnale species) bites are an important cause of mortality and morbidity in southern India and Sri Lanka, accounting for 27 and 77% of venomous snake bites, respectively (1). Previously, they were known to be moderately venomous snakes with predominant local envenomation, but since recently, severe systemic envenomation incidents have been reported, including hemostatic dysfunction, microangiopathic hemolysis, kidney injury, myocardial toxicity, and death.
Here we report a case of hump-nosed viper bite complicated with type 2 myocardial infarction and acute pulmonary oedema secondary to acute heart failure in a Sri Lankan female presented to the National Hospital of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Case presentation
A 39-year-old previously healthy female from Kegalle was transferred to our hospital for further management of her condition from a local hospital. She gave a history of snake bites three days ago, and the offending snake was identified as a hump-nosed viper. She complained of chest tightness on day 3 of the illness and progressive shortness of breath with associated orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. She had bilateral lower-limb edema. She denied having a past history of similar episodes, and her past medical history was insignificant. Her conscious level was stable, but she was tachypneic and tachycardic, with a respiratory rate of 32/min and a pulse rate of 120 bpm, respectively. She was hemodynamically stable, with a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg. She had bilateral lower zone fine crepitations in the lungs with elevated jugular venous pressure, and her heart sounds were normal. She had an oxygen dependency with an air saturation of ~85%. Upon monitoring, her urine output was adequate. Her ECG showed lateral lead ST segment depressions (I, avL, V2-V6 leads) and T wave inversions. Her cardiac troponin I titer was elevated, with a value of 5.9 ng/mL. Her renal functions were normal (0.8 mg/dL). A chest X-ray showed evidence of pulmonary edema, and a 2D echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 60% with mild lateral wall hypokinesia. CT coronary angiography was carried out with the metabolic screening, which revealed normal coronary arteries and a negative metabolic screening. She was managed with supportive therapy with loop diuretics and oxygen, and a follow-up 2D echocardiogram showed complete recovery of the cardiac function. She was asymptomatic at 3 months into the follow-up. Therefore, since the CT coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries, the case was concluded to be a case of venom-induced type 2 myocardial infarction leading to heart failure with acute pulmonary oedema.
Influencing factors of lymph node detection after minimally invasive radical surgery in patients with colorectal cancer and analysis of the application value of carbon nano-tracers
Authors: Xie Bingkai , Lin Guihe , Wang Zhijian , Xu Dongbo , Chen Jianxun , Lin Shuangming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To investigate the influencing factors of lymph node detection after minimally invasive radical surgery in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and the application value of carbon nanoparticle tracing. A total of 120 patients with CRC who underwent minimally invasive radical surgery were included. They were divided into groups according to whether they were grouped by carbon nano-tracers, and the baseline data were matched by propensity score method. Univariate and multivariate methods were used to evaluate lymph nodes and positive lymph nodes after minimally invasive radical surgery. The number of detected independent factors. After propensity score matching, there were 37 patients in the tracer group and the non-tracer group; there was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups; the number of positive lymph nodes detected in the tracer group was significantly higher than that in the non-tracer group. The results of univariate analysis showed that gender, lesion location, maximum tumor diameter, and whether to perform nanocarbon tracing were all related to the number of lymph nodes detected after minimally invasive radical surgery. Nanocarbon tracing was an independent influencing factor for the number of lymph nodes detected after minimally invasive radical surgery. Pathological type, T stage, histopathological grade, nerve invasion, and whether or not with cancer nodules were all related to the number of positive lymph nodes detected after minimally invasive radical surgery; multivariate analysis showed that T stage, pathological Histological grade, vascular invasion, and cancer nodules were all independent influencing factors for the number of positive lymph nodes detected after minimally invasive radical surgery. The number of lymph nodes detected in patients with CRC after minimally invasive radical surgery is closely related to the location of the lesion and whether carbon nanoparticle tracing is performed; those with T2-4 stage, histological grade 3–4, combined with vascular invasion and cancer nodules are more likely to Positive lymph nodes were detected.
Dynamic ultrasound evaluation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow in a healthy Colombian population
Authors: Jiménez Luis José María Suárez , Rivera Mateo Monroy , González Luis Alejandro García 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome is traditionally based on the patient's medical history, findings from physical examination, and electromyography. However, with the advancement of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, which is more comfortable for patients than is electromyography, there has been research and exploration into the possibility of using ultrasound measurements as a diagnostic method for cubital tunnel syndrome. Hence, it is convenient to familiarize a healthy population with ultrasound measurements.
Methods
Forty healthy volunteers (20 women and 20 men) underwent ultrasound (US) of the ulnar nerve at two different time points. In this observational study, we measured the short and long axes of the nerve, the cross-sectional area of the nerve, the nerve-trochlea distance, the width, and the depth of the epicondylar groove at different degrees of elbow flexion-extension and at different levels. We also determined the number of individuals who presented with dislocation or subluxation of the nerve in relation to the tip of the epicondyle at different degrees of elbow flexion-extension. Additionally, we calculated whether there were changes in the flattening index. Statistical analysis was performed using tests for normality with the Shapiro‒Wilk test, the median and interquartile range were used as summary measures. Subsequently, for continuous variables, comparisons of values between two groups were conducted using the Mann‒Whitney, and Kruskal‒Wallis test were applied.
Results
Women and men have median ultrasound cross-sectional nerve area measurements of 4.0 mm² and 5.0 mm², respectively, at the level of the medial epicondyle with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees. No statistically significant differences were found between measurements taken and calculated values regarding the ultrasound morphology of the elbow and ulnar nerve in individuals between the first and second measurements. Men have greater nerve-trochlea distances, groove widths, and cross-sectional areas (both ultrasound and formula-derived) than women at various elbow measurement locations. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) > 25 have a larger ulnar nerve diameter than individuals with a BMI < 25.
Conclusions
This study provides normative data on ulnar nerve ultrasound at the elbow in a Latin-American population.
Impact of Bikinin on Brassinosteroid Signaling Pathway and its Influence on Barley Development
Authors: Groszyk Jolanta , Przyborowski Mateusz 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Impact of bikinin, a Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) inhibitor, on long-term response of barley after spraying. Using three different concentrations of 10 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM bikinin led to distinct phenotypic changes in shoot and root growth, leaf development, and photosystem II efficiency. Transcriptomic analysis revealed genotype-dependent responses, with Golden Promise exhibiting more significant changes than Haruna Nijo. Expression pattern of genes controlling the Brassinosteroid signaling pathway, as well as Western blot analysis, showed constitutive expression of HvGSK genes and HvGSK2.1 kinase activity in barley after bikinin treatment. On the other hand, analysis showed varied phosphorylation levels of HvBZR1 in response to high concentrations of bikinin, particularly in Golden Promise. The study contributes to understanding the intricate role of GSK3 in barley growth and the genotype-dependent effects of bikinin. Additionally, the research highlights the potential of bikinin as a tool for studying the Brassinosteroid-dependent pathways. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying barley responses to bikinin, shedding light on the complex interplay between GSK, BZR1, and Brassinosteroids in monocotyledonous plants.
Factors affecting the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the food supply chain
Authors: Jokonya Osden , Bomvana Zimkhitha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The use of artificial intelligence in digital food systems can help solve specific concerns about food safety, quality, and waste by increasing transparency and traceability. However, the research on technology adoption in the digital food system is still in its infancy, and thus there is little information available on the factors affect that the adoption of AI in the food supply system. The research objective of the study was to explore factors that affect the adoption of AI in the food supply chain using a systematic literature review and quantitative content analysis. The study used secondary data from published articles on the adoption of Al in the food supply chain and adopted the Technological-Organisational-Environmental (TOE) factors as the theoretical lens for the study. The study results indicate that technological factors (usefulness, compatibility, and security), organizational factors (strategic objectives, and resource capacity), and environmental factors (maintenance and support, and government pressure) affect AI adoption in the food supply chain. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on factors that affect the adoption of AI in the food supply. Despite this contribution, the study has certain limitations that are worth mentioning. The research was based on both secondary and convenient sampling. As a result, future studies may focus on empirical studies employing different research approaches.
A Comparative Study of Blood Viscometers of 3 Different Types
Authors: Oh Ju Seok , Prabhakaran Prem , Seo Dong Kil , Kim Do Yeon , Lee Woonhyoung , Ahn Kyung Hyun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The greater the viscosity of the blood is, the more difficult the flow of theblood becomes, and the incidence of diseases caused by blood circulation disorders increases. Diseases related to increased viscosity are commonly associated with the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. [1,2]
High blood viscosity is the cause of circulatory system diseases. Studies showing that blood viscosity can be accurately measured and applied in clinical trials to prevent diseases of the circulatory system can be found in the literature. [3]
Viscosity data can exhibit variations depending on the viscosity measurement methods, even if the methods are rooted in hydrodynamic principles. Even though it is an approved blood viscometer, the results of blood viscosity often differ depending on the type of viscometer. This has the potential to create confusion within the medical field.
Informing whether measurement results differ depending on the viscometer and what the level of error is for each measurement method will help reduce confusion in the medical community.
To our knowledge, the degree of difference in viscosity measurement results due to differences in these measurement methods and the cause of the difference have not yet been explored. In this study, three blood viscosity measurement methods registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea were selected to study the same canine blood. The viscosity measurements were carried out using each device and compared. The parallel plate and scanning capillary methods had similar viscosity values, while the cone plate method had lower viscosity values.
The viscosity of blood, as measured by the three viscometers, differed, and more experimental data must be accumulated to evaluate the cause of the difference between these methods. In this paper, we pointed out several causes of inconsistency and suggested some measures for people to avoid this confusion. However, confirming that the test results show systematic differences is expected to help clinicians who diagnose and prescribe patients using blood viscosity results. The results of this comparative study are expected to be the starting point for the establishment of guidelines or standards for blood measurement methods.
Molecular mechanisms of Thalidomide effectiveness on COVID-19 patients explained: ACE2 is a new ΔNp63α target gene
Authors: POZZI SARA , MONTEONOFRIO LAURA , QUADRI ROBERTO , VIRDIA ILARIA , AMENDOLARE ALESSANDRA , MARZANO FLAVIANA , PARONI MOIRA , TULLO APOLLONIA , SODDU SILVIA , GUERRINI LUISA 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemics is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, whose internalization and infection are mediated by the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). The identification of novel approaches to tackle this step is instrumental for the development of therapies for the management of COVID-19 and other diseases with a similar mechanism of infection. Thalidomide, a drug sadly known for its teratogenic effects, has potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with this drug has been shown to improve the immune functions of COVID-19 patients and proposed for the management of COVID-19 in clinical practice through drug repositioning. Here, we investigated the molecular details linking Thalidomide to ACE2 and COVID-19, showing that in conditions mimicking SARS-CoV-2 associated cytokine storm, the transcription factor p63 and ACE2 are stabilized and IL-8 production is increased. In such conditions, we found p63 to bind to and regulate the expression of the ACE2gene. We previously showed that p63 is degraded upon Thalidomide treatment, and now found that treatment with this drug—or with its analogue Lenalidomide—downregulates ACE2 through p63 degradation. Finally, we found that Thalidomide treatment reduce in vitro infection by pseudo-SARS-CoV-2, a baculovirus pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Overall, we propose the dual effect of Thalidomide in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral re-entry and inflammation through p63 degradation to weaken SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells and mitigate lung inflammation, making it a valuable option in clinical management of COVID-19.
Community engagement for effective control of opisthorchiasis: A three-year mixed-methods study in rural Thailand
Authors: Charoensuk Lakhanawan , Chedtabud Kacha , Chaipibool Suwit , Laothong Umawadee , Suwannatrai Apiporn T. , Pinlaor Somchai , Prakobwong Suksanti 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Opisthorchiasis posed a significant risk of bile duct cancer and was a critical health issue in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of rural participation in preventing and controlling O. viverrini infections in endemic areas.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach and One Health innovations were implemented over three years, involving 3,600 enrolled participants in 2020. The research integrated epidemiological data collection and risk factor analysis to comprehend the influence of community engagement on disease transmission. The evaluation of innovations was conducted by assessing the incidence of O. viverrini reinfection among participants from 2020 to 2023.
Results
The prevalence assessment revealed that 218 cases were infected with O. viverrini (6.0%) in the first year, with notable risk factors including proximity to water sources and raw fish consumption. Significant variables contributing to infection risk among participants (P < 0.001) included education level, participation in traditional ceremonies, inadequate sanitation, absence of ducks in nearby water sources, self-medication for parasitic conditions, and multiple infections within a household. Dogs, cats, and cyprinoid fish exhibited prevalence rates of 5.4%, 6.3%, and 11.5%, respectively. Geographic information analysis highlighted concentrations of infected households around water sources. One Health innovations, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, parasitic treatment, health education, and biological control using local free-range ducks, were implemented to reduce O. viverrini-infected cases over three years. In the second year, no human reinfections occurred, signifying positive impacts from interventions. In the third year, only nine participants (0.3%) were reinfected, with significantly lower egg intensity. Additionally, a reduction in metacercaria in fish was noted.
Conclusions
This research provided insights into dynamic changes in infection prevalence, offering a valuable contribution to effective disease control and community health promotion.