bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biofloc system avoid the negative effects of diets with suboptimal protein levels on zootechnical performance, intestinal histomorphometry and protein metabolism of Nile tilapia juvenile fed Spirulina biomass (Arthrospira platensis) as alternative protein source
Authors: Picoli Fernanda , de Oliveira Alana D. , Marques Suelyn O. , Terhorst Deise C. , Serafini Suélen , Nora Luísa , Neves Fabio F. , Emerenciano Maurício G. C. , Lopes Diogo L. A. , Silva Aleksandro S. da , Fabregat Thiago E. H. .P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the production system (clear water x bioflocs) and the replacement of fish meal with Spirulina biomass (Arthrospira platensis) on productive performance, intestinal histomorphometry, serum biochemistry, and oxidative stress of Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus) fed suboptimal levels of protein. The design was completely randomized in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme with four replications, four treatments, and two cultivation systems. Four isoproteic (28% crude protein) and isoenergetic (4,000 crude energy kcal kg -1) diets were formulated with 0, 33, 66 and 100% replacement levels of fish meal by Spirulina biomass, supplied for 48 days. Juveniles (0.23 ± 0.01 g) were distributed in 16 circular tanks (70 L) with seven fish per tank. The tanks were divided into two independent recirculation systems (clear water x bioflocs) connected to larger tanks (850 L) equipped with a heating and aeration system. No interaction was observed between the evaluated systems and treatments. Rearing in the BFT system avoided the negative effects of diets with suboptimal protein levels on performance, intestinal histomorphometry and protein metabolism. Lower values lower lipid peroxidation and higher antioxidant capacity were observed in fish reared in the BFT system, showing evidence of improvements in antioxidant responses and lower levels of physiological oxidative stress. Spirulina biomass completely replaced fish meal in the diets of Nile tilapia juveniles without negative effects in intestinal morphometry, protein metabolism and antioxidant response. Replacing 66% of fish meal with Spirulina biomass improved the performance, regardless of the rearing system.
Evaluating binaural hearing capabilities in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss through bilateral bone conduction stimulation
Authors: Stenfelt Stefan , Zeitooni Mehrnaz , Mäki-Torkko Elina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of bilateral bone conduction (BC) stimulation and sensorineural hearing loss on spatial release from masking, binaural intelligibility level difference, and lateralization. The study involved two groups of adults with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss: one group of 21 participants with symmetric hearing loss and another group of nine participants with asymmetric hearing loss. All tests were conducted through BC and air conduction (AC) headsets with non-individualized virtual positions of the sound sources and linear amplification based on individual hearing thresholds. The findings revealed a bilateral benefit for both groups of hearing-impaired individuals, with symmetric hearing loss yielding better results than asymmetric hearing loss. AC stimulation provided approximately twice the benefit in terms of dB compared to BC stimulation. A large part of this benefit originated from a favorable signal-to-noise ratio due to noise reduction from the head shadow. However, binaural processing was present in both hearing-impaired groups with bilateral BC stimulation. The ability to lateralize sounds based on interaural time delays was significantly impaired in participants with both types of hearing loss when stimulation was by BC. Despite these challenges, the study underscores the benefits of bilateral fitting of BC hearing aids, even in individuals with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, whether symmetric or asymmetric.
Study on Carrying Capacity of Water Resources of Mountain Cities Based on Potential Evaluation
Authors: Liu Yali , Lu Tao , Cao Chunxia , Liu Fang , Zhang Zhen , Xu Xu , Meng Qing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As regional strategic reserve of water resources, mountain cities shoulder multiple missions of protection and development, which is very important for building regional security barrier. This paper combines the ideas of sustainable development and ecological civilization, based on the concept, connotation, subject and object, evaluation objective and constraint conditions of carrying capacity of water resources, establishes the basic theory of quantitative evaluation of water resources carrying capacity of mountain cities; uses the concept of system planning and space balance, coordinating factors such as physical geography, climate and hydrology, ecological environment, economy and society, etc., to develop a model for predicting the carrying capacity of water resources in mountain cities based on the potential analysis method, provide basic method guidance and key technical support to scientifically support the top-level design of the master plan, to scientifically promote prediction and evaluation of population size, to scientifically safeguard the sound development of the ecological environment.
EPR Dosimetry in Human Fingernail: Ultraviolet-Induced Signals
Authors: Tkatchenko Nicolas , Romanyukha Alex , Reyes Ricardo A. , Swarts Steven G. , Gourier Didier , Trompier François 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This manuscript reports on the effect of ultraviolet (UV) and sunlight irradiated fingernail samples by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in Q-band. Two UV-induced signals were identified and studied in detail. The first one labeled as UVIS2, was measured shortly after UVA radiation. The parameters of the UVIS2 are very similar to those from the previously identified radiation-induced signal RIS2. The second identified UV-induced signal, labelled UVIS5, is similar in behavior to the radiation-induced signal RIS5 and superimposed on the background signal labelled BKS. UVIS5 is stable over time and is induced by UV irradiation and sunlight. This signal is similar to the BKS endogenous signal that is attributed to anionic semiquinone radicals generated by degradation of the dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) molecules. The uncontrolled sunlight exposure of fingernails can be responsible for contributing to the known interpersonal variability of the BKS, resulting from different exposures times to sunlight. The endogenous signal BKS and the UVIS5 are two components of the same signal, but of different origins. The origin of the BKS has not yet been fully identified. In principle, UVIS5 can potentially be used as an individual biomarker of the dose from UV-irradiation.
Neotropical Realm Distribution of Spodoptera frugiperda Under Climate Change and Implications for Future Food Security, Pest Management and Biodiversity
Authors: Ragab Sanad H. , Tyshenko Michael G. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) in combination with climate change impacts poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, ecoregion habitat, and biodiversity in the Neotropical Realm. This study presents an assessment of the fall armyworm distribution in the Neotropics under the influence of climate change. To conduct this analysis our methodology used 19 bioclimatic variables, altitude, and land cover to evaluate the habitat suitability of fall armyworm across the Neotropics. By comparing four future climate scenarios against the current baseline scenario, we determined the potential changes in Gain, Unsuitability, Stability, and Loss of habitat for fall armyworm within the eight Neotropic ecoregions. The results have implications for both agricultural food security and biodiversity as the fall armyworm will continue to be a pest within the Neotropical Realm. Our findings emphasize the ongoing habitat suitability that is expected to persist and potentially expand in some Neotropic areas under the climate change scenarios. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies can be used to mitigate agricultural losses and combat food insecurity arising from this crop pest. FAW is an indiscriminate defoliator and its control will help reduce biodiversity loss from synergistic impacts of climate change altered habitats and pest insect defoliation.
Indocyanine Green Angiography Guidance for Vascular Preservation in Skin and Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Stead Thor S. , Lu Connie Y. , Geletzke Abby , Butler Elizabeth , Stuckey Ashley , Edmonson David A. , Gass Jennifer S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The skin and/or nipple-sparing approach has become an oncologically sound and desirable choice for women choosing mastectomy. Indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion imaging has been shown to reduce ischemic complications in mastectomy skin flaps. Immediate reconstruction requires a well-vascularized skin flap capable of tolerating full expansion. Identification of the perforating subcutaneous vessels to the skin envelope may allow for better and more consistent blood vessel preservation and flap perfusion.
Methods
The authors conducted an institutional review board-approved prospective study with 41 patients to assess the feasibility of using ICG perfusion imaging to visualize, cutaneously map, and preserve the vessels that supply the skin flap and nipple-areolar complex. For each patient, the number of vessels initially mapped, the number of vessels preserved, the extent to which each vessel was preserved, and the proportion of the flap with adequate perfusion (as defined by the SPY-Q > 20% threshold) were recorded and analyzed.
Results
Vessels were able to be identified and marked in a high majority of patients (90%). There was a moderate linear relationship between the number of vessels marked and the number preserved. Successful mapping of vessels was associated with lower rates of wound breakdown (p = 0.036). Mapping and preserving at least one vessel led to excellent flap perfusion (> 90%). No increase in complications was observed from utilizing ICG angiography preoperatively.
Conclusion
This prospective study using preoperative ICG perfusion mapping demonstrated safety, feasibility, and good prognostic outcomes.
Level of evidence: III
Neural Basis of Self-Esteem: Social Cognitive and Emotional Regulation Insights
Authors: Aki Morio , Shibata Mami , Fujita Yoshihisa , Spantios Michael , Kobayashi Kei , Ueno Tsukasa , Miyagi Takashi , Yoshimura Sayaka , Oishi Naoya , Murai Toshiya , Fujiwara Hironobu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Self-esteem (SE) can significantly affect individual well-being and has been linked to various psychiatric conditions. SE involves cognitive and emotional regulation within a social context. Prior research focusing on young adults has indicated neural correlations in prefrontal cortex areas but presented inconsistent findings. Our study expanded this to a broader age range and covariated the influence of subthreshold depression, emphasizing the functional role of the dorsolateral (dlPFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices (vlPFC) in social cognition and emotional regulation of social exclusion. With resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses of 114 participants, we found that high SE correlated with stronger functional connectivity between the left dlPFC, anterior PFC, and posterior cerebellum and between the left dlPFC and right lingual gyrus. Associations between the right vlPFC and insula were robust, along with diminished connectivity between the left vlPFC, angular gyri, and thalamus. These results not only support our hypothesis regarding the dual role of SE, which is its social cognitive role in avoiding social exclusion and its emotional resilience in enduring such exclusion, but also suggest a potential link with rumination.
Biotoxicity of paraquat to lung cells mediated by endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria interactionMitochondrial dysfunction exposure mediates paraquat biotoxicity to lung tissue cells: The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Xiao Ping , Wu Shaohua , Wang Zhiyong , Shen Guoqiang , Shi Xiaofeng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Paraquat (PQ) has attracted much attention in public and human health due to its high toxicity and lethality. Apoptosis is one of the numerous biotoxin mechanisms of action of PQ, which was confirmed in our previous study with increased fibrosis of lung tissue induced by ferroptosis.However, the understanding of the mechanism of PQ-induced apoptosis from the perspective of organelles, especially inter-organelle interactions, is still scarce. In this study, we observed that a certain dose of PQ gavage induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat lung tissue cells.Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR showed that PQ toxicity activated the expression of Bcl-2 on the outer mitochondrial membrane and inhibited the expression of Bax. Bcl-2 increased the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane and led to the release of a number of apoptotic factors, thereby inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic cell death. CHOP produced by endoplasmic reticulum stress also regulates Bcl-2 expression, triggering mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions that mediate biotoxicity. In addition, 10 differential proteins were screened and validated by proteomics that may act as upstream and downstream active factors of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interaction-mediated biotoxicity. Our findings provide new perspectives for researchers to explore the toxicity mechanisms of PQ to reduce their adverse effects.
Preparation and Characterization of Novel Polyvinyl Alcohol-Alginate Beads for Quorum Quenching Application in Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Mideksa Ermias , Teychene Johanne , Sartor Valerie , Claparols Catherine , Guigui Christelle , Tourrette Audrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Quorum quenching (QQ) has emerged as an effective biofouling mitigation approach in membrane bioreactors. This study presents new approaches for preparing and characterizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and alginate beads for QQ applications. The effects of change in concentration of PVA, crosslinking solution composition, and the impact of mixture dissolution method on physicochemical, acyl homoserine lactones incorporation (AHLs), and mechanical properties were investigated. Comparisons between evaporative, freeze, and supercritical CO2 drying techniques were followed to characterize textural and structural properties. Beads' structure, mechanical, chemical modification, and textural properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, texture profile analysis, Nitrogen physisorption, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Changes in the concentration of PVA and mixture dissolution method impact the bead pore structure, swelling properties, and AHL incorporation. Changes in the composition of the primary crosslinking solution cause modifications in the beads’ chain and pore structure. Beads crosslinked using a primary crosslinking solution composed of boric acid and calcium chloride possess internal structures with high chain interconnection and hardness. Meanwhile, beads prepared by blending the boric acid and calcium chloride's primary crosslinking solution with sodium nitrate (named SN-BA) provided new bead types with pores resembling fingers. Nitrogen physisorption analysis revealed the beads have a surface area between 16.8 m2/g and 24 m2/g with dominating mesopores. The finger-like pores enhanced the AHL permeation compared to beads with interconnected polymer chains. SN-BA beads incorporated more than 30% of C6-HSL, 24% of C8-HSL, and 23% of C10-HSL.
Effects of Graphene Far-Infrared and Social Network Interventions on Depression, Anxiety and Dementia in Older Adults: The Role of Social Contact
Authors: Zhao Yuqing , Chen Yaru , Yu Feifei , Dai Chenyi , Zhang Chengyuan , Liu Minxue , Zheng Nanfeng , Liu Zhengkui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Five-guaranteed elderly individuals are a special group of the elderly Chinese population faced with unique challenges; these individuals lack any financial resources (including support by relatives), and are solely reliant on the government to provide food, clothing, medical care, and housing as well as burials.
Methods
To address the emotional and cognitive difficulties experienced by this special group, we designed this study, which is the first to apply a graphene far-infrared radiation intervention (GFII; an exploratory and noninvasive technique) in this population. We also administered a social network intervention (SNI) given the social isolation of these individuals, in addition to a corresponding control group.
Results
The results showed that GFII led to immediate improvements in depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in the five-guaranteed elderly individuals, and the improvement in cognitive function was sustained over time. Moreover, even the control group showed significant improvements in depression and cognitive function after the intervention period.
Conclusions
The GFII is a promising intervention that can be applied to intervene in cognitive and mood disorders in older adults. Beyond that, although five-guaranteed elderly individuals may be a subset of the elderly Chinese population in extreme distress, the appearance of "people" and the attention and resources it implies can effectively improve negative emotions and cognitive deficits, which may have substantial practical significance for social work given worldwide population aging.
Analyzing the six-year malaria prevalence trends at Metehara Health Center, Central Ethiopia (2017/18–2022/23): Unveiling the resurgence and its impact on malaria elimination goals by 2030—A retrospective study
Authors: Mandefro Aynalem , Tadelle Geletta , Mekonen Bacha , Golassa Lemu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite Ethiopia's concerted efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030, the disease continues to pose a significant public health and socioeconomic challenge in the country. The year 2021 witnessed 2.78 million malaria cases and 8041 associated deaths, emphasizing the persistent threat. Monitoring the prevalence trend of malaria is crucial for devising effective control and elimination strategies. This study aims to assess the trend of malaria prevalence at the Metehara Health Center in the East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.
Methods
A retrospective study, spanning from February to September 2023, utilized malaria registration laboratory logbooks at Metehara Health Center to evaluate the prevalence of malaria from 2017/18 to 2022/23. Malaria and related data were collected using a pre-designed data collection sheet. Descriptive statistics were employed for data summarization, presented through graphs and tables.
Results
Out of 59,250 examined blood films, 17.4% confirmed the presence of Plasmodium species. Among the confirmed cases, 74.3%, 23.8%, and 1.84% were attributed to P. falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infections, respectively. The trend of malaria exhibited a steady decline from 2017/18 to 2021/22, reaching 9.8% prevalence. However, an abrupt increase to 26.5% was observed in 2022/23. Males accounted for a higher proportion (66%) of cases compared to females (34%). The age group 15–24 years experienced the highest malaria incidence at 42%. Notably, malaria cases peaked during autumn (September to November) at 43% and reached the lowest percentage during spring (March to May) at 13%.
Conclusion
Malaria persists as a significant health challenge in and around Metehara, central Ethiopia, predominantly driven by P. falciparum. The five-year declining trend was interrupted by a notable upsurge in 2022/23, indicating a resurgence of malaria in the study area. It is imperative to adopt a reversed strategy to sustain the progress achieved by the national malaria control plan.
A novel role of AIM2 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Feifan , He Zhongming , Wang Caoye 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Hepatic inflammation and inflammasome-mediated mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) protein triggers activation of the inflammasome cascade. It currently remains unclear whether AIM2 plays a role in HCC and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses radiofrequency waves to treat tumors. This study aimed to investigate whether RFA can induce pyroptosis, also known as cell inflammatory necrosis, in HCC through AIM2-inflammasome signaling in vivo and in vitro.
Methods
BALB/c nude mice were used to generate HepG2 or SMMC-7721 cell-derived tumor xenografts. HCC cells with knockdown or overexpression of AIM2 were created using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and expression vector transfection, respectively, for functional and mechanistic studies. Downstream effects were examined using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, ELISAs, and other molecular assays.
Results
RFA could significantly suppress tumor growth in mice bearing HCC cell xenografts. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that RFA could induce pyroptosis. Furthermore, AIM2, NLRP3, caspase-1, γ-H2AX, and DNA-PKc had significantly greater expression levels in the liver tissues from mice treated with RFA compared with those of the controls. Additionally, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 expression levels were significantly higher in the HCC cell-derived xenograft mice treated with RFA compared with those without RFA. Notably, a significantly greater effect was achieved in the RFA complete ablation group versus the partial ablation group. Moreover, knockdown or overexpression of AIM2 in HCC cells demonstrated that AIM2 exerted a role in RFA-induced pyroptosis.
Conclusions
These data indicate that RFA can suppress HCC tumor growth by inducing pyroptosis via AIM2, which serves as an important cell death mechanism. Therefore, therapeutically intervening with AIM2-mediated inflammasome signaling may help improve RFA treatment outcomes for HCC patients.