bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential of Seaweeds to Mitigate Production of Greenhouse Gases during Production of Ruminant Proteins
Authors: De Bhowmick Goldy , Hayes Maria 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe potential of seaweed to mitigate methane is real and studies with red seaweeds have found reductions in methane produced from ruminants fed red seaweeds in the region of 60–90% where the active compound responsible for this is bromoform. Other studies with brown and green seaweeds have observed reductions in methane production of between 20 and 45% in vitro and 10% in vivo. Benefits of feeding seaweeds to ruminants are seaweed specific and animal species‐dependent. In some instances, positive effects on milk production and performance are observed where selected seaweeds are fed to ruminants while other studies note reductions in performance traits. A balance between reducing methane and maintaining animal health and food quality is necessary. Seaweeds are a source of essential amino acids and minerals however, and offer huge potential for use as feeds for animal health maintenance once formulations and doses are correctly prepared and administered. A negative aspect of seaweed use for animal feed currently is the cost associated with wild harvest and indeed aquaculture production and improvements must be made here if seaweed ingredients are to be used as a solution to control methane production from ruminants for continued production of animal/ruminant sourced proteins in the future. This review collates information concerning different seaweeds and how they and their constituents can reduce methane from ruminants and ensure sustainable production of ruminant proteins in an environmentally beneficial manner.
Dyadic effects of cognitive function on depressive symptoms among middle‐aged and older Chinese couples
Authors: Li Yujin , Wu Qi , Guo Lizhi , Weerawardena Nethmi Sulakna , Luo Fengping , Yu Bin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough cognitive function and depressive symptoms have been suggested to be closely related, less attention has been paid to this association within married couples. This study explored the reciprocal dyadic relationship between cognitive function and depressive symptoms over time.MethodsThis study used four waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and analyses were restricted to middle‐aged and older couples aged 45 or older. Actor‐partner interdependence model adjusted for confounding factors was employed to examine the reciprocal association between cognitive function and depressive symptoms at both the individual and couple levels. Measures of cognitive function consisted of episodic memory and mental status. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale.ResultsFor both husbands and wives, cognitive function was reciprocally associated with depressive symptoms at the individual level. Spouses' lower cognitive function was significantly linked to their partners' greater depressive symptoms. However, ones' depressive symptoms were not related to their partners' cognitive function.ConclusionsThese findings expand our knowledge about the dyadic relationship between cognitive function and depressive symptoms in Chinese couples. Effects of interventions for depression in middle‐aged and older adults may be enhanced by considering the marital context.
Social isolation, loneliness, and motoric cognitive risk syndrome among older adults in China: A longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Chenxi , Wu Fan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) among older adults in China.MethodsData were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in the 2011 and 2015 waves. Social isolation and loneliness were measured by an index and an item, and MCR was defined as subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and MCR by gender.ResultsOf 3251 eligible participants, the incidence of MCR was 10.03%. Social isolation and loneliness were not significantly associated with incident MCR in men. Loneliness was positively associated with incident MCR in women (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.01), while social isolation was not.ConclusionsLoneliness is associated with incident MCR among female older adults in China. More attention is advised to be paid to loneliness among female older adults, to hold promise for the prevention and reduction of MCR.
International tertiary education students experienced difficulties in dietary transitions in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Shi Yumeng , Hayba Nematullah , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIssue AddressedMore attention to the diet and nutritional status of international students in Australian universities is indicated. This qualitative research aimed to provide an in‐depth understanding of dietary changes among international students after they arrived in Australia.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with international students from China and India who were studying at a large urban Australian university. An approach of interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed for coding and data analysis.ResultsA total of 14 interviews were included. International students were able to consume more international foods, dairy products and animal proteins in Australia as a result of increased exposure to a larger variety of these foods compared with their home countries. However, they experienced some difficulties in eating vegetables and authentic traditional foods due to limited availability and higher prices in Australia. It was challenging for these students to live independently and cook for themselves for the first time and with a limited food budget and time, but many students improved their cooking skills over time. Less frequent main meals with more snacking sessions were reported. Weight fluctuations were commonly experienced and craving for traditional foods no longer accessible may negatively impact mental health.ConclusionsInternational students adapted to the Australian food environment but believed the food choices available did not meet their food preferences or perhaps nutritional requirements.So WhatSome intervention from universities and/or government may be needed to ease the barriers to consumption of affordable and desirable meals in a time‐saving manner for international students.
LMSA‐Net: A lightweight multi‐scale aware network for retinal vessel segmentation
Authors: Chen Jian , Wan Jiaze , Fang Zhenghan , Wei Lifang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRetinal vessel segmentation is an essential part of ocular disease diagnosis. However, due to complex vascular structure, large‐scale variations of retinal vessels, as well as inefficiency of vessel segmentation speed, accurate and fast automatic vessel segmentation for retinal images is still technically challenging. To tackle these issues, we present a lightweight multi‐scale‐aware network (LMSA‐Net) for retinal vessel segmentation. The network leverages the encoder‐decoder structure that was used in U‐Net. In the encoder, we propose a ghosted sandglass residual (GSR) block, aiming at greatly reducing the parameters and computational cost while obtaining richer semantic information. After that, a multi‐scale feature‐aware aggregation (MFA) module is designed to perceive multi‐scale semantic information for effective information extraction. Then, a global adaptive upsampling (GAU) module is proposed to guide the effective fusion of high‐ and low‐level semantic information in the decoder. Experiments are conducted on three public datasets, including DRIVE, CHASE_DB1, and STARE. The experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the LMSA‐Net, which can achieve better segmentation performance than other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein induces endothelial dysfunction in 3D engineered vascular networks
Authors: Stern Brett , Monteleone Peter , Zoldan Janet 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWith new daily discoveries about the long‐term impacts of COVID‐19, there is a clear need to develop in vitro models that can be used to better understand the pathogenicity and impact of COVID‐19. Here, we demonstrate the utility of developing a model of endothelial dysfunction that utilizes human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived endothelial progenitors encapsulated in collagen hydrogels to study the effects of COVID‐19 on the endothelium. These cells form capillary‐like vasculature within 1 week after encapsulation and treating these cell‐laden hydrogels with SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein resulted in a significant decrease in the number of vessel‐forming cells as well as vessel network connectivity quantified by our computational pipeline. This vascular dysfunction is a unique phenomenon observed upon treatment with SARS‐CoV‐2 SP and is not seen upon treatment with other coronaviruses, indicating that these effects were specific to SARS‐CoV‐2. We show that this vascular dysfunction is caused by an increase in inflammatory cytokines, associated with the COVID‐19 cytokine storm, released from SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein treated endothelial cells. Following treatment with the corticosteroid dexamethasone, we were able to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein‐induced endothelial dysfunction. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the interactions between SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein and the endothelium and show that even in the absence of immune cells, the proposed 3D in vitro model for angiogenesis can reproduce COVID‐19‐induced endothelial dysfunction seen in clinical settings. This model represents a significant step in creating physiologically relevant disease models to further study the impact of long COVID and potentially identify mitigating therapeutics.
Long noncoding RNA GHET1 promotes cell proliferation through oxidative stress in prostate cancer
Authors: Wen Yongqin , Huang Huijie , Huang Bo , Liao Xiaomin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractGastric carcinoma high expressed transcript 1 (GHET1) is an oncogenic Long noncoding RNA. GHET1 expression promotes multiple levels of developing a complex molecular network. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanism by which long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) GHET1 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and related metabolism. In vitro study, lncRNA GHET1 was overexpressed in LN‐cap, PC‐3, 22RV1, and C4‐2 cells. The cell viability was measured by MTT and trans‐well assay. A flow cytometer was also used to detect cell cycles and apoptosis. Western blot analysis was used for protein expression validation. mRNA expression was detected by real‐time PCR. lncRNA GHET1 enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and could resist paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest GHET1 expression stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) level upregulated in prostate cancer cells, increased the expression of HIFα, IL‐1B and IL‐6, and activated ROS/STAT‐3/Twsit1 signaling pathway. Knockdown GHET1 could reduce cell proliferation and migration due to the overexpression of GHET1. lncRNA GHET1 promotes prostate cancer growth through oxidative stress signaling pathways and resists the antineoplastic drug paclitaxel, which can be used as a target for antineoplastic therapy and drug resistance therapy in the future in clinics.
Advances in anode configurations for a microbial fuel cell via a computational fluid dynamics electrochemistry and its experimental validation
Authors: Kumar Tukendra , Jujjavarapu Satya Eswari 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe experimental process for optimizing microbial fuel cell (MFC) design under different electrode geometries is restricted. An MFC can be defined as a bio‐electrochemical system (BES) that facilitates the direct conversion of the chemical energy stored in organic matter into electrical energy by harnessing the metabolic activity of microorganisms. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools allow the simulation and evaluation of electro‐analysis phenomena such as cyclic voltammetry and chemical reactions, which can help the optimization of the BESs. In this study, MFC is designed to provide the maximum peak current and efficiency for the applied voltage on various working (or anode) electrode geometries (i.e. hexagonal, square, pentagonal, circular, triangular, rectangular, and rhombus).RESULTSThe CFD simulation results demonstrate that a configuration with a larger perimeter value and surface area (i.e. hexagonal design) of the working electrode shows a higher peak current (2422.75 mA) than other configurations. The experimental findings supported the simulation result and reveal that a hexagonal electrode containing a MFC setup produces a maximum power density of 22.41 ± 0.32 mW m−3 and a current density of 41.58 ± 0.35 mA m−2. The MFC operation demonstrated adequate bioelectricity generation of 540 ± 03 mV on Day 4 of operation at 1000 Ω. Additionally, maximum reduction in chemical oxygen demand (76.13 ± 0.5%) and coulombic efficiency (76.03 ± 0.4%) was achieved for synthetic wastewater using a hexagonal MFC.CONCLUSIONBased on these fundamental discoveries, the CFD simulation and its experimental validation considerably drag focus toward the possibility of employing COMSOL Multiphysics software for system improvement of different MFC system applications. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Doppler ultrasonography blood flow changes of the hepatic artery in liver transplants complicated with cholangitis
Authors: Öztürk Funda Ulu , Tezcan Şehnaz , Soy Ebru Hatice Ayvazoğlu , Uslu Nihal , Haberal Mehmet 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPurposeCholangitis after liver transplantation may lead to bile duct necrosis. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent graft loss. We aimed to investigate cholangitis related hepatic arterial Doppler ultrasonography findings in liver transplants.MethodsPatients complicated with biopsy proven cholangitis in grafts were prospectively evaluated. Vascular complications were excluded. Doppler ultrasonography parameters including hepatic arterial diameter, resistive index, volume flow, and portal vein maximum velocity were measured twice: first during cholangitis and after full recovery. Data of two groups were compared using paired samples t test and Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsThe mean hepatic arterial volume flow, resistive index, and diameter of 33 patients complicated with cholangitis was observed to decrease after recovery from 0.356 to 0.273 L/min (p = 0.007), from 0.64 to 0.60 (p < 0.001) and from 4.9 to 4.4 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. Portal vein maximum velocity alteration was not statistically significant (p = 0.6).ConclusionUltrasound follow‐ups after liver transplantation can give us the clue of cholangitis initiation through some altering hepatic arterial Doppler parameters. Even though these are nonspecific findings that can also be observed in vascular complications, baseline Doppler data should be saved for future comparison and considered to prevent biliary associated graft loss.
Hyperthermia alters neurobehavior by affecting cell proliferation and neuronal survival in young male rats
Authors: Mete Fatih , Eyuboglu Signem , Vitrinel Ayca , Kilic Ulkan , Erdogan Cihan Suleyman , Kilic Ertugrul , Yilmaz Bayram 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMaintenance of body temperature within physiological range is critical for the fetal and neonatal development. Hyperthermia is one of the most frequently encountered pediatric complaints and may cause neurological disorders due to neuronal injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hyperthermia on behavioral alterations, neuronal survival, apoptosis, and cell proliferation in young male Sprague–Dawley rats. Twenty‐one 13‐day‐old rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 7 per group). Body temperature was increased to 39°C and 41°C in a hyperthermia induction chamber for 30 min, whereas the animals in control group were maintained at 36°C. Twenty‐four hours after hyperthermia, animals were subjected to the open field test, elevated‐O‐maze test, and grip strength test to assess the locomotor activity, anxiety, and motor function. Neuronal survival, apoptosis, and cell proliferation were investigated in cortex, hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 regions, and corpus callosum (CC). Decreased locomotor activity and motor function and increased anxiety were observed in the hyperthermia groups, and these were more pronounced in the 41°C group. Neuronal survival was significantly decreased in DG, CA1, and CC in the hyperthermia groups (**p < 0.01). Apoptosis was significantly induced in cortex, DG, and CC of the animals exposed to heat (*p < 0.05). In addition, cell proliferation positivity decreased significantly only in DG and CC of the animals exposed to heat (*p < 0.05). Our results suggest that neurobehavioral deficits caused by hyperthermia may be due to the increased apoptosis and neuronal cell death and decreased cell proliferation in the brain of postnatal developing rats.
Entrustable professional activities of graduate accredited General Medical Sonographers in Australia – Industry perceptions
Authors: Edwards Christopher , Perry Rebecca , Chester Deanne , Childs Jessie 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionLinking individual competencies to entrustable professional tasks provides a holistic view of Sonography graduate work readiness. The Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) publishes a set of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) as part of its Standards for Accreditation of Sonography Courses. EPAs are distinct ultrasound examinations grouped within six critical practice units. This study reports on industry perspectives of current EPAs and their classification for graduates completing general sonography courses in Australia. The article also examines the value of EPAs and links their function to the assessment of graduate competency.MethodsAn online survey tool elicited stakeholder feedback on graduate EPAs across six critical practice units and the potential for including a new Paediatric unit. From an original sample size of 655, 309 responded to questions about general sonography courses.ResultsA majority (55.3%) recommended no changes to the existing EPA list, and 44.7% recommended amending the list. From respondents that recommended changes (138/309), all current EPAs received >80% agreement to be retained; in addition, nine new examinations received >70% agreement for inclusion at the graduate level. Whilst 42.7% (132/309) supported the current ASAR model requiring competency in five out of six critical practice units, 45.6% (141/309) recommended increasing it to all six. There was limited support, 11.7% (36/309), to reduce this number. Responding to the potential to add a new Paediatric specific critical practice unit, 61.8% (181/293) recommended its inclusion.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that the current list of EPAs aligns with industry expectations. In contrast, there are divergent views on the modelling and grouping of critical practice units. The article's critical analysis of the results and implications provides stakeholders with a practical approach to clinical teaching and EPA assessment, and helps to inform any review of accreditation standards.
Current AMO mitigating extreme high temperatures in Central Asia under global warming
Authors: Dong Xiao , Zeng Gang , Zhang Guwei , Yang Xiaoye 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUnder global warming, extreme high temperatures (EHTs) have become frequent and enhanced around the world. However, we found that the frequency and intensity of EHTs in Central Asia (CA) are decreasing over the last four decades when the effects of climate warming are removed. From 1979 to 2020, an interdecadal shift in CA's EHTs occurred around the mid‐1990s, preceded by high values (1983–1997) and followed by low values (1998–2016). The observational analysis and numerical simulations using National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model version 5.3 both demonstrate that the phase transition of Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) has an important influence on this interdecadal shift. During 1998–2016, the AMO was in a positive phase (+AMO), meaning warmer sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the North Atlantic, which could lift the geopotential height and cause anticyclonic circulations over the basin. Through the cyclonic–anticyclonic circulation alternating teleconnection wave train over Eurasia, the atmospheric system over the North Atlantic could induce cyclonic circulations and reduce the geopotential heights over CA, that is, weaken the high pressure at the upper level, which is not conducive to warming and EHTs in CA. For the −AMO period (1983–1997), due to the similar atmospheric response mechanism, the negative SSTA in the North Atlantic and the wave train with reversed anomaly centres can be found, causing anticyclonic circulations and rising geopotential heights over CA. The high pressure at the upper level in CA would be strengthened, leading to favourable EHT conditions. Overall, we conclude that the current AMO (+AMO) has a mitigating role on the EHTs of CA, and the findings also emphasize that if the future AMO shifts to a negative phase, the EHTs of CA may worsen than at present.
Role of mean, variability and teleconnection of clouds behind Indian summer monsoon rainfall
Authors: Hazra Anupam , Dutta Ushnanshu , Chaudhari Hemantkumar S. , Pokhrel Samir , Konwar Mahen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSkilful prediction of the seasonal Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall (ISMR) at least one season in advance has great socio‐economic value. The ISM is a lifeline for about a sixth of the world's population. The ISMR prediction remained a challenging problem with the subcritical skills of the dynamical models due to a limited understanding of the interaction among clouds, convection and circulation. In this study, we have analysed the seasonal mean of high cloud fraction, ice mixing ratio and ice cloud fraction from satellite and reanalysis and demonstrated their importance for ISM. The variability of the mixing ratio of cloud ice in different time scales (3–7 days, 10–20 days and 30–60 days bands) is also examined from reanalysis during ISM. Here, we have shown the teleconnection of different cloud variables over the ISM region with global sea surface temperature. We found that they are tied with slowly varying forcing (e.g., El Niño and Southern Oscillation). Besides, the correlation of cloud ice with different indices (Niño, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation and Extratropics) may enhance the potential predictability of ISMR. The representation of deep convective clouds, which involve the ice‐phase processes in a coupled climate model, strongly modulates ISMR variability in association with global predictors. The results from the two sensitivity simulations using coupled global climate model (CGCM) demonstrate the importance of the cloud ice on ISM rainfall predictability. Therefore, this study provides a scientific basis for improving the simulation of the seasonal ISMR by developing the physical processes of the cloud on a subseasonal time scale and motivating further research in this direction.