bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of phytotherapeutic potential of herbal mixtures and their effects on salbutamol induced cardiotoxicity and hyperlipidemia in rabbits
Authors: Liaqat Nida , Jahan Nazish , Rahman Khalil ur , Tahseen Iqra , Anwar Tauseef , Qureshi Huma 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of deaths all over the world. The high level of blood cholesterol and oxidative stress are major risk factors for heart diseases. The phytotherapeutics have attracted attention as potential agents for preventing and treating oxidative stress associated diseases. The objective of present study was to evaluate the synergetic cardio-protective and antilipidemic potential of medicinal plants viz. Coriandrum sativum, Piper nigrum and Cactus grandiflorus. Cardio-protective and anti-lipidemic potential of herbal mixture was evaluated against salbutamol induced cardiotoxicity in rabbits. For this purpose, rabbits were divided into six groups as normal control, salbutamol control, curative and standard drug curative.

Results
Salbutamol significantly (p < 0.05) increased the level of serum cardiac biomarkers (ALT, CK-MB, AST and LDH) and lipids (LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol) in rabbits. The prior and post administration of herbal mixture significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the elevated level of serum cardiac biomarkers and lipids equal to normal control. Gross pathological examination revealed that heart of salbutamol control animals became hardened, congested and were enlarged than preventive and curative groups. The phytotherapeutic analysis of medicinal plants revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, alkaloids and steroids.

Conclusion
The results showed that this herbal mixture has strong cardio-protective and anti-lipidemic potential.
Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Strength, Balance and Falls in Middle-Aged Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Adams Michael , Gordt-Oesterwind Katharina , Bongartz Martin , Zimmermann Samuel , Seide Svenja , Braun Volker , Schwenk Michael 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Weak lower body strength and balance impairments are fundamental risk factors for mobility impairments and falls that can be improved by physical activity (PA). Previous meta-analyses have focused on these risk factors in adults aged ≥ 65 years. Yet, the potential of PA for improving these risk factors in middle-aged populations has not been systematically investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the effect of general and structured PA on lower limb strength, postural balance and falls in middle-aged adults.

Methods
A computerized systematic literature search was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. PA intervention types were classified according to the ProFaNE taxonomy. Randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of PA on strength (e.g., leg press one-repetition-maximum), balance (e.g., single limb stance) and falls (e.g., fall rates) in adults aged 40–60 years were systematically searched and included in a network analysis. Moderator analyses were performed for specific subgroups (age, sex, low PA). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale.

Results
Out of 7170 articles screened, 66 studies (median PEDro score 5) with 3387 participants were included. Strong, significant effects on muscle strength were found for strength (SMD = 1.02), strength–aerobic (SMD = 1.41), strength–endurance (SMD = 0.92) and water-based (SMD = 1.08) training (52 studies, I2 = 79.3%). Strength training (SMD = 1.16), strength–aerobic (SMD = 0.98) and 3D training (SMD = 1.31) improved postural balance (30 studies, I2 = 88.1%). Moderator analyses revealed significant effects of specific intervention types on certain subgroups and subdomains of strength and balance. No studies were found measuring falls.

Conclusions
Structured PA interventions in middle-aged adults improve strength and balance outcomes related to functional impairments and falls. Strength training increases both strength and balance and can be recommended to prevent age-related functional decline. However, the interpretability of the results is limited due to considerable heterogeneity and the overall low methodological quality of the included studies. Long-term trials are needed to determine the preventive potential of PA on strength, balance and falls. This meta-analysis may inform guidelines for tailored training during middle age to promote healthy aging.
Prospero registration: CRD42020218643.
Monitoring aerobic capacity in cancer survivors using self-reported questionnaires: criterion validity and responsiveness
Authors: Weemaes Anouk T.R. , Meijer Renske , Beelen Milou , van Hooff Martijn , Weijenberg Matty P. , Lenssen Antoine F. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. , Savelberg Hans H.C.M. , Schep Goof 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Evaluating the criterion validity and responsiveness of the self-reported FitMáx©-questionnaire, Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) to monitor aerobic capacity in cancer survivors.

Methods
Cancer survivors participating in a 10-week supervised exercise program were included. The FitMáx©-questionnaire, DASI, VSAQ and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were completed before (T0) and after (T1) the program. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated between VO2peak estimated by the questionnaires (questionnaire-VO2peak) and VO2peak measured during CPET (CPET-VO2peak), at T0 to examine criterion validity, and between changes in questionnaire-VO2peak and CPET-VO2peak (ΔT0-T1) to determine responsiveness. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to examine the ability of the questionnaires to detect true improvements (≥ 6%) in CPET-VO2peak.

Results
Seventy participants were included. Outcomes at T1 were available for 58 participants (83%). Mean CPET-VO2peak significantly improved at T1 (Δ1.6 mL·kg− 1·min− 1 or 8%). Agreement between questionnaire-VO2peak and CPET-VO2peak at T0 was moderate for the FitMáx©-questionnaire (ICC = 0.69) and VSAQ (ICC = 0.53), and poor for DASI (ICC = 0.36). Poor agreement was found between ΔCPET-VO2peak and Δquestionnaire-VO2peak for all questionnaires (ICC 0.43, 0.19 and 0.18 for the FitMáx©-questionnaire, VSAQ and DASI, respectively). ROC analysis showed that the FitMáx©-questionnaire was able to detect improvements in CPET-VO2peak (area under the curve, AUC = 0.77), when using a cut-off value of 1.0 mL·kg− 1·min− 1, while VSAQ (AUC = 0.66) and DASI (AUC = 0.64) could not.

Conclusion
The self-reported FitMáx©-questionnaire has sufficient validity to estimate aerobic capacity in cancer survivors at group level. The responsiveness of the FitMáx©-questionnaire for absolute change is limited, but the questionnaire is able to detect whether aerobic capacity improved. The FitMáx©-questionnaire showed substantial better values of validity and responsiveness compared to DASI and VSAQ.
Palynology of the genus Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae) in Thailand
Authors: SAENSOUK SURAPON , SAENSOUK PIYAPORN 
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Saensouk S, Saensouk P. 2023. Palynology of the genus Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae) in Thailand. Biodiversitas 24: 3222-3229. Pollen morphology of Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae) from Thailand was poorly reported. This study aimed to study the pollen morphology of 17 species of the genus Lagerstroemia in Thailand by applying acetolysis under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Pollen of the genus Lagerstroemia in Thailand was described with the distinctive features of the pollen morphology, i.e., size, shape, exine sculpturing, the character of the aperture, polar, and symmetry. All pollen grains were monad with and polar view length of 43.83±2.84 µm, and equatorial view length of 26.33±2.05 µm. The shape of pollens was prolate spheroidal, subspheroidal, spheroidal, and subprolate. The pollens in this study were recognized as bilateral, radial, and sub-radial symmetries. All pollen grains were apolar and polar. The aperture of all pollen species in this study was reported with tricolpate and tricolporate. Exine sculpturing was exine sculpturing and scabrate-granulate. The pollen morphology of this study can be divided into groups based on shape, exine sculpturing, the character of the aperture, polarity, and symmetry. Pollen sizes of all species were medium size. The pollen ofall species from Thailand are reported as Lagerstroemia indica-type.The pollen morphology in this study cannot be used for species identification. Pollen of 16 Lagerstroemia species were studied here for the first time.
Antibacterial activity of lactic acid bacteria from various freshwater fish species against pathogenic bacteria in caged red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)
Authors: THI QUACH VAN CAO , DUNG TRAN QUOC , HIEN HA NGỌC , TRUNG NGUYEN BAO , DUNG TU THANH , THUY NGUYEN PHUONG 
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Quach VCT, Tran QD, Ha NH, Nguyen BT, Tu TD, Nguyen PT. 2023. Antibacterial activity of lactic acid bacteria from various freshwater fish species against pathogenic bacteria in caged red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Biodiversitas 24: 3373-3383. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a big challenge for many aquaculture countries around the world. The search for new solutions, such as probiotics to replace antibiotics in aquaculture, attracts the interest of many scientists. The investigation was accomplished by isolating Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) inhibiting Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas hydrophila, which cause swollen eyes and hemorrhagic skin disease in caged red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) in Vinh Long province. The findings isolated 37 isolates of LAB from the intestines of catfish, red tilapia, and tilapia. Using the diffusion well method, the results showed that 13/37 (35.14%) and 18/37 (48.65%) isolates were inhibitory against S. agalactiae and A. hydrophila, respectively. The research found that eight isolates were inhibitory to two species of S. agalactiae and A. hydrophila, especially isolate CT6.2, which has the strongest inhibition (10.5 mm inhibition zone diameter). Our finding revealed that the isolates CT6.2 and RP6 demonstrate the highest antagonistic activity against S. agalactiae and A. hydrophila at a density of 108 CFU/mL after incubation at 35°C, pH = 5-6 for 48-60 h. Using PCR techniques and 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with morphological and biochemical characteristics, the LAB isolates in the findings belong to the genera Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, being 99.35% and 99.02% similar to Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus, respectively. This is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of LAB against S. agalactiae and A. hydrophila in caged red tilapia in the Mekong Delta.
Quantitative Evaluation on Fusion Behavior of Rejuvenator and Aged Asphalt Based on Multi-scale Experiments
Authors: Yin Peng , Pan Baofeng , Li Zihan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The application of recycled asphalt not only alleviated the accumulation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) but also reduced the consumption of resources, which had a significant economic and social benefit. However, the utilization of RAP was still a great challenge for the application of recycled asphalt; one of the important reasons for this was the lack of quantitative analysis on the fusion behavior and fusion degree between rejuvenator and aged asphalt. To refine and propose the quantitative evaluation index of the fusion degree of rejuvenator and aged asphalt, the recycled asphalt was prepared in this study using a self-developed rejuvenator, and it was analyzed by various tests. The results showed that the addition of rejuvenator decreased and then increased the viscous activation energy and complex modulus index value, and the fusion degree also exhibited a similar variation trend. The increasing of carbonyl index and sulfoxide index indicated the fusion degree was increased with the incorporation of rejuvenator. Furthermore, the higher the rejuvenator dosage, the faster the wetting speed, and the higher the wetting work, which was more conducive to improving the fusion degree. The average optical density and integrating optical density in the recycled asphalt gradually decreased, and the fusion degree gradually increased. Moreover, the morphological parameter values of recycled asphalt were positive correlation with rejuvenator dosage. Finally, the calculation results of the principal component analysis model and grey relation analysis model found that the wetting work was more suitable for quantitative analysis of fusion behavior than other evaluation indexes. The findings of this research provide a potential guideline for evaluating the performance of recycled asphalt, which may improve the way of using recycled asphalt.
Concurrent Implicit Adaptation to Multiple Opposite Perturbations
Authors: Bernier Pierre-Michel , Puygrenier Alice , Danion Frederic R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSimultaneous adaptation to opposite visuomotor perturbations is known to be difficult. It has been shown to be possible only in situations where the two tasks are associated with different contexts, being either a different colored background, a different area of workspace, or a different follow-through movement. However, many of these elements evoke explicit mechanisms that could contribute to storing separate (modular) memories. It remains to be shown whether simultaneous adaptation to multiple perturbations is possible when they are introduced in a fully implicit manner. Here, we sought to test this possibility using a visuomotor perturbation small enough to eliminate explicit awareness. Participants (N = 25) performed center-out reaching movements with a joystick to five targets located 72° apart. Depending on the target, visual feedback of cursor position was either veridical (one target) or could be rotated by +5 or −5° (two targets each). After 300 trials of adaptation (60 to each target), results revealed that participants were able to fully compensate for each of the imposed rotations. Moreover, when veridical visual feedback was restored, participants exhibited after-effects that were consistent with the rotations applied at each target. Questionnaires collected immediately after the experiment confirmed that none of the participants were aware of the perturbations. These results speak for the existence of implicit processes that can smoothly handle small and opposite visual perturbations when these are associated with distinct target locations.
In search of a modern character of a doctor: what examples to learn from the greats? Part I
Authors: Rodionova Yu. V. 
Published: July 2023

At present, additional courses are increasingly being introduced into the postgraduate medical education program, which contain discussions on the personal qualities of a doctor and the functions of the medical profession. To that end, certain moral and ethical reference points are selected from the biographies of physicians of the "past", which are elevated to an ideal and repeated in every biographical article without proper professional evaluation. There is a mythologization of the image of a doctor among the professional community and the reason for this trend, in part, lies in the false idea that the history of medicine can be written without specialized knowledge and without the tools that historians use when analyzing biographical information.The article provides a general overview of the development of medical knowledge, which was influenced not only by political and economic, but also by religious factors. A specialized approach used by historians in the analysis of biographical information is considered. A different view is offered on the potential of interpreting the image of a doctor, evaluating the activities of physicians of the past and forming examples for doctors of the future that would be in demand in modern professional education.
Infection control practices of medical practitioners at a large urban public hospital in South Africa during the SARS-COV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Marx Michelle , Ter Morshuizen Byron , Venter Michelle , Dawood Tahir 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) preparation and how it relates to the use and reuse of personal protective Equipment (PPE), as well as behavioural changes among doctors has been an area of interest for researchers since the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreaks. The aim of this study is to describe the role of IPC practices of doctors at a large urban public hospital in South Africa during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic of 2020.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed on doctors from the general medical and surgical disciplines of the hospital. All levels of staff were interviewed using an anonymous voluntary self-administered questionnaire administered over a 4-week period.

Results: We determined that the majority of the participants (87.5%) were involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. Internal Medicine participants were more likely to work in a respiratory ward compared to their surgical counterparts. Of the surveyed sample, 90.4% indicated that they received formal IPC training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrasting this, only half (52.9%) felt prepared to apply these principles when working with COVID-19 patients. Almost all respondents (90.0%) surveyed reported using PPE. Of the respondents using PPE, 94.4% were reusing their PPE. From the total sample population, 95.2% reported implementing behavioural changes.

Conclusion: Although the majority of doctors surveyed were involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, almost half did not feel prepared to deal with COVID-19 patients despite training being made available. The study also showed a disparity in behavioural changes by health professionals in the medical and surgical departments. The study highlights the importance of targeted ongoing IPC training across departments.
RETRACTED: Urbanization and Plant Diversity in Residential Gardens: a Case Study in Rize, Turkey
Authors: DOĞAN Tuba Gül , DEMİRCİ Sena , EROĞLU Engin , KAYA Sertaç , MERAL Alperen , BAŞARAN Nermin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Modern analogs for ammonia flux from hydrothermal features to the Archean atmosphere
Authors: Felix Joseph 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The isotopic composition of nitrogen in the rock record provides valuable evidence of reactive nitrogen sources and processing on early earth, but the wide range of δ15N values (-10.2 to + 50.4‰) leads to ambiguity in defining the early Precambrian nitrogen cycle. The high δ15N values have been explained by large fractionation associated with the onset of nitrification and/or fractionation produced by ammonia-ammonium equilibrium and air-water flux in alkaline paleolakes. Previous flux sensitivity studies in modern water bodies report alkaline pH is not a prerequisite and temperature can be the dominate parameter driving air-water flux. Here, I use the chemical and physical components of 1022 modern hydrothermal features to provide evidence that air-water NH3 flux produced a significant source of fixed nitrogen to early Earth’s atmosphere and biosphere. With regard to the modeled average NH3 flux (2.1 kg N m− 2 yr− 1) and outlier removed average flux (1.2 kg N m− 2 yr− 1), the Archean earth’s surface would need to be 0.0092, and 0.017% hydrothermal features, respectively, for the flux to match the annual amount of N produced by biogenic fixation on modern earth. Air-water NH3 flux from hydrothermal features may have played a significant role in supplying bioavailable nitrogen to early life.
M2 Microglia-derived Exosomes promote spinal cord injury recovery in mice by alleviating A1 astrocyte activation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hu Die , Li Liping , Qu Di , Shi Weipeng , Xie Lei , Jiang Qi , Li Haifeng , Yu Tengbo , Qi Chao , Fu Haitao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractM2 microglia transplantation has previously demonstrated beneficial effects on spinal cord injury (SCI) by regulating neuroinflammation and enhancing neuronal survival. Exosomes (EXOs), secreted by almost all cell types, embody partial functions and properties of their parent cells. However, the effect of M2 microglia-derived EXOs (M2-EXOs) on SCI recovery and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we isolated M2-EXOs and intravenously introduced them into mice with SCI. Considering the reciprocal communication between microglia and astroglia in both healthy and injured central nervous systems (CNSs), we subsequently focused on the influence of M2-EXOs on astrocyte phenotype regulation. Our findings indicated that M2-EXOs promoted neuron survival and axon preservation, reduced the lesion area, inhibited A1 astrocyte activation, and improved motor function recovery in SCI mice. Moreover, they inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65 and the activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway in A1 astrocytes. Therefore, our research suggests that M2-EXOs mitigate the activation of neurotoxic A1 astrocytes by inhibiting the NF-κB signalling pathway, thereby improving spinal tissue preservation and motor function recovery following SCI. This positions M2-EXOs as a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI.
Exploring the Influence of Age-sex Difference and Nutritional Status on Blood Lipid Variables among Nigerian Athletes by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Authors: Obaje Sunday Godwin , Samuel Osita 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground: Due to various factors, blood lipid profiles may vary across ethnicities. These effects may be particularly prominent in athletes and dependent on nutritional status during training. This study aimed to investigate blood lipid variables in relation to age, sex, and nutritional status among athletes in Nigeria.Methods: A total of 202 athletes (112 males and 90 females) were recruited between February 2022 and April 2023 at the Ebonyi State Sporting Complex in Abakaliki. Body compositions were assessed using a bioelectrical analysis (BIA) model. A significance level of p<0.05 was used.Results: Significant differences were found in blood lipid. Male athletes had higher levels of total cholesterol (3.91±0.39) and LDL cholesterol (1.96±0.25) compared to female athletes (3.93±0.43 and 193±0.47). Furthermore, older athletes had higher levels of total cholesterol (3.91±0.39, p<0.05) and triglycerides (1.02±0.34, p<0.05) compared to younger athletes (3.86±0.36 and 1.07±0.38). Based on BMI categories, approximately 37.6% of the individuals in the sample were classified as normal, 34.2% as overweight, and 28.2% as obese.Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the differences in blood lipid variables among athletic populations, shedding light on the cardiovascular health of athletes. These insights can inform targeted interventions and monitoring strategies.
Główne tendencje w obrocie międzynarodowym zbożem w obliczu światowego wzrostu cen żywności; analiza na przykładzie największych eksporterów i importerów zbóż w latach 2006-2011
Authors: Malchar-Michalska Dominika 
Published: July 2023

Celem artykułu jest wskazanie tendencji rozwojowych w międzynarodowym handlu zbożem wobec wzrostu światowych cen żywności w okresie 2006–2011. Przedstawiono zmiany w ujęciu wartościowym i ilościowym odnośnie eksportu i importu zbóż, oraz bilansu handlowego. Ponadto zaprezentowano oddziaływanie wahań cen na zmiany pozycji głównych importerów i eksporterów zbóż. W analizowanym okresie zaobserwowano m.in. zmiany w międzynarodowej strukturze geograficznej handlu zbożami (na przykładzie największych eksporterów i importerów tych surowców).