bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness characteristics and neck and shoulder pain incidence in school‐aged children—A 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Pirnes Katariina Pauliina , Kallio Jouni Juhani , Hakonen Harto Juho , Hautala Arto Jorma , Joensuu Laura , Häkkinen Arja Helena , Tammelin Tuija Heini 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsNeck and shoulder pain (NSP) is common in school age, but preventative factors have not been identified. The purpose was to study whether a fitness test could be used to predict the incidence of NSP and determine whether good physical fitness characters would be associated with lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children at 2‐year follow‐up.MethodsAfter the invitation to nine schools, 970 children (10–15 years old) agreed to participate. Flexibility, fundamental movement skills, musculoskeletal fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness measurements included in Finnish Schools on the Move! monitoring system for physical functional capacity were measured at baseline in 2013. The NSP incidence was assessed by an online survey during school hours after 1 and 2 years. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between physical fitness characteristics and NSP incidence.ResultsThe mean prevalence of NSP was 26% at baseline. The NSP incidence was 15% in the first and 18% in the second follow‐up year. Good physical fitness was not associated with lower NSP incidence in the 2‐year follow‐up. Successful lower back extension (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83) and good scores in curl‐up (OR = 1.80) adjusted with age, gender, and body mass index, were associated with higher NSP incidence between T0 and T2. Throwing–catching combination (OR = 0.55) was associated with a lower NSP incidence in unadjusted analysis, but the association did not remain after adjustments.ConclusionGood physical fitness characteristics were not consistently associated with a lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children in a 2‐year follow‐up. The role of general field‐based physical fitness test as a screening tool for NSP incidence remains unconfirmed. More longitudinal studies are needed to detect the factors underlying NSP incidence in school‐aged children.
Ukraine's triple emergency: Food crisis amid conflicts and COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Nchasi Goodluck , Mwasha Carolyn , Shaban Moshi Moshi , Rwegasira Rose , Mallilah Benardine , Chesco Joshua , Volkova Anastasiia , Mahmoud Ashraf 
Published: October 2022

AbstractGlobally, both Russia and Ukraine play a key role in food production. Both countries are known for their meticulous positions in producing and exporting wheat, maize, sunflower seed oil, and cotton seed oil. Although the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for more than 5 years, the recent invasion of Russia in Ukraine has endangered food security in Ukraine during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As COVID‐19 cripples the healthcare infrastructure of Ukraine, food insecurity challenges the civilian population to migration. As the conflict intensitifes, damages to properties, loss of lives, rise of infectious diseases, incremental rise in energy prices, and fuel consumption are some of the possible consequences. This commentary aims to highlight the different ways in which access to food has been endangered, the implications that food crisis has on the world, and thus provide key recommendations on what needs to be addressed to mitigate the rising risks of the food crisis in the world.
A Markov jump process approach to modeling blood donor status: Donor retention and attrition rates at a blood service center in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikobvu Delson , Chideme Coster 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundBlood service agencies depend upon the availability of regular blood donors for sustainability. The knowledge and understanding of the stochastic behavior of donors is the first step toward sustaining the blood supply. Analyzing the changes in the donor status within the donor pool will help the blood service authorities to manage the blood donation process.ObjectivesThe study presents a multistate Markov jump model in analyzing the changes in blood donor status during their blood donation career. Relevant covariates are used to aid in explaining the transitions.Materials and MethodsThe status of a blood donor i that can be in one of four states S = {1; 2; 3; 4}. A new donor (s = 1), repeat/regular donor (s = 2), occasional donor (s = 3), and lapsed donor (s = 4). A Continuous‐time Markov model was used to estimate blood donor progression during their blood donation career. Frequencies of blood donations made in a given time interval determines the state occupied.ResultsIn the early years of blood donation career, first‐time donors have a higher likelihood of becoming regular donors. Donor attrition increases with time whilst donor retention decreases with time. The results show that when the jump process is currently in an occasional state, the probability that it moves into lapsed state when it leaves the occasional state is given as 69.06%. Similarly, donors are forecasted to spend 21.193 months (1.8 years) in the occasional state before lapsing. Repeat donors can spend 39.342 months (3.3 years) in the regular state before the transition to other states. The study established that donor‐specific demographic factors such as age and gender are critical in donor status transitions.ConclusionsWith the passage of time, donor status evolves, with trend inclined towards reduction in the frequency of blood donations as more donors become inactive or lapsed. The transition of donors in various states can be described by a time homogeneous Markov model.
The Easterlin paradox of entrepreneurs during China's economic transition
Authors: Yang Jidong , Zeng Yunqi , Wang Qing 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the determinants and the time pattern of the subjective well‐being of private business owners. We find that both personal and enterprise‐level factors have a significant influence on subjective status of private business owners. Meanwhile, we find supportive evidence of Easterlin paradox among Chinese private entrepreneurs: both personal income and operating revenue enhance subjective status in a certain period, but subjective status declines as time goes by, even as incomes continue to rise. A further Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition suggests that the competition and provincial factors are the keys to explaining the paradox. Finally, we try to verify the positive effect of political connection on entrepreneurs' subjective status to provide some helpful advice for the government.
How free trade agreement affects the success of China's Belt and Road infrastructure projects
Authors: Hu Beibei , Jin Yuying , Wang Kai 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAfter China launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, the Chinese government has invested over 1200 infrastructure projects in countries along the Belt and Road, and nearly 10% of the projects have failed or been delayed. China has also concluded free trade agreements with many countries along the Belt and Road to reduce trade and investment barriers to promote economic and trade cooperation. This paper analyzes whether the signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) is conducive to promoting China's infrastructure investment projects’ success in the countries along the Belt and Road. We conclude that the signing of the FTA agreement is conducive to reducing the failure rate of China's infrastructure investment in the countries along the Belt and Road. For deeper FTAs, the effect is more pronounced. This paper further explores the investment provision of FTA and concludes that investment provision can improve the success rate of investment, especially if it includes provision of national treatment in the pre‐establishment and the dispute settlement mechanism.
Bioactive fluorcanasite reinforced magnesium alloy‐based porous bio‐nanocomposite scaffolds with tunable mechanical properties
Authors: Garimella Adithya , M Ramya , Ghosh Subrata Bandhu , Bandyopadhyay‐Ghosh Sanchita , Agrawal Ashish Kumar 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMagnesium (Mg) alloy‐based porous bio‐nanocomposite bone scaffolds were developed by powder metallurgy route. Selective alloying elements such as calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and strontium (Sr) were incorporated to tune the mechanical integrity while, bioactive fluorcanasite nano‐particulates were introduced within the alloy system to enhance the bone tissue regeneration. Green compacts containing carbamide were fabricated and sintered using two‐stage heat treatment process to achieve the targeted porosities. The microstructure of these fabricated magnesium alloy‐based bio‐nanocomposites was examined by Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) and x‐ray micro computed tomography (x‐ray μCT), which revealed gradient porosities and distribution of alloying elements. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed the presence of major crystalline phases in the fabricated samples and the evolution of the various combinations of intermetallic phases of Ca, Mg, Zn and Sr which were anticipated to enhance the mechanical properties. Further, XRD studies revealed the presence of apatite phase for the immersed samples, a conducive environment for bone regeneration. The fabricated samples were evaluated for their mechanical performance against uniaxial compression load. The tunability of compressive strengths and modulus values could be established with variation in porosities of fabricated samples. The retained compressive strength and Young's modulus of the samples following immersion in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution was found to be in line with that of natural human cancellous bone, thereby establishing the potential of the fabricated magnesium‐alloy‐based nanocomposite as a promising scaffold candidate for bone tissue engineering.
Syndecan‐4 and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha functionalized endovascular scaffold facilitates adhesion, spreading and differentiation of endothelial colony forming cells and functions under flow and shear stress conditions
Authors: Wu Yidi , Yazdani Saami K. , Bolander Johanna Elin Marie , Wagner William D. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAcellular vascular scaffolds with capture molecules have shown great promise in recruiting circulating endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) to promote in vivo endothelialization. A microenvironment conducive to cell spreading and differentiation following initial cell capture are key to the eventual formation of a functional endothelium. In this study, syndecan‐4 and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha were used to functionalize an elastomeric biomaterial composed of poly(glycerol sebacate), Silk Fibroin and Type I Collagen, termed PFC, to enhance ECFC‐material interaction. Functionalized PFC (fPFC) showed significantly greater ECFCs capture capability under physiological flow. Individual cell spreading area on fPFC (1474 ± 63 μm2) was significantly greater than on PFC (1187 ± 54 μm2) as early as 2 h, indicating enhanced cell–material interaction. Moreover, fPFC significantly upregulated the expression of endothelial cell specific markers such as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (24‐fold) and Von Willebrand Factor (11‐fold) compared with tissue culture plastic after 7 days, demonstrating differentiation of ECFCs into endothelial cells. fPFC fabricated as small diameter conduits and tested using a pulsatile blood flow bioreactor were stable and maintained function. The findings suggest that the new surface functionalization strategy proposed here results in an endovascular material with enhanced endothelialization.
Subsidence of a partially porous titanium lumbar cage produced by electron beam melting technology
Authors: Distefano Fabio , Epasto Gabriella , Guglielmino Eugenio , Amata Aurora , Mineo Rosalia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe lumbar intervertebral devices are widely used in the surgical treatment of lumbar diseases. The subsidence represents a serious clinical issue during the healing process, mainly when the interfaces between the implant and the vertebral bodies are not well designed. The aim of this study is the evaluation of subsidence risk for two different devices. The devices have the same shape, but one of them includes a filling micro lattice structure. The effect of the micro lattice structure on the subsidence behavior of the implant was evaluated by means of both experimental tests and finite element analyses. Compressive tests were carried out by using blocks made of grade 15 polyurethane, which simulate the vertebral bone. Non‐linear, quasi‐static finite element analyses were performed to simulate experimental and physiologic conditions. The experimental tests and the FE analyses showed that the subsidence risk is higher for the device without micro lattice structure, due to the smaller contact surface. Moreover, an overload in the central zone of the contact surface was detected in the same device and it could cause the implant failure. Thus, the micro lattice structure allows a homogenous pressure distribution at the implant–bone interface.
An in vivo and in vitro model on the protective effect of cilnidipine on contrast‐induced nephropathy via regulation of apoptosis and CaMKⅡ/mPTP pathway
Authors: Liu Kun , Hu Can , Yin Wenjun , Zhou Lingyun , Gu Xurui , Zuo Xiaocong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractContrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute kidney injury (AKI) observed after the administration of contrast media. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have been reported to exert a renal protective effect. This study aims to investigate the role of cilnidipine, a novel CCBs, on CIN by regulating the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)/mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) pathway. Here, iohexol, a representative contrast media, was used to establish CIN model. KN‐93 (CaMKⅡ inhibitor) and atractyloside (mPTP opener) were administered in rats, and CaMKⅡ overexpression was used in Human proximal tubular epithelial cells. Markers of renal injury (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary NAGL), hematoxylin‐eosin stain, oxidative stress (ROS, superoxide dismutase [SOD], and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels), cell death (MTT and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling [TUNEL]), mitochondrial function (mPTP, mitochondrial membrane potential [MMP], and ATP) were assessed. Western blots were used to measure the expression levels of Bax/Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, CaMKⅡ/mPTP signaling pathways. Results showed that cilnidipine markedly improved kidney function, and alleviated tubular cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by iohexol in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism may be that cilnidipine relieved CaMKⅡ activation and mPTP opening induced by iohexol. All of these protective effects of cilnidipine were attenuated by CaMKⅡ overexpression and atractyloside (mPTP opener) pretreatment. Moreover, KN‐93 (CaMKⅡ inhibitor) treatment showed a similar renal protective effect with cilnidipine, while the protective effect of cilnidipine on kidney in CIN rats was not further suppressed by KN‐93 cotreatment. These in vitro and in vivo results point toward the fact that cilnidipine might be a novel therapeutic drug against contrast‐induced nephrotoxicity in a CaMKⅡ‐dependent manner.
The terminology of sponge spicules
Authors: Łukowiak Magdalena , Van Soest Rob , Klautau Michelle , Pérez Thierry , Pisera Andrzej , Tabachnick Konstantin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSponges (Porifera) are a diverse and globally distributed clade of benthic organisms, with an evolutionary history reaching at least the Ediacaran‐Cambrian (541 Ma) boundary interval. Throughout their research history, sponges have been subjects of intense studies in many fields, including paleontology, evolutionary biology, and even bioengineering and pharmacology. The skeletons of sponges are mostly characterized by the presence of mineral elements termed spicules, which structurally support the sponge bodies, though they also minimize the metabolic cost of water exchange and deter predators. The description of the spicules' shape and the skeleton organization represents the fundamental basis of sponge taxonomy and systematics. Here, we provide an illustrated catalogue of sponge spicules, which is based on previous works on sponge spicules, for example, and gathers and updates all terms that are currently used in sponge descriptions. Each spicule type is further illustrated through high quality scanning electron microscope micrographs. It is expected to be a valuable source that will facilitate spicule identification and, in certain cases, also enable sponge classification.
Unraveling the regulation of pyocyanin synthesis by RsmA through MvaU and RpoS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa ID4365
Authors: Montelongo‐Martínez Luis F. , Hernández‐Méndez Cristina , Muriel‐Millan Luis F. , Hernández‐Estrada René , Fabian‐Del Olmo Misael J. , González‐Valdez Abigail , Soberón‐Chávez Gloria , Cocotl‐Yañez Miguel 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPyocyanin is a phenazine with redox activity produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is harmful to other bacteria and eukaryotic organisms by generating reactive oxygen species. Gene regulation of pyocyanin synthesis has been addressed in the PAO1 and PA14 strains and involves the three‐quorum sensing systems Las, Rhl, and Pqs; the regulators RsaL, MvaU, and RpoS, and the posttranscriptional Rsm system, among others. Here, we determined how RsmA regulates pyocyanin synthesis in P. aeruginosa ID4365, an overproducer strain. We found that, in the protease peptone glucose ammonium salts medium, rsmA inactivation increases pyocyanin production compared with the wild‐type strains ID4365, PAO, and PA14. We showed that RsmA regulates inversely the expression of both phz operons involved in pyocyanin synthesis; particularly the phz2 operon is positively regulated at the transcriptional level indirectly through MvaU. In addition, we found that the phz1 operon contributes mainly to pyocyanin synthesis and that RsmA negatively regulates phzM and phzS expression. Finally, we showed that translation of the sigma factor RpoS is positively regulated by RsmA, and the expression of rpoS under an independent promoter decreases pyocyanin production in the IDrsmA strain. These results indicate that RsmA regulates not only the genes for pyocyanin production but also their regulators.
Bio‐based mixed CO2‐switchable surfactant for reducing viscosity of heavy oil
Authors: Guan Dan , Luan Huoxin , Shao Hongzhi , Que Tingli , Xu Congjun , Liu Lulu , Huang Xiaoling , Su Xin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCO2‐switchable surfactants have significant viscosity‐reducing abilities, but their applicability is limited by the complexity of their manufacture. In this work, a simple mix of CO2‐switchable bio‐based surfactants N‐lauroylsarcosine (LS) and glucosamine (GA) was used to reduce viscosity of heavy crude oil. Surface tensiometer was used to investigate the surface activity of LS/GA, revealing the potential for viscosity reduction. By alternating sparging of CO2 and N2, the switchability of LS/GA was examined and proved. It reveals that LS/GA significantly reduces the viscosity of heavy oil by emulsification, but the formed emulsion can be quickly destabilized by introduction of CO2. The results of this study reveal that CO2‐switchable bio‐based surfactants with viscosity‐reducing capabilities for heavy crude oil may be produced by simple mixing, paving the way for reversible emulsification of heavy crude oil utilizing CO2‐switchable bio‐based surfactant.
Curcumin: a potential exogenous additive for the prevention of LPS‐induced duck ileitis by the alleviation of inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Yang Hao , Yu Chunting , Yin Zesheng , Guan Peiyue , Jin Sanjun , Wang Yingjie , Feng Xingjun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDLipopolysaccharides (LPS) are the main pathogenic substances in Gram‐negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of dietary curcumin (CUR) on LPS toxicity in the duck ileum. The duck diet was supplemented with CUR (0.5 g kg−1) for 28 days, while the birds were injected with LPS (0.5 mg kg−1 body weight per injection, administered as seven injections in the last week of the experimental period).RESULTSLPS significantly decreased the ileal villus‐to‐crypt ratio in the non‐supplemented CUR group. Dietary CUR alleviated LPS‐induced morphological damage to the ileum. Moreover, dietary CUR alleviated oxidative stress by increasing the levels of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) (P < 0.05) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) (P < 0.05) and decreasing the production of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) in control ducks and LPS‐challenged ducks. Dietary CUR significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced massive production of inflammatory factors (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) (P < 0.05). CUR induced the inhibition of TLR4 and activation of Nrf2 to reduce the expression of inflammation‐related genes (TLR4, NF‐κB, IKK, TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α). Moreover, dietary CUR ameliorated the decrease in claudin‐1 and occludin expression (P < 0.05) and improved ZO‐1 expression in the duck ileum (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, dietary CUR has beneficial effects on LPS‐induced ileal damage, oxidative damage, and inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR/NF‐κB and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathways in ducks. This study provides valuable information regarding the therapeutic uses of CUR in duck ileitis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Time‐restricted feeding affects transcriptomic profiling of hypothalamus in pigs through regulating aromatic amino acids metabolism
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Xia Pengke , Lu Zhiyang , Su Yong , Zhu Weiyun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDTime‐restricted feeding (TRF) is an effective means that can efficiently regulate the metabolism and health of animals and humans. However, the effect of TRF on hypothalamic function remains unclear.RESULTSResults showed that TRF significantly increased the activities of digestive enzymes lipase, maltase in the duodenum and lipase, trypsin in the pancreas whereas significantly decreased serum gastrointestinal hormones gastrin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1, cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin. Metabolites related to amino acid metabolism, including citrulline, kynurenine, N‐acetylleucine, l‐tryptophan, and l‐tyrosine, significantly increased in the TRF group. Differential metabolites were mainly enriched in phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and tryptophan metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis of hypothalamus showed that a total of 462 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly changed by TRF. In particular, DEGs such as DDC, TH, GOT2, and DBH involved in aromatic amino acid metabolism pathways were significantly downregulated, whereas the expression of CYP1B1 was significantly upregulated. Moreover, DEGs (PDYN and PPP3CA) involved in amphetamine addiction and cocaine addiction were also downregulated in the TRF group.CONCLUSIONTaken together, these results suggested that TRF improved the digestion and absorption of nutrients and thus increased the accessibilities of aromatic amino acids. The increasing of circulating aromatic amino acids might mediate the regulatory neuroendocrine effects of TRF regimes on the hypothalamus functions, especially on drug addictions. This study reveals a possible mechanism underlying the effects of regulating feeding patterns on the function of the hypothalamus by altering aromatic amino acids metabolism. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.