Phytonutrients of Bitter Apricot Seeds Modulate Human Lipid Profile and LDL Subfractions in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol Levels

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds phytonutrients on cardiovascular risk factors with a special focus on LDL cholesterol subfractions using the Lipoprint system. A group of 34 adult volunteers (21 female/13 male) consumed 60 mg kg−1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily for 42 days. Subjects were divided into two groups: one with normal cholesterol levels (NTC) and one with elevated total cholesterol levels (ETC). Blood serum levels of total cholesterol (T-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) in NTC group. However, there were significant decreasing of T-C (p ˂ 0.05) and LDL-C (p < 0.01) in ETC group. The LDL1, LDL2, and atherogenic LDL3−7 subfractions progressively decreased after 42 days of apricot seeds consumption in ETC group (p < 0.05). Apricot seeds consumption was associated with a significant increase in the mean LDL particle size especially in ETC group (p ˂ 0.01). The results of the present study support the hypothesis that daily consumption of bitter apricot seeds for 42 days positively modified the lipoprotein profile in the group with elevated total cholesterol.

Evaluation of a Peroxide-Based Algaecide for Cyanobacteria Control: A Mesocosm Trial in Lake Okeechobee, FL, USA

A 72 h small-scale trial was conducted in enclosed mesocosms in the Lake Okeechobee waterway to evaluate the effectiveness of a USEPA-registered peroxide-based algaecide (formulated as sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate) for controlling a natural cyanobacteria population. Mesocosms were initially subjected to either no algaecide or the maximum label rate of 10 mg H2O2·L−1. A subset of mesocosms were then subjected to a sequential application of 5 mg H2O2·L−1 at 48 h after initial treatment. Following application, peroxide concentrations rapidly decreased and were undetectable by 48 h. At 24 h after treatment, significant decreases in all biomass indicators were observed (compared to untreated mesocosms), including extracted chlorophyll a, microscopic counts (total phytoplankton and total cyanobacteria), and cyanobacteria-specific 16S rRNA gene copies by over 71%. Although peroxide treatment reduced cyanobacteria biomass, there was no change in overall community structure and the remaining population was still dominated by cyanobacteria (>90%). After 48 h exposure, some biomass recovered in single application mesocosms resulting in only a 32–45% reduction in biomass. Repeated peroxide dosing resulted in the greatest efficacy, which had a sustained (60–91%) decrease in all biomass indicators for the entire study. While a single application of the peroxide was effective in the first 24 h, a sequential treatment is likely necessary to sustain efficacy when using this approach to manage cyanobacteria in the field. Results of this study support that this peroxide-based algaecide is a strong candidate to continue with scalable field trials to assess its potential future utility for operational management programs in the Lake Okeechobee waterway.

Automatic Mapping and Characterisation of Linear Depositional Bedforms: Theory and Application Using Bathymetry from the North West Shelf of Australia

Bedforms are key components of Earth surfaces and yet their evaluation typically relies on manual measurements that are challenging to reproduce. Several methods exist to automate their identification and calculate their metrics, but they often exhibit limitations where applied at large scales. This paper presents an innovative workflow for identifying and measuring individual depositional bedforms. The workflow relies on the identification of local minima and maxima that are grouped by neighbourhood analysis and calibrated using curvature. The method was trialed using a synthetic digital elevation model and two bathymetry surveys from Australia’s northwest marine region, resulting in the identification of nearly 2000 bedforms. The comparison of the metrics calculated for each individual feature with manual measurements show differences of less than 10%, indicating the robustness of the workflow. The cross-comparison of the metrics resulted in the definition of several sub-types of bedforms, including sandwaves and palaeoshorelines, that were then correlated with oceanic conditions, further corroborating the validity of the workflow. Results from this study support the idea that the use of automated methods to characterise bedforms should be further developed and that the integration of automated measurements at large scales will support the development of new classification charts that currently rely solely on manual measurements.

Assessing Tolerance to the Hydrodynamic Exposure of Posidonia oceanica Seedlings Anchored to Rocky Substrates

Among a suite of abiotic and biotic factors, the hydrodynamic regime strongly influences the success of seagrass recruitment through sexual propagules. Uprooting of propagules by drag forces exerted by currents and waves is one of the main causes for the failed establishment and the consequent recruitment. Substrate type and stability play a key role in determining the success of colonization through sexual propagules, as seedling establishment probabilities proved to be significantly higher on rocky bottoms than on unstable unconsolidated substrates. In this research, the current and wave flow intensity that Posidonia oceanica seedlings anchored to rocky substrates can withstand before uprooting were evaluated and the influence of substrate complexity on seedling anchorage success and anchorage strength was investigated. P. oceanica seedlings withstood the current velocity of 70 cm s–1 and increased orbital flow velocities up to 25 cm s–1. Seedling adhesion strength ranged from 3.92 to 29.42 N. Results of the present study corroborate the hypothesis that substrate complexity at scales relevant to the size of propagules is a crucial feature for P. oceanica seedling establishment. The intensity of unidirectional and oscillatory flow that seedlings can withstand without being dislodged assessed in this study support the hypothesis that P. oceanica sexual propagules, once adhered to a consolidated substrate, are able to tolerate high hydrodynamic stress. The results of the present study contribute to re-evaluation of the habitat requirements of P. oceanica, assessing the range of hydrodynamic conditions that this species can tolerate during the early stages of its life history.

Effects of a symbiotic on coccidian infestation and zootechnical performances in broilers

Coccidiosis remains an obstacle for the poultry sector worldwide, including Algeria. In the field of food biosecurity, symbiotics are used with the aim of improving zootechnical performance of chickens, and combatting the negative effects of this parasitosis. This study compared two broiler farms with 12,000 chickens of the Arbor Acres strain, where chickens on one farm received supplementation with symbiotics. Weight of 144 animals, mortality, food and water consumption were measured, and consumption (CI) and conversion indices were calculated. For parasitology, droppings were collected and the intestinal contents of 10% of animals were collected. Data showed that at 43 days, the supplemented group had a weight of 2750 g as compared to the control that had a weight of 2630 g, with an average consumption of 4834 g vs. 5087g per animal, CI of 1.62–1.35–0.81 vs. 1.65–1.52–0.89, the conversion index of 1.9 vs. 2.07, and mortality rate of 9.29% vs. 10.37%, respectively. Oocyst excretion was zero at the farm receiving supplementation vs. 0, 100, and 550 OPG in the control group on days 15, 21 and 28, respectively, parasite infestation was 41,600 OPG, 32,800 OPG, and 30,500 OPG vs. 800 OPG, 1,100 OPG and 1,200 OPG, respectively. For prevalence, several species of Eimeria were identified in the control. The means found in this study support the use of symbiotics, and efforts to improve the formula of the symbiotics should yield even better results.

Parent Moral Distress From The Perspectives of Mothers With An Infant Previously Hospitalized in The NICU

BackgroundGiven that having an infant in the NICU is a morally stressful event for parents and preterm birth rates are increasing worldwide, parent moral distress is a matter of public health. While moral distress in the clinical context is already a widely explored phenomenon, the parent moral distress still remains a largely under-explored complex phenomenon. Methods This is a prospective qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of seventeen parents (mothers) who previously had an infant in the NICU. The study conducted between February 2021 and August 2021. A thematic analysis of the data was performed. Results While parents with infants in the NICU initially needed for having their decisions respected by physicians, they ultimately shew a tolerant attitude towards benevolent medical paternalism. However, many physician-related factors (i.e. uncertainty, discrepancy of opinion, operational behavior, lack of communicative or empathetic behavior, previous malpractice) facilitate parent moral distress. The important role of the family pediatrician in creating parent moral distress is highlighted. The same holds for family/social environment – related factors. Furthermore, the role of parent’s internal factors (especially spiritual/existential core values or beliefs) as well as the role of NICU environment-related factors (such as the image of a long-suffering infant, preventing mothers from providing their own milk for their infants and having a skin-to-skin contact with them) in creating parent moral distress are highlighted. Moral residue no more than mild was found. Moreover, parent moral schisma is emerged as a conceptually distinct from moral distress phenomenon. Last, the findings of this study confirm the relational account of parental moral distress offered by Mooney-Doyle and Ulrich. ConclusionsWhile many findings of the present study are in line with previous studies, our data analysis revealed findings which are little recognized in the available literature. Parents showed tolerant attitudes towards benevolent medical paternalism. No more than mild moral residue has been found. The most relevant categories of variables associated with parent moral distress were a) physician-related (various factors), b) parent-related, c) parent’s context (family or broader social)-related, and d) NICU environment-related. Furthermore, parent moral distress and parent moral schisma are conceptualized as conceptually distinct albeit strictly related or overlapping phenomena. The findings of this study support the relational account of parent moral distress.

Interrater Reliability of a Novel Goniometric Technique to Measure Scapular Protraction and Retraction

Importance: Scapular protraction and retraction are often essential for occupational performance; however, clinical assessment of these movements is uniquely challenging. Objective: To analyze the interrater reliability of a novel goniometric method to measure scapular protraction and retraction. Design: An observational, descriptive design was implemented to evaluate interrater reliability between two experienced occupational therapists who were also certified hand therapists. Setting: Academic institution. Participants: Convenience sample of graduate students (N = 80). Outcomes and Measures: The hypothesis, developed before study implementation, was that the technique would demonstrate clinically acceptable interrater reliability, defined as a standard error of measurement (SEM) &lt;8°. Goniometric measurements of the scapula at rest, in maximal protraction, and in maximal retraction were independently obtained from each participant by each evaluator. The goniometer was aligned on the scapula using the superior angle as the axis of motion to measure the movement of the acromion relative to the frontal plane. The SEM was calculated in each position using the intraclass correlation coefficient values and the average of the standard deviations from the two raters. Results: The SEM values between the two evaluators for the resting, protracted, and retracted positions were 3.46°, 2.93°, and 2.74°, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: The SEM between the two evaluators for each scapular position was &lt;4°, suggesting that the technique may be clinically reliable. However, additional research regarding the reliability and validity of the technique is recommended. What This Article Adds: The findings of this study support the use of goniometry to measure scapular protraction and retraction in relation to occupational performance. The technique provides a way to quantify baseline scapular mobility and track progress.

Inuit youth and environmental research: exploring engagement barriers, strategies, and impacts

Community leadership in Arctic environmental research is increasingly recognized as one of many pathways to Indigenous self-determination in Nunavut, Canada. While experienced Inuit hunters, trappers, and other recognized environmental knowledge experts are commonly included in research, similar opportunities for Inuit youth to meaningfully engage in environmental research remain limited. Finding ways to increase scientific literacy, particularly among Inuit youth, has been identified as an important step in the continuation of high-quality Arctic environmental research. This paper examines community perspectives on the roles and contributions of Inuit youth in environmental research in Nunavut, barriers that Inuit youth face in becoming meaningfully engaged in field-based environmental research, and strategies for enhancing Inuit youth engagement. Our study was conducted in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, and used interviews, workshops, and observation to gather stories and knowledge from community members about field- and land-based experiential learning pathways. This study found that a complex set of barriers, including a lack of credentials and support systems, among others, may inhibit meaningful Inuit youth engagement in environmental research. Key findings from the study support the view that collaborative land-based research activities can be an effective and meaningful method of enhancing scientific literacy among Inuit youth.

Economic Growth at the Expense of Environmental Degradation: Evidence from the Philippines

This study presents an empirical analysis of the impacts of three macroeconomic variables namely, Gross Domestic Product, Foreign Direct Investment, and Urban Population on the emissions of CO2 in the Philippines from the period of 1970 to 2018. The results reveal that Gross Domestic Product and Foreign Direct Investments exhibit a statistically significant relationship with CO2 emissions. The findings of this study suggest that the Philippines’ reliance on high-polluting industries as drivers of economic growth will only worsen its environmental quality. Moreover, its weak environmental laws provide foreign investors the opportunity to exploit the environment in exchange for FDI inflows to the country. Furthermore, the results of this study support the scale effect in the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis, as well as the Pollution Haven Hypothesis.

The Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Improving Tissue Resilience and Healing of Radiation Skin Damage

The increased precision, efficacy, and safety of radiation brachytherapy has tremendously improved its popularity in cancer care. However, an unfortunate side effect of this therapy involves localized skin damage and breakdown that are managed palliatively currently. This study was motivated by prior reports on the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in improving tissue resilience and wound healing. We evaluated the efficacy of PBM therapy on 36 athymic mice with 125I seed (0.42 mCi) implantation over 60 days. PBM treatments were performed with either red (660 nm) or near-infrared (880 nm, NIR) LEDs irradiance of 40 mW/cm2, continuous wave, fluence of 20 J/cm2 once per week. Animals were evaluated every 7 days with digital imaging, laser Doppler flowmetry, thermal imaging, µPET-CT imaging using 18F-FDG, and histology. We observed that both PBM treatments—red and NIR—demonstrated significantly less incidence and severity and improved healing with skin radionecrosis. Radiation exposed tissues had improved functional parameters such as vascular perfusion, reduced inflammation, and metabolic derangement following PBM therapy. Histological analysis confirmed these observations with minimal damage and resolution in tissues exposed to radiation. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the successful use of PBM therapy for brachytherapy. The results from this study support future mechanistic lab studies and controlled human clinical studies to utilize this innovative therapy in managing side effects from radiation cancer treatments.