bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The top 100 most-cited papers in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: A bibliometric study
Authors: Duan Sai-Li , Qi Lin , Li Ming-Hao , Liu Long-Fei , Wang Yong , Guan Xiao
Published: September 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to define and analyze the characteristics of the top 100 most-cited articles and reviews on the topic of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) by using bibliometric methods.

Methods

We explored the Web of Science Core Collection database to gather the 100 top-cited original articles and reviews of PPGL from 1985 to 20 December 2020. We conducted a bibliometric study to identify the most influential journals, authors, countries, and institutions in the PPGL field.

Results

The 100 top-cited papers were cited a total number of 25,723 times, ranging from 131 to 1,144 (mean, 257.23 ± 173.64). All of these 100 top-cited papers were published between 1999 and 2017, and the number of top-cited papers published before 2008 (1999–2008) was significantly higher than that after 2008 (2009–2017) (p = 0.043). The journal with the highest number of published papers is the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (n = 23). The United States was the most productive country in this topic, which published about half of these publications (n = 51). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) had the largest number of publications (n = 17). Genes or genetics is still the hottest topic in the field of PPGLs.

Conclusions

We defined and analyzed the top 100 most-cited papers in the field of PPGLs by gathering detailed information. These data provided insights into the most influential studies related to PPGL. We hoped to inspire researchers and readers in this field to improve their understanding of PPGL research trends and provide ideas for future research from unique perspectives.
Characterization of resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells developed by repeated cycles of photodynamic therapy
Authors: Aniogo Eric Chekwube , George Blassan P. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer mainly affects women and causes a severe global threat to health. It is often managed and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Generally, chemotherapy as a treatment option is often opposed by responsive tumor relapse and development of resistance, a significant setback of current treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising modality that can treat cancer by combining a photosensitizer and laser irradiation in the presence of oxygen. However, one problem of PDT in treating breast cancer is the apparition of the resistant cell population. Thus, we aimed for stepwise selection and characterization of MCF-7 cells resistant to PDT with a sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcS4) photosensitizer. The wild-type MCF-7 was exposed to successive cycles of ZnPcS4-PDT, and 10resistant populations were finally obtained. In wild-type and parental cells, we analyzed the cell morphology (light microscopy), cell cycle (BrdU staining), cell viability (MTT assay), antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase measurement), and immunofluorescence expression of resistant p-glycoprotein (P-gp). The results indicate that resistant cells showed a mesenchymal cell phenotype, few differences in antioxidant activity, an increased DNA synthesis, and more expression of P-gp than the wild-type parental cells. These distinctive features of resistant cells can provide insight into the emergence of MCF-7 cell resistance to PDT, which was necessary to design the best therapeutic procedure for improved efficacy.
High Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance in rapeseed plant has been achieved by OsPGIP6
Authors: Yin Meng , Wang Rui , Li Shi , Luo Mei , Wei Wei , Wang Maolin , Jiang Jun , Lin Yongjun , Zhao Yun
Published: September 2022

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a worldwide distributed fungal pathogen, causes serious adverse effects on the yield and seed quality of rapeseed. Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) can protect the cell wall from degradation by pathogen-secreted polygalacturonases (PGs). The present study found several PGIPs from Oryza sativa, especially OsPGIP6 and 3 have much higher inhibitory activities to SsPGs than BnPGIP2 from Brassica napus. Among them, OsPGIP1, 4, 6 can significantly elevate the resistance of transgenic Arabidopsis to S. sclerotiorum. Subsequently, OsPGIP1, 3, 4, 6 were subjected to SSR resistance assay in transgenic rapeseed plants. Among which, OsPGIP6 showed the highest resistance to S. sclerotiorum. At 48 h after detached leaves inoculation, the lesion area of OE-OsPGIP6 rapeseed plants is only 17.93% of the non-transgenic line, and 22.17, 21.32, 52.78, 56.47%, compared to OE-BnPGIP2, OE-OsPGIP1, OE-OsPGIP2, OE-OsPGIP4, respectively. Furthermore, the lesion area of OE-OsPGIP6 reached 10.11% compared to WT at 72 hpi. Also, the lesion length on the stem of OE-OsPGIP6 plants was reduced by 36.83% compared to WT. These results reveal that OsPGIP family, especially OsPGIP6, has a great potential in rapeseed S. sclerotiorum-resistance breeding.
Radical conservatism and the Heideggerian right: Heidegger, de Benoist, Dugin
Authors: Backman Jussi
Published: September 2022

The paper studies the significance of Martin Heidegger's philosophy of history for two key thinkers of contemporary radical conservatism and the Identitarian movement, Alain de Benoist and Aleksandr Dugin. Heidegger's often-overlooked affinities with the German “conservative revolution” of the Weimar period have in recent years been emphasized by an emerging radical-conservative “right-Heideggerian” orientation. I first discuss the later Heidegger's “being-historical” narrative of the culmination and end of the metaphysical foundations of Western modernity in the contemporary Nietzschean era of nihilism and of an emerging postmodern “other beginning” of Western thinking, focused on historical and cultural relativism and particularism. In Heidegger's work of the 1930s and 1940s, we find attempts to apply this historical narrative to interpreting contemporary geopolitical and ideological phenomena in ways that connect Heidegger to certain central ideas and concerns of the conservative revolutionaries, especially Carl Schmitt's geopolitical particularism. De Benoist, the key name of the French Nouvelle Droite and a founding figure of contemporary Identitarianism, is particularly inspired by Heidegger's reading of Nietzsche as the culmination of the “metaphysics of subjectivity” dominating Western modernity. For de Benoist, this modern metaphysics is the root of the “ideology of the Same” underlying the liberal universalism and individualism that he opposes in the name of a cultural ethnopluralism. De Benoist's Russian disciple Dugin bases the pluralistic geopolitics of his radical-conservative “fourth political theory” on the legacy of the conservative revolution, the key intellectual model of which Dugin discovers in Heidegger's notion of the “other beginning”.
Career sacrifice unpacked: From prosocial motivation to regret
Authors: Zikic Jelena
Published: September 2022

In the ever more uncertain career context, many individuals engage in a form of career sacrifice (CS) at some point in their career journey; that is, giving up of certain career goals/actions or reshaping career decisions to accommodate specific work or life demands. This conceptual paper unpacks CS as an important yet little explored dimension of career decision making. Specifically, the paper examines possible triggers of CS as well as the diverse nature of CS, ranging from short-term (usually minor) type of sacrifice to more significant and long-term sacrifice. We explore the context of this type of career decision making, specifically the intersection of work and non-work-related triggers and conclude by discussing possible work and non-work outcomes both at the individual as well as organizational level. CS outcomes range from enhanced career self-management and relational benefits to positive organizational contributions, but at times can also lead to regret. Areas for future research are identified, especially exploration of demographic and more macro level variables as possible moderators in CS decisions. Future theoretical development of CS is discussed too.
Cross-national measurement invariance of the Purpose in Life Test in seven Latin American countries
Authors: Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Vilca Lindsey W. , Cervigni Mauricio , Gallegos Miguel , Martino Pablo , Calandra Manuel , Rey Anacona Cesar Armando , López-Calle Claudio , Moreta-Herrera Rodrigo , Chacón-Andrade Edgardo René , Lobos-Rivera Marlon Elías , del Carpio Perla , Quintero Yazmín , Robles Erika , Panza Lombardo Macerlo , Gamarra Recalde Olivia , Buschiazzo Figares Andrés , White Michael , Burgos-Videla Carmen
Published: September 2022

The Purpose in Life Test (PIL) is a measure of purpose in life widely used in many cultures and countries; however, cross-cultural assessments are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the PIL in the general population of seven Latin American countries (Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay). A total of 4306 people participated, selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling, where Uruguay has the highest mean age (M = 41.8; SD = 16.6 years); while Ecuador has the lowest mean age (M = 24.6; SD = 7.8 years). Furthermore, in each country, there is a higher proportion of women (>60%) than men (<40%). Using Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the factorial structure does not show evidence of invariance among the included countries. However, based on the Multi-Group Factor Analysis Alignment, there is evidence that a three-dimensional structure of the PIL (Meaning of existence, Freedom to make meaning in daily life and Will to find meaning in the face of future challenges) is the same in the participating countries. Results based on item response theory indicate that most PIL items can significantly differentiate responses according to the level of life purpose. In addition, people with low life purpose will tend to choose the lower response alternatives on the PIL; while people with higher life purpose will choose higher response alternatives. The findings indicate that the PIL has the potential to increase knowledge about how people conceive and experience their purpose in life in different countries.
Correlation between dietary score and depression in cancer patients: Data from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
Authors: Xu Nan , An Qing
Published: September 2022

Aim

To investigate the correlation between dietary score and depression in patients with cancer.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018, a cross-sectional and nationally representative database, to compare 322 patients with depression to 2,868 with no depression. Mediterranean (MEDS) diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) score were calculated. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Weighted logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between dietary scores and depression in patients with cancer. Subgroup analysis was performed by sleep disorders, sex, cancer type, number of tumors, and pain relief prescription treatment.

Results

The final study sample included 3,190 adults, with 56.94% of them being women, representing 2,177 (86.51%) non-Hispanic white adults. After multivariable adjustment, the MEDS score was correlated with a reduced risk of depression in patients with cancer [odds ratio (OR): 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.97, p = 0.010]. Moreover, the MEDS score was correlated with depression in cancer patients with sleep disorders (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76–0.93, p = 0.001), in female patients with cancer (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74–0.92, p < 0.001), particularly in female cancer reproductive system patients (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57–0.82, p < 0.001). MEDS score also showed a decreased risk of depression in patients with 1 cancer (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82–0.98, p = 0.019). MEDS score (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.86–0.98, p = 0.024) and DASH (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98, p = 0.015) score were related to a decreased risk of depression in patients with cancer using pain relief prescription.

Conclusion

Good diet quality is significantly correlated with decreased risk of depression in patients with cancer. Aligning with the Dietary Guidelines, such as the MEDS diet, may be beneficial to the reduced risk of depression in patients with cancer.
Gender differences in the antianhedonic effects of repeated ketamine infusions in patients with depression
Authors: Zheng Wei , Yang Xin-Hu , Gu Li-Mei , Tan Jian-Qiang , Zhou Yan-Ling , Wang Cheng-Yu , Ning Yu-Ping
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Subanaesthetic ketamine (0. 5 mg/kg/40 min intravenous infusion) produces rapid and robust antianhedonic effects in subjects with mood disorders, independent of other depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine potential differences in rate of antianhedonic response to ketamine in males and females, which has not been previously examined.

Methods

A total of 135 patients with depression (68 males, 67 females) who received six intravenous infusions of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg/40 min) during 2 weeks were enrolled. The anhedonia subscale of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was utilized to measure anhedonic symptoms. Antianhedonic remission and response were defined as ≥75 and ≥50% improvement of anhedonic symptoms at 24 h after the sixth ketamine infusion (day 13).

Results

Antianhedonic response (50 vs. 47.8%, p > 0.05) and remission (26.5 vs. 14.9%, p > 0.05) rates did not differ significantly between males and females. A linear mixed model revealed a nonsignificant between-group difference in MADRS anhedonia subscale scores [F(1, 132.5) = 1.1, p = 0.30]. Females reported a significantly larger reduction in anhedonic symptoms than males at the 2-week follow-up (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The rates of antianhedonic response and remission to multiple ketamine infusions for the treatment of depression were similar between males and females. These findings should be verified by future studies, preferably randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Adherence to Mediterranean diet among Lithuanian and Croatian students during COVID-19 pandemic and its health behavior correlates
Authors: Mieziene Brigita , Burkaite Greta , Emeljanovas Arunas , Tilindiene Ilona , Novak Dario , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: September 2022

Maintaining healthy behavior, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, is particularly important for staying healthy. Nutrition is an everyday behavior and along with other health-related behaviors is associated with many health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess and compare adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and particular food choices among the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations of university students and identify its lifestyle correlates at the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, self-reported data on health-related behavior and sociodemographic characteristics were collected from 1,388 study participants, 66.4% were Lithuanians, and 33.6% were Croatians. Results revealed that vegetables, olive oil, fruits, nuts, legumes, and fish were remarkably underconsumed among university students in the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the composite diet is similar between countries. The higher adherence to MedDiet is associated with physical activity (β = 0.15) and non-smoking (β = 0.08). In times of crisis, public health entities should provide knowledge, skills, and tools for healthy nutrition specifying them by age and subpopulation. Interventions at the university should be implemented to build infrastructure and provide an access to health behavior-friendly environments.
Increasing Latinx representation in the US medical schools: A top-ranked medical school's experience
Authors: Corsino Leonor , Chinea Félix M. , Yee Linton , Fuller Anthony T.
Published: September 2022

Despite the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of the general US population, many, if not most, medical schools fall short of matriculating students reflective of this change in diversity. The Latinx community constitutes nearly 20% of the US population and is expected to rise substantially in the coming decades. Over the past 20 years, the number of Latinx students applying to and being admitted to medical school has grown but remains below 4% of the total medical student body composition. Several factors contribute to the under-representation of Latinx students in medical schools that include access to secondary education, finances, lack of mentorship or advice, and a multitude of other structural inequities and system-level biases. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are often named as key pillars of workforce development across the US medical schools and academic institutions. Despite significant efforts, medical schools continue to have low Latinx representation within their student body, and recruitment efforts often lack sustainability. In this manuscript, we share our experience of increasing Latinx student representation within a top-ranked medical school in the US southeast region. We have discussed the barriers we faced in enrolling and attracting Latinx students' amidst similar under-representation of Latinx faculty, staff, and leadership and the challenges of financial support for applicants and financial aid packages for admitted students. The strategies we implemented to achieve an increased representation of Latinx students in the School of Medicine (SOM) included revitalizing the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), ensuring Latinx student representation within the SOM admission committee that included Latinx faculty as active participants in recruitment and retention efforts, redesigning the medical Spanish course, and creating dedicated outreach plans during second look weekend for interested Latinx students and active outreach to applicants and accepted students by current students. In combination, these efforts led to a significant increase in Latinx representation in the SOM student body from 2.6% in 2009 to 12.2% in 2021. We will conclude by discussing our ongoing challenges and our approach to sustain and improve Latinx representation in our medical school.
Study on the fusion of sports and medicine in China from 2012 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis via CiteSpace
Authors: Tu Si-Jing , Jin Chen , Chen Bu-Tong , Xu An-Ying , Luo Chao , Wang Xiao-He
Published: September 2022

Objective

To analyze the research hot spots and frontiers of studies on of the fusion of sports and medicine (FSM) in China in recent decade via CiteSpace.

Methods

Relevant publications related FSM published from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021 were obtained from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the amount of publications, institutions and keywords using standard bibliometric indicators.

Results

A total of 729 publications on FSM were identified, and 688 qualified records were included in the final analysis. Between 2012 to 2021, the number of publications showed a trend of growth, albeit with certain fluctuations. The authors of these publications were mainly from universities or colleges with sports background. The institution leading the study was the Beijing Sport University (n = 20), the most prolific (n =12) and most-cited (224 times) author was Guo JJ from Capital University of Physical Education Sports. The journal with most publications on FSM was Contemporary Sports Technology (n =74). The analysis of keywords showed that the “FSM” had the highest frequency (n = 269), “integration of sports and medicine” had the strongest citation bursts (4.82), “national fitness” had the highest centrality (0.97) in recent decade, and 15 clusters of keywords were produced by log-likelihood ratio (all silhouette value >0.9).

Conclusion

The findings of this bibliometric study analyse the current status and trends in the FSM in China, which may help to identify hot topics, explore new study directions for scholars and policymakers in the future.
Foreign-trained dentists' reflections on access to care after participating in a community-based dental education curriculum
Authors: Smith Patrick Dean , Noorullah Khatija , Syed Syeda , Iqbal Laila , Tomar Scott L.
Published: September 2022

Many people suffer poor oral health due to dentists not providing care to them. The number of foreign-trained dentists in the US is increasing, yet little is known about their involvement in providing care to underserved populations. Dental education programs use community-based dental education (CBDE) to expose dental students to access to care issues, and encourage them to provide care to underserved populations upon graduation. The aim of this study was to assess foreign-trained dentists' attitudes about access to care issues after completing a CBDE course at a dental school in the Midwest. Fifty-two dentists participated in the CBDE program from 2018 to 2019, as part of an advanced standing curriculum, and completed guided, reflective essays. Forty-seven dentists agreed to have their essays anonymously coded for research. Four researchers reviewed the essays independently, developed a coding scheme, and recoded to agreement. The main themes dentists mentioned were the affect of the CBDE program on enhancing their clinical skills, fostering an awareness of healthcare system inadequacies, as well as an awareness of how specific social determinants limit access to care, and helping to encourage a sense of personal and professional responsibility to address access to care issues. This study highlights the value of CBDE on helping future dental providers learn about and reflect on access to care issues. It also provides insight into foreign-trained dentists' attitudes about access to care issues, and supports their participation in CBDE programs to foster their contributions in addressing access to care issues in the US.
In vitro determination of anti-lipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties and proximate composition of range of millet types and sorghum varieties in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysekera Walimuni Kanchana Subhashini Mendis , Jayathilaka Sewwandi Indrachapa , Abeysekera Walimuni Prabhashini Kaushalya Mendis , Senevirathne Ilangasingha Gamlathge Nethmini Hansika , Jayanath Nileththi Yasendra , Premakumara Galbada Arachchige Sirimal , Wijewardana Danthasingha Chithra Mulacharige Susantha Indika
Published: September 2022

Methanolic extracts of whole grains of five millet types and two sorghum varieties were evaluated for anti-lipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and a range of anti-oxidant properties in vitro (n = 3 each). Furthermore, proximate composition (n = 3 each) was also studied. Results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the selected samples for studied parameters. Pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase inhibitory activities of selected samples (2 mg/ml) ranged from 21.16 ± 1.58 to 66.65 ± 3.30 and 17.43 ± 0.60 to 52.09 ± 1.61%, respectively. Nitric oxide inhibitory activity of selected samples (2 mg/ml) ranged from −1.17 ± 0.32 to 13.56 ± 0.93%. Total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total proanthocyanidin content (TPAC) were in the range of 0.19 ± 0.01–12.50 ± 0.87 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, 0.05 ± 0.00–1.57 ± 0.01 mg quercetin equivalents/g, and 0.35 ± 0.01–12.87 ± 0.25 mg cyaniding equivalents/g of samples, respectively. Ferric reducing anti-oxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ferrous ion chelating activity, and ABTS and DPPH anti-oxidant properties ranged from 0.15 ± 0.00 to 4.56 ± 0.03 mg of Trolox equivalents (TEs)/g, 0.19 ± 0.01 to 8.50 ± 0.72 mg of TEs/g, 0.13 ± 0.00 to 0.79 ± 0.03 mg EDTA equivalents/g, 0.22 ± 0.00 to 25.57 ± 0.35 mg of TEs/g, and 0.07 ± 0.00 to 22.97 ± 0.83 mg of TEs/g of samples, respectively. Among the studied samples, pigmented sweet sorghum exhibited the highest activities for all the tested parameters. The observed activities were moderate compared to the reference standards used. The highest values for proximate composition parameters tested varied with the different samples studied. In conclusion, the consumption of especially pigmented millet and sorghum in Sri Lanka may play an important role in the prevention and management of oxidative stress–associated chronic diseases. This is the first study to report pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase inhibitory activities of any millet types and sorghum varieties in Sri Lanka and the first report of cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity of millet and sorghum the world over.
Modified turn-up technique for proximal anastomosis in acute aortic dissection type A has potential to facilitate stable outcomes for low-volume early-career surgeons
Authors: Tsutsui Masahiro , Ishidou Kouhei , Narita Masahiko , Usioda Ryohei , Kikuchi Yuta , Shirasaka Tomonori , Ishikawa Natsuya , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

Objective

Secure proximal anastomosis is an essential part of surgical treatment for acute aortic dissection type A (AADA). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the modified turn-up technique for proximal anastomosis in AADA and compare this technique with other techniques.

Methods

We divided 57 patients who underwent ascending aorta replacement for AADA into the modified turn-up technique group (group A: 36 patients) and the other technique group (group B: 21 patients). Intraoperative and postoperative course data were compared between groups A and B. In group A, we also compared early-career surgeons (practicing for <10 years after graduation) and aged surgeons (practicing for ≥10 years after graduation).

Results

Preoperative patient characteristics did not differ between groups. There was a tendency toward shorter operation time in group A than in group B without statistical significance (p = 0.12), and the length of intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter (p < 0.01); the occurrence of cerebral infarction was lower (p < 0.01) in group A than in group B, whereas mortality and major complications other than the cerebral infarction rate did not differ between the groups. In group A, 13 patients were operated on by early-career surgeons, while 23 patients were operated on by surgeons with more than 10 years of experience. Aortic clamp time and circulatory arrest time were significantly longer in patients operated on by early-career surgeons, but outcomes were comparable.

Conclusions

The modified turn-up technique was comparable to other techniques. Even for less skilled surgeons (e.g., early-career surgeons), the use of this technique may lead to stable outcomes.
In ovo nano-silver and nutrient supplementation improves immunity and resistance against Newcastle disease virus challenge in broiler chickens
Authors: Bhanja Subrat Kumar , Rath Pradeepta Kumar , Goel Akshat , Mehra Manish , Dhara Sujoy K. , Paswan Vinod K. , Attia Youssef A. , Alqhtani Abdulmohsen Hussen , Ali Ahmed B. A. , Shehata Abdelrazeq M.
Published: September 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) interact with the microbes and host immune system to protect against diseases. Fertile broiler eggs (n= 900) were allotted to six groups: un-injected control, sham (sterile water), AgNPs (50 μg), AgNPs+Amino acids (Methionine-10 mg + Arginine-25 mg), AgNPs+Vitamins (Vit B1-72μg + Vit B6-140μg), and AgNPs+Trace Elements (Zn-80 μg and Se-0.3 μg) and incubated for 18 days. On 18th embryonic day, 0.6 ml test solution was injected at the broad end of egg using 25 mm needle and transferred to hatcher. Post-hatch, half of the chicks from each group were vaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine, and the other half were kept as unvaccinated unit and reared for 42 d with standard management practices. Hatchability, 1st and 42nd d body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were similar between treatment groups in both vaccinated and unvaccinated units. The relative weight of bursa Fabricius and thymus was similar, but spleen weight was higher (P≤ 0.05) in AgNPs, AgNPs+Vits, and AgNPs+TEs chicks than control group. Cellular immune response (against mitogen phytohemagglutinin-P) was higher (P≤ 0.05) in AgNPs+TEs chicks, whereas HA titer against sheep red blood cells antigen, serum IgG, IgM, and HI titer against ND vaccine was apparently higher in AgNPs+Vits group chicks than control. No clinical symptoms were observed in the vaccinated groups except for a few control birds 6 days postchallenge (PC). Three days PC, unvaccinated birds show depression, off feed, greenish diarrhea, and nasal discharge and the control group started dying. The highest cumulative infection (CI) was observed in sham (79.17%) and un-injected control (75%), but lowest in AgNPs+AAs birds (58.33%) on 3rd dpi. The CI reached 100% on 5th dpi in control groups and AgNPs, and 91.67% and 93.75% in AgNPs+TEs and AgNPs+AAs group, respectively. The AgNPs+TEs and AgNPs+AAs group birds lived for more than 90 h compared to 75 h in control groups and also had higher IL-6 and IL-2 gene expressions at 24 h PC. It was concluded that 50 μg/egg AgNPs with vitamins (B1 and B6) and trace elements (Zn and Se) improved performance, but AgNPs with trace elements and amino acids enhanced immune response and resistance against vND virus challenge in broilers.
Veterinary medical student perceptions of companion animal primary care as a career choice over an academic year
Authors: Nappier Michael T. , Corrigan Virginia K. , Borowski Shelby , Lusk Danielle
Published: September 2022

Despite companion animal primary care being the most common career choice for veterinarians, relatively little is known about students' perception of this career choice. In this study, the authors examined students' (233 at Time 1 and 119 at Time 2) perceptions of careers in companion animal primary care and whether perceptions changed over the course of an academic year or differed by year in veterinary school. The study was conducted by an online questionnaire sent to the student email listserv and the results analyzed by Mixed ANOVAs for each perception outcome. The study concluded that a majority of veterinary students have companion animal primary care as their preferred career choice and have a positive perception of it as a career choice. This positive perception increased over the course of an academic year, but did not differ significantly by year in school. First year students had a decrease in perception of level of training over time. This study sets a baseline for students' perceptions of companion animal primary care as a career choice at one college of veterinary medicine.
Optoelectronics and Transport Phenomena in Rb2InBiX6 (X = Cl, Br) Compounds for Renewable Energy Applications: A DFT Insight
Authors: Behera Debidatta , Mukherjee Sanat Kumar
Published: September 2022

In this study, we used the FP-LAPW technique based on density functional theory applied in WIEN2k code to examine the structural, electronic, elastic, and thermoelectric properties of cubic double perovskite Rb2InBiX6 (X = Cl, Br) compounds. The structural stability was confirmed from the tolerance factor, formation energy, and phonon dispersion. The exchange-correlation potentials LDA, GGA, mBJ, and HSE were used to estimate the electronic properties. According to the band structure computed band gap using mBJ, the HSE are 1.61 eV, 1.81 eV for Rb2InBiCl6 and 1.22 eV, 1.32 eV for Rb2InBiBr6 compounds, respectively. The mechanical stability of the materials under examination were reflected by the calculated elastic constants. The estimated bulk modulus-to-shear modulus ratios for Rb2InBiX6 (X = Cl, Br) are 2.13 and 3.65, respectively. This indicates that the examined compounds were ductile in nature. The optical properties in terms of real and imaginary dielectric functions, refractive index, and absorption coefficient were computed, indicating that they might be employed in optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. In the temperature range 200–800 K, the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, and power factor (PF) were analysed. Relatively high PFs of about 2.7 × 1010 W/K2 ms and 3.1 × 1010 W/K2 ms were obtained for Rb2InBiX6 (X = Cl, Br) suggesting that these compounds are viable for usage in thermoelectric devices. Both the compounds showed strong absorption patterns and excellent PF signifying that these are suitable materials for photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications.
In Silico Identification and Validation of Cuproptosis-Related LncRNA Signature as a Novel Prognostic Model and Immune Function Analysis in Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yue , Huang Xulong , Chen Siyu , Jiang Huajuan , Rao Huanan , Lu Lijie , Wen Feiyan , Pei Jin
Published: September 2022

Background: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the most common subtype of colon cancer, and cuproptosis is a recently newly defined form of cell death that plays an important role in the development of several malignant cancers. However, studies of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) involved in regulating colon adenocarcinoma are limited. The purpose of this study is to develop a new prognostic CRLs signature of colon adenocarcinoma and explore its underlying biological mechanism. Methods: In this study, we downloaded RNA-seq profiles, clinical data and tumor mutational burden (TMB) data from the TCGA database, identified cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs using univariate Cox, lasso regression analysis and multivariate Cox analysis, and constructed a prognostic model with risk score based on these lncRNAs. COAD patients were divided into high- and low-risk subgroups based on the risk score. Cox regression was also used to test whether they were independent prognostic factors. The accuracy of this prognostic model was further validated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), C-index and Nomogram. In addition, the lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed based on the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Results: We constructed a prognostic model based on 15 cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs. The validation results showed that the risk score of the model (HR = 1.003, 95% CI = 1.001–1.004; p < 0.001) could serve as an independent prognostic factor with accurate and credible predictive power. The risk score had the highest AUC (0.793) among various factors such as risk score, stage, gender and age, also indicating that the model we constructed to predict patient survival was better than other clinical characteristics. Meanwhile, the possible biological mechanisms of colon adenocarcinoma were explored based on the lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA network and PPI network constructed by WGCNA. Conclusion: The prognostic model based on 15 cuproptosis-related lncRNAs has accurate and reliable predictive power to effectively predict clinical outcomes in colon adenocarcinoma patients.
Cross-Correlation- and Entropy-Based Measures of Movement Synchrony: Non-Convergence of Measures Leads to Different Associations with Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Altmann Uwe , Strauss Bernhard , Tschacher Wolfgang
Published: September 2022

Background: Several algorithms have been proposed to quantify synchronization. However, little is known about their convergent and predictive validity. Methods: The sample included 30 persons who completed a manualized interview focusing on psychosomatic symptoms. The intensity of body motions was measured using motion-energy analysis. We computed several measures of movement synchrony based on the time series of the interviewer and participant: mutual information, windowed cross-recurrence analysis, cross-correlation, rMEA, SUSY, SUCO, WCLC–PP and WCLR–PP. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9). Results: According to the explorative factor analyses, all the variants of cross-correlation and all the measures of SUSY, SUCO and rMEA–WCC led to similar synchrony measures and could be assigned to the same factor. All the mutual-information measures, rMEA–WCLC, WCLC–PP–F, WCLC–PP–R2, WCLR–PP–F, and WinCRQA–DET loaded on the second factor. Depressive symptoms correlated negatively with WCLC–PP–F and WCLR–PP–F and positively with rMEA–WCC, SUCO–ES–CO, and MI–Z. Conclusion: More standardization efforts are needed because different synchrony measures have little convergent validity, which can lead to contradictory conclusions concerning associations between depressive symptoms and movement synchrony using the same dataset.
Dehumanization as a Response to Uncivil and Immoral Behaviors
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Laura , Delgado Naira , Rodríguez-Pérez Armando , Rodríguez-Torres Ramón , Betancor Verónica
Published: September 2022

Theoretical approaches to dehumanization consider civility to be an attribute of human uniqueness (HU). However, studies that explore the links between civility and humanness are scarce. More precisely, the present research tests whether there is a consistent relationship between civility and HU. Method and results: The first study (N = 192; Mage = 19.91; SD = 2.70; 69% women) shows that individuals infer more HU traits in the agents of civil behaviors compared to agents of other positive behaviors that are not related to civility. The second study (N = 328; Mage = 19.69; SD = 3.65; 77% women) reveals that uncivil and immoral behaviors displayed a similar pattern of inference of HU traits; however, moral behaviors were more associated with human nature than civil behaviors. Conclusions: Overall, results confirmed that civil behaviors facilitate the inference of humanness, specifically of HU traits, and that civil and moral behaviors are not equivalent in terms of the human inferences to which they lead.
Methodologies for Synthetic Spatial Building Stock Modelling: Data-Availability-Adapted Approaches for the Spatial Analysis of Building Stock Energy Demand
Authors: Nägeli Claudio , Thuvander Liane , Wallbaum Holger , Cachia Rebecca , Stortecky Sebastian , Hainoun Ali
Published: September 2022

Buildings are responsible for around 30 to 40% of the energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in European countries. Building stock energy models (BSEMs) are an established method to assess the energy demand and environmental impact of building stocks. Spatial analysis of building stock energy demand has so far been limited to cases where detailed, building specific data is available. This paper introduces two approaches of using synthetic building stock energy modelling (SBSEM) to model spatially distributed synthetic building stocks based on aggregate data. The two approaches build on different types of data that are implemented and validated for two separate case studies in Ireland and Austria. The results demonstrate the feasibility of both approaches to accurately reproduce the spatial distribution of the building stocks of the two cases. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that by using a SBSEM approach, a spatial analysis for building stock energy demand can be carried out for cases where no building level data is available and how these results may be used in energy planning.
Laser Modified Glass for High-Performance Photovoltaic Module
Authors: Jeremiasz Olgierd , Nowak Paweł , Szendera Franciszek , Sobik Piotr , Kulesza-Matlak Grażyna , Karasiński Paweł , Filipowski Wojciech , Drabczyk Kazimierz
Published: September 2022

The solar module output power is the power generated by all individual cells in their specific electrical circuit configuration, multiplied by the cell-to-module power ratio. The cell-to-module power ratio thus reflects the sum of the losses and gains produced by the structure of the module. The biggest process change in module design during the last few years was the introduction of half cells. Another important trend is the use of bifacial cells to build bifacial modules. These two trends increase parts of the module that correspond to the intercell gaps, and the light does not meet the cell in its path. This part of the radiation is therefore not used efficiently. Scientific efforts focus on the texturing surface of covering glass and cells, and the introduction of narrower ribbons and encapsulation materials with improved UV performance, etc. The concept of a diffusor that actively redirects light from the intercell space into the cell was proposed in the past, in the form of a micro-structured prismatic film, but this is not applicable for bifacial modules. The conclusion is that losses caused by the incidence of light on the areas of the photovoltaic panel not covered with solar cells yet are to be explored further. A sawtooth-shaped reflecting diffusor placed between cells is proposed. This article addresses the issue in a novel way, primarily because the theoretical range of the optimum sawtooth profile is defined. In the experimental part of the study, the possibility of producing such a profile directly on glass using a CO2 laser is demonstrated. The theoretical model enables discrimination between advantageous and disadvantageous sawtooth profiles. As a proof of concept, minimodules based on the optimum parameters were built and tested for their electrical performance. The result confirms that the proposed sawtooth-shaped reflecting diffusor placed between cells creates cell-to-module power gain. The proposed laser technology can be incorporated into existing production lines, and can increase the output of any photovoltaic technology, including and beyond silicon.
Lateral Dynamic Response of Offshore Pipe Piles Considering Effect of Superstructure
Authors: Liu Hao , Li Jiaxuan , Yang Xiaoyan , Chen Libo , Wu Wenbing , Wen Minjie , Jiang Mingjie , Guo Changjiang
Published: September 2022

The dynamic characteristics of pipe piles are of considerable importance for the dynamic foundation design of offshore wind turbines. In this study, we develop an analytical model for the lateral vibration of offshore pipe piles with consideration of the inertia effect and axial loading from the superstructure. A coupled dynamic saturated soil–pile interaction model is established based on Biot’s poroelastic theory and Euler–Bernoulli theory. The potential function, operator decomposition method, variable separation method and matrix transfer method are introduced herein to obtain the lateral force of the inner and outer soil acting on the pile shaft. Then, the analytical solution of the pile dynamic impedance in the frequency domain is derived by employing the soil–pile continuous deformation conditions and the boundary conditions of the pile. The rationality and accuracy of the presented solution have were by comparing its results with those predicted by existing solutions. The influence of superstructure, pile geometry and soil plug height on the lateral dynamic impedance and natural frequency of pipe piles was thoroughly investigated based on the theoretical model. The main findings can be summarized as: (1) The dynamic stiffness of piles will be remarkably underestimated if the inertia effect of the superstructure is not accounted for. (2) The vertical load of the superstructure is main factor affecting the natural frequency, whereas the inertia effect of the superstructure will enlarge the resonance amplitude. (3) The overall lateral dynamic impedance and first-order natural frequency of the pile increase significantly with the soil plug height.
Laboratory Evaluation and Field Application of a Gas-Soluble Plugging Agent: Development of Bottom Water Plugging Fracturing Technology
Authors: Hu Aiguo , Li Kezhi , Feng Yunhui , Fu Hucheng , Zhong Ying
Published: September 2022

The currently reported bottom water sealing materials and fracturing technologies can hardly simultaneously achieve the high production and low water cut of gas reservoirs due to the complexity of various formation conditions. Therefore, without controlling the fracturing scale and injection volume, a kind of polylactide polymer water plugging material with a density of 1.15–2.0 g/cm3 is developed, which can be used to seal the bottom water of a gas–water differential layer by contact solidification with water and automatic degradation with natural gas. This technology can not only fully release the production capacity of the gas reservoir but also effectively control water production and realize the efficient fracturing development of the target gas reservoir. Laboratory test results show that the smart plugging agent has a bottom water plugging rate of 100%, and the low-density plugging agent has a dissolution rate of 96.7% in methane gas at 90 °C for 4 h and a dissolution rate of 97.6% in methane gas at 60 °C for 6 h, showing remarkable gas degradation performance. In addition, settlement experiments show that the presence of a proppant can increase the settlement rate of a plugging agent up to many times (up to 21 times) in both water and guanidine gum solution. According to the actual conditions of well J66-8-3, a single-well water plugging fracturing scheme was prepared by optimizing the length of fracture, plugging agent dosage, and plugging agent sinking time, and a post-evaluation method was proposed. It has guiding significance to the development of similar gas reservoirs.
Measurement of Social Strain in People with Dementia: A Preliminary Study of the Reliability and Validity of the Negative Relationship Quality Questionnaire in Indonesia
Authors: Vidyanti Amelia Nur , Putri Galenisa Falinda Santika , Fauzi Aditya Rifqi , Nafiati Rizqa , Prodjohardjono Astuti , Effendy Christantie
Published: September 2022

People with dementia (PWD) may exhibit symptoms that negatively affect their relationships with their families or friends which could cause social strain. The Negative Relationship Quality (NRQ) questionnaire can be used to measure social strain in PWD. There has never been an Indonesian adaptation of the NRQ. This preliminary study aimed to measure the validity and reliability of the NRQ among PWD in Indonesia (NRQ-INA). This study used a cross-sectional design. Forward–backward translation methods were conducted first. Pearson’s correlation and factor analysis were employed for the validity test. Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest were used to determine reliability. The NRQ-INA has four parallel items related to social strain that are divided into three subscales and asked to spouse/partner, family members, and friends, leading to a total of 12 questions. The results of validity testing from 60 respondents showed that all items in the NRQ-INA were strongly valid with correlation coefficients (r) of >0.8 (p < 0.01). Factor analysis showed a convergence with the variance explained of more than 50% for all items in each subscale, which also indicated that NRQ-INA had acceptable construct validity to measure social strain. Cronbach’s alpha values (α) were 0.926, 0.942, and 0.938 for the subscales of spouse, friends, and family members, respectively. The correlations of test–retest reliability for all items were >0.7 (p < 0.01), demonstrating a reliable NRQ-INA measurement. In conclusion, NRQ-INA had a good validity and reliability to measure social strain in PWD. Further study of the concurrent validity among PWD is still needed.
Investigation of the Hydrogen Absorption by the LaNi5 and LaNi4.75Pb0.25 Alloys Using a Statistical Physics Model
Authors: Żurek Michał , Zając Wojciech
Published: September 2022

A theoretical model was selected among three potentially applicable models and then used to analyze the absorption isotherms of the hydrogen storage alloys LaNi5 and LaNi4.75Pb0.25 at three different temperatures (T = 303 K, 313 K, 323 K). The theoretical expressions of the model were based on the statistical physics formalism and simplifying hypotheses. The model selected was the one with the highest correlation with the experimental data. The model had six adjustable parameters: the number of hydrogen atoms per site nα, nβ, the receptor site densities Nα, Nβ and the energy parameters Pα, Pβ. The fitted parameters obtained for the Pb-doped and nondoped alloys were compared and discussed in relationship to the absorption isotherms. Finally, the fitted parameters or the model were further applied to calculate thermodynamic functions, such as entropy, Gibbs free energy and internal energy, which govern the absorption mechanism.