bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Two Eosinophil Subsets in Induced Sputum from Patients with Allergic Asthma According to CD15 and CD66b Expression
Authors: Curto Elena , Mateus-Medina Éder F. , Crespo-Lessmann Astrid , Osuna-Gómez Rubén , Ujaldón-Miró Cristina , García-Moral Alba , Galván-Blasco Paula , Soto-Retes Lorena , Ramos-Barbón David , Plaza Vicente
Published: October 2022

Two subsets of eosinophils have been described: resident eosinophils with homeostatic functions (rEOS) in healthy subjects and in patients with nonallergic eosinophilic asthma, and inflammatory eosinophils (iEOS) in blood and lung samples from patients with allergic asthma. We explored if it would be possible to identify different subsets of eosinophils using flow cytometry and the gating strategy applied to induced sputum. We conducted an observational cross-sectional single-center study of 62 patients with persistent allergic asthma. Inflammatory cells from induced sputum samples were counted by light microscopy and flow cytometry, and cytokine levels in the supernatant were determined. Two subsets of eosinophils were defined that we call E1 (CD66b-high and CD15-high) and E2 (CD66b-low and CD15-low). Of the 62 patients, 24 were eosinophilic, 18 mixed, 10 paucigranulocytic, and 10 neutrophilic. E1 predominated over E2 in the eosinophilic and mixed patients (20.86% vs. 6.27% and 14.42% vs. 4.31%, respectively), while E1 and E2 were similar for neutrophilic and paucigranulocytic patients. E1 correlated with IL-5, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and blood eosinophils. While eosinophil subsets have been identified for asthma in blood, we have shown that they can also be identified in induced sputum.
“Mi Corazón se Partió en Dos”: Transnational Motherhood at the Intersection of Migration and Violence
Authors: Cook Heffron Laurie , Wachter Karin , Rubalcava Hernandez Esmeralda J.
Published: October 2022

In the recent Central American migrations spurred by violence, political instability, and economic insecurity, women grapple with whether and when to bring their children with them in pursuit of safety in another country, and with fulfilling their roles as mothers from afar. Drawing from the transnational motherhood literature and critical feminist theories, this interpretive qualitative study examined transnational motherhood grounded in the lived experiences of Central American women (n = 19) over the course of their migrations to the US. Informed by the principles of grounded theory, the inductive analysis identified five processes in which migration and violence shaped meanings of motherhood: risking everything, embodying separation, braving reunification, mothering others, and experiencing motherhood due to sexual violence. The findings contribute knowledge of how violence shapes and informs women’s migrations and decision-making, and the consequences women endure in taking action to mitigate threats of violence in their own and their children’s lives. The analysis furthermore highlights the specific and profound effects of family separation on mothers. The voices, perspectives, and experiences of migrating mothers and the ways in which migration and violence shapes notions and lived experiences of motherhood are imperative to research, practice, and advocacy to change oppressive immigration policies.
Research on the Impact of Pro-Environment Game and Guilt on Environmentally Sustainable Behaviour
Authors: Chen Jiaxing , Zhang Guangling , Hu Qinfang
Published: October 2022

Game strategies are widely used by companies to attract users and increase their stickiness. At the same time, the protection of the ecological environment is also an important expression of corporate social responsibility. This paper explores the integration of social responsibility with gaming strategies from the psychological perspective of game withdrawal, and explores the incorporation of social responsibility as an element in gamification design to reduce user withdrawal behaviour, thereby increasing individual’s environmentally sustainable behaviour. We evidenced our hypothesis through two studies. Study one proved our hypothesis by recruiting 106 university undergraduates (from Wuhan University, mean age 20, of whom 47 were female and 59 were male) to prove our hypothesis by recalling previous experiences with different types of games. Study two further tested our hypothesis by manipulating participants’ guilt through randomly recruiting 196 participants (mean age 35, of whom 88 were female and 108 were male, 35 of them were students, 107 were office workers and 54 were from other sectors) from different industries through the questionnaire research website Credamo. The findings show that incorporating social responsibility elements into the design of games can make users engage in pro-social behaviour while playing the game, and the guilt that users feel because of the game will be compensated by pro-social behaviour, thus reducing the game frequency and duration and improving the intent of pro-social behaviour. At the same time, players’ self-control moderates the effect of guilt on game play volume under a socially responsible gamification design.
Accessing the Climate Change Impacts in China through a Literature Mapping
Authors: Li Keke , Cai Bofeng , Wang Zhen
Published: October 2022

In the 21st century, carbon dioxide emissions have led to adverse climate changes; meanwhile, the impact of climate change has imposed challenges worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and China is one of the most affected countries. Assessing the impact of climate change requires handling a large amount of data in the literature comprehensively. In this study, a text-based classification method and literature mapping were used to process the massive literature and map it according to its location. A total of 39,339 Chinese academic studies and 36,584 Chinese master’s and doctoral theses, from 2000 to 2022, with evidence of the impact of climate change were extracted from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Our results show that the literature on climate change impacts has exploded during the last decades. This indicates that increasing attention to the intensified impact of climate change in China has been paid. More importantly, by mapping the geolocation of the literature into spatial grid data, our results show that over 36.09% of the land area shows clear evidence of climate change. Those areas contribute to 89.29% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and comprise 85.06% of the population in China. Furthermore, the studies we collected on the climate change impacts showed a huge spatial heterogeneity. The hotspot areas of research were generally located in developed regions, such as the BTH urban agglomeration and Yangtze River Economic Zone, major agricultural production areas such as Shandong and Henan, and ecologically fragile regions including Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia. Considering the imbalance spatially of the evidence of climate change can help in a better understanding of the challenges in China imposed by climate change. Appraising the evidence of climate change is of great significance for adapting to climate change, which is closely related to the natural ecosystem services and human health. This study will provide policy implications for coping with climatic events and guide future research.
Physical Activities and Learning Experience of Higher Education Students: Mediating Role of Quality of Life and Physical Self-Esteem
Authors: Zayed Mohamed A. , Elshaer Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2022

The impacts of physical activities (PAs) on psychological and physical health consequences have been examined in both nonclinical and clinical contexts. Although PAs’ influences on physical consequences are regularly beneficial, the psychological positive impacts are less well-understood. This study investigates the effects of PA on physical consequences (i.e., physical self-esteem) and psychological and cognitive consequences (i.e., quality of life and learning experience). PA has been found to improve quality of life (QOL), learning experience (LP), and physical self-esteem. Mixed findings from prior studies suggested that the relationship between these variables might be direct or indirect. Data were collected via a self-administrated questionnaire from 510 higher education students in different Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) universities. The collected data were analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM) and the SmartPLS 4 program. The SEM results show that PAs directly help in enhancing the student learning experience. The results support the mediating role of student physical self-esteem and quality of life in the relationship between physical activities and learning experience. Several theoretical and practical implications were elaborated on and discussed, along with limitations and further research opportunities.
Professional Obstacles to Anaesthesiology Practice in Punjab, Pakistan: Qualitative Study of Consultant Anaesthesiologists’ Perspectives
Authors: Shahbaz Sumbal , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian , Howard Natasha
Published: October 2022

Limitations in the global anaesthesia workforce contribute to the emigration of skilled anaesthesiologists from lower-income to higher-income countries, jeopardizing workforce balance and patient outcomes in Pakistan. This study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by anaesthesiologists in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, and the potential changes to encourage their retention. We conducted a qualitative study, conducting semi-structured interviews with 25 purposively sampled consultant anaesthesiologists working in Punjab and analysing data thematically. Reported professional challenges and reasons consultant anaesthesiologists chose to work abroad differed between public and private sectors, each sector providing distinct challenges that compromised anaesthesia workforce numbers and quality. Key concerns were security, promotion/incentive structures, and gender inequalities in public hospitals versus inadequate salary and facilities, surgeon dependency, and the lack of out-of-theatre practice in private hospitals that minimized the scope and earnings of anaesthesiologists within Pakistan. Our findings help contextualise Pakistan’s anaesthesia workforce crisis, indicating public-sector improvements could include increasing security in hospital premises, performance-based incentives, and qualification-dependent promotion, while private-sector improvements could include decreasing surgeon dependency, fixing salary percentages by surgical case, and encouraging direct patient-anaesthesiologist relationships. National and subnational interventions to promote anaesthesiology, along with public awareness campaigns, could additionally raise its profile and encourage retention.
Ultrasonic-Cellulase Synergistic Extraction of Crude Polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera Leaves and Alleviation of Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Gu Fan , Tao Liang , Chen Runling , Zhang Jiao , Wu Xingzhong , Yang Min , Sheng Jun , Tian Yang
Published: October 2022

Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) are a new food resource, rich in functional factors. MOL polysaccharides are important active macromolecules within MOL. However, there are problems, such as low extraction rates and lack of evidence for functional activity. Therefore, in this experiment, single-factor experiments were carried out using MOL powder as the raw material, and the Plackett–Burman test was used to screen the significantly influential test factors. The extraction process of MOL polysaccharide was optimized by response surface methodology. The insulin resistance alleviating activity of MOLP polysaccharides was initially explored. The results showed that the extraction of Moringa oleifera leaves crude polysaccharides (MOLP) by ultrasonic assisted cellulase enzymatic digestion was (17.03 ± 1.03)%, and the obtained MOLP was a crude polysaccharide with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 279.48 kDa, consisting of fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. MOLP had an IC50 value of 8.02 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and scavenging activity against free radicals such as ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion with an IC50 value of 0.21 mg/mL 0.31 mg/mL 0.97 mg/mL 0.49 mg/mL. At the same time, MOLP significantly enhanced the glucose consumption, glycogen synthesis, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activity, and reduced the MDA and ROS content in high glucose-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells. This experiment improved the extraction rate of MOLP and demonstrated that MOLP has antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which can alleviate the insulin resistance of high glucose-induced HepG2 cells. It provides partial data support for the possible hypoglycemic effect of MOLP by alleviating oxidative stress, and also provides new ideas for the in-depth study of basic research and industrial application of MOLP.
Serial Passaging of Seasonal H3N2 Influenza A/Singapore/G2-31.1/2014 Virus in MDCK-SIAT1 Cells and Primary Chick Embryo Cells Generates HA D457G Mutation and Other Variants in HA, NA, PB1, PB1-F2, and NS1
Authors: Aw Daryl Zheng Hao , Heng Keng Kai , Heok Jovian Yee Han , Kong Xin Yang , Chen Hui , Zhang Tong , Zhai Weiwei , Chow Vincent T. K.
Published: October 2022

Influenza remains one of the most prevalent viruses circulating amongst humans and has resulted in several pandemics. The prevention and control of H3N2 influenza is complicated by its propensity for evolution, which leads to vaccine mismatch and reduced vaccine efficacies. This study employed the strategy of serial passaging to compare the evolution of the human seasonal influenza strain A/Singapore/G2-31.1/2014(H3N2) in MDCK-SIAT1 versus primary chick embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells. Genetic analysis of the HA, NS1, NA, and PB1 gene segments by Sanger sequencing revealed the presence of specific mutations and a repertoire of viral quasispecies following serial passaging. Most quasispecies were also found in PB1, which exhibited consistently high transversion-to-transition ratios in all five MDCK-SIAT1 passages. Most notably, passage 5 virus harbored the D457G substitution in the HA2 subunit, while passage 3 virus acquired K53Q and Q69H mutations in PB1-F2. An A971 variant leading to a non-synonymous R316Q substitution in PB1 was also identified in MDCK-SIAT1 passages 2 and 4. With an increasing number of passages, the proportion of D457G mutations progressively increased and was associated with larger virus plaque sizes. However, microneutralization assays revealed no significant differences in the neutralizing antibody profiles of human-influenza-immune serum samples against pre-passaged virus and passage 5 virus. In contrast, viable virus was only detected in passage 1 of CEF cells, which gave rise to multiple viral RNA quasispecies. Our findings highlight that serial passaging is able to drive differential adaptation of H3N2 influenza in different host species and may alter viral virulence. More studies are warranted to elucidate the complex relationships between H3N2 virus evolution, viral virulence changes, and low vaccine efficacy.
CsPAO2 Improves Salt Tolerance of Cucumber through the Interaction with CsPSA3 by Affecting Photosynthesis and Polyamine Conversion
Authors: Wu Jianqiang , Zhu Mengliang , Liu Weikang , Jahan Mohammad Shah , Gu Qinsheng , Shu Sheng , Sun Jin , Guo Shirong
Published: October 2022

Polyamine oxidases (PAOs) are key enzymes in polyamine metabolism and are related to the tolerance of plants to abiotic stresses. In this study, overexpression of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) PAO2 (CsPAO2) in Arabidopsis resulted in increased activity of the antioxidant enzyme and accelerated conversion from Put to Spd and Spm, while malondialdehyde content (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) was decreased when compared with wild type, leading to enhanced plant growth under salt stress. Photosystem Ⅰ assembly 3 in cucumber (CsPSA3) was revealed as an interacting protein of CsPAO2 by screening yeast two-hybrid library combined with in vitro and in vivo methods. Then, CsPAO2 and CsPSA3 were silenced in cucumber via virus-mediated gene silencing (VIGS) with pV190 as the empty vector. Under salt stress, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (Tr) of CsPAO2-silencing plants were lower than pV190-silencing plants, and EL in root was higher than pV190-silencing plants, indicating that CsPAO2-silencing plants suffered more serious salt stress damage. However, photosynthetic parameters of CsPSA3-silencing plants were all higher than those of CsPAO2 and pV190-silencing plants, thereby enhancing the photosynthesis process. Moreover, CsPSA3 silencing reduced the EL in both leaves and roots when compared with CsPAO2-silencing plants, but the EL only in leaves was significantly lower than the other two gene-silencing plants, and conversion from Put to Spd and Spm in leaf was also promoted, suggesting that CsPSA3 interacts with CsPAO2 in leaves to participate in the regulation of salt tolerance through photosynthesis and polyamine conversion.
The Feasibility of Whole-Liver Drainage with a Novel 8 mm Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent Possessing an Ultra-Slim Introducer for Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstructions
Authors: Matsubara Saburo , Nakagawa Keito , Suda Kentaro , Otsuka Takeshi , Oka Masashi , Nagoshi Sumiko
Published: October 2022

Background: In the case of an unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO), the optimal drainage method has not yet been established. Recently, an 8 mm, fully covered, self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) with an ultra-slim introducer has become available. In this article, the results of whole-liver drainage tests using this novel FCSEMS for MHBO are reported. Methods: Unresectable MHBOs up to Bismuth IIIa with strictures limited to the secondary branches were eligible. The proximal end of the stent was placed in such a way as to avoid blocking the side branches, and the distal end was placed above the papilla when possible. Consecutive patients treated between April 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The technical and functional success rates, rates and causes of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), revision for RBO, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Results: Eleven patients (Bismuth I/II/IIIa: 1/7/3) were enrolled. Two stents were placed in nine patients and three were placed in two patients. Both the technical and functional success rates were 100%. RBO occurred in four (36%) patients due to sludge formation. Revision was performed for three patients, with the successful removal of all stents. The median TRBO was 187 days, and no late AEs other than the RBO occurred. Regarding the distal position of the stent, the RBO rate was significantly lower (14.3% vs. 75%, p = 0.041) and the cumulative TRBO was significantly longer (median TRBO: not reached vs. 80 days, p = 0.031) in the case of the placement above the papilla than the placement across the papilla. Conclusion: For unresectable MHBOs of Bismuth I, II, and IIIa, whole-liver drainage with a novel 8 mm FCSEMS possessing an ultra-slim introducer was feasible and potentially safe, with favorable stent patency. Placement above the papilla might be preferrable to placement across the papilla.
Influence of Magnetizing Conditions on Barkhausen Noise in Fe Soft Magnetic Materials after Thermo-Mechanical Treatment
Authors: Neslušan Miroslav , Zgútová Katarína , Pitoňák Martin , Kajánek Daniel
Published: October 2022

Low alloyed steels of low, medium, or high strength are frequently used for many applications in the automotive, civil (bridges), aerospace, and petrochemical industries. A variety of thermomechanical regimes, in which these steels can be produced, enable customization of their matrix with respect to their fatigue resistance, resistance against friction and impact wear, fracture toughness, corrosion resistance, etc. This study analyses the influence of magnetising conditions on Barkhausen noise and other extracted parameters. It was found that the increasing magnetising frequency makes Barkhausen noise weaker, especially in the high strength low alloyed steels, as a result of the decreasing magnetic field in a sample. For this reason, increasing fraction of domain walls is unpinned at the higher frequencies. Barkhausen noise for the high strength low alloyed steels at higher frequencies is remarkably attenuated. Moreover, the different behaviour with respect to direction of the sheet rolling and the transversal direction, can be found due to realignment of the domain walls. This study demonstrates that the position of Barkhausen noise envelopes and the number of Barkhausen noise pulses increase in a systematic manner at the lower magnetising frequencies. Those parameters can be employed for distinction of the low alloyed steels, investigated in this study. However, the increasing magnetising frequency makes attenuation of Barkhausen noise more remarkable for the low alloyed steels of the higher strength. Therefore, the effective value of Barkhausen noise, at the magnetising frequency 750 Hz, in the rolling direction exhibits the systematic descent along with the increasing yield strength. This parameter can be used for distinction of the low alloyed steels after their thermomechanical processing, as well.
Epithelial Biological Response to Machined Titanium vs. PVD Zirconium-Coated Titanium: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Memè Lucia , Sartini Davide , Pozzi Valentina , Emanuelli Monica , Strappa Enrico M. , Bittarello Paolo , Bambini Fabrizio , Gallusi Gianni
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the epithelial biological response to machined titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 and titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 coated with zirconia (ZrN) by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Human keratinocytes were cultured in six-well plates. Machined titanium TiAl4V4 grade 5 (T1) and ZrN-coated titanium TiAl4V4 grade 5 (T2) discs were placed in two different wells. The remaining two wells served as control (C). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to compare the T1 and T2 surfaces. Subsequent analyses were performed to explore the effect of T1 and T2 contact with human keratinocyte HUKE cell lines. Cell viability was evaluated using a trypan blue exclusion test and MTT assay. Cell lysates from C, T1, and T2 were Western blotted to evaluate E-cadherin and Integrin-α6β4 expression. SEM revealed that T2 was smoother and more homogeneous than T1. EDS showed homogeneous and uniform distribution of ZrN coating on T2. Cell viability analyses did not show significant differences between T1 and T2. Furthermore, E-cadherin and Integrin-α6β4 expressions of the epithelial cells cultured in T1 and T2 were similar. Therefore, titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 surfaces coated with ZrN by PVD seem to be similar substrates to the uncoated surfaces for keratinocyte adhesion and proliferation.
A Sensitive and Portable Double-Layer Microfluidic Biochip for Harmful Algae Detection
Authors: Li Ping , Qiang Le , Han Yingkuan , Chu Yujin , Qiu Jiaoyan , Song Fangteng , Wang Min , He Qihang , Zhang Yunhong , Sun Mingyuan , Li Caiwen , Song Shuqun , Liu Yun , Han Lin , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2022

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are common disastrous ecological anomalies in coastal waters. An effective algae monitoring approach is important for natural disaster warning and environmental governance. However, conducting rapid and sensitive detection of multiple algae is still challenging. Here, we designed an ultrasensitive, rapid and portable double-layer microfluidic biochip for the simultaneous quantitative detection of six species of algae. Specific DNA probes based on the 18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) gene fragments of HABs were designed and labeled with the fluorescent molecule cyanine-3 (Cy3). The biochip had multiple graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets-based reaction units, in which GO nanosheets were applied to transfer target DNA to the fluorescence signal through a photoluminescence detection system. The entire detection process of multiple algae was completed within 45 min with the linear range of fluorescence recovery of 0.1 fM–100 nM, and the detection limit reached 108 aM. The proposed approach has a simple detection process and high detection performance and is feasible to conduct accurate detection with matched portable detection equipment. It will have promising applications in marine natural disaster monitoring and environmental care.
Astragalosides Supplementation Enhances Intrinsic Muscle Repair Capacity Following Eccentric Exercise-Induced Injury
Authors: Yeh Tzu-Shao , Lei Tze-Huan , Barnes Matthew J. , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2022

Astragalosides have been shown to enhance endurance exercise capacity in vivo and promote muscular hypertrophy in vitro. However, it remains unknown whether astragalosides supplementation can alter inflammatory response and enhance muscle recovery after damage in humans. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of astragalosides supplementation on muscle’s intrinsic capacity to regenerate and repair itself after exercise-induced damage. Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design, eleven male participants underwent 7 days of astragalosides supplementation (in total containing 4 mg of astragalosides per day) or a placebo control, following an eccentric exercise protocol. Serum blood samples and variables related to muscle function were collected prior to and immediately following the muscle damage protocol and also at 2 h, and 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days of the recovery period, to assess the pro-inflammatory cytokine response, the secretion of muscle regenerative factors, and muscular strength. Astragalosides supplementation reduced biomarkers of skeletal muscle damage (serum CK, LDH, and Mb), when compared to the placebo, at 1, 2, and 3 days following the muscle damage protocol. Astragalosides supplementation suppressed the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α, whilst increasing the release of IGF-1 during the initial stages of muscle recovery. Furthermore, following astragaloside supplementation, muscular strength returned to baseline 2 days earlier than the placebo. Astragalosides supplementation shortens the duration of inflammation, enhances the regeneration process and restores muscle strength following eccentric exercise-induced injury.
Associations of Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy with Gestational Hypertension: The “Born in Shenyang” Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Jiajin , Li Lin , Wan Ningyu , Liu Borui , Liu Yilin , Ma Yanan , Qiao Chong , Liu Caixia , Wen Deliang
Published: October 2022

The literature on maternal dietary patterns and gestational hypertension (GH) risk is largely ambiguous. We investigated the associations of maternal dietary patterns with GH risk among 1092 pregnant women in a Chinese pre-birth cohort. We used both three-day food diaries (TFD) and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to assess the diets of pregnant women. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify dietary patterns from the TFD and FFQ, respectively. In total, 14.5% of the participants were diagnosed with GH. Maternal adherence to a “Wheaten food–coarse cereals pattern (TFD)” was associated with a lower risk of GH (quartile 3 [Q3] vs. Q1, odds ratio [OR] = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.31, 0.90). Maternal adherence to a “Sweet food–seafood pattern (TFD)” was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (Q4 vs. Q1, β = −2.57, 95%CI: −4.19, −0.96), and mean arterial pressure (Q4 vs. Q1, β = −1.54, 95%CI: −2.70, −0.38). The protective associations of the “Sweet food-seafood (TFD)” and “Fish–seafood pattern (FFQ)” with the risk of GH were more pronounced among women who were overweight/obese before pregnancy (p for interaction < 0.05 for all). The findings may help to develop interventions and better identify target populations for hypertension prevention during pregnancy.
The Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles from Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Macrophages in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Insights into miRNA Delivery
Authors: Li Shuang , Zhang Jingang , Feng Guangjiao , Jiang Lingmei , Chen Zhihong , Xin Wenqiang , Zhang Xiuru
Published: October 2022

Pulmonary fibrosis is a type of chronic, progressive, fibrotic lung disease of unclear cause with few treatment options. Cell therapy is emerging as a promising novel modality for facilitating lung repair. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based and macrophage-based cell therapies are regarded as promising strategies to promote lung repair, due to incredible regenerative potential and typical immunomodulatory function, respectively. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are cell-derived lipid-bilayer membrane vesicles that are secreted from virtually every cell and are involved in intercellular communication by delivering expansive biological cargos to recipients. This review provides a deep insight into the recent research progress concerning the effects of MSC and macrophage-associated EVs on the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. In addition to discussing their respective vital roles, we summarize the importance of cross-talk, as macrophages are vital for MSCs to exert their protective effects through two major patterns, including attenuating macrophage activation and M1 phenotype macrophage polarization. Moreover, miRNAs are selectively enriched into EVs as essential components, and consideration is given to the particular effects of EV-associated miRNAs.
A Biomimetic Nonwoven-Reinforced Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Repair
Authors: Golland Ben , Tipper Joanne L. , Hall Richard M. , Tronci Giuseppe , Russell Stephen J.
Published: October 2022

In clinical trials, new scaffolds for regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) should reflect the importance of a mechanically optimised, hydrated environment. Composite scaffolds of nonwovens, self-assembling peptides (SAPs) and hydrogels offer the ability to mimic native spinal cord tissue, promote aligned tissue regeneration and tailor mechanical properties. This work studies the effects of an aligned electrospun nonwoven of P11-8—enriched poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibres, integrated with a photo-crosslinked hydrogel of glycidylmethacrylated collagen (collagen-GMA), on neurite extension. Mechanical properties of collagen-GMA hydrogel in compression and shear were recorded, along with cell viability. Collagen-GMA hydrogels showed J-shaped stress–strain curves in compression, mimicking native spinal cord tissue. For hydrogels prepared with a 0.8-1.1 wt.% collagen-GMA concentration, strain at break values were 68 ± 1–81 ± 1% (±SE); maximum stress values were 128 ± 9–311 ± 18 kPa (±SE); and maximum force values were 1.0 ± 0.1–2.5 ± 0.1 N (±SE). These values closely mimicked the compression values for feline and porcine tissue in the literature, especially those for 0.8 wt.%. Complex shear modulus values fell in the range 345–2588 Pa, with the lower modulus hydrogels in the range optimal for neural cell survival and growth. Collagen-GMA hydrogel provided an environment for homogenous and three-dimensional cell encapsulation, and high cell viability of 84 ± 2%. Combination of the aligned PCL/P11-8 electrospun nonwoven and collagen-GMA hydrogel retained fibre alignment and pore structure, respectively, and promoted aligned neurite extension of PC12 cells. Thus, it is possible to conclude that scaffolds with mechanical properties that both closely mimic native spinal cord tissue and are optimal for neural cells can be produced, which also promote aligned tissue regeneration when the benefits of hydrogels and electrospun nonwovens are combined.
An Exploration of the Implications of Sequencing Order on Group Pain Interventions in Veterans
Authors: Cosio David , Simons Madison
Published: October 2022

Background: Efforts to increase acceptance and reduce avoidance behaviors in patients who suffer from chronic pain are likely to have additional beneficial effects on pain management. The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate whether a sequential approach to treatment, where acceptance-based coping strategies are taught prior to problem-focused coping strategies using manualized group therapies, improves pain-related outcomes. Methods: The current investigation is a single-group, longitudinal ex post facto study. A sample of 168 Veterans participated in the current study at a midwestern VA medical center. All participants were administered a standard pre- and post-intervention assessment battery. The primary outcome analysis was a 4 × 2 repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Results: The current study did not find a significant interaction effect for intervention x time but did find a significant main effect for time. All treatment conditions were associated with decreases in pain severity, pain interference, illness-focused coping strategies, catastrophizing behaviors, and global distress. Participation in both of the combined groups did not produce significantly different pain-related outcomes compared to participation in one group. Conclusion: These findings reinforce common factors theory in psychotherapy and provide insight into treatment dosage for patients who suffer from chronic pain. The current findings underline the importance of researching pain management, as it is a fundamental aspect of clinical practice, training, and research in rheumatology.
Corporate Loan Recovery Rates under Downturn Conditions in a Developing Economy: Evidence from Zimbabwe
Authors: Matenda Frank Ranganai , Sibanda Mabutho , Chikodza Eriyoti , Gumbo Victor
Published: October 2022

In this study, we design stepwise ordinary least squares regression models using various amalgamations of firm features, loan characteristics and macroeconomic variables to forecast workout recovery rates for defaulted bank loans for private non-financial corporates under downturn conditions in Zimbabwe. Our principal aim is to identify and interpret the determinants of recovery rates for private firm defaulted bank loans. For suitability and efficacy purposes, we adopt a unique real-life data set of defaulted bank loans for private non-financial firms pooled from a major anonymous Zimbabwean commercial bank. Our empirical results show that the firm size, the collateral value, the exposure at default, the earnings before interest and tax/total assets ratio, the length of the workout process, the total debt/total assets ratio, the ratio of (current assets–current liabilities)/total assets, the inflation rate, the interest rate and the real gross domestic product growth rate are the significant determinants of RRs for Zimbabwean private non-financial firm bank loans. We reveal that accounting information is useful in examining recovery rates for defaulted bank loans for private corporations under distressed financial and economic conditions. Moreover, we discover that the prediction results of recovery rate models are augmented by fusing firm features and loan characteristics with macroeconomic factors.
Application of Remote Sensing Techniques to Identification of Underwater Airplane Wreck in Shallow Water Environment: Case Study of the Baltic Sea, Poland
Authors: Grządziel Artur
Published: October 2022

Multibeam echo sounders (MBES), side-scan sonars (SSS), and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are irreplaceable devices in contemporary hydrographic works. However, a highly reliable method of identifying detected wrecks is visual inspection through diving surveys. During underwater research, it is sometimes hard to obtain images in turbid water. Moreover, on-site diving operations are time-consuming and expensive. This article presents the results of the remote sensing surveys that were carried out at the site of a newly discovered wreck, in the southern part of the Baltic Sea (Poland). Remote sensing techniques can quickly provide a detailed overview of the wreckage area and thus considerably reduce the time required for ground truthing. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the process of identification of a wreck based on acoustic data, without involving a team of divers. The findings, in conjunction with the collected archival documentation, allowed for the identification of the wreck of a Junkers Ju-88, a bomber from World War II.
Impact of Quasi-Biweekly Oscillation on Southeast Asian Cold Surge Rainfall Monitored by TRMM Satellite Observation
Authors: Dong Zizhen , Wang Lin , Yang Ruowen , Cao Jie , Hu Peng
Published: October 2022

Based on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite observation and ERA5 re-analysis dataset, this paper studies the influence of the northwestward-propagating quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) over the western North Pacific on cold surge rainfall (CSR) over Southeast Asia. Cold surges are the most important driver affecting Southeast Asian rainfall on a synoptic scale. The presence of the QBWO during phases 6–8, in which the associated active convection coupling with a cyclonic circulation reaches Southeast Asia, provides a favorable environment for the increase of CSR. The increase in CSR primarily occurs east of the Philippines, leading to a high likelihood of triggering extreme rainfall. The effects from the QBWO are independent of those from the active MJO phases over Southeast Asia. Additionally, cold surge activity could also be influenced by the QBWO. An examination of the QBWO and MJO indicates that the most preferred phases for the occurrence of cold surges are the time when phase 1 of the QBWO co-exists with phase 7 of the MJO or the time when phase 7 of the QBWO couples with phase 5 of the MJO. Accordingly, about 40% of the total cold surge days would fall in either combination.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Learning Approaches for Remote Sensing
Authors: Jeon Gwanggil
Published: October 2022

Remote sensing (RS) is a method for understanding the ground and for facilitating human–ground communications [...]
Study on Laser Parameter Measurement System Based on Cone-Arranged Fibers and CCD Camera
Authors: Luo Jie , Qin Laian , Hou Zaihong , Zhang Silong , Zhu Wenyue , Guan Wenlu
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a new laser parameter measuring method based on cone-arranged fibers to further improve the measurable spot size, allowable incident angle range, and spatial sampling resolution. This method takes a conical array composed of flexible fibers to sample and shrink the cross-section spot of the laser beam, facilitating low-distortion shooting with a charge-coupled diode (CCD) camera, and adopts homogenized processing and algorithm analysis to correct the spot. This method is experimentally proven to achieve high-accuracy measurements with a decimeter-level spot-receiving surface, millimeter-level resolution, and high tolerance in order to incite skew angle. Comparing the measured spot under normal incidence with the real one, the root mean square error (RMSE) of their power in the bucket (PIB) curves is less than 1%. When the incident angle change is between −8° and 8°, the RMSE is less than 2% and the measurement error of total power is less than 5% based on the premise that the fiber’s numerical aperture (NA) is 0.22. The possibility of further optimizing the measurement method by changing the fiber parameters and array design is also reported.
Identification of Cities in Underdeveloped Resource-Rich Areas and Its Sustainable Development: Evidence from China
Authors: Guo Wenyao , Mu Xianzhong
Published: October 2022

Achieving sustainable development has become the consensus of the development of human society, but many of the cities in underdeveloped resource-rich areas (UDRRAs) are sacrificing natural resources and the environment for local economic growth, which hinders the regional sustainable development. This paper uses the Solow residual method to calculate the total factor resource efficiency (TFRE) of 114 resource-based cities to assess the extent to which these cities trade resources and environment for development and identifies 59 cities in UDRRAs. The results of the study are as follows: a. Cities in UDRRAs are mainly distributed in the central and western regions and in ecologically fragile areas. b. The contribution rate of the TFRE to the economic growth of cities in UDRRAs is only 19.30%, while the contribution rate of the factor input is as high as 80.70%, and there is a phenomenon of the “resource curse” at the urban level. c. The carbon dioxide input contributed the most to the economic growth of cities in UDRRAs, accounting for 52.26%. d. The problems faced by the different types of cities in UDRRAs are quite different, especially the declining cities in UDRRAs urgently need to formulate sustainable development paths. Finally, we put forward some reference opinions on the sustainable development path of cities in UDRRAs.
Refined Allocation of Water Resources in Pishihang Irrigation Area by Joint Utilization of Multiple Water Sources
Authors: Huang Ruirui , Ni Hongzhen , Chen Genfa , Du Lijuan , Zhou Yuepeng
Published: October 2022

Refined allocation of water resources is an important means of sustainable water resources utilization. Based on General Water Allocation and Simulation (GWAS), this study uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) to construct spatial topological relationships. A fairness optimal minimum was set as the objective function. Total quantity control, water supply potential, and quality-divided water supply were set as constraint conditions. Considering the dynamic mutual-feedback relationship between the middle-lower-reaches reservoir and the upstream reservoir, this study refines the allocation of water resources combined with the characteristics of “long cane knots melons” in the Pishihang irrigation area. Results showed that at 50%, 80%, and 90% frequencies in the base year, 2025, and 2035, respectively, the water deficient ratio is 0. For continuous drought years at 90% frequency, all water users are faced with different degrees of water shortage. In water source structures, water diversion in the irrigated area is the largest, followed by local surface water; reclaimed water and shallow groundwater are used as supplements. In the case of consecutive drought years, the water shortage degree can be reduced through rational development of local water and additional external water transfer. The model has thus been well applied. This study provides a more accurate method for optimizing water resources allocation.
Safety and Protection Measures of Underground Non-Coal Mines with Mining Depth over 800 m: A Case Study in Shandong, China
Authors: Cheng Li , Wu Qinzheng , Li Haotian , Chen Kexu , Wang Chunlong , Liu Xingquan , Li Xuelong , Meng Jingjing
Published: October 2022

With the increase in mining depth, the risk of ground pressure disasters in yellow gold mines is becoming more and more serious. This paper carries out a borehole test for the pressure behavior in a non-coal mining area with a mining depth of more than 800 m in the Jiaodong area. The test results show that under a depth of 1050 m, the increase in the vertical principal stress is the same as the increase in the minimum horizontal principal stress, which is about 3 MPa per 100 m. When the depth increases to 1350 m, the vertical principal stress increases by about 3% per 100 m, and the self-weight stress and the maximum horizontal principal stress maintain a steady growth rate of about 3 MPa per 100 m. In addition, based on the test results, the operation of the ground pressure monitoring system in each mine is investigated. The investigation results show that in some of the roadway and stope mines with depths of more than 800 m, varying degrees of rock mass instability have occurred, and a few mines have had sporadic slight rockbursts, accounting for about 5%. There was a stress concentration area in the lower part of the goaf formed in the early stage of mining, and slight rockburst phenomena such as rock mass ejection have occurred; meanwhile, the area stability for normal production and construction was good, and there was no obvious ground pressure. This paper compares the researched mines horizontally as well as to international high-level mines and puts forward some suggestions, including: carrying out ground pressure investigations and improving the level of intelligence, which would provide countermeasures to balance the safety risks of deep mining, reducing all kinds of safety production accidents and providing a solid basis for risk prevention and supervision.
Assessment of the Blasting Efficiency of a Long and Large-Diameter Uncharged Hole Boring Method in Tunnel Blasting Using 3D Numerical Analysis
Authors: Kim Min-Seong , Kim Chang-Yong , Song Myung-Kyu , Lee Sean Seungwon
Published: October 2022

Cut blasting is one of the most essential processes to reduce blast-induced vibration in tunnel blasting. The long and large-diameter uncharged hole boring (LLB) method is an example of one of the cut blasting methods, which utilizes large-diameter uncharged holes drilled in the tunnel face. In this study, blasting simulations were performed to analyze its blasting mechanism, and the LLB method and the traditional burn-cut method were simulated to compare their blasting efficiency. A 3D numerical analysis using LS-DYNA code, a highly non-linear transient dynamic finite element analysis using explicit time integration, was used to simulate the blasting process, and a Johnson–Holmquist constitutive material model, which is optimal for simulating brittle materials under dynamic conditions, was used to simulate the rock behavior under blasting. The modified LLB method showed a 3.75-fold increase in the advance per round compared to the burn-cut method, due to the increased formation of long and large-diameter uncharged holes compared to blast holes. This modified LLB method used 30% less explosives, so its failure range was approximately 1.25 times less than that of the burn-cut method, but its advance was approximately 4 times larger than the burn-cut method, which was similar to the original LLB method. This confirmed that the modified LLB method is significantly more efficient in terms of increased blasting efficiency (particularly the advance per round) as well as reduced blast-induced vibration, compared to the traditional cut blasting method.
Focus on Innovation or Focus on Sales? The Influences of the Government of China’s Demand-Side Reform during COVID-19 and Their Sustainability Consequences in the Consumer Products Industry
Authors: Xie Guangying , Wu Shengyan , Song Zhengjiang
Published: October 2022

Affected by COVID-19, the Chinese government has implemented demand-side reform policies to stimulate consumption. In this context, should consumer goods companies focus on innovation (FOI) or focus on ales (FOS), and what impact does it have on sustainability? Based on the empirical data of listed companies in China’s A-share consumer goods industry, this paper uses a hierarchical regression model, a mediation effect test, moderation effect analysis, and a robustness test, and it finds that for consumer products industry enterprises under the background of demand-side reform: (1) FOI negatively affects enterprise sustainability, FOS positively affects enterprise sustainability, and tilting resources from FOI to FOS is conducive to improving sustainability; (2) the direct effect of FOI on sustainability is not significant, and its negative effect on sustainability is exerted exclusively indirectly through FOS; and (3) firm value can positively moderate the relationship between FOS and sustainability, but its moderating effect on the relationship between FOI and sustainability is insignificant. These conclusions are of positive significance for the study of corporate innovation, sales behavior, and sustainability performance under demand-side reform. More broadly, this paper enriches the study of corporate sustainability in the context of an unfavorable macro environment and short-term and large policy stimulus in the market.