bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Isolation and Quarantine during the UK’s First Wave of COVID-19. A Mixed-Methods Study of Non-Adherence
Authors: Eraso Yolanda , Hills Stephen
Published: June 2021

Self-isolation and quarantine measures were introduced by the UK Government on 12 March 2020 as part of the ‘delay’ phase to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Non-adherence to self-isolation for 7 days after the development of symptoms is considered suboptimal and little is known about adherence to quarantine for 14 days if a co-habitant developed symptoms. This study aims to analyse non-adherence behaviours to self-isolation and quarantine measures by identifying their potential psycho-social and demographic predictors and by exploring people’s accounts of their experiences with these measures. A mixed-methods convergent design was used, comprising an online survey (n = 681) completed by residents in six North London boroughs and qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants (n = 16). Findings identified not accessing community support, lack of control over leaving the house, and lack of perceived benefit and need to follow the rules as behaviours associated with non-adherence to quarantine (42.7%). Non-adherence to self-isolating measures (24.4%) was associated with individuals’ perceived lack of control over responsibilities, lack of control over leaving the house, uncertainty about symptoms experienced, lack of access to tests, and distrust in the Government. Adherence to self-isolation and quarantine could be improved through strengthening perceived benefit to self-isolate with messages emphasising its effectiveness, by implementing a two-way information system to support symptoms identification, and with Government-funded, locally supported packages at different levels (financial, food, and practical needs).
Mindfulness Promotes Online Prosocial Behavior via Cognitive Empathy
Authors: Lv Yiqing , Qiao Xiuqing , Leng Jie , Zheng Yuanhua , Guo Qingke
Published: June 2021

Mindfulness plays an important role in promoting prosocial behavior and well-being. With the spread of Internet usage, people’s online prosocial behavior (OPB) has garnered great attention. Based on the link between online and offline behaviors, we predict that mindfulness can also facilitate OPB. We examined the association of mindfulness and OPB and the mediating effect of empathy. A total of 674 Chinese undergraduate students completed self-report measures of these constructs. The results showed that different dimensions of mindfulness predicted empathy, which in turn predicted OPB. Perspective taking was the main mediator in the mindfulness-OPB link. Mindfulness improves receptiveness to others’ needs and feelings, thereby enhancing the willingness to help them, even in none-face-to-face situations.
The Associated Factors of Prolonged Screen Time and Using Electronic Devices before Sleep among Elderly People in Shaanxi Province of China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Yaxuan , Wang Jiwei , Lu Xinyuan , Che Beibei , Yu Jinming
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate prolonged screen time and using electronic devices before sleep and their associated factors in elderly people in Shaanxi province of China. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2647 elderly participants aged 60–88 years. Data were collected through questionnaires. Demographic characteristics, screen time, using electronic devices before sleep, health status, lifestyles, sleep quality, and other associated factors were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the associated factors of screen time and using electronic devices before sleep. The crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 1784 subjects completed the questionnaire. There were 6.89% participants with prolonged screen time and 13.45% using electronic devices before sleep frequently. Prolonged screen time was associated with personal monthly income (aOR = 1.205, p = 0.001), number of household residents (aOR = 0.860, p = 0.010), rural residents (aOR = 0.617, p = 0.038), and regular drinkers (aOR = 2.889, p < 0.001). Using electronic devices before sleep was associated with being female (aOR = 0.657, p = 0.007), family monthly income (aOR = 0.866, p = 0.002), being an occasional drinker (aOR = 1.891, p = 0.005), and self-reported sleep quality (aOR = 1.593, p = 0.007). In conclusion, several factors related to screen time or using electronic devices before sleep were identified. Only being a drinker was a common associated factor for both screen time and using electronic devices before sleep.
Anthropometric Status, Diet, and Dental Caries among Schoolchildren
Authors: Yen Chin-En , Lin Yuh-Yih , Hu Suh-Woan
Published: June 2021

Childhood dental caries and obesity are prevalent health problems. Results from previous studies of the caries–obesity relationship are conflicting. This study aimed to assess the association between anthropometric status and dental caries among schoolchildren, taking into account dietary habits, oral hygiene, and sociodemographic factors. This cross-sectional study recruited 569 children aged 6–12 years from five elementary schools in central Taiwan. Each child underwent an oral health examination and anthropometric measurements. The DMFT (decayed, missing due to caries, and filled permanent teeth) and deft (decayed, extracted, and filled primary teeth) indexes were calculated to record caries experience. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on food intake frequency and other related factors. The World Health Organization’s reference data was applied to define weight status: obese, overweight, and normal/underweight. The results showed that the mean (±standard deviation) deft and DMFT scores were 2.3 ± 2.6 and 0.7 ± 1.2, respectively, among participating children. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 18.1% and 18.5%, respectively. After comprehensive evaluation of potential confounders, weight status was not an independent predictor of DMFT or deft scores in the negative binomial regression models. In conclusion, weight status was not associated with caries scores in primary or permanent teeth among 6–12 year-old schoolchildren.
Long-Term Imaging Follow-Up in DIPNECH: Multicenter Experience
Authors: Chung Cécile , Bommart Sébastien , Marchand-Adam Sylvain , Lederlin Mathieu , Fournel Ludovic , Charpentier Marie-Christine , Groussin Lionel , Wislez Marie , Revel Marie-Pierre , Chassagnon Guillaume
Published: June 2021

Diffuse pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pre-invasive disease whose pathophysiology remains unclear. We aimed to assess long-term evolution in imaging of DIPNECH, in order to propose follow-up recommendations. Patients with histologically confirmed DIPNECH from four centers, evaluated between 2001 and 2020, were enrolled if they had at least two available chest computed tomography (CT) exams performed at least 24 months apart. CT exams were analyzed for the presence and the evolution of DIPNECH-related CT findings. Twenty-seven patients, mostly of female gender (n = 25/27; 93%) were included. Longitudinal follow-up over a median 63-month duration (IQR: 31–80 months) demonstrated an increase in the size of lung nodules in 19 patients (19/27, 70%) and the occurrence of metastatic spread in three patients (3/27, 11%). The metastatic spread was limited to mediastinal lymph nodes in one patient, whereas the other two patients had both lymph node and distant metastases. The mean time interval between baseline CT scan and metastatic spread was 70 months (14, 74 and 123 months). Therefore, long-term annual imaging follow-up of DIPNECH might be appropriate to encompass the heterogeneous longitudinal behavior of this disease.
Ventilation-Associated Particulate Matter Is a Potential Reservoir of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Health Facilities
Authors: Chezganova Evgenia , Efimova Olga , Sakharova Vera , Efimova Anna , Sozinov Sergey , Kutikhin Anton , Ismagilov Zinfer , Brusina Elena
Published: June 2021

Most healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) develop due to the colonisation of patients and healthcare workers by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). Here, we investigated whether the particulate matter from the ventilation systems (Vent-PM) of health facilities can harbour MDRO and other microbes, thereby acting as a potential reservoir of HCAIs. Dust samples collected in the ventilation grilles and adjacent air ducts underwent a detailed analysis of physicochemical properties and biodiversity. All Vent-PM samples included ultrafine PM capable of reaching the alveoli. Strikingly, >70% of Vent-PM samples were contaminated, mostly by viruses (>15%) or multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing bacterial strains (60% and 48% of all bacteria-contaminated specimens, respectively). Total viable count at 1 m from the ventilation grilles was significantly increased after opening doors and windows, indicating an association between air flow and bacterial contamination. Both chemical and microbial compositions of Vent-PM considerably differed across surgical vs. non-surgical and intensive vs. elective care units and between health facilities located in coal and chemical districts. Reduced diversity among MDRO and increased prevalence ratio in multidrug-resistant to the total Enterococcus spp. in Vent-PM testified to the evolving antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, we suggest Vent-PM as a previously underestimated reservoir of HCAI-causing pathogens in the hospital environment.
Electrophysiological Evaluation of Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Sensitivity to Saxitoxin and Tetrodotoxin
Authors: Boullot Floriane , Fabioux Caroline , Hégaret Hélène , Boudry Pierre , Soudant Philippe , Benoit Evelyne
Published: June 2021

Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) may bio-accumulate high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) during harmful algal blooms of the genus Alexandrium. These blooms regularly occur in coastal waters, affecting oyster health and marketability. The aim of our study was to analyse the PST-sensitivity of nerves of Pacific oysters in relation with toxin bio-accumulation. The results show that C. gigas nerves have micromolar range of saxitoxin (STX) sensitivity, thus providing intermediate STX sensitivity compared to other bivalve species. However, theses nerves were much less sensitive to tetrodotoxin. The STX-sensitivity of compound nerve action potential (CNAP) recorded from oysters experimentally fed with Alexandrium minutum (toxic-alga-exposed oysters), or Tisochrysis lutea, a non-toxic microalga (control oysters), revealed that oysters could be separated into STX-resistant and STX-sensitive categories, regardless of the diet. Moreover, the percentage of toxin-sensitive nerves was lower, and the STX concentration necessary to inhibit 50% of CNAP higher, in recently toxic-alga-exposed oysters than in control bivalves. However, no obvious correlation was observed between nerve sensitivity to STX and the STX content in oyster digestive glands. None of the nerves isolated from wild and farmed oysters was detected to be sensitive to tetrodotoxin. In conclusion, this study highlights the good potential of cerebrovisceral nerves of Pacific oysters for electrophysiological and pharmacological studies. In addition, this study shows, for the first time, that C. gigas nerves have micromolar range of STX sensitivity. The STX sensitivity decreases, at least temporary, upon recent oyster exposure to dinoflagellates producing PST under natural, but not experimental environment.
Manufacturable 32-Channel Cochlear Electrode Array and Preliminary Assessment of Its Feasibility for Clinical Use
Authors: Shin Soowon , Ha Yoonhee , Choi Gwangjin , Hyun Junewoo , Kim Sangwoo , Oh Seung-Ha , Min Kyou-Sik
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: In this study, we introduce a manufacturable 32-channel cochlear electrode array. In contrast to conventional cochlear electrode arrays manufactured by manual processes that consist of electrode-wire welding, the placement of each electrode, and silicone molding over wired structures, the proposed cochlear electrode array is manufactured by semi-automated laser micro-structuring and a mass-produced layer-by-layer silicone deposition scheme similar to the semiconductor fabrication process. (2) Methods: The proposed 32-channel electrode array has 32 electrode contacts with a length of 24 mm and 0.75 mm spacing between contacts. The width of the electrode array is 0.45 mm at its apex and 0.8 mm at its base, and it has a three-layered arrangement consisting of a 32-channel electrode layer and two 16-lead wire layers. To assess its feasibility, we conducted an electrochemical evaluation, stiffness measurements, and insertion force measurements. (3) Results: The electrochemical impedance and charge storage capacity are 3.11 ± 0.89 kOhm at 1 kHz and 5.09 mC/cm2, respectively. The V/H ratio, which indicates how large the vertical stiffness is compared to the horizontal stiffness, is 1.26. The insertion force is 17.4 mN at 8 mm from the round window, and the maximum extraction force is 61.4 mN. (4) Conclusions: The results of the preliminary feasibility assessment of the proposed 32-channel cochlear electrode array are presented. After further assessments are performed, a 32-channel cochlear implant system consisting of the proposed 32-channel electrode array, 32-channel neural stimulation and recording IC, titanium-based hermetic package, and sound processor with wireless power and signal transmission coil will be completed.
Encapsulation of Bioactive Phytochemicals in Plant-Based Matrices and Application as Additives in Meat and Meat Products
Authors: Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Munekata Paulo E. S. , McClements David Julian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: June 2021

The development of plant-based functional food ingredients has become a major focus of the modern food industry as a response to changes in consumer attitudes. In particular, many consumers are switching to a plant-based diet because of their concerns about animal-derived foods on the environment, human health, and animal welfare. There has therefore been great interest in identifying, isolating, and characterizing functional ingredients from botanical sources, especially waste streams from food and agricultural production. However, many of these functional ingredients cannot simply be incorporated into foods because of their poor solubility, stability, or activity characteristics. In this article, we begin by reviewing conventional and emerging methods of extracting plant-based bioactive agents from natural resources including ultrasound-, microwave-, pulsed electric field- and supercritical fluid-based methods. We then provide a brief overview of different methods to characterize these plant-derived ingredients, including conventional, chromatographic, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometry methods. Finally, we discuss the design of plant-based delivery systems to encapsulate, protect, and deliver these functional ingredients, including micelles, liposomes, emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, and microgels. The potential benefits of these plant-based delivery systems are highlighted by discussing their use for incorporating functional ingredients into traditional meat products. However, the same technologies could also be employed to introduce functional ingredients into plant-based meat analogs.
Staring at the Naked Goddess: Unraveling the Structure and Reactivity of Artemis Endonuclease Interacting with a DNA Double Strand
Authors: Hognon Cécilia , Monari Antonio
Published: June 2021

Artemis is an endonuclease responsible for breaking hairpin DNA strands during immune system adaptation and maturation as well as the processing of potentially toxic DNA lesions. Thus, Artemis may be an important target in the development of anticancer therapy, both for the sensitization of radiotherapy and for immunotherapy. Despite its importance, its structure has been resolved only recently, and important questions concerning the arrangement of its active center, the interaction with the DNA substrate, and the catalytic mechanism remain unanswered. In this contribution, by performing extensive molecular dynamic simulations, both classically and at the hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics level, we evidenced the stable interaction modes of Artemis with a model DNA strand. We also analyzed the catalytic cycle providing the free energy profile and key transition states for the DNA cleavage reaction.
Nanobiocomposite Polymer as a Filter Nanosponge for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Taka Anny Leudjo , Fosso-Kankeu Elvis , Mbianda Xavier Yangkou , Klink Michael , Naidoo Eliazer Bobby
Published: June 2021

A multifunctional nanobiocomposite polymer was developed in this study through a cross-linking polymerization of cyclodextrin with phosphorylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes followed by sol-gel to incorporate TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles. This work’s novelty was to prove that the developed nanobiocomposite polymer is a potential filter nanosponge capable of removing organic, inorganic, and microorganisms’ pollutants from wastewater samples. The synthesized multifunctional nanobiocomposite polymer was characterized using a range of spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed the presence of oxygen-containing groups on the developed nanobiocomposite polymer and carbamate linkage (NH(CO)) distinctive peak at around 1645 cm−1, which is evidence that the polymerization reaction was successful. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image shows that the developed nanobiocomposite polymer has a rough surface. The Dubinin–Radushkevich and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models best described the adsorption mechanism of Co2+ and TCE’s onto pMWCNT/CD/TiO2-Ag. The efficacy of the developed nanobiocomposite polymer to act as disinfectant material in an environmental media (e.g., sewage wastewater sample) compared to the enriched media (e.g., nutrient Muller Hinton broth) was investigated. From the results obtained, in an environmental media, pMWCNT/CD/TiO2-Ag nanobiocomposite polymer can alter the bacteria’s metabolic process by inhibiting the growth and killing the bacteria, whereas, in enriched media, the bacteria’s growth was retarded.
Preparation of Lignin-Based High-Ortho Thermoplastic Phenolic Resins and Fibers
Authors: Ren Yu , Xie Jin , He Xiahong , Shi Rui , Liu Can
Published: June 2021

Surplus lignin, which is inefficiently used, is generated in the forestry industry. Currently, most studies use lignin instead of phenol to synthesize thermosetting resins which cannot be reprocessed, thus affecting its application field. Thermoplastic phenolic resin has an orderly structure and excellent molding performance, which can greatly improve its application field and economic value. Herein, phenol was partially replaced with enzymolysis lignin (without treatment), generating lignin-based high-ortho thermoplastic phenolic resins (LPRs), and then lignin-based phenolic fibers (LPFs) were prepared by melt spinning. FTIR, 13C-NMR and GPC were used to characterize the ortho–para position ratio (O/P value), molecular weight and its distribution (PDI), and rheological properties of the resin. TG, XRD, SEM and tensile property studies were used to determine the thermal stability, orientation, and surface morphology of the fiber. Lignin addition resulted in the decline of the O/P value and molecular weight of the resin. For the 10% LPR, the O/P value, Mw, and PDI were 1.28, 4263, and 2.74, respectively, with the fiber exhibiting relatively good spinnability. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the 10% LPF were 160.9 MPa and 1.9%, respectively. The addition of lignin effectively improved the thermal properties of the fiber, and the carbon yields of 20% LPF before and after curing were 39.7% and 53.6%, respectively, which were 22.2% and 13.7% higher than that of the unmodified fiber, respectively.
Construction of Porous Starch-Based Hydrogel via Regulating the Ratio of Amylopectin/Amylose for Enhanced Water-Retention
Authors: Luo Huiyuan , Dong Fuping , Wang Qian , Li Yihang , Xiong Yuzhu
Published: June 2021

The performance of hydrogels prepared with traditional natural starch as raw materials is considerable; the fixed ratio of amylose/amylopectin significantly limits the improvement of hydrogel structure and performance. In this paper, starch hydrogels were prepared by physical blending and chemical grafting, with the aid of ultrasonic heating. The effects of different amylose/amylopectin ratios on the microstructure and water retention properties of starch hydrogels were studied. The results show that an increase in amylopectin content is beneficial to improve the grafting ratio of acrylamide (AM). The interaction between the AM grafted on amylopectin and amylose molecules through hydrogen bonding increases the pores of the gel network and thins the pore walls. When the amylopectin content was 70%, the water absorption (swelling 45.25 times) and water retention performance (16 days water retention rate 44.17%) were optimal. This study provides new insights into the preparation of starch-based hydrogels with excellent physical and chemical properties.
Insight into the Metabolic Profiles of Pb(II) Removing Microorganisms
Authors: Cilliers Carla , Chirwa Evans M. N. , Brink Hendrik G.
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study was to gather insight into the metabolism of lead-removing microorganisms, coupled with Pb(II) removal, biomass viability and nitrate concentrations for Pb(II) bioremoval using an industrially obtained microbial consortium. The consortium used for study has proven to be highly effective at removing aqueous Pb(II) from solution. Anaerobic batch experiments were conducted with Luria-Bertani broth as rich growth medium over a period of 33 h, comparing a lower concentration of Pb(II) with a higher concentration at two different nutrient concentrations. Metabolite profiling and quantification were conducted with the aid of both liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC-HDMS) in a “non-targeted” fashion and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in a “targeted” fashion. Four main compounds were identified, and a metabolic study was conducted on each to establish their possible significance for Pb(II) bioremoval. The study investigates the first metabolic profile to date for Pb(II) bioremoval, which in turn can result in a clarified understanding for development on an industrial and microbial level.
Impact of Adding Polysaccharides on the Stability of Egg Yolk/Fish Oil Emulsions under Accelerated Shelf-Life Conditions
Authors: Gonzalez Toledo Selene Yadira , Wu Jianping
Published: June 2021

Polysaccharides can form interfacial complexes with proteins to form emulsions with enhanced stability. We assessed the effect of adding gum guar or gum arabic to egg yolk/fish oil emulsions. The emulsions were produced using simple or high-pressure homogenization, stored for up to 10 days at 45 °C, and characterized for their particle size and distribution, viscosity, encapsulation efficiency, oxidative stability, and cytotoxicity. Emulsions containing gum guar and/or triglycerides had the highest viscosity. There was no significant difference in the encapsulation efficiency of emulsions regardless of the polysaccharide used. However, emulsions containing gum arabic displayed a bridging flocculation effect, resulting in less stability over time compared to those using gum guar. Emulsions produced using high-pressure homogenization displayed a narrower size distribution and higher stability. The formation of peroxides and propanal was lower in emulsions containing gum guar and was attributed to the surface oil. No significant toxicity toward Caco-2 cells was found from the emulsions over time. On the other hand, after 10 days of storage, nonencapsulated fish oil reduced the cell viability to about 80%. The results showed that gum guar can increase the particle stability of egg yolk/fish oil emulsions and decrease the oxidation rate of omega-3 fatty acids.
Trends in Total, Added, and Natural Phosphorus Intake in Adult Americans, NHANES 1988–1994 to NHANES 2015–2016
Authors: Fulgoni Kristin , Fulgoni Victor L.
Published: June 2021

Dietary phosphorus intake in the USA has been consistently greater than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) with several studies reporting associations between intake and health risks as well as all-cause mortality within healthy subjects and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current study utilized a novel approach to calculate added phosphorus content in foods to determine sources (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES 2001–2016, n = 39,796) and trends in consumption (NHANES 1988–1994, 2001–2016, n = 55,744) of total, naturally occurring, and added phosphorus. Among adults (19+ years), the mean intake of total and natural phosphorus (mg/day) in 1988–1994 as compared with 2015–2016 increased (total: 1292 ± SE 11 vs. 1398 ± SE 17; natural: 1113 ± SE 10 vs. 1243 ± SE 16 mg/day); in contrast, added phosphorus intake decreased during this time (178 ± SE 2.9 vs. 155 ± SE 4.1 mg/day). Added phosphorus as a percent of total ranged from about 14.6% in 1988–1994 to about 11.6% in 2015–2016. The top five sources of total and naturally occurring phosphorus, representing approximately 20% of intake, were cheese, pizza, chicken (whole pieces), reduced-fat milk, and eggs/omelets. The top five sources of added phosphorus were cheese, soft drinks, cakes/pies, rolls/buns, and cookies/brownies, representing 45% of added phosphorus in the diet. Consumption of added phosphorus has decreased over the past few decades, possibly due to increased demand for foods with less additives/ingredients but may also be due to inaccurate phosphorus values in nutrition databases. Further studies are needed to validate the added phosphorus calculations utilized in this study and nutrition databases should consider providing added phosphorus content.
Effects of a 12-Week Suspension versus Traditional Resistance Training Program on Body Composition, Bioimpedance Vector Patterns, and Handgrip Strength in Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Campa Francesco , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Marini Elisabetta , Stagi Silvia , Mauro Mario , Toselli Stefania
Published: June 2021

This investigation aimed to compare the effects of suspension training versus traditional resistance exercise using a combination of bands and bodyweight on body composition, bioimpedance vector patterns, and handgrip strength in older men. Thirty-six older men (age 67.4 ± 5.1 years, BMI 27.1 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were randomly allocated into suspension training (n = 12), traditional training (n = 13), or non-exercise (n = 11) groups over a 12-week study period. Body composition was assessed using conventional bioelectrical impedance analysis and classic and specific bioelectric impedance vector analysis, and handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) group by time interaction for fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, skeletal muscle index, classic and specific bioelectrical resistance, classic bioelectrical reactance, phase angle, and dominant handgrip strength. Classic and specific vector displacements from baseline to post 12 weeks for the three groups were observed. Handgrip strength increased in the suspension training group (p < 0.01, ES: 1.50), remained stable in the traditional training group, and decreased in the control group (p < 0.01, ES: −0.86). Although bodyweight and elastic band training helps to prevent a decline in muscle mass and handgrip strength, suspension training proved more effective in counteracting the effects of aging in older men under the specific conditions studied.
Moderate Consumption of Beer (with and without Ethanol) and Menopausal Symptoms: Results from a Parallel Clinical Trial in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Trius-Soler Marta , Marhuenda-Muñoz María , Laveriano-Santos Emily P. , Martínez-Huélamo Miriam , Sasot Gemma , Storniolo Carolina E. , Estruch Ramon , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M. , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna
Published: June 2021

The menopausal transition can be a challenging period for women’s health and a trigger of uncomfortable symptoms. Beer is the main food source of isoxanthohumol, a precursor of 8-prenylnaringenin, the strongest phytoestrogen identified to date. As phytoestrogens are reported to reduce perimenopausal symptoms, we evaluated if a daily moderate consumption of beer with (AB) and without alcohol (NAB) could improve menopausal symptoms and modify cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 37 postmenopausal women were enrolled in a parallel controlled intervention trial and assigned to three study groups: 16 were administered AB (330 mL/day), 7 NAB (660 mL/day), and 14 were in the control group. After a 6-month follow-up of the 34 participants who finished the trial, both interventions (AB and NAB) significantly reduced the severity of the menopause-related symptoms (p-value AB vs. Control: 0.009; p-value NAB vs. Control: 0.033). Moreover, AB had a beneficial net effect on psychological menopausal discomforts compared to the control group. As the sex hormone profile did not differ significantly between the study groups, the effects of both types of beers (AB and NAB) are attributed to the non-alcoholic fraction of beer. Furthermore, moderate NAB consumption improved the lipid profile and decreased blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
Simultaneous Determination of Seven Bioactive Constituents from Salvia miltiorrhiza in Rat Plasma by HPLC-MS/MS: Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Cui Weiliang , Liu Xianghong , Wang Ning , Kong Wenru , Sui Junyu , Li Huifen , Wang Shuqi
Published: June 2021

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is a precious herbal medicine used to treat cardiovascular diseases. This study establishes a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC-MS/MS) method to quantify seven bioactive constituents from Danshen in rat plasma simultaneously. Chromatographic separation is performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 μm), utilizing a gradient of acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase, at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. We conduct a tandem mass spectrometric detection with electrospray ionization (ESI) interface via multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in both positive and negative ionization mode. Our results show that a linear relationship is established for each analyte of interest over the concentration range of 0.5–300 ng/mL with r ≥ 0.9976. The validated method is successfully used to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of crude and wine-processed Danshen extract orally administered to rats. Cmax of tanshinone IIA, Cmax, and AUC0-t of dihydrotanshinone I decrease significantly (p < 0.05) in the wine-processed group. No significant changes for other compounds are observed. These results might provide meaningful information for the further application of wine-processed Danshen and understanding of wine-processing mechanisms.
Non-Invasive Fetal Electrocardiogram Monitoring Techniques: Potential and Future Research Opportunities in Smart Textiles
Authors: Aggarwal Geetika , Wei Yang
Published: June 2021

During the pregnancy, fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) is deployed to analyze fetal heart rate (FHR) of the fetus to indicate the growth and health of the fetus to determine any abnormalities and prevent diseases. The fetal electrocardiogram monitoring can be carried out either invasively by placing the electrodes on the scalp of the fetus, involving the skin penetration and the risk of infection, or non-invasively by recording the fetal heart rate signal from the mother’s abdomen through a placement of electrodes deploying portable, wearable devices. Non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram (NIFECG) is an evolving technology in fetal surveillance because of the comfort to the pregnant women and being achieved remotely, specifically in the unprecedented circumstances such as pandemic or COVID-19. Textiles have been at the heart of human technological progress for thousands of years, with textile developments closely tied to key inventions that have shaped societies. The relatively recent invention of smart textiles is set to push boundaries again and has already opened the potential for garments relevant to medicine, and health monitoring. This paper aims to discuss the different technologies and methods used in non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram (NIFECG) monitoring as well as the potential and future research directions of NIFECG in the smart textiles area.
Characterisation of Vegetation Response to Climate Change: A Review
Authors: Afuye Gbenga Abayomi , Kalumba Ahmed Mukalazi , Orimoloye Israel Ropo
Published: June 2021

Climate change extreme events have consequential impacts that influence the responses of vegetation dynamics as well as ecosystem functioning and sustainable human well-being. Therefore, vegetation response to climate change (VRCC) needs to be explored to foster specific-organised management programmes towards ecological conservation and targeted restoration policy to various climate extreme threats. This review aimed to explore the existing literature to characterise VRCC and to identify solutions and techniques fundamental in designing strategies for targeted effective adaptation and mitigation to achieve sustainable planning outcomes. Accordingly, this review emphasised recent theoretical and practical research on the vegetation-climate responses and their related impacts in the wake of climate change and its debilitating impacts on vegetation. Consequently, this study proposes the Information-based model (IBM), needed to examine Factors–forms of Impacts–Solutions (Techniques)–Risks assessment to identify and provide insights about VRCC in a given region. In conclusion, two enablers of adaptive indicators and the novel systems-based serve as a key policy formulation for sustainability in strengthening the goals of global involvement of local and sub-national governments and institutions in the effective management of vegetation and ecosystem protection.
The Impact of Co-Inventor Networks on Smart Cleantech Innovation: The Case of Montreal Agglomeration
Authors: Turkina Ekaterina , Oreshkin Boris
Published: June 2021

We use patent big data and apply a combination of network analysis techniques to explore the social structure of the Montreal tech community and its embeddedness in the global innovation landscape. In particular, we focus on the smart cleantech segment. In doing so, we analyze the effect of inventor collaborations on innovations and the emergence of smart clean technologies and smart sustainable solutions in Montreal and their global impact. Our analysis reveals the importance of both local and international ties for the general development of innovations in Montreal’s competitive urban economy, with a stronger impact of international ties, in generating smart cleantech innovations. We discuss the implications of our findings for smart cleantech and cleantech clusters and for further development of tech agglomerations.
Mapping and Clustering Analysis on Environmental, Social and Governance Field a Bibliometric Analysis Using Scopus
Authors: Gao Shang , Meng Fanchen , Gu Zhouyang , Liu Zhiyuan , Farrukh Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Academic interest in ESG has grown significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, bibliometric and visualization research on this topic is still insufficient. This study aims to conduct publication metrics on the literature connected with ESG and attempt to give a research agenda for future research. In this study, we used data from the Scopus database. Various bibliometric techniques, such as bibliographic coupling and co-occurrence analysis, were combined with assorted themes to present an overview. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study that analyses the bibliographic data on ESG fields; this study is a unique contribution to the literature. This study also provides an overview of the trends and trajectories with a visual and schematic frame for the research of this topic. This may help researchers understand the current trends and future research directions, and enable future authors to conduct their studies more effectively.
Weed Spectrum in Durum Wheat under Different Soil Tillage and Fertilizer Application in Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Petroselli Verdiana , Radicetti Emanuele , Langeroodi Alireza Safahani , Allam Mohamed , Mancinelli Roberto
Published: June 2021

Agricultural intensification may cause significant changes in weed density due to high weed competitiveness. Therefore, sustainable practices are to be designed to get maximum benefits of plant biodiversity in the agro-ecosystems. Field experiments were conducted in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 to evaluate the impact of fertilizer source and soil tillage on weed spectrum in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Treatments in this study were: (i) two fertilizer sources (mineral fertilizer (MIN) and municipal organic waste (MOW)), and (ii) three tillage regimes (plowing (Plo), subsoiling (Sub) and spading (SM)). A randomized complete block design with three replications was adopted. Data on weed density and biomass were collected at the wheat tillering stage. Weed density was higher in MOW than MIN (53.8 vs. 44.0 plants·m−2), especially in 2014/2015, while S was the highest among tillage regimes (58.2 plants·m−2). Annual and monocots species were always the highest in subsoiling (43.5 and 10.1 plants·m−2). The density of perennial and dicots species was higher in MOW compared with MIN plots, regardless of soil tillage management. Weed community, in terms of weed species composition, varied between the two fertilizer sources, while among soil tillage regimes, it only differed between plowing and subsoiling. Based on the analysis of weed community composition, annual dicot species were mainly associated with plowing, while monocots tended to be associated with MIN fertilizer. Spading tillage may be a useful strategy for managing weed diversity under organic fertilization, where mineral soil nitrogen availability was limited. Conversely, the spading machine produced lower grain yields than plowing with mineral fertilizer application.
Game-Theoretical Approaches for Service Provisioning in Network Virtualization: Survey, Taxonomies and Open Challenges
Authors: Bennaceur Jihen , Ahmadi Hanen , Souhi Sami
Published: June 2021

The further growth of the Internet faces a crucial impediment related to the ossification problem. Network virtualization is a promising and emergent solution that has been introduced as a sophisticated diversifying attribute of the future network paradigm. However, there remain many issues standing in the way of its successful realization, such as the service provisioning efficiency in the network virtualization. Many approaches and schemes have been propounded to provide efficient resource management based on game theory. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the existing game theory solutions designed for the different network virtualization environments. We propose a taxonomy for game-theoretical approaches classification. The scope of this survey is to provide a better understanding of the game-theoretical application for resource management in network virtualization. Thus, our inclusive classification considers the various game properties and characteristics as well as the purpose of applying the game theory to the virtualization context.
Granulomatous peritonitis
Authors: Plotkin D. V. , Reshetnikov M. N. , Sinitsyn M. V. , Zyuzya Yu. R. , Abu Arqoub T. I. , Volkov А. А. , Romanova E. Yu. , Stepanov E. A.
Published: June 2021

The term granulomatous peritonitis encompasses a wide range of unusual forms of inflammation of the peritoneum that have simmilar clinical, pathological, and imaging features. Infectious agents such as mycobacteria, fungi, foreign substances such as talc and barium; meconium; intestinal contents; contents of a ruptured ovarian cyst; gall stones; nematode eggs or unknown agents can cause granulomatous peritonitis. Most of the listed nosological forms of peritoneal lesions are not described, whereas vessels, lung tissue, intestines, kidneys, liver, lymph nodes are often the target organs. So far there are very fewpapers in the medical literature covering questions such as the spreading of granulomatous peritonitis, methods of their diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment. This review is an attempt to fill this gap.
Gaschromatographic monitoring of volatile pollutants of urban air: optimizing analysis and concentrating
Authors: Denisov I. S. , Korotkov V. V. , Smirnov D. S.
Published: July 2021

For determining 22 volatile organic compounds in the atmospheric air, the operating modes of the gas chromatographic complexes «chromatography-mass spectrometer — two-stage thermodesorber» and «gas chromatograph with 2 FID — static headspace analysis sampler» are optimized. The modes provide the values of the separation coefficients of the chromatographic peaks in the range of 1.5 ÷ 21. It has been experimentally established that the highest desorption efficiency of volatile organic compounds is registered when the sample is concentrated into Tenax TA sorption tubes.
Ways to solve the problem of surgical staff training. Proposals of the Russian Society of Surgeons
Authors: Zatevakhin I. I. , Fedorov A. V. , Sovtsov S. A. , Tariverdiev M. L.
Published: June 2021

At present, the state of the staff of surgeons, the quality of their training and skill levels is of great importance. Crisis and stagnation have also affected medical education at all levels of education. At the same time, against the background of a decrease in the influx of young specialists to the service, there is an increase in the average age of Russian surgeons. The reason for the described phenomena lies in the low prestige of the surgical specialty associated with low wages for doctors, which does not correspond to their physical and moral stress. The system of University and continuing medical education is far from perfect, which leads to a decrease in the quality of specialist training, and a setback in the introduction of new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in patients with surgical diseases. The publication of this article is an invitation to all interested parties to a discussion dedicated to finding solutions to training in surgery.
The effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer (clinical case)
Authors: Zhurman V. N. , Pezhenin I. V. , Sayapina I. V. , Matyushkina L. S. , Eliseeva Eliseeva
Published: June 2021

For the treatment of stage 2 cervical cancer, surgical treatment, chemoradiotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin followed by extended uterine extirpation of type III can be used. The positive effects of a combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with surgery are shown. A clinical case of treatment of a 43-year-old patient with a diagnosis of: cervical cancer IB2 stage T2a2N0M0. At the first stage of treatment, the patient was prescribed 3 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin. There was a decrease in the size of the cervical tumor by 25 % on the RECIST scale. At the second stage of treatment, extended uterine extirpation was performed with the removal of the upper third of the vagina, fallopian tubes, parotid tissue and regional lymph nodes with ovarian transposition. The patient’s prognosis is favorable, and further dynamic monitoring is recommended. The presented clinical case demonstrates the possibility of using neoadjuvant chemotherapy in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin and subsequent extended extirpation of the uterus type III with ovarian transposition in the treatment of stage IIA2 cervical cancer in a woman of reproductive age. After the first stage of treatment 3 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patient S. had a decrease in the size of the cervical tumor by 25 % on the RECIST scale according to pelvic MRI data, which later allowed to proceed to the second stage surgical intervention. Taking into account the known prognostic factors, the patient has a favorable prognosis for life and requires further dynamic monitoring.
Tracheotomy in comparison with tracheopathia for prolonged intubation of the lungs in surgical patients
Authors: Teuvov A. A. , Baziev A. M. , Lovpache Z. N. , Tlupova T. G. , Sardiyanov A. I.
Published: June 2021

A comparative analysis of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Registry databases was carried out to identify the advantages of puncture-dilatation tracheostomy methods over standard tracheotomy in critically ill patients. In addition, bibliographies and selected conference proceedings were reviewed; included randomized clinical trials comparing puncture-dilatation techniques with standard tracheotomy in critically ill adults, which reported clinically significant outcomes. The extracted data are focused on the criteria for the validity of the studies and the results relevant to practice. Puncture methods are less traumatic and can reduce the likelihood of infection of the surgical wound. Compared to the traditional method, a puncture tracheostomy can be applied in just 2 minutes,which can play a significant role in the prognosis of patient survival. The role of the experience of the operators performing the procedures has a significant impact on the results, which cannot be formally and quantitatively assessed in our analysis.
Notion of culture as a social system
Authors: Flier Andrey Yakovlevich
Published: June 2021

The author demonstrates that the theoretical understanding of culture includes many questions, the variants of answers to which form a certain concept of scientific interpretation of the phenomenon of culture. Among these issues, there are more important, system-forming, global, etc. and there are less significant, private, secondary ones, the hierarchy of which is determined by each scientist in accordance with his or her worldview and perception of culture. Thus, each scientist will have his or her own experience of theoretical generalization of the scientific position, reflecting his or her individual views, scientific ideology, worldview, education, and the fact whose student and follower he or she is. The article shows that the notion of culture as a social system is formed within a specific paradigm, and is also historically and methodologically conditioned.
Culture and national security as a role model
Authors: Kostina Anna Vladimirovna
Published: June 2021

The article describes the main provisions of the collective monograph devoted to the national security of Russia. The article virtually represents the new book by the authors who have been working on this issue for a long time. Here, the opinions and those quite innovative ideas that the authors presented and justified in their work are expressed.
Basic steps in assessing the compliance of PPE with EU requirements
Authors: Vanhutte Henk
Published: July 2021

The online conference "PPE – New Challenges in the New World" became a platform for discussing topical issues of the development of the standardization system in Russia and abroad, their impact on solving industrial policy issues, improving the quality of PPE products and labor protection in a new reality. We bring to your attention an interview with the speaker of the conference, Henk Vanhutte, Secretary General of the European Security Federation, on the legislation and current practices of the countries of the European Union.