bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved H-Storage Performance of Novel Mg-Based Nanocomposites Prepared by High-Energy Ball Milling: A Review
Authors: Révész Ádám , Gajdics Marcell
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen storage in magnesium-based composites has been an outstanding research area including a remarkable improvement of the H-sorption properties of this system in the last 5 years. Numerous additives of various morphologies have been applied with great success to accelerate the absorption/desorption reactions. Different combinations of catalysts and preparation conditions have also been explored to synthesize better hydrogen storing materials. At the same time, ball milling is still commonly and effectively applied for the fabrication of Mg-based alloys and composites in order to reduce the grain size to nanometric dimensions and to disperse the catalyst particles over the surface of the host material. In this review, we present the very recent progress, from 2016 to 2021, on catalyzing the hydrogen sorption of Mg-based materials by ball milling. The various catalyzing routes enhancing the hydrogenation performance, including in situ formation of catalysts and synergistic improvement achieved by using multiple additives, will also be summarized. At the end of this work, some thoughts on the prospects for future research will be highlighted.
Case Study of Load Matching and Energy Cost for Net-Zero Energy Houses in Korea
Authors: Lim Hee-Won , Kim Ji-Hyeon , Lee Hyeun-Seung , Shin U-Cheul
Published: October 2021

Over the past 20 years, net-zero energy house (NZEH) construction costs have steadily decreased because of many reasons, such as technical progress, energy-saving design obligations, and dramatic cost reductions in renewable energy systems, especially solar power systems. Currently, the costs of NZEH are estimated to be about 5% higher than similar-sized houses. These additional costs are mainly for installing PV systems, which can be offset by energy saving costs. This study assessed energy performance and load matching through remote monitoring systems, and energy costs were analyzed for two-family houses. The two houses were all-electric houses and different in both size and location. A 6 kWp grid-connected PV system and 16 kW air source heat pump for space heating and domestic hot water were equally implemented. After data analysis, 100% of the energies were supplied through the PV system for 3 years, thus achieving net-zero energy. According to the Korean residential electricity tariff system, the annual electricity charges were, on average, between USD 105.1 and USD 121.4 after adding demand charges and value-added tax for import electricity charges. The energy cost reduction rate, compared to the same house without a PV system, was about 95%, and the simple payback period of the 6 kW PV system in NZEH was about 6 years. In addition, the annual load cover factor and supply cover factor as load-match indices between electricity generation and the load were in a range of 0.39–0.49 and 0.37–0.42, respectively.
Optimized Modulation Method for Common-Mode Voltage Reduction in H7 Inverter
Authors: Negesse Belete Belayneh , Park Chang-Hwan , Lee Seung-Hwan , Hwang Seon-Woong , Kim Jang-Mok
Published: October 2021

The three-phase H7 inverter topology installs an additional power semiconductor switch to the positive or negative node of the DC-link for reducing the common-mode voltage (CMV) by disconnecting the inverter from the DC source during the zero-voltage vectors. The conventional CMV reduction method for the three-phase H7 inverter uses modified discontinuous pulse width modulation (MDPWM) and generates a switching signal for the additional switch using logical operations. However, the conventional method is unable to eliminate the CMV for the entire dwell time of the zero-voltage vectors. It only has the effect of reducing the CMV in a limited area of the space vector where the V7 zero voltage vector is applied. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimized modulation method that can reduce the CMV during the entire dwell time of zero-voltage vectors. The proposed method moves the switching patterns by adding an offset voltage to guarantee that only one kind of zero-voltage vector, V7, is applied in the system. It then turns off the seventh switch only during the zero-voltage vector to disconnect the inverter from the DC source. As a result, the CMV and the leakage current are attenuated for the entire dwell time of the zero-voltage vector. Simulation and experimental results confirm the validity of the proposed method.
Injury Patterns among Forestry Workers in Croatia
Authors: Landekić Matija , Martinić Ivan , Mijoč David , Bakarić Matija , Šporčić Mario
Published: October 2021

Timber harvesting, especially motor-manual felling, in Croatia, as in many other countries, is one of the most hazardous economic activities. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to analyse and compare the latest trends and risk factors related to the incidence of work-induced injuries in structural organization units of national forest enterprise. A combined approach of literature review and assembled secondary data was applied to gather data on workplace accidents over the years 2014–2020. Work-induced injuries data were drawn from the records of the national enterprise Croatian Forests Ltd. which manages state forests (76% of total forest area). A total of 1626 work-induced injuries were processed and entered into the database. Data analysis was conducted using statistical and descriptive methods. Research results have proven a significant difference in the injury rate over the years 2014–2020 in the Croatian forest enterprise. During the analysed period the highest number of workplace accidents (51.35% of all recorded workplace accidents) occurred during the forest harvesting phase, i.e., during motor-manual felling. Trends in the incidence of work-induced injuries in the observed period do not show any significant improvement. The key findings have pointed out that forest administrations which practice even-aged forest management have 25% or more injuries than forest administrations which practice selective forest management. Related to the average rate of change by forest administration, the largest annual increase or decrease of the selected safety indicators is recorded for smallest forest administrations. Related to total number of injuries, the smallest forest administrations have the least injuries and show statistically significant difference compared to large forest administrations. When comparing the number of injuries per 1000 employees, medium sized forest administrations have the highest value of indicator and show statistical significance. Discussion and conclusion of the paper emphasizes the need for systematic research in the field of ergonomy, safety and health of forest workers in Croatian forestry sector. Additionally, the development and inclusion of proactive safety culture is recognized as a mechanism that can further reduce work injuries and improve occupational safety which should have a significant role in the process of certification of forest management according to the FSC standard.
Using a Simple Model to Determine the Best Management Regimes for Plantations at the Stand Level: A Case Study of Moshao Forest Farm in the Red-Soil Hilly Region of Southern China
Authors: Zhu Jianjia , Dai Erfu , Zheng Du , Wang Silong
Published: October 2021

Plantations in Southern China are experiencing several major problems concerning even-aged forest structures and dwindling ecosystem services under traditional forest management. The objective of this study was to determine the best management regimes (BMRs) for sustainable forest management using the Moshao forest farm as a case study. We constructed a framework for BMR modeling characterized by highly scheduled timber production (STP), low fluctuations in periodically scheduled timber harvest levels (FPS), and age class structure (ACS) at the end of the planning horizon. A paired analysis was conducted between the three indicators to identify suitable management planning for long-term timber production. Our results suggest that STP, FPS, and ACS are correlated, enabling the control of these forest performance indicators by setting various harvesting intensities in a planning horizon. We found that management regimes (MRS) with cutting area percentages from 20% to 40% and a cutting period of 10 years combined with small-area clear-cutting (≤5 ha) are optimal (MR6–MR10) for the Moshao forest farm in Southern China. In particular, MR with a cutting area percentage of 35% is the best option (MR9). These findings suggest that an applicable MR is designed by identifying the optimal harvesting intensity. The current local harvesting intensity can be properly increased to balance between timber production and ecological impacts on plantations.
Potential Areas in Poland for Forestry Plantation
Authors: Boruszewski Piotr , Laskowska Agnieszka , Jankowska Agnieszka , Klisz Marcin , Mionskowski Marcin
Published: October 2021

Plantations have many advantages when compared to natural or semi-natural forests, such as shortening production cycles, the production of wood with specific characteristics, and near-market production concentrations. The intensive development of this form of industrial wood production is practiced all over the world. The wood industry in Poland struggles in recent years, with a large shortage of wood. The deficit of wood has been accumulated for several years and is steadily increasing. One of the possibilities to change this trend can be development of fast-growing trees plantations. The main aim of this study was to determine the potential of land in Poland, which could be used for the cultivation of fast-growing trees plantations. The analyses took into account the area and marginal agricultural land. The potential plantation land areas were determined for poplar cultivar “Hybrid 275” and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.). The results show a possibility to generate a considerable area that can be developed into plantations of fast-growing trees in Poland. According to the analyses carried out for the purpose of this study, with only 5% use of the sown area and 5% use of forest lands, as well as the boscage (wooded land and bushy land), it is possible to obtain approximately 0.6 MM ha of land for fast-growing tree plantations. In the case of planting 50% of these lands with larch and 50% with poplar, and if a 50% capacity of the plantation is assumed, it will be possible to obtain nearly 6 MM m3 of wood per year.
Resonant Motions of Dynamic Offshore Structures in Large Waves
Authors: Gudmestad Ove Tobias
Published: October 2021

In marine engineering, the dynamics of fixed offshore structures (for oil and gas production or for wind turbines) are normally found by modelling of the motion by a classical mass-spring damped system. On slender offshore structures, the loading due to waves is normally calculated by applying a force which consists of two parts: a linear “inertia/mass force” and a non-linear “drag force” that is proportional to the square of the velocity of the particles in the wave, multiplied by the direction of the wave particle motion. This is the so-called Morison load model. The loading function can be expanded in a Fourier series, and the drag force contribution exhibits higher order harmonic loading terms, potentially in resonance with the natural frequencies of the system. Currents are implemented as constant velocity terms in the loading function. The paper highlights the motion of structures due to non-linear resonant motion in an offshore environment with high wave intensity. It is shown that “burst”/“ringing” type motions could be triggered by the drag force during resonance situations.
Evaluating the Impact of Sex-Biased Genetic Admixture in the Americas through the Analysis of Haplotype Data
Authors: Ongaro Linda , Molinaro Ludovica , Flores Rodrigo , Marnetto Davide , Capodiferro Marco R. , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta E. , Moreno-Estrada Andrés , Mabunda Nedio , Ventura Mario , Tambets Kristiina , Achilli Alessandro , Capelli Cristian , Metspalu Mait , Pagani Luca , Montinaro Francesco
Published: October 2021

A general imbalance in the proportion of disembarked males and females in the Americas has been documented during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the Colonial Era and, although less prominent, more recently. This imbalance may have left a signature on the genomes of modern-day populations characterised by high levels of admixture. The analysis of the uniparental systems and the evaluation of continental proportion ratio of autosomal and X chromosomes revealed a general sex imbalance towards males for European and females for African and Indigenous American ancestries. However, the consistency and degree of this imbalance are variable, suggesting that other factors, such as cultural and social practices, may have played a role in shaping it. Moreover, very few investigations have evaluated the sex imbalance using haplotype data, containing more critical information than genotypes. Here, we analysed genome-wide data for more than 5000 admixed American individuals to assess the presence, direction and magnitude of sex-biased admixture in the Americas. For this purpose, we applied two haplotype-based approaches, ELAI and NNLS, and we compared them with a genotype-based method, ADMIXTURE. In doing so, besides a general agreement between methods, we unravelled that the post-colonial admixture dynamics show higher complexity than previously described.
Environmental Intervention in a University Canteen with Focus on Decision Guidance—Effects on Sale and Daily Consumption of Vegetables and Fruit
Authors: Schneider Melanie , Nössler Carolin , Lührmann Petra Maria
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether an environmental intervention in a university canteen changes the sale and daily consumption of vegetables and fruit among canteen users. The intervention focused on decision guidance, including a positive incentive and nudging. In a pretest−posttest-design, daily sales data of pieces (pcs) of vegetable components and fruit, as well as the sale per main component (pcs/mc), were assessed. Here, 20 opening days were analyzed, each after the intervention (t1) and in the same period of the previous year (t0). Vegetable and fruit consumption were assessed in a controlled pretest−posttest design (3-day-dietary-record, t0 and t1). The intervention group (IG; n = 46) visited the canteen ≥ once/week, and the control group (CG; n = 49) < once/week. At t1, the sale of absolute vegetable components did not change (t0: 132.3 ± 49.7 pcs, p > 0.05), but more per main component were sold at t1 (t0: 0.54 ± 0.09, Δ: 0.09 ± 0.13 pcs/mc, p < 0.05). In addition, the sale of fruit (t0: 17.4 ± 11.6, Δ: 8.3 ± 10.8 pcs, p < 0.05; t0: 0.07 ± 0.03, Δ: 0.05 ± 0.07 pcs/mc, p < 0.001) increased after the intervention. The total consumption of vegetables (IG, t0: 260 ± 170 g/d, CG, t0: 220 ± 156 g/d; p > 0.05) and fruit (IG, t0: 191 ± 109 g/d; CG, t0: 186 ± 141 g/d; p > 0.05), however, did not change. To effectively change daily consumption, the intervention needs to be expanded.
Off-Label Medication: From a Simple Concept to Complex Practical Aspects
Authors: Rusz Carmen-Maria , Ősz Bianca-Eugenia , Jîtcă George , Miklos Amalia , Bătrînu Mădălina-Georgiana , Imre Silvia
Published: October 2021

Off-label use of drugs is widely known as unapproved use of approved drugs, and it can be perceived as a relatively simple concept. Even though it has been in existence for many years, prescribing and dispensing of drugs in an off-label regimen is still a current issue, triggered especially by unmet clinical needs. Several therapeutic areas require off-label approaches; therefore, this practice is challenging for prescribing physicians. Meanwhile, the regulatory agencies are making efforts in order to ensure a safe practice. The present paper defines the off-label concept, and it describes its regulation, together with several complex aspects associated with clinical practices regarding rare diseases, oncology, pediatrics, psychiatry therapeutic areas, and the safety issues that arise. A systematic research of the literature was performed, using terms, such as “off-label”, ”prevalence”, ”rare diseases”, ”oncology”, ”psychiatry”, ”pediatrics”, and ”drug repurposing”. There are several reasons for which off-label practice remains indispensable in the present; therefore, efforts are made worldwide, by the regulatory agencies and governmental bodies, to raise awareness and to ensure safe practice, while also encouraging further research.
Is There a Link between Balance and Body Mass Composition in Children and Adolescents?
Authors: Rusek Wojciech , Adamczyk Marzena , Baran Joanna , Leszczak Justyna , Inglot Grzegorz , Baran Rafał , Pop Teresa
Published: October 2021

School-age children are particularly prone to disturbances in body composition, because this is a period of intensive growth and a period in which correct habits are shaped, especially in relation to diet. This is why it is so important to diagnose emerging disorders early so as to implement therapeutic or educational activities. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the factors of body mass composition and body mass index (BMI), as well as the balance parameters in children and adolescents. The study group consisted of 1137 children aged 7 to 15. There were 559 girls and 578 boys among the subjects. The study used the Tanita 780 body mass composition analyser and the Zebris stabilometric platform. It was found that girls were characterized by a significantly higher content of adipose tissue (24.37% vs. 20.45%), while boys were characterized by a higher content of lean tissue (32.99% vs. 30.43%), muscle tissue (31.23% vs. 28.86%) and water (24.15% vs. 22.28%). Interestingly, the girls had better balance than their peers in all analyzed parameters (COF TTL.—616.72 vs. 661.50; CEArea—73.63 vs. 112.24; COF HD—3.44 vs. 4.23; COF VD—4.52 vs. 5.12). It turned out that among children in adolescence, a higher adipose tissue content and a higher BMI correlated with a smaller surface area (p < 0.05) defined by the center of gravity and smaller deviations of the center of gravity in the horizontal plane (p < 0.05). Sex and adolescence play an important role in differentiating both body composition and body balance. The results of this study allow us to conclude that children with higher BMI values have better balance. Due to the fact that these conclusions are inconsistent with those of other researchers, it will be worth continuing the research (e.g., on a different population group) in order to confirm the results and to draw far-reaching conclusions.
Association of the Reproductive Period with Decreased Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Menopausal Women: A Study from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (2016–2020)
Authors: Yu Yuting , Zhao Qi , Jiang Yonggen , Wang Na , Liu Xing , Qiu Yun , Zhu Junjie , Tong Xin , Cui Shuheng , Zaid Maryam , Li Jing , Yu Jianguo , Zhao Genming
Published: October 2021

In previous studies, it has been documented that a short reproductive period is associated with a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. This study aims to investigate the association of the reproductive period length with decreased renal function. This study obtained data from “the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank”. An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 indicated decreased renal function during follow-up. Participants were grouped into quintiles by reproductive period. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between the reproductive period and decreased renal function. A total of 5503 menopausal women with baseline eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included. Age, eGFR, and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) at baseline were 61.0 (range, 36.0–74.0) years, 92.2 (range, 60.1–194.5) mL/min/1.73 m2, and 1386 (range, 160–6678), respectively. A reproductive period of 37–45 years was associated with a lower risk of decreased eGFR (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35–1.00, p = 0.049) after adjusting for confounding variables. METs decreased the risk of decreased eGFR in women with a reproductive period of 37–45 years (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23–0.81, p = 0.010). Women with a longer reproductive period have a lower risk of decreased renal function. METs had an opposite influence on renal function in women with longer (decreased risk) or shorter (increased risk) reproductive periods.
The Association between Birth Satisfaction and the Risk of Postpartum Depression
Authors: Urbanová Eva , Škodová Zuzana , Bašková Martina
Published: October 2021

Negative experiences with childbirth might have a negative impact on a woman’s overall health, including a higher risk of postpartum depression. The aim of the study was to examine the association between birth satisfaction and the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). A 30-item version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used, as well as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The study included 584 women (mean age 30.6 ± 4.9), 2 to 4 days postpartum. In the regression model, the negative effect of birth satisfaction on the risk of postpartum depression was shown: a lower level of satisfaction with childbirth was a significant predictor of a higher risk of PPD (β = −0.18, 95% CI = −0.08; −0.03). The regression model was controlled for the effect of the sociodemographic factors (such as education or marital status) and clinical variables (such as parity, type of delivery, psychiatric history, levels of prenatal stress). Levels of prenatal stress (β = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.27; 0.39), psychiatric history (β = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01; 3.09), parity (β = −0.12, 95% CI = −1.82; −0.32) and type of delivery (β = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.20; 1.94) were also significantly associated with the levels of postnatal depression. The current study confirmed the association between the level of birth satisfaction and the risk of developing PPD, i.e., a lower satisfaction with childbirth may increase the risk of developing PPD.
Combination of Modified Scarf Osteotomy and Metatarsal Shortening Offset Osteotomy for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformity
Authors: Etani Yuki , Hirao Makoto , Ebina Kosuke , Noguchi Takaaki , Okamura Gensuke , Miyama Akira , Tsuboi Hideki , Nampei Akihide , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Owaki Hajime , Okada Seiji , Hashimoto Jun
Published: October 2021

With the progress of medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), several joint-preserving forefoot surgical procedures have been established and performed. In this situation, we have been choosing the combined surgery: modified scarf osteotomy for the great toe and metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy for the lesser toes in RA cases. A retrospective observational study of 53 RA patients (mean follow-up period: 4.6 years) who underwent the surgery was completed. RA foot ankle scores were assessed, using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) standard rating system, and a self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) was also checked to evaluate clinical outcomes. For radiological evaluations, deformity parameters were measured using radiographs of the feet with weight-bearing. JSSF hallux and lesser toes scores and the SAFE-Q score showed significant improvement in all indices. HVA, M1-M2A, M1-M5A, M2-M5A, and sesamoid position were significantly improved after surgery. At the final follow-up, the hallux valgus deformity had recurred in 4 feet (7.5%), and hallux varus deformity had developed in 8 feet (15.1%). No case of recurrent hallux valgus deformity required revision surgery. Recurrence of dorsal dislocation/subluxation of the lesser toe MTP joint was seen in 6 feet (11.3%) after surgery. A combination of modified scarf osteotomy for the great toe and modified metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy for the lesser toes is one of the novel surgical procedures for rheumatoid forefoot deformity. Preoperative disease activity of RA negatively affected the clinical score of the hallux. The spread of M2-M5A was a risk factor for resubluxation of the lesser toe MTP joint.
Foot Position Measurement during Assistive Motion for Sit-to-Stand Using a Single Inertial Sensor and Shoe-Type Force Sensors
Authors: Kitagawa Kodai , Gorordo Fernandez Ibai , Nagasaki Takayuki , Nakano Sota , Hida Mitsumasa , Okamatsu Shogo , Wada Chikamune
Published: October 2021

Assistive motion for sit-to-stand causes lower back pain (LBP) among caregivers. Considering previous studies that showed that foot position adjustment could reduce lumbar load during assistive motion for sit-to-stand, quantitative monitoring of and instructions on foot position could contribute toward reducing LBP among caregivers. The present study proposes and evaluates a new method for the quantitative measurement of foot position during assistive motion for sit-to-stand using a few wearable sensors that are not limited to the measurement area. The proposed method measures quantitative foot position (anteroposterior and mediolateral distance between both feet) through a machine learning technique using features obtained from only a single inertial sensor on the trunk and shoe-type force sensors. During the experiment, the accuracy of the proposed method was investigated by comparing the obtained values with those from an optical motion capture system. The results showed that the proposed method produced only minor errors (less than 6.5% of body height) when measuring foot position during assistive motion for sit-to-stand. Furthermore, Bland–Altman plots suggested no fixed errors between the proposed method and the optical motion capture system. These results suggest that the proposed method could be utilized for measuring foot position during assistive motion for sit-to-stand.
Motivation, Barriers, and Suggestions for Intradialytic Exercise—A Qualitative Study among Patients and Nurses
Authors: Wodskou Pernille Maria , Reinhardt Sasha Maria , Andersen Marie Borring , Molsted Stig , Schou Lone Helle
Published: October 2021

Background: Intradialytic exercise is an effective intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality and increase quality of life among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. However, implementing and sustaining it in clinical practice has proved challenging. To identify how to best design an effective and sustainable intervention in clinical practice, we aimed to explore hemodialysis patients’ and nurses’ attitudes towards intradialytic exercise, including their motivation, anticipated barriers, and suggestions for the design of a proposed exercise program. Methods: Data were collected through qualitative semistructured interviews with patients and focus group interviews with nurses and analyzed inductively with content analysis. Results: Overall, patients’ and nurses’ attitudes towards intradialytic exercise were positive. Patients were motivated by their expectations about perceived benefits, such as improved quality of life and reduced musculoskeletal pain. Their main concern was triggering dialysis machine alarms and disturbing nurses. Nurses were more skeptical of intradialytic exercise and concerned about patient safety. Patients and nurses had several ideas on how to design a safe and motivating intradialytic exercise intervention. Conclusion: The analysis of patients’ and nurses’ experiences and attitudes generated recommendations for an intradialytic exercise program. Recommendations include individually tailored programs that are safe and that patients can do independently, continuous collaboration between patients, nurses, physicians, and physiotherapists, and educating nurses about the benefits and safety of intradialytic exercise.
Employee Sustainable Performance (E-SuPer): Theoretical Conceptualization, Scale Development, and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Ji Tianchang , de Jonge Jan , Peeters Maria C. W. , Taris Toon W.
Published: October 2021

Although the concept of employee sustainable performance has received considerable attention in the practitioner literature, academic research still lacks a clear conceptualization and empirical operationalization of this concept. Defining employee sustainable performance as a regulatory process in which an individual worker enduringly and efficiently achieves particular desired work goals while maintaining a satisfactory level of well-being, this paper describes a corresponding instrument called E-SuPer, and examines its psychometric properties. The E-SuPer instrument was tested and cross-validated using two cross-sectional survey studies (n = 153 and n = 160), focusing on factorial validity, internal consistency, and discriminant and concurrent validity. Psychometric findings across the two samples revealed that the E-SuPer instrument consists of one general factor of ten items with good internal consistency. Discriminant validity and concurrent validity with other relevant constructs (task performance, counterproductive work behavior, and employee vitality) were also confirmed, showing promising results. Finally, theoretical and practical implications, as well as suggestions for future research, are outlined.
Repetition without Repetition or Differential Learning of Multiple Techniques in Volleyball?
Authors: Apidogo Julius B. , Burdack Johannes , Schöllhorn Wolfgang I.
Published: October 2021

A variety of approaches have been proposed for teaching several volleyball techniques to beginners, ranging from general ball familiarization to model-oriented repetition to highly variable learning. This study compared the effects of acquiring three volleyball techniques in parallel with three approaches. Female secondary school students (N = 42; 15.6 ± 0.54 years) participated in a pretest for three different volleyball techniques (underhand pass, overhand pass, and overhead serve) with an emphasis on accuracy. Based on their results, they were parallelized into three practice protocols, a repetitive learning group (RG), a differential learning group (DG), and a control group (CG). After a period of six weeks with 12 intervention sessions, all participants attended a posttest. An additional retention test after two weeks revealed a statistically significant difference between DG, RG, and CG for all single techniques as well as the combined multiple technique. In each technique—the overhand pass, the underhand pass, the overhand service, and the combination of the three techniques—DG performed best (each p < 0.001).
Mental Health Services Data Dashboards for Reporting to Australian Governments during COVID-19
Authors: Shelly Sonam , Lodge Emily , Heyman Carly , Summers Felicity , Young Amy , Brew Jennifer , James Matthew
Published: October 2021

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has been providing support to the Australian Government Department of Health to report on mental health-related data to Australian governments on a frequent basis since April 2020 in the form of COVID-19 mental health services data dashboards. These dashboards feature extensive use of data visualizations which illustrate the change in mental health service use over time as well as comparisons with pre-pandemic levels of service use. Data are included from the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS/RPBS), Australian Government-funded crisis and support organizations, and key findings from emerging research. Demand for telehealth, crisis and support organizations and online mental health information services, in particular, have increased during the pandemic. The dashboards incorporate both new and existing data sources and represent an innovative way of reporting mental health services data to Australian governments. The reporting has enabled timely, targeted adjustments to mental health service delivery during the pandemic with improved cooperative data sharing arrangements having the potential to yield ongoing benefits.
Recruitment in Health Services Research—A Study on Facilitators and Barriers for the Recruitment of Community-Based Healthcare Providers
Authors: Krebs Franziska , Lorenz Laura , Nawabi Farah , Lück Isabel , Bau Anne-Madeleine , Alayli Adrienne , Stock Stephanie
Published: October 2021

In health services research, the recruitment of patients is oftentimes conducted by community-based healthcare providers. Therefore, the recruitment of these healthcare providers is a crucial prerequisite for successful patient recruitment. However, recruiting community-based healthcare providers poses a major challenge and little is known about its influencing factors. This qualitative study is conducted alongside a health services research intervention trial. The aim of the study is to investigate facilitators and barriers for the recruitment of community-based healthcare providers. A qualitative text analysis of documents and semi-structured interviews with recruiting staff is performed. An inductive–deductive category-based approach is used. Our findings identify intrinsic motivation and interest in the trial’s aims and goals as important facilitating factors in healthcare provider recruitment. Beyond that, extrinsic motivation generated through financial incentives or collegial obligation emerged as a conflicting strategy. While extrinsic motivation might aid in the initial enrollment of healthcare providers, it rarely resulted in active trial participation in the long run. Therefore, extrinsic motivational factors should be handled with care when recruiting healthcare providers for health services research intervention trials.
Significance of the Diagnosis of Executive Functions in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Borkowska Aneta R. , Daniluk Beata , Adamczyk Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive chronic disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Cognitive decline occurs rather rarely in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) compared to other types. The present study aimed to assess executive functions (EF) in relation to clinical and demographic variables in patients with RRMS. The study involved 22 individuals with RRMS (aged 23 to 49 years) and 22 matching controls. All the individuals with RRMS were in the remission phase. The assessments were carried out using MoCA, BDI-II, Halstead Category Test, Porteus Maze Test, verbal fluency tasks and Stroop Colour-Word Interference Test. The findings show that the two groups differed significantly in all the tests. All patients with RRMS in the remission phase presented at least one cognitive deficit, observed in general cognitive functioning, abstract reasoning or other executive functions, i.e., fluency, interference suppression, planning, or ability to modify activity in response to feedback. The deficits in most cases (except for those measured with the MoCA, Category Tests and phonemic fluency), are not related to intensity of depression and duration of the disease. Findings suggest that the diagnostic process in the case of patients with RRMS may include psychological assessment focusing on potentially existing cognitive, mainly executive, deficits and their severity.
Pseudomonas donghuensis HYS gtrA/B/II Gene Cluster Contributes to Its Pathogenicity toward Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiao Yaqian , Wang Panning , Zhu Xuesi , Xie Zhixiong
Published: October 2021

Pseudomonas donghuensis HYS is more virulent than P. aeruginosa toward Caenorhabditis elegans but the mechanism underlying virulence is unclear. This study is the first to report that the specific gene cluster gtrA/B/II in P. donghuensis HYS is involved in the virulence of this strain toward C. elegans, and there are no reports of GtrA, GtrB and GtrII in any Pseudomonas species. The pathogenicity of P. donghuensis HYS was evaluated using C. elegans as a host. Based on the prediction of virulence factors and comparative genomic analysis of P. donghuensis HYS, we identified 42 specific virulence genes in P. donghuensis HYS. Slow-killing assays of these genes showed that the gtrAB mutation had the greatest effect on the virulence of P. donghuensis HYS, and GtrA, GtrB and GtrII all positively affected P. donghuensis HYS virulence. Two critical GtrII residues (Glu47 and Lys480) were identified in P. donghuensis HYS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that GtrA, GtrB and GtrII were involved in the glucosylation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen in P. donghuensis HYS. Furthermore, colony-forming unit (CFU) assays showed that GtrA, GtrB and GtrII significantly enhanced P. donghuensis HYS colonization in the gut of C. elegans, and glucosylation of LPS O-antigen and colonization in the host intestine contributed to the pathogenicity of P. donghuensis HYS. In addition, experiments using the worm mutants ZD101, KU4 and KU25 revealed a correlation between P. donghuensis HYS virulence and the TIR-1/SEK-1/PMK-1 pathways of the innate immune p38 MAPK pathway in C. elegans. In conclusion, these results reveal that the specific virulence gene cluster gtrA/B/II contributes to the unique pathogenicity of HYS compared with other pathogenic Pseudomonas, and that this process also involves C. elegans innate immunity. These findings significantly increase the available information about GtrA/GtrB/GtrII-based virulence mechanisms in the genus Pseudomonas.
The Molecular Biology of Susceptibility to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Highlights of Epigenetics and Epigenomics
Authors: Al Jowf Ghazi I. , Snijders Clara , Rutten Bart P. F. , de Nijs Laurence , Eijssen Lars M. T.
Published: October 2021

Exposure to trauma is one of the most important and prevalent risk factors for mental and physical ill-health. Excessive or prolonged stress exposure increases the risk of a wide variety of mental and physical symptoms. However, people differ strikingly in their susceptibility to develop signs and symptoms of mental illness after traumatic stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder affecting approximately 8% of the world’s population during their lifetime, and typically develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Despite that exposure to potentially traumatizing events occurs in a large proportion of the general population, about 80–90% of trauma-exposed individuals do not develop PTSD, suggesting an inter-individual difference in vulnerability to PTSD. While the biological mechanisms underlying this differential susceptibility are unknown, epigenetic changes have been proposed to underlie the relationship between exposure to traumatic stress and the susceptibility to develop PTSD. Epigenetic mechanisms refer to environmentally sensitive modifications to DNA and RNA molecules that regulate gene transcription without altering the genetic sequence itself. In this review, we provide an overview of various molecular biological, biochemical and physiological alterations in PTSD, focusing on changes at the genomic and epigenomic level. Finally, we will discuss how current knowledge may aid us in early detection and improved management of PTSD patients.
KIT Expression Is Regulated by DNA Methylation in Uveal Melanoma Tumors
Authors: Horvathova Kajabova Viera , Soltysova Andrea , Demkova Lucia , Plesnikova Paulina , Lyskova Darina , Furdova Alena , Babal Pavel , Smolkova Bozena
Published: October 2021

Uveal melanoma (UM) is an ocular tumor with a dismal prognosis. Despite the availability of precise molecular and cytogenetic techniques, clinicopathologic features with limited accuracy are widely used to predict metastatic potential. In 51 UM tissues, we assessed a correlation between the expression of nine proteins evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) (Melan-A, S100, HMB45, Cyclin D1, Ki-67, p53, KIT, BCL2, and AIFM1) and the presence of UM-specific chromosomal rearrangements measured by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), to find IHC markers with increased prognostic information. Furthermore, mRNA expression and DNA methylation values were extracted from the whole-genome data, achieved by analyzing 22 fresh frozen UM tissues. KIT positivity was associated with monosomy 3, increasing the risk of poor prognosis more than 17-fold (95% CI 1.53–198.69, p = 0.021). A strong negative correlation was identified between mRNA expression and DNA methylation values for 12 of 20 analyzed positions, five located in regulatory regions of the KIT gene (r = −0.658, p = 0.001; r = −0.662, p = 0.001; r = −0.816; p < 0.001; r = −0.689, p = 0.001; r = −0.809, p < 0.001, respectively). DNA methylation β values were also inversely associated with KIT protein expression (p = 0.001; p = 0.001; p = 0.015; p = 0.025; p = 0.002). Our findings, showing epigenetic deregulation of KIT expression, may contribute to understanding the past failure to therapeutically target KIT in UM.
Single-Tear Proteomics: A Feasible Approach to Precision Medicine
Authors: Ponzini Erika , Ami Diletta , Duse Alessandro , Santambrogio Carlo , De Palma Antonella , Di Silvestre Dario , Mauri Pierluigi , Pezzoli Fabio , Natalello Antonino , Tavazzi Silvia , Grandori Rita
Published: October 2021

Lacrimal fluid is an attractive source of noninvasive biomarkers, the main limitation being the small sample amounts typically collected. Advanced analytical methods to allow for proteomics profiling from a few microliters are needed to develop innovative biomarkers, with attractive perspectives of applications to precision medicine. This work describes an effective, analytical pipeline for single-tear analysis by ultrahigh-resolution, shotgun proteomics from 23 healthy human volunteers, leading to high-confidence identification of a total of 890 proteins. Highly reproducible quantification was achieved by either peak intensity, peak area, or spectral counting. Hierarchical clustering revealed a stratification of females vs. males that did not emerge from previous studies on pooled samples. Two subjects were monitored weekly over 3 weeks. The samples clustered by withdrawal time of day (morning vs. afternoon) but not by follow-up week, with elevated levels of components of the immune system in the morning samples. This study demonstrates feasibility of single-tear quantitative proteomics, envisaging contributions of this unconventional body fluid to individualized approaches in biomedicine.
Global Proteotoxicity Caused by Human β2 Microglobulin Variants Impairs the Unfolded Protein Response in C. elegans
Authors: Good Sarah C. , Dewison Katherine M. , Radford Sheena E. , van Oosten-Hawle Patricija
Published: October 2021

Aggregation of β2 microglobulin (β2m) into amyloid fibrils is associated with systemic amyloidosis, caused by the deposition of amyloid fibrils containing the wild-type protein and its truncated variant, ΔN6 β2m, in haemo-dialysed patients. A second form of familial systemic amyloidosis caused by the β2m variant, D76N, results in amyloid deposits in the viscera, without renal dysfunction. Although the folding and misfolding mechanisms of β2 microglobulin have been widely studied in vitro and in vivo, we lack a comparable understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying toxicity in a cellular and organismal environment. Here, we established transgenic C. elegans lines expressing wild-type (WT) human β2m, or the two highly amyloidogenic naturally occurring variants, D76N β2m and ΔN6 β2m, in the C. elegans bodywall muscle. Nematodes expressing the D76N β2m and ΔN6 β2m variants exhibit increased age-dependent and cell nonautonomous proteotoxicity associated with reduced motility, delayed development and shortened lifespan. Both β2m variants cause widespread endogenous protein aggregation contributing to the increased toxicity in aged animals. We show that expression of β2m reduces the capacity of C. elegans to cope with heat and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, correlating with a deficiency to upregulate BiP/hsp-4 transcripts in response to ER stress in young adult animals. Interestingly, protein secretion in all β2m variants is reduced, despite the presence of the natural signal sequence, suggesting a possible link between organismal β2m toxicity and a disrupted ER secretory metabolism.
Synergistic Effects of Venetoclax and Daratumumab on Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Natural Killer Cytotoxicity in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Nakamura Ayano , Suzuki Susumu , Kanasugi Jo , Ejiri Masayuki , Hanamura Ichiro , Ueda Ryuzo , Seto Masao , Takami Akiyoshi
Published: October 2021

The prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) has drastically improved owing to the development of new drugs, such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. Nevertheless, MM is an extremely challenging disease, and many patients are still refractory to the existing therapies, thus requiring new treatment alternatives. Venetoclax is a selective, orally bioavailable inhibitor of BCL-2 that shows efficacy in MM not only as a single agent but also in combination therapy, especially for MM patients with translocation t(11;14). However, many patients are refractory to this drug. Here, we treated the MM cell lines KMS12PE and KMS27 with a combination treatment of venetoclax targeting BCL-2 and daratumumab targeting CD38 to evaluate the synergistic cytotoxicity of these drugs in vitro. MM cell lines were co-cultured with natural killer (NK) cells at an effector:target ratio of 0.3:1 in the presence of serial concentrations of daratumumab and venetoclax, and the resulting apoptotic MM cells were detected by flow cytometry using annexin V. These results indicated that the antibody-dependent cell-mediated NK cytotoxicity was enhanced in KMS12PE and KMS27 cells harboring t(11;14) with a high BCL-2 expression, suggesting that the combination treatment of venetoclax and daratumumab should be especially effective in patients with these characteristics.
Effect of Structural Changes Induced by Deletion of 54FLRAPSWF61 Sequence in αB-crystallin on Chaperone Function and Anti-Apoptotic Activity
Authors: Mahalingam Sundararajan , Karmakar Srabani , Santhoshkumar Puttur , Sharma Krishna
Published: October 2021

Previously, we showed that the removal of the 54–61 residues from αB-crystallin (αBΔ54–61) results in a fifty percent reduction in the oligomeric mass and a ten-fold increase in chaperone-like activity. In this study, we investigated the oligomeric organization changes in the deletion mutant contributing to the increased chaperone activity and evaluated the cytoprotection properties of the mutant protein using ARPE-19 cells. Trypsin digestion studies revealed that additional tryptic cleavage sites become susceptible in the deletion mutant than in the wild-type protein, suggesting a different subunit organization in the oligomer of the mutant protein. Static and dynamic light scattering analyses of chaperone–substrate complexes showed that the deletion mutant has more significant interaction with the substrates than wild-type protein, resulting in increased binding of the unfolding proteins. Cytotoxicity studies carried out with ARPE-19 cells showed an enhancement in anti-apoptotic activity in αBΔ54–61 as compared with the wild-type protein. The improved anti-apoptotic activity of the mutant is also supported by reduced caspase activation and normalization of the apoptotic cascade components level in cells treated with the deletion mutant. Our study suggests that altered oligomeric assembly with increased substrate affinity could be the basis for the enhanced chaperone function of the αBΔ54–61 protein.