bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Ciliary Beat Frequency and Ciliogenesis Alteration during Airway Epithelial Cell Differentiation in COPD
Authors: Ancel Julien , Belgacemi Randa , Diabasana Zania , Perotin Jeanne-Marie , Bonnomet Arnaud , Dewolf Maxime , Launois Claire , Mulette Pauline , Deslée Gaëtan , Polette Myriam , Dormoy Valérian
Published: August 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent respiratory disease. However, its pathophysiology remains partially elucidated. Epithelial remodeling including alteration of the cilium is a major hallmark of COPD, but specific assessments of the cilium have been rarely investigated as a diagnostic tool in COPD. Here we explore the dysregulation of the ciliary function (ciliary beat frequency (CBF)) and differentiation (multiciliated cells formation in air-liquid interface cultures) of bronchial epithelial cells from COPD (n = 17) and non-COPD patients (n = 15). CBF was decreased by 30% in COPD (11.15 +/− 3.37 Hz vs. 7.89 +/− 3.39 Hz, p = 0.037). Ciliary differentiation was altered during airway epithelial cell differentiation from COPD patients. While the number of multiciliated cells decreased (p < 0.005), the number of primary ciliated cells increased (p < 0.05) and primary cilia were shorter (p < 0.05). Altogether, we demonstrate that COPD can be considered as a ciliopathy through both primary non-motile cilia modifications (related to airway epithelial cell repair and remodeling) and motile cilia function impairment (associated with decrease sputum clearance and clinical respiratory symptoms). These observations encourage considering cilia-associated features in the complex COPD physiopathology and highlight the potential of cilia-derived biomarkers for diagnosis.
Risk Stratification Using 18F-FDG PET/CT and Artificial Neural Networks in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Marschner Sebastian , Lombardo Elia , Minibek Lena , Holzgreve Adrien , Kaiser Lena , Albert Nathalie , Kurz Christopher , Riboldi Marco , Späth Richard , Baumeister Philipp , Niyazi Maximilian , Belka Claus , Corradini Stefanie , Landry Guillaume , Walter Franziska
Published: August 2021

This study retrospectively analyzed the performance of artificial neural networks (ANN) to predict overall survival (OS) or locoregional failure (LRF) in HNSCC patients undergoing radiotherapy, based on 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT and clinical covariates. We compared predictions relying on three different sets of features, extracted from 230 patients. Specifically, (i) an automated feature selection method independent of expert rating was compared with (ii) clinical variables with proven influence on OS or LRF and (iii) clinical data plus expert-selected SUV metrics. The three sets were given as input to an artificial neural network for outcome prediction, evaluated by Harrell’s concordance index (HCI) and by testing stratification capability. For OS and LRF, the best performance was achieved with expert-based PET-features (0.71 HCI) and clinical variables (0.70 HCI), respectively. For OS stratification, all three feature sets were significant, whereas for LRF only expert-based PET-features successfully classified low vs. high-risk patients. Based on 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT features, stratification into risk groups using ANN for OS and LRF is possible. Differences in the results for different feature sets confirm the relevance of feature selection, and the key importance of expert knowledge vs. automated selection.
Research on Financial Systemic Risk in ASEAN Region
Authors: Fan Hong , Liu Renyun
Published: August 2021

The research of financial systemic risk is an important issue, however the research on the financial systemic risk in ASEAN region lacks. This paper uses the minimum density method to calculate the interbank network of ASEAN countries and uses the node centrality to judge the systemically important banks of various countries. Then the DebtRank algorithm is constructed to calculate the systemic risk value based on the interbank network. By comparing the systemic risk values obtained through the initial impact on the system important banks and non-important banks, we find that the systemic risk tends to reach the peak in the case of the initial impact on the system important banks. Furthermore, it is found that countries with high intermediary centrality and closeness centrality have higher systemic risk. It suggests that the regulatory authorities should implement legal supervision, strict supervision, and comprehensive supervision for key risk areas and weak links.
Structural Complexity and Informational Transfer in Spatial Log-Gaussian Cox Processes
Authors: Medialdea Adriana , Angulo José Miguel , Mateu Jorge
Published: August 2021

The doubly stochastic mechanism generating the realizations of spatial log-Gaussian Cox processes is empirically assessed in terms of generalized entropy, divergence and complexity measures. The aim is to characterize the contribution to stochasticity from the two phases involved, in relation to the transfer of information from the intensity field to the resulting point pattern, as well as regarding their marginal random structure. A number of scenarios are explored regarding the Matérn model for the covariance of the underlying log-intensity random field. Sensitivity with respect to varying values of the model parameters, as well as of the deformation parameters involved in the generalized informational measures, is analyzed on the basis of regular lattice partitionings. Both a marginal global assessment based on entropy and complexity measures, and a joint local assessment based on divergence and relative complexity measures, are addressed. A Poisson process and a log-Gaussian Cox process with white noise intensity, the first providing an upper bound for entropy, are considered as reference cases. Differences regarding the transfer of structural information from the intensity field to the subsequently generated point patterns, reflected by entropy, divergence and complexity estimates, are discussed according to the specifications considered. In particular, the magnitude of the decrease in marginal entropy estimates between the intensity random fields and the corresponding point patterns quantitatively discriminates the global effect of the additional source of variability involved in the second phase of the double stochasticity.
Common Coherence Witnesses and Common Coherent States
Authors: Wang Bang-Hai , Ding Zi-Heng , Ma Zhihao , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: August 2021

We show the properties and characterization of coherence witnesses. We show methods for constructing coherence witnesses for an arbitrary coherent state. We investigate the problem of finding common coherence witnesses for certain class of states. We show that finitely many different witnesses W1,W2,⋯,Wn can detect some common coherent states if and only if ∑i=1ntiWi is still a witnesses for any nonnegative numbers ti(i=1,2,⋯,n). We show coherent states play the role of high-level witnesses. Thus, the common state problem is changed into the question of when different high-level witnesses (coherent states) can detect the same coherence witnesses. Moreover, we show a coherent state and its robust state have no common coherence witness and give a general way to construct optimal coherence witnesses for any comparable states.
Exergy Analysis Using a Theoretical Formulation of a Geothermal Power Plant in Cerro Prieto, México
Authors: Colorado-Garrido Dario , Alcalá-Perea Gerardo , Alaffita-Hernández Francisco Alejandro , Escobedo-Trujillo Beatris Adriana
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this research is the calculation of the exergy destruction of the single-flash and double-flash cycles of a geothermal power plant located on the ladder of the 233 m Cerro Prieto volcano, on the alluvial plain of the Mexicali Valley, Mexico. The methodology developed in this research presents thermodynamic models for energy and exergy flows, which allows determining the contribution of each component to the total exergy destruction of the system. For the case-base, the results indicate that for the single-flash configuration the efficiency of the first and second law of thermodynamics are 0.1888 and 0.3072, as well as the highest contribution to the total exergy destruction is provided by the condenser. For the double-flash configuration, the efficiency of the first and second law of thermodynamics are 0.3643 and 0.4983. The highest contribution to the total exergy destruction is provided by the condenser and followed by the low-pressure turbine.
TOLOMEO, a Novel Machine Learning Algorithm to Measure Information and Order in Correlated Networks and Predict Their State
Authors: Miotto Mattia , Monacelli Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

We present ToloMEo (TOpoLogical netwOrk Maximum Entropy Optimization), a program implemented in C and Python that exploits a maximum entropy algorithm to evaluate network topological information. ToloMEo can study any system defined on a connected network where nodes can assume N discrete values by approximating the system probability distribution with a Pottz Hamiltonian on a graph. The software computes entropy through a thermodynamic integration from the mean-field solution to the final distribution. The nature of the algorithm guarantees that the evaluated entropy is variational (i.e., it always provides an upper bound to the exact entropy). The program also performs machine learning, inferring the system’s behavior providing the probability of unknown states of the network. These features make our method very general and applicable to a broad class of problems. Here, we focus on three different cases of study: (i) an agent-based model of a minimal ecosystem defined on a square lattice, where we show how topological entropy captures a crossover between hunting behaviors; (ii) an example of image processing, where starting from discretized pictures of cell populations we extract information about the ordering and interactions between cell types and reconstruct the most likely positions of cells when data are missing; and (iii) an application to recurrent neural networks, in which we measure the information stored in different realizations of the Hopfield model, extending our method to describe dynamical out-of-equilibrium processes.
A Framework of Implementing Strategies for Active Student Engagement in Remote/Online Teaching and Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ahshan Razzaqul
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a drastic shift of face-to-face teaching and learning to remote/online teaching and learning at all levels of education worldwide. Active student engagement is always a challenging task for educators regardless of the teaching modalities. The degree of challenge for active student engagement increases significantly in remote/online teaching and learning. This paper presents a framework that implements activities/strategies to ensure active student engagement in remote/online teaching and learning during this COVID-19 pandemic. The structure of the developed framework combines the balanced use of adjusted teaching pedagogy, educational technologies, and an e-learning management system. Teaching pedagogy involves various active learning techniques, synchronous teaching, asynchronous teaching, and segmentation. The educational technologies, such as Google Meet, Jamboard, Google Chat, Breakout room, Mentimeter, Moodle, electronic writing devices, etc., enable the developed framework for active student engagement. An e-learning management system, Moodle, is used for course management purposes. Over the last three semesters (Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021), the framework is tested for three different engineering courses. A questionnaire draws out student perception on the developed framework in terms of active student engagement that ensures student–student interactions, student–instructor interactions, social presence, reinforces learning and deepens understanding of the materials in remote teaching. The feedback also indicates that combining the utilized technologies, synchronous teaching, and active learning activities in the developed framework is effective for interactive learning; hence a practical approach for active student engagement in remote/online teaching and learning. The article focuses on contributing to present research and infusing future research direction about technology-enhanced active student engagement in Engineering Education.
The Use of Mobile Applications in Higher Education Classrooms: An Exploratory Measuring Approach in the University of Aveiro
Authors: Oliveira David , Pedro Luís , Santos Carlos
Published: August 2021

The proliferation of mobile devices and mobile applications has changed the way people communicate, work, and study, namely in higher education contexts. However, users have very different application usage habits from each other, and the data collecting instruments that typically support the studies usually rely on the perception that users report on their use. Hence, the reported user perception may not match the actual usage. Based on an exploratory approach, this article aims to analyze the use of mobile applications by students at the University of Aveiro. The study has a mixed approach that contemplates non-participant observation, the application of a survey, and log analysis. The triangulation between log records, the obtained data from the non-participant observation, and the surveys allows for a more objective assessment of the user profiles and will help to identify potential discrepancies between self-perception and actual use of mobile devices. The main conclusions show that the usage is quite significant and there is a huge tendency for the use of social media during classes. The most used applications are social networks which had a more intensive use than reported in the surveys. The methodology is also an important output of this study.
Blockchain-Based Security Mechanism for the Medical Data at Fog Computing Architecture of Internet of Things
Authors: Ngabo Desire , Wang Dong , Iwendi Celestine , Anajemba Joseph Henry , Ajao Lukman Adewale , Biamba Cresantus
Published: August 2021

The recent developments in fog computing architecture and cloud of things (CoT) technology includes data mining management and artificial intelligence operations. However, one of the major challenges of this model is vulnerability to security threats and cyber-attacks against the fog computing layers. In such a scenario, each of the layers are susceptible to different intimidations, including the sensed data (edge layer), computing and processing of data (fog (layer), and storage and management for public users (cloud). The conventional data storage and security mechanisms that are currently in use appear to not be suitable for such a huge amount of generated data in the fog computing architecture. Thus, the major focus of this research is to provide security countermeasures against medical data mining threats, which are generated from the sensing layer (a human wearable device) and storage of data in the cloud database of internet of things (IoT). Therefore, we propose a public-permissioned blockchain security mechanism using elliptic curve crypto (ECC) digital signature that that supports a distributed ledger database (server) to provide an immutable security solution, transaction transparency and prevent the patient records tampering at the IoTs fog layer. The blockchain technology approach also helps to mitigate these issues of latency, centralization, and scalability in the fog model.
A New Method to Focus SEBs Using the Periodic Magnetic Field and the Electrostatic Field
Authors: Yin Pengcheng , Xu Jin , Yue Lingna , Yang Ruichao , Yin Hairong , Zhao Guoqing , Guo Guo , Liu Jianwei , Wang Wenxiang , Gong Yubin , Feng Jinjun , Li Dazhi , Wei Yanyu
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a novel method, named PM-E, to focus the sheet electron beam (SEB) is proposed. This new method consists of a periodic magnetic field and an electrostatic field, which are used to control the thickness and width of the SEB, respectively. The PM-E system utilizes this electrostatic field to replace the unreliable By,off, which is a tiny transverse magnetic field in the PCM that confines the SEB’s width. Moreover, the horizontal focusing force of the PM-E system is more uniform than that of the conventional PCM, and the transition distance of the former is shorter than that of the latter. In addition, the simulation results demonstrate the ability of the PM-E system to resist the influence of the assembly error. Furthermore, in the PM-E system, the electric field can be conveniently changed to correct the deflection of the SEB’s trajectory and to improve the quality of the SEB.
An Artificial Magnetic Conductor-Based Wideband Circularly Polarized Antenna with Low-Profile and Enhanced Gain
Authors: Qiu Lina , Xiao Gaobiao
Published: August 2021

A broadband circularly polarized (CP) antenna with enhanced gain and low profile is proposed. Two identical dipoles with full wavelength are placed orthogonally to generate radiation waves with equal amplitude and orthogonal polarization. The arms of the dipoles are designed as stepped patches to enlarge the impedance matching bandwidth and axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. Crossed-dipoles with full wavelength are utilized as the main radiators to provide a wide operating bandwidth and enhanced gain, and an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure is introduced as the reflector to reduce the profile of the whole antenna. Due to the introduction of the AMC structure, the antenna profile is reduced from 12.8 to 6.9 mm, that is, reduced to 0.14λ0 (where λ0 denotes the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the passband, 4.0–8.5 GHz). A simulation and experiment were carried out to verify the performance of the proposed antenna. Experimental results showed that the antenna realized an impedance bandwidth of 74%, an AR bandwidth of 67.7%, a peak gain of 12.1 dBic, and an average gain of 10.69 dBic.
Robust Downlink Mechanism for Industrial Internet of Things Using LoRaWAN Networks
Authors: Todoli-Ferrandis David , Silvestre-Blanes Javier , Sempere-Payá Víctor
Published: August 2021

The adoption of LoRaWAN as a technology for wireless deployments in many applications, such as smart cities or industry 4.0, still presents challenges such as energy consumption, robustness, or reduced throughput in harsh, noisy scenarios. Class B is a MAC mode that allows better performance in downlink traffic but has difficulties regarding scalability and its response to channel interference. This article introduces, via simulation software, the possibility of testing deployments, adding interference sources that model industrial scenarios, and proposes an adaptive data rate (ADR) mechanism to enhance the operation for downlink and class B devices, called DROB (downlink rate optimization for class B) to study the impact of these conditions in a network with detailed event characterization.
Accounting for Slot Harmonics and Nonsinusoidal Unbalanced Voltage Supply in High-Speed Solid-Rotor Induction Motor Using Complex Multi-Harmonic Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Garbiec Tomasz , Jagiela Mariusz
Published: August 2021

Solid rotor induction machines are still used in high-speed systems. A two-dimensional field-circuit model based on the finite element method and the complex magnetic vector potential has been shown as a very time-effective tool in the analysis of their steady states compared to time-domain models. This continuation work presents a validated computational algorithm that enables the inclusion of the nonsinusoidal and/or asymmetrical voltage supply in the multi-harmonic field-circuit model of these machines that was presented in the previous works by the authors. The extended model accounts for both spatial harmonics due to slotting and/or winding distribution and the time-harmonics due to voltage waveform. The applicability range of the model therefore increases to cases when the machine is supplied with a nonsinusoidal three-phase system of voltages with symmetry or asymmetry that can be decomposed into three symmetrical components. Its short execution time characteristic allows for much more insightful design studies of the contribution of voltage supply- and slotting-related harmonics to the overall efficiency of the machine than is possible with the time-consuming time-domain models. The proposed computational framework has never been presented in the literature. The model is verified positively by the comprehensive time-domain model. It is especially useful in design studies on solid rotor induction motors related to the optimisation of the efficiency of induction motor-based drive systems.
Robust Sliding Mode Control of a Unipolar Power Inverter
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Yasin Abdul Rehman , Riaz Mudassar , Saqib Bilal , Zia Saba , Yasin Amina
Published: August 2021

The key issue in the practical implementation of the sliding mode (SM) control–based power inverter is the variable switching frequency. This variable switching frequency not only induces electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise, but also reduces the efficiency of the inverter, as the size of the inductor and capacitor does not alter in tandem with this variable frequency. In this context, fixed switching frequency–based SM control techniques are proposed; however, some of them are too complex, while others compromise the inherent properties of SM control. In this research, a fixed frequency SM controller is proposed, which is based on the novel low-pass filter extraction of the discontinuous control signal. This allows the technique to be implemented with fewer hardware components, thus reducing the complications of implementation, while maintaining the robustness and parametric invariance of SM control. A simulation-based comparison with an existing pulse width modulated (PWM) SM controller is presented as the benchmark. In comparison with the sigmoid function SM controller, an improvement of 50% in the settling time along with zero steady-state errors and a further 37% and 42% improvement in the undershoot and overshoot, respectively, is reported in the simulation. A hardware setup is established to validate the proposed technique, which substantiates the simulation results and its disturbance rejection properties.
Influence of Attitudes on Willingness to Choose Time-of-Use Electricity Tariffs in Germany. Evidence from Factor Analysis
Authors: Sundt Swantje
Published: August 2021

Time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs are a demand side measure to ease balancing of demand and supply to cope with a rising share of renewables in a country’s electricity mix. In general, consumers require compensation for accepting these tariffs. This study analyzes how attitudes drive consumers’ willingness to choose a TOU tariff in Germany. To identify attitudinal profiles, I use an exploratory factor analysis on items capturing positive and negative attitudes towards TOU tariffs, climate change awareness, and belief in energy saving measures. I use these factors as predictors in an ordered logit specification to estimate consumers’ stated willingness to choose a TOU tariff. Three factors are significant: positive and negative attitudes towards TOU tariffs, and climate change awareness. These findings highlight that decision makers who aim at balancing demand and supply through the use of TOU tariffs should focus on informing consumers about the positive impacts of these tariffs on climate change mitigation, grid stability, and possible energy savings.
Designing a Wind Energy Harvester for Connected Vehicles in Green Cities
Authors: Khan Zuhaib Ashfaq , Sherazi Hafiz Husnain Raza , Ali Mubashir , Imran Muhammad Ali , Rehman Ikram Ur , Chakrabarti Prasun
Published: August 2021

Electric vehicles (EVs) have recently gained momentum as an integral part of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) when authorities started expanding their low emission zones (LEZs) in an effort to build green cities with low carbon footprints. Energy is one of the key requirements of EVs, not only to support the smooth and sustainable operation of EVs, but also to ensure connectivity between the vehicle and the infrastructure in the critical times such as disaster recovery operation. In this context, renewable energy sources (such as wind energy) have an important role to play in the automobile sector towards designing energy-harvesting electric vehicles (EH-EV) to mitigate energy reliance on the national grid. In this article, a novel approach is presented to harness energy from a small-scale wind turbine due to vehicle mobility to support the communication primitives in electric vehicles which enable plenty of IoV use cases. The harvested power is then processed through a regulation circuitry to consequently achieve the desired power supply for the end load (i.e., battery or super capacitor). The suitable orientation for optimum conversion efficiency is proposed through ANSYS-based aerodynamics analysis. The voltage-induced by the DC generator is 35 V under the no-load condition while it is 25 V at a rated current of 6.9 A at full-load, yielding a supply of 100 W (on constant voltage) at a speed of 90 mph for nominal battery charging.
Diversity and Changes in Energy Consumption by Transport in EU Countries
Authors: Rokicki Tomasz , Koszela Grzegorz , Ochnio Luiza , Wojtczuk Kamil , Ratajczak Marcin , Szczepaniuk Hubert , Michalski Konrad , Bórawski Piotr , Bełdycka-Bórawska Aneta
Published: August 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to present the differences in the volume of energy consumption in transport in the EU (European Union) countries. The specific objectives aim to determine the directions of changes and the degree of concentration in the volume of energy utilized by the transport sector in EU states, showing various models in this area, to establish the association between energy absorption and the parameters of the economy and in the field of transport. All EU countries were selected for research by the use of the purposeful selection method as of 31 December 2018. The analyzed period covered the years 2004–2018. For the examination of data, grading data analysis was used as one of the methods of multivariate data analysis. Descriptive, tabular and graphic methods were used to present the results. Findings reveal that there is a general tendency to reduce total energy consumption in the EU countries. The same is the case of energy in transport. Only in 2016–2018 was there an increase in energy absorption in transport. The reason was the better economic situation in this period. Road conveyance is the most important factor in energy utilization (over 90%). The share of other modes of transport was very small. Economically developing countries were the fastest in increasing energy absorption in transport per capita. In turn, highly developed states recorded slight growth and were stable in this aspect. There was a close relationship between energy utilization in transport per capita and GDP per capita. The reduction of energy consumption in transport depends on changes in road haulage, e.g., the pace of introducing innovative energy-saving technologies in automotive transport.
Factors Influencing Consumer’s Adoption of Renewable Energy
Authors: Wall William Philip , Khalid Bilal , Urbański Mariusz , Kot Michal
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the consumer adoption of renewable energy in Thailand. The study adopted an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) by including three additional variables. The study applied a quantitative study methodology, with primary data collected using a survey of consumers in five major cities in Thailand. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings of the study indicated that perception of self-effectiveness, environmental concern, renewable energy awareness, and beliefs about renewable energy benefits have a significant and positive effect on consumers’ intention to adopt renewable energy. The cost of renewable was found to have a negative but non-significant influence on consumers’ adoption of renewable energy, while risk/trust perception was found to have a positive but non-significant influence on consumers’ adoption of renewable energy. The study concluded that stakeholders should take into account the aspects of perception of self-effectiveness, environmental concern, renewable energy awareness, and beliefs about renewable energy benefits when running campaigns to promote the consumer adoption of renewable energy in Thailand
Assessment of Single- vs. Two-Stage Process for the Anaerobic Digestion of Liquid Cow Manure and Cheese Whey
Authors: Dareioti Margarita Andreas , Vavouraki Aikaterini Ioannis , Tsigkou Konstantina , Kornaros Michael
Published: August 2021

The growing interest in processes that involve biomass conversion to renewable energy, such as anaerobic digestion, has stimulated research in this field in order to assess the optimum conditions for biogas production from abundant feedstocks, like agro-industrial wastes. Anaerobic digestion is an attractive process for the decomposition of organic wastes via a complex microbial consortium and subsequent conversion of metabolic intermediates to hydrogen and methane. The present study focused on the exploitation of liquid cow manure (LCM) and cheese whey (CW) as noneasily and easily biodegradable sources, respectively, using continuous stirred-tank reactors for biogas production, and a comparison was presented between single- and two-stage anaerobic digestion systems. No significant differences were found concerning LCM treatment, in a two-stage system compared to a single one, concluding that LCM can be treated by implementing a single-stage process, as a recalcitrant substrate, with the greatest methane production rate of 0.67 L CH4/(LR·d) at an HRT of 16 d. On the other hand, using the easily biodegradable CW as a monosubstrate, the two-stage process was considered a better treatment system compared to a single one. During the single-stage process, operational problems were observed due to the limited buffering capacity of CW. However, the two-stage anaerobic digestion of CW produced a stable methane production rate of 0.68 L CH4/(LR·d) or 13.7 L CH4/Lfeed, while the total COD was removed by 76%.
Sweetpotato Leaves Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Suppression of NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cho Hyun-Dong , Brownmiller Cindi , Sorker Harun , Islam Shahidul , Lee Sun-Ok
Published: August 2021

Limited information is available regarding the health-promoting activities of sweetpotato leaves (SPL). The present study investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and phenolic contents in 29 SPL cultivars harvested in 2018 and 2019. Extracts showed total phenolic contents 9.4–23.1 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, and DPPH radical scavenging activity indicated 36.6–247.3 mM of Trolox equivalent/g. SPL extracts were identified to contain bioactive components such as, chlorogenic acid (11.7–22.1 μg/mg), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (16.3–59.9 μg/mg), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (50.9–72.7 μg/mg), chlorophyll B (6.1–12.3 μg/mg), lutein (1.9–4.9 μg/mg), chlorophyll A (2.7–4.3 μg/mg) and β-carotene (0.1 ≤ μg/mg). RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells were pretreated with 100–200 μg/mL of SPL extracts and 20 μM of dexamethasone, and inflammation was stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/mL) treatment for 24 h. In LPS-treated cells, prostaglandin E2 production and COX-2 expression were not downregulated by pretreatment of SPL extracts. However, SPL pretreated cells showed significant suppression of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1β levels under the LPS-induced inflammatory condition. In addition, SPL extracts induced an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through suppression of NF-κB nuclear translocation, IKK-α and IκB-α phosphorylation, and iNOS expression. These results indicate that SPL extract can be utilized as a functional food ingredient.
Expression Profile of New Gene Markers and Signaling Pathways Involved in Immunological Processes in Human Cumulus-Oophorus Cells
Authors: Chermuła Błażej , Hutchings Greg , Kranc Wiesława , Józkowiak Małgorzata , Jopek Karol , Stelmach Bogusława , Mozdziak Paul , Pawelczyk Leszek , Piotrowska-Kempisty Hanna , Spaczyński Robert Z. , Kempisty Bartosz
Published: August 2021

The function of the immune system extends from defense against external pathogens to the recognition and elimination of mutated or dying cells, aiding elimination of malignant potential and/or maintaining homeostasis. The many cell types of the immune system secrete a broad range of factors to enable cellular signaling that is vital to physiological processes. Additionally, in the ovary, follicular selection and maturation, as well as ovulation, are directly regulated by the nearby immune cells. Additionally, ovulation and rupture of the follicle have been observed to resemble a local inflammatory response. Cells of the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) show evolving gene expression profiles throughout the oocytes’ lifespan, including genes associated with immunological processes. Analysis of these genes allows the identification of useful molecular markers, as well as highlighting gene functions and interactions in these cells. Cumulus cells were obtained from hormonally stimulated patients undergoing an in vitro fertilization procedure and studied under long-term culture conditions. The microarray technique made it possible to compare the level of CCs’ gene expression on the 1st, 7th, 15th and 30th day of cultivation. Additionally, RNA microarray analysis was performed to map gene expression in these cells, associated with immunological processes and associated cytokine signaling. Subsequently, the use of DAVID software allowed us to identify the “defense response to other organism”, “defense response”, “defense response to virus”, “cytokine secretion”, “cytokine production” and “cytokine-mediated signaling pathway” GO BP terms, as well as allowing further analysis of the most differentially expressed genes associated with these processes. Of the 122 genes involved, 121 were upregulated and only one was downregulated. The seven most upregulated genes related to the abovementioned terms were ANXA3, IFIT1, HLA-DPA1, MX1, KRT8, HLA-DRA and KRT18. Therefore, genes involved in immunological defense processes are upregulated in CC cultures and could serve as useful molecular markers of growth and development in the COC, as well as the proliferation of granulosa and cumulus cells.
Associations between Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, and Learning Motivating Factors in e-Learning-Based Computer Programming Education
Authors: Dirzyte Aiste , Vijaikis Aivaras , Perminas Aidas , Rimasiute-Knabikiene Romualda
Published: August 2021

Quarantines imposed due to COVID-19 have forced the rapid implementation of e-learning, but also increased the rates of anxiety, depression, and fatigue, which relate to dramatically diminished e-learning motivation. Thus, it was deemed significant to identify e-learning motivating factors related to mental health. Furthermore, because computer programming skills are among the core competencies that professionals are expected to possess in the era of rapid technology development, it was also considered important to identify the factors relating to computer programming learning. Thus, this study applied the Learning Motivating Factors Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20) instruments. The sample consisted of 444 e-learners, including 189 computer programming e-learners. The results revealed that higher scores of individual attitude and expectation, challenging goals, clear direction, social pressure, and competition significantly varied across depression categories. The scores of challenging goals, and social pressure and competition, significantly varied across anxiety categories. The scores of individual attitude and expectation, challenging goals, and social pressure and competition significantly varied across general fatigue categories. In the group of computer programming e-learners: challenging goals predicted decreased anxiety; clear direction and challenging goals predicted decreased depression; individual attitude and expectation predicted diminished general fatigue; and challenging goals and punishment predicted diminished mental fatigue. Challenging goals statistically significantly predicted lower mental fatigue, and mental fatigue statistically significantly predicted depression and anxiety in both sample groups.
Systematic Review on Mentalization as Key Factor in Psychotherapy
Authors: Lüdemann Jonas , Rabung Sven , Andreas Sylke
Published: August 2021

Background: Mentalization processes seem to be of high relevance for social learning and seem important in all psychotherapies. The exact role of mentalization processes in psychotherapy is still unknown. The aim of the present systematic review is to investigate whether mentalization is related to the therapeutic outcome and, if so, whether it has a moderating, mediative, or predictive function. Method: A systematic review with an electronic database search was conducted. A total of 2567 records were identified, and 10 studies were included in the final synthesis. Results: Psychotherapy research is still in an initial phase of examining and understanding the impact of mentalization on psychotherapy outcome. The small number of studies and the executed study designs and statistical analyses indicate the possible role that mentalization has in psychotherapy. Conclusion: Generally, strongly elaborated study designs are needed to identify the role of mentalization in psychotherapy. Mentalization seems to be differently represented in differential treatment approaches. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the patient’s mentalizing capacity seems to be relevant to the psychotherapy process. Psychotherapies should be adapted to this.
Is Dry Needling of the Supinator a Safe Procedure? A Potential Treatment for Lateral Epicondylalgia or Radial Tunnel Syndrome. A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , López-de-Celis Carlos , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Hidalgo-García César , Donnelly Joseph M. , Cedeño-Bermúdez Simón A , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert
Published: August 2021

The supinator muscle is involved in two pain conditions of the forearm and wrist: lateral epicondylalgia and radial tunnel syndrome. Its close anatomical relationship with the radial nerve at the arcade of Frohse encourages research on dry needling approaches. Our aim was to determine if a solid filiform needle safely penetrates the supinator muscle during the clinical application of dry needling. Needle insertion of the supinator muscle was conducted in ten cryopreserved forearm specimens with a 30 × 0.32 mm filiform needle. With the forearm pronated, the needle was inserted perpendicular into the skin at the dorsal aspect of the forearm at a point located 4cm distal to the lateral epicondyle. The needle was advanced to a depth judged to be in the supinator muscle. Safety was assessed by measuring the distance from the needle to the surrounding neurovascular bundles of the radial nerve. Accurate needle penetration of the supinator muscle was observed in 100% of the forearms (needle penetration:16.4 ± 2.7 mm 95% CI 14.5 mm to 18.3 mm). No neurovascular bundle of the radial nerve was pierced in any of the specimen’s forearms. The distances from the tip of the needle were 7.8 ± 2.9 mm (95% CI 5.7 mm to 9.8 mm) to the deep branch of the radial nerve and 8.6 ± 4.3 mm (95% CI 5.5 mm to 11.7 mm) to the superficial branch of the radial nerve. The results from this cadaveric study support the assumption that needling of the supinator muscle can be accurately and safely conducted by an experienced clinician.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation by Olfactorily Induced Sexual Arousal Compared to Immobilization Stress and Manual Sleep Deprivation on Neuromessengers and Time Keeping Genes in the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei and Other Cerebral Entities of Syrian Hamsters—An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Knöchel Christian , Frickmann Hagen , Nürnberger Frank
Published: August 2021

We investigated the effects of sexual arousal induced by olfactory stimuli on the expression of neuromodulators, neurotransmitters and sexual steroid receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN, the circadian pacemaker of mammals) and other cerebral entities of Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) compared to manual sleep deprivation and immobilization stress. The hamsters kept under a 12:12 hours (h) light:dark cycle were deprived of sleep by sexual stimulation, gentle manual handling or immobilization stress for 1 h at the beginning of the light phase and subsequently sacrificed at zeitgeber time 01:00, respectively; for comparison, hamsters were manually sleep deprived for 6 or 20 h or sacrificed after completing a full sleep phase. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, apart from various alterations after manual sleep deprivation, sexual stimulation caused down-regulation of arginine-vasopressin (AVP), vasointestinal peptide (VIP), serotonin (5-HT), substance P (SP), and met-enkephalin (ME) in the SCN. Somatostatin (SOM) was diminished in the medial periventricular nucleus (MPVN). In contrast, an increase in AVP was observed in the PVN, that of oxytocin (OXY) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), of tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) in the infundibular nucleus (IN), and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) in the A7 neuron population of the brain stem (A7), respectively. Testosterone in plasma was increased. The results indicate that sexual arousal extensively influences the neuropeptide systems of the SCN, suggesting an involvement of the SCN in reproductive behavior.
The Adaptation of a Youth Diabetes Prevention Program for Aboriginal Children in Central Australia: Community Perspectives
Authors: Rohit Athira , McCarthy Leisa , Mack Shiree , Silver Bronwyn , Turner Sabella , Baur Louise A. , Canuto Karla , Boffa John , Dabelea Dana , Sauder Katherine A. , Maple-Brown Louise , Kirkham Renae
Published: August 2021

This study reports on integrating community perspectives to adapt a family-focused, culturally appropriate behavioural intervention program to prevent diabetes among Aboriginal children (6–11 years) in Central Australia. A participatory action research approach was used to engage a range of service providers, cultural advisors, and family groups. Appropriateness, acceptability, content, and delivery of a prevention program within the Central Australian context were discussed through a series of workshops with twenty-five service providers and seven family groups separately. The data obtained were deductively coded for thematic analysis. Main findings included: (i) the strong need for a diabetes prevention program that is community owned, (ii) a flexible and culturally appropriate program delivered by upskilling community members as program facilitators, and (iii) consideration of social and environmental factors when implementing the program. It is recommended that a trial of the adapted prevention program for effectiveness and implementation is led by an Aboriginal community-controlled health service.
COVID-19 and Unmet Healthcare Needs of Older People: Did Inequity Arise in Europe?
Authors: González-Touya Marta , Stoyanova Alexandrina , Urbanos-Garrido Rosa M.
Published: August 2021

Background: The disruption in healthcare provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced many non-urgent medical treatments and appointments to be postponed or denied, which is expected to have huge impact on non-acute health conditions, especially in vulnerable populations such as older people. Attention should be paid to equity issues related to unmet needs during the pandemic. Methods: We calculated concentration indices to identify income-related inequalities and horizontal inequity in unmet needs due to postponed and denied healthcare in people over 50 during COVID-19, using data from the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Results: Very few countries show significant income-related inequalities in postponed, rescheduled or denied treatments and medical appointments, usually favouring the rich. Only Estonia, Italy and Romania show a significant horizontal inequity (HI) in postponed healthcare, which apparently favours the poor. Significant pro-rich inequity in denied healthcare is found in Italy, Poland and Greece. Conclusions: Although important income-related horizontal inequity in unmet needs of European older adults during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic is not evident for most countries, some of them have to carefully monitor barriers to healthcare access. Delays in diagnosis and treatments may ultimately translate into adverse health outcomes, reduced quality of life and, even, widen socio-economic health inequalities among older people.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Effect of Different Face Masks on Self-Perceived Dry Mouth and Halitosis
Authors: Kanzow Philipp , Dylla Viktoria , Mahler Alannah Malina , Hrasky Valentina , Rödig Tina , Barre Felix , Scheithauer Simone , Wiegand Annette
Published: August 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has increased, resulting in potential health-related side-effects. Therefore, the study aimed to analyse the effect of wearing face masks on self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis. A questionnaire addressing the daily wearing time of different face masks (community masks, surgical/medical masks and KN95-/N95-/FFP2-masks) and self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis was given to adults attending or working at a university hospital. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and multiple linear regression analysis (p < 0.05). 3750 participants (age: 50.4 ± 15.5 years; 60.0% female) were included. During the pandemic, face masks were used for 4.7 ± 3.8 h per day: community masks: 0.9 ± 2.0 h, medical/surgical masks: 1.9 ± 2.8 h and KN95-/N95-/FFP2-masks: 1.9 ± 2.5 h per day. The use of face masks significantly increased self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis (both p < 0.001). Self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis increased with increasing wearing time (community masks: dry mouth: p < 0.001, halitosis: p = 0.014; medical/surgical masks: both: p < 0.001; KN95-/N95-/FFP2-masks: dry mouth: p < 0.001, halitosis: p = 0.011). The perception of dry mouth and halitosis was increased in females compared to males (both: p < 0.001). Participants used to wearing face masks prior to the pandemic perceived dry mouth to a higher extent (p = 0.043). Self-perceived halitosis was lower in older than in younger participants (p < 0.001). Due to the increased perception of dry mouth and halitosis, people might abstain from wearing face masks. Further studies need to analyse measurable changes in dry mouth or halitosis.