bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased expression of mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases causes downregulation of mitochondrial OXPHOS subunits in type 2 diabetic skeletal muscle
Authors: López-Soldado Iliana , Torres Adrian Gabriel , Ventura Raúl , Martínez-Ruiz Inma , Díaz-Ramos Angels , Planet Evarist , Cooper Diane , Pazderska Agnieszka , Wanic Krzysztof , O’Hanlon Declan , O’Gorman Donal J. , Carbonell Teresa , de Pouplana Lluís Ribas , Nolan John J. , Hernández-Alvarez María Isabel
Published: December 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The skeletal muscle (SKM) is the most important tissue involved in maintaining glucose homeostasis and substrate oxidation, and it undergoes insulin resistance in T2D. In this study, we identify the existence of alterations in the expression of mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mt-aaRSs) in skeletal muscle from two different forms of T2D: early-onset type 2 diabetes (YT2) (onset of the disease before 30 years of age) and the classical form of the disease (OT2). GSEA analysis from microarray studies revealed the repression of mitochondrial mt-aaRSs independently of age, which was validated by real-time PCR assays. In agreement with this, a reduced expression of several encoding mt-aaRSs was also detected in skeletal muscle from diabetic (db/db) mice but not in obese ob/ob mice. In addition, the expression of the mt-aaRSs proteins most relevant in the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins, threonyl-tRNA, and leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LARS2 and TARS2) were also repressed in muscle from db/db mice. It is likely that these alterations participate in the reduced expression of proteins synthesized in the mitochondria detected in db/db mice. Because it is known that, nitrosative stress inhibits aminoacylation of TARS2 and LARS2 activities, we noticed an increased protein expression of iNOS in isolated muscle mitochondria in diabetic mice.

Our results indicate a reduced expression of mitochondrial mt-aaRSs in skeletal muscle from T2D patients, which may participate in the reduced expression of proteins synthesized in mitochondria. This may be due to an enhanced NO production secondary to enhanced iNOS expression in muscle under diabetic conditions.

Highlights

Mt-aaRSs are downregulated in the skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic patients and diabetic mice.

The downregulation of mt-aaRSs in the skeletal muscle of diabetic mice is affecting the synthesis of ND2 which is amitochondriallyencodedsubunitof complex I.

Mitochondrial iNOS could be a target for reduced expression of mt-aaRSs in the skeletal muscle of diabetic mice.
Microbiome and breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thu May Soe , Chotirosniramit Korn , Nopsopon Tanawin , Hirankarn Nattiya , Pongpirul Krit
Published: December 2022

Background

Dysbiosis characterizes breast cancer (BC) through direct or indirect interference in a variety of biological pathways, therefore specific microbial patterns and diversity may be a biomarker for BC diagnosis and prognosis. However, there is still much to determine on the complex interplay of gut microbiome and BC.

Objective

To evaluate the microbial alteration in BC patients as compared with control subjects, to explore the gut microbial modification from a range of different BC treatments, and to identify the impact of microbiome patterns on the same treatment-receiving BC patients.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) inThe Cochrane Libraryto April 2021. The search was limited to adult BC women and the English language. A prespecified subgroup analysis in BC patients was performed. The results were synthesized quantitatively and qualitatively using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 33 studies were included in the review, accounting for 20 case-control, 8 cohort, and 5 non-randomized intervention studies. In the meta-analysis, the bacterial DNA load is reduced in the tumor compared with paired normal breast and healthy breast tissue, and interestingly, there is an inverse correlation of the bacterial load in different breast tumor stages. From the intervention studies, it revealed 41 species related to breast tumors with a predominance ofGemella haemolysansandStreptococcus mitis, and after chemotherapy, the number of species per patient was elevated by a mean of 2.6 (SD = 4.7, p = 0.052). Also, the tumor tissue showed a significant reduction of transcripts of microbial sensors such as TLR2, TLR5, and TLR9, cytoplasmic microbial sensors like NOD1 and NOD2, and the levels of BPI, MPO, and PRTN3. It found that the post-menopausal group has higher leucine-and valine-arylamidase, β-glucuronidase, and esterase-lipase activities in contrast to pre-menopausal and healthy groups.

Conclusions

This systematic review elucidates the complex network of the microbiome, BC, and the therapeutic options, expecting to provide a link for stronger research studies and toward personalized medicine to improve their quality of life.

Funding

None.

Registration ID

PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021288186
Improving self-regulated learning competencies of service employees: roles of regulatory appraisals and supportive resources
Authors: Elmadag A. Banu , Okan Mehmet , Kurtuldu Ece
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In the era of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and robotics, the working environment of service employees is changing, and the need to self-regulate their learning efforts has reached a pinnacle. The purpose of this study is to investigate how supportive resources (organizational investments in social capital, supervisor support and favorable customer feedback) facilitate service employees' self-regulated learning competencies (SRLCs) and how individual factors (self-efficacy and goal orientation) regulate service employee performance outcomes (commitment to service quality and job performance).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the social cognitive theory and social capital perspectives, a quantitative survey was implemented with 516 service employees of a corporation operating in Turkey in various service sectors (i.e. retailing, health and technology). The data are analyzed through a covariance-based structural equation model.

Findings

Results showed that organizational, supervisory and customer-level supportive resources improved SRLCs and subsequently performance outcomes. Service employees' goal orientation and self-efficacy attenuate the relationship between supportive resources and SRLCs.

Originality/value

This paper enhances the current literature by investigating SRLCs of frontline service employees who need more dynamic and adaptive self-managed self-regulated learning rather than passive training activities. Moreover, the unexpected negative effect of regulatory mechanisms (goal orientation and self-efficacy) on the relationship between supportive resources and SRLCs opens new avenues for managers.
A homozygous loss‐of‐function variant in the MPO gene is associated with generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Onitsuka Mami , Farooq Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Nasir , Yasuno Shuichiro , Shimomura Yutaka
Published: December 2022

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare form of psoriasis, which is characterized by sudden onset of repeated erythema and pustule formation with generalized inflammation. Recent advances in molecular genetics have led to the identification of several genes associated with GPP, including IL36RN, CARD14, AP1S3, SERPINA3, and MPO. Of these, only limited cases of GPP have been reported to carry mutations in the AP1S3, SERPINA3, or MPO to date. In the present study, we investigated a Japanese patient with GPP and found a homozygous missense mutation c.1769G>T (p.Arg590Leu) in the MPO gene. Structural analysis predicted that the mutant MPO protein would abolish its ability to bind with heme protein. In vitro studies using cultured cells revealed that the mutant MPO was stably expressed, but completely lost its myeloperoxidase activity. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using an anti‐MPO antibody showed markedly reduced expression of MPO protein in the patient's skin, suggesting that the mutation would lead to an instability of the MPO protein in vivo. Finally, IHC with an anti‐citrullinated Histone H3 antibody demonstrated a sparse formation of neutrophil extracellular traps within a Kogoj's spongiform pustule of the patient's skin. Collectively, we conclude that the c.1769G>T (p.Arg590Leu) in the MPO is a complete loss‐of‐function mutation associated with GPP in the patient. Our data further underscore critical roles of the MPO gene in the pathogenesis of GPP.
Advocacy leadership and the deprofessionalising of the special educational needs co‐ordinator role
Authors: Done Elizabeth J. , Knowler Helen , Richards Hazel , Brewster Stephanie
Published: December 2022

The UK government is proposing to replace M‐level national award for special educational needs co‐ordination training, mandated for SENCos in England, with an unaccredited national professional qualification. Such downgrading of their qualification level is intended to significantly increase the number of qualified SENCos; however, this is likely to reduce SENCos' capacity to exercise ‘advocacy leadership’ in support of students at risk of marginalization and social exclusion. We reject a neoliberal political discourse of continual improvement that neglects the need for critical literacy and research‐informed inclusive practice on the part of SENCos, and suggest that endemic exclusionary practices in English schools are more likely to go unchallenged. The move towards nonaccredited SENCo status risks their deprofessionalisation, and this proposal is linked to an academisation agenda and efforts to normalize a trichotomised education system (comprising mainstream, ‘special’ and ‘alternative’ provision) by presenting such changes as an improvement.
An integrated animal tracking technology combining a GPS tracking system with a UAV
Authors: Jin Tinghao , Si Xingfeng , Liu Juan , Ding Ping
Published: December 2022

Global Position System (GPS) tags are widely used in animal tracking to address far‐ranging ecological, behavioural and conservation‐related questions. However, GPS tags with transmitting functions via Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and long‐lasting batteries are too cumbersome for animals with small body sizes. In addition, GSM is expensive with strict signal limitations in remote areas. Downloading locations from small GPS tags also requires animal recapture, which can result in large workloads. Combined, these problems limit the use of GPS tags in tracking small animals.

To overcome these challenges, we present an integrated technology to pinpoint animal locations, especially those of medium‐ and small‐sized species. Our system consists of 3.7 g solar‐powered GPS tags (Nano), whose sampling frequency can be changed flexibly, and a combination of a receiver and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to retrieve data. The UAV carries the receiver that can retrieve data from Nanos via Bluetooth. Data are uploaded to a platform via GSM by the receiver and then downloaded by users in real time. Users can also directly download data from tags or the receiver via Bluetooth.

We conducted stationary and field tests to assess the system's performance in Thousand Island Lake, China. Stationary tests were conducted at eight sites near the buildings, in open fields and on an island. Nanos can transmit data to the receiver within distances of 600–1000 m and at speeds of 6–72 records/s. The mean accuracy was 10.44–23.32 m and the fix success rates (FSRs) were larger than 97%. In field tests, we captured and attached Nanos on six Eurasian jays Garrulus glandarius. The FSRs were larger than 98%. Using the UAV reduced the time spent in field.

Our system is labour‐saving and accurate in locating animals larger than 80 g as tested in a land‐bridge island system. Bluetooth transmission assisted by the UAV can overcome signal limitations and landscape blocks, and has the potential to be applied in inaccessible landscapes. The large memory of Nanos also allows for the retrieval of data from migratory species with strong site fidelity on their returns.
Heart transplantation for pediatric foreign nationals in the United States
Authors: Harano Takashi , Sheth Megha , Sasaki Kazunari , Yu Jeremy , Wightman Sean C. , Atay Scott M. , Sainathan Sandeep , Kim Anthony W.
Published: January 2023

Background

This study aimed to clarify survival outcomes, waitlist mortality, and waitlist days of heart transplantation of pediatric foreign nationals compared to pediatric United States (US) citizens.

Methods

We retrieved data from March 2012 to June 2021 in the United Network Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry.

Results

Of 5857 pediatric patients newly waitlisted, 133 (2.27%) patients were non‐US citizen/non‐US residents (non‐citizen non‐resident [NCNR]). Patients with congenital heart disease were higher in the US citizen group than in the NCNR group (51.9% vs. 22.6%, p < .001); 76.7% of patients in the NCNR group (102/133) had cardiomyopathy. Of the 133 NCNRs, 111 patients (83.5%) underwent heart transplantation, which was significantly higher than that in the US citizen group (68.6%, p < .001). The median waitlist time was 71 days (IQR, 22–172 days) in the NCNR group and 74 days (29–184 days) in the US citizen group (p = .48). Survival after heart transplant was significantly better in the NCNR group than in the US citizen group (n = 3982; logrank test p = .015).

Conclusions

Heart transplantation for pediatric foreign nationals was mostly indicated for cardiomyopathy, and their transplant rate was significantly higher than that in the US citizen group, with better survival outcomes. The better survival outcomes in the NCNR group compared to the US citizen group can likely be attributed to the differing diagnoses for which transplantation was performed.
Factors influencing organ donation in Fujian's Organ Procurement Organization: A retrospective study
Authors: Xie Xianyu , Wu Qinde
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) was established in August 2018. The organization's workload, work efficiency, and quality control of organ donation and procurement have continuously improved, making it one of the most successful OPOs in Fujian Province. This study explores the factors that influence the success and failure of organ donation in Fujian Province, China.

Methods

Data from 236 potential organ donors registered at an OPO in Fujian Province between January 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Among the 236 potential organ donors, 71 cases of organ donation were successful (30.08% conversion rate). Univariate analysis showed that demographic factors, such as differences in sex, age, marital status, and domicile location, were significantly associated with successful organ donation (p < .05). Among hospital‐related factors, differences in hospital departments were significant (p < .05). Considering disease‐related factors, spontaneous respiration was significant (p < .05). For factors related to organ donation, differences in coordinators were significant (p < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that age, domicile location, spontaneous respiration, and coordinators influenced organ donation success (p < .05). Multifactor analysis revealed that factors, such as age ≤50 years, domicile location in other provinces, no spontaneous respiration, and highly skilled coordinators, could promote successful organ donation.

Conclusions

Programs should clarify the screening criteria for key potential organ donors, enhance the promotion and popularization of organ donation, and boost the number and professional skills of organ donation coordinators to improve the organ donation conversion rate.
Energy‐based evaluation of the stress concentration factor with highly non‐regular coarse meshes: Theoretical formulation and practical validation
Authors: Pontefisso Alessandro , Zappalorto Michele , Berto Filippo
Published: December 2022

The main aim of this work is to propose a simple and highly accurate approach to evaluate the stress concentration factor of notched solids under Mode 1 loading by using non‐regular coarse meshes and the elemental averaged strain energy. As a first step of the analysis, the analytical expression for the Strain Energy averaged over a four‐sided and three‐sided finite element located at the notch tip is derived, taking advantage of Filippi–Lazzarin–Tovo equations for rounded notched plates under pure Mode 1 loading. Subsequently, the accuracy of the proposed approach is widely validated taking advantage of a large number of examples related to U‐shaped notches and rounded V‐shaped notches with different notch root radii.
KNN‐based piezoelectric ceramic multilayer actuators with Ni internal electrodes
Authors: Dong Zhihao , Zhao Peiyao , Cen Zhenyong , Wang Xiaohui
Published: December 2022

On the road of lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics into practical applications, the study of Ni‐internal‐electrode (K, Na)NbO3‐based (KNN‐based) multilayer actuators (MLAs) is an important part, possessing the advantages of environmentally friendly and low cost. The Ni‐internal‐electrode KNN‐based MLAs with different layer numbers and layer thicknesses were fabricated via the tape casting method and sintered in the reducing atmosphere. The piezoelectric layers consist of the main KNN‐based phase and a trace amount of second phase Mn4Nb2O9. The element diffusion between the Ni electrodes and KNN‐based grains is tiny, indicating that Ni is suitable for co‐firing with KNN‐based ceramics. After sintering, the compressive stress perpendicular to the thickness direction and the “relative tensile stress” parallel to the thickness direction are retained in the MLAs, bringing influences on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of KNN‐based materials. Compared with the bulk ceramics, the prepared MLAs significantly reduce the driving voltages and increase the displacement outputs, which are more applicable to the scenarios of miniaturization and portability. Particularly, the 46‐layer actuator shows high displacements of 1580 and 2737 nm under the voltages of 100 and 200 V, respectively. However, the inverse piezoelectric coefficientd33*for each layer of MLAs is still lower than that of the bulk ceramics, indicating that the piezoelectric properties of the KNN‐based materials are suppressed. To give full play to the piezoelectric properties of KNN‐based materials, more attentions should be paid to the design of reasonable electrode structure and the development of internal electrode paste for MLAs.
Evaluation of the protective nature of GO–BCP nanocomposite coatings on 316L SS in artificial body fluid
Authors: Logesh Mahendran , Marimuthu Arumugam , Ferreira Jose M. F. , Ramakrishnan Praveen , Ballamurugan Anbalagan. M.
Published: December 2022

This work reports on a novel approach to deposit composite coatings based on biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) incorporating graphene oxide (GO) on 316L stainless steel (316L SS) and on its protective nature against corrosion in the simulated body fluid (SBF). For this purpose, 2‐dimensional GO was successfully incorporated in 1% and 3% weight ratios as mechanical strength enhancer and pore size reducer for the prepared coatings. It was observed that upon increasing the GO content, the corrosion rate was drastically decreased when compared to pristine BCP coating. The corrosion resistance polarization results are in good agreement with the test results obtained for SBF immersion study. The size of the particles has significantly decreased, as shown by transmission electron microscopy (from 190 to 27 nm). The experimental results indicate that the composite hydroxyapatite–β‐tricalcium phosphate–GO (HAp–β‐TCP–GO) coatings enhanced the corrosion resistance of the surgical grade 316L SS, turning it a better implanting option for orthopedic applications.
Ethanol pretreatment and infrared drying of melon: Kinetics, quality parameters, and NIR spectra
Authors: Brandão Shirley Clyde Rupert , da Silva Elaine Maria , de Arruda Guilherme Matheus Pessoa , de Souza Netto José Marcelino , de Medeiros Rafael Augusto Batista , Honorato Fernanda Araujo , Azoubel Patricia Moreira
Published: December 2022

There is a growing interest in drying methods focusing on the reduction of drying time, and improvement of product quality. This work aimed to study the use of ethanol as a pretreatment to melon infrared drying (IRD), evaluating its effect on the drying kinetics and quality parameters. The pretreatment step included the melon immersion in different ethanol concentrations (50% and 100%) and immersion times (10, 20, and 30 min). IRD was performed at 60°C with control (untreated) and pretreated samples. Melon pretreated in 100% ethanol for 30 min had the shortest drying time and highest diffusivity value. The Page model obtained the best fit for the experimental data. All dried melons showed water activity below .60, and a reduction in the bioactive compounds. Samples immersed in 50% ethanol, in general, showed lower losses of total phenolics and carotenoids. Concerning color, there was a decrease in the luminosity (L*), while redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were intensified. Principal component analysis applied to the near infrared (NIR) spectra of the dried samples showed a tendency of separation between samples pretreated with different concentrations of ethanol. In conclusion, IRD and ethanol pretreatment can be useful tools to reduce drying time, but some limitations on bioactive compounds were discussed.

Practical applications

The concentration and the time of ethanol pretreatment application can result in different melon infrared drying rates and can influence important qualitative parameters. Therefore, it is important to evaluate these factors to optimize the dried melon production, resulting in lower drying time and better quality preservation.
Genetic and evolutionary dissection of melatonin response signaling facilitates the regulation of plant growth and stress responses
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Chen Huimin , Chen Dongyu , Hao Gefei
Published: December 2022

The expansion of gene families during evolution could generate functional diversity among their members to regulate plant growth and development. Melatonin, a phylogenetically ancient molecule, is vital for many aspects of a plant's life. Understanding the functional diversity of the molecular players involved in melatonin biosynthesis, signaling, and metabolism will facilitate the regulation of plant phenotypes. However, the molecular mechanism of melatonin response signaling elements in regulating this network still has many challenges. Here, we provide an in‐depth analysis of the functional diversity and evolution of molecular components in melatonin signaling pathway. Genetic analysis of multiple mutants in plant species will shed light on the role of gene families in melatonin regulatory pathways. Phylogenetic analysis of these genes was performed, which will facilitate the identification of melatonin‐related genes for future study. Based on the abovementioned signal networks, the mechanism of these genes was summarized to provide reference for studying the regulatory mechanism of melatonin in plant phenotypes. We hope that this work will facilitate melatonin research in higher plants and finely tuned spatio‐temporal regulation of melatonin signaling.
Melancholia, memory, and selfhood in John Banville'sAncient Light
Authors: Qian Rongrong
Published: December 2022

This study focuses on melancholia as a landmark in the interpretation of John Banville'sAncient Lightand attempts to untangle manifestations of the protagonist's melancholy through Freud's concept of the individual's response to a loss, employingMourning and Melancholiaas the theoretical basis. According to Freud, melancholia is an abnormal psychological state in dealing with loss, and it illuminates the representation of the Alex character inAncient Light. In the Freudian sense, each of the memories and expectations in which the libido is bound to the object is brought up and subjected to hypercathexis. Through this lens, I readAncient Lightas an attempt to investigate melancholia's influence over memory, showcasing how melancholia exacerbates memory anomalies for the melancholic individual. Moreover, I utilise a melancholic's identification with the lost object as a ‘loss‐repudiation’ strategy to suggest that melancholia poses a threat to the sense of self.
Implementation of novel polygon‐based obfuscation methods to improve privacy of agricultural data
Authors: Nowbakht Parvaneh , O'Sullivan Lilian , Wall David P. , Holloway Paul
Published: December 2022

Geoprivacy protection is a significant concern when sharing data. To support sustainable land management by leveraging existing agricultural data, research is needed to identify how the polygon nature of static field parcels can be obfuscated to allow data sharing among individuals and organizations. In this study, five adaptive polygon‐based obfuscation methods including PN*Rand, PDonut‐k, PDensity‐k, PAHilb, and PDonut_AHilb methods were developed and applied on the Irish Nutrient Management Planning Online (NMP Online) agricultural dataset. The polygon‐based obfuscation methods introduced in this study were designed with the consideration of properties of spatial polygon objects including the spatial coordinates, shape and size of the polygon, topology, and spatial relationship between adjacent polygons that can be used to identify real‐world objects. These methods were developed to guarantee that there is no false‐identification and non‐unique obfuscation which is important for static polygon objects in terms of accuracy and privacy protection. Qualitative approaches were developed to identify the optimal values of inner and outer radii of donut shape based on k‐anonymity satisfaction and subsequently obtain the optimal value of k‐anonymity. Several evaluation methods were implemented to compare the methods performance. Density‐based methods particularly PDonut‐AHilb provide the best trade‐off between field parcel confidentiality and spatial pattern preservation and should be considered for researchers and practitioners obfuscating polygon data.
The Importance of Positive Relationships for Coaches’ Effectiveness and Well-Being
Authors: Davis Louise , Jowett Sophia , Sörman Daniel
Published: December 2022

The present study investigated the role of quality coach–athlete relationships and coaching efficacy on coaches’ well-being and performance. We examined whether coaches’ direct and meta-perspectives of the coach–athlete relationship quality predicted dimensions of coaches’ efficacy, hedemonic and eudaimonic well-being, and coach-related performance. A total of 233 male and female Swedish coaches from various team and individual sports completed the Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire, the Coaching Efficacy Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Subjective Vitality Scale, and a one-single item developed to measure perceived coach performance. Structural equation modelling analyses revealed that quality coach–athlete relationships as defined by closeness, commitment, and complementarity associated with all four dimensions of coach efficacy. While coach–athlete relationship quality was linked with coaches’ positive affect, vitality, and satisfaction with coaching performance, only the motivational dimension of coach efficacy was associated with indicators of coach well-being and coach-related performance. Further analyses showed that the motivational dimension of coach efficacy explained the link between coach–athlete relationship quality, well-being, and coach-related performance. Overall, the findings extended the coach efficacy model by investigating the coach–athlete relationship as a predictor and coach well-being as an outcome. Our findings emphasize the importance of relationships for coaches’ efficacy and well-being.
American Tackle Football, Brain Trauma, and the Ethical Implications of Cultural Coercion
Authors: Berg Adam
Published: December 2022

In the past decade and a half, scientific discoveries brought to light the prospect that tackle football causes serious brain trauma. This raised questions about the sport’s ethical permissibility. By employing scientific, philosophical, sociological, and historical findings, I consider whether it is ethically defensible to permit adults to play the game. My approach works within the bounds of both the ethical theory of liberalism and incorporates several sociological theories focused on gender. I propose that external cultural influences deserve some credit for shaping decisions to participate in America’s most popular spectator sport and contend that societies must establish genuinely pluralistic and inclusive gender ideologies and structures to ensure football’s permissibility. In particular, I suggest that to ensure that tackle football is ethical for adults, the presence and prominence of gender pluralism and inclusivity in youth settings are necessary.
Acupuncture and Acupoints for Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Geesung , Kim Dongwon , Moon Heeyoung , Yoon Da-Eun , Lee Seoyoung , Ko Seok-Jae , Kim Bonglee , Chae Younbyoung , Lee In-Seon
Published: December 2022

Acupuncture has been used as a therapeutic intervention for the treatment of numerous diseases and symptoms for thousands of years, and low back pain has been studied and treated the most in acupuncture clinics. Traditional theory strongly suggests that the selection of acupoints will influence their clinical effects and combinations (e.g., the clinical effects of a particular acupoint or combination on reducing pain), but this idea was not considered in earlier systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We performed a systematic review, meta-analysis, and network analysis to evaluate the magnitude of the effects of acupoints used to treat low back pain in randomized controlled clinical trials. We found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain in patients with low back pain compared with the control group. The most frequently prescribed acupoints were BL23, GV3, BL20, BL40, and BL25, whereas the acupoints with the highest average effect size scores were BL20, GV3, GB30, GB34, and BL25. Further, the combinations of BL23-BL40, BL23-B25, and BL23-BL60 were the most frequently prescribed, while BL23-GV3, BL40-GV4, and BL23-BL25 showed the largest average effect size. By calculating clinical outcomes based on average effect sizes, we found that the most popular acupoints might not always be associated with the best results. Although a more thorough investigation is necessary to determine the clinical effects of each acupoint and combination on patients, we suggest that our approach may offer a fresh perspective that will be useful for future research.
RESEARCH ON NONLINEAR VARIATION OF ELASTIC WAVE VELOCITY DISPERSION CHARACTERISTIC IN LIMESTONE DYNAMIC FRACTURE PROCESS
Authors: ZHANG ZHIBO , WANG ENYUAN , ZHANG HONGTU , BAI ZHIMING , ZHANG YINGHUA , CHEN XU
Published: December 2022

The elastic wave propagating in rock has velocity dispersion characteristic that holds an imperative significance in rock engineering. This paper aims at study elastic wave velocity dispersion characteristic in limestone dynamic fracture process. For this purpose, the experiment of elastic wave propagates in the limestone when cyclic loading and unloading process is conducted, and elastic wave velocity dispersion characteristic is analyzed. Based on multifractal theory and Raiga model, the influence of fracture degree on velocity dispersion characteristic is discussed qualitatively and quantitatively with evolution characteristic of the AE event. The research results indicate that there is velocity dispersion characteristic when elastic wave propagates in the limestone sample, which presents positive correlation between velocity and frequency. The variation of wave velocity dispersion characteristic is consistent with that of AE activities and both of them show a nonlinear increase trend with an increase of loading. The reason for velocity dispersion characteristic is that the retarding effect of microcracks on elastic wave velocity with different frequencies is different, and the effect is enhanced with the microcrack scale increasing. According to the variation of multifractal parameter [Formula: see text] of the AE event energy series, the limestone sample under loading experiences a transformation process from small-scale microcrack to large-scale microcrack and small-scale microcrack dominance to multi-scale microcrack coexistence, and this complex transformation process results in nonlinear variation of velocity dispersion characteristic. Further, the multifractal parameter [Formula: see text] is introduced into Raiga model to establish the velocity dispersion quantitative model. The model can describe well elastic wave velocity dispersion characteristic, and indicates quantitatively that there is an obvious nonlinear positive correlation between the dispersion characteristic and the fracture degree. The research results have important theoretical and practical significance for understanding elastic wave velocity dispersion characteristic in limestone dynamic fracture process. It can provide important support for characterizing rock fracture process using elastic wave velocity dispersion characteristic.
A Hybrid Ontology Matching Mechanism for Adaptive Educational eLearning Environments
Authors: Demertzi Vasiliki , Demertzis Konstantinos
Published: December 2022

Providing the same pedagogical and educational methods to all students is pedagogically ineffective. In contrast, the pedagogical strategies that adapt to the fundamental individual skills of the students have proved to be more effective. An important innovation in this direction is the adaptive educational systems (AESs) that adjust the teaching content on educational needs and students’ skills. Effective utilization of these approaches can be enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) and semantic web technologies that can increase data generation, access, flow, integration, and comprehension using the same open standards driving the World Wide Web. This study proposes a novel adaptive educational eLearning system (AEeLS) that can gather and analyze data from learning repositories and adapt these to the educational curriculum according to the student’s skills and experience. It is an innovative hybrid machine learning system that combines a semi-supervised classification method for ontology matching and a recommendation mechanism that uses a sophisticated way from neighborhood-based collaborative and content-based filtering techniques to provide a personalized educational environment for each student.
Synthesis and properties of 10,20-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-tetrabenzo-5,15-diazaporphine
Authors: Sugano Yuki , Matsuo Kyohei , Hayashi Hironobu , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: December 2022

A 10,20-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)tetrabenzo-5,15-diazaporphine (TIPS-TBDAP) was synthesized by the metal-template aza-annulation reaction. TIPS-TBDAP showed intense far-red fluorescence at 723 nm with a fluorescence quantum yield of 31% in chloroform solution. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that TIPS-TBDAP forms a one-dimensional slipped [Formula: see text]-stacking structure in the single crystal state. TIPS-TBDAP is soluble in common organic solvents owing to the bulky substituents and solution-processed field-effect transistors (FETs) could be fabricated. Dip-coating and single-crystal FETs showed the maximum hole mobilities of 1.5× 10[Formula: see text] and 0.16 cm2 V[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text], respectively.
How Great Power Rivalry Shapes ASEAN-centric Multilateralism: Evolution and Prospects
Authors: YUZAWA Takeshi
Published: December 2022

While historically providing ASEAN with both normative and strategic justifications for initiating “inclusive” multilateralism in the wider Asian region, great power rivalry has also functioned as a major impediment to the progress of ASEAN-led institutions beyond “dialogue” forums. In the age of fierce great power rivalry, these institutional properties have inevitably made ASEAN-led institutions become major fora for the “soft balancing” games of the great powers.
Changes and Continuities in South Korea’s Major Foreign and Security Policies under the Yoon Suk-yeol Administration
Authors: PARK Hahnkyu
Published: December 2022

Strengthening the South Korea–US alliance is South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s top priority in foreign and security policies. However, such a pro-American inclination is highly likely to create many diplomatic challenges caused by heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula and in its relations with China in the years to come. South Korea, as a middle power, should play a more proactive role in world affairs commensurate with its economic and cultural prowess in cooperation with like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sustainable and Scalable Approach for Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kumar Vinay , Devi Raman , Sisodia Avnish Kumar , Jatrana Anushree , Singh Raj Bahadur , Dahiya Rita , Mishra Ajay Kumar
Published: December 2022

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), the second most thoroughly investigated two-dimensional material after graphene, has attracted considerable interest in energy storage applications owing to its exceptional qualities, including its unique crystal structure, low electronegativity, and high specific capacity. In this study, we showed that a simple ball-milling procedure causes significant improvement in the capacitive properties of the bulk MoS2 (BL-MoS2). We characterized the material before and after the milling process using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a BET surface area analyzer to find the material’s structural, crystalline features, and surface area, respectively. We prepared electrodes of BL-MoS2 and ball-milled MoS2 (BM-MoS2) for electrochemical investigation. The charge storage characteristics were examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The BM-MoS2 and BL-MoS2 have a specific capacitance of 114 F/g and 96 F/g, respectively.
6-Gingerol Alleviates Ferroptosis and Inflammation of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Wu Shenglin , Zhu Jinxiu , Wu Guihai , Hu Zuoqi , Ying Pengxiang , Bao Zhijun , Ding Zipeng , Tan Xuerui
Published: January 2023

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can induce cardiomyocyte injury and lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) which presently has no specific treatments and consequently increase risk of mortality. Objective. To characterize the therapeutic effect of 6-gingerol (6-G) on DCM and identify its potential mechanism. Methods. In vivo streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced DM model was established by using a high-fat diet and STZ, followed by low-dose (25 mg/kg) and high-dose (75 mg/kg) 6-G intervention. For an in vitro DCM model, H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cells were stimulated with high glucose (

glucose
=
33

 mM) and palmitic acid (100 μM) and then treated with 6-G (100 μM). Histological and echocardiographic analyses were used to assess the effect of 6-G on cardiac structure and function in DCM. Western blotting, ELISA, and real-time qPCR were used to assess the expression of ferroptosis, inflammation, and the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-related proteins and RNAs. Protein expression of collagen I and collagen III was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and kits were used to assay SOD, MDA, and iron levels. Results. The results showed that 6-G decreased cardiac injury in both mouse and cell models of DCM. The cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis were attenuated by 6-G treatment in vivo and resulted in an improved heart function. 6-G inhibited the expression of ferroptosis-related protein FACL4 and the content of iron and enhanced the expression of anti-ferroptosis-related protein GPX4. In addition, 6-G also diminished the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. 6-G treatment activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, enhanced antioxidative stress capacity proved by increased activity of SOD, and decreased MDA production. Compared with in vivo, 6-G treatment of H9c2 cells treated with high glucose and palmitic acid could produce a similar effect. Conclusion. These findings suggest that 6-G could protect against DCM by the mechanism of ferroptosis inhibition and inflammation reduction via enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Biochemical Characterization of Partially Stabilized Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Cow Dung Consortium and Its Effect on the Growth Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Gatew Shetie , Mengistu Andargachew
Published: January 2023

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is a major anxious weed found in pastures, wastelands, and agricultural lands. It usually competes very well and reduces crop yield. Up-rooting and herbicides have long been used as management options for weeds. However, these methods are neither economically nor environmentally sound. Another approach is to make compost of it, transforming a problem into an opportunity. Four treatments viz. Parthenium (100%) and Parthenium to cow dung ratio (75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75 w/w) were partially stabilized for 60 days under aerated conditions. The physical and chemical characteristics of partially stabilized organic materials were analyzed and the effects of the partially stabilized organic materials on the germination and growth performance of maize (Zea mays L.) were assessed. The results revealed that pH, EC, OC, OM, TN,

P

availability, and C/N were not significantly different; this showed an insignificant difference (

P

 > 0.05) among the treatments. However, particle densities,

P

availability, EC, OC, and TN were found to be higher in 75 : 25 Parthenium cow dung ratios than in 25 : 75 ratios. Root length, shoot length, and germination index were significantly different among the treatments (

P

 ≤ 0.05). The seed germination index of maize was the highest (113%) in 75 : 25 ratios of Parthenium and cow dung followed by 50 : 50 ratios (95%) and 25 : 75 ratios (86%); relatively, low germination indices (84.86%) were recorded from partially stabilized organic materials prepared from Parthenium alone. The findings revealed that partially stabilized Parthenium mixed with cow dung could be promising for organic farming and an option for weed management.
A New Modified Kumaraswamy Distribution: Actuarial Measures and Applications
Authors: Alanzi Ayed R. A. , Rafique M. Qaisar , Tahir M. H. , Sami Waqas , Jamal Farrukh
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a new modified Kumaraswamy distribution is proposed, and some of its basic properties are presented, such as the mathematical expressions for the moments, probability weighted moments, order statistics, quantile function, reliability, and entropy measures. The parameter estimation is done via the maximum likelihood estimation method. In order to show the usefulness of the proposed model, some well‐established actuarial measures such as value‐at‐risk, expected‐shortfall, tail‐value‐at‐risk, tail‐variance, and tail‐variance‐premium are obtained. A simulation study is carried out to assess the performance of maximum likelihood estimates. The empirical analysis is carried out to show that our proposed model is better in performance as compared to other competitive models related to the extended Kumaraswamy model. Thus, insurance claim data and engineering related real‐life data sets are considered to prove this claim.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions on Bequeathing of Bodies for Medical Education and Research among Health Science Students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences
Authors: Quarshie Henrietta Enam , Maalman Raymond Saa-Eru , Ali Mahamudu Ayamba , Donkor Yaw Otchere , Ampong Kingsley , Quaye Jerry , Safianu Rufai , Ennin Isaac Ekow , Korpisah Joseph K.
Published: December 2022

Introduction. Cadaveric dissection is an established effective teaching method in anatomical science education. Cadaver acquisition for dissection is, however, based on voluntary body bequeathment. As a result of the increasing numbers of medical schools and student intake, the challenges of inadequate bodies for education became obvious in most parts of the world as the main cadaver source remains anonymous corpses in the custody of the state. Cultural and religious beliefs or commercial purposes are among the several factors that influence the decision about body bequeathal. This study investigates the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of body bequeathing among health science students who benefitted or are potential beneficiaries of cadaveric studies and identified factors influencing the bequest of bodies in Ghana for educational purposes among students in the University of Health and Allied Sciences. Method. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study recruited 513 students in the bachelor programs in medicine, physician assistantship, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, and allied health sciences at various levels. Both closed- and open-ended questions contained in the designed questionnaire were administered. Result. About 74.1% of the respondents had heard of body bequeathal. Majority (98.3%) agreed body bequeathal was important. However, only 39.6% knew the requirements and processes of body bequeathal. Most (>90%) had a negative attitude toward body bequeathal. Conclusion. The study concluded that there was a high awareness of the importance of body bequeathal for medical education and research but very low procedural knowledge on bequeathing, amongst health science students. Moreover, most were unwillingness to donate their bodies or even encourage others to donate their bodies. It is, therefore, recommended that medical schools should setup accessible body bequeathal programs that provide opportunities for interested individuals to be readily assisted through the process of body bequeathal.
The Risk Factors for Mortality among Septic Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Kattouf Nadim , Assaf Mohamad , Haidar Saadeddine , Bachir Rana , El Sayed Mazen , BouChebl Ralph
Published: December 2022

Introduction. In trauma patients, the development of sepsis as a hospital complication is significantly associated with morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess the risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality among trauma patients who developed sepsis during their hospital stay. Material and methods. Using the 2017 National Trauma Data Bank, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify adult trauma patients who developed sepsis during their hospital stay. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Results. 1782 trauma patients developed sepsis. 567 patients (31.8%) died during their hospital stay. The following patient factors were associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality: age (OR = 1.045 95% CI = 1.036–1.054), chronic renal failure (OR = 2.564 95% CI = 1.528–4.301), and liver cirrhosis (OR = 3.699 95% CI = 2.267–6.033). Patients who developed cardiac arrest (OR = 4.994 95% CI = 3.381–7.378), acute kidney injury (OR = 3.808 95% CI = 2.837–5.110), acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 1.688 95% CI = 1.197–2.379), and stroke (OR = 1.998 95% CI = 1.075–3.714) during their hospital stay had higher odds of mortality. Higher Glasgow Coma Scale (13–15) at presentation was associated with lower odds of mortality (OR = 0.467 95% CI = 0.328–0.667). Conclusion. Among trauma patients who developed sepsis, age, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, the development of cardiac arrest, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and stroke in the hospital were associated with in-hospital mortality. These factors can be used to identify patients who are at higher risk of adverse outcomes and implement standardized or protocol-driven methods to improve patient care.