bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin Pre-harvest Treatments Leads to Maintenance of Sweet Cherry Quality During Storage by Increasing Antioxidant Systems
Authors: Carrión-Antolí Alberto , Martínez-Romero Domingo , Guillén Fabián , Zapata Pedro J. , Serrano María , Valero Daniel
Published: April 2022

Melatonin has been reported to have an important role in fruit ripening, although the effect of pre-harvest melatonin treatment on sweet cherry quality properties during storage is still unknown. In the present experiments, the effects of melatonin (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 Mm) by foliar spray treatments of ‘Prime Giant’ and ‘Sweet Heart’ sweet cherry trees on fruit quality traits and antioxidants systems during storage was evaluated. Results showed that these treatments reduced weight losses during storage, as well as losses in firmness and titratable acidity. In addition, changes in fruit colour and total soluble solid content were also delayed in fruit from melatonin treated trees with respect to controls. Moreover, in general, total phenolic and anthocyanin concentrations were higher in fruit from treated trees than in those from control ones, either at harvest or during the whole storage period. Finally, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase was also enhanced as a consequence of melatonin treatment. Overall results show that pre-harvest melatonin treatment delayed the post-harvest ripening process of sweet cherry fruit, leading to maintenance of their quality properties in optimum levels for consumption 2 weeks more with respect to fruit from control trees. Antioxidant systems, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic ones, were also enhanced by melatonin treatments, which would account for the delay on fruit post-harvest ripening process and fruit quality maintenance during storage.
Perceptions and Evaluations of Incivility in Public Online Discussions—Insights From Focus Groups With Different Online Actors
Authors: Bormann Marike
Published: April 2022

Incivility in public online discussions has received much scholarly attention in recent years. Still, there is controversy regarding what exactly constitutes incivility and hardly any study has examined in depth what different participants of online discussions perceive as uncivil. Building on a new theoretical approach to incivility as a violation of communication norms, this study aims to close this research gap: In five heterogenous focus groups, different types of actors in online discussions, namely community managers, users, and members of online activist groups, discussed what they perceive as norm-violating and how these violations differ in terms of severity. Results suggest that incivility is a multidimensional construct and that the severity of different norm violations varies significantly. Although the actors share a relatively large common ground as to what they perceive as uncivil, several role-specific perceptions and individual evaluation criteria become apparent. Based on the results, a differentiated typology of perceived incivility in public online discussions is developed.
The Impact of Health Information Privacy Concerns on Engagement and Payment Behaviors in Online Health Communities
Authors: Wu Banggang , Luo Peng , Li Mengqiao , Hu Xiao
Published: April 2022

Online health communities (OHCs) have enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several concerns have been raised regarding the privacy of users’ personal information in OHCs. Considering that OHCs are a type of data-sharing or data-driven platform, it is crucial to determine whether users’ health information privacy concerns influence their behaviors in OHCs. Thus, by conducting a survey, this study explores the impact of users’ health information privacy concerns on their engagement and payment behavior (Paid) in OHCs. The empirical results show that users’ concerns about health information privacy reduce their Paid in OHCs by negatively influencing their OHC engagement. Further analysis reveals that if users have higher benefit appraisals (i.e., perceived informational and emotional support from OHCs) and lower threat appraisals (i.e., perceived severity and vulnerability of information disclosure from OHCs), the negative effect of health information privacy concerns on users’ OHC engagement will decrease.
The Interactive Model of L2 Listening Processing in Chinese Bilinguals: A Multiple Mediation Analysis
Authors: Yang Yilong , Yang Guoying , Li Yadan
Published: April 2022

Second language (L2) listening is a common challenge for language learners. It remains largely unknown how bilinguals process L2 listening. The literature has suggested an interactive model of L2 listening processing. However, few studies have examined the model from an experimental approach. The current study tried to provide empirical evidence for the interactive model of L2 listening processing in bilinguals by exploring the relationships among English spoken word segmentation (SWS), cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and L2 listening proficiency. The results showed positive associations among SWS, cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and L2 listening proficiency. Mediation analysis suggested that SWS might have a positive influence on L2 listening proficiency both directly and indirectly through cognitive inhibition and cognitive flexibility, respectively. These results imply that both bottom-up (reflected at SWS) and top-down (reflected at cognitive inhibition and flexibility) processes are engaged in bilinguals’ L2 listening processing.
Reanalyzing the Maia and McClelland (2004) Empirical Data: How Do Participants Really Behave in the Iowa Gambling Task?
Authors: Chiu Yao-Chu , Huang Jong-Tsun , Lee We-Kang , Lin Ching-Jen , Lin Ching-Hung
Published: April 2022

Background

Since 2007, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) has been a standardized clinical assessment tool for assessing decision behavior in 13 psychiatric/neurological conditions. After the publication of Maia and McClelland's (1) article, there were two responses in 2005 from Bechara et al. and Maia and McClelland, respectively, discussing whether implicit emotion or explicit knowledge influences the development of foresighted decision strategies under uncertain circumstances (e.g., as simulated in the IGT).

Methods and Results

We reanalyze and verify the data obtained by Maia and McClelland (1) in their study “What participants really know in the Iowa Gambling Task” and find that decision-makers were lured into shortsighted decisions by the prospect of immediate gains and losses.

Conclusion

Although the findings of this reanalysis cannot support any arguments concerning the effect of either implicit emotion or explicit knowledge, we find evidence that, based on the gain–loss frequency in the IGT, participants behave myopically. This is consistent with most IGT-related articles (58 out of 86) in Lee et al.'s (2) cross-cultural review. Alternatively, under uncertain circumstances, there is probably no such thing as foresighted decision strategy irrespective of the proposed mechanisms of implicit emotion or explicit knowledge.
Influence of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors on Postoperative Delirium in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Secondary Analysis of a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Gong , Zhou Sai , Deng Fang
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the correlation between preoperative use of ACEIs/ARBs and postoperative delirium (POD) in surgical patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

The present study is a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study conducted at the University of Washington Medical Center from April 2007 to September 2013. Patients with PAH who underwent non-cardiac, non-obstetric surgery were enrolled in the original research. We further excluded stroke, sepsis, and craniotomy patients from interfering with POD evaluation. The univariate regression analysis and multivariate-adjusted model were used to explore the influence of preoperative ACEIs/ARBs use on the occurrence of POD.

Results

A total of 539 patients were included in this study. The incidence of POD in these patients was 3.0%. Following the adjustment of potential confounders (age, BMI, smoking status, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, length of surgery, vascular surgery, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, hydrochlorothiazide, alpha-blocker, calcium channel blocker, antiplatelet, steroids, statin, isoflurane), a negative relationship was found between preoperative use of ACEIs/ARBs and occurrence of POD (OR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.03 to 0.80, P = 0.0266).

Conclusion

Preoperative use of ACEIs/ARBs in patients with PAH reduces the risk of POD. ACEIs/ARBs may be more recommended for patients with PAH in the future.
Management of Long-Term Sores and Ulcers of Breast Cancer Survivors With Chinese Herbal Medicines: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Yuanfeng , Zhang Bing , Zhou Weilong , Lu Tao
Published: April 2022

Background

The treatment of long-term sores and ulcers of breast cancer metastatic recurrence is a serious challenge with successful cases rarely being documented. Herein we reported a successful case using the internal vitality supporting method of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM).

Case Summary

A 59-year-old female Chinese patient, 10 years after breast cancer surgery, developed metastatic lesions in the lung. Thereafter she received radiofrequency ablation and adjuvant treatments for 1 year with severe sequelae, a right unhealed sore and ulcer. She became frustrated and depressive. And subsequently sought exclusive treatment under the guidance of a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician. The patient's condition was categorized as a Qi (or vitality) deficiency-related sore and ulcer. In the next six months, the patient still follows a traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic regimen based on the internal vitality supporting method of Chinese herbs.

Conclusion

The sore and ulcer from the surgical wound were healed. Up to now, the tumor markers have remained stable. TCM personalized survivorship treatment and psychosocial support can help patients improve their quality of life after acute treatment and in the long-term for cancer survivors.
Psychosocial Work Stress and Health Risks – A Cross-Sectional Study of Shift Workers From the Hotel and Catering Industry and the Food Industry
Authors: Hunger Bettina , Seibt Reingard
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Psychosocial work stress, and shift and night work are considered risk indicators for impaired health. Using the effort-reward (ER) model, it was possible to examine which relationships exist for shift workers between clusters (CL) of different levels of psychosocial work stress and overcommitment (OC) and cardiovascular or psychological health indicators, and which predictive value is evident in individual health indicators to explain the clusters.

Methods

The data were collected as part of an occupational health prevention program. The analysis sample consisted of 199 shift workers from alternating shift systems with and without night work (43%) (average age: 40 ± 12 years, men: 47%). Psychosocial work stress was recorded using the ER imbalance (ERI) questionnaire. To determine the clusters, ERI and OC were entered into a cluster analysis. Blood pressure, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, PROCAM score (risk of a heart attack within the next 10 years), sporting activity, and smoking were included as cardiovascular indicators, psychological wellbeing (GHQ-12) and inability to recovery (IR) (FABA) as psychological health indicators. Shift system, sex, and age were entered into the statistical analyses as control variables. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify health-related predictors to explain the ER-OC clusters.

Results

Three different ER-OC clusters emerged: low-stress: 36%, normal: 44%, risk: 20%. While normal psychosocial work stress is present in the low-stress and the normal CL, in the risk CL 28% of the shift workers show a health-endangering ERI and 48% show an excessive OC. No significant cluster-specific differences were determined for the cardiovascular health indicators. Rather, the known sex and age effects were confirmed and the shift system had no significant effect. Significantly more shift workers in the risk CL had impaired psychological health (18 vs. 1/6%) and an IR (52 vs. 0/12%) than in the low-stress and normal CL. IR turned out to be the strongest predictor of the explanation for the ER-OC clusters (49%).

Conclusion

IR could be assigned an independent diagnostic value for the assessment of psychosocial work stresses and discussed as a new component of occupational health screening concepts for shift workers. Independently of this, the health indicators signal an urgent need for occupational health prevention and care.
Prediction for Origin-Destination Distribution of Dockless Shared Bicycles: A Case Study in Nanjing City
Authors: Cao Min , Liang Ying , Zhu Yanhui , Lü Guonian , Ma Zaiyang
Published: April 2022

Shared bicycles are currently widely welcomed by the public due to their flexibility and convenience; they also help reduce chemical emissions and improve public health by encouraging people to engage in physical activities. However, during their development process, the imbalance between the supply and demand of shared bicycles has restricted the public's willingness to use them. Thus, it is necessary to forecast the demand for shared bicycles in different urban regions. This article presents a prediction model called QPSO-LSTM for the origin and destination (OD) distribution of shared bicycles by combining long short-term memory (LSTM) and quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO). LSTM is a special type of recurrent neural network (RNN) that solves the long-term dependence problem existing in the general RNN, and is suitable for processing and predicting important events with very long intervals and delays in time series. QPSO is an important swarm intelligence algorithm that solves the optimization problem by simulating the process of birds searching for food. In the QPSO-LSTM model, LSTM is applied to predict the OD numbers. QPSO is used to optimize the LSTM for a problem involving a large number of hyperparameters, and the optimal combination of hyperparameters is quickly determined. Taking Nanjing as an example, the prediction model is applied to two typical areas, and the number of bicycles needed per hour in a future day is predicted. QPSO-LSTM can effectively learn the cycle regularity of the change in bicycle OD quantity. Finally, the QPSO-LSTM model is compared with the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA), back propagation (BP), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). This shows that the QPSO-LSTM prediction result is more accurate.
Factors Influencing Adolescents' Dietary Behaviors in the School and Home Environment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Trübswasser Ursula , Talsma Elise F. , Ekubay Selamawit , Poelman Maartje P. , Holdsworth Michelle , Feskens Edith J. M. , Baye Kaleab
Published: April 2022

Background

Malnutrition affects many adolescents in Ethiopia. Over one-third of adolescent girls and two-thirds of boys are thin. Overweight and obesity in Ethiopia is mostly a concern in urban populations of higher wealth quintiles. Urbanization and globalization of diets is shifting food environments. The objective of this study was to assess whether food environments in and around schools in urban Ethiopia influence dietary diversity, quality, BMI status or perceptions of adolescents.

Methods

Twelve high schools were selected in Addis Ababa (private/government). From each school, 20 pupils aged 15–19 years were randomly selected (n = 217) and interviewed about assets in their households, their diets (categorized into 10 food groups of the Minimum Dietary Diversity, the Global Dietary Recommendations scores and four categories of the NOVA classification based on level of processing) and their use of pocket money. In addition, food environment audits were conducted within the school compound and a 0.5 km radius around each school and types of food outlets.

Results

On average there were 436 food outlets and 246 food or drink advertisements around each school. The majority of the advertisements (89.9%) were of ultra-processed foods, mostly sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Most were positioned on food outlets (89.1%). SSBs or sweets were visibly on display in 26.3% of the outlets and fresh fruits and vegetables in 17.9% of outlets. Dietary diversity of adolescents was poor with an average of 3.6 food groups out of 10 consumed in the last 24 h. Ultra-processed foods and beverages were consumed by 23.5% of adolescents. The majority of adolescents spent their pocket money on SSBs, sweets or fried foods. Our analysis found that higher assets in adolescents' households were associated with higher dietary diversity and consumption of healthy food groups. We found no association between the food environment and dietary indicators or the BMI-z-score.

Conclusion

While the school food environments investigated were not conducive with promoting healthy dietary behaviors, we cannot conclude that these environmental factors directly influence adolescents' diets. The pervasive advertising and availability of unhealthy foods and beverages requires policy action for healthy school food environments.
Mind the Gap - Part 3: Doppler Velocity Measurements From Space
Authors: Kollias Pavlos , Battaglia Alessandro , Lamer Katia , Treserras Bernat Puigdomenech , Braun Scott A.
Published: April 2022

Convective motions and hydrometeor microphysical properties are highly sought-after parameters for evaluating atmospheric numerical models. With most of Earth’s surface covered by water, space-borne Doppler radars are ideal for acquiring such measurements at a global scale. While these systems have proven to be useful tools for retrieving cloud microphysical and dynamical properties from the ground, their adequacy and specific requirements for spaceborne operation still need to be evaluated. Comprehensive forward simulations enable us to assess the advantages and drawbacks of six different Doppler radar architectures currently planned or under consideration by space agencies for the study of cloud dynamics. Radar performance is examined against the state-of-the-art numerical model simulations of well-characterized shallow and deep, continental, and oceanic convective cases. Mean Doppler velocity (MDV) measurements collected at multiple frequencies (13, 35, and 94 GHz) provide complementary information in deep convective cloud systems. The high penetration capability of the 13 GHz radar enables to obtain a complete, albeit horizontally under-sampled, view of deep convective storms. The smaller instantaneous field of view (IFOV) of the 35 GHz radar captures more precise information about the location and size of convective updrafts above 5–8 km height of most systems which were determined in the portion of storms where the mass flux peak is typically located. Finally, the lower mean Doppler velocity uncertainty of displaced phase center antenna (DPCA) radars makes them an ideal system for studying microphysics in shallow convection and frontal systems, as well as ice and mixed-phase clouds. It is demonstrated that a 94 GHz DCPA system can achieve retrieval errors as low as 0.05–0.15 mm for raindrop volume-weighted mean diameter and 25% for rime fraction (for a −10 dBZ echo).
Untangling the Food Web of Suisun Marsh Using Isotopes
Authors: Newell Caroline L. , O’Rear Teejay A. , Durand John R.
Published: April 2022

What goes on beneath the waters of a marsh? What are the critters below the surface eating? Scientists who study Suisun Marsh in California find out by using a new and powerful tool called isotope analysis. With this technique, scientists untangle the complex food web of Suisun Marsh. This knowledge helps us understand what the connections are between the different types of plants and animals in the Marsh, and how changes to the system may impact these species.
Clinical Implication of Adherent Perinephric Fat in Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Validation With Video Review
Authors: Kim Hwanik , Kim Myeongju , Byun Seok-Soo , Hong Sung Kyu , Lee Sangchul
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess the impact of adherent perinephric fat (APF) on perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

Methods

A total of 562 Asian patients with kidney tumors received RAPN and their Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) scores were evaluated. APF was determined intraoperatively and confirmed by a second surgical video review and perioperative data were compared according to the MAP score. The associations of APF with clinical factors were examined using logistic regression analyses. Subgroup (classified according to who performed the surgery) analysis was conducted to assess if the perirenal dissection time is significantly correlated with APF.

Results

A total of 118 consecutive patients were classified into two groups according to APF. Patients in the APF group needed significantly longer perirenal fat dissection time (p < 0.001) and longer hospital stay (p = 0.028). MAP score (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.71, 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 1.56–4.71, p < 0.001), body mass index (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04–1.47, p = 0.016), and perirenal fat dissection time (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with the presence of APF. Perirenal fat dissection time was significantly correlated with APF presence in two of three surgeon subgroups (ß = 8.117, p = 0.023; ß = 7.239, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Preoperative MAP score and perirenal fat dissection time were significantly associated with APF during RAPN.
Application of Narrative Nursing Combined With Focused Solution Model to Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Lung Tumor During Perioperative Period
Authors: Feng Jing , Ge Ling , Jin Fengxia , Jiang Li
Published: April 2022

Background

In the face of the dual pressure of disease and operation, patients with lung tumors in the perioperative period often have adverse psychological states such as anxiety and depression. There are many risk factors affecting the psychological state of patients in the perioperative period, and there is still a lack of effective nursing countermeasures in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

We accessed our institutional database and retrospectively selected all patients with lung tumors who underwent surgical treatment between August 2018 and December 2018. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the psychological state of patients during the perioperative period, and the HAD score, medication behavior, INR monitoring behavior and life behavior before and after narrative nursing combined with focused solution model nursing were compared with those of patients receiving conventional nursing plan.

Results

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 148 cases of lung tumor patients undergoing surgical treatment were studied in this study. There were 45 cases without anxiety and depression and 103 cases with anxiety and depression in 148 patients. Income, medical environment, worry about work, family members' psychological state, family care, sleep quality, mental history, worry about postoperative pain, patients' knowledge of the diagnosis of the condition and the nature of the tumor were the single factors that affected the psychological state of patients with pulmonary tumor during perioperative period (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that income status, sleep quality, psychological status of family members, fear of postoperative pain and nature of tumor were the independent risk factors for psychological status of patients with lung tumor during perioperative period (P < 0.05). There was no difference in HAD score, medication behavior, INR monitoring behavior and life behavior score between the two groups when entering the group (P > 0.05). At the time of discharge, the HAD scores of the two groups were decreased, and those in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). At the time of discharge, medication behavior, INR monitoring behavior and life behavior of the two groups were increased, and the study group was higher than the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Income status, sleep quality, fear of postoperative pain, Patient's knowledge of their condition and nature of tumor are the independent risk factors affecting the psychological state of patients with lung tumor during perioperative period. Narrative nursing combined with focused solution model can effectively improve the anxiety and depression status of patients with lung tumor during perioperative period and enhance their compliance behavior, which is worthy of promotion.
Application of Biosheets as Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Repair Materials in a Rat Model
Authors: Mizuno Takeshi , Iwai Ryosuke , Moriwaki Takeshi , Nakayama Yasuhide
Published: April 2022

Purposes

We report the experimental use of completely autologous biomaterials (Biosheets) made by “in-body tissue architecture” that could resolve problems in artificial materials and autologous pericardium. Here, Biosheets were implanted into full-thickness right ventricular outflow tract defects in a rat model. Their feasibility as a reparative material for cardiac defects was evaluated.

Methods

As the evaluation of mechanical properties of the biosheets, the elastic moduli of the biosheets and RVOT-free walls of rats were examined using a tensile tester. Biosheets and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet were used to repair transmural defects surgically created in the right ventricular outflow tracts of adult rat hearts (n = 9, each patch group). At 4 and 12 weeks after the operation, the hearts were resected and histologically examined.

Results

The strength and elastic moduli of the biosheets were 421.3 ± 140.7 g and 2919 ± 728.9 kPa, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the native RVOT-free walls (93.5 ± 26.2 g and 778.6 ± 137.7 kPa, respectively; P < 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively). All patches were successfully implanted into the right ventricular outflow tract-free wall of rats. Dense fibrous adhesions to the sternum on the epicardial surface were also observed in 7 of 9 rats with ePTFE grafts, whereas 2 of 9 rats with biosheets. Histologically, the vascular-constructing cells were infiltrated into Biosheets. The luminal surfaces were completely endothelialized in all groups at each time point. There was also no accumulation of inflammatory cells.

Conclusions

Biosheets can be formed easily and have sufficient strength and good biocompatibility as a patch for right ventricular outflow tract repair in rats. Therefore, Biosheet may be a suitable material for reconstructive surgery of the right ventricular outflow tract.
Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion of a Novel COX-2 Inhibitor, Vitacoxib, in Rats
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Kong Jingyuan , Yang Yuxin , Liu Yu , Qiu Jicheng , Gong Xiaohui , Zhang Lu , Li Jing , Sun Feifei , Cao Xingyuan
Published: April 2022

The objectives of this study were to elucidate absorption, tissue distribution, excretion, and metabolism of vitacoxib, a novel selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in Wistar rats. Vitacoxib was detected in most tissues within 15 min, suggesting that it was well distributed. Moreover, it could cross the intestinal barrier. Vitacoxib was mainly eliminated as two metabolites. Nine proposed metabolites of vitacoxib were found in the plasma, bile, urine, and feces of rats. Two main metabolites, 4-(4-chloro-1-(5-(methyl-sulfonyl) pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl) phenyl methanol (M1) and 4-(4-chloro-1-(5-(methyl-sulfonyl) pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl) benzoic acid (M2), were identified in rat feces and urine. Further, the authentic standards of M1 and M2 were synthesized to confirm their structures. The carboxylic acid derivative was the major metabolite of vitacoxib excreted in the urine and feces. Hydroxylation of the aromatic methyl group of vitacoxib and additional oxidation of the hydroxymethyl metabolite to a carboxylic acid metabolite were the proposed metabolic pathways. Vitacoxib displayed a high AUClast (4895.73 ± 604.34 ng·h/ml), long half-life (4.25 ± 0.30 h), slow absorption (Tmax, 5.00 ± 2.00 h), and wide tissue distribution in rats. Our findings provide significant information for the further development and investigation of vitacoxib as an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, and highly its potential for use future in a clinical setting.
Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds in Food: Critical Review of Issues and Prospects
Authors: Kurek Mia , Benaida-Debbache Nadjet , Elez Garofulić Ivona , Galić Kata , Avallone Sylvie , Voilley Andrée , Waché Yves
Published: April 2022

This review paper gives an insight into the effective delivery mechanisms for health-promoting substances and highlights the challenges of using antioxidants and bioactives in foods. The selection criteria for choosing bioactives and their extraction in bioavailable form with their adequate incorporation techniques and delivery mechanisms are covered. Moreover, an overview of existing methods for determination of bioactivity is given. The importance of scientifically evaluating the effects of foods or food components on consumer health before making claims about the healthiness is aligned. Finally, a scientific perspective on how to respond to the booming demand for health-promoting products is given, and we acknowledge that despite the work done, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome.
Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Arribas Silvia M. , Martín-Cabrejas María A.
Published: April 2022

Cardiometabolic diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the beneficial effect of diets rich in fruits and vegetables is widely recognized [...]
Current Research on the Effects of Non-Digestible Carbohydrates on Metabolic Disease
Authors: Chanmuang Saoraya , Nguyen Quynh-An , Kim Hyun-Jin
Published: April 2022

Metabolic diseases (MDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes, occur when the body’s normal metabolic processes are disrupted. Behavioral risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and dietary habits are strongly associated with a higher risk of MD. However, scientific evidence strongly suggests that balanced, healthy diets containing non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs), such as dietary fiber and resistant starch, can reduce the risk of developing MD. In particular, major properties of NDCs, such as water retention, fecal bulking, viscosity, and fermentation in the gut, have been found to be important for reducing the risk of MD by decreasing blood glucose and lipid levels, increasing satiety and insulin sensitivity, and modifying the gut microbiome. Short chain fatty acids produced during the fermentation of NDCs in the gut are mainly responsible for improvement in MD. However, the effects of NDCs are dependent on the type, source, dose, and duration of NDC intake, and some of the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of NDCs on MD remain unclear. In this review, we briefly summarize current studies on the effects of NDCs on MD and discuss potential mechanisms that might contribute to further understanding these effects.
Exploration and Assessment of Interaction in an Immersive Analytics Module: A Software-Based Comparison
Authors: Karam Sofia , Jaradat Raed , Hamilton Michael A. , Dayarathna Vidanelage L. , Jones Parker , Buchanan Randy K.
Published: April 2022

The focus of computer systems in the field of visual analytics is to make the results clear and understandable. However, enhancing human-computer interaction (HCI) in the field is less investigated. Data visualization and visual analytics (VA) are usually performed using traditional desktop settings and mouse interaction. These methods are based on the window, icon, menu, and pointer (WIMP) interface, which often results in information clutter and is difficult to analyze and understand, especially by novice users. Researchers believe that introducing adequate, natural interaction techniques to the field is necessary for building effective and enjoyable visual analytics systems. This work introduces a novel virtual reality (VR) module to perform basic visual analytics tasks and aims to explore new interaction techniques in the field. A pilot study was conducted to measure the time it takes students to perform basic tasks for analytics using the developed VR module and compares it to the time it takes them to perform the same tasks using a traditional desktop to assess the effectiveness of the VR module in enhancing student’s performance. The results show that novice users (Participants with less programming experience) took about 50% less time to complete tasks using the developed VR module as a comrade to a programming language, notably R. Experts (Participants with advanced programming experience) took about the same time to complete tasks under both conditions (R and VR).
A Review of Progress and Hydrodynamic Design of Integrated Motor Pump-Jet Propulsion
Authors: Li Qiao , Abdullah Shahrir , Rasani Mohammad Rasidi Mohammad
Published: April 2022

The integrated motor pump-jet (IMP) propulsion system is a form of modern underwater vehicle propulsion that uses a modular design paradigm. The integrated motor propulsor is a compact construction consisting of a permanent magnet (PM) and a pump-jet propulsor, as well as the propulsion and electrical systems. Compactness, great reliability, and low noise are the most significant features of this technology. The primary technology research status and main application configurations of propulsion devices with an integrated motor were examined based on the working principles and attributes of the devices. The theoretical and experimental research on the design, performance analysis, and control of IMPs is discussed, covering electric motors; bearing structures; hydrodynamic design; and hydrodynamic, electromagnetic, and bearing coupling design technology. This research investigates the most recent research goals, progress, and applications of IMPs, which includes their hydrodynamic performance, cavitation, and gap flow. Finally, the future essential technologies of high power, low vibration, water-lubricated bearings, electromagnetic and bearing coupling design, and IMP antipollution and antidamage capacity are summarized.
Ex Vivo Exposure to Soft Biological Tissues by the 2-μm All-Fiber Ultrafast Holmium Laser System
Authors: Kopyeva Mariya S. , Filatova Serafima A. , Kamynin Vladimir A. , Trikshev Anton I. , Kozlikina Elizaveta I. , Astashov Vadim V. , Loschenov Victor B. , Tsvetkov Vladimir B.
Published: April 2022

We present the results of ex vivo exposure by an ultrafast all-fiber Holmium laser system to porcine longissimus muscle tissues. A simple Ho-doped laser system generated ultrashort pulsed radiation with less than 1 ps pulse width and a repetition rate of 20 MHz at a central wavelength of 2.06 μm. Single-spot ex vivo experiments were performed at an average power of 0.3 W and different exposure times of 5, 30 and 60 s, varying the total applied energy in the range of 1.5–18 J. Evaluation of laser radiation exposure was performed according to the depth and diameter of coagulation zones, ablation craters and thermal damage zones during the morphological study. Exposure by ultrashort pulsed radiation with an average power of 0.3 W showed destructive changes in the muscle tissue after 5 s and nucleation of an ablative crater. The maximum ablation efficiency was about 28% at the ablation depth and diameter of 180 μm and 500 μm, respectively. The continuous-wave radiation impact at the same parameters resulted only in heating of the near-muscular tissue, without ablation and coagulation traces. Exposure to tissue with an average power at 0.3 W of ultrashort pulsed radiation led, within 30 and 60 s, to similar results as caused by 0.5 W of continuous-wave radiation, although with less carbonization formation.
The Curcumin Supplementation with Piperine Can Influence the Acute Elevation of Exercise-Induced Cytokines: Double-Blind Crossover Study
Authors: Miranda-Castro Stéfani , Aidar Felipe J. , de Moura Samara Silva , Marcucci-Barbosa Lucas , Lobo Lázaro Fernandes , de Assis Dias Martins-Júnior Francisco , da Silva Filha Roberta , Vaz de Castro Pedro Alves Soares , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina , da Glória de Souza Danielle , da Silva Siomara Aparecida , de Castro Pinto Kelerson Mauro , de Paula Costa Guilherme , Silva Ana Filipa , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Pereira William Valadares Campos , Nunes-Silva Albená
Published: April 2022

Background: to evaluate the effects of one week of supplementation with curcumin combined with piperine on physical performance, immune system cell counts, muscle damage, and plasma levels of inflammatory markers after a treadmill running training session. Methods: This study is a double-blind, crossover-balanced clinical trial with a three-week intervention. Sixteen male runners with a mean age of 36 ± 9 years and VO2 max of 60.6 ± 9.03 mL.kg −1 min −1 were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups: the first group (CPG) was supplemented daily for 7 days with 500 mg of curcumin + 20 mg piperine, and the second group (PG) was supplemented with 540 mg of cellulose. After the 7th day of supplementation, the volunteers participated in the experimental running protocol, where blood samples were collected before, after, and one hour after exercise for analysis of the number of leukocytes, creatine kinase, and cytokine concentration (IL-2, TNF-α, IFN, IL-6, and IL-10) using flow cytometry. This process was repeated, reversing the supplementation offered to the groups. Results: curcumin and piperine supplementation could not change the physical performance, immune cell counts, and muscle damage; however, the aerobic fatiguing exercise protocol inhibited the elevation of the plasmatic levels of some cytokines. The running exercise protocol could elevate the circulating levels of IL-2 (from 49.7 to 59.3 pg/mL), TNF-α (from 48.5 to 51.5 pg/mL), INF (from 128.8 to 165.0 pg/mL), IL-6 (from 63.1 to 77.3 pg/mL), and IL-10 (from 48.9 to 59.6 pg/mL) 1 h after the end of the running protocol. However, the curcumin and piperine supplementation could inhibit this elevation. Conclusions: curcumin and piperine supplementation had no effect on physical performance, immune cell counts, or muscle damage; however, the supplementation could modulate the kinetics of IL-2, TNF-α, INF, IL-6, and IL-10 1 h after the end of exercise.
Survival of Hydrops Fetalis with and without Fetal Intervention
Authors: Huang Yu-Yun , Chang Yu-Jun , Chen Lih-Ju , Lee Cheng-Han , Chen Hsiao-Neng , Chen Jia-Yuh , Chen Ming , Hsiao Chien-Chou
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To investigate the survival rate of hydrops fetalis after fetal interventions and neonatal intensive care. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with hydrops fetalis from January 2009 to December 2019 at Changhua Christian Children’s Hospital. All cases had abnormal fluid accumulation in at least two body compartments during pre- and postnatal examination. The primary outcome measure was the mortality rate. We also collected information regarding disease etiology, duration of hospital stay, Apgar score, gestational age at birth, initial hydrops fetalis diagnosis, fetal intervention, first albumin and pH levels, and maternal history. Results: Of the 42 cases enrolled, 30 survived and 12 died; the mortality rate was 28.6%. Furthermore, 22 cases received fetal intervention, while 20 cases did not; there was no significant difference in their survival rates (75% and 68%, respectively). Survival rate was associated with gestational age at birth, initial diagnosis time, birthweight, Apgar score, initial albumin and pH levels, and gestational hypertension. Only one case was immune-mediated. Among the nonimmune-mediated cases, the three most common etiologies were lymphatic dysplasia (12/42), idiopathic disorders (10/42), and cardiovascular disorders (5/42). Conclusions: Overall, hydrops fetalis was diagnosed early, and fetal intervention was performed in a timely manner. Preterm births were more frequent, and birthweight was lower in the cases that underwent fetal intervention than in those that did not, but there was no significant between-group difference in mortality. The initial diagnosis time, gestational age at birth, birthweight, Apgar score, and first albumin and pH levels were independently associated with mortality.
Severe Cranio-Cervical Stenosis in a Child with Saul-Wilson Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Koruga Nenad , Pušeljić Silvija , Tomac Višnja , Soldo Koruga Anamarija , Marjanac Igor , Biljan Borna , Šantić Krešimir , Lenz Ivana , Pušeljić Nora
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Saul Wilson syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by a variety of symptoms, mostly skeletal changes. Saul and Wilson were the first to describe children with extremely short stature and craniofacial dysmorphism. Case report: We present a case of a 15-years-old boy with clinical and radiological characteristics of SWS. Genetic examination identified a pathogenic heterozygous variant in the COG4 gene. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a critical stenosis of the cranio-cervical junction (CCJ) which required surgical treatment to attempt sufficient neurological decompression. The patient underwent decompression of CCJ under general anesthesia. There was no significant radiological and clinical improvement during the postoperative period. Conclusions: SWS is presented as an extremely rare congenital disease in children. The clinical condition of our patient confined surgical possibilities, therefore further treatment in such patients should be appropriately evaluated.
Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Breast Cancer Follow-Ups: Comparison of Virtual Monoenergetic Images and Iodine-Map
Authors: Li Jun-Xian , Xie Feng-Ji , Chen Chia-Hui , Chen Kuan-Ming , Tsai Chia-Jung
Published: April 2022

Differentiating tumor tissue from dense breast tissue can be difficult. Dual-energy CT (DECT) could be suitable for making diagnoses at breast cancer follow-ups. This study investigated the contrast in DECT images and iodine maps for patients with breast cancer being followed-up. Chest CT images captured in 2019 were collected. Five cases of metastatic breast cancer in the lungs were analyzed; the contrast-to-noise ratio (for breast tissue and muscle: CNRb and CNRm, respectively), tumor-to-breast mammary gland ratio (T/B), and tumor-to-muscle ratio (T/M) were calculated. For 84 cases of no metastasis, monochromatic spectral and iodine maps were obtained to compare differences under various breast densities using the K-means algorithm. The optimal T/B, T/M, and CNRb (related to mammary glands) were achieved for the 40-keV image. Conversely, CNRm (related to lungs) was better for higher energy. The optimal balance was achieved at 80 keV. T/B, T/M, and CNR were excellent for iodine maps, particularly for density > 25%. In conclusion, energy of 80 keV is the parameter most suitable for observing the breast and lungs simultaneously by using monochromatic spectral images. Adding iodine mapping can be appropriate when a patient’s breast density is greater than 25%.
Maritime Policy Design Framework with ESG Performance Approach: Case of Estonia
Authors: Nõmmela Kaidi , Kõrbe Kaare Kati
Published: April 2022

In policy-making, the design of a policy is considered to be one of the most significant steps. A well designed policy will be able to solve sectoral problems across stakeholders as well as support the competitive development of the entire economy. Enterprises of the maritime sector have been influenced by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) changes with the push coming from financiers, insurers, regulators, and customers. To meet the ESG challenges and utilize the benefits ahead, they need to be addressed in the new policy design processes. The specificities of a maritime sector as well as science-based policy-making framework are the fundamentals of successful maritime policy development. Estonia is located on the eastern border of the EU, and has always aimed to be a maritime state. National maritime policy has been adopted (2012–2020) and currently, the Estonian Transport and Mobility Master Plan incorporates maritime aspects. Actors of the maritime sector have remained dissatisfied and advocate the reinstatement and redevelopment of Estonian maritime policy. The aim of this study was to present a framework for the design of maritime policy that uses maritime economics, ESG performance goals, and policy design analyses as inputs. As a result, a maritime policy design framework is proposed.
Experimental and Analytical Studies of Reciprocating Flow Heat Transfer in a Reciprocating Loop Device for Electronics Cooling
Authors: Alam Mohammad Didarul , Almas Majid , Soleimanikutanaei Soheil , Cao Yiding
Published: April 2022

The thermal management of electronics is essential, since their lifetime and reliability are highly dependent on their operating temperature and temperature uniformity. Regarding that, Reciprocating-Mechanism Driven Heat Loop (RMDHL) technology has been invented and shows potentiality to become an effective high heat flux cooling system. In this paper, the performance of a reciprocating cooling loop, in terms of heat transfer and temperature distribution, is studied experimentally and analytically. The experimental results showed that, as the reciprocating flow amplitude increases, the loop surface temperature decreases, and the temperature uniformity along the loop improves. However, in contrast to the amplitude effect, a higher frequency may not necessarily improve the temperature uniformity, although the condenser section temperature may be lower. Further, adiabatic section temperature appears to be insensitive to the reciprocating frequency. The experimental results were then summarized in a semi-empirical correlation that demonstrates a useful design tool for the thermal engineer community. Additionally, the analytical results provide critical design requirements that should be considered during Reciprocating-Mechanism Driven Heat Loop (RMDHL) system design.
Gender Mediation in Adolescents’ Back Pain and Physical Fitness: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: González-Gálvez Noelia , Carrasco-Poyatos María , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel , Marcos-Pardo Pablo J.
Published: April 2022

There is a lack of studies that analyze the interaction between risk variables as predictors of back pain (BP) in adolescents. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between BP and several risk variables, and to analyze the effect of the mediation of gender in this association. This cross-sectional study included n = 617 adolescents (mean age: 14.10 ± 1.18 years old) who completed the BP Adolescent Survey and who performed the bench trunk curl (BTC) and Sorensen (SOR) tests. Males showed a significantly lower prevalence (OR: 0.67) and frequency (contingency coefficient: 1.73) of BP than females, less participation in leisure-time sedentary behaviors (LRSBs) per day of more than 2 h (Cramer’s V: 0.110), a higher sufficient Physical Activity (PA) (Cramer’s V: 0.323) and a higher score in the BTC test (Contingency coefficient: 0.346). A high BTC score indicated significantly lower risk of BP than mid (OR: 1.74; p = 0.025) or low (OR: 1.62; p = 0.022) BTC. The mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect with a significant value for the Sobel test (z = 7.45 ± 0.111). When the BTC test value was included in the equations, the connection between gender and BP was no longer significant. There was a difference in the prevalence between gender in BP and LRSB and PA. BP was associated with the SOR test. The association between BP and gender was mediated by SOR results.