bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Climbing (Bouldering) Intervention to Increase the Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon-Study Protocol for a Controlled Trial
Authors: Luttenberger Katharina , Najem Charbel , Rosenbaum Simon , Sifri Charles , Kind Leona , Baggenstos Beat
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Adolescent refugees in Lebanon and Lebanese youth are both at high risk of suffering from reduced psychological well-being. Sport is an evidence-based strategy for improving mental and physical health, and climbing is a type of sport that may positively impact both. The aim of this study is to test the effect of a manualized, psychosocial group climbing intervention on the well-being, distress, self-efficacy, and social cohesion of adolescents in Lebanon. In addition, the mechanisms behind psychological changes will be investigated. (2) Methods: In this mixed-methods waitlist-controlled study, we are allocating a minimum of 160 participants to an intervention (IG) or a control group (CG). The primary outcome is overall mental well-being (WEMWBS) after the 8-week intervention. Secondary outcomes include distress symptoms (K-6 Distress Scale), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale; GSE), and social cohesion. Potential mechanisms of change and implementation factors are being investigated through qualitative interviews with a subgroup of 40 IG participants. (3) Conclusions: The results may contribute to knowledge of sports interventions and their effects on psychological well-being and will provide insights regarding low-intensity interventions for supporting adolescent refugees and host populations in conflict-affected settings. The study was prospectively registered at the ISRCTN platform (current-controlled trials). ISRCTN13005983.
Supporting Students with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Perspective of Disability Resource Professionals
Authors: Aquino Katherine C. , Scott Sally
Published: February 2023

Utilizing national survey data, this paper details the academic and access challenges created by the pandemic for students with disabilities, as perceived by disability resource professionals. Data included in this paper capture disability support service challenges at two unique timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic—May 2020 [n = 535] and January 2021 [n = 631]. Disability resource professionals reported there was difficulty in the initial months of the pandemic for students to provide documentation of a disability to receive accommodations, use assistive technology in the new remote academic setting, and receive testing accommodations within the remote environment. While access and resources improved for students with disabilities over time, a portion of the surveyed disability resource professionals noted no observed improvement in students’ with disabilities communication with instructors as well as a worsening of conditions for students with disabilities throughout the pandemic related to access to counseling and mental health services. In addition to highlighting key obstacles faced by this student group during the pandemic, this paper provides recommendations and implications for institutions to better serve this student group, including how institutions of higher education can coordinate a holistic approach to support student mental health.
View of Times and Temporal Focus under the Pace of Life on the Impact of Intertemporal Decision Making
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Xiao , Yuan Fangyuan , Li Ying
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have explored the effects of time poverty and money worship on intertemporal decision making based on a resource scarcity perspective. However, how the pace of life affects intertemporal decision making has not been examined. Furthermore, manipulating time perceptions can influence intertemporal decision-making preferences. Based on the perspective of time perception differences, it remains unknown how views of time or temporal focus affect the intertemporal decision making of individuals with different pace of life. To address these issues, study 1 adopted a correlational study to initially explore the relationship between the pace of life and intertemporal decision making. Studies 2 and 3 used manipulation experiments to examine the effects of the pace of life and view of time and temporal focus and pace of life on intertemporal decision making. The results suggest that the faster the life pace, the more recent rewards are preferred. Views of time and temporal focus manipulations can influence the intertemporal decision making of faster-paced individuals, making them prefer smaller–sooner (SS) payoffs under a linear view of time or future temporal focus and larger–later (LL) payoffs under a circular view of time or past temporal focus. However, the manipulation does not affect the intertemporal decision of slower-paced individuals. Our study examined the effect of the pace of life on intertemporal decision making based on a resource scarcity perspective, and found boundary conditions for the influence of the view of time and temporal focus on intertemporal decision making based on the perspective of differences in people’s perception of time.
Passive Surveillance of Human-Biting Ixodes scapularis Ticks in Massachusetts from 2015–2019
Authors: Sack Alexandra , Naumova Elena N. , Price Lori Lyn , Xu Guang , Rich Stephen M.
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to analyze human-biting Ixodes scapularis ticks submitted to TickReport tick testing service from 2015–2019 in Massachusetts to (1) examine possible patterns of pathogen-positive adult and nymphal ticks over time and (2) explore how socioeconomic factors can influence tick submissions. A passive surveillance data set of ticks and tick-borne pathogens was conducted over 5 years (2015–2019) in Massachusetts. The percentages of four tick-borne pathogens: Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi were determined by Massachusetts county and by month and year. Regression models were used to examine the association between zip-code-level socioeconomic factors and submissions. A total of 13,598 I. scapularis ticks were submitted to TickReport from Massachusetts residents. The infection rate of B. burgdorferi, A. phagocytophilum, and B. microti was 39%, 8%, and 7% in adult ticks; 23%, 6%, and 5% in nymphal ticks, respectively. A relatively higher level of education was associated with high tick submission. Passive surveillance of human-biting ticks and associated pathogens is important for monitoring tick-borne diseases, detecting areas with potentially high risks, and providing public information. Socioeconomic factors should be considered to produce more generalizable passive surveillance data and to target potentially underserved areas.
It Happened in the Desert, in Libya and in Italy: Physical and Sexual Violence Experienced by Female Nigerian Victims of Trafficking in Italy
Authors: Adeyinka Sarah , Lietaert Ine , Derluyn Ilse
Published: February 2023

Nigerian girls and women constitute a large percentage of African victims of human trafficking in Italy. Extensive research has been conducted on the causes, push-and-pull factors, and the perpetrators in the phenomenon of trafficking Nigerian women and girls into Italy. However, limited data exist on the women and girls’ narratives of their experiences during their migratory journey from Nigeria to Europe. Using data collected through a mixed method, longitudinal design, 31 female Nigerian victims of trafficking in Italy were interviewed for this study. This study gives voice to the experiences of sexual violence that these women and girls encounter during transit, leading to many of them arriving in Italy severely traumatized. It also discusses the health impact of these experiences and the different survival strategies that they are forced to employ. The study shows how sexual and physical violence is employed by smugglers, traffickers, and people in authority alike. It shows that the violence experienced along the way does not end after arrival in the destination country (in this case, Italy), but is, in some cases, exacerbated and similar to previous experiences of violence.
Comprehensive Dynamic Influence of Multiple Meteorological Factors on the Detection Rate of Bacterial Foodborne Diseases under Spatio-Temporal Heterogeneity
Authors: Qi Xiaojuan , Guo Jingxian , Yao Shenjun , Liu Ting , Hou Hao , Ren Huan
Published: February 2023

Foodborne diseases are a critical public health problem worldwide and significantly impact human health, economic losses, and social dynamics. Understanding the dynamic relationship between the detection rate of bacterial foodborne diseases and a variety of meteorological factors is crucial for predicting outbreaks of bacterial foodborne diseases. This study analyzed the spatio-temporal patterns of vibriosis in Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2018 at regional and weekly scales, investigating the dynamic effects of various meteorological factors. Vibriosis had a significant temporal and spatial pattern of aggregation, and a high incidence period occurred in the summer seasons from June to August. The detection rate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in foodborne diseases was relatively high in the eastern coastal areas and northwestern Zhejiang Plain. Meteorological factors had lagging effects on the detection rate of V. parahaemolyticus (3 weeks for temperature, 8 weeks for relative humidity, 8 weeks for precipitation, and 2 weeks for sunlight hours), and the lag period varied in different spatial agglomeration regions. Therefore, disease control departments should launch vibriosis prevention and response programs that are two to eight weeks in advance of the current climate characteristics at different spatio-temporal clustering regions.
Psychosocial and Health-Related Behavioral Outcomes of a Work Readiness HIV Peer Worker Training Program
Authors: McKinney-Prupis Erin , Chiu Yung-Chen Jen , Grov Christian , Tsui Emma K. , Duke Sharen I.
Published: February 2023

Targeted work readiness training is an important approach to help people living with HIV (PLHIV) to overcome their unique barriers to work, while addressing social determinants of health needs. This study assesses the psychosocial impacts of a work readiness training and internship program among HIV peer workers in New York City. From 2014 through 2018, 137 PLHIV completed the training program, and 55 individuals completed both the training and the six-month peer internship. Depression, HIV internalized stigma, self-esteem, HIV medication adherence, patient self-advocacy, and safer sex communication apprehension were used as outcome measures. Paired t-tests were performed to determine if significant score changes occurred at the individual level before and after each training. Our results show that participating in the peer worker training program significantly decreased depression and internalized HIV stigma, and significantly increased self-esteem, medication adherence, and patient self-advocacy. The study underscores that peer worker training programs are important tools to improve not only the work readiness of PLHIV, but also psychosocial and health outcomes. Implications for HIV service providers and stakeholders are discussed.
Masticatory Efficiency in Orthodontic Patients with Craniofacial Disorder
Authors: Schmidt Maria , Slavicek Gregor , Slavicek Florian , Schulz Matthias C. , Aretxabaleta Maite , Effert Josephine , Koos Bernd , Weise Christina
Published: February 2023

This study evaluates the masticatory efficiency in patients with craniofacial disorders (CD) compared to controls (C). A total of 119 participants (7–21 years), divided into CD group (n = 42, mean age 13.45 ± 5.2 years) and C group (n = 77, mean age 14.3 ± 3.27 years) under an orthodontic treatment were included. Masticatory efficiency was assessed using a standard food model test. The masticated food was examined according to its number of particles (n) and area (mm2), wherein a higher number of particles alongside a smaller area was an indication of better masticatory efficiency. Additionally, the influence of cleft formation, chewing side, dentition stage, age and sex were evaluated. Patients with CD chewed the standardized food in fewer particles (nCD = 61.76 vs. nC = 84.58), with a significantly higher amount of area than the controls (ACD = 192.91 mm2 vs. AC = 146.84 mm2; p = 0.04). In conclusion, patients with CD showed a significantly decreased mastication efficiency compared to healthy patients. Factors such as stage of cleft formation, chewing side, dentition stage and age showed an influence on masticatory efficiency, whereas no gender effect on the masticatory efficiency of CD patients was found.
Toxic Metals, Non-Metals and Metalloids in Bottom Sediments as a Geoecological Indicator of a Water Body’s Suitability for Recreational Use
Authors: Rzetala Martyna A. , Machowski Robert , Solarski Maksymilian , Bakota Daniel , Płomiński Arkadiusz , Rzetala Mariusz
Published: February 2023

The study of bottom sediments was conducted within the basins of water bodies used for recreational purposes (e.g., bathing, fishing and diving) in the Silesian Upland and its periphery in southern Poland. Various concentrations of trace elements were found in bottom sediments, reflected by the following levels: Pb (30–3020 mg/kg), Zn (142–35,300 mg/kg), Cd (0.7–286 mg/kg), Ni (10–115 mg/kg), Cu (11–298 mg/kg), Co (3–40 mg/kg), Cr (22–203 mg/kg), As (8–178 mg/kg), Ba (263–19,300 mg/kg), Sb (0.9–52.5 mg/kg), Br (1–31 mg/kg), Sr (63–510 mg/kg) and S (0.001–4.590%). These trace elements are present in amounts that usually exceed those found in other bodies of water or are sometimes even unprecedented among bodies of water in the world (e.g., cadmium—286 mg/kg, zinc—35,300 mg/kg, lead—3020 mg/kg, arsenic—178 mg/kg). It was found that bottom sediments were contaminated to varying degrees with toxic metals, metalloids and non-metals, as evidenced by the values of geoecological indicators, i.e., the geoaccumulation index (−6.31 < Igeo < 10.90), the sediment contamination factor (0.0 ≤ Cfi < 286.0), the sediment contamination degree (4.6 < Cd < 513.1) and the ratios of the concentrations found to the regional geochemical background (0.5 < IRE < 196.9). It was concluded that the presence of toxic elements (e.g., lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium, strontium and arsenic) in bottom sediments should be taken into account when classifying water bodies as suitable for recreational use. A maximum ratio of the concentrations found to the regional geochemical background of IRE ≤ 5.0 was proposed as the threshold for the permissibility of recreational use of water bodies. The water bodies used for recreational purposes in the Silesian Upland and its periphery do not meet the geoecological conditions for safe use in terms of recreation and leisure activities. Forms of their recreational use that directly affect the participants’ health (e.g., fishing and the consumption of fish and other aquatic organisms) should be abandoned.
Degranulation of Murine Resident Cochlear Mast Cells: A Possible Factor Contributing to Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity and Neurotoxicity
Authors: Karayay Betül , Olze Heidi , Szczepek Agnieszka J.
Published: February 2023

Permanent hearing loss is one of cisplatin’s adverse effects, affecting 30–60% of cancer patients treated with that drug. Our research group recently identified resident mast cells in rodents’ cochleae and observed that the number of mast cells changed upon adding cisplatin to cochlear explants. Here, we followed that observation and found that the murine cochlear mast cells degranulate in response to cisplatin and that the mast cell stabilizer cromoglicic acid (cromolyn) inhibits this process. Additionally, cromolyn significantly prevented cisplatin-induced loss of auditory hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Our study provides the first evidence for the possible mast cell participation in cisplatin-induced damage to the inner ear.
Macrophage Biology in Human Granulomatous Skin Inflammation
Authors: Klapproth Henning , Huerta Arana Manuel , Fabri Mario
Published: February 2023

Cutaneous granulomatoses represent a heterogeneous group of diseases, which are defined by macrophage infiltration in the skin. Skin granuloma can be formed in the context of infectious and non-infectious conditions. Recent technological advances have deepened our understanding of the pathophysiology of granulomatous skin inflammation, and they provide novel insights into human tissue macrophage biology at the site of ongoing disease. Here, we discuss findings on macrophage immune function and metabolism derived from three prototypic cutaneous granulomatoses: granuloma annulare, sarcoidosis, and leprosy.
Sterile Pancreas Inflammation during Preservation and after Transplantation
Authors: Kervella Delphine , Mesnard Benoît , Prudhomme Thomas , Bruneau Sarah , Masset Christophe , Cantarovich Diego , Blancho Gilles , Branchereau Julien
Published: February 2023

The pancreas is very susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Early graft losses due to pancreatitis and thrombosis represent a major issue after pancreas transplantation. Sterile inflammation during organ procurement (during brain death and ischemia-reperfusion) and after transplantation affects organ outcomes. Sterile inflammation of the pancreas linked to ischemia-reperfusion injury involves the activation of innate immune cell subsets such as macrophages and neutrophils, following tissue damage and release of damage-associated molecular patterns and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Macrophages and neutrophils favor tissue invasion by other immune cells, have deleterious effects or functions, and promote tissue fibrosis. However, some innate cell subsets may promote tissue repair. This outburst of sterile inflammation promotes adaptive immunity activation via antigen exposure and activation of antigen-presenting cells. Better controlling sterile inflammation during pancreas preservation and after transplantation is of utmost interest in order to decrease early allograft loss (in particular thrombosis) and increase long-term allograft survival. In this regard, perfusion techniques that are currently being implemented represent a promising tool to decrease global inflammation and modulate the immune response.
Knockdown of Sly-miR164a Enhanced Plant Salt Tolerance and Improved Preharvest and Postharvest Fruit Nutrition of Tomato
Authors: Wan Xue , Wang Zhiqiang , Duan Wenhui , Huang Taishan , Song Hongmiao , Xu Xiangbin
Published: February 2023

Salinity stress is a serious limitation to tomato growth and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sly-miR164a on tomato growth and fruit nutritional quality under salt stress. The results showed that the root length, fresh weight, plant height, stem diameter and ABA content of miR164a#STTM (knockdown of Sly-miR164a) lines were higher than those of WT and miR164a#OE (overexpression of Sly-miR164a) lines under salt stress. Compared with WT, miR164a#STTM tomato lines exhibited lower ROS accumulation under salt stress. In addition, the fruits of miR164a#STTM tomato lines had higher soluble solids, lycopene, ascorbic acid (ASA) and carotenoid content compared with WT. The study indicated that tomato plants were more sensitive to salt when Sly-miR164a was overexpressed, while knockdown of Sly-miR164a enhanced plant salt tolerance and improved fruit nutritional value.
Upregulation of DJ-1 in Dopaminergic Neurons by a Physically-Modified Saline: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jana Malabendu , Dasarathy Sridevi , Ghosh Supurna , Pahan Kalipada
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in human and loss-of-functions DJ-1 mutations are associated with a familial form of early onset PD. Functionally, DJ-1 (PARK7), a neuroprotective protein, is known to support mitochondria and protect cells from oxidative stress. Mechanisms and agents by which the level of DJ-1 could be increased in the CNS are poorly described. RNS60 is a bioactive aqueous solution created by exposing normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow under high oxygen pressure. Recently we have described neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and promyelinogenic properties of RNS60. Here we delineate that RNS60 is also capable of increasing the level of DJ-1 in mouse MN9D neuronal cells and primary dopaminergic neurons, highlighting another new neuroprotective effect of RNS60. While investigating the mechanism we found the presence of cAMP response element (CRE) in DJ-1 gene promoter and stimulation of CREB activation in neuronal cells by RNS60. Accordingly, RNS60 treatment increased the recruitment of CREB to the DJ-1 gene promoter in neuronal cells. Interestingly, RNS60 treatment also induced the enrollment of CREB-binding protein (CBP), but not the other histone acetyl transferase p300, to the promoter of DJ-1 gene. Moreover, knockdown of CREB by siRNA led to the inhibition of RNS60-mediated DJ-1 upregulation, indicating an important role of CREB in DJ-1 upregulation by RNS60. Together, these results indicate that RNS60 upregulates DJ-1 in neuronal cells via CREB–CBP pathway. It may be of benefit for PD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa: Functional, Molecular and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Tamburrino Lara , Traini Giulia , Marcellini Arianna , Vignozzi Linda , Baldi Elisabetta , Marchiani Sara
Published: February 2023

Cryopreservation is an expanding strategy to allow not only fertility preservation for individuals who need such procedures because of gonadotoxic treatments, active duty in dangerous occupations or social reasons and gamete donation for couples where conception is denied, but also for animal breeding and preservation of endangered animal species. Despite the improvement in semen cryopreservation techniques and the worldwide expansion of semen banks, damage to spermatozoa and the consequent impairment of its functions still remain unsolved problems, conditioning the choice of the technique in assisted reproduction procedures. Although many studies have attempted to find solutions to limit sperm damage following cryopreservation and identify possible markers of damage susceptibility, active research in this field is still required in order to optimize the process. Here, we review the available evidence regarding structural, molecular and functional damage occurring in cryopreserved human spermatozoa and the possible strategies to prevent it and optimize the procedures. Finally, we review the results on assisted reproduction technique (ARTs) outcomes following the use of cryopreserved spermatozoa.
Unraveling the Bombus terrestris Hemolymph, an Indicator of the Immune Response to Microbial Infections, through Complementary Mass Spectrometry Approaches
Authors: Bournonville Lorène , Askri Dalel , Arafah Karim , Voisin Sébastien N. , Bocquet Michel , Bulet Philippe
Published: February 2023

Pollinators, including Bombus terrestris, are crucial for maintaining biodiversity in ecosystems and for agriculture. Deciphering their immune response under stress conditions is a key issue for protecting these populations. To assess this metric, we analyzed the B. terrestris hemolymph as an indicator of their immune status. Hemolymph analysis was carried out using mass spectrometry, MALDI molecular mass fingerprinting was used for its effectiveness in assessing the immune status, and high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to measure the impact of experimental bacterial infections on the “hemoproteome”. By infecting with three different types of bacteria, we observed that B. terrestris reacts in a specific way to bacterial attacks. Indeed, bacteria impact survival and stimulate an immune response in infected individuals, visible through changes in the molecular composition of their hemolymph. The characterization and label-free quantification of proteins involved in specific signaling pathways in bumble bees by bottom-up proteomics revealed differences in protein expression between the non-experimentally infected and the infected bees. Our results highlight the alteration of pathways involved in immune and defense reactions, stress, and energetic metabolism. Lastly, we developed molecular signatures reflecting the health status of B. terrestris to pave the way for diagnosis/prognosis tools in response to environmental stress.
Role of Plant-Derived Compounds in the Molecular Pathways Related to Inflammation
Authors: Olędzka Agata J. , Czerwińska Monika E.
Published: February 2023

Inflammation is the primary response to infection and injury. Its beneficial effect is an immediate resolution of the pathophysiological event. However, sustained production of inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species and cytokines may cause alterations in DNA integrity and lead to malignant cell transformation and cancer. More attention has recently been paid to pyroptosis, which is an inflammatory necrosis that activates inflammasomes and the secretion of cytokines. Taking into consideration that phenolic compounds are widely available in diet and medicinal plants, their role in the prevention and support of the treatment of chronic diseases is apparent. Recently, much attention has been paid to explaining the significance of isolated compounds in the molecular pathways related to inflammation. Therefore, this review aimed to screen reports concerning the molecular mode of action assigned to phenolic compounds. The most representative compounds from the classes of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and phenolic glycosides were selected for this review. Our attention was focused mainly on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Literature searching was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and Medline databases. In conclusion, based on the available literature, phenolic compounds regulate NF-κB, Nrf2, and MAPK signaling, which supports their potential role in chronic inflammatory disorders, including osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disorders.
Imbalanced IL-1B and IL-18 Expression in Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Manfrere Kelly Cristina Gomes , Torrealba Marina Passos , Ferreira Frederico Moraes , de Sousa Emanuella Sarmento Alho , Miyashiro Denis , Teixeira Franciane Mouradian Emidio , Custódio Ricardo Wesley Alberca , Nakaya Helder I. , Ramos Yasmin Alefe Leuzzi , Sotto Mirian Nacagami , Woetmann Anders , Ødum Niels , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Sanches José Antonio , Sato Maria Notomi
Published: February 2023

Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare and aggressive type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, with an abnormal inflammatory response in affected skin. The cytokines IL-1B and IL-18, as key signaling molecules in the immune system, are produced in an inactive form and cleave to the active form by inflammasomes. In this study, we assessed the skin, serum, peripheral mononuclear blood cell (PBMC) and lymph-node samples of SS patients and control groups (healthy donors (HDs) and idiopathic erythroderma (IE) nodes) to investigate the inflammatory markers IL-1B and IL-18 at the protein and transcript expression levels, as potential markers of inflammasome activation. Our findings showed increased IL-1B and decreased IL-18 protein expression in the epidermis of SS patients; however, in the dermis layer, we detected increased IL-18 protein expression. In the lymph nodes of SS patients at advanced stages of the disease (N2/N3), we also detected an enhancement of IL-18 and a downregulation of IL-1B at the protein level. Moreover, the transcriptomic analysis of the SS and IE nodes confirmed the decreased expression of IL1B and NLRP3, whereas the pathway analysis indicated a further downregulation of IL1B-associated genes. Overall, the present findings showed compartmentalized expressions of IL-1B and IL-18 and provided the first evidence of their imbalance in patients with Sézary syndrome.
Multi-Laboratory Evaluation of Prototype Dried Blood Spot Quality Control Materials for Creatine Kinase-MM Newborn Screening Assays
Authors: Dantonio Paul , Tavakoli Norma P. , Migliore Brooke , McCown Elizabeth , Lim Timothy , Park Sunju , Caggana Michele , Kucera Katerina S. , Phan Han , Street Natalie , Petritis Konstantinos , Vogt Robert F.
Published: February 2023

Pilot studies to detect newborns with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) by newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) have been conducted under the New York State Newborn Screening Program (NYS) and are currently in progress as part of the Early Check Program at Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International. The Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program (NSQAP) at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) produced a set of seven prototype dried blood spot (DBS) reference materials spiked with varying levels of creatine kinase MM isoform (CK-MM). These DBS were evaluated over a 3-week period by CDC, NYS, and RTI, all using the same CK-MM isoform-specific fluoroimmunoassay. Results from each laboratory were highly correlated with the relative proportion of CK-MM added to each of the six spiked pools. Based on reference ranges established by NYS and RTI for their pilot studies, these contrived DBS collectively spanned the CK-MM ranges found in typical newborns and the elevated ranges associated with DMD. This set allows quality assessment over the wide range of fluctuating CK-MM levels in typical and DMD-affected newborns.
Optimization of 3D Printed Rapid Prototype Deep Drawing Tools for Automotive and Railway Sheet Material Testing
Authors: Szalai Szabolcs , Herold Bálint , Kurhan Dmytro , Németh Attila , Sysyn Mykola , Fischer Szabolcs
Published: February 2023

The main objective of this research is to identify optimal printing strategies and PLA (polylactic acid) filament materials to produce rapid prototype deep drawing tools. Additive 3D printing technologies have been applied for a long time to produce tools, but the research is unique in that it uses conventional and various reinforced PLA materials with conventional FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers. The advantage of this method is that PLA is easy to print and recycle and does not require expensive or special printers, this also gives the article its novelty. A further aim was to produce the tools using commercially available low-end printers. DX53D 0.8 mm thick body steel and AlMg3 2.5 mm thick sheet were the materials to be molded for the tests. The test tool was an Erichsen deep drawing punch. Tool wear was tested using the GOM ATOS measuring system, an optical coordinate measuring machine based on the DIC (Digital Image Correlation) principle, which is also popular in the automotive industry. The study aims to determine the 3D printing and material parameters that can safely produce a minimum batch of 100 parts.
Floral Scents in Bee-Pollinated Buckwheat and Oilseed Rape under a Global Warming Scenario
Authors: Cordeiro Guaraci Duran , Dötterl Stefan
Published: February 2023

Many wild plants and crops are pollinated by insects, which often use floral scents to locate their host plants. The production and emission of floral scents are temperature-dependent; however, little is known about how global warming affects scent emissions and the attraction of pollinators. We used a combination of chemical analytical and electrophysiological approaches to quantify the influence of a global warming scenario (+5 °C in this century) on the floral scent emissions of two important crop species, i.e., buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus), and to test whether compounds that are potentially different between the treatments can be detected by their bee pollinators (Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris). We found that only buckwheat was affected by increased temperatures. Independent of temperature, the scent of oilseed rape was dominated by p-anisaldehyde and linalool, with no differences in relative scent composition and the total amount of scent. Buckwheat emitted 2.4 ng of scent per flower and hour at optimal temperatures, dominated by 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid (46%) and linalool (10%), and at warmer temperatures threefold less scent (0.7 ng/flower/hour), with increased contributions of 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid (73%) to the total scent and linalool and other compounds being absent. The antennae of the pollinators responded to various buckwheat floral scent compounds, among them compounds that disappeared at increased temperatures or were affected in their (relative) amounts. Our results highlight that increased temperatures differentially affect floral scent emissions of crop plants and that, in buckwheat, the temperature-induced changes in floral scent emissions affect the olfactory perception of the flowers by bees. Future studies should test whether these differences in olfactory perception translate into different attractiveness of buckwheat flowers to bees.
Clinical Effects of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio/Serum Albumin Ratio in Patients with Gastric Cancer after Gastrectomy
Authors: Onuma Shizune , Hashimoto Itaru , Suematsu Hideaki , Nagasawa Shinsuke , Kanematsu Kyohei , Aoyama Toru , Yamada Takanobu , Rino Yasushi , Ogata Takashi , Oshima Takashi
Published: February 2023

Preoperative inflammatory and nutritional statuses have potential prognostic effects on patients with gastric cancer (GC) after curative gastrectomy. We investigated the prognostic usefulness of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio/albumin ratio (NLR/Alb) in patients with GC. Among 483 patients who underwent gastrectomy for GC, the preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI), NLR, and NLR/Alb were calculated using preoperative blood test data. The patients were divided into the high and low PNI, NLR, and NLR/Alb groups. The associations of preoperative PNI, NLR, and NLR/Alb with clinicopathological features, 3-year (3Y) overall survival (OS) rates, and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates after gastrectomy for GC were evaluated. The number of female individuals and the C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the high- compared to the low-NLR/Alb group (both p < 0.05). The 3Y OS and 3Y RFS rates following gastrectomy were significantly lower in the high- compared to the low-NLR/Alb group (88.2% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.003 and 84.2% vs. 95.6%, p = 0.002, respectively). In multivariate analysis, high NLR/Alb could independently predict prognosis and recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–13.55; p = 0.02 and HR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.34–7.45, p = 0.009, respectively). Preoperative NLR/Alb might be a useful prognostic factor for patients with GC after curative gastrectomy.
The Usefulness of Motor Potentials Evoked Transvertebrally at Lumbar Levels for the Evaluation of Peroneal Nerve Regeneration after Experimental Repair in Rats
Authors: Czarnecki Piotr , Huber Juliusz , Szukała Agnieszka , Górecki Michał , Romanowski Leszek
Published: February 2023

Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are used in neurology as part of a precise diagnostic method to study the transmission of efferent neural impulses at the central and peripheral levels of the nervous system. Previous attempts have been made to apply MEPs in animal studies for evaluating neural transmission at the motor cortex center level to the muscles of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. In clinical and experimental studies, little attention is focused on the significance of the magnetic stimulation of spinal cord structures with the direct recording of the evoked potentials from peripheral nerve motor fibers. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the usefulness of the motor potentials evoked transvertebrally at lumbar levels in the evaluation of experimental peroneal nerve regeneration in rats. The bilateral transmission of efferent impulses in the distal parts of the peroneal and tibial nerves was verified by recordings of evoked potentials following transvertebral magnetic stimulation at lumbar levels (MEPs) and the electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in classical electroneurographic (ENG) tests for comparison. Recordings were performed 24 weeks after grafts on surgically treated hindlimbs as well as on non-operated hindlimbs as controls. Both the MEP and ENG stimulations resulted in evoked potentials with larger amplitude values following the application of the magnetic pulses, with more being recorded on the non-operated hindlimbs than on the operated ones when recordings were taken from peroneal nerve branches. We observed statistically significant correlations between the MEP and ENG results for peroneal and tibial nerve amplitude on the non-operated side and peroneal nerve amplitude on the operated side. The recorded latencies of the evoked potentials were shorter in the ENG studies than in the MEPs for the non-operated side. The results demonstrated the phenomenon of regeneration in the motor fibers of the peroneal nerves 24 weeks after grafting in the experimental conditions. In this study, the MEPs were as useful as the ENG studies for evaluating regeneration in the motor fibers of hindlimb nerves in rats, although they were not significantly different. This paper discusses the clinical importance of transvertebral MEPs induced at the lumbosacral and cervical levels with a magnetic field for the diagnostic evaluation of efferent impulse transmission at different levels of the motor pathway.
The Unexpected Identity of Tympanis vagabunda
Authors: Quijada Luis , Baral Hans-Otto , Pfister Donald H.
Published: February 2023

Tympanis species (Leotiales) are plant pathogens distributed mostly in northern temperate ecosystems. The diversity and identity of some species remains unclear. Tympanis vagabunda, found in Sicilia (Italy) on dry twigs of Rosa, Rubus, and Pistacia, is one example of an obscure and poorly known species. During the study of its type specimen in S, which contained one twig with a wood anatomy fitting neither of the three mentioned hosts, the microanatomic structures indicated that it belongs to the genus Rutstroemia (Helotiales). To investigate its identity, the types of R. fruticeti, R. juniperi, R. urceolus, and R. longiasca were studied for comparison. The species for which molecular data were available were included in a dataset that contained identified species of Rutstroemia, along with other select species from the families Rutstroemiaceae and Sclerotiniaceae. R. fruticeti, a saprobe frequently reported from Rubus fruticosus in Europe, is found to be a later synonym of T. vagabunda, and the combination Rutstroemia vagabunda is proposed. R. juniperi is an infrequently reported European species on twigs of Juniperus and is morphologically hard to distinguish from R. vagabunda; available molecular data support its recognition as a distinct species. R. longiasca differs from R. vagabunda in its black apothecia, smaller asci, and narrower ascospores. R. urceolus differs from R. vagabunda in having black apothecia and smaller inamyloid asci, and excipulum at the flanks and margin is composed of dark-walled hyphae.
Chronic Migraine as a Primary Chronic Pain Syndrome and Recommended Prophylactic Therapeutic Options: A Literature Review
Authors: Szok Délia , Csáti Anett , Vécsei László , Tajti János
Published: February 2023

Chronic pain conditions have a high socio-economic impact and represent a burden for patients, and their management is a challenge for healthcare professionals. Chronic migraine is one of the chronic primary headache disorders, which belong to chronic primary pain syndromes as per the new concept of multiple parenting. The aims of this review were to provide an overview of the latest classification systems involving both entities, the epidemiological data, and the currently recommended prophylactic treatment options for chronic migraine. Randomized controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, real-world data, and review articles were analyzed. Chronic migraine is a prevalent and highly burdensome disease and is associated with high headache-related disability and worsening health-related quality of life. Treatment of chronic migraine includes pharmacological or, in drug-refractory cases, non-pharmacological (e.g., neuromodulatory) approaches. Among pharmacological treatment options, injectable botulinum toxin type A and calcitonin gene-related peptide-targeting human and fully humanized monoclonal antibodies (i.e., eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab) are highly recommended in the preventive treatment of chronic migraine. Novel migraine-specific therapies offer a solution for this devastating and difficult-to-treat chronic pain condition.
Experimental Studies on the Seismic Performance of Prefabricated Circular Hollow Bridge Piers Constructed with PVA Fiber Concrete
Authors: Shi Jun , Deng Yuang , Zhang Yi , Shi Feiting , Yang Jian
Published: February 2023

To investigate the seismic performance of prefabricated circular hollow piers with socket and slot connection, eight 1/3.5-scale specimens constructed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber at the pier body were tested. The main test variables included the axial compression ratio, grade of pier concrete, shear-span ratio, and stirrup ratio. The seismic performance of prefabricated circular hollow piers was studied and analyzed from the aspects of the failure phenomenon, hysteresis curve, bearing capacity, ductility index, and energy dissipation capacity. The test and analysis results showed that all specimens suffered from flexural shear failure, and the increase in axial compression ratio and stirrup ratio would lead to more significant spalling of the concrete at the bottom of the specimen, but the existence of PVA fiber would improve this phenomenon. In a certain range, the increase in axial compression ratio, stirrup ratio, and the decrease in shear span ratio can improve the bearing capacity of the specimens. However, an excessive axial compression ratio would easily lead to a decrease in the ductility of the specimens. The increase in the stirrup ratio and shear-span ratio caused by the change in height can improve the energy dissipation characteristics of the specimen. On this basis, an effective shear-bearing capacity model of the plastic hinge area of prefabricated circular hollow piers was proposed, and the prediction effects of specific shear capacity models on test specimens were compared.
Study on the Heterogeneous Nucleation Mechanism of SiCp/AZ91 Magnesium Matrix Composites under Pulse Current
Authors: Hao Xi , Liu Wei , Ma Teng , Hao Weixin , Hou Hua
Published: February 2023

SiCp/AZ91D magnesium matrix composites with 30% SiCp were successfully prepared by pulsed current melting in this work. Then, the influences of the pulse current on the microstructure, phase composition, and heterogeneous nucleation of the experimental materials were analyzed in detail. The results show that the grain size of both the solidification matrix structure and SiC reinforcement are refined by pulse current treatment, and the refining effect is gradually more obvious with an increase in the pulse current peak value. Moreover, the pulse current reduces the chemical potential of the reaction between SiCp and Mg matrix, thus promoting the reaction between SiCp and the alloy melt and stimulating the formation of Al4C3 along the grain boundaries. Furthermore, Al4C3 and MgO, as heterogeneous nucleation substrates, can induce heterogeneous nucleation and refine the solidification matrix structure. Finally, when increasing the peak value of the pulse current, the repulsive force between the particles increases while the agglomeration phenomenon is suppressed, which results in the dispersed distribution of SiC reinforcements.
Valorisation of Water Potabilization Sludges as Precursors for Alkali-Activated Binders: Characterization and Feasibility Study
Authors: Clausi Marina , Pinto Daniela
Published: February 2023

Water potabilization sludges (WPS) are a heterogeneous waste generated from the coagulation–flocculation process of drinking water production, whose composition is highly dependent on the geological context of reservoirs, the composition and volume of treated water, and the types of coagulants used. For this reason, any feasible approach for reusing and valorising of such waste cannot be disregarded from the detailed investigation of its chemical and physical characteristics and they have to be evaluated at a local scale. In this study, WPS samples from two plants serving the Apulian territory (Southern Italy) were subjected for the first time to a detailed characterization with a view to evaluating their recovery and reuse at a local scale as a raw material for producing alkali activated binders. WPS samples were investigated by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) including phase quantification by the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio (RIR) methods, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Samples showed aluminium–silicate compositions with up to 37 wt% of Al2O3 and up to 28 wt% of SiO2. Small amounts of CaO were also found (6.8 and 4 wt%, respectively). The mineralogical investigation indicates the presence of illite and kaolinite as clayey crystalline phases (up to 18 wt% and 4 wt%, respectively), in addition to quartz (up to 4 wt%) and calcite (up to 6wt%) and a large amorphous fraction (63 wt% and 76 wt%, respectively). WPS were subjected to heating from 400 °C to 900 °C and mechanical treatment by high energy vibro-milling in order to determine the best pre-treatment condition in view of their use as solid precursors to prepare alkali-activated binders. Alkali activation (8M NaOH solution; room temperature curing) was attempted on untreated WPS, on 700 °C heated and on 10-minute high-energy milled samples, which were considered the most suitable based on the preliminary characterization. Investigations of alkali-activated binders confirmed the geopolymerisation reaction occurrence. Variations in gel features and compositions depended on the amount of reactive SiO2, Al2O3 and CaO available in the precursors. WPS heated at 700 °C led to the most dense and homogeneous microstructures, due to a greater availability of reactive phases. The results of this preliminary study demonstrate the technical feasibility of preparing alternative binders from the investigated Apulian WPS, paving the way for a local reuse of these waste products, leading to economic and environmental benefits.
Investigation of the Failure Modes of Textile-Reinforced Concrete and Fiber/Textile-Reinforced Concrete under Uniaxial Tensile Tests
Authors: Mattarollo Giorgio , Randl Norbert , Pauletta Margherita
Published: February 2023

Recently, innovations in textile-reinforced concrete (TRC), such as the use of basalt textile fabrics, the use of high-performance concrete (HPC) matrices, and the admixture of short fibers in a cementitious matrix, have led to a new material called fiber/textile-reinforced concrete (F/TRC), which represents a promising solution for TRC. Although these materials are used in retrofit applications, experimental investigations about the performance of basalt and carbon TRC and F/TRC with HPC matrices number, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, only a few. Therefore, an experimental investigation was conducted on 24 specimens tested under the uniaxial tensile, in which the main variables studied were the use of HPC matrices, different materials of textile fabric (basalt and carbon), the presence or absence of short steel fibers, and the overlap length of the textile fabric. From the test results, it can be seen that the mode of failure of the specimens is mainly governed by the type of textile fabric. Carbon-retrofitted specimens showed higher post-elastic displacement compared with those retrofitted with basalt textile fabrics. Short steel fibers mainly affected the load level of first cracking and ultimate tensile strength.