bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topography and Soil Organic Carbon in Subtropical Forests of China
Authors: Zhou Tao , Lv Yulong , Xie Binglou , Xu Lin , Zhou Yufeng , Mei Tingting , Li Yongfu , Yuan Ning , Shi Yongjun
Published: May 2023

Soil organic carbon (SOC) strongly contributes to the operation of the global carbon cycling, and topographical factors largely influence its spatial distribution. However, SOC distribution and its leading topographical impact factors in subtropical forest ecosystems (e.g., the Zhejiang Province in China) have received relatively limited attention from researchers. In this study, 255 forest soil samples were collected from the Zhejiang Province to quantify the spatial variation in SOC and impact factors in subtropical forests. The SOC contents over soil profiles were 35.95 ± 22.58 g/kg, 20.98 ± 15.26 g/kg, and 13.77 ± 11.28 g/kg at depths of 0–10 cm, 10–30 cm, and 30–60 cm, respectively. The coefficient variations at different depths were 62.81% (0–10 cm), 72.74% (10–30 cm), and 81.92% (30–60 cm), respectively. SOC content shows a moderate intensity variation in the Zhejiang Province. The nugget coefficients of the SOC content for the three depths were 0.809 (0–10 cm), 0.846 (10–30 cm), and 0.977 (30–60 cm), respectively. Structural factors mainly influence SOC content. SOC content is positively correlated with elevation and slope, and negatively correlated with slope position (p < 0.05). However, the SOC content was negatively correlated with slope in mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest. The distribution of the SOC content was relatively balanced between different slope positions. However, the differences became obvious when forest types were distinguished. Topographical factors affected the SOC content differently: elevation > slope > slope position. Slope becomes the main influencing factor in 30–60 cm soil. Forest type significantly influenced the SOC content but with a low statistical explanation compared to topographical factors. Topography has different effects on SOC of different forest types in subtropical forests. This reminds us that in future research, we should consider the combination of topography and forest types.
Neurobehavioral Effects of Fermented Rice Bran Extract in Zebrafish Larvae Model
Authors: Chae Jin Sil , Kim Seong Soon , Hwang Kyu-Seok , Kan Hyemin , Yang Jung Yoon , Lee Byunghoi , Shin Dae-Seop , Park Byounghee , Bae Myung Ae
Published: May 2023

Rice bran (RB) is a promising food ingredient that can improve biological function. In this study, we investigated the effects of RB, both unfermented (RB30) and fermented (RBF30), with five different microorganisms on the neurobehavioral activity in zebrafish larvae. Analytical methods such as LC–UV and LC–MS were performed for the analysis of RB30 and RBF30 extracts. Interestingly, niacin content, which is known to improve brain functions such as cognition and emotion, was found to be higher in RBF30 than in RB30. Furthermore, niacin content was highly increased in the RBF30-exposed fish, compared to those in the control fish. Therefore, we profiled behavioral patterns and various neurochemistry in zebrafish larvae following supplementation with RBF30 as well as performed calcium imaging on Tg (huC:GAL4-VP16); (UAS:GCaMP7a) zebrafish larvae to determine the correlation of neural activity. RBF30 revealed greater stimulation of locomotor activity without negatively affecting decision-making behavior in zebrafish larvae, as compared to RB30 or niacin. Its behavioral activation is mainly linked with the elevations of neural activity and several neurochemicals such as serotonergic and dopaminergic systems that are implicated in the control of anxiety and stress. Taken together, these results suggest that RBF30 could be a food material that improves the behavioral health by modulating neural activity and brain neurochemistry.
Post-Fire Seismic Property of Reinforced Concrete Frame Joints with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Using Numerical Analysis
Authors: Wang Jinyan , Yue Xingchao , Li Fuli , Sun Yuzhou , Li Ziqi
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the post-fire seismic characteristics of reinforced concrete frame joints with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) under low-cycle reciprocating loads through numerical analysis. Finite element simulations were conducted to examine the hysteretic curve, skeleton curve, energy dissipation, and stress distribution of the reinforced joints. The findings revealed that, relative to unreinforced joints post-fire, the bearing capacity of the reinforced joints remained essentially unaltered during the elastic phase. However, their ultimate bearing capacity, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility exhibited varying degrees of enhancement. Interestingly, this augmentation did not persist as the number of reinforcement layers increased. The optimal reinforcing effect was observed with the application of two reinforcement layers, resulting in a 30.3% increase in ultimate bearing capacity and a 26.5% improvement in energy dissipation capacity. Moreover, as the axial compression ratio increased, the high-stress zones within the joint expanded, and the failure mode transitioned from plastic damage at the beam end of the joint under low axial compression ratios to column crushing failure under high axial compression ratios.
Assessing the Response of Different Soil Arthropod Communities to Fire: A Case Study from Northwestern Africa
Authors: EL Khayati Mounia , Chergui Brahim , Barranco Pablo , Fahd Soumia , Ruiz José L. , Taheri Ahmed , Santos Xavier
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, forest fires in the Mediterranean basin have been increasing in frequency, intensity, and the area burnt. Simultaneously, insects, a group with extraordinary biodiversity that provides vital ecosystem services such as pollination and decomposition, are undergoing a precipitous decline. Unfortunately, the impact of fire on arthropod communities has been poorly addressed despite the high diversity of taxonomic and functional arthropod groups. Responses to fire can differ considerably, depending on the life history and functional traits of the species. In the present study, we investigate the short-term impact of fire (three years after a blaze) on the abundance and species composition of soil arthropods in a burnt pine forest located in Ceuta (Spain, northwestern Africa). Soil arthropods were collected from pitfall traps in burnt and unburnt pine forest sampling points. In terms of total abundance per taxonomic order, Blattodea and Diptera were the only orders seemingly affected by the fire, whereas other arthropod groups (e.g., Araneae, Coleoptera, and Isopoda) showed no differences. In terms of species composition, Coleoptera and Formicidae (Hymenoptera) communities differed between burnt and unburnt sampling points, having more species associated with burnt areas than with unburnt ones. In burnt areas, some species from open areas built nests, fed in/on the ground, and dispersed over longer distances. Within the unburnt plots, we found more species in vegetated habitats, particularly those with shorter dispersal distances. We conclude that arthropod communities differ between burnt and unburnt sites and that the response of each taxon appears to be related to particular functional traits such as habitat preference (from open to forested landscapes) and ecological specialization (from generalist to specialist species).
Microencapsulation of Bacillus subtilis E20 Probiotic, a Promising Approach for the Enrichment of Intestinal Microbiome in White Shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Cheng Ann-Chang , Ballantyne Rolissa , Chiu Shieh-Tsung , Liu Chun-Hung
Published: May 2023

Microencapsulation is an advanced technique used to improve the viability of probiotics and minimize sensitivity during processing, storage, and in the gastrointestinal environment. Two dietary treatments including a control and an encapsulated probiotic, Bacillus subtilis E20 (EP), were used to evaluate the efficacy in improving the intestinal microbiome of white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, after a 60-feeding trial. The 16S rDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis indicated that shrimp fed the EP diet generated higher amplicon reads than shrimp fed the control diet. No significant differences were observed in the α-diversity index of the intestinal microbiota of shrimp that were fed the control and EP diet. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria was relatively abundant in the microbiota of shrimp fed both the control and EP diet. The treatment with EP increased the expression of Tenericutes, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, more than the control. The PC analysis revealed that the EP diet altered the bacterial profile in shrimp’s intestines into forming different clusters. Unique genera such as Luteolibacter, Simkaniaceae, Haemophilus, Pirellulaceae, Filomicrobium, Sphingomonas, and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003 along with well-known probiotic genera Bacillus and Lactobacillus were found in the intestine of shrimp fed the EP diet. The PCA eigenvector plots indicated a higher abundance of Bacillus in shrimp fed with EP diet, but a higher abundance of Vibrio in shrimp fed with control diet. These results suggest that encapsulated B. subtilis E20 can be beneficial to shrimp microbiota.
Analysis of Phospholipids in Digestion Using Hybrid IDA and SWATH Acquisition: An Example for Krill Oil
Authors: Shi Jiachen , Wang Yanan , Liu Yuanfa , Xu Yongjiang
Published: May 2023

The composition and digestion of phospholipid-rich foods have important effects on the health of the body. Herein, a model-assisted liquid chromatography coupling mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was established to analyze the phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) species in krill oil before and after digestion. According to the confirmed PC and LPC species in the IDA (information dependent acquisition) results, three categories of mathematical models were set up, involving the retention time (RT), carbon number and unsaturation degree of the fatty acyl chain. All of the regression coefficient values (R2) were greater than 0.90, showing satisfactory fitting results. On this basis, using the computationally created precursor ion mass of PC and LPC species, 12 extra PC species and 4 LPC species were found in the SWATH (sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ions) results. The PC and LPC compositions in the final digestive products had obvious differences among the different krill oils with different phospholipid content. Furthermore, more than half of the LPC species in the final digestive products were newly generated, indicating that LPC was one of basic constituents in the digestive products of krill oil. In conclusion, model-assisted hybrid IDA and SWATH acquisition has excellent detection performance, contributing to deep studies of the formations and functions of phospholipids.
On Solvability of Some Inverse Problems for a Fractional Parabolic Equation with a Nonlocal Biharmonic Operator
Authors: Muratbekova Moldir , Kadirkulov Bakhtiyar , Koshanova Maira , Turmetov Batirkhan
Published: May 2023

The paper considers the solvability of some inverse problems for fractional differential equations with a nonlocal biharmonic operator, which is introduced with the help of involutive transformations in two space variables. The considered problems are solved using the Fourier method. The properties of eigenfunctions and associated functions of the corresponding spectral problems are studied. Theorems on the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the studied problems are proved.
Recent Progress in Gels for Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Pușcașu Ciprian , Zanfirescu Anca , Negreș Simona
Published: May 2023

Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While several treatment options are available, they often have limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects. In recent years, gels have emerged as a promising option for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Inclusion of various nanocarriers, such as cubosomes and niosomes, into gels results in pharmaceutical forms with higher drug stability and increased drug penetration into tissues compared to products currently marketed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, these compounds usually provide sustained drug release and are biocompatible and biodegradable, which makes them a safe option for drug delivery. The purpose of this narrative review was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the field and identify potential directions for future research in the development of effective and safe gels for the treatment of neuropathic pain, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
Education Intervention Has the Potential to Improve Short-Term Dietary Pattern among Older Adults with Undernutrition
Authors: Vijewardane Samantha Chandrika , Balasuriya Aindralal , Johnstone Alexandra M. , Myint Phyo Kyaw
Published: May 2023

Low-cost educational interventions to improve dietary pattern is a pragmatic solution to prevent undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries. A prospective nutritional education intervention was conducted among older adults aged 60 years or above with undernutrition with 60 people in each intervention and control group. The objective was to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a community-based nutrition education intervention to improve the dietary pattern of older adults with undernutrition in Sri Lanka. The intervention consisted of two modules to improve the diversity, the variety of diet, and the serving sizes of food consumed. The primary outcome was the improvement of the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and the secondary outcomes were the Food Variety Score and Dietary Serving Score, which was assessed using the 24 h dietary recall. The mean difference in scores between the two groups was compared using the independent sample t-test at baseline, two weeks and three months post-intervention. Baseline characteristics were comparable. After two weeks, only the difference in DDS between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.002). However, this was not sustained at three months (p = 0.08). This study concludes that nutrition education interventions have the potential for short-term improvement in dietary patterns in older adults in a Sri Lanka setting.
Exploring the Relationship between Callous-Unemotional Traits and Implicit Attitudes toward Violence
Authors: Olivera-La Rosa Antonio , Amador Omar , Chuquichambi Erick G. , Carmona-Cardona César Andrés , Acosta-Tobón Sergio Andrés , Arango-Tobón Olber Eduardo , Villacampa Javier
Published: May 2023

Past research has associated callous-unemotional traits (CU) in young people with serious conduct problems and antisocial behavior. However, whether CU traits influence implicit attitudes toward violence remains largely unexplored. We assess this hypothesis in two independent samples: a sample of youth with no criminal records (Study 1, N = 86), and in a sample of young offenders (Study 2, N = 61). Both groups were not compared due to theoretical (very different demographics) and statistical reasons (the total sample was insufficient to be able to reach the statistical power required in the comparison of both groups). Further, we use an implicit procedure to examine whether CU traits modulate wanting for violent stimuli. Across two samples of youth, we found little evidence of an association between CU traits and implicit violent cognition. In youth with no criminal records, implicit attitudes toward violence were related to the unemotional factor of CU traits, but unrelated to other factors and to a global CU traits score. CU traits were not associated with implicit attitudes toward violence in young offenders. The latter finding was mirrored in the implicit wanting task. Overall, our findings cast some doubts on the adequacy of implicit measures to assess implicit violent cognition in youth with CU traits. We discuss potential methodological limitations of this research (e.g., characteristics of the sample and performance in the implicit procedures) that may impact our results.
Prevalence and Annual Health Insurance Cost of Endometriosis in Hungary—A Nationwide Study Based on Routinely Collected, Real-World Health Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Csákvári Tímea , Pónusz-Kovács Dalma , Kajos Luca Fanni , Elmer Diána , Pónusz Róbert , Kovács Bettina , Várnagy Ákos , Kovács Kálmán , Bódis József , Boncz Imre
Published: May 2023

Endometriosis is a disease that is often diagnosed late and that may lead to significant reduction in quality of life and serious complications (e.g., infertility). We aimed to assess the prevalence and the annual, nationwide health insurance treatment cost of endometriosis in Hungary using a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional method, focusing on the year 2019. We used claims data obtained from the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund Administration (NHIFA). Patient numbers, total and age-specific prevalence, annual health insurance expenditure, and the distribution of costs across age groups were determined. The NHIFA spent a total of HUF 619.95 million (EUR 1.91 million) on endometriosis treatment. The highest number of patients and prevalence (10,058 women, 197.3 per 100,000) were found in outpatient care. In acute inpatient care, prevalence was substantially lower (23.5 per 100,000). Endometriosis, regardless of its type, affects 30–39-year-olds in the highest number: 4397 women (694.96 per 100,000) in this age group were affected in 2019. The average annual health insurance expenditure per capita was EUR 189.45. In addition to early detection and diagnosis of endometriosis, it is of pivotal importance to provide adequate therapy to reduce costs and reduce the burden on the care system.
Differential Response of Olive Cultivars to Leaf Spot Disease (Fusicladium oleagineum) under Climate Warming Conditions in Morocco
Authors: Habbadi Khaoula , Maafa Ilyass , Benbouazza Abdellatif , Aoujil Faiçal , Choukri Hasnae , El Houssaini Salma El Iraqui , El Bakkali Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Olive leaf spot (OLS), also called olive scab and peacock eye, caused by Fusicladium oleagineum, is a major disease that causes significant damage to olive trees. However, we still lack information about how cultivar and environmental factors influence disease development. In this study, evaluation of the incidence and severity on twenty olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.), maintained in an ex situ collection in Morocco, was carried out monthly during the period from March to July 2021. Biochemical parameters were also evaluated for each cultivar including leaf chlorophyll, polyphenols and flavonoid contents. Results revealed that the OLS incidence was highly correlated with severity (r = 0.94) and found to be related to climatic conditions and cultivars. The studied cultivars were classified into four major groups, i.e., susceptible, moderately susceptible, moderately resistant and resistant. Finally, our investigations revealed a partial relationship between resistance to the OLS disease and phenolic and flavonoid leaf contents, supporting the assumption of the potential involvement of such components in cultivar resistance to the disease. Overall, our work highlights the importance of characterizing olive cultivar resistance to OLS in driving the choice of the best varieties for an effective control of the disease in specific warming regions such as Morocco.
Understanding Latinx Farmers in Pennsylvania to Meet Their Needs for Non-Formal Education
Authors: Huerta-Arredondo Ilse A. , Sánchez Elsa , Ewing John
Published: May 2023

Latinx/Hispanic farmers are an underrepresented group with the largest number of farm operators in the US. However, agricultural educators have encountered challenges in identifying Latinx farmers in Pennsylvania and consequently, in meeting their needs. This study aims to contribute to improved agricultural programming by offering an exploratory overview of Latinx farmers in the Commonwealth, and to bring to light the experiences of Extension educators when working with Latinxs in the agricultural context. Qualitative research interviews were conducted with seventeen Latinxs at different stages of their farming journey, and with twelve educators with experience in agriculture programming and outreach to Latinxs. Latinx farmers discussed the characteristics, goals, challenges, and solutions of their farming operations. Educators discussed their motivations to serve Latinx farmers, the challenges they face in meeting their needs, and the implementation of targeted strategies for successful programming. Both groups discussed challenges they believe Latinx farmers face due to their ethnicity and provided recommendations to better serve the Latinx farming population. Based on the findings, agricultural educators could support Latinx farmers by developing statewide programming, including programming in Spanish, having employers allocate a percentage of educators’ responsibilities to connecting with this audience, creating a Latinx farmers’ network, partnering with organizations connected with Latinx farmers, participating in cultural competency training, and promoting stories of success. Our methodology and findings can be adapted to educators in other locations working with minority populations.
Validating the Quality of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) for Flood Modeling of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas
Authors: Chow T. Edwin , Chien Joyce , Meitzen Kimberly
Published: May 2023

The primary objective of this study was to examine the quality of volunteered geographic information (VGI) data for flood mapping of Hurricane Harvey. As a crowdsourcing platform, the U-Flood project mapped flooded streets in the Houston metro area. This research examines the following: (1) If there are any significant differences in water depth (WD) among the hydraulic and hydrologic (H&H) model, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reference floodplain map, and the VGI? (2) Are there any significant differences in the inundated areas between the floodplain modeled by the VGI and hydraulic simulation? This study used HEC-RAS to simulate flood inundation maps and validated the results with high water marks (HWM) and the FEMA-modeled floodplain after Hurricane Harvey. The statistical results showed that there were significant differences in the WD, the inundated road count, and the length inside/outside of HEC-RAS-modeled floodplain. The results also showed that a less consistent decreasing trend between the U-Flood data and the modeled floodplain over time and space. This study empirically evaluated the data quality of the VGI based on observed and modeled data in flood monitoring. The findings from this study fill the gaps in the literature by assessing the uncertainty and data quality of VGI, providing insights into using supplementary data in flood mapping research.
Correction: Bednarek et al. The Prevalence of Diabetes among Hypertensive Polish in Relation to Sex-Difference in Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Body Fat Percentage and Age. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 9458
Authors: Bednarek Anna Maria , Owczarek Aleksander Jerzy , Chudek Anna , Almgren-Rachtan Agnieszka , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena , Chudek Jerzy
Published: May 2023

In the original publication [...]
The Most Vulnerable Hispanic Immigrants in New York City: Structural Racism and Gendered Differences in COVID-19 Deaths
Authors: Fuentes-Mayorga Norma , Cuecuecha Mendoza Alfredo
Published: May 2023

This paper explores the structural and group-specific factors explaining the excess death rates experienced by the Hispanic population in New York City during the peak years of the coronavirus pandemic. Neighborhood-level analysis of Census data allows an exploration of the relation between Hispanic COVID-19 deaths and spatial concentration, conceived in this study as a proxy for structural racism. This analysis also provides a more detailed exploration of the role of gender in understanding the effects of spatial segregation among different Hispanic subgroups, as gender has emerged as a significant variable in explaining the structural and social effects of COVID-19. Our results show a positive correlation between COVID-19 death rates and the share of Hispanic neighborhood residents. However, for men, this correlation cannot be explained by the characteristics of the neighborhood, as it is for women. In sum, we find: (a) differences in mortality risks between Hispanic men and women; (b) that weathering effects increase mortality risks the longer Hispanic immigrant groups reside in the U.S.; (c) that Hispanic males experience greater contagion and mortality risks associated with the workplace; and (d) we find evidence corroborating the importance of access to health insurance and citizenship status in reducing mortality risks. The findings propose revisiting the Hispanic health paradox with the use of structural racism and gendered frameworks.
Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Unconditional Self-Kindness Scale (USKS)
Authors: Poli Andrea , Miccoli Mario
Published: May 2023

Western psychology and social sciences have long emphasized the value of a positive attitude toward oneself. Previous research had developed psychometric tools assessing self-compassion, defined as being open to and moved by one’s own suffering. However, self-compassion did not describe whether people actually applied such protective factors when acutely faced with threats. The Unconditional Self-Kindness Scale (USKS) was developed as a tool to measure the behavioral response of self-kindness during an acute presence of threat to the self and not just as a general attitude when threat is absent. Since it can be experienced even in the most challenging situations and may promote resilience, this kindness may be defined as unconditional. We validated the Italian version of the USKS and found that the scale retained a one-factor structure. The USKS showed sound psychometric properties and good convergent validity since it was found to show very strong correlations with the Self-Compassion Scale-Short-Form and the Reassure Self subscale of the Forms of Self-criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS). In addition, the USKS showed good discriminant validity since it was found to show a negative moderate correlation and a negative strong correlation with the HS subscale and with the IS subscale of the FSCRS, respectively. Finally, the USKS showed good test–retest reliability and its use is encouraged in clinical and research settings in which the assessment of a positive attitude toward oneself during an acute presence of threat to the self is of interest.
The Effect of Financial Policies Implemented during COVID-19 on Bank Credit in the Central American Region
Authors: Ventosa-Santaulària Daniel , Marmolejo Arnoldo , Alvarado Luis
Published: May 2023

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and central banks worldwide implemented a wide range of policies to support households and businesses, among them a series of measures to support the availability of credit. This paper quantitatively assesses how monetary and regulatory policy measures helped lessen the effect of the economic downturn on bank credit to the private sector, and on non-performing loans, and focuses on small EMEs, which have been the subject of little analysis in this regard. Specifically, it looks at a number of countries in the Central American region. The resulting estimates show that the policies implemented substantially reduced the negative impact of the crisis on bank credit and nonperforming loans, and that the measures largely responsible for this mitigation were regulatory rather than monetary.
Flexible Trip-Planning Queries
Authors: Bordogna Gloria , Carrara Paola , Frigerio Luca , Lella Simone
Published: May 2023

The current practice of users searching for different types of geo-resources in a geographic area and wishing to identify the most convenient routes for visiting the most relevant ones, requires the iterative formulation of several queries: first to identify the more interesting resources and then to select the best route to visit them. In order to simplify this process, in this paper a novel functionality for a geographic information retrieval (GIR) system is proposed, which retrieves and ranks several routes for visiting a number of relevant georeferenced resources as a result of a single query, named flexible trip-planning query. An original retrieval model is defined to identify the relevant resources and to rank the most convenient routes by taking into account personal user preferences. To this end, a graph-based algorithm is defined, exploiting prioritized aggregation to optimize the routes’ identification and ranking. The proposed algorithm is applied in the proof-of-concept of a Smart cOmmunity-based Geographic infoRmation rEtrievAl SysTem (SO-GREAT) designed to strengthen local communities: it collects and manages open data from regional authorities describing categories of authoritative territorial resources and services, such as schools, hospitals, etc., and from volunteered geographic services (VGSs) created by citizens to offer services in their neighbourhood.
Trichosporon asahii PLA2 Gene Enhances Drug Resistance to Azoles by Improving Drug Efflux and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Ma Xiaoping , Liu Hong , Liu Zhen , Wang Ya , Zhong Zhijun , Peng Guangneng , Gu Yu
Published: May 2023

Trichosporon asahii is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe or even fatal infections in patients with low immune function. sPLA2 plays different roles in different fungi and is also related to fungal drug resistance. However, the mechanism underlying its drug resistance to azoles has not yet been reported in T. asahii. Therefore, we investigated the drug resistance of T. asahii PLA2 (TaPLA2) by constructing overexpressing mutant strains (TaPLA2OE). TaPLA2OE was generated by homologous recombination of the recombinant vector pEGFP-N1-TaPLA2, induced by the CMV promoter, with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The structure of the protein was found to be typical of sPLA2, and it belongs to the phospholipase A2_3 superfamily. TaPLA2OE enhanced antifungal drug resistance by upregulating the expression of effector genes and increasing the number of arthrospores to promote biofilm formation. TaPLA2OE was highly sensitive to sodium dodecyl sulfate and Congo red, indicating impaired cell wall integrity due to downregulation of chitin synthesis or degradation genes, which can indirectly affect fungal resistance. In conclusion, TaPLA2 overexpression enhanced the resistance to azoles of T. asahii by enhancing drug efflux and biofilm formation and upregulating HOG-MAPK pathway genes; therefore, it has promising research prospects.
Adaptive Responses of a Peroxidase-like Polyoxometalate-Based Tri-Assembly to Bacterial Microenvironment (BME) Significantly Improved the Anti-Bacterial Effects
Authors: Zhang Chunxia , Liu Rongrong , Kong Xueping , Li Hongwei , Yu Dahai , Fang Xuexun , Wu Lixin , Wu Yuqing
Published: May 2023

The present study presents the tertiary assembly of a POM, peptide, and biogenic amine, which is a concept to construct new hybrid bio-inorganic materials for antibacterial applications and will help to promote the development of antivirus agents in the future. To achieve this, a Eu-containing polyoxometalate (EuW10) was first co-assembled with a biogenic amine of spermine (Spm), which improved both the luminescence and antibacterial effect of EuW10. Further introduction of a basic peptide from HPV E6, GL-22, induced more extensive enhancements, both of them being attributed to the cooperation and synergistic effects between the constituents, particularly the adaptive responses of assembly to the bacterial microenvironment (BME). Further intrinsic mechanism investigations revealed in detail that the encapsulation of EuW10 in Spm and further GL-22 enhanced the uptake abilities of EuW10 in bacteria, which further improved the ROS generation in BME via the abundant H2O2 involved there and significantly promoted the antibacterial effects.
Morphine Withdrawal-Induced Hyperalgesia in Models of Acute and Extended Withdrawal Is Attenuated by l-Tetrahydropalmatine
Authors: Oleinichenko Daria , Ahn Soyon , Song Ru , Snutch Terrance P. , Phillips Anthony G.
Published: May 2023

Effective pain control is an underappreciated aspect of managing opioid withdrawal, and its absence presents a significant barrier to successful opioid detoxification. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for effective non-opioid treatments to facilitate opioid detoxification. l-Tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) possesses powerful analgesic properties and is an active ingredient in botanical formulations used in Vietnam for the treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome. In this study, rats receiving morphine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 days per week displayed a progressive increase in pain thresholds during acute 23 h withdrawal as assessed by an automated Von Frey test. A single dose of l-THP (5 or 7.5 mg/kg, p.o.) administered during the 4th and 5th weeks of morphine treatment significantly improves pain tolerance scores. A 7-day course of l-THP treatment in animals experiencing extended withdrawal significantly attenuates hyperalgesia and reduces the number of days to recovery to baseline pain thresholds by 61% when compared to vehicle-treated controls. This indicates that the efficacy of l-THP on pain perception extends beyond its half-life. As a non-opioid treatment for reversing a significant hyperalgesic state during withdrawal, l-THP may be a valuable addition to the currently limited arsenal of opioid detoxification treatments.
Virtual and Augmented Experience in Virtual Learning Tours
Authors: Bosmos Fotios , Tzallas Alexandros T. , Tsipouras Markos G. , Glavas Evripidis , Giannakeas Nikolaos
Published: May 2023

The aim of this work is to highlight the possibilities of using VR applications in the informal learning process. This is attempted through the development of virtual reality cultural applications for historical monuments. For this purpose, the theoretical framework of virtual and augmented reality techniques is presented, developing as a showcase of the virtual environment of the historical bridge of Arta, in Greece. The bridge model is created through 3D software, which is then imported into virtual world environment by employing the Unity engine. The main objective of the research is the technical and empirical evaluation of the VR application by specialists, in comparison with the real environment of the monument. Accordingly, the use of the application in the learning process is evaluated by high school students. Using the conclusions of the evaluation, the environment will be enriched with multimedia elements and the application will be evaluated by secondary school students as a learning experience and process, using electroencephalography (EEG). The recording and analysis of research results can be generalized and lead to safe conclusions for the use of similar applications in the field of culture and learning.
SAR Interferometry Data Exploitation for Infrastructure Monitoring Using GIS Application
Authors: Orellana Felipe , D’Aranno Peppe J. V. , Scifoni Silvia , Marsella Maria
Published: May 2023

Monitoring structural stability in urban areas and infrastructure networks is emerging as one of the dominant socio-economic issues for population security. The problem is accentuated by the age of the infrastructure because of increasing risks due to material deterioration and loss of load capacity. In this case, SAR satellite data are crucial to identify and assess the deteriorating conditions of civil infrastructures. The large amount of data available from SAR satellite sensors leads to the exploitation and development of new GIS-based procedures for rapid responses and decision making. In recent decades, the DInSAR technique has been used efficiently for the monitoring of structures, providing measurement points located on structures with millimeter precision. Our study has analyzed the behavior of structures in settlements, attempting to discuss the interactions of soil and structures, and examining the behavior of different types of structures, such as roads and buildings. The method used is based on long-term SAR interferometry data and a semi-automatic procedure to measure the displacement (mm/year) of structures, through a GIS-based application performed in the “Implemented MOnitoring DIsplacement” I.MODI platform. The analysis provides extensive information on long-term spatial and temporal continuity of up to 25 years of record, using satellite SAR multi-sensors from ERS, Envisat, and COSMO-SkyMed. The interpretation uses time series spatial analysis, supported by orthophotos, and layers of the DBTR (regional topographic database), Digital Surface model (DSM), and hydrogeological map to show anomalous areas with a high displacement rate and to observe the correlation of settlements in the sediments. With the satellite information and Geographic Information System (GIS), we were able to observe relevant parameters, such as the velocity of advance in the direction of the slope (deformation profiles), the cumulative displacement, and the trend changes in structures. The results illustrate an innovative procedure that allows the management of DInSAR data to facilitate the effective management of structures in which a monitoring protocol was developed at different spatial scales, integrating the information into a GIS.
Quantum Power Electronics: From Theory to Implementation
Authors: Gheisarnejad Meysam , Khooban Mohammad-Hassan
Published: May 2023

While impressive progress has been already achieved in wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors such as 4H-SiC and GaN technologies, the lack of intelligent methodologies to control the gate drivers has prevented exploitation of the maximum potential of semiconductor chips from obtaining the desired device operations. Thus, a potent ongoing trend is to design a fast gate driver switching scheme to upgrade the performance of electronic equipment at the system level. To address this issue, this work proposed a novel intelligent scheme for the control of gate driver switching using the concept of quantum computation in machine learning. In particular, the quantum principle was incorporated into deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to address the hardware limitations of conventional computers and the growing amount of data sets. Taking potential benefit of the quantum theory, the DRL algorithm influenced by quantum specifications (referred to as QDRL) not only ameliorates the performance of the native algorithm on traditional computers but also enhances the progress of relevant research fields like quantum computing and machine learning. To test the practicability and usefulness of QDRL, a dc/dc parallel boost converter feeding constant power loads (CPLs) was chosen as the case study, and several power hardware-in-the-loop (PHiL) experiments and comparative analysis were performed.
Editorial Note for the Special Issue: Perspectives and Challenges in Doctoral Research—Selected Papers from the 10th Edition of the Scientific Conference of the Doctoral Schools from the “Dunărea de Jos”
Authors: Rusu Eugen , Rapeanu Gabriela
Published: May 2023

This editorial note is dedicated to the 10th Scientific Conference which was held on June 2022 in Galati, Romania, and was organized by the Council of Doctoral Schools of the “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati (SCDS-UDJG) [...]
Chronotropic Incompetence after Heart Transplantation Is Associated with Increased Mortality and Decreased Functional Capacity
Authors: Zhang Robert , Hanff Thomas , Zhang Yuhui , Genuardi Michael , Peters Carli , Levin Allison , Molina Maria , McLean Rhondalyn , Mazurek Jeremy , Zamani Payman , Tanna Monique , Wald Joyce , Santangeli Pasquale , Atluri Pavan , Goldberg Lee , Birati Edo
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The contribution of chronotropic incompetence to reduced exercise tolerance after a heart transplant is well known, but its role as a prognostic marker of post-transplant mortality is unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between post-transplant heart rate response (HRR) and survival. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult heart transplant recipients at the University of Pennsylvania between the years 2000 and 2011 who underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) within a year of transplant. Follow-up time and survival status were observed through October 2019, using data merged from the Penn Transplant Institute. HRR was calculated by subtracting the resting HR from the peak exercise HR. The association between HRR and mortality was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan–Meier analysis. The optimal cut-off point for HRR was generated by Harrell’s C statistic. Patients with submaximal exercise tests were excluded, defined by a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) cut-off of 1.05. Results: Of 277 patients with CPETs performed within a year post-transplant, 67 were excluded for submaximal exercise. In the 210 included patients, the mean follow-up time was 10.9 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 7.8–14). Resting HR and peak HR did not significantly impact mortality after adjusting for covariates. In a multivariable linear regression analysis, each 10-beat increase in heart rate response was associated with a 1.3 mL/kg/min increase in peak VO2 and a 48 s increase in the total exercise time. Each beat/min increase in HRR was associated with a 3% reduction in the hazard of mortality (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.96–0.99, p = 0.002). Using the optimal cut-off point generated by Harrell’s C statistic, survival was significantly higher in patients with an HRR > 35 beats/min compared to those with an HRR < 35 beats/min (log rank p = 0.0012). Conclusion: In heart transplant patients, a low HRR is associated with increased all-cause mortality and decreased exercise capacity. Additional studies are needed to validate whether targeting HRR in cardiac rehabilitation may improve outcomes.
Sagittal and Vertical Changes of the Maxilla after Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Jia-Hong , Wang Steven , Abdullah Usama Al , Le Anh D. , Chung Chun-Hsi , Li Chenshuang
Published: May 2023

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is often performed to correct the transverse deficiency in the maxilla for skeletally mature patients. However, there is little consensus on the sagittal and vertical displacement of the maxilla after SARPE. This systematic review aims to analyze the position changes of the maxilla in the sagittal and vertical dimensions after the completion of SARPE. Registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022312103), this study complied with the 2020 PRISMA guideline and was conducted on 21 January 2023. Original studies were screened from MEDLINE (PubMed), Elsevier (SCOPUS), and Cochrane, and supplemented by hand-searching. Cephalometric changes of skeletal vertical and sagittal measurements were the focus. A fixed-effects model was applied in R for meta-analysis. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were included in the final review. Four studies had a high risk of bias, and the other three had a medium risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed that the SNA angle increased by 0.50° ± 0.08° (95% confidence interval, 0.33° to 0.66°), and the SN–PP angle increased by 0.60° ± 0.09° (95% confidence interval, 0.41° to 0.79°) after SARPE. In summary, the maxilla displayed statistically significant forward and clockwise downward movement after SARPE. However, the amounts were small and might not be clinically significant. Due to the high risk of bias of included studies, our results must be taken cautiously. Future studies are needed to discern the effects of direction and angulation of the osteotomies of SARPE on the displacement of the maxilla.
Treatment of Non-Anastomotic Biliary Strictures after Liver Transplantation: How Effective Is Our Current Treatment Strategy?
Authors: Michael Florian A. , Friedrich-Rust Mireen , Erasmus Hans-Peter , Graf Christiana , Ballo Olivier , Knabe Mate , Walter Dirk , Steup Christoph D. , Mücke Marcus M. , Mücke Victoria T. , Peiffer Kai H. , Görgülü Esra , Mondorf Antonia , Bechstein Wolf O. , Filmann Natalie , Zeuzem Stefan , Bojunga Jörg , Finkelmeier Fabian
Published: May 2023

Background: Non-anastomotic biliary strictures (NAS) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. Methods: All patients with NAS from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The success rate and overall mortality of an ERCP-based stent program (EBSP) were the primary outcomes. Results: A total of 40 (13.9%) patients with NAS were identified, of which 35 patients were further treated in an EBSP. Furthermore, 16 (46%) patients terminated EBSP successfully, and nine (26%) patients died during the program. All deaths were caused by cholangitis. Of those, one (11%) patient had an extrahepatic stricture, while the other eight patients had either intrahepatic (3, 33%) or combined extra- and intrahepatic strictures (5, 56%). Risk factors of overall mortality were age (p = 0.03), bilirubin (p < 0.0001), alanine transaminase (p = 0.006), and aspartate transaminase (p = 0.0003). The median duration of the stent program was 34 months (ITBL: 36 months; IBL: 10 months), and procedural complications were rare. Conclusions: EBSP is safe, but lengthy and successful in only about half the patients. Intrahepatic strictures were associated with an increased risk of cholangitis.
Radiographic Analysis in Extra-Articular and Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures Treated with Variable-Angle Volar Locking Plate Fixation
Authors: Fang Pin-Chieh , Lo Tak-Yu-Yubie , Cheng Chun-Ying , Wu Chun-Te , Chen Alvin Chao-Yu
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Different distal radial fracture types have different prognosis after fixation. Our study aim is to evaluate the differences in radiographic parameters by using variable-angle volar locking plate (VAVLP) fixation according to extra-articular and intra-articular distal radial fracture. (2) Methods: There are two groups: extra-articular group (21) and intra-articular group (25). Forearm radiographs immediately after surgery and at 3 months after operation were reviewed for analyzing radial height (RH), ulnar variance (UV), radial inclination (RI), volar tilt (VT), tear drop angle (TDA), distal dorsal cortical distance (DDD), and Soong classification (SC). (3) Results: There were no significant differences in the above parameters between two groups at either immediately post-operative or at 3-month follow-up, except for TDA (p = 0.048). Most patients in both groups were at low risk of flexor tendon rupture, except for two cases. We observed a positive correlation between post-operative DDD and 3-month change in the intra-articular group, but not the extra-articular group. (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that VAVLP fixation is effective in maintaining the stability of most radiographic parameters and reduces the risk of tendon rupture in both extra-articular and intra-articular distal radial fractures. Post-operative DDD can be used to predict the degree of subsequent displacement in patients with intra-articular fractures fixed with VAVLP.