bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right Inferior Frontal Activation During Alcohol-Specific Inhibition Increases With Craving and Predicts Drinking Outcome in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Grieder Matthias , Soravia Leila M. , Tschuemperlin Raphaela M. , Batschelet Hallie M. , Federspiel Andrea , Schwab Simon , Morishima Yosuke , Moggi Franz , Stein Maria
Published: July 2022

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by enhanced cue-reactivity and the opposing control processes being insufficient. The ability to inhibit reactions to alcohol-related cues, alcohol-specific inhibition, is thus crucial to AUD; and trainings strengthening this ability might increase treatment outcome. The present study investigated whether neurophysiological correlates of alcohol-specific inhibition (I) vary with craving, (II) predict drinking outcome in AUD and (III) are modulated by alcohol-specific inhibition training. A total of 45 recently abstinent patients with AUD and 25 controls participated in this study. All participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a Go-NoGo task with alcohol-related as well as neutral conditions. Patients with AUD additionally participated in a double-blind RCT, where they were randomized to either an alcohol-specific inhibition training or an active control condition (non-specific inhibition training). After the training, patients participated in a second fMRI measurement where the Go-NoGo task was repeated. Percentage of days abstinent was assessed as drinking outcome 3 months after discharge from residential treatment. Whole brain analyses indicated that in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), activation related to alcohol-specific inhibition varied with craving and predicted drinking outcome at 3-months follow-up. This neurophysiological correlate of alcohol-specific inhibition was however not modulated by the training version. Our results suggest that enhanced rIFG activation during alcohol-specific (compared to neutral) inhibition (I) is needed to inhibit responses when craving is high and (II) fosters sustained abstinence in patients with AUD. As alcohol-specific rIFG activation was not affected by the training, future research might investigate whether potential training effects on neurophysiology are better detectable with other methodological approaches.
Risk Factors of Relapse After Smoking Cessation: Results in China Family Panel Studies From 2010 to 2018
Authors: Hu Naifan , Yu Zhenfan , Du Yurun , Li Jiangping
Published: July 2022

Background

Tobacco use is still highly prevalent globally in spite of the tobacco control efforts made by the governments. In view of the harm of smoking and relapse after smoking cessation, the purpose of this study is to establish a competitive risk model to determine potential risk factors for smoking relapse.

Methods

The population-based cohort of ex-smokers over the age of 18 years was obtained from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database from 2010 to 2018. Competing risk models were conducted to identify the risk factors for relapse.

Results

A total of 1,019 subjects were included in this study, of which 311 (30.52%) subjects relapsed during the follow-up period. A multivariate analysis indicated that age < 40 years [hazard ratio (HR) 19.142; 95% CI: 10.641–34.434, p < 0.01], cohabitation (HR: 1.422; 95% CI: 1.081–1.87, p = 0.01), and often depression [HR 1.422; 95% CI, (1.081–1.87), p = 0.01] were associated with a great risk of relapse while the age of quitting smoking < 60 years (HR: 0. 436; 95% CI: 0.229–0.831, p < 0.01) and joining the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) (HR 0.611; 95% CI: 0.397–0.939, p = 0.03) were reduced risk factors for relapse.

Conclusions

Approximately 3 in 10 ex-smokers were observed to relapse. There are various risk factors for relapse as well. In the face of such a serious situation, it is urgent to take action to control smoking.
Trends in Adult and Elderly Vaccination: Focus on Vaccination Practices in Tunisia and Morocco
Authors: Abouqal Redouane , Beji Maher , Chakroun Mohamed , Marhoum El Filali Kamal , Rammaoui Jihane , Zaghden Hela
Published: July 2022

Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) are a prevailing concern among the adult population, despite availability of vaccines. Unlike pediatric vaccination programs, adult vaccination programs lack the required reach, initiative, and awareness. Clinical studies and real-world data have proven that vaccines effectively reduce the disease burden of VPDs and increase life expectancy. In Tunisia and Morocco, the national immunization program (NIP) focuses more on pediatric vaccination and have limited vaccination programs for adults. However, some vaccination campaigns targeting adults are organized. For example, influenza vaccination campaigns prioritizing at risk adults which includes healthcare professionals, elderly, and patients with comorbidities. Women of childbearing age who have never been vaccinated or whose information is uncertain are recommended to receive tetanus vaccination. Tunisia NIP recommends rubella vaccine mainly for women of childbearing age, while in Morocco, national vaccination campaigns were organized for girls and women (up to 24 years of age) to eliminate rubella. Further, travelers from both countries are recommended to follow all requirements and recommendations in the travel destination. The objective of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the global disease burden of common VPDs including (but not limited to) meningococcal diseases, pneumococcal diseases, hepatitis, and influenza. The review also provides an overview of clinical data and guidelines/recommendations on adult vaccination practices, with special focus on Tunisia and Morocco. Some European and North American countries have concrete recommendations and strategies for adult vaccination to keep the VPDs in check. In Morocco and Tunisia, although, there are sporadic adult vaccination initiatives, the efforts still need upscaling and endorsements to boost vaccination awareness and uptake. There is a need to strengthen strategies in both countries to understand the disease burden and spread awareness. Additional studies are needed to generate economic evidence to support cost-effectiveness of vaccines. Integration of private and public healthcare systems may further improve vaccination uptake in adults.
The Impact of the Integration of Urban and Rural Medical Insurance on Migrant Workers' Overwork: Evidence From China
Authors: Xue Zengxin , Li Bowei
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the problem of migrant workers' excessive labor has attracted much attention. The implementation of the integration policy of urban and rural medical insurance has broken the urban-rural dual division system. While improving migrant workers' health and sense of social integration, can they effectively alleviate their overwork? Based on the panel data of China Labor Dynamics Survey (CLDS) in 2016 and 2018, this paper empirically analyzes the impact of the integration of urban and rural medical insurance on migrant workers' overwork by using the differential difference model (DID). The research shows that the integration of urban and rural medical insurance can significantly alleviate the excessive labor of migrant workers; Heterogeneity analysis shows that, comparing with the new generation, the eastern region, the tertiary industry and low education level migrant workers, it is more obviously that the integration of urban and rural medical insurance alleviates the overwork of the older generation, the central and the western regions, the secondary industry and high education level migrant workers. Path analysis shows that the integration of urban and rural medical insurance will improve the social identity and health level of migrant workers, and then reduce the probability of migrant workers' overwork.
Assessing Farmer Incentives for Transitioning Toward Sustainable Agriculture and Provisioning of Clean Water
Authors: Ryan Benjamin E. K. , Shrum Trisha , Zia Asim
Published: July 2022

Farms are a major source of water pollution in the form of nutrient run off that cause harmful algal blooms and anoxia, both signs of deteriorating water quality. Current policies that incentivize the adoption of nutrient management practices (NMPs) are insufficient, especially as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of flooding. To evaluate the incentives of current policy designs, we implemented a conjoint analysis on survey data collected in the Missisquoi and Lamoille watersheds of Lake Champlain Basin in three waves (2013, 2015, 2020). Using panel and cross-sectional observations over the three waves, we investigate farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) payment for NMPs that improve soil health and reduce nutrient runoff. We identified farmers' WTA for the adoption of three NMPs, cover cropping, conservation tillage, and buffer strips. The approach quantifies gaps between the incentives offered by the current federal conservation programs and payments preferred by farmers as well as the relative importance of NMP attributes. The influence of the payments decreased over the course of the three survey waves, suggesting the characteristics of NMPs are driving farmers' preferences for them. Our analysis shows farmers WTA is 1.13–6 times higher than what existing incentive programs offer. The incentive gaps between WTA and the cheapest of NMPs offered by EQIP are $55.61 for tillage, $103.60 for cover crop and $37.62 for buffers. Designing policy instruments to reduce this gap, the federal programs and policies will be more effective at scaling up the adoption of NMPs by farmers as a tool for sustainable watershed management.
The Surface Area to Volume Ratio Changes the Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Parameters in the Subcutaneous Tissue Cage Model: As Illustrated by Carprofen in Sheep
Authors: Munn Richard , Whittem Ted , Woodward Andrew P.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models can be powerful tools for predicting outcomes. Many models are based on repetitive sampling of the vascular space, due to the simplicity of obtaining samples. As many drugs do not exert their effect in the vasculature, models have been developed to sample tissues outside the bloodstream. Tissue cages are hollow devices implanted subcutaneously, or elsewhere, that are filled with fluid allowing repetitive sampling to occur. The physical dimensions of the cage, namely, the diffusible surface area to volume ratio, would be expected to change the rate of drug movement into and out of tissue cages.

Methods

Seven sheep were implanted with five pairs of tissue cages, subcutaneously. Each pair of cages had a different length but a fixed diffusible surface area, so the surface area to volume ratio differed. Carrageenan was injected into half of the cages in each animal during one sampling period in a cross-over design. Samples from each cage and the bloodstream were obtained at 14-time points during two sampling periods. The concentration of carprofen was measured using LC–MS/MS and the results were modeled using nonlinear mixed-effects techniques. Prostaglandin metabolites were also measured and the change over time was analyzed using linear mixed effect modeling.

Results

The presence of carrageenan within an animal changed the systemic pharmacokinetics of carprofen. The rate of drug movement into and out of the tissue cages varied with the surface area to volume ratio. The concentration time curve for prostaglandin metabolites changed with cage size.

Conclusion

The surface area volume ratio of tissue cages will influence the calculated pharmacokinetic parameters and may affect calculated pharmacodynamics, thus, it is an important factor to consider when using tissue cage data for dosing regimes.
Adaptive Local Maximum-Entropy Surrogate Model and Its Application to Turbine Disk Reliability Analysis
Authors: Fan Jiang , Yuan Qinghao , Jing Fulei , Xu Hongbin , Wang Hao , Meng Qingze
Published: July 2022

The emerging Local Maximum-Entropy (LME) approximation, which combines the advantages of global and local approximations, has an unsolved issue wherein it cannot adaptively change the morphology of the basis function according to the local characteristics of the sample, which greatly limits its highly nonlinear approximation ability. In this research, a novel Adaptive Local Maximum-Entropy Surrogate Model (ALMESM) is proposed by constructing an algorithm that adaptively changes the LME basis function and introduces Particle Swarm Optimization to ensure the optimality of the adaptively changed basis function. The performance of the ALMESM is systematically investigated by comparison with the LME approximation, a Radial basis function, and the Kriging model in two explicit highly nonlinear mathematical functions. The results show that the ALMESM has the highest accuracy and stability of all the compared models. The ALMESM is further validated by a highly nonlinear engineering case, consisting of a turbine disk reliability analysis under geometrical uncertainty, and achieves a desirable result. Compared with the direct Monte Carlo method, the relative error of the ALMESM is less than 1%, which indicates that the ALMESM has considerable potential for highly nonlinear problems and structural reliability analysis.
The Overlooked Transformation Mechanisms of VLCFAs: Peroxisomal β-Oxidation
Authors: Lu Qinyue , Zong Weicheng , Zhang Mingyixing , Chen Zhi , Yang Zhangping
Published: July 2022

Beta-oxidation(β-oxidation) is an important metabolic process involving multiple steps by which fatty acid molecules are broken down to produce energy. The very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), a type of fatty acid (FA), are usually highly toxic when free in vivo, and their oxidative metabolism depends on the peroxisomal β-oxidation. For a long time, although β-oxidation takes place in both mitochondria and peroxisomes, most studies have been keen to explore the mechanism of β-oxidation in mitochondria while ignoring the importance of peroxisomal β-oxidation. However, current studies indicate that it is hard to provide effective treatment for diseases caused by the disorder of peroxisomal β-oxidation, such as X-ALD, SCOX deficiency, and D-BP deficiency; thus, actions should be taken to solve this problem. Based on existing research results, this review will summarize the importance of peroxisomal β-oxidation and help further learning.
Invasive Candidiasis: Update and Current Challenges in the Management of This Mycosis in South America
Authors: Riera Fernando Oscar , Caeiro Juan Pablo , Angiolini Sofia Carla , Vigezzi Cecilia , Rodriguez Emilse , Icely Paula Alejandra , Sotomayor Claudia Elena
Published: July 2022

Invasive candidiasis encompassing Candida bloodstream infections and deep-seated candidiasis can become a persistent health problem. These infections are caused by Candida species and have high morbidity and mortality rates. Species distribution, access to diagnosis, treatment and mortality are different around the world. The mortality rate is high in South America (30–70%), and Candida albicans is the most prevalent species in this region. However, a global epidemiological shift to non-albicans species has been observed. In this group, C. parapsilosis is the species most frequently detected, followed by C. tropicalis, and at a slower rate, C. glabrata, which has also increased, in addition to the emerging C. auris, resistance to several drugs. This article summarizes relevant aspects of candidemia pathogenesis, such as the mechanisms of fungal invasion, immune response, and the impact of genetic defects that increase host susceptibility to developing the infection. We also discuss relevant aspects of treatment and future challenges in South America.
Strategies to Combat Caries by Maintaining the Integrity of Biofilm and Homeostasis during the Rapid Phase of Supragingival Plaque Formation
Authors: Hernández Paola , Sánchez María C. , Llama-Palacios Arancha , Ciudad María J. , Collado Luis
Published: July 2022

Bacteria in the oral cavity, including commensals and opportunistic pathogens, are organized into highly specialized sessile communities, coexisting in homeostasis with the host under healthy conditions. A dysbiotic environment during biofilm evolution, however, allows opportunistic pathogens to become the dominant species at caries-affected sites at the expense of health-associated taxa. Combining tooth brushing with dentifrices or rinses combat the onset of caries by partially removes plaque, but resulting in the biofilm remaining in an immature state with undesirables’ consequences on homeostasis and oral ecosystem. This leads to the need for therapeutic pathways that focus on preserving balance in the oral microbiota and applying strategies to combat caries by maintaining biofilm integrity and homeostasis during the rapid phase of supragingival plaque formation. Adhesion, nutrition, and communication are fundamental in this phase in which the bacteria that have survived these adverse conditions rebuild and reorganize the biofilm, and are considered targets for designing preventive strategies to guide the biofilm towards a composition compatible with health. The present review summarizes the most important advances and future prospects for therapies based on the maintenance of biofilm integrity and homeostasis as a preventive measure of dysbiosis focused on these three key factors during the rapid phase of plaque formation.
Copper-Induced Interactions of Caffeic Acid and Sinapic Acid to Generate New Compounds in Artificial Biological Fluid Conditions
Authors: Iwasaki Yusuke , Manabe Rie , Kimoto Mika , Fukuda Mao , Mase Narumi , Miyazawa Mako , Hosokawa Kotomi , Kamei Junzo
Published: July 2022

Active ingredients may be ingested through foods, and they can cause several interactions in the human body. Although drug–drug or drug–food interactions are evaluated before the approval of medicines, several functional food interactions are not well-documented because of the wide range of possible combinations of interactions. In this study, we examined the chemical reactions between hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), a group of polyphenols, and metal ions in artificial gastric juice or artificial intestinal fluid. Caffeic acid (CaA) and sinapic acid (SA) reacted with copper ions under artificial intestinal fluid conditions and produced new compounds. The triple interactions of CaA or SA with iron and copper ions were also examined. Relative to the initial compounds, CaA and SA derivatives produced by condensation exhibited an increased antioxidant and a decreased prooxidant activity. This study revealed a new food ingredient interaction pattern in which new compounds are produced under biological conditions.
Aqueous Extract of Psiloxylon mauritianum, Rich in Gallic Acid, Prevents Obesity and Associated Deleterious Effects in Zebrafish
Authors: Ghaddar Batoul , Gence Laura , Veeren Bryan , Bringart Matthieu , Bascands Jean-Loup , Meilhac Olivier , Diotel Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, and its prevalence tripled worldwide between 1975 and 2016, especially in Reunion Island, a French overseas region. Psiloxylon mauritianum, an endemic medicinal plant from Reunion Island registered in the French pharmacopeia, has recently gained interest in combating metabolic disorders because of its traditional lipid-lowering and “anti-diabetic” use. However, scientific data are lacking regarding its toxicity and its real benefits on metabolic diseases. In this study, we aim to determine the toxicity of an aqueous extract of P. mauritianum on zebrafish eleutheroembryos following the OECD toxicity assay (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, guidelines 36). After defining a non-toxic dose, we determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) that this extract is rich in gallic acid but contains also caffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol and quercetin, as well as their respective derivatives. We also showed that the non-toxic dose exhibits lipid-lowering effects in a high-fat-diet zebrafish larvae model. In a next step, we demonstrated its preventive effects on body weight gain, hyperglycemia and liver steatosis in a diet-induced obesity model (DIO) performed in adults. It also limited the deleterious effects of overfeeding on the central nervous system (i.e., cerebral oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier breakdown, neuro-inflammation and blunted neurogenesis). Interestingly, adult DIO fish treated with P. mauritianum display normal feeding behavior but higher feces production. This indicates that the “anti-weight-gain” effect is probably due to the action of P. mauritianum on the intestinal lipid absorption and/or on the microbiota, leading to the increase in feces production. Therefore, in our experimental conditions, the aqueous extract of P. mauritianum exhibited “anti-weight-gain” properties, which prevented the development of obesity and its deleterious effects at the peripheral and central levels. These effects should be further investigated in preclinical models of obese/diabetic mice, as well as the impact of P. mauritianum on the gut microbiota.
Composite Material Elastic Effective Coefficients Optimization by Means of a Micromechanical Mechanical Model
Authors: Zyganitidis Ioannis , Arailopoulos Alexandros , Giagopoulos Dimitrios
Published: July 2022

The presented research work demonstrates an efficient methodology based on a micromechanical framework for the prediction of the effective elastic properties of strongly bonded long-fiber-reinforced materials (CFRP) used for the construction of tubular structures. Although numerous analytical and numerical micromechanical models have been developed to predict the mechanical response of CFRPs, either they cannot accurately predict complex mechanical responses due to limits on the input parameters or they are resource intensive. The generalized method of cells (GMC) is capable of assessing more detailed strain fields in the vicinity of fiber–matrix interfaces since it allows for a plethora of material and structural parameters to be defined while being computationally effective. The GMC homogenization approach is successfully combined with the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA–ES) to identify the effective elasticity tensor Cij of CFRP materials. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methodology are validated by comparing predicted effective properties with previously measured experimental data on CFRP cylindrical samples made of 3501-6 epoxy matrix reinforced with AS4 carbon fibers. The proposed and validated method can be successively used in both analyzing the mechanical responses of structures and designing new optimized composite materials.
Ultimate Bounds for a Diabetes Mathematical Model Considering Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Gamboa Diana , Coria Luis N. , Valle Paul A.
Published: July 2022

This paper deals with a recently reported mathematical model formulated by five first-order ordinary differential equations that describe glucoregulatory dynamics. As main contributions, we found a localization domain with all compact invariant sets; we settled on sufficient conditions for the existence of a bounded positively-invariant domain. We applied the localization of compact invariant sets and Lyapunov’s direct methods to obtain these results. The localization results establish the maximum cell concentration for each variable. On the other hand, Lyapunov’s direct method provides sufficient conditions for the bounded positively-invariant domain to attract all trajectories with non-negative initial conditions. Further, we illustrate our analytical results with numerical simulations. Overall, our results are valuable information for a better understanding of this disease. Bounds and attractive domains are crucial tools to design practical applications such as insulin controllers or in silico experiments. In addition, the model can be used to understand the long-term dynamics of the system.
Lipid Messenger Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate Is Increased by Both PPARα Activators and Inhibitors: Relevance for Intestinal Cell Differentiation
Authors: Cizkova Katerina , Koubova Katerina , Tauber Zdenek
Published: July 2022

We investigated the effects of PPARα activators fenofibrate and WY-14643 as well as the PPARα inhibitor GW6471 on the PI3K/Akt/PTEN pathway of intestinal cell differentiation. Our previous study showed that all these compounds increased the expression of villin, a specific marker of intestinal cell differentiation in HT-29 and Caco2 cells. Our current results confirmed the central role of lipid messenger phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), a known player in brush border formation, in mediating the effects of tested PPARα ligands. Although all tested compounds increased its levels, surprisingly, each of them affected different PIP2-metabolizing enzymes, especially the levels of PIP5K1C and PTEN. Moreover, we found a positive relationship between the expression of PPARα itself and PIP2 as well as PIP5K1C. By contrast, PPARα was negatively correlated with PTEN. However, the expression of antigens of interest was independent of PPARα subcellular localization, suggesting that it is not directly involved in their regulation. In colorectal carcinoma tissues we found a decrease in PTEN expression, which was accompanied by a change in its subcellular localization. This change was also observed for the regulatory subunit of PI3K. Taken together, our data revealed that fenofibrate, WY-14643, and GW6471 affected different members of the PI3K/Akt/PTEN pathway. However, these effects were PPARα-independent.
APOE ε4 in Depression-Associated Memory Impairment—Evidence from Genetic and MicroRNA Analyses
Authors: Bonk Sarah , Kirchner Kevin , Ameling Sabine , Garvert Linda , Völzke Henry , Nauck Matthias , Völker Uwe , Grabe Hans J. , Van der Auwera Sandra
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to replicate a reported interaction between APOE ε4 status and depression on memory function in two independent, nondemented samples from the general population and to examine the potential role of circulating plasma miRNAs. (2) Methods: The impact of the APOE ε4 allele on verbal memory and the interaction with depression is investigated in two large general-population cohorts from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP, total n = 6286). Additionally, biological insights are gained by examining the potential role of circulating plasma miRNAs as potential epigenetic regulators. Analyses are performed using linear regression models adjusted for relevant biological and environmental covariates. (3) Results: Current depression as well as carrying the APOE ε4 allele were associated with impaired memory performance, with increasing effect for subjects with both risk factors. In a subcohort with available miRNA data subjects with current depressive symptoms and carrying APOE e4 revealed reduced levels of hsa-miR-107, a prominent risk marker for early Alzheimer’s Disease. (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm the effect of depressive symptoms and APOE ε4 status on memory performance. Additionally, miRNA analysis identified hsa-miR-107 as a possible biological link between APOE ε4, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment.
Primary MSCs for Personalized Medicine: Ethical Challenges, Isolation and Biocompatibility Evaluation of 3D Electrospun and Printed Scaffolds
Authors: Feier Andrei Marian , Portan Diana , Manu Doina Ramona , Kostopoulos Vassilis , Kotrotsos Athanasios , Strnad Gabriela , Dobreanu Minodora , Salcudean Andreea , Bataga Tiberiu
Published: July 2022

Autologous cell therapy uses patients’ own cells to deliver precise and ideal treatment through a personalized medicine approach. Isolation of patients’ cells from residual tissue extracted during surgery involves specific planning and lab steps. In the present manuscript, a path from isolation to in vitro research with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from residual bone tissues is described as performed by a medical unit in collaboration with a research center. Ethical issues have been addressed by formulating appropriate harvesting protocols according to European regulations. Samples were collected from 19 patients; 10 of them were viable and after processing resulted in MSCs. MSCs were further differentiated in osteoblasts to investigate the biocompatibility of several 3D scaffolds produced by electrospinning and 3D printing technologies; traditional orthopedic titanium and nanostructured titanium substrates were also tested. 3D printed scaffolds proved superior compared to other substrates, enabling significantly improved response in osteoblast cells, indicating that their biomimetic structure and properties make them suitable for synthetic tissue engineering. The present research is a proof of concept that describes the process of primary stem cells isolation for in vitro research and opens avenues for the development of personalized cell platforms in the case of patients with orthopedic trauma. The demonstration model has promising perspectives in personalized medicine practices.
Patient-Specific Finite Element Modeling of the Whole Lumbar Spine Using Clinical Routine Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Data—A Pilot Study
Authors: Rayudu Nithin Manohar , Subburaj Karupppasamy , Mohan Rajesh Elara , Sollmann Nico , Dieckmeyer Michael , Kirschke Jan S. , Baum Thomas
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: To study the feasibility of developing finite element (FE) models of the whole lumbar spine using clinical routine multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans to predict failure load (FL) and range of motion (ROM) parameters. (2) Methods: MDCT scans of 12 subjects (6 healthy controls (HC), mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 62.16 ± 10.24 years, and 6 osteoporotic patients (OP), mean age ± SD: 65.83 ± 11.19 years) were included in the current study. Comprehensive FE models of the lumbar spine (5 vertebrae + 4 intervertebral discs (IVDs) + ligaments) were generated (L1–L5) and simulated. The coefficients of correlation (ρ) were calculated to investigate the relationship between FE-based FL and ROM parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) values of L1–L3 derived from MDCT (BMDQCT-L1-3). Finally, Mann–Whitney U tests were performed to analyze differences in FL and ROM parameters between HC and OP cohorts. (3) Results: Mean FE-based FL value of the HC cohort was significantly higher than that of the OP cohort (1471.50 ± 275.69 N (HC) vs. 763.33 ± 166.70 N (OP), p < 0.01). A strong correlation of 0.8 (p < 0.01) was observed between FE-based FL and BMDQCT-L1-L3 values. However, no significant differences were observed between ROM parameters of HC and OP cohorts (p = 0.69 for flexion; p = 0.69 for extension; p = 0.47 for lateral bending; p = 0.13 for twisting). In addition, no statistically significant correlations were observed between ROM parameters and BMDQCT- L1-3. (4) Conclusions: Clinical routine MDCT data can be used for patient-specific FE modeling of the whole lumbar spine. ROM parameters do not seem to be significantly altered between HC and OP. In contrast, FE-derived FL may help identify patients with increased osteoporotic fracture risk in the future.
Acute Stroke Care in Mexico City: The Hospital Phase of a Stroke Surveillance Study
Authors: Aguilar-Salas Emmanuel , Rodríguez-Aquino Guadalupe , García-Domínguez Katya , Garfias-Guzmán Catalina , Hernández-Camarillo Erika , Oropeza-Bustos Nayeli , Arguelles-Castro Rubí , Mitre-Salazar Ameyalli , García-Torres Gloria , Reynoso-Marenco Marco , Morales-Andrade Eduardo , Gervacio-Blanco Luis , García-López Víctor , Valiente-Herves Gabriel , Martínez-Marino Manuel , Flores-Silva Fernando , Chiquete Erwin , Cantú-Brito Carlos
Published: July 2022

Background: Acute stroke care has greatly improved in recent decades. However, the increasing stroke mortality in low-to-middle income countries suggests that progress has not been reached completely by these populations. Here we present the analysis of the hospital phase of the first population-based stroke surveillance study. Methods: A daily hospital surveillance method was used to identify adult patients with acute stroke during 18 months in six hospitals. We abstracted data on demographics, vascular risk factors, neuroimaging-confirmed stroke types, and clinical data. Results: A total of 1361 adults with acute stroke were identified (mean age 69.2 years; 52% women) with transient ischemic attack (5.5%), acute ischemic stroke (68.6%), intracerebral hemorrhage (23.1%), cerebral venous thrombosis (0.2%), and undetermined stroke (2.6%). The main risk factors were hypertension (80.7%) and diabetes mellitus (47.6%). The usage rate of thrombolysis was 3.6%, in spite of the fact that 37.2% of acute ischemic stroke patients arrived in <4.5 h. The 30-day case fatality rate was 32.6%, higher in hemorrhagic than ischemic stroke. Conclusion: We identified limitations in acute stroke care in the Mexico City, including neuroimaging availability and thrombolysis usage. The door-to-door phase will help to depict the acute stroke burden in Mexico.
Combination Therapy and Single-Modality Treatment for Acute Low-Tone Hearing Loss: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Leong Jing-Li , Chen Chih-Hao , Huang Chii-Yuan , Cheng Hsiu-Lien , Chu Yuan-Chia , Chang Chun-Yu , Cheng Yen-Fu
Published: July 2022

Acute low-tone hearing loss (ALHL) is a common clinical disease and was first proposed by Abe in 1981 as sensorineural hearing loss confined to low frequencies. The best strategy for initiating medication is still unclear, as the superiority of steroids and diuretics is still debated, and combination therapy might yield additional benefits. However, no study regarding combination therapy has been published. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of steroid therapy versus combination therapy of diuretics with steroids by conducting a systematic review with a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). Studies enrolling patients with a diagnosis of acute low-tone hearing loss were considered eligible. After searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases from inception to 31 December 2021, five studies including 433 patients were enrolled. Overall, the comparison between combination therapy with steroids and diuretics and single-modality treatment with steroids (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.51 to 2.59; p = 0.74; I2 = 34%) and the comparison between combination therapy and treatment with diuretics alone (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.93 to 3.23; p = 0.09; I2 = 5%) showed that combination therapy did not confer significant benefits when compared to single-modality treatments. A trial sequential analysis (TSA) showed conclusive nonsignificant results of the comparison between the combination of steroids and diuretics and a single-modality treatment. In conclusion, we reported that the combination of steroids and diuretics did not yield significant benefits when compared to single-modality treatment with steroids or diuretics. We suggest that treatment should be initiated with steroids or diuretics alone to avoid potential adverse effects.
Facilitating Mitophagy via Pink1/Parkin2 Signaling Is Essential for the Neuroprotective Effect of β-Caryophyllene against CIR-Induced Neuronal Injury
Authors: Rao Jiangyan , Wu Yu , Fan Xiaomei , Yang Shaonan , Jiang Lu , Dong Zhi , Chen Sha
Published: July 2022

Mitophagy is an important mechanism for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis through elimination of damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury. β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural sesquiterpene compound found in the essential oil of plants and has been shown to ameliorate CIR injury. However, whether BCP protects neurons from CIR injury by activating mitophagy is still unclear, and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, a mouse neuron HT-22 cell of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and C57BL/6 male mouse of transient middle artery occlusion followed by 24 h reperfusion (MCAO/R) were established the model of CIR injury. Our results show that BCP remarkably protected against cell death and apoptosis induced by OGD/R, and decreased neurologic injury, infarct volume, and the injury of neurons in CA1 region on MCAO/R mice. In addition, BCP accelerated mitophagy by regulating expression of mitochondrial autophagy marker molecules and the mt-Atp6/Rpl13 ratio (reflecting the relative number of mitochondria), and promoting autophagosome formation compared with OGD/R and MCAO/R groups both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, this study revealed that BCP pre-treatment could activate the Pink1/Parkin2 signaling pathway, also with mitophagy activation. To explore the mechanisms, mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) was used to investigate the role of BCP in CIR injury. We found that Mdivi-1 not only decreased BCP-induced facilitation of mitophagy, but also significantly weakened BCP-induced protection against OGD/R and MCAO/R models, which was consistent with levels of Pink1/Parkin2 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that facilitating mitophagy via Pink1/Parkin2 signaling is essential for the neuroprotective effect of BCP against CIR injury.
Visualization of Resected Area in Endonasal Endoscopic Approach versus Transcranial Approach for Skull Base Meningiomas by Voxel-Based-Lesion Mapping
Authors: Uda Hiroshi , Uda Takehiro , Kinoshita Manabu , Kishima Haruhiko , Tanoue Yuta , Nagahama Atsufumi , Kawashima Toshiyuki , Ohata Hiroki , Nakajo Kosuke , Morisako Hiroki , Goto Takeo
Published: July 2022

Background: We aimed to evaluate the resected area of endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) and transcranial approach (TCA) for skull base meningiomas (SBMs) using voxel-based-lesion mapping and visualized the appropriate tumor location in each approach. Methods: We retrospectively examined 182 patients with SBMs who underwent tumor resection in our hospital between 2014 and 2019. Pre- and post-operative SBMs were manually delineated on MRI to create the voxels-of-interest (VOIpre and VOIpost) and were registered onto the normalized brain (normalized VOIpre and normalized VOIpost). The resected map was created by subtracting normalized VOIpost from the normalized VOIpre divided by the number of cases. The resected maps of TCA and EEA were compared by subtracting them. Results: Twenty patients underwent EEA and 135 patients underwent TCA. The tumor resected map demonstrated that the resected area of EEA frequently accumulated on the central skull base, while that of TCA accumulated near the central skull base. The border of both approaches matched the circle that connects neural foramens at the skull base. Conclusions: The resected area of SBMs by EEA and TCA was well visualized by voxel-based-lesion mapping. The circle connecting the neural foramens was the border of EEA and TCA.
Photocatalytic Reactor as a Bridge to Link the Commercialization of Photocatalyst in Water and Air Purification
Authors: Li Yunzhang , Ma Youjia , Li Kan , Chen Suhong , Yue Dongting
Published: July 2022

The development of clean and sustainable teleology is vital to treat the critical environmental pollutants. In the last decade, the use of photocatalytic reactors has been widely reported for organic pollutants degradation. From photocatalysis’s application in environmental remediation, the primary technical issue to scientists is always the efficiency. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency is mainly depended on the materials improvement. However, the design of photoreactors lags behind the development of photocatalysts, which strongly limit the widespread use of photocatalysis technology in environmental remediation. The nanoparticles separation, mass transfer limitation, and photonic efficiency have always been problematic and restrict the high photocatalytic efficiency of photoreactors. To overcome these bottleneck problems, the most popular or newfangled designs of photoreactors employed in air and water treatment has been reviewed. The purpose of this review is to systematize designs and synthesis of innovative TiO2-based photoreactors and provides detailed survey and discussion on the enhanced mechanism of photocatalytic performance in different TiO2-based photoreactors. The most studied photoreactors are the following: packed bed reactor, film reactor and membrane reactor, which have some limitations and advantages. A comprehensive comparison between the different photocatalytic performance of TiO2-based photoreactors is presented. This work aims to summarize the progress of TiO2-based photoreactors and provides useful information for the further research and development of photocatalysis for water and air purification.
Body Weight Gain Status during the Incubator Weaning Process in Very Low Birth Weight Premature Infants
Authors: Lin Chung-Wei , Ko Hsiang-Yun , Huang Chih-Chi , Yeh Chiu-Yu , Chiu Yen-Chun , Chen Hsiu-Lin
Published: July 2022

Incubator care is essential for premature infants during early hospitalization. As the infants’ conditions improve, incubator weaning becomes necessary. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of body weight gain and status of intake-calorie gain on the incubator weaning process for very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants. The study included 127 VLBW premature neonates. We analyzed data on clinical characteristics potentially associated with the weaning period and the end-weaning body weight (EWBW), including body weight gain status, intake-calorie gain status, and disease conditions. The neonates were weaned from the incubators at a mean postmenstrual age (PMA) of 35.1 ± 1.3 weeks; postnatal days, 37.7 ± 18.2 days; and body weight, 1882.8 ± 157.1 g. The total weaning period was 3.5 ± 3.1 days. Regarding the weaning period, there was a strong positive relationship only in the end-weaning PMA and the daily body weight within 3 days before incubator weaning. Further, regarding the factors associated with EWBW, only the end-weaning PMA and necrotizing enterocolitis had a significant positive impact. Body weight gain and the status of intake-calorie gain showed no association with either the weaning period or the EWBW and, thus, were not related to the incubator weaning process.
Quantitative-Genetic Evaluation of Resistances to Five Fungal Diseases in A Large Triticale Diversity Panel (×Triticosecale)
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Flath Kerstin , Starck Norbert , Weißmann Sigrid , Maurer Hans Peter
Published: July 2022

The man-made cereal triticale was fully resistant to the biotrophic diseases powdery mildew, leaf rust, yellow rust, and stem rust from its introduction in Europe in the mid-1970s until about 1990. In the following years, new races that were able to infect at least some triticale genotypes developed in all four pathogen populations, and resistance breeding came into focus. Here, we analyzed 656 winter triticale cultivars from 12 countries for resistance to these biotrophic diseases and Fusarium head blight (FHB) at up to 8 location-year combinations (environments). FHB ratings were corrected for plant height and heading stage by comparing three statistical methods. Significant (p < 0.001) genetic variances were found for all resistances with moderate to high entry-mean heritabilities. All traits showed a normal distribution, with the exception of stem rust, where the ratings were skewed towards resistance. There were no substantial correlations among the five disease resistances (r = −0.04 to 0.26). However, several genotypes were detected with multi-disease resistance with a disease rating below average for all five diseases simultaneously. In future, such genotypes must be selected primarily to cope with future challenges of less pesticide use and global climate change.
Task Specific and General Patterns of Joint Motion Variability in Upright- and Hand-Standing Postures
Authors: Pryhoda Moira , Newell Karl M. , Wilson Cassie , Irwin Gareth
Published: July 2022

The preservation of static balance in both upright- and hand-stance is maintained by the projection of center of mass (CM) motion within the region of stability at the respective base of support. This study investigated, from a degrees of freedom (DF) perspective, whether the stability of the CM in both upright- and hand-stances was predicted by the respective dispersion and time-dependent regularity of joint (upright stance—ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, neck; hand stance—wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck) angle and position. Full body three-dimensional (3D) kinematic data were collected on 10 advanced level junior female gymnasts during 30 s floor upright- and hand-stands. For both stances the amount of the dispersion of joint angle and sway motion was higher than that of the CM and center of pressure (CP) with an inverse relation to time-dependent irregularity (SampEn). In upright-standing the variability of neck motion in the anterior–posterior direction was significantly greater than that of most joints consistent with the role of vision in the control of quiet upright posture. The findings support the proposition that there are both task specific and general properties to the global CM control strategy in the balance of upright- and hand-standing induced by the different active skeletal-muscular organization and the degeneracy revealed in the multiple distributional variability patterns of the joint angle and position in 3D.
Training Prospective Primary and Kindergarten Teachers on Electric Circuits Using Conceptual Metaphors
Authors: Corni Federico , Michelini Marisa , Colletti Leonardo
Published: July 2022

The awareness and use of conceptual metaphors available in ordinary language should be a relevant part of teaching strategies, yet it is still rather neglected in teacher education. With a specific activity, we integrated a class of prospective kindergarten and primary school teachers on electric circuits with a reflection on the cognitive and linguistic aspects of metaphor. To understand how effective this integration proved to be, both in terms of learning and in terms of developing teaching skills, we conducted a single case study with a mixed qualitative–quantitative methodology. Student teachers were invited to analyze and discuss expressions on electric circuits selected from those they themselves had formulated at an earlier time. Here, we present some relevant results from the analysis of the students’ elaborations, highlighting how they worked with metaphors. They demonstrated a better understanding of the subject matter and greater awareness of teaching as well, in particular for what concerns the use of language and identifying and overcoming implicit ideas.
Estimation of Solar Radiation on a PV Panel Surface with an Optimal Tilt Angle Using Electric Charged Particles Optimization
Authors: Khan Muhammad Saud , Ramli Makbul A. M. , Sindi Hatem Faiz , Hidayat Taufal , Bouchekara Houssem R. E. H.
Published: July 2022

Solar energy is a promising renewable energy source that can fulfill the world’s current and future energy needs. The angle at which a photovoltaic (PV) panel faces the horizon determines the incidence of solar radiation. The incident solar radiation on PV panels could be optimized by adjusting their tilt angles and increasing the power output of the PV array. In this study, solar energy model-based research was conducted in the Saudi Arabian cities of Dhahran and Makkah. This study investigated the performance of a 1 kW monocrystalline silicon PV array in these cities. Analyzing the optimal tilt angle for efficiency and performance improvement of the PV panel is challenging. The optimal tilt angle is determined by combining the data of the Sun’s diffuse, direct radiation and the global horizontal Sun radiation. This research examined the four empirical models by applying the electric charged particle optimization (ECPO) algorithm to estimate the solar radiation on sloped surfaces. The model’s results were compared to the global horizontal solar radiation based on the daily mean solar radiation value in these cities. The Hay–Davies–Klucher–Reindel model presented the maximum amount of tilted surface solar radiation in the year and at different periods. In contrast, the Badescu model exhibited the weakest results of all the isotropic and anisotropic models. Finally, using the ECPO algorithm, all models indicated that tilted surfaces (IT) received more solar radiation than horizontal surfaces (Ig).