bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sinapic Acid on Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in SD Rats
Authors: Lee In-Seo , Choi Ga-Young , Sreelatha Inturu , Yoon Ji-Won , Youn Suk-Hee , Maeng Sungho , Park Ji-Ho
Published: March 2023

The seriousness of the diseases caused by aging have recently gained attention. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a chronic neurodegenerative disease, accounts for 60–80% of senile dementia cases. Continuous research is being conducted on the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, and it is believed to include complex factors, such as genetic factors, the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques, a tangle of tau protein, oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cell death. Sinapic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid found in plant families, such as oranges, grapefruit, cranberry, mustard seeds, and rapeseeds. It exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-depressant effects. Sinapic acid is an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor that can be applied to the treatment of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, electrophysiological studies on the effects of sinapic acid on memory and learning must still be conducted. Therefore, it was confirmed that sinapic acid was effective in long-term potentiation (LTP) using organotypic hippocampal segment tissue. In addition, the effect on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment was measured by oral administration of sinapic acid 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days, and behavioral experiments related to short-term and long-term spatial memory and avoidance memory were conducted. Sinapic acid increased the activity of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) in a dose-dependent manner after TBS, and restored fEPSP activity in the CA1 region suppressed by scopolamine. The scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment group showed lower results than the control group in the Y-maze, Passive avoidance (PA), and Morris water maze (MWM) experiments. Sinapic acid improved avoidance memory, short and long-term spatial recognition learning, and memory. In addition, sinapic acid weakened the inhibition of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and the activation of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) induced by scopolamine in the hippocampus. These results show that sinapic acid is effective in restoring LTP and cognitive impairment induced by the cholinergic receptor blockade. Moreover, it showed the effect of alleviating the reduction in scopolamine-induced BDNF and TrkB, and alleviated neuroinflammatory effects by inhibiting the increase in COX-2 and IL-1β. Therefore, we showed that sinapic acid has potential as a treatment for neurodegenerative cognitive impairment.
Bootstrap Aggregated Case-Based Reasoning Method for Conceptual Cost Estimation
Authors: Uysal Furkan , Sonmez Rifat
Published: March 2023

Conceptual cost estimation is an important step in project feasibility decisions when there is not enough information on detailed design and project requirements. Methods that enable quick and reasonably accurate conceptual cost estimates are crucial for achieving successful decisions in the early stages of construction projects. For this reason, numerous machine learning methods proposed in the literature that use different learning mechanisms. In recent years, the case-based reasoning (CBR) method has received particular attention in the literature for conceptual cost estimation of construction projects that use similarity-based learning principles. Despite the fact that CBR provides a powerful and practical alternative for conceptual cost estimation, one of the main criticisms about CBR is its low prediction performance when there is not a sufficient number of cases. This paper presents a bootstrap aggregated CBR method for achieving advancement in CBR research, particularly for conceptual cost estimation of construction projects when a limited number of training cases are available. The proposed learning method is designed so that CBR can learn from a diverse set of training data even when there are not a sufficient number of cases. The performance of the proposed bootstrap aggregated CBR method is evaluated using three data sets. The results revealed that the prediction performance of the new bootstrap aggregated CBR method is better than the prediction performance of the existing CBR method. Since the majority of conceptual cost estimates are made with a limited number of cases, the proposed method provides a contribution to CBR research and practice by improving the existing methods for conceptual cost estimating.
Laboratory and Full-Scale Testbed Study in the Feasibility of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Asphalt Pavement Having Epoxy Resin and Crumb Rubber Powder
Authors: Lee Sang-Yum , Le Tri Ho Minh
Published: March 2023

Conventional asphalt concrete pavements have deteriorated rapidly due to the current increased traffic and extreme climate impacts. In addition to the upgrading in the construction quality, there is an urgent need to expand the utilization of modified asphalt binders to improve road capacity and traffic safety. The proposed research aims to combine epoxy resin (ER) and crumb rubber powder (CRP) contents into conventional Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt binder to not only reduce the consumption of normal asphalt binder but also promote the usage of recycled waste material in practice. To cope with this research objective, the ER and CRP were designed at 3% and 5% by weight of asphalt binder, respectively. Various laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the performance of modified mixtures (ERCRP), including the Frequency Sweep Test, Multiple Stressed Creep and Recovery, Dynamic Modulus, Semi-Circular Bending (SCB), and Cantabro Durability Tests. Additionally, an assessment of the modified asphalt concrete pavement via field testbed was conducted through Falling Weight Deflectometer and Ground Penetrating Radar. Overall, by adding the ER and CRP, the strain value of the control reference mix can be reduced up to 31.8% and 28.3% at MSCR 0.1 and 3.1 kPa, respectively. Additionally, the dynamic modulus of the ERCRP-modified samples was approximately 32,267 and 189 MPa, while the value of the reference mixture was 28,730 and 105 MPa at the highest and lowest frequency, respectively, indicating an enhancement under repeated loads. Regarding the SCB test results at 0 °C, the peak stress of the ERCRP-modified mixture was 4.75 MPa, while the value of the reference specimens was only 4.2 MPa, noticing the improved stress-bearing capacity. Based on a full-scale testbed, the FLWD elastic modulus of reinforced pavement shows a novel improvement (6.75%) compared with the control pavement, suggesting a potential application of ERCRP-modified asphalt binder for sustainable development purposes.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making of Countermeasure Combination for Mitigating the Stack Effect in High-Rise Office Building
Authors: Li Yiran , Zhu Neng , Hou Yingzhen
Published: March 2023

Energy loss and performance deterioration caused by the stack effect are emerging issues in high-rise office buildings (HROB). However, a single countermeasure may not completely remove the stack effect problems, so combinations of countermeasures are often considered in building commissioning or retrofit projects to achieve the desired results. Therefore, a comprehensive study on combinations is necessary for the final decision-making. In this study, a multi-criteria decision-making model is proposed, which is utilized to calculate the ranking of countermeasure combinations for the final decision-making index by assigning weights and conducting comprehensive analysis on four criteria: infiltration energy loss, maximum pressure difference, investment cost, and implementation resistance. Based on a two-level Fractional-Factorial design (FFD), the interaction effects between countermeasures were verified, and the regression models of infiltration energy loss and maximum pressure difference were obtained as well. The investment cost and implementation resistance were defined according to the investigation and survey. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to establish the weights of each criterion. A weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was applied to establish the decision-making index. Through the case study of a HROB located in northern China, it was concluded that the ideal combination can reduce infiltration and pressure difference by 26.88% and 87.58%, respectively, with low-level investment costs and implementation resistance. The results indicate that the multi-criteria model provides a comprehensive ranking of countermeasure combinations, which can serve as a quantitative basis for the final decision-making. Furthermore, this multi-criteria decision-making approach can be extended to other buildings in other regions.
Label Distribution Learning for Automatic Cancer Grading of Histopathological Images of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nishio Mizuho , Matsuo Hidetoshi , Kurata Yasuhisa , Sugiyama Osamu , Fujimoto Koji
Published: March 2023

We aimed to develop and evaluate an automatic prediction system for grading histopathological images of prostate cancer. A total of 10,616 whole slide images (WSIs) of prostate tissue were used in this study. The WSIs from one institution (5160 WSIs) were used as the development set, while those from the other institution (5456 WSIs) were used as the unseen test set. Label distribution learning (LDL) was used to address a difference in label characteristics between the development and test sets. A combination of EfficientNet (a deep learning model) and LDL was utilized to develop an automatic prediction system. Quadratic weighted kappa (QWK) and accuracy in the test set were used as the evaluation metrics. The QWK and accuracy were compared between systems with and without LDL to evaluate the usefulness of LDL in system development. The QWK and accuracy were 0.364 and 0.407 in the systems with LDL and 0.240 and 0.247 in those without LDL, respectively. Thus, LDL improved the diagnostic performance of the automatic prediction system for the grading of histopathological images for cancer. By handling the difference in label characteristics using LDL, the diagnostic performance of the automatic prediction system could be improved for prostate cancer grading.
Trends in Incidence and Survival of 1496 Patients with Mucosal Melanoma in The Netherlands (1990–2019)
Authors: Boer Florine L. , Ho Vincent K. Y. , Louwman Marieke W. J. , Schrader Anne M. R. , Zuur Charlotte L. , Blank Christian U. , van Poelgeest Mariette I. E. , Kapiteijn Ellen H. W.
Published: March 2023

Background: Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare tumour with a poor prognosis. Over the years, immune and targeted therapy have become available and have improved overall survival (OS) for patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma (CM). This study aimed to assess trends in the incidence and survival of MM in the Netherlands against the background of new effective treatments that became available for advanced melanoma. Methods: We obtained information on patients diagnosed with MM during 1990–2019 from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The age-standardized incidence rate and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were calculated over the total study period. OS was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Independent predictors for OS were assessed by applying multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: In total, 1496 patients were diagnosed with MM during 1990–2019, mostly in the female genital tract (43%) and the head and neck region (34%). The majority presented with local or locally advanced disease (66%). The incidence remained stable over time (EAPC 3.0%, p = 0.4). The 5-year OS was 24% (95%CI: 21.6–26.0%) with a median OS of 1.7 years (95%CI: 1.6–1.8). Age ≥ 70 years at diagnosis, higher stage at diagnosis, and respiratory tract location were independent predictors for worse OS. Diagnosis in the period 2014–2019, MM located in the female genital tract, and treatment with immune or targeted therapy were independent predictors for better OS. Conclusion: Since the introduction of immune and targeted therapies, OS has improved for patients with MM. However, the prognosis of MM patients is still lower compared to CM, and the median OS of patients treated with immune and targeted therapies remains fairly short. Further studies are needed to improve outcomes for patients with MM.
Comparing Detection Schemes for Adversarial Images against Deep Learning Models for Cancer Imaging
Authors: Joel Marina Z. , Avesta Arman , Yang Daniel X. , Zhou Jian-Ge , Omuro Antonio , Herbst Roy S. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Aneja Sanjay
Published: March 2023

Deep learning (DL) models have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance in the classification of diagnostic imaging in oncology. However, DL models for medical images can be compromised by adversarial images, where pixel values of input images are manipulated to deceive the DL model. To address this limitation, our study investigates the detectability of adversarial images in oncology using multiple detection schemes. Experiments were conducted on thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans, mammography, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For each dataset we trained a convolutional neural network to classify the presence or absence of malignancy. We trained five DL and machine learning (ML)-based detection models and tested their performance in detecting adversarial images. Adversarial images generated using projected gradient descent (PGD) with a perturbation size of 0.004 were detected by the ResNet detection model with an accuracy of 100% for CT, 100% for mammogram, and 90.0% for MRI. Overall, adversarial images were detected with high accuracy in settings where adversarial perturbation was above set thresholds. Adversarial detection should be considered alongside adversarial training as a defense technique to protect DL models for cancer imaging classification from the threat of adversarial images.
Circular RNA Expression Signatures Provide Promising Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomarkers for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Gharib Ehsan , Nasrabadi Parinaz Nasri , Robichaud Gilles A.
Published: March 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a known hematologic malignancy associated with a growing incidence and post-treatment relapse. Hence, finding a reliable diagnostic biomarker for CLL is crucial. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a new class of RNA involved in many biological processes and diseases. This study aimed to define a circRNA-based panel for the early diagnosis of CLL. To this point, the list of the most deregulated circRNAs in CLL cell models was retrieved using bioinformatic algorithms and applied to the verified CLL patients’ online datasets as the training cohort (n = 100). The diagnostic performance of potential biomarkers represented in individual and discriminating panels, was then analyzed between CLL Binet stages and validated in individual sample sets I (n = 220) and II (n = 251). We also estimated the 5-year overall survival (OS), introduced the cancer-related signaling pathways regulated by the announced circRNAs, and provided a list of possible therapeutic compounds to control the CLL. These findings show that the detected circRNA biomarkers exhibit better predictive performance compared to current validated clinical risk scales, and are applicable for the early detection and treatment of CLL.
Novel Agents as Main Drivers for Continued Improvement in Survival in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Puertas Borja , González-Calle Verónica , Sobejano-Fuertes Eduardo , Escalante Fernando , Queizán José A. , Bárez Abelardo , Labrador Jorge , Alonso-Alonso José María , García de Coca Alfonso , Cantalapiedra Alberto , Villaescusa Teresa , Aguilar-Franco Carlos , Alejo-Alonso Elena , Rey-Bua Beatriz , López-Corral Lucía , García-Sanz Ramón , Puig Noemi , Gutiérrez Norma C. , Mateos María-Victoria
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: New therapeutic strategies have improved the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM), changing the accepted view of this disease from being incurable to treatable. (2) Methods: We studied 1001 patients with MM between 1980 and 2020, grouping patients into ten-year periods by diagnosis 1980–1990, 1991–2000, 2001–2010 and 2011–2020. (3) Results: After 65.1 months of follow-up, the median OS of the cohort was 60.3 months, and OS increased significantly over time: 22.4 months in 1980–1990, 37.4 months in 1991–2000, 61.8 months in 2001–2010 and 103.6 months in 2011–2020 (p < 0.001). Using novel agents in the front-line setting for myeloma patients yielded a significantly better OS than in those treated with conventional therapies, especially when combinations of at least two novel agents were used. The median OS of patients treated with the combination of at least two novel agents in induction was significantly prolonged compared to those treated with a single novel agent or conventional therapy in induction: 143.3 vs. 61.0 vs. 42.2 months (p < 0.001). The improvement was apparent in all patients regardless of age at diagnosis. In addition, 132 (13.2%) patients were long-term survivors (median OS ≥ 10 years). Some independent clinical predictors of long-term survival were identified: ECOG < 1, age at diagnosis ≤ 65 years, non-IgA subtype, ISS-1 and standard-risk cytogenetic. Achieving CR and undergoing ASCT were positively associated with >10 years of survival. (4) Conclusions: The combination of novel agents appears to be the main factor for the improvement in survival in MM, which is becoming a chronic and even curable disease in a subtype of patients without high-risk features.
Biodiesel Production from Waste Oil Catalysed by Metal-Organic Framework (MOF-5): Insights on Activity and Mechanism
Authors: Taddeo Francesco , Vitiello Rosa , Russo Vincenzo , Tesser Riccardo , Turco Rosa , Di Serio Martino
Published: March 2023

The activity of MOF-5-based solids has been exploited in the simultaneous transesterification and esterification of acid vegetable oils. For this purpose, three different types of MOF-5 have been synthesized and characterized, and then tested in the above-mentioned reactions. It has been demonstrated that the “regular MOF-5” was a suitable catalyst for biodiesel synthesis from waste oil also, rich in FFA (Free Fatty Acids). Moreover, to identify the true structure that acts in the reactions and possible structural modifications due to the presence of alcohols, proper studies have been performed. The results have evidenced a distortion of the regular structure of MOF-5 due to the breakage of some zinc bonds between the cluster and organic framework.
Unveiling the Role of In Situ Sulfidation and H2O Excess on H2S Decomposition to Carbon-Free H2 over Cobalt/Ceria Catalysts
Authors: Kraia Tzouliana , Varvoutis Georgios , Marnellos George E. , Konsolakis Michalis
Published: March 2023

The emerging energy and environmental concerns nowadays are highlighting the need to turn to clean fuels, such as hydrogen. In this regard, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an abundant chemical compound found in several natural sources and industrial streams, can be considered a potential carbon-free H2 source through its decomposition. In the present work, the H2S decomposition performance of Co3O4/CeO2 mixed oxide catalysts toward hydrogen production is investigated under excess H2O conditions (1 v/v% H2S, 90 v/v% H2O, Ar as diluent), simulating the concentrated H2S-H2O inflow by the Black Sea deep waters. The effect of key operational parameters such as feed composition, temperature (550–850 °C), and cobalt loading (0–100 wt.%) on the catalytic performance of Co3O4/CeO2 catalysts was systematically explored. In order to gain insight into potential structure-performance relationships, various characterization studies involving BET, XRD, SEM/EDX, and sulfur elemental analysis were performed over the fresh and spent samples. The experimental results showed that the 30 wt.% Co/CeO2 catalyst demonstrated the optimum catalytic performance over the entire temperature range with a H2 production rate of ca. 2.1 μmol H2∙g−1·s−1 at 850 °C and a stable behavior after 10 h on stream, ascribed mainly to the in-situ formation of highly active and stable cobalt sulfided phases.
Various AAV Serotypes and Their Applications in Gene Therapy: An Overview
Authors: Issa Shaza S. , Shaimardanova Alisa A. , Solovyeva Valeriya V. , Rizvanov Albert A.
Published: March 2023

Despite scientific discoveries in the field of gene and cell therapy, some diseases still have no effective treatment. Advances in genetic engineering methods have enabled the development of effective gene therapy methods for various diseases based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Today, many AAV-based gene therapy medications are being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, and new ones are appearing on the market. In this article, we present a review of AAV discovery, properties, different serotypes, and tropism, and a following detailed explanation of their uses in gene therapy for disease of different organs and systems.
Micrandilactone C, a Nortriterpenoid Isolated from Roots of Schisandra chinensis, Ameliorates Huntington’s Disease by Inhibiting Microglial STAT3 Pathways
Authors: Jang Minhee , Choi Jong Hee , Jang Dae Sik , Cho Ik-Hyun
Published: March 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor control system of the brain. Its pathological mechanism and therapeutic strategies have not been fully elucidated yet. The neuroprotective value of micrandilactone C (MC), a new schiartane nortriterpenoid isolated from the roots of Schisandra chinensis, is not well-known either. Here, the neuroprotective effects of MC were demonstrated in 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)-treated animal and cell culture models of HD. MC mitigated neurological scores and lethality following 3-NPA treatment, which is associated with decreases in the formation of a lesion area, neuronal death/apoptosis, microglial migration/activation, and mRNA or protein expression of inflammatory mediators in the striatum. MC also inhibited the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the striatum and microglia after 3-NPA treatment. As expected, decreases in inflammation and STAT3-activation were reproduced in a conditioned medium of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells pretreated with MC. The conditioned medium blocked the reduction in NeuN expression and the enhancement of mutant huntingtin expression in STHdhQ111/Q111 cells. Taken together, MC might alleviate behavioral dysfunction, striatal degeneration, and immune response by inhibiting microglial STAT3 signaling in animal and cell culture models for HD. Thus, MC may be a potential therapeutic strategy for HD.
Microplotter Printing of Co3O4 Films as Receptor Component of Hydrogen Sulfide-Sensitive Gas Sensors
Authors: Simonenko Tatiana L. , Simonenko Nikolay P. , Mokrushin Artem S. , Gorobtsov Philipp Yu. , Vlasov Ivan S. , Volkov Ivan A. , Simonenko Elizaveta P. , Kuznetsov Nikolay T.
Published: March 2023

A hierarchically organized Co3O4 nanopowder was obtained via programmed chemical precipitation, exhibiting several levels of microstructural self-organization: the initial particles are 40 ± 5 nm in size (average CSR size is 32 ± 3 nm), have a somewhat distorted rounded shape and are combined into curved chains, which, in turn, form flat agglomerates of approximately 350 ± 50 nm in diameter. The thermal behavior of the semiproduct (β-Co(OH)2) was studied by means of a synchronous thermal analysis (TGA/DSC). The obtained powders were examined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Nanopowder of cobalt(II,III) oxide was employed as a functional ink component for the microplotter printing of the corresponding film on the chip surface, and the preservation of the material’s crystal structure was confirmed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The microstructural features of the resulting film were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) was utilized to estimate the work function of the material surface, and the scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) data indicated the intergranular conductivity type. The results of the conducted chemosensor measurements demonstrate that the printed Co3O4 film exhibits hydrogen sulfide selectivity and a rather high sensory response (S = 131% for 100 ppm) to this analyte at an operating temperature of 250 °C. The dependence of the sensor response value and time when detecting H2S in the concentration range of 4–200 ppm was determined and the high reproducibility of the signal was demonstrated.
Recent Progress of Molecularly Imprinted Optical Sensors
Authors: Huang Xianzhi , Xia Ling , Li Gongke
Published: March 2023

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been widely utilized in the field of sensing due to their specific and high affinity towards target molecules. Combining the selective preconcentration capability of MIPs and the rapid quantitation merit of optical analytical techniques, MIP optical sensors have been applied to the analysis of various kinds of samples and have received considerable attention in recent years. In this review, we overviewed the progress of MIP sensors in combination with various optical detection methods, including fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, Raman scattering, and chemiluminescence. The construction, characterization, working principle, and application of four kinds of MIP optical sensors are covered in detail. Finally, the opportunities and challenges currently encountered by MIP optical sensors are summarized.
Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Heart Conditions in Children: Insight from the 2019–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health
Authors: Adebiyi Ebenezer , Pietri-Toro Jariselle , Awujoola Adeola , Gwynn Lisa
Published: March 2023

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality in adults. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the associations between ACEs and heart diseases among children in the United States. METHODS: Data on children ages 0 to 17 years reported by parents/guardians to have current heart conditions were analyzed. Using Stata version 17 software, descriptive statistics were generated for the demographic characteristics and the various health outcomes using the chi-square of independence. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to determine the associations between ACEs and heart conditions, the severity of heart conditions, and overall health status. RESULTS: There were 826 children with current heart conditions from a total of 68,753 surveyed children. This corresponded to an estimated 780,000 (1.13%) children living with heart conditions in the U.S. On multivariate logistic models, several ACEs, including household economic hardship, parental/guardian’s alcohol/drug abuse, severe mental health illness of parents/guardians, racial/ethnic discrimination, exposure to neighborhood violence, and accumulation of two or more ACEs, were significantly associated with heart diseases among children. Though the accumulation of two or more ACEs did not have a significant association with the severity of heart condition, it was significantly associated with caregiver reports of undesirable overall health status. CONCLUSIONS: ACEs are significantly associated with heart conditions among children and contribute to unfavorable overall health status among children with heart conditions in the U.S. There is a need for policies and programs that will promptly identify ACEs and mitigate their negative impact on children.
Impact of Teachers’ Autonomy Support in Students’ Basic Psychological Needs, Intrinsic Motivation and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity
Authors: Carriedo Alejandro , Cecchini José A. , Méndez-Giménez Antonio , Sanabrias-Moreno Deborah , González Carmen
Published: March 2023

The students’ active participation in physical education does not always guarantee the fulfilment of the international guidelines on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The goal of the study was to examine the effects of the teacher autonomy support on the MVPA, basic psychological needs, and intrinsic motivation of primary education students. A three-phase, crossed research design was used in four groups of primary education (grades three, four, five, and six). Eighty-three students (40 boys; 43 girls) completed three physical education sessions with three levels of teacher autonomy support: low, intermediate, and high. They wore WGT3x accelerometers and answered a questionnaire. Results showed significant differences in MVPA, autonomy, competence, and intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001) between sessions one (controlling), two (intermediate-supportive autonomy), and three (full-supportive autonomy). In session three, the students’ MVPA increased to 73.70%. In conclusion, teacher’s autonomy-supportive environment can be modified to increase the students’ intrinsic motivation, basic physiological needs, and MVPA to reach the minimum international standards.
Pediatric and School-Age Vision Screening in the United States: Rationale, Components, and Future Directions
Authors: Ambrosino Christina , Dai Xi , Antonio Aguirre Bani , Collins Megan E.
Published: March 2023

Pediatric vision screening detects children at risk for visual conditions with the goal of connecting those in need with an eye care provider for evaluation and treatment. The primary aim for vision screening in younger children is the detection of those at risk for amblyopia, which can result in irreversible vision loss if left untreated. In older children, screening goals broaden to include the detection of risk for uncorrected refractive error. In the United States, professional organization guidelines and state-mandated requirements for vision screening vary widely across both the timing and components of screening. In this article, we describe the goals and components of pediatric vision screenings, current challenges, novel approaches to providing follow-up services through school-based vision programs, and future directions.
Promoting Positive Social Interactions: Recommendation for a Post-Pandemic School-Based Intervention for Social Anxiety
Authors: Ni Yang , Jia Fanli
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this perspective article is to identify problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend a school-based intervention (e.g., self-reflection, motivational interview, and workbook) to address post-COVID social anxiety among children and adolescents. The recommendations involve comparing students’ social interaction behaviors pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic, and evaluating any behavioral changes in social relationships six months later. We also discuss the evaluation criteria and surveys used to assess the impact of the intervention on behavioral changes. Our evaluation criteria are based on students’ beliefs and abilities and aim to demonstrate that the intervention improves in-person social interactions and helps students adapt to the transition back to school. The proposed perspectives and strategies of the intervention can be modified to meet the needs of the researchers and professionals. By working together, global policymakers from the fields of education and public health can create school-based interventions that enhance students’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This program aims to mitigate the negative effects of school closures and social isolation and to broaden the role of schools in supporting students in the challenging post-pandemic world by addressing their holistic needs.
Physical Performance and Morphological Characteristics of Young Basketball Players before and after COVID-19
Authors: Pelemiš Vladan , Zoretić Dajana , Prskalo Ivan
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to determine possible changes in physical performance and morphological characteristics in young basketball players before and after quarantine caused by COVID-19. The research was conducted on a total sample of 46 young basketball players. Participants were measured before the quarantine and pandemic in January 2020 and then after the quarantine period, one year later in March 2021. The results indicate the existence of significant differences in total muscle mass (p < 0.01) in favor of higher values measured before quarantine. Moreover, total fat percentage was higher (p < 0.03) after quarantine. As for physical performance, significant differences were also observed in the counter movement jump test (p < 0.05) and the 20 m shuttle run test (p < 0.05), with significantly poorer results for the group of participants measured after quarantine. The authors conclude that the consequences of the quarantine and pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were definitely negative, as higher values of body fat and lower values of the percentage of total muscle mass were observed. In addition, a lower level of the explosive power of lower limbs was observed, accompanied by lower aerobic endurance in young basketball players.
Clinical Evolution of Preschool Picky Eater Children Receiving Oral Nutritional Supplementation during Six Months: A Prospective Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Nogueira-de-Almeida Carlos Alberto , Del Ciampo Luiz Antonio , Martinez Edson Zangiacomi , Contini Andrea Aparecida , Nogueira-de-Almeida Maria Eduarda , Ferraz Ivan Savioli , Epifanio Matias , da Veiga Ued Fabio
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine if oral nutritional supplementation of picky eater children has a beneficial effect in addition to nutritional guidance on anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, appetite, physical activity, and health complications. Methods: This is a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial that included Brazilian picky eater children aged 24 to 60 months. The individuals were randomized into a control group (CG) (n = 17) and an intervention group (IG) (n = 18), and were followed up in seven meetings for 180 days (baseline plus one meeting every 30 days). The CG received nutritional guidance for food selectivity, while the IG received the same guidance plus oral nutritional supplementation. Anthropometric and nutrient intake assessments were carried out, and appetite, physical activity and health complications were investigated. Results: In the IG, the z-score of weight and height increased significantly over time (p < 0.05), while the body fat percentage (BFP) and BMI z-score remained unchanged. The percentage of inadequate intake of vitamins D, C and folate reduced in the IG over time compared to the CG (p < 0.05). In the IG, the score assigned by parents to the appetite scale increased over time (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in the scores on the physical activity and global health scales, and in the number of health complications. Conclusions: Picky eater children that were supplemented increased their weight not by gaining fat, but due to an increase in stature, as shown by BMI z-score and BFP, that remained unchanged. Furthermore, they showed a decrease in inadequate micronutrient intake during the intervention. An improvement in appetite was also observed over time, attesting to the benefit of supplementation.
Hypoxic Preconditioned Neural Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Contain Distinct Protein Cargo from Their Normal Counterparts
Authors: Gharbi Tahereh , Liu Chang , Khan Haroon , Zhang Zhijun , Yang Guo-Yuan , Tang Yaohui
Published: March 2023

Hypoxic preconditioning has been demonstrated to increase the resistance of neural stem cells (NSCs) to hypoxic conditions, as well as to improve their capacity for differentiation and neurogenesis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as critical mediators of cell–cell communication, but their role in this hypoxic conditioning is presently unknown. Here, we demonstrated that three hours of hypoxic preconditioning triggers significant neural stem cell EV release. Proteomic profiling of EVs from normal and hypoxic preconditioned neural stem cells identified 20 proteins that were upregulated and 22 proteins that were downregulated after hypoxic preconditioning. We also found an upregulation of some of these proteins by qPCR, thus indicating differences also at the transcript level within the EVs. Among the upregulated proteins are CNP, Cyfip1, CASK, and TUBB5, which are well known to exhibit significant beneficial effects on neural stem cells. Thus, our results not only show a significant difference of protein cargo in EVs consequent to hypoxic exposure, but identify several candidate proteins that might play a pivotal role in the cell-to-cell mediated communication underlying neuronal differentiation, protection, maturation, and survival following exposure to hypoxic conditions.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Immune and Inflammatory Markers in the Diagnosis of Lacrimal-Gland Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion
Authors: Luan Fuxiao , Liu Rui , Li Jing , Ge Xin , Wang Nan , Guo Qihan , Tao Yong , Ma Jianmin
Published: March 2023

This study retrospectively analyzes the immune and inflammatory indices of patients with lacrimal-gland benign lymphoepithelial lesion (LGBLEL) in order to screen out reference indices with higher diagnostic efficacy. The medical histories of patients whose diagnoses of LGBLEL and primary lacrimal prolapse were confirmed by pathology between August 2010 and August 2019 were collected. In the LGBLEL group, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, rheumatoid factor (RF), and immunoglobulins G, G1, G2, and G4 (IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG4) were higher (p < 0.05) and the expression level of C3 was lower (p < 0.05) compared to the lacrimal-gland prolapse group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IgG4, IgG, and C3 were independent risk factors for predicting LGBLEL occurrence (p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the prediction model (IgG4+IgG+C3) was 0.926, which was significantly better than that of any single factor. Therefore, serum levels of IgG4, IgG, and C3 were independent risk factors for predicting the occurrence of LGBLEL, and the combined diagnostic efficacy of IgG4+IgG+C3 was the highest.
Effect of Surface Impacting Parameters on Wear Resistance of High Manganese Steel
Authors: Wang Zekui , Yang Yang , Chen Chen , Li Yanguo , Yang Zhinan , Lv Bo , Zhang Fucheng
Published: March 2023

High manganese steel has always been subjected to pre-hardening treatment before use owing to its low initial strength. Therefore, cast high manganese steel was pre-hardened in this work by surface impacting treatment under different parameters to evaluate its state. The microstructures, hardening characteristics, and wear resistances of the pre-hardened high manganese steel samples were all investigated. The results indicated that increasing the sample temperature, reducing the impact pin size, and increasing the impact times on a single-point can enhance the surface hardening effect to different degrees. Dislocations and deformation twins were produced on the top surface and within a certain depth of test steel under different impacting conditions. The optimal hardening effect of test steel was achieved at a temperature of 300 °C, a pin size of 10 × 10 mm2, and 9 impacts on a single point. The surface hardness of the treated sample reached 542 HV. For friction and wear testing, the best wear resistance was achieved at a temperature of 300 °C, a pin size of 10 × 10 mm2, and 3 impacts on a single point with a surface hardness of 446 HV. Further enhancement in impact hardening effect resulted in microcracking along the surface of test steel. In turn, the induced embrittlement led to the poor wear resistance.
The Influence of Electric and Magnetic Fields on the Structure of Flat Drops of Magnetic Fluids upon Drying
Authors: Dikansky Yury I. , Semenova Sofia A. , Drozdov Andrey S.
Published: March 2023

Drop casting is a widely used approach for surface modification and the creation of functional coatings. Drying of sessile droplets is often associated with a so-called coffee-ring effect which originates from a non-uniform evaporation rate in the liquid–air and results in the formation of non-planar deposits. In the last two decades, this phenomenon attracted a lot of attention as a potential approach towards surface modification and structuring, resulting in an increased interest to control the morphology of the formed deposits. Here, we describe the effect of magnetic and electric fields individually and in combination on the processes of deposit formation for drops of water- or kerosene-based magnetic fluids. For the water-based fluid, the relative inner deposit density showed a linear dependence on the applied electric potential in the range from −5 to +5 V and varied from 100% to 31%, while kerosene-based fluid did not respond to the electric field. The combination of electric and magnetic fields allowed more complex control over the morphology of the deposits and to separate the annular deposit from the main one by the rim up to 0.3 mm. The theoretical basis behind the observed effects is discussed.
Investigating an Unknown Biodiversity: Evidence of Distinct Lineages of the Endemic Chola Guitarfish Pseudobatos percellens Walbaum, 1792 in the Western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Cruz Vanessa P. , Rotundo Matheus M. , Charvet Patrícia , Boza Beatriz R. , Souza Bruno C. , Cerqueira Najila N. C. D. , Oliveira Claudio , Lessa Rosângela , Foresti Fausto
Published: March 2023

Anthropogenic actions have affected marine species for a long time, through overexploitation of natural stocks and habitat degradation, influencing the life strategies of several taxa, especially rays and sharks, which have suffered significant population declines in recent years. Therefore, conservation actions and stock management have become paramount. In this regard, chola guitarfish, Pseudobatos percellens, distributed throughout the Brazilian coast, is often commercially fished by local artisanal fleets or as by-catch in shrimp trawl fisheries. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the genetic diversity of P. percellens throughout the Brazilian coast, using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genetic analyses employing 3329 SNPs revealed a hidden biodiversity within P. percellens, with at least one lineage occurring in the Northern and Northeastern regions and another distributed in the Southeastern/Southern Brazilian coast, with high genetic differentiation between them. However, the Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) indicated the presence of in fact three lineages distributed in these regions that must still be better investigated. Therefore, to ensure adequate conservation of chola guitarfish biodiversity, populations must be managed separately along the Brazilian coast. Furthermore, the need for a taxonomic review for this group is noted.
Caulerpa cylindracea Spread on Deep Rhodolith Beds Can Be Influenced by the Morphostructural Composition of the Bed
Authors: Caronni Sarah , Bracchi Valentina Alice , Atzori Fabrizio , Citterio Sandra , Cadoni Nicoletta , Gentili Rodolfo , Montagnani Chiara , Quaglini Lara Assunta , Basso Daniela
Published: March 2023

The green alga Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder (Chlorophyta; Bryopsidales) is one of the most invasive alien macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is also spreading on rhodolith beds, an important biogenic assemblage typical of deep substrates. Despite the importance of rhodoliths, data on the competitive interactions with C. cylindracea are still scarce. To deepen the knowledge on the topic, C. cylindracea occurrence on the rhodolith bed of Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area (Italy) was explored. Quantitative analyses of videoframes obtained from Remote Operated Vehicle records in three different MPA sites, Is Piscadeddus, Santa Caterina, and Serpentara, allow for estimates of both the cover of rhodoliths (considering the main morphotypes) and of C. cylindracea, as well as their competition. All sites showed a well-developed rhodolith bed, although some differences were highlighted in their composition in terms of morphotype, shape, and dimension of rhodoliths, as well as in the C. cylindracea cover. In particular, Santa Caterina appeared to be the site with the highest mean total cover of rhodoliths (68%), and of C. cylindracea (25%). The obtained results suggest that different competitive interactions occur between C. cylindracea and rhodolith beds, in relation to the morphostructural composition of the latter and in response to environmental conditions that affect rhodolith bed composition.
An Updated Checklist of Freshwater Gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Emphasis on Crenobiotic Species
Authors: Dmitrović Dejan , Savić Ana , Šukalo Goran , Pešić Vladimir
Published: March 2023

An updated checklist of freshwater gastropods of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including 144 species and subspecies from 59 genera and 17 families, is presented in this paper. Hydrobiidae is the most diverse family, representing ~50% of the species richness in the country. In total, ~38% of the recorded taxa are endemic. The highest number of species was recorded from underground waters and/or springs, followed by rivers and standing waters. This inventory includes 18 crenobiotic taxa, of which 9 are endemic to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is divided between the Dniester–Lower Danube and Dalmatia ecoregions. The Dalmatia ecoregion has the highest overall diversity, i.e., 82 species and subspecies. Three invasive species are recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our study reveals that most species still lack conservation assessments, and only five species are nationally protected.
Whale Optimization Algorithm with a Hybrid Relation Vector Machine: A Highly Robust Respiratory Rate Prediction Model Using Photoplethysmography Signals
Authors: Dong Xuhao , Wang Ziyi , Cao Liangli , Chen Zhencheng , Liang Yongbo
Published: March 2023

Due to the simplicity and convenience of PPG signal acquisition, the detection of the respiration rate based on the PPG signal is more suitable for dynamic monitoring than the impedance spirometry method, but it is challenging to achieve accurate predictions from low-signal-quality PPG signals, especially in intensive-care patients with weak PPG signals. The goal of this study was to construct a simple model for respiration rate estimation based on PPG signals using a machine-learning approach fusing signal quality metrics to improve the accuracy of estimation despite the low-signal-quality PPG signals. In this study, we propose a method based on the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) with a hybrid relation vector machine (HRVM) to construct a highly robust model considering signal quality factors to estimate RR from PPG signals in real time. To detect the performance of the proposed model, we simultaneously recorded PPG signals and impedance respiratory rates obtained from the BIDMC dataset. The results of the respiration rate prediction model proposed in this study showed that the MAE and RMSE were 0.71 and 0.99 breaths/min, respectively, in the training set, and 1.24 and 1.79 breaths/min, respectively, in the test set. Compared without taking signal quality factors into account, MAE and RMSE are reduced by 1.28 and 1.67 breaths/min, respectively, in the training set, and reduced by 0.62 and 0.65 breaths/min in the test set. Even in the nonnormal breathing range below 12 bpm and above 24 bpm, the MAE reached 2.68 and 4.28 breaths/min, respectively, and the RMSE reached 3.52 and 5.01 breaths/min, respectively. The results show that the model that considers the PPG signal quality and respiratory quality proposed in this study has obvious advantages and application potential in predicting the respiration rate to cope with the problem of low signal quality.