bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise-Induced Atrial Remodeling in Female Amateur Marathon Runners Assessed by Three-Dimensional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Lasocka Zofia , Lewicka-Potocka Zuzanna , Faran Anna , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła , Nowak Radosław , Kaufmann Damian , Kaleta-Duss Anna , Kalinowski Leszek , Raczak Grzegorz , Lewicka Ewa , Dąbrowska-Kugacka Alicja
Published: July 2022

Endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial remodeling and atrial arrhythmias. However, data regarding atrial adaptation to physical exercise in non-elite athletes are limited. Even less is known about atrial performance in women. We aimed to elucidate exercise-induced changes in atrial morphology and function in female amateur marathon runners using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The study group consisted of 27 female (40 ± 7 years) amateur athletes. Right (RA) and left atrial (LA) measures were assessed three times: 2–3 weeks before the marathon (stage 1), immediately after the run (stage 2), and 2 weeks after the competition (stage 3). Directly after the marathon, a remarkable RA dilatation, as assessed by RA maximal volume (RAVmax, 31.3 ± 6.8 vs. 35.0 ± 7.0 ml/m2; p = 0.008), with concomitant increase in RA contractile function [RA active emptying fraction (RA active EF), 27.7 ± 8.6 vs. 35.0 ± 12.1%; p = 0.014; RA peak atrial contraction strain (RA PACS) 13.8 ± 1.8 vs. 15.6 ± 2.5%; p = 0.016] was noticed. There were no significant changes in LA volumes between stages, while LA active EF (34.3 ± 6.4 vs. 39.4 ± 8.6%; p = 0.020), along with LA PACS (12.8 ± 2.1 vs. 14.9 ± 2.7%; p = 0.002), increased post race. After the race, an increase in right ventricular (RV) dimensions (RV end-diastolic volume index, 48.8 ± 11.0 vs. 60.0 ± 11.1 ml/m2; p = 0.001) and a decrease in RV function (RV ejection fraction, 54.9 ± 6.3 vs. 49.1 ± 6.3%; p = 0.006) were observed. The magnitude of post-race RV dilatation was correlated with peak RA longitudinal strain deterioration (r = −0.56, p = 0.032). The measured parameters did not differ between stages 1 and 3. In female amateur athletes, apart from RV enlargement and dysfunction, marathon running promotes transient biatrial remodeling, with more pronounced changes in the RA. Post-race RA dilatation and increment of the active contraction force of both atria are observed. However, RA reservoir function diminishes in those with post-race RV dilation.
Counting Degrons: Lessons From Multivalent Substrates for Targeted Protein Degradation
Authors: Okoye Cynthia N. , Rowling Pamela J. E. , Itzhaki Laura S. , Lindon Catherine
Published: July 2022

E3s comprise a structurally diverse group of at least 800 members, most of which target multiple substrates through specific and regulated protein-protein interactions. These interactions typically rely on short linear motifs (SLiMs), called “degrons”, in an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of the substrate, with variable rules of engagement governing different E3-docking events. These rules of engagement are of importance to the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD), where substrate ubiquitination and destruction require tools to effectively harness ubiquitin ligases (E3s). Substrates are often found to contain multiple degrons, or multiple copies of a degron, contributing to the affinity and selectivity of the substrate for its E3. One important paradigm for E3-substrate docking is presented by the Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C), a multi-subunit E3 ligase that targets hundreds of proteins for destruction during mitotic exit. APC/C substrate targeting takes place in an ordered manner thought to depend on tightly regulated interactions of substrates, with docking sites provided by the substoichiometric APC/C substrate adaptors and coactivators, Cdc20 or Cdh1/FZR1. Both structural and functional studies of individual APC/C substrates indicate that productive ubiquitination usually requires more than one degron, and that degrons are of different types docking to distinct sites on the coactivators. However, the dynamic nature of APC/C substrate recruitment, and the influence of multiple degrons, remains poorly understood. Here we review the significance of multiple degrons in a number of E3-substrate interactions that have been studied in detail, illustrating distinct kinetic effects of multivalency and allovalency, before addressing the role of multiple degrons in APC/C substrates, key to understanding ordered substrate destruction by APC/C. Lastly, we consider how lessons learnt from these studies can be applied in the design of TPD tools.
Oxygen Radical-Generating Metabolites Secreted by Eutypa and Esca Fungal Consortia: Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Grapevine Wood Deterioration and Pathogenesis
Authors: Perez-Gonzalez Gabriel , Sebestyen Dana , Petit Elsa , Jellison Jody , Mugnai Laura , Gelhaye Eric , Lee Norman , Farine Sibylle , Bertsch Christophe , Goodell Barry
Published: July 2022

Eutypa dieback and Esca complex are fungal diseases of grape that cause large economic losses in vineyards. These diseases require, or are enhanced by, fungal consortia growth which leads to the deterioration of the wood tissue in the grapevine trunk; however, pathogenesis and the underlying mechanisms involved in the woody tissue degradation are not understood. We examined the role that the consortia fungal metabolome have in generating oxygen radicals that could potentially play a role in trunk decay and pathogenesis. Unique metabolites were isolated from the consortia fungi with some metabolites preferentially reducing iron whereas others were involved in redox cycling to generate hydrogen peroxide. Metabolite suites with different functions were produced when fungi were grown separately vs. when grown in consortia. Chelator-mediated Fenton (CMF) chemistry promoted by metabolites from these fungi allowed for the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. We hypothesize that this mechanism may be involved in pathogenicity in grapevine tissue as a causal mechanism associated with trunk wood deterioration/necrosis in these two diseases of grape.
Recent Acquisition of Functional m6A RNA Demethylase Domain in Orchid Ty3/Gypsy Elements
Authors: Alvarado-Marchena Luis , Martínez-Pérez Mireya , Aparicio Frederic , Pallas Vicente , Maumus Florian
Published: July 2022

Long terminal repeats (LTR) retrotransposons are transposable elements (TEs) representing major components of most plant genomes. The fixation of additional conserved protein domains in their genomes is considered a rare event in the course of their evolution. Such changes can bring novel functions and increase their fitness by playing a role in the regulation of their replicative cycle or by affecting their integration landscape so that the detection of new domains can in turn reveal important aspects of host-TE interactions. We have mined angiosperm genomes for the presence of additional domains in LTR retrotransposons. We report a lineage of large (25 kbp) Gypsy-type elements in the genomes of Phalaenopsis orchids that contain an additional open reading frame containing a 2-ODD domain with close similarity to those responsible for m6A RNA demethylase activity in AlkB proteins. By performing in vitro assays, we demonstrate the RNA binding capability and the demethylase activity of the Gypsy-encoded AlkB protein, suggesting it could be functional against cognate TE mRNA or any cellular RNA in planta. In line with recent literature, we propose that the fixation of an RNA demethylase in this lineage of LTR retrotransposons may reflect an important role for epitranscriptomic control in host surveillance against TEs.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of a β-Glucosidase Gene to Produce Platycodin D in Platycodon grandiflorus
Authors: Su Xinglong , Meng Fei , Liu Yingying , Jiang Weimin , Wang Zhaojian , Wu Liping , Guo Xiaohu , Yao Xiaoyan , Wu Jing , Sun Zongping , Zha Liangping , Gui Shuangying , Peng Daiyin , Xing Shihai
Published: July 2022

Platycodin D (PD) is a deglycosylated triterpene saponin with much higher pharmacological activity than glycosylated platycoside E (PE). Extensive studies in vitro showed that the transformation of platycoside E to platycodin D can be achieved using β-glucosidase extracted from several bacteria. However, whether similar enzymes in Platycodon grandiflorus could convert platycoside E to platycodin D, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the deglycosylation process of platycodon E, remain unclear. Here, we identified a β-glucosidase in P. grandiflorus from our previous RNA-seq analysis, with a full-length cDNA of 1,488 bp encoding 495 amino acids. Bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses showed that β-glucosidases in P. grandiflorus have high homology with other plant β-glucosidases. Subcellular localization showed that there is no subcellular preference for its encoding gene. β-glucosidase was successfully expressed as 6 × His-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Western blot analysis yielded a recombinant protein of approximately 68 kDa. In vitro enzymatic reactions determined that β-glucosidase was functional and could convert PE to PD. RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression level of β-glucosidase was higher at night than during the day, with the highest expression level between 9:00 and 12:00 at night. Analysis of the promoter sequence showed many light-responsive cis-acting elements, suggesting that the light might regulate the gene. The results will contribute to the further study of the biosynthesis and metabolism regulation of triterpenoid saponins in P. grandiflorus.
Why Men Rape: Perspectives From Incarcerated Rapists in a KwaZulu-Natal Prison, South Africa
Authors: Ngubane Lindokuhle Blessing , Nöthling Jani , Moletsane Relebohile , Wilkinson Abigail , Qulu Lihle
Published: July 2022

Sexual offending is a global problem but is particularly prevalent on the African continent and in South Africa. Childhood experiences related to abuse, alcohol use, and criminal activities in the household and community has been associated with an increased risk for violence perpetration in adulthood. Less is known about sexual violence perpetration, especially in the South African context. In this study, the experiences of incarcerated male perpetrators of rape in South Africa are investigated along with the collective social context and individual childhood experiences that potentially contribute to rape perpetration. Eighteen male perpetrators of rape who were inmates at Westville Correctional Services in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, were interviewed. The semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews were transcribed, coded and annotated using an interpretive paradigm and thematic analysis approach. Five main themes emerged from the research and included (1) childhood trauma and adverse events, e.g., an absent father, being raised without parents, exposure to criminal or violent behavior, physical abuse, sexual abuse and poverty, (2) understanding rape, e.g., rape as sex by force and without consent, rape as a violent act, rape as sex with a minor, myths about rape (3) substance abuse, e.g., history of alcohol and drug use, and intoxication during rape perpetration, (4) gender roles and avoiding responsibility, e.g., victim blaming, rape as male prerogative, transactional sex, being framed or set-up, ignoring an ancestral call and (5) recidivism. The findings revealed that all rape perpetrators were exposed to at least one childhood trauma type. Family and community violence and criminality was common. Most participants avoided taking responsibility for their actions and blamed the victim and recidivism/prior convictions were often reported. The findings demonstrate the complex personality dynamic involved in the cycle of abuse and the evolution of criminal behavior, starting as a victim and ending as a perpetrator. The findings also highlight the need for interventions aimed at reducing childhood trauma exposure and improving the social and relational context of those at risk for childhood neglect and abuse.
Psychometric Properties of the Cyprus Lexical List in the Greek Language for Infants and Preschool Children and Preliminary Results
Authors: Helidoni Meropi , Okalidou Areti , Economou Alexandra , Spyropoulou Elli , Petinou Kakia
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the adapted Cyprus Greek Lexical List a-CYLEX (GR) in a sample of 194 Greek toddlers from the island of Crete with Standard Modern Greek (SMG) as their primary language. The a-CYLEX (GR) is a parental report checklist for assessing the receptive and expressive vocabulary skills of children aged 12 months to 3:6 years. Concurrent validity of the instrument was tested via correlations with the adapted Greek version of the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test-II (ROWPVT-II), which was administered to 124 SMG-speaking children between the ages of 2 and 3:6 years. Test–retest reliability was tested by administering the instrument two times within a 2-week interval to 59 parents (30.41% of the total sample). Statistical analyses provided strong evidence for the high internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the a-CYLEX (GR). The role of the demographic variables in vocabulary performance and the frequency of each a-CYLEX (GR) word category by age were also investigated. In conclusion, the a-CYLEX (GR) is a parental report checklist that can be used by clinicians who are interested in assessing receptive and expressive vocabulary of children during toddlerhood.
Emotion Processes Predicting Outbursts and Functional Impact in Misophonia
Authors: Wang Qiaochu , Vitoratou Silia , Uglik-Marucha Nora , Gregory Jane
Published: July 2022

Misophonia involves a decreased tolerance to certain sounds and is associated with a range of emotions and emotion processes. In addition to the distress caused by misophonia, some individuals report having aggressive outbursts and significant impact on doing things they would like to be able to do. This study aimed to examine whether misophonia-specific cognitive and emotional processes were associated with misophonic outbursts and impact, and whether these relationships could be explained in part by emotion processes not specific to misophonia. A sample of 703 individuals, 315 of whom identified with having misophonia, completed measures of misophonia, depression and anxiety symptoms, anxiety and disgust sensitivity, interoception and beliefs about emotions. Exploratory correlation and regression analyses were used to build mediation models, which were tested using multiple linear regression. Externalising appraisals (blaming others for causing one’s reaction to sounds) were positively associated with misophonic outbursts, and this relationship was partially explained by anxiety symptoms and disgust sensitivity. Sense of emotional threat in misophonia predicted functional impact of misophonia, and this was partially explained by depression symptoms and negative beliefs about emotions. Anxiety sensitivity and interoception were not significant independent predictors of misophonic outbursts or functional impact. These results provide support for the relevance of emotion processes in misophonia and highlight the importance of using multi-dimensional measures of misophonia to improve our understanding of the condition.
From Cultural Tourism to Social Entrepreneurship: Role of Social Value Creation for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Abbas Jaffar , Dongling Wang , Baig Noor Ul Ain , Zhang Ruilian
Published: July 2022

Cross-cultural exchanges among the locals and the tourists have been beneficial in terms of social value creation and sustainability. The present study has examined the role of cultural tourism and social entrepreneurship on social value creation and environmental sustainability. The study has drawn a sample through a non-probabilistic convenience sampling method for desired data collection, as investigators approached tourists visiting the tourism destinations. The study reports data received with the help of tourists visiting cultural heritage in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The study has employed the PLS_SEM approach for analysis purposes to draw the results. The findings showed a significant relationship between cultural tourism, environmental sustainability, and social value creation that significantly predicts environmental sustainability. The results revealed a significant positive association between social entrepreneurship, social value creation, and environmental sustainability. Besides, results showed that social value creation mediates the relationship between cultural tourism and environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability. The study’s findings climax the importance of cross-cultural interactions that enriches the cultural understanding and gives new perspectives to the existing cultural traditions. Pursuing environmental sustainability through social value creation requires an excellent combination of the administrative and political collaborative strategy that integrates cultural tourism and social entrepreneurship in tourist destination development and aims to attain improved tourist attractions. Besides, this research identifies a significant effect of cultural tourism on environmental sustainability. However, the relationship between tourism and environmental sustainability is bidirectional. It might provide direction for further study. The findings deliver valuable insight into global cultural tourism and social entrepreneurship activities that provide tourism destinations for community development. This investigation produces a systematic and holistic research framework to help explore the influence of cultural tourism and social value creation on the environmental sustainability at tourism destinations. The generalizability of the findings supplies helpful directions for future research on environmental sustainability related to social entrepreneurship and cultural tourism that leads to social value creation.
Quality Assessment of the Clinical Practice Guidelines of Ostomy Care Based on the AGREE II Instrument
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Yuan Qiao , Geng Liangrong , Chen Zhiqi , Zhang Rui , Guo Liqun , Yue Shujin
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) of ostomy care, and to analyze the status quo and challenges of guideline development.

Methods

CPGs of ostomy care were systematically searched in relevant guideline websites and electronic databases, including PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG, and SinoMed, from January 1, 2012, to November 24, 2021. Two appraisers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, 2nd edition (AGREE II) instrument to assess the quality of the included CPGs independently and objectively. The consistency of assessment was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

A total of 5 CPGs relevant to ostomy care were assessed by AGREE II and the general quality of them was good. There were two CPGs of grade A and three CPGs of grade B. The domain scope and purpose (87.78%) had the highest scores, followed by the clarity of presentation (87.22%), the rigor of development (69.17%), stakeholder involvement (68.33%), and editorial independence (65.00%), and the lowest was applicability (55.42%). The overall assessment score was 5.40. All the ICCs for the AGREE II appraisal conducted by the two appraisers were >0.75.

Conclusions

The five CPGs of ostomy care have the potential to be adopted in clinical practice. However, they still have some room for improvement, especially in the applicability domain. The development of ostomy care CPGs should follow the evidence-based progress and methodology of guideline formulation specifications while considering the effects of the CPGs and the practical issues.
Predicting the Willingness and Purchase of Travel Insurance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Al Mamun Abdullah , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Yang Qing , Jannat Taslima , Salameh Anas A. , Fazal Syed Ali
Published: July 2022

This study explored the willingness and purchase of travel insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic amongst working adults to ensure their safety and welfare through the lens of the theory of planned behavior. Primary data were gathered from 1,118 working adults across Malaysia and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study outcomes revealed that attitude toward travel insurance was significantly influenced by insurance literacy, perceived health risk, and health consciousness. The willingness of working adults to purchase travel insurance was highly influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls but unaffected by perceived product risks. The purchase of travel insurance was positively influenced by the willingness to purchase travel insurance. In fact, travel insurance literacy and perceived health risk should be emphasized amongst working adults to encourage them to purchase travel insurance policies for traveling abroad.
Characteristics of Hospital Workers Using a Wellbeing Center Implemented During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Prevent the Emotional Impacts of the Crisis
Authors: d'Ussel Marguerite , Adam Frédéric , Fels Audrey , Chatellier Gilles , Philippart François
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge worldwide for healthcare workers (HCWs) and other hospital employees. Disruptions in work and personal life may have led to mental health problems. To prevent or limit the severity of such issues, a local initiative has been implemented in a French hospital: a dedicated lounge, also called “Bulle” (literally bubble and meaning safe space) has been created to provide a quiet caring environment and health support. Other similar wellbeing centers have been implemented in other countries, but very little data are available on their practical effectiveness. The purpose of our study was to assess what type of hospital workers have frequented the Bulle and to describe their psychological state in terms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) just after the first wave, compared to those who had not come to the Bulle.

Methods

From 15 July to 1 October 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among all workers, collecting demographic information, professional data (experience and satisfaction), emotional experience during the first wave of COVID-19, and psychological specificities, including a history of burnout or symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We asked them if they had accessed the Bulle or not.

Results

A total of 675 employees (out of 2,408; 28.0%) fully completed the survey. Approximately 199 respondents (29%) reported having accessed the Bulle during the first wave of the pandemic. Significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were reported by, respectively, 41, 20, and 14% of the participants. Logistic regression analysis showed no relationship between the use of the Bulle and the prevalence of later psychological symptoms. However, employees who benefit from the solicitation of the psychological support team in their hospital unit were secondarily more prone to come to the Bulle [odds ratio (OR), 2.24; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.09; 4.59].

Conclusion

Anxiety, depression, and PTSD were common after the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the attendance in quiet and wellbeing spaces seemed easier with direct internal proactive intervention by psychological teams.
Toward Benchmarking of Long-Term Spatio-Temporal Maps of Pedestrian Flows for Human-Aware Navigation
Authors: Vintr Tomáš , Blaha Jan , Rektoris Martin , Ulrich Jiří , Rouček Tomáš , Broughton George , Yan Zhi , Krajník Tomáš
Published: July 2022

Despite the advances in mobile robotics, the introduction of autonomous robots in human-populated environments is rather slow. One of the fundamental reasons is the acceptance of robots by people directly affected by a robot’s presence. Understanding human behavior and dynamics is essential for planning when and how robots should traverse busy environments without disrupting people’s natural motion and causing irritation. Research has exploited various techniques to build spatio-temporal representations of people’s presence and flows and compared their applicability to plan optimal paths in the future. Many comparisons of how dynamic map-building techniques show how one method compares on a dataset versus another, but without consistent datasets and high-quality comparison metrics, it is difficult to assess how these various methods compare as a whole and in specific tasks. This article proposes a methodology for creating high-quality criteria with interpretable results for comparing long-term spatio-temporal representations for human-aware path planning and human-aware navigation scheduling. Two criteria derived from the methodology are then applied to compare the representations built by the techniques found in the literature. The approaches are compared on a real-world, long-term dataset, and the conception is validated in a field experiment on a robotic platform deployed in a human-populated environment. Our results indicate that continuous spatio-temporal methods independently modeling spatial and temporal phenomena outperformed other modeling approaches. Our results provide a baseline for future work to compare a wide range of methods employed for long-term navigation and provide researchers with an understanding of how these various methods compare in various scenarios.
Revisiting Fluoride in the Twenty-First Century: Safety and Efficacy Considerations
Authors: Duffin Steve , Duffin Marcus , Grootveld Martin
Published: July 2022

Over 100 years of scientific literature is available which describes the long relationship between dentistry and the many possible applications of fluoride anion (F−) as successful therapeutic strategies. To date, systemic introduction of fluoride via water, milk and salt fluoridation, and fluoride-containing tablets, has been employed. Post-eruption topical fluoride products have also been introduced, such as fluoridated toothpaste, along with fluoride-containing rinses and varnishes. Importantly, a recent addition to the available armamentarium of fluoride therapeutics now exists in the form of metal ion-fluorido adducts, most especially silver(I)-diammine fluoride (SDF). In view of its high level of therapeutic success, very recently this agent was added to the World Health Authority's (WHO's) list of essential medicines available for the treatment and prevention of tooth decay. Overall, this current state of affairs merits a major review of all these fluoride-containing therapeutic compounds, together with their risks and benefits, both individually and collectively. In this study, a simple graphical tool has been developed for the rapid “on-site” evaluation of fluoride intake with respect to a range of oral healthcare products and body mass index is presented as a gauge of safety for the risk of fluoride toxicity in individual patients. This exposition commences with (a) an account of the history and value of fluoride therapeutics in clinical dentistry, including applications of monofluorophosphate and stannous fluoride; (b) an evaluation of the toxicological activities of fluoride, together with a summary of any reports, albeit very rare ones, arising from its clinically-driven overuse; (c) a history of the development, molecular structure, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications of SDF, including a summary of any possible toxic activities and effects arising from silver(I) ion rather than fluoride itself; and (d) the establishment of a working relationship between fluoride exposure and toxicity, with special reference to the instigation of newly-developed tabular/graphical reference guidelines for use by dental clinicians who employ fluoride-rich products in their practices. Particular attention is given to the oral care and treatment options of pediatric patients. In conclusion, applications of this unique monitoring tool may serve as a valuable toxicity guide for dental practitioners.
Analysis of Reconstructed Modified Symmetric Teleparallel f(Q) Gravity
Authors: Myrzakulov N. , Shekh S. H. , Mussatayeva A. , Koussour M.
Published: July 2022

The existing analysis reports a reconstruction scheme of the newly proposed gravity say f(Q) gravity through the scale factor of the form a(t)=a0tn=11+z by describing the power-law cosmology. The reconstructed f(Q) gravity models disclosed how this modified gravity model is capable to replicate dissimilar epochs of the cosmological history. Also, the reconstructed f(Q) gravity models are castoff to develop the expressions for density and pressure and the equation of state parameter. We reconstruct two cases of interacting fluid scenario ghost and pilgrim dark energy with pressureless dark matter. The physical behavior of the models is talked over the evolution of the Universe is accelerated. Moreover, the well-known cosmological planes i.e., (ωD−ωD′) and (r − s) constructed for our models, also include a comparison of our findings of these dynamical parameters with observational constraints. It is also quite interesting to mention here that the results of the equation of state parameter, (ωD−ωD′) and (r − s)-planes coincide with the modern observational data.
Surgical Management of Hirschsprung's Disease: A Comparative Study Between Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery, Transumbilical Single-Site Laparoscopic Surgery, and Robotic Surgery
Authors: Li Wei , Lin Minghui , Hu Hai , Sun Quanfeng , Su Cheng , Wang Congjun , Li Yanqiang , Li Yong , Chen Jiabo , Luo Yige
Published: July 2022

Background

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is a commonly digestive malformation in children that usually requires surgery. This study aims to evaluate the short-term efficacy of conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS), transumbilical single-hole laparoscopic surgery (TU-LESS), and robotic surgery (RS) in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease.

Methods

90 patients with Hirschsprung's disease undergone laparoscopic surgery at our center between 2015 and 2019, divided into three groups (group CLS, TU-LESS and RS), were retrospectively analysed.

Results

CLS and TU-LESS group showed no significant difference in operation duration (P > 0.05) but shorter operation duration than the RS group (P < 0.05). RS group had highest overall SCAR scores, while TU-LESS group had the lowest one (P < 0.05). Other parameters such as operative blood loss, hospital stays, recovery time of digestive function, postoperative complications had no significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The three surgical methods for HD revealed similar efficacy, where TU-LESS and CLS spent less time than RS; TU-LESS led to the most aesthetic effect, followed by CLS and RS.
Impact of Calving Difficulty on Lameness in Dairy Cows
Authors: Malašauskienė Dovilė , Antanaitis Ramūnas , Juozaitienė Vida , Paulauskas Algimantas , Urbonavičius Gediminas , Televičius Mindaugas , Urbutis Mingaudas , Kajokienė Lina , Yilmaz Ayhan , Baumgartner Walter
Published: July 2022

The aims of our study were to evaluate the associations between calving difficulty and lameness and their effects on milk yield and quality traits. A total of 4723 calving cases were evaluated for calving difficulty using a 4-point scoring system. Lameness was diagnosed with a visual locomotion score system from 1 to 30 days after calving in 333 fresh dairy cows. Cows were divided into non-lame cows and lame cows. Milk quality traits were registered using Lely Astronaut® A3 milking robots. The normal distribution of all indicators was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test. Normally distributed milk indicators were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Differences between the mean values of their groups were determined using the Fisher’s least significant difference test. We categorized cows by health status, i.e., lame (LA) and non-lame (HL) cows, and according to calving difficulty (CD) (on a 4-point scale: 1—no problem, 2—slight problem, 3—problems requiring assistance, 4—considerable force and extreme difficulty). In the present study, calving difficulty increased the risk of lameness in cows by 2.09-fold (95% CI = 1.644–2.650, p < 0.001). It was found that the mean standard milk yield in fresh dairy cows with calving difficulty was lower (−6.14 kg, p < 0.001) than in the group where no assistance was required at calving. Similarly, herd affected milk fat (%) and the calving process—herd and the interaction between calving difficulty and herd—and lameness impacted the quantity of milk protein and lactose in cows. We found that severe lameness (3–4 points) (3.88–5.92% of cows) became more prevalent in those cows that had dystocia than those that did not (0.27–2.37% of cows).
Transcriptomic and Widely Targeted Metabolomic Approach Identified Diverse Group of Bioactive Compounds, Antiradical Activities, and Their Associated Genes in Six Sugarcane Varieties
Authors: Rao Muhammad Junaid , Duan Mingzheng , Wang Jihong , Han Shijian , Ma Li , Mo Xinyi , Li Min , Hu Lihua , Wang Lingqiang
Published: July 2022

Sugarcane is cultivated mainly for its high sucrose content but it can also produce many metabolites with promising antioxidant potential. However, very few studies have been reported on the biosynthesis of metabolites in sugarcane to date. In this study, we have identified a wide range of amino acids and organic acids in the rind of six sugarcane varieties by the LC-MS/MS method. A total number of 72 amino acids and 55 organic acid compounds were characterized; among these, 100 were reported for the first time. Moreover, 13 amino acids and seven organic acids were abundantly distributed in all varieties tested and considered major amino acids and organic acids in sugarcane. The variety Taitang134 (F134) showed the highest content of total amino acids, whereas the varieties ROC16 and Yuetang93/159 (YT93/159) had maximum content of organic acids. The amino acids of the rind extract presented higher antioxidant capacity than the organic acids of the rind extract. In addition, the transcriptomic and metabolic integrated analysis highlighted some candidate genes associated with amino acid biosynthesis in sugarcane. We selected a transcription factor gene, MYB(t), and over-expressed it in Arabidopsis. The transgenic plants showed a higher accumulation of amino acids with higher antiradical activity compared with the wild-type Arabidopsis plants. Thus, we characterize a wide range of amino acids and organic acids and their antiradical activities in different sugarcane varieties and present candidate genes that can be potentially valuable for the genetic improvement of metabolites in sugarcane bagasse
Computer Vision System: Measuring Displacement and Bending Angle of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites
Authors: Manaf Eyman , Fitzgerald Karol , Higginbotham Clement L. , Lyons John G.
Published: July 2022

A computer vision system for measuring the displacement and bending angle of ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMC) was proposed in this study. The logical progression of measuring IPMC displacement and bending angle was laid out. This study used Python (version 3.10) in conjunction with OpenCV (version 4.5.5.64) for the development of the vision system. The coding functions and the mathematical formulas used were elaborated on. IPMC contour detection was discussed in detail, along with appropriate camera and lighting setups. Measurements generated from the vision system were compared to approximated values via a manual calculation method. Good agreement was found between the results produced by the two methods. The mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) for the displacement values are 0.068080668 and 0.088160652, respectively, and 0.081544205 and 0.103880163, respectively, for the bending angle values. The proposed vision system can accurately approximate the displacement and bending angle of IPMCs.
Efficiency of Pulsating Base Bleeding to Control Trailing Edge Flow Configurations
Authors: Carbajosa Carlos , Martinez-Cava Alejandro , Valero Eusebio , Paniagua Guillermo
Published: July 2022

As high-pressure-turbines operate at extreme temperature conditions, base bleed can be applied at the trailing edge of the airfoils, enhancing the thermal protection along the trailing edge surface, but also disrupting the trailing edge flow and altering the overall aerodynamic pressure losses. The current work explores the potential use of base bleed as a flow control tool to modulate the flow between turbine blade rows. Through the numerical analysis of a symmetric airfoil immersed in a subsonic flow, the effects that trailing edge ejection has on the base region properties and the downstream flow are evaluated. In particular, previous research constrained to steady blowing is now extended to consider an unsteady pulsating base bleed injection. Three injection frequencies are investigated, covering a wide range of base bleed intensities. The results presented herein demonstrate that pulsating bleed flow is more efficient than its steady counterpart in terms of reducing pressure losses and controlling the primary frequency of the downstream oscillations for the same mass flow injection.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Performance of Double Membrane Wing for Long-Endurance Low-Speed Aircraft
Authors: Zhang Liang , Ma Dongli , Yang Muqing , Yao Yuan , Yu Yayun , Yang Xiaopeng
Published: July 2022

Flexible membrane structure is generally used as wing skin for long-endurance low-speed aircraft, such as solar aircraft, to control the structure weight within the allowable range. Predictably, the elastic deformation of the membrane under complex loads will cause uncertain impacts on the aerodynamic performance. The existing research indicates that the deformation of the membrane wing is helpful to improve the aerodynamic characteristics. However, most of the research objects are non-thickness membrane wings. In this paper, wind tunnel experiments are performed on double membrane wings. The experiment results indicate that the membrane deformation behavior is related to the surface curvature distribution and will change the camber and thickness of the airfoil. The deformation has little effect on lift but has a significant effect on drag and pitching moment. On this basis, a high-precision fluid structure coupling analysis method for the wider range of research is introduced. The numerical analysis indicates that the deformation can delay the stall angle by 1°. Furthermore, based on the numerical results, suggestions on prestress setting during membrane skin laying are provided, and the numerical simulation results of two flexible skin wings are compared. The research results of this paper provide a scientific basis for the aerodynamic design and analysis of long-endurance low-speed aircraft.
Application of Machine Learning Tools for Long-Term Diagnostic Feature Data Segmentation
Authors: Moosavi Forough , Shiri Hamid , Wodecki Jacek , Wyłomańska Agnieszka , Zimroz Radoslaw
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a novel method for long-term data segmentation in the context of machine health prognosis is presented. The purpose of the method is to find borders between three data segments. It is assumed that each segment contains the data that represent different statistical properties, that is, a different model. It is proposed to use a moving window approach, statistical parametrization of the data in the window, and simple clustering techniques. Moreover, it is found that features are highly correlated, so principal component analysis is exploited. We find that the probability density function of the first principal component may be sufficient to find borders between classes. We consider two cases of data distributions, Gaussian and α-stable, belonging to the class of non-Gaussian heavy-tailed distributions. It is shown that for random components with Gaussian distribution, the proposed methodology is very effective, while for the non-Gaussian case, both features and the concept of moving window should be re-considered. Finally, the procedure is tested for real data sets. The results provided here may be helpful in understanding some specific cases of machine health prognosis in the presence of non-Gaussian noise. The proposed approach is model free, and thus it is universal. The methodology can be applied for any long-term data where segmentation is crucial for the data processing.
Digital Technologies and the Role of Data in Cultural Heritage: The Past, the Present, and the Future
Authors: Poulopoulos Vassilis , Wallace Manolis
Published: July 2022

Is culture considered to be our past, our roots, ancient ruins, or an old piece of art? Culture is all the factors that define who we are, how we act and interact in our world, in our daily activities, in our personal and public relations, in our life. Culture is all the things we are not obliged to do. However, today, we live in a mixed environment, an environment that is a combination of “offline” and the online, digital world. In this mixed environment, it is technology that defines our behaviour, technology that unites people in a large world, that finally, defines a status of “monoculture”. In this article, we examine the role of technology, and especially big data, in relation to the culture. We present the advances that led to paradigm shifts in the research area of cultural informatics, and forecast the future of culture as will be defined in this mixed world.
Recent Progress on Bioinspired Antibacterial Surfaces for Biomedical Application
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhang Wei , Qin Xuezhi , Cui Miaomiao , Guo Yunting , Wang Ting , Wang Kaiqiang , Shi Zhenqiang , Zhang Chao , Li Wanbo , Wang Zuankai
Published: July 2022

Surface bacterial fouling has become an urgent global challenge that calls for resilient solutions. Despite the effectiveness in combating bacterial invasion, antibiotics are susceptible to causing microbial antibiotic resistance that threatens human health and compromises the medication efficacy. In nature, many organisms have evolved a myriad of surfaces with specific physicochemical properties to combat bacteria in diverse environments, providing important inspirations for implementing bioinspired approaches. This review highlights representative natural antibacterial surfaces and discusses their corresponding mechanisms, including repelling adherent bacteria through tailoring surface wettability and mechanically killing bacteria via engineering surface textures. Following this, we present the recent progress in bioinspired active and passive antibacterial strategies. Finally, the biomedical applications and the prospects of these antibacterial surfaces are discussed.
Research Progress and Future Trends of Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices in In-Vitro Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Taiyi , Ding Feng , Yang Yujing , Zhao Gaozhen , Zhang Chuanhao , Wang Ruiming , Huang Xiaowen
Published: July 2022

In vitro diagnosis (IVD) has become a hot topic in laboratory research and achievement transformation. However, due to the high cost, and time-consuming and complex operation of traditional technologies, some new technologies are being introduced into IVD, to solve the existing problems. As a result, IVD has begun to develop toward point-of-care testing (POCT), a subdivision field of IVD. The pandemic has made governments and health institutions realize the urgency of accelerating the development of POCT. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), a low-cost, high-efficiency, and easy-to-operate detection platform, have played a significant role in advancing the development of IVD. μPADs are composed of paper as the core material, certain unique substances as reagents for processing the paper, and sensing devices, as auxiliary equipment. The published reviews on the same topic lack a comprehensive and systematic introduction to μPAD classification and research progress in IVD segmentation. In this paper, we first briefly introduce the origin of μPADs and their role in promoting IVD, in the introduction section. Then, processing and detection methods for μPADs are summarized, and the innovative achievements of μPADs in IVD are reviewed. Finally, we discuss and prospect the upgrade and improvement directions of μPADs, in terms of portability, sensitivity, and automation, to help researchers clarify the progress and overcome the difficulties in subsequent μPAD research.
Current Scenario of Pathogen Detection Techniques in Agro-Food Sector
Authors: Nehra Monika , Kumar Virendra , Kumar Rajesh , Dilbaghi Neeraj , Kumar Sandeep
Published: July 2022

Over the past-decade, agricultural products (such as vegetables and fruits) have been reported as the major vehicles for foodborne diseases, which are limiting food resources. The spread of infectious diseases due to foodborne pathogens poses a global threat to human health and the economy. The accurate and timely detection of infectious disease and of causative pathogens is crucial in the prevention and treatment of disease. Negligence in the detection of pathogenic substances can be catastrophic and lead to a pandemic. Despite the revolution in health diagnostics, much attention has been paid to the agro-food sector regarding the detection of food contaminants (such as pathogens). The conventional analytical techniques for pathogen detection are reliable and still in operation. However, laborious procedures and time-consuming detection via these approaches emphasize the need for simple, easy-to-use, and affordable detection techniques. The rapid detection of pathogens from food is essential to avoid the morbidity and mortality originating from the suboptimal nature of empiric pathogen treatment. This review critically discusses both the conventional and emerging bio-molecular approaches for pathogen detection in agro-food.
A Pilot Study on Plasma and Urine Neurotransmitter Levels in Children with Tic Disorders
Authors: Qian Qiao-Qiao , Tan Qian-Qian , Sun Dan , Lu Qing , Xin Ying-Ying , Wu Qian , Zhou Yong , Liu Yang-Xi , Tian Pei-Chao , Liu Zhi-Sheng
Published: July 2022

Background: Tic disorders (TDs), including Tourette syndrome, are childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by motor and/or vocal tics that commonly affect children’s physical and mental health. The pathogenesis of TDs may be related to abnormal neurotransmitters in the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuitry, especially dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitters. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily investigate the differences in the three types of neurotransmitters in plasma and urine between children with TD and healthy children. Methods: We collected 94 samples of plasma and 69 samples of urine from 3–12-year-old Chinese Han children with TD before treatment. The plasma and urine of the same number of healthy Chinese Han children, matched for age and sex, participating in a physical examination, were collected. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the three types of neurotransmitters in the above samples. Results: The plasma levels of norepinephrine, glutamic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid, and the urine levels of normetanephrine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were higher in the TD children than in healthy children. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the above neurotransmitters in plasma and urine analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were all higher than 0.6, with significant differences. Among them, the combined AUC of dopamine, norepinephrine, normetanephrine, glutamic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid in the 8–12-year-old subgroup was 0.930, and the sensitivity and specificity for TD were 0.821 and 0.974, respectively (p = 0.000). Conclusions: There are differences in plasma and urine neurotransmitters between TD children and healthy children, which lays a foundation for further research on the pathogenesis of TD.