bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Previous Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Nested Case–Control Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Kim So Young , Yoo Dae Myoung , Kwon Mi Jung , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Joo-Hee , Lee Joong Seob , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: August 2022

The present nested case–control study evaluated the impact of previous proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescription on the risk of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). A ≥40-year-old Korean population was included. A total of 34,441 patients with BPPV was matched with 137,764 comparison participants for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Previous histories of PPI use and PPI prescription dates were compared between the BPPV and comparison groups. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PPI use for BPPV were calculated using a logistic regression. The demographic and socioeconomic factors and comorbidities were adjusted in the adjusted model. Both current and past PPI users were associated with higher odds for BPPV than non-PPI users (adjusted OR (aOR) = 3.57, 95% CI = 3.33–3.83, and p < 0.001 for current PPI users and aOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.64–1.89, and p < 0.001 for past PPI users). In addition, longer dates of PPI use were related to higher odds for BPPV (aOR (95% CI) = 1.95 [1.81–2.10] for ≥1 day and <30 days of PPI prescription, <2.88 [2.68–3.10] for ≥30 days and <365 days of PPI prescription, and <3.45 [3.19–3.73] for ≥365 days of PPI prescription). PPI use was linked with an elevated risk of BPPV in the adult population. The odds for BPPV were higher in patients with a longer duration of PPI use.
Assessment of Two-Vehicle and Multi-Vehicle Freeway Rear-End Crashes in China: Accommodating Spatiotemporal Shifts
Authors: Wang Chenzhu , Xia Yangyang , Chen Fei , Cheng Jianchuan , Wang Zeng’an
Published: August 2022

Accounting for the growing numbers of injuries, fatalities, and property damage, rear-end crashes are an urgent and serious topic nowadays. The vehicle number involved in one crash significantly affected the injury severity outcomes of rear-end crashes. To examine the transferability and heterogeneity across crash types (two-vehicle versus multi-vehicle) and spatiotemporal stability of determinants affecting the injury severity of freeway rear-end crashes, this study modeled the data of crashes on the Beijing-Shanghai Freeway and Changchun-Shenzhen Freeway across 2014–2019. Accommodating the heterogeneity in the means and variances, the random parameters logit model was proposed to estimate three potential crash injury severity outcomes (no injury, minor injury, and severe injury) and identify the determinants in terms of the driver, vehicle, roadway, environment, temporal, spatial, traffic, and crash characteristics. The likelihood ratio tests revealed that the effects of factors differed significantly depending on crash type, time, and freeway. Significant variations were observed in the marginal effects of determinants between two-vehicle and multi-vehicle freeway rear-end crashes. Then, spatiotemporal instability was reported in several determinants, including trucks early morning. In addition, the heterogeneity in means and variances of the random parameters revealing the interactions of random parameters and other insignificant variables suggested the higher risk of determinants including speeding indicators, early morning, evening time, and rainy weather conditions. The current finding accounting for spatiotemporal instability could help freeway designers, decision-makers, management strategies to understand the contributing mechanisms of the factors to develop effective management strategies and measurements.
Development and Validation of the Career and Life Development Hope (CLDH) Scale among Non-Engaged Youth in Hong Kong
Authors: Ngai Steven Sek-yum , Cheung Chau-kiu , Wang Lin , Li Yunjun , Ng Yuen-hang , Yu Elly Nga-hin , Leung Winnie Pui-ching
Published: August 2022

Increasing career and life development hope (CLDH) is critical for the career and life pursuits of non-engaged youths (NEY) who face various disadvantages in the school-to-work transition, especially considering current challenging labor market conditions and the impacts of the pandemic. Nevertheless, research that explores the assessment of CLDH among NEY is scarce. To address this gap, this study aimed to develop and validate a CLDH measurement instrument. A total of 1998 NEY aged 13–29 years in Hong Kong participated in our study. Exploratory factor analysis of the 20-item CLDH scale suggested a two-factor structure—career and life development pathways (CLDP) and career and life development agency (CLDA)—which accounted for 63.08% of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis results show a good model fit (CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.926, RMSEA = 0.060, 90% CI [0.055, 0.065], SRMR = 0.042) and all the items significantly represented the corresponding sub-constructs. The results also demonstrate a satisfactory internal consistency for all subscales and the full scale (0.89–0.95). Sub-group consistency across subsamples categorized by gender, age, and years of residence in Hong Kong was indicated. Correlations between the CLDH scale and subscales with other career-related and social well-being outcomes (i.e., youth career development competency, career adaptability, civic engagement, social contribution, and social integration) showed good concurrent validity. Our results support that the CLDH scale is a valid and reliable tool for measuring NEY’s hope for career and life development in the Hong Kong context. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are also discussed.
Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis Have Lower Peak Exercise Load Capacity and Exercise Volume Compared with Unaffected Peers
Authors: Yang Tsung-Hsun , Chen Po-Cheng , Lin Yun-Chung , Lee Yan-Yuh , Tseng Yu-Hsuan , Chang Wen-Hsin , Chang Ling-Sai , Lin Chia-Hsuan , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: August 2022

Background: Sweating and increased skin temperature caused by exercise can reduce physical activity and the willingness to exercise in adolescents with atopic dermatitis. This study was conducted to investigate the exercise load capacity of adolescents with atopic dermatitis and analyzed their exercise behavior and motivation. Methods: Adolescents with and without atopic dermatitis were assigned to the atopic dermatitis group and control group (n = 27 each). Both groups completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test and questionnaires to assess their exercise capacity, weekly exercise volume, exercise motivation, and self-efficacy, respectively. Results: The ratio of measured forced vital capacity to the predicted forced vital capacity and the peak oxygen consumption of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire scores of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. As for the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2, the scores for the introjected and identified regulations of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Regarding the Multidimensional Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, the scheduling efficacy and total scores of the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Conclusions: Adolescents with atopic dermatitis had lower peak exercise capacity and lower weekly exercise volume. Furthermore, they lacked the negative feelings toward inactivity and the self-confidence to plan regular exercise independently. The results of this study suggest that adolescents with atopic dermatitis should be encouraged to engage in regular indoor exercise.
High Levels of Outpatient Antibiotic Prescription at a District Hospital in Ghana: Results of a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Amponsah Obed Kwabena Offe , Nagaraja Sharath Burugina , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Nair Divya , Muradyan Karlos , Asense Phanuel Seli , Wusu-Ansah Osei Kwaku , Terry Robert Fraser , Khogali Mohammed , Buabeng Kwame Ohene
Published: August 2022

Background: Monitoring of antibiotic prescription practices in hospitals is essential to assess and facilitate appropriate use. This is relevant to halt the progression of antimicrobial resistance. Methods: Assessment of antibiotic prescribing patterns and completeness of antibiotic prescriptions among out-patients in 2021 was conducted at the University Hospital of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in the Ashanti region of Ghana. We reviewed electronic medical records (EMR) of 49,660 patients who had 110,280 encounters in the year. Results: The patient encounters yielded 350,149 prescriptions. Every month, 33–36% of patient encounters resulted in antibiotic prescription, higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended optimum of 27%. Almost half of the antibiotics prescribed belonged to WHO’s Watch group. Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (50%), azithromycin (29%), ciprofloxacin (28%), metronidazole (21%), and cefuroxime (20%) were the most prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotic prescribing parameters (indication, name of drug, duration, dose, route, and frequency) were documented in almost all prescriptions. Conclusions: Extending antimicrobial stewardship to the out-patient settings by developing standard treatment guidelines, an out-patient specific drug formulary, and antibiograms can promote rational antibiotic use at the hospital. The EMR system of the hospital is a valuable tool for monitoring prescriptions that can be leveraged for future audits.
Effect of Teaching Methods on Motor Efficiency, Perceptions and Awareness in Children
Authors: Raiola Gaetano , D’Isanto Tiziana , Di Domenico Felice , D’Elia Francesca
Published: August 2022

Currently, physical inactivity and sedentariness in children are becoming increasingly common, resulting in children’s poor ability to perform basic motor patterns. It is important to find strategies that instructors can adopt to improve awareness of the importance of physical activity for health and wellness, as well as motor efficiency. Two teaching methods can be used: prescriptive teaching and heuristic learning. The aim of this study was to compare these two methods to determine which is the most suitable for developing motor efficiency. An additional aim was to verify the children’s level of enjoyment and self-efficacy through questions on perceptions and, subsequently, on awareness of the activity performed distinctly from perception. The sample consisted of 28 children randomly divided into two groups: HEUR-L, performing activities using heuristic learning, a basic method in ecological approach; and PRES-T, using prescriptive teaching, a basic cognitive method. A motor-efficiency test (TEM) and a survey were administered. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to test differences in motor efficiency. A Chi-square (χ2) test was used to compare differences between groups in terms of perceptions in enjoyment and self-efficacy and, on a second test, awareness of the activity performed. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Both teaching methods improved motor efficiency, although HEUR-L did so to a greater extent. Differences in perception were found in terms of enjoyment and self-efficacy (p < 0.05), whereas there was no difference in terms of awareness (p > 0.05). Although both methodologies led to improvements in motor-pattern development, heuristic learning was found to be the most effective method to improve motor efficiency, relationships and self-efficacy.
Land Efficient Mobility: Evaluation of Autonomous Last Mile Delivery Concepts in London
Authors: Schnieder Maren , Hinde Chris , West Andrew
Published: August 2022

Land efficient last mile delivery concepts are key to reducing the traffic in cities and to minimising its environmental impact. This paper proposes a decision support method that evaluates the autonomous delivery concept and applies it to one year’s worth of real parcel delivery data in London. Deliveries to modular and fixed lockers with autonomous delivery vans and road-based autonomous lockers (RAL) and sidewalk autonomous delivery robots (SADRs) have been simulated. Various types of autonomous delivery van fleets, depot locations, customer modes of transport, parcel demand levels, parcel locker network densities and adjustment frequencies of modular lockers are considered. A routing and scheduling algorithm is used to optimise delivery tours and vehicle choice. The optimisation algorithm finds both the optimal number of collection and delivery points (CDPs) and the delivery concept (e.g., modular lockers, sidewalk autonomous delivery robot) depending on the customer mode chosen. The results show that modular lockers which are adjusted weekly are the best option for the current or higher parcel demand levels and road-autonomous parcel lockers (RAL-R) are the best option at the lowest parcel demand level.
One-Year Real-World Study on Comparison among Different Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Devices for the Management of Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: The Supremacy of Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems
Authors: Bombaci Bruno , Passanisi Stefano , Alibrandi Angela , D’Arrigo Giulia , Patroniti Serena , Averna Simona , Salzano Giuseppina , Lombardo Fortunato
Published: August 2022

Since their advent in daily clinical practice, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) systems have been increasingly improved, leading to a high percentage of both adult and pediatric patients with diabetes now using insulin pumps. Different types of CSII systems are currently available, which are characterized by different settings and technical features. This longitudinal observational study aims to evaluate real-word glycemic outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using three different CSII devices: hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems, predictive low glucose (PLGS) systems, and non-automated insulin pumps. The secondary objective was to identify clinical variables that may significantly influence the achievement of therapeutic goals in our study cohort. One-hundred-and-one patients on CSII therapy attending our pediatric diabetes center were enrolled. When compared with the non-automated group, patients using HCL systems showed higher levels of time in target glucose range (p = 0.003) and lower glucose variability (p = 0.008). Similarly, we found significantly better glucose metrics in HCL users in comparison to PLGS patients (time in range p = 0.008; coefficient of variation p = 0.009; time above 250 mg/dL p = 0.007). Multiple linear regression models showed that HCL systems (time in range p < 0.001) and high daily percentage of glycemic sensor use (time in range p = 0.031) are predictors for good glycemic control. The introduction and increasing availability of novel technologies for diabetes represent a promising strategy to improve glycemic control and quality of life in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Our real-world data confirm the superiority of HCL systems in terms of improvement of time spent in the target glucose range, prevention of hypoglycemia, and reduction of glycemic variability.
Recovery-Oriented Practices in a Mental Health Centre for Citizens Experiencing Serious Mental Issues and Substance Use: As Perceived by Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Jørgensen Kim , Hansen Morten , Karlsson Bengt
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Recovery-oriented practices have become a means of promoting user recovery during hospitalisation, but we do not know much about the concrete means of practicing recovery-orientation for the most vulnerable users with serious mental difficulty and substance use. Aims: We investigated the concrete means of practicing recovery-orientation in care work and the elements, dimensions, outcomes, or steps of it in a special department of mental health centres. Method: Focus group interviews were conducted with 16 health professionals with experience with users with serious mental difficulty and substance use. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken. Results: The main theme was “holistic recovery on structural terms” based on two themes and four subthemes. The first theme was “recovery based on an individual approach” with subthemes “detective—find hope” and “how to do recovery-oriented practice”. The next theme was “recovery subject to structural framework” with subthemes “tension between different interests” and “symptoms as a barrier”. Conclusions: recovery-oriented practice is understood as an approach where health professionals emphasise forming relationships based on trust, being hopeful for the users’ future, spending time with users, and respecting users’ experiences and knowledge from their own life. There are cross-pressures between different interests. The desire to meet the users’ perspectives and respect these perspectives but at the same time live up to mental health centre purposes to stabilise the users’ health and achieve self-care.
Emergency Response Resource Allocation in Sparse Network Using Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Hu Zhuang , Zhang Min , Ba Wenting , Wang Ying
Published: August 2022

Western China is a sparsely populated area with dispersed transportation infrastructure, making it challenging to meet people’s accessibility and mobility requirements. Rescue efficiency in sparse networks is severely hampered by the difficulty rescue teams have in getting to the scene of abrupt traffic accidents. This paper develops a layout optimization model for multiple rescue points to address this issue, suggests an improved particle swarm algorithm by including a variation that can reduce optimization time and avoid the disadvantage of precocity, and designs a MATLAB program using an adaptive variation algorithm. The proposed approach increases the effectiveness of rescue in a sparse network and optimizes the distribution of emergency resources.
Earlier Bedtime and Effective Coping Skills Predict a Return to Low-Risk of Depression in Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhao Qingyu , Wang Kevin , Kiss Orsolya , Yuksel Dilara , de Zambotti Massimiliano , Clark Duncan B. , Goldston David B. , Nooner Kate B. , Brown Sandra A. , Tapert Susan F. , Thompson Wesley K. , Nagel Bonnie J. , Pfefferbaum Adolf , Sullivan Edith V. , Pohl Kilian M. , Baker Fiona C.
Published: August 2022

To determine the persistent effects of the pandemic on mental health in young adults, we categorized depressive symptom trajectories and sought factors that promoted a reduction in depressive symptoms in high-risk individuals. Specifically, longitudinal analysis investigated changes in the risk for depression before and during the pandemic until December 2021 in 399 young adults (57% female; age range: 22.8 ± 2.6 years) in the United States (U.S.) participating in the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) study. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was administered multiple times before and during the pandemic. A score ≥10 identified individuals at high-risk for depression. Self-reported sleep behavior, substance use, and coping skills at the start of the pandemic were assessed as predictors for returning to low-risk levels while controlling for demographic factors. The analysis identified four trajectory groups regarding depression risk, with 38% being at low-risk pre-pandemic through 2021, 14% showing persistent high-risk pre-pandemic through 2021, and the remainder converting to high-risk either in June 2020 (30%) or later (18%). Of those who became high-risk in June 2020, 51% were no longer at high-risk in 2021. Logistic regression revealed that earlier bedtime and, for the older participants (mid to late twenties), better coping skills were associated with this declining risk. Results indicate divergence in trajectories of depressive symptoms, with a considerable number of young adults developing persistent depressive symptoms. Healthy sleep behavior and specific coping skills have the potential to promote remittance from depressive symptoms in the context of the pandemic.
The Preventive Role of Physical Activity in Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Correlation with Clinical Parameters and Disease Progression
Authors: Antinozzi Cristina , Grazioli Elisa , De Santis Maria , Motta Francesca , Sgrò Paolo , Mari Federico , Mauri Caterina , Parisi Attilio , Caporossi Daniela , Duranti Guglielmo , Ceci Roberta , Di Luigi Luigi , Dimauro Ivan
Published: August 2022

Although exercise is associated with improved health in many medical conditions, little is known about the possible influences of physical activity (PA) habits pre- and post- a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) on disease activity and progression. This cross-sectional study assessed, for the first time, self-reported pre- and post-diagnostic PA levels with the aim to verify if changes in these levels were correlated with demographic/anthropometric data (e.g., weight, height, gender, age, BMI), disease duration, diagnostic/clinical parameters (e.g., skin involvement, pulmonary hemodynamic/echocardiographic data, disease activity) related to disease activity and progression, and quality of life in a population-based sample of patients with SSc. Adult participants (n = 34, age 56.6 ± 13.3 years) with SSc (limited cutaneous SSc, lcSSc, n = 20; diffuse cutaneous SSc, dcSSc, n = 9; sine scleroderma SSc, n = 5) were enrolled at the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology of the Humanitas Research Hospital. All medical data were recorded during periodic clinical visits by a rheumatologist. Moreover, all subjects included in this study completed extensive questionnaires to evaluate their health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and others related to health-related physical activity performed before (PRE) and after (POST) the diagnosis of disease. The linear regression analysis has shown that either a high Sport_index or Leisure_index in the PRE-diagnostic period was correlated with lower disease duration in dcSSc patients. Physical load during sport activity and leisure time accounted for ~61.1% and ~52.6% of the individual variation in disease duration, respectively. In lcSSc patients, a high PRE value related to physical load during sporting activities was correlated with a low pulmonary artery systolic pressure (sPAP) and the POST value of the Work_index was positively correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and negatively with creatine kinase levels (CK). Interestingly, the univariate analysis showed that Work_index accounts for ~29.4% of the variance in LVEF. Our analysis clearly reinforces the concept that high levels of physical load may play a role in primary prevention—delaying the onset of the disease in those subjects with a family history of SSc—as well as in secondary prevention, improving SSc management through a positive impact on different clinical parameters of the disease. However, it remains a priority to identify a customized physical load in order to minimize the possible negative effects of PA.
Moving from Policy to Practice for Early Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Nationwide Evaluation of State Implementation Strategies in Childcare
Authors: Kenney Erica L. , Mozaffarian Rebecca S. , Ji Wendy , Tucker Kyla , Poole Mary Kathryn , DeAngelo Julia , Bailey Zinzi D. , Cradock Angie L. , Lee Rebekka M. , Frost Natasha
Published: August 2022

Policies requiring childcare settings to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and limited screentime have the potential to improve young children’s health. However, policies may have limited impact without effective implementation strategies to promote policy adoption. In this mixed-methods study, we evaluated the type, quality, and dose of implementation strategies for state-level childcare licensing regulations focused on healthy eating, physical activity, or screentime using: (1) a survey of state licensing staff and technical assistance providers (n = 89) in 32 states; (2) a structured review of each state’s childcare licensing and training websites for childcare providers; and (3) in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 31 childcare licensing administrators and technical assistance providers across 17 states. Implementation strategies for supporting childcare providers in adopting healthy eating, physical activity, and screentime regulations vary substantially by state, in quantity and structure. Childcare programs’ financial challenges, staff turnover, and lack of adequate facilities were identified as key barriers to adoption. Access to federal food programs was seen as critical to implementing nutrition regulations. Implementation resources such as training and informational materials were rarely available in multiple languages or targeted to providers serving low-income or racially/ethnically diverse families. There is a substantial need for implementation supports for ensuring policies are successfully and equitably implemented in childcare.
Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and the Risk of Chronic Liver Diseases: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Sui Jing , Xia Hui , Zhao Qun , Sun Guiju , Cai Yinyin
Published: August 2022

Although fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a known carcinogen, evidence of the association between PM2.5 and chronic liver disease is controversial. In the present meta-analysis study, we reviewed epidemiological studies to strengthen evidence for the association between PM2.5 and chronic liver disease. We searched three online databases from 1990 up to 2022. The random-effect model was applied for detection of overall risk estimates. Sixteen eligible studies, including one cross-sectional study, one retrospective cohort study, and 14 prospective cohort studies, fulfilled inclusion criteria with more than 330 thousand participants from 13 countries. Overall risk estimates of chronic liver disease for 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–1.35, p < 0.001). We further analyzed the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and different chronic liver diseases. The results showed that increments in PM2.5 exposure significantly increased the risk of liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14–1.33; HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06–1.29; HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09–2.08, respectively). Our meta-analysis indicated long-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with increased risk of chronic liver disease. Moreover, future researches should be focused on investigating subtypes of chronic liver diseases and specific components of PM2.5.
The Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Induces Apoptosis, Autophagy and Cell Cycle Arrest in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Krętowski Rafał , Cechowska-Pasko Marzanna
Published: August 2022

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has already been reported as a potential cytostatic agent in various cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying rGO’s cytotoxicity are still insufficiently understood. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the molecular and cellular effects of rGO in breast cancer. Given this, two cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and ZR-75-1, were analyzed using MTT test, flow cytometry and Western blot assay. Incubation with rGO resulted in a multitude of effects, including the stimulation of autophagy, cell cycle arrest and, finally, the apoptotic death of cancer cells. Notably, rGO had minimal effect on normal human fibroblasts. Apoptosis in cancer cells was accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, the deregulated expression of mitochondrial proteins and the activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3, suggesting that rGO predominantly induced apoptosis via intrinsic pathway. The analysis of LC3 protein expression revealed that rGO also caused autophagy in breast cancer cells. Moreover, rGO treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest, which was accompanied by deregulated p21 expression. Altogether, rGO seems to have multidirectional cytostatic and cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cells, making it a promising agent worthy of further investigation.
Nebulized Non-Immunogenic Staphylokinase in the Mice Acute Lung Injury Model
Authors: Markin Sergey S. , Lapshin Roman D. , Baskina Olga S. , Korotchenko Svetlana A. , Mukhina Irina V. , Ivanov Sergei V. , Semenov Mikhail P. , Beregovykh Valerii V. , Semenov Andrey M.
Published: August 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI) as a model of acute respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by inflammation, complex coagulation, and hematologic abnormalities which result in the formation of fibrin-platelet microthrombi in the pulmonary vessels with the rapid development of progressive respiratory dysfunction. We hypothesize that a nebulized fibrinolytic agent, non-immunogenic staphylokinase (nSta), may be useful for ALI therapy. First, the effect of the nebulized nSta (0.2 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg) on the coagulogram parameters was studied in healthy rats. ALI was induced in mice by nebulized administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose of 10 mg/kg. nSta (0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg or 0.6 mg/kg) was nebulized 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after LPS administration. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined in the blood on the 8th day after LPS and nSta administration. The assessment of lung damage was based on their weighing and microscopic analysis. Fibrin/fibrinogen deposition in the lungs was determined by immunohistochemistry. After nSta nebulization in healthy rats, the fibrinogen blood level as well as activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time did not change. In the nebulized ALI model, the mice showed an increase in lung weight due to their edema and rising fibrin deposition. An imbalance of proinflammatory cytokines was also found. Forty percent of mice with ALI without nSta nebulization had died. Nebulized nSta at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg reduced the severity of ALI: a decrease in interstitial edema and inflammatory infiltration was noted. At a dose of 0.4 mg/kg of nebulized nSta, the animals showed no peribronchial edema and the bronchi had an open clear lumen. At a dose of 0.6 mg/kg of nebulized nSta, the manifestations of ALI were completely eliminated. A significant dose-dependent reduction of the fibrin-positive areas in the lungs of mice with ALI was established. Nebulized nSta had a normalizing effect on the proinflammatory cytokines in blood— interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-17A, IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These data showed the effectiveness of nebulized nSta and the perspectives of its clinical usage in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Involvement of Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Liver Pathology
Authors: Stancic Ana , Velickovic Ksenija , Markelic Milica , Grigorov Ilijana , Saksida Tamara , Savic Nevena , Vucetic Milica , Martinovic Vesna , Ivanovic Andjelija , Otasevic Vesna
Published: August 2022

Cell death plays an important role in diabetes-induced liver dysfunction. Ferroptosis is a newly defined regulated cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Our previous studies have shown that high glucose and streptozotocin (STZ) cause β-cell death through ferroptosis and that ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), an inhibitor of ferroptosis, improves β-cell viability, islet morphology, and function. This study was aimed to examine in vivo the involvement of ferroptosis in diabetes-related pathological changes in the liver. For this purpose, male C57BL/6 mice, in which diabetes was induced with STZ (40 mg/kg/5 consecutive days), were treated with Fer-1 (1 mg/kg, from day 1–21 day). It was found that in diabetic mice Fer-1 improved serum levels of ALT and triglycerides and decreased liver fibrosis, hepatocytes size, and binucleation. This improvement was due to the Fer-1-induced attenuation of ferroptotic events in the liver of diabetic mice, such as accumulation of pro-oxidative parameters (iron, lipofuscin, 4-HNE), decrease in expression level/activity of antioxidative defense-related molecules (GPX4, Nrf2, xCT, GSH, GCL, HO-1, SOD), and HMGB1 translocation from nucleus into cytosol. We concluded that ferroptosis contributes to diabetes-related pathological changes in the liver and that the targeting of ferroptosis represents a promising approach in the management of diabetes-induced liver injury.
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) Inhibits In Vitro Cementoblast Mineralization and Induces Autophagy, in Part by STAT3/ERK Commitment
Authors: Yong Jiawen , Gröger Sabine , von Bremen Julia , Ruf Sabine
Published: August 2022

In animal models, the administration of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was demonstrated to reduce bone mass and to participate in bone remodeling. Cementoblasts, a cell type embedded in the cementum, are the main cells to produce and mineralize the extracellular matrix. The effect of CNTF on cementoblasts has not yet been addressed. Thus, the goal of this in vitro study was to investigate possible influences of exogenous CNTF on cementogenesis, as well as autophagy regulation and subsequent mechanisms in cementoblasts. Cementoblasts (OCCM-30) were stimulated with exogenous CNTF. Alizarin Red staining was performed to analyze the functional differentiation (mineralization) of OCCM-30 cells. The release of OPG was quantified by ELISA. The expression of cementogenesis markers (RUNX-2, OCN, BMP-7, BSP, and SPON-2) was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Western blotting (WB) was performed for the protein expression of STAT3, COX-2, SHP-2, cPLAα, cPLAβ; ERK1/2, P38, and JNK. The autophagic flux was assessed using WB and RT-qPCR analysis of LC3A/B, Beclin-1, and Atg-5, and the autophagosome was investigated by immunofluorescence staining (IF). The ERK1/2 (FR180204) or STAT3 (sc-202818) antagonist was added, and the cellular response was analyzed using flow cytometry. Exogenous CNTF significantly attenuated mineralized nodule formation, impaired OPG release, and downregulated the mRNA levels of RUNX-2, OCN, BMP-7, and BSP. Moreover, CNTF induced the phosphorylation of STAT3 and activated a transient activation of SHP-2, cPLAβ, ERK1/2, P38, and JNK protein. CNTF also induced autophagosome formation and promoted autophagy-associated gene and protein expressions. Additionally, the inhibition of ERK1/2 or STAT3 reversed a CNTF-induced mineralization impairment and had regulatory effects on CNTF-induced autophagosome formation. Our data revealed that CNTF acts as a potent inhibitor of cementogenesis, and it can trigger autophagy, in part by ERK1/2 and STAT3 commitment in the cementoblasts. Thus, it may play an important role in inducing or facilitating inflammatory root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.
The Chromatin Remodeler HELLS: A New Regulator in DNA Repair, Genome Maintenance, and Cancer
Authors: Peixoto Estanislao , Khan Asad , Lewis Zachary A. , Contreras-Galindo Rafael , Czaja Wioletta
Published: August 2022

Robust, tightly regulated DNA repair is critical to maintaining genome stability and preventing cancer. Eukaryotic DNA is packaged into chromatin, which has a profound, yet incompletely understood, regulatory influence on DNA repair and genome stability. The chromatin remodeler HELLS (helicase, lymphoid specific) has emerged as an important epigenetic regulator of DNA repair, genome stability, and multiple cancer-associated pathways. HELLS belongs to a subfamily of the conserved SNF2 ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes, which use energy from ATP hydrolysis to alter nucleosome structure and packaging of chromatin during the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and repair. The mouse homologue, LSH (lymphoid-specific helicase), plays an important role in the maintenance of heterochromatin and genome-wide DNA methylation, and is crucial in embryonic development, gametogenesis, and maturation of the immune system. Human HELLS is abundantly expressed in highly proliferating cells of the lymphoid tissue, skin, germ cells, and embryonic stem cells. Mutations in HELLS cause the human immunodeficiency syndrome ICF (Immunodeficiency, Centromeric instability, Facial anomalies). HELLS has been implicated in many types of cancer, including retinoblastoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and glioblastoma. Here, we review and summarize accumulating evidence highlighting important roles for HELLS in DNA repair, genome maintenance, and key pathways relevant to cancer development, progression, and treatment.
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials 3.0
Authors: Díez-Pascual Ana M.
Published: August 2022

Carbon-based nanomaterials are currently attracting a lot of interest in many fields, ranging from medicine and biotechnology to electronics, energy storage, and sensing applications [...]
The Features of Immune Checkpoint Gene Regulation by microRNA in Cancer
Authors: Kipkeeva Fatimat , Muzaffarova Tatyana , Korotaeva Alexandra , Mansorunov Danzan , Apanovich Pavel , Nikulin Maxim , Malikhova Olga , Stilidi Ivan , Karpukhin Alexander
Published: August 2022

Currently, the search for new promising tools of immunotherapy continues. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence immune checkpoint (IC) gene expression in tumor and T-cells and may be important regulators of immune cells are considered. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by blocking mRNA translation. An important feature of miRNA is its ability to affect the expression of several genes simultaneously, which corresponds to the trend toward the use of combination therapy. The article provides a list of miRNAs acting simultaneously on several ICs and miRNAs that, in addition to IC, can regulate the expression of targeted therapy genes. There is dependence of miRNA interactions with IC genes on the type of cancer. The analysis of the accumulated data demonstrates that only about 14% (95% CI: 9.8–20.1%) of the studied miRNAs regulate the expression of specific IC in more than one type of cancer. That is, there is tumor specificity in the miRNA action on ICs. A number of miRNAs demonstrated high efficiency in vitro and in vivo. This indicates the potential of miRNAs as promising agents for cancer immunotherapy. Additional studies of the miRNA–gene interaction features and the search for an optimal miRNA mimic structure are necessary.
A Scientometric Study of the Stylometric Research Field
Authors: Michailidis Panagiotis D.
Published: August 2022

Stylometry has gained great popularity in digital humanities and social sciences. Many works on stylometry have recently been reported. However, there is a research gap regarding review studies in this field from a bibliometric and evolutionary perspective. Therefore, in this paper, a bibliometric analysis of publications from the Scopus database in the stylometric research field was proposed. Then, research articles published between 1968 and 2021 were collected and analyzed using the Bibliometrix R package for bibliometric analysis via the Biblioshiny web interface. Empirical results were also presented in terms of the performance analysis and the science mapping analysis. From these results, it is concluded that there has been a strong growth in stylometry research in recent years, while the USA, Poland, and the UK are the most productive countries, and this is due to many strong research partnerships. It was also concluded that the research topics of most articles, based on author keywords, focused on two broad thematic categories: (1) the main tasks in stylometry and (2) methodological approaches (statistics and machine learning methods).
Ab Initio Study of Structure and Transport Properties of Warm Dense Nitric Oxide
Authors: Fu Zhijian , Zhang Xianming , Wang Rui , Sun Huayang , Lan Yangshun , Xia Jihong , Li Zhiguo , Song Jing
Published: August 2022

The structure, equation of state and transport properties of warm dense nitric oxide (NO) were investigated in wide density and temperature ranges by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Both the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) and the strongly constrained and appropriately normed functional with revised Vydrov–van Voorhis nonlocal correlation (SCAN−rVV10) functionals were used in the simulations, and the pressures predicted by the SCAN−rVV10 functional were found to be systematically lower than those predicted using PBE and experimental data along the shock Hugoniot curve. Along the Hugoniot curve, as density increased, we found that the system transformed towards a mixture of atomic nitrogen and oxygen liquids with molecular NO that remained present up to the highest densities explored. The electrical conductivity along Hugoniot indicated that nonmetal to metal transition had taken place. We also calculated the electrical and thermal conductivities of nitric oxide in the warm dense matter regime, and used them to compute the Lorentz number. In addition, we also report the electronic density of states.
Normalized Stress–Strain Behavior of Deep-Sea Soft Soils in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Yang Ying , Kou Hailei , Li Zhenghui , Jia Yonggang , Zhu Chaoqi
Published: August 2022

The study of the physical and mechanical properties of marine soil is of great importance for marine geohazard prediction, submarine energy extraction, and submarine foundation design. In this study, a series of basic geotechnical tests and triaxial compression tests are performed on samples taken from the Shenhu sea area in the South China Sea (SCS). Physical and mechanical properties, particularly normalized stress–strain behavior, are investigated. The microstructural and mineralogical characterization is carried out, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that the sample could be classified as high-plasticity silt (MH) with high water content and high compressibility, that the soil has the highest quartz content in its mineral composition, a loose skeleton composed of flocculent structures under the microscope and is distributed with the remains of marine organisms. Furthermore, a new stress–strain-normalized condition is theoretically derived, based on the hyperbola function. In this condition, the concept of standard normalized factor, which is defined as the ultimate value of principal stress difference, is introduced. Meanwhile, the normalized stress–strain relationship of soft soil from the SCS is established under consolidated undrained conditions and the results of the model are compared with the experimental results, with a good normalization effect. It is believed that the work presented in this paper could contribute to the design and construction of offshore engineering.
Blockchain Technology as an Ecosystem: Trends and Perspectives in Accounting and Management
Authors: Kitsantas Thomas , Chytis Evangelos
Published: August 2022

A plethora of studies have examined the emerging technology of blockchain and its applications in accounting, management, and enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs). Blockchain technology (BT) can change the architecture of today’s ERPs and overcome the limitations of these centralized systems. The aim of this study is twofold. First, this paper defines and analyzes the deployment of an innovative architecture of a Blockchain as an Ecosystem (BaaE) platform proposing a conceptual model of the Triple Entry Accounting (TEA) transforming the current accounting practices. Second, the paper explores the integration of cost management, supply chain, and inventory management on BT providing the significant challenges and benefits and suggesting an agenda for future research. The authors conduct an exploratory qualitative analysis of an extensive body of literature, from 81 journals. The paper’s innovative contribution and primary objective is to explore, address, and employ this emerging BaaE platform technology that could potentially be integrated with TEA. Further, the study examines the theoretical, technical, and business aspects regarding TEA, since there is limited research evidence in this field. Additionally, the study tries to identify the implications of BaaE in the area of cost management, supply chain, and inventory management from an ecosystem perspective. This effort can assist organizations and practitioners in understanding and further examining this emerging technology.
The Mechanism of Land Registration Program on Land Transfer in Rural China: Considering the Effects of Livelihood Security and Agricultural Management Incentives
Authors: Xu Lei , Chen Shixiang , Tian Shuliu
Published: August 2022

The key to a smooth land transfer (including land transfer-out and transfer-in) lies in the cooperation between the land supply and demand parties. Existing studies explore how land registration programs affect land transfer from a macro level or from a micro level in a certain area, but little consideration has been given to the interaction and behavioral disciplines of stakeholders. This article aims at testing the possible mechanism of the land registration program on land transfer in rural China by bridging and extending concepts from peasant theories and by employing mediation models. The empirical results reveal that the land registration program has a significant positive impact on land transfer, which is an important path in order to overcome the cooperative dilemma between land supply and demand parties. Additionally, livelihood security inhibits the positive impact of the land registration program on land transfer-out. While agricultural management incentives promote the positive impact of the land registration program on land transfer-in. Furthermore, these findings contribute to a novel perspective for evaluating land registration programs and deepen the understanding that intricate driving factors behind the decrease in the land transfer growth rate can have in rural China.
In Situ Application of Anti-Fouling Solutions on a Mosaic of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica
Authors: Macchia Andrea , Aureli Hélène , Biribicchi Chiara , Docci Antonella , Alisi Chiara , Prestileo Fernanda , Galiano Francesco , Figoli Alberto , Mancuso Raffaella , Gabriele Bartolo , La Russa Mauro Francesco
Published: August 2022

Biodegradation is among the most common issues affecting Cultural Heritage stone materials in outdoor environments. In recent years, the application of chemical agents with biocidal activity has been the most usual practice when dealing with biofilm removal. In outdoor environments, the use of these biocides is not effective enough, since the materials are constantly exposed to environmental agents and atmospheric pollutants. Thus, it becomes necessary to protect the surface of Cultural Heritage works with antimicrobial coatings to either prevent or at least limit future colonization. In this study, innovative biocides—both natural and synthetic—were applied on a Roman mosaic located in the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica to compare their effectiveness in removing the biological degradation affecting it. In addition, an antimicrobial coating called “SI-QUAT” was applied and analyzed in situ. SI-QUAT has recently entered the market for its prevention activity against biocolonization. The biocidal activity of these products was tested and monitored using different analytical portable instruments, such as the multispectral system, the spectrocolorimeter, and the bioluminometer. The analyses showed that promising results can be obtained using the combination of the biocide and the protective effect of Preventol® RI50 and SI-QUAT.