bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram prediction of chronic postsurgical pain in patients with lung adenocarcinoma after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A prospective study
Authors: Chen Wei-can , Zhang Li-hong , Bai Yu-yan , Liu Yi-bin , Liang Jin-wei , He He-fan
Published: November 2022

Chronic postsurgery pain (CPSP) refers to persistent or repeated pain around the incision after surgery. Different from acute postoperative pain, the persistence of CPSP seriously affects the quality of life of patients. CPSP has a considerable global impact due to large surgical volumes. Although the development of video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) has reduced the risk of CPSP, it still seriously affects patients’ quality of life. Clinical recognition of CPSP at an early stage is limited; therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to identify the significant predictive factors associated with CPSP after VATS in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. We screened 137 patients with invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung from among 312 patients undergoing VATS. In this prospective study, patients were divided into the CPSP (n = 52) and non-CPSP (n = 85) groups according to the occurrence of CPSP. Relevant information was collected 1 day before surgery and 1–3 days after surgery, and the occurrence of CPSP was followed up by telephone at 3 months after surgery. Data on clinical characteristics and peripheral blood leukocyte miRNAs were used to establish a nomogram for predicting CPSP using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression methods. The area under curve (AUC) was used to determine the recognition ability of the nomograms. The model was subjected to correction and decision curve analyses. Four variables—body mass index (BMI), history of chronic pain, miR 550a-3p, and visual analog scale (VAS) score on postoperative day 2 (VAS2d)—were selected according to LASSO regression to build the nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated adequate calibration and discrimination in the prediction model, with an AUC of 0.767 (95% confidence interval: 0.679–0.856). The calibration plot showed the best fit between model predictions and practical observations, suggesting that the use of the proposed nomogram to predict CPSP is beneficial. A nomogram consisting of BMI, history of chronic pain, miR 550a-3p, and VAS2d predicted the risk of CPSP after VATS in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Roussouly type 2 could evolve into type 1 shape as sagittal spinal alignment deterioration progresses with age
Authors: Sun Wenzhi , Li Yongjin , Chen Xiaolong , Wang Baobao , Kong Chao , Wang Peng , Lu Shibao
Published: November 2022

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Objective

To identify whether Roussouly type 2 could evolve into type 1 as the deterioration progresses.

Methods

The study group comprised subjects with a low pelvic incidence (PI). All subjects underwent a standing whole spinal radiograph and sagittal parameters were measured: T1 pelvic angle (TPA), lumbar lordosis (LL), PI, pelvic tilt (PT), L4–S1 angle, thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar sagittal apex (LSA), lordosis distribution index (LDI) and number of vertebrae included in the lordosis (NVL). All subjects were distributed into two groups; with primary (de novo) degenerative scoliosis (PDS) and without PDS. Subjects without PDS were divided into young adult, adult, middle-aged and elderly groups. The differences in sagittal parameters of each subgroup were compared.

Results

In total, 270 subjects were included with a mean age of 58.6 years (range 20–87 years). There was a stepwise increase in the proportion of type 1 with age, whereas type 2 decreased. The TPA, PT, PI-LL, TK, TLK and LDI increased with age in subjects without PDS. The TPA, LDI, TLK and TK increased with age in subjects who displayed type 1, whereas the PT, LL, L4–S1 and PI-LL were unchanged. The TPA, PT, PI-LL and TLK increased with age in subjects who displayed type 2, whereas LL and L4-S1 were decreased, while the LDI and TK remained unchanged. The LSA of subjects without PDS became lower and the NVL decreased with age, with similar phenomena found in the subjects with type 2. There was no statistical difference among the groups for the LSA or NVL distribution of subjects with type 1. The TPA, PT and PI-LL of subjects with PDS were greater than those in Group IV, while the SS, LL and TK were less. The Roussouly-type, NVL and LSA distribution were identical between these two groups.

Conclusion

Roussouly type 1 shape may not be an actual individual specific spine type. Rather, type 2 could evolve into the “type 1” shape as deterioration of the sagittal spinal alignment progresses with age. Primary (de novo) degenerative scoliosis had little effect on whether type 2 became type 1. This should be taken into consideration during the assessment and restoration of sagittal balance.
Toward more equal and mutual human-pet relations: Insights and possible solutions based on social psychological theories
Authors: Amiot Catherine E. , Santerre-Bélec Laurence
Published: November 2022

Human-pet relations are imbued with power imbalances, with many pets depending on humans for food and water, shelter, health care, and sheer survival. A majority of people report loving their pets and consider them to be integral family members; however, the care provided to pets varies widely and can be, in some cases, suboptimal. Yet, building more equal relations between humans and their pets could provide benefits to both parties. To achieve this increased equality and mutuality, the current paper proposes theory-based solutions. Specifically, and building on established social psychological theories, namely theories of intergroup relations and of human motivation, the current paper identifies both social and relational factors which, if socially and individually promoted, could trigger more equal and possibly mutually beneficial relationships with pets. We provide concrete examples illustrating how these factors can be maximized and promoted.
The Effect of Sinapis alba Mustard Seed Meal Extract on Potato Tuber Quality in Organic Potato Production
Authors: Temmen Daniel , Randall John , Popova Inna
Published: November 2022

Utilizing innovative agricultural practices that enhance the nutritional quality of staple foods such as potatoes provides farmers with tools to successfully meet the challenges of feeding a rising global population while sustaining organic food production. In the present study, we have demonstrated the potential of white mustard (Sinapis alba) seed meal extract to improve potato nutritional properties. Sinapis alba extract is a low-cost by-product of mustard oil extraction that contains a relatively high concentration of biologically active compounds. When applied to soil, S. alba extract had a positive impact on nutritional quality of potatoes. For example, total phenolic content in potatoes treated with S. alba extract increased by ~1.5 times, and potato nitrogen content increased from 1.52% to 1.73% with one application of S. alba extract. At the same time, application of S. alba extract had limited impact on the accumulation of anti-nutrients such as glycoalkaloids in potato tubers. The ability to boost the phenolics content of potatoes by applying an organic amendment is a valuable tool in organic farming as it creates more nutritional crop. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effect of S. alba extract on the nutritional quality of potatoes, or indeed of any food crop.
Endangered Nectar-Feeding Bat Detected by Environmental DNA on Flowers
Authors: Walker Faith M. , Sanchez Daniel E. , Froehlich Emma M. , Federman Emma L. , Lyman Jacque A. , Owens Meagan , Lear Kristen
Published: November 2022

Leptonycteris nivalis (the Mexican long-nosed bat) is an endangered nectar-feeding bat species that follows “nectar corridors” as it migrates from Mexico to the southwestern United States. Locating these nectar corridors is key to their conservation and may be possible using environmental DNA (eDNA) from these bats. Hence, we developed and tested DNA metabarcoding and qPCR eDNA assays to determine whether L. nivalis could be detected by sampling the agave flowers on which it feeds. We sampled plants with known bat visitations in the Sierra Madre Oriental in Laguna de Sanchez (LS), Nuevo León, Mexico, and in the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park, TX, USA (CB). A total of 13 samples included both swabs of agave umbels and cuttings of individual flowers. DNA metabarcoding was performed as a PCR multiplex that targeted bats (SFF-COI), arthropods (ANML-COI), and plants (ITS2 and rbcL). We targeted arthropods and plants in parallel with bats because future metabarcoding studies may wish to examine all the pollinators and plants within the nectar corridor. We developed and tested the sensitivity and specificity of two qPCR assays. We found that both DNA metabarcoding and qPCR were highly successful at detecting L. nivalis (11 of 13 for DNA metabarcoding and 12 of 13 for qPCR). Swabs and flower cuttings and both qPCR assays detected the species over four replicates. We suggest that L. nivalis leaves substantial DNA behind as it forages for nectar. We also suggest that future studies examine the time since sampling to determine its effect on detection success. The DNA metabarcoding multiplex will be useful for parallel questions regarding pollination ecology, while, with further testing, the qPCR assays will be effective for large-scale sampling for the detection of migration corridors and foraging areas. This work may be relevant to other nectar-feeding bat species, which can likely be detected with similar methodologies.
Estradiol Regulates the Expression and Secretion of Antimicrobial Peptide S100A7 via the ERK1/2-Signaling Pathway in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yan Yutong , Niu Yuwei , Ma Yingwan , Zhao Xiaoe , Pan Menghao , Ma Baohua , Wei Qiang
Published: November 2022

S100A7 has received extensive attention in the prevention and treatment of mastitis across a broad spectrum, yet there is a little information about its mechanism, especially in the immunomodulatory effects of estrogen. In the present study, based on the milk bacteriological culture (BC) of 30 dairy goats, the concentration of both estrogen and S100A7 in the BC-positive samples was not significantly different than in the BC-negative samples; the estrogen abundance in subclinical and clinical mastitis samples also showed only a limited difference; compared with healthy samples, the S100A7 abundance in subclinical mastitis samples differed little, while it was significantly decreased in clinical mastitis samples. Moreover, the relationship between estrogen and S100A7 was positive, and the regression equation was y = 0.3206x + 23.459. The goat mammary epithelial cells (gMECs) were isolated and treated with 1, 10, 100 nM E2 and/or 5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively, for 6 h. Compared with control samples, 5 μg/mL LPS, 10 nM E2 and 100 nM E2 markedly induced S100A7 expression and secretion. More than separated treatment, the cooperation of LPS and E2 also significantly increased S100A7 expression, rather than S100A7 secretion. The p-ERK was up-regulated markedly with 100 nM E2 treatment, while the expression of p-JNK, p-p38 and p-Akt had little effect. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(GPER1) agonist G1 markedly induced S100A7 expression and secretion in gMECs, and the estrogen nuclear receptor antagonist ICI and GPER1 antagonist G15 significantly repressed this process. In conclusion, E2 binds to nuclear and membrane receptors to regulate the expression and secretion of S100A7 via the ERK1/2-signaling pathway in gMECs.
Ishophloroglucin A Ameliorates VEGF-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via VEGFR2 Pathway Inhibition in Microgravity-Stimulated Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Son Myeongjoo , Ryu Bomi , Je Jun-Geon , Jeon You-Jin , Kim Dae Yu
Published: November 2022

Microgravity stimulation is associated with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that transition to mesenchymal cells (EMT), and these pathological changes cause visual impairment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced from the RPE and contributes to photoreceptor survival. However, changes in VEGF production and function under microgravity stimulation are unknown. In this study, we verified that microgravity stimulation changed the morphological characteristics of human RPE cells (ARPE19 cells) and the expression of actin cytoskeleton regulators, which are related to excessive VEGF expression. Interestingly, microgravity stimulation increased not only the production of VEGF but also the expression of EMT markers. Previously, we studied the potential of ishophloroglucin A (IPA), a phlorotannin, as an antioxidant. In silico results confirmed that IPA could structurally bind to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) among VEGFRs and inhibit the VEGF pathway. IPA significantly decreased VEGF production and EMT marker expression in microgravity-stimulated cells. It also significantly reduced excessive cell migration in VEGF-induced EMT. Overall, our findings suggested that IPA treatment decreased VEGF production and EMT marker expression in microgravity-stimulated or VEGF-treated ARPE19 cells, and this decrease in EMT could restore excessive cell migration by inhibiting the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway. Therefore, it is a potential therapeutic candidate for angiogenesis-related eye diseases.
Modelling the Interaction between a Laterally Deflected Car Tyre and a Road Surface
Authors: Maknickas Algirdas , Ardatov Oleg , Bogdevičius Marijonas , Kačianauskas Rimantas
Published: November 2022

The interaction between a deflected car tyre and a road surface was modelled under normal and overloaded conditions. The model incorporates the detailed geometry of the car wheel, including a metallic rim reinforcement, a hyper-elastic composite tyre and tyre treads, as well as the geometry of the road surface. The finite element method was used to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the model and study the influence of tyre deflection on the friction coefficient of the tyre tread. The results were compared under different internal tyre pressures and external wheel loads, including underloaded, normal and overloaded states. The skewness of the distribution of friction coefficients was calculated under these different conditions. The results show that overloading and nonoptimal internal tyre pressure cause reduced and skewed friction, with the asymmetry in the tyre–road contact zone resulting in a moving instability of the car during braking.
Effect of Wood Medium on Dispersion Parameters of Prefabricated Spherical Fragments in Forest
Authors: Wang Zhenning , Yin Jianping , Li Xudong , Yi Jianya
Published: November 2022

In order to study the influence of the forest environment on the killing power of prefabricated fragments, the relationship between the wood medium in the forest and the residual velocity of prefabricated fragments and a simple calculation model were obtained. The impact test of 300 mm thick pine target plate was carried out with 6 mm and 11 mm diameter tungsten alloy spherical fragments. The LS-DYNA finite element modeling of wood was carried out and compared with the experimental parameters, which verified the reliability of the numerical simulation method on the residual velocity of fragments. Based on this, a simple mathematical calculation method for the forest environment is constructed to calculate the penetration track length of fragments in the forest environment. Combined with the model and the formula for calculating the residual velocity of wood, the impact of forests on fragments within a certain radius can be evaluated. According to the characteristics of the forest environment, the boundary effects of the multi-layer spacing targets and trees were further studied. The research shows that the wood reduces the fragment power mainly by affecting the penetration length. The influence of forest density, tree diameter, and other parameters on the fragment velocity attenuation in the forest environment is analyzed. Using this method, the influence of forest environmental parameters on fragment dispersion parameters can be simply evaluated.
Finite Element Simulation of HELICOIL® Inserts
Authors: Rojíček Jaroslav , Paška Zbyněk , Fusek Martin , Cienciala Jakub , Ličková Dagmar
Published: November 2022

This paper details the possibility of simulating HELICOIL® inserts using Finite Element Analysis and contact technology. The main procedure is based on the use of contact elements in the Glue–Cohesive setting, which is usually considered for the simulation of composites. The contact represents the behaviour of an interface, including the HELICOIL® insert, the sample threads, and the screw threads. The behaviour of the cohesive contact is determined by a multi-linear curve, and is described by several parameters. Our main goal is to determine the number of parameters and their values to provide a defined accuracy. The sample is made of ABS-M30 material, while the screw is made of steel. The Finite Element Model Updating method is used to determine the parameters from experimental data. The problem regarding the addition of a point (parameter) to a multi-linear curve is solved using the principle of halving intervals. A gradient approach combined with a penalisation method is used to identify the parameters of the interface model. The simulation results are compared with data obtained through Digital Image Correlation measurements.
Research on Data Fusion of Positioning System with a Fault Detection Mechanism for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Chang Wei-Hsuan , Juang Rong-Terng , Lin You-Sian
Published: November 2022

A positioning system provides useful positioning information for applications. The ability to maintain high-quality positioning information in real time is crucial. Autonomous vehicles require positioning information to plan control strategies. Inadequate positioning accuracy affects control and safety. This article explores the effect of an error detection and correction method on coordinate information fusion. This method can be used to efficiently correct positioning errors in the presence of faults. The fault detection mechanism is not limited to positioning systems with certain types of sensor applications. and it has certain flexibility in various applications. This positioning system detection method uses more than two positioning systems. Primarily, one positioning system is used to monitor the other. When the error of the positioning system differs excessively from the system setting value, the positioning fusion algorithm will make appropriate adjustments to output the corrected coordinate value. Therefore, this method integrates different positioning technologies, including a global position system (GPS), simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), inertial measurement units (IMUs), and mileage meters. Autonomous vehicles already have the required sensors deployed, and our method can be implemented at no additional cost. We integrated two positioning systems to support the positioning applications and designed a fault detection method to detect errors in the positioning system. This allowed the system to have some reference information by which to correct the coordinate information. According to the experimental findings, positioning information errors were corrected at a rate of 89.8%. The positioning system with the added detection function was able to effectively filter the data without too many errors. Additionally, the results showed that this method can effectively correct positioning errors. The results indicate that adding an error detection mechanism can effectively improve the accuracy of coordinate data fusion. Positioning systems with an error detection function can thus improve applications’ performance.
Corner Convergence Effect of Enclosed Blast Shock Wave and High-Pressure Range
Authors: Li Xudong , Chen Haojie , Yin Jianping , Wang Zhijun
Published: November 2022

An explosion inside a cabin will converge at the corners to form high-pressure areas, significantly impacting the destruction of a bulkhead structure. This paper investigates shock wave convergence characteristics at the corners when the explosive detonates at the center of the cabin, based on a combination of the wall reflection law for shock waves and a numerical simulation method. The parameter K represents the aspect ratio of the cabin structure. This study shows that when 1 ≤ K ≤ 1.19, the high pressure at the corner is caused by the superposition of Mach waves along both wall surfaces. However, for the initial shock wave, when 1.2 < K ≤ 2, the high pressure is caused by the superposition of Mach waves along the longer wall surface and regular reflected waves on the shorter wall surface; when 2 < K, the cause are Mach waves along the longer wall surface and the corresponding positive reflection on the shorter wall surface. The influence of K on the range for the high-pressure region at the corner is also analyzed, the functional relationship between the range of the high-pressure area and K is given, and the universality is verified.
A Natural Zeolite Developed with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane and Adsorption of Cu(II) from Aqueous Media
Authors: Shirendev Nasanjargal , Bat-Amgalan Munkhpurev , Kano Naoki , Kim Hee-Joon , Gunchin Burmaa , Ganbat Batdemberel , Yunden Ganchimeg
Published: November 2022

In this work, we removed copper (II) from an aqueous solution by using zeolite modified with a silicon-organic monomer (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane; APTES) depending on the pH, time, temperature, and initial concentration of Cu(II) ions. To confirm the modification process and assess the interaction between the modified zeolite and Cu(II), we performed instrumental analyses (XRD, SEM/EDX, TGA/DTA, BET, FT-IR, and XPS). We determined the maximum adsorption capacities of the modified zeolite for Cu(II) to be 4.50, 6.244, 6.96, and 20.66 mg/g at T = 25 °C (pH = 5, t = 8 h) when the initial concentrations of Cu(II) were 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L, respectively. According to the adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics, the second-order reaction controls the adsorption process. Based on the two isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) with constant values (KL = 0.144, n = 2.764) and the correlation coefficients (R2 = 0.8946, R2 = 0.9216), we concluded that the Cu(II) adsorption onto the modified zeolite could be followed by the Freundlich isotherm model rather than the Langmuir isotherm model. The modified zeolite could be an effective material for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions.
Representations, Translations and Reductions for Ternary Semihypergroups
Authors: Nongmanee Anak , Leeratanavalee Sorasak
Published: November 2022

The concept of ternary semihypergroups can be considered as a natural generalization of arbitrary ternary semigroups. In fact, each ternary semigroup can be constructed to a ternary semihypergroup. In this article, we investigate some interesting algebraic properties of ternary semihypergroups induced by semihypergroups. Then, we extend the well-known result on group theory and semigroup theory, the so-called Cayley’s theorem, to study on ternary semihypergroups. This leads us to construct the ternary semihypergroups of all multivalued full binary functions. In particular, we investigate that each element of a ternary semihypergroup induced by a semihypergroup can be represented by a multivalued full binary function. Moreover, we introduce the concept of translations for ternary semihypergroups which can be considered as a generalization of translations on ternary semigrgoups. Then, we construct ternary semihypergroups of all multivalued full functions and ternary semihypergroups via translations. So, some interesting algebraic properties are investigated. At the last section, we discover that there are ternary semihypergroups satisfying some significant conditions which can be reduced to semihypergroups. Furthermore, ternary semihypergroups with another one condition can be reduced to idempotent semihypergroups.
m6A Methylation Analysis Reveals Networks and Key Genes Underlying the Coarse and Fine Wool Traits in a Full-sib Merino Family
Authors: Hua Guoying , Yang Xue , Ma Yuhao , Li Tun , Wang Jiankui , Deng Xuemei
Published: November 2022

In our study, a set of lambs with coarse wool type all over their bodies were discovered within a full-sib family during an embryo transfer experiment of merino fine wool sheep. The difference between coarse and fine wool traits were studied from the perspective of RNA modification-N6-methyladenosine. A total of 31,153 peaks were collected, including 15,968 peaks in coarse skin samples and 15,185 peaks in fine skin samples. In addition, 7208 genes were differentially m6A methylated, including 4167 upregulated and 3041 downregulated in coarse skin samples. Four key genes (EDAR, FGF5, TCHH, KRT2) were obtained by comprehensive analysis of the MeRIP-seq and RNA sequence, which are closely related to primary wool follicle morphogenesis and development. The PI3K/AKT pathway was enriched through different m6A-related genes. These results provided new insights to understand the role of epigenetics in wool sheep domestication and breeding.
Double-Edged Sword Effect of Pyroptosis: The Role of Caspase-1/-4/-5/-11 in Different Levels of Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Wu Zhiwu , Li Mingming , Ren Xiaolin , Zhang Rui , He Jinfeng , Cheng Li , Cheng Ran , Hu Tao
Published: November 2022

The study was to investigate the effect of canonical and noncanonical pyroptosis in apical periodontitis. Proteins’ profiles of human apical periodontitis tissue were analyzed by label-free proteomics. Immunofluorescence was used to detect proteins related to pyroptosis in human apical periodontitis tissues and experimental apical periodontitis models. A dual experimental apical periodontitis model with both smaller (mandible) and larger (maxilla) bone lesions was established. THP-1-derived macrophages were stimulated with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide in vitro with or without the caspase-1/-4/-5 inhibitor Ac-FTDL-CMK. Propidium iodide staining, lactic dehydrogenase release and Western blot were applied to evaluate cell death and the protein expression. Caspase-1/-4/-5 were expressed in human apical periodontitis tissues. Caspase-1/-11 were involved in bone loss in experimental apical periodontitis. Caspase-1/-11 inhibitors reduced bone loss in larger lesions (maxilla) but accelerated bone loss in smaller lesions (mandible). Caspase-1/-4/-5 inhibitors also showed double-edged sword effects on propidium iodide staining and lactic dehydrogenase release in vitro. The expression of cleaved-caspase-1/-4/-5, mature interluekin-1β and gasdermin D N-terminal domain increased in THP-1-derived macrophages after lipopolysaccharide stimulation but decreased after treatment with Ac-FTDL-CMK. Pyroptosis contributed to apical periodontitis and excited a double-edged sword effect in inducing bone loss in vivo and cell death in vitro.
Short-Term Exposure to Nanoplastics Does Not Affect Bisphenol A Embryotoxicity to Marine Ascidian Ciona robusta
Authors: Ferrari Emma , Eliso Maria Concetta , Bellingeri Arianna , Corsi Ilaria , Spagnuolo Antonietta
Published: November 2022

Plastic pollution is recognized as a global environmental threat and concern is increasing regarding the potential interactions of the smallest fragments, nanoplastics (1 µm), with either physical and chemical entities encountered in the natural environment, including toxic pollutants. The smallest size of nanoplastics (<100 nm) rebounds to their safety associated with remarkable biological, chemical and physical reactivity that allow them to interact with cellular machinery by crossing biological barriers and causing damage to living beings. Recent findings on nanoplastic occurrence in marine coastal waters, including the Mediterranean Sea, leave open the question on their ability to act as a vector of other contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) concomitantly released by wastewater treatment plants and reaching marine coastal waters. Here, we assess for the first time the role of non-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs, 20 nm) as a proxy for nanoplastics (1 and 10 µg/mL) alone and in combination with bisphenol A (BPA) (4.5 and 10 µM) on Ciona robusta embryos (22 h post fertilization, hpf) by looking at embryotoxicity through phenotypic alterations. We confirmed the ability of BPA to impact ascidian C. robusta embryo development, by affecting sensory organs pigmentation, either alone and in combination with PS NPs. Our findings suggest that no interactions are taking place between PS NPs and BPA in filtered sea water (FSW) probably due to the high ionic strength of seawater able to trigger the sorption surface properties of PS NPs. Further studies are needed to elucidate such peculiarities and define the risk posed by combined exposure to BPA and PS NPs in marine coastal waters.
Physical Exercise Promotes DNase Activity Enhancing the Capacity to Degrade Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Ondracek Anna S. , Aszlan Adrienne , Schmid Martin , Lenz Max , Mangold Andreas , Artner Tyler , Emich Michael , Fritzer-Szekeres Monika , Strametz-Juranek Jeanette , Lang Irene M. , Sponder Michael
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: An unhealthy lifestyle is a significant contributor to the development of chronic diseases. Physical activity can benefit primary and secondary prevention. Higher DNase activity is associated with favourable outcomes after cardiovascular (CV) events. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of consequent endurance exercise on DNase activity. (2) Methods: 98 subjects with at least one CV risk factor but the physical ability to perform endurance training were included. Individuals performed a bicycle stress test at the beginning and after 8 months to assess physical performance. In between, all participants were instructed to engage in guideline-directed physical activity. Blood samples were drawn in two-month intervals to assess routine laboratory parameters, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and DNase activity. (3) Results: Prevailing CV risk factors were overweight (65.9%), a positive family history (44.9%), hypertension (32.7%) and smoking (20.4%). Performance changed by 7.8 ± 9.1% after 8 months. Comparison of baseline to 8 months revealed a decrease in cfDNA and an increase in DNase activity. This effect was driven by participants who achieved a performance gain. (4) Conclusions: Regular physical activity might improve CV health by increasing DNase activity and thereby, the capacity to lower pro-inflammatory signalling, complementing measures of primary and secondary prevention.
Nanoenzyme Reactor-Based Oxidation-Induced Reaction for Quantitative SERS Analysis of Food Antiseptics
Authors: Chen Linmin , Zeng Meihuang , Jin Jingwen , Yao Qiuhong , Ye Tingxiu , You Longjie , Chen Xi , Chen Xiaomei , Guo Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

Nanoenzyme reactors based on shell-isolated colloidal plasmonic nanomaterials are well-established and widely applied in catalysis and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing. In this study, a “double wing with one body” strategy was developed to establish a reduced food antiseptic sensing method using shell-isolated colloidal plasmonic nanomaterials. Gold nano particles (Au NPs) were used to synthesize the colloidal plasmonic nanomaterials, which was achieved by attaching ferrous ions (Fe2+), ferric ions (Fe3+), nitroso (NO−) group, cyanogen (CN−) group, and dopamine (DA) via coordinative interactions. The oxidation-induced reaction was utilized to generate •OH following the Fe2+-mediated Fenton reaction with the shell-isolated colloidal plasmonic nanomaterials. The •OH generated in the cascade reactor had a high oxidative capacity toward acid preservatives. Importantly, with the introduction of the signal molecule DA, the cascade reactor exhibited also induced a Raman signal change by reaction with the oxidation product (malondialdehyde) which improved the sensitivity of the analysis. In addition, the stable shell-isolated structure was effective in realizing a reproducible and quantitative SERS analysis method, which overcomes previous limitations and could extend the use of nanoenzymes to various complex sensing applications.
Target Recognition– and HCR Amplification–Induced In Situ Electrochemical Signal Probe Synthesis Strategy for Trace ctDNA Analysis
Authors: Cai Aiting , Yang Luxia , Kang Xiaoxia , Liu Jinxia , Wang Feng , Ji Haiwei , Wang Qi , Wu Mingmin , Li Guo , Zhou Xiaobo , Qin Yuling , Wu Li
Published: November 2022

An electrochemical-DNA (E-DNA) sensor was constructed by using DNA metallization to produce an electrochemical signal reporter in situ and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) as signal amplification strategy. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique was used to characterize the electrochemical solid-state Ag/AgCl process. Moreover, the enzyme cleavage technique was introduced to reduce background signals and further improve recognition accuracy. On the basis of these techniques, the as-prepared E-DNA sensor exhibited superior sensing performance for trace ctDNA analysis with a detection range of 0.5 fM to 10 pM and a detection limit of 7 aM. The proposed E-DNA sensor also displayed excellent selectivity, satisfied repeatability and stability, and had good recovery, all of which supports its potential applications for future clinical sample analysis.
Environment Context Variability and Incidental Word Learning: A Virtual Reality Study
Authors: Rocabado Francisco , González Alonso Jorge , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: November 2022

Previous research has shown that changes in the scenarios in which something is learned and recalled, respectively, may result in a subpar performance in memory recollection. The current study aimed to evaluate how changes in the visuo-perceptual environmental learning context impact incidental vocabulary learning. To this end, a highly immersive virtual reality setting was created, and participants were required to read eight distinct stories visually presented to them. A novel word was delivered twice in every paragraph and embedded in each story. Stories could be displayed either in a high variability condition, where each paragraph was shown in a new environment context (four different classrooms) or in a low variability condition, where each paragraph was shown in the same context. The findings obtained across four assessment tasks (free recall, recognition, picture matching, and sentence completion) demonstrated that significant visuo-perceptual variability did not bring about any disadvantages in word learning. Thus, perceptual information from a physically diverse environment could provide a variety of instructional and educational beneficial possibilities in the absence of a learning disadvantage.
Triple Combination of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and BRAF/MEK Inhibitors in BRAFV600 Melanoma: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Welti Michèle , Dimitriou Florentia , Gutzmer Ralf , Dummer Reinhard
Published: November 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), namely programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or cytotoxic t-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, are currently the standard of care for the treatment of advanced melanoma, with robust and durable responses in a subset of patients. For BRAFV600-mutant melanoma, treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has resulted in high objective response rates, but most responses are short-lived. Preclinical data suggest that BRAF and MEK inhibitors result in immunomodulatory changes in the tumor microenvironment; early data in murine models further suggest that these changes could enhance sensitivity to ICIs. Subsequently, the notion of combining the two therapy modalities for a more effective response was further evolved in early phase clinical trials. In this review, we analyzed the results of recent phase 2 and 3 clinical trials investigating the combination of ICIs with targeted therapy in BRAFV600-mutated advanced melanoma. Furthermore, we evaluated the results of recent studies investigating the first-line treatment sequencing of ipilimumab/nivolumab and BRAF/MEK inhibitors in these patients. We discussed the study limitations and interpreted how these recent advances could be incorporated into the treatment landscape of advanced BRAFV600-mutant melanoma.
Mild Fenton Processes for the Removal of Preservatives: Interfering Effect of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) on Paraben Degradation
Authors: Duarte-Alvarado Victoria , Santos-Juanes Lucas , Arques Antonio , Amat Ana María
Published: November 2022

The degradation of various preservatives used in the cosmetics industry, including five parabens and their most employed substitute, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), was investigated. A mild photo-Fenton process was applied using low iron concentrations (5 mg/L) at a pH of five, instead of the traditional acidic value of three. At these conditions, the paraben degradation was very low after one hour of reaction and it was necessary to present humic-like substances (HLS) acting as iron chelators to improve the process. Values obtained when MIT was treated were very low, also in the presence of HLS, indicating that their complexing effect was not acting properly. When MIT was added to the mixture of parabens an inhibitory effect was found in the presence of HLS. A possible complex between iron and MIT was suggested and the studies of hydrogen peroxide consumption and Job’s plot technique confirmed this hypothesis. Evidence of the formation of this inactive complex, so far never reported, will be essential in future work when dealing with this compound using Fenton processes. Furthermore, this fact points out the importance of using mixtures of model contaminants instead of a single one or a group of the same family, since their ability to form active or inactive complexes with iron can strongly change the behavior of the whole system.
Sol–Gel Routes toward Ceramic Nanofibers for High-Performance Thermal Management
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Junxiong , Sun Qilong , Ye Xinli , Ma Xiaomin , Wang Jin
Published: November 2022

Ceramic-based nanofiber materials for high-performance thermal management have drawn increasing attention owing to their high-temperature resistance, efficient thermal insulation, superior mechanical flexibility, as well as excellent physical–chemical stability. We present an overview of the ceramic-based nanofiber obtained by sol–gel routes for high-performance thermal management, including the materials, the fabrication methods of the sol–gel route, and their application for thermal management. We first provide a brief introduction to the ceramic-based nanofibers. The materials and fabrication methods of the sol–gel route are further discussed in the second part, including the kinds of nanofibers such as oxide, carbide, and nitride, and the methods such as centrifugal spinning, electrospinning, solution blow spinning, and self-assembly. Finally, their application for thermal management is further illustrated. This review will provide some necessary suggestions to researchers for the investigation of ceramic-based nanofibers produced with the sol–gel route for thermal management.
Altered Expression of Interleukin-18 System mRNA at the Level of Endometrial Myometrial Interface in Women with Adenomyosis
Authors: Chen Liang-Hsuan , Chan She-Hung , Li Chin-Jung , Wu Hsien-Ming , Huang Hong-Yuan
Published: November 2022

Adenomyosis is a uterine pathology characterized by a deep invasion of endometrial glands and stroma, disrupting the endometrial–myometrial interface (EMI). Interleukin-18 (IL-18) system is a dominant cytokine involved in the menstrual cycle of human endometrium. IL-18 may play a defensive role against maternal immune response in the uterine cavity. The present study was designed to determine IL-18-mediated immune response at the level of EMI. We uncovered that mRNA of IL-18 system, including IL-18, IL-18 receptor (IL-18R), and its antagonist, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), expressed in eutopic, ectopic endometrium, and corresponding myometrium in patients with adenomyosis. IL-18 system was demonstrated in paired tissue samples by immunochemistry and immunofluorescence study. According to RT-PCR with CT value quantification and 2−∆∆Ct method, a significant down-regulation of IL-18BP in corresponding myometrium in comparison to eutopic endometrium (p < 0.05) indicates that the IL-18 system acts as a local immune modulator at the level of EMI and regulating cytokine networks in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Furthermore, an increased IL-18 antagonist to agonist ratio was noted in ectopic endometrium compared with corresponding myometrium. We suggest that altered IL-18 system expression contributes to immunological dysfunction and junctional zone disturbance in women with adenomyosis.
Recovery Sleep Immediately after Prolonged Sleep Deprivation Stimulates the Transcription of Integrated Stress Response-Related Genes in the Liver of Male Rats
Authors: Fukuoka Keisuke , Murata Yusuke , Otomaru Tomomi , Mori Masayoshi , Ohe Kenji , Mine Kazunori , Enjoji Munechika
Published: November 2022

Sleep loss induces performance impairment and fatigue. The reactivation of human herpesvirus-6, which is related to the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), is one candidate for use as an objective biomarker of fatigue. Phosphorylated eIF2α is a key regulator in integrated stress response (ISR), an intracellular stress response system. However, the relation between sleep/sleep loss and ISR is unclear. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of prolonged sleep deprivation and recovery sleep on ISR-related gene expression in rat liver. Eight-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to a 96-hour sleep deprivation using a flowerpot technique. The rats were sacrificed, and the liver was collected immediately or 6 or 72 h after the end of the sleep deprivation. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression levels of ISR-related gene transcripts in the rat liver. The transcript levels of the Atf3, Ddit3, Hmox-1, and Ppp15a1r genes were markedly increased early in the recovery sleep period after the termination of sleep deprivation. These results indicate that both activation and inactivation of ISRs in the rat liver occur simultaneously in the early phase of recovery sleep.
Effect of Major Diseases on Productivity of a Large Dairy Farm in a Temperate Zone in Japan
Authors: Fukushima Yuki , Kino Erina , Furutani Aina , Minamino Tomoya , Honkawa Kazuyuki , Horii Yoichiro , Sasaki Yosuke
Published: November 2022

The objective of the present study was to investigate the associations between major diseases (clinical mastitis, peracute mastitis, metabolic disorders, peripartum disorders) and four parameters related to productivity (305-day milk yield, number of days open, culling rate, death rate) on a large dairy farm in a temperate zone with approximately 2500 Holstein cows. Data were collected from 2014 to 2018 and involved 9663 calving records for 4256 cows. We found negative effects of clinical mastitis, peracute mastitis, metabolic disorders, and peripartum disorders on the productivity of cows. Clinical-mastitis-suffered cows with multiple diseases had more days open compared with those with clinical mastitis alone and the healthy group, and they had a higher death rate than the healthy group, whereas there was no difference in death rate between the clinical mastitis only and healthy groups. Cows suffering from peracute mastitis, metabolic disorders, and peripartum disorders with either single or multiple diseases exhibited reduced productivity compared with the healthy group. Our findings clearly show that major diseases of cows in a temperate zone have severely negative effects on their productivity.
Content of Essential Trace Elements in the Hair of Residents of the Caspian Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan Who Recovered from COVID-19
Authors: Batyrova Gulnara , Tlegenova Zhenisgul , Kononets Victoria , Umarova Gulmira , Bazargaliyev Yerlan , Taskozhina Gulaim , Kereyeva Nurgul , Umarov Yeskendir
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the content of essential elements in the hair of unvaccinated residents of the Caspian region who recovered from COVID-19. This cross-sectional study involved 260 unvaccinated permanent residents of Mangistau oblast aged 18–60. The diagnosis and severity of COVID-19 were based on clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory data, R-graph results, and oxygen saturation by the Clinical Protocol of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry determined the content of trace elements cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). The content of Cr (p < 0.05), Cu (p < 0.05), Fe (p < 0.001), I (p < 0.05), Mn (p < 0.001), and Zn (p < 0.05) in the hair of individuals who had a coronavirus infection was lower than those who did not have this infection. There were significantly higher levels of Cu (p < 0.05) in the hair of participants who had moderate or severe COVID-19 compared to those with mild forms. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that in the presence of a COVID-19 infection in a subject’s history, the content of Cr (0.871 (95% CI: 0.811; 0.936)), Cu (0.875 (95% CI: 0.803; 0.955)), Fe (0.745 (95% CI: 0.636; 0.873)), and Mn (0.642 (95%CI: 00.518; 0.795)) decreased in the hair. The data obtained indicate that past COVID-19 infections affect the trace element status of the inhabitants of the Caspian region of Kazakhstan.
Rural E-Customers’ Preferences for Last Mile Delivery: Evidence from Poland
Authors: Markowska Małgorzata , Marcinkowski Jakub
Published: November 2022

Residents of rural areas buy products in the e-commerce market that are delivered to their homes (home deliveries) or to collection points (out-of-home deliveries). This poses last mile delivery challenges, which are of increasing interest to researchers. While urban research is widespread, a smaller number of rural studies are noticeable. The study aims to assess the factors differentiating the inhabitants of rural areas as to the familiarity and use of various methods of delivery of products purchased via the Internet and the reasons for choosing the preferred delivery methods. The paper uses the simplified SLR method in the literature section and multivariate data analysis in the empirical section. It contributes to the existing research in the form of the analysis of rural e-customers’ preferences for choosing a particular delivery method or parcel collection method when out-of-home delivery is conducted. It indirectly focuses on the environmental attitudes that may lead to the sustainable transition through reducing CO2 emissions while last mile delivery is performed. Regardless of choosing price or convenience over sustainable behavior for Polish rural e-customers, their preferences in last mile deliveries are focused on more eco-friendly methods of delivery. Such behavior is a good beginning for a more sustainable transition towards energy saving in Polish rural areas.