bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus core outcome rating for the Japanese neonatal pain guidelines
Authors: Arimitsu Takeshi , Ozawa Mio , Gaughwin Kaori
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The Japanese Neonatal Pain Guidelines Committee, led by the Japan Academy of Neonatal Nursing, uses the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group method to evaluate the quality of evidence and the strength of treatment recommendations. Ratings on the importance of outcomes related to neonatal pain have not been reported. This study aimed to reach a consensus on the importance of outcomes through a guideline panel composed of doctors, nurses, a nurse practitioner, a physical therapist, and families to ensure consistency in systematic reviews of neonatal pain and future revisions to the guidelines.

Methods

A total of 26 professionals, including 21 medical personnel from clinical settings and academia and 5 parents from five family associations, participated in 3-stage eDelphi rounds.

Results

The literature review and discussion identified 75 outcomes that were included in round one. The participants proposed three additional outcomes: 78 outcomes were scored in rounds two and three. Round three scores showed different stakeholder groups in terms of priority outcomes. Seventeen outcomes were included in the final core outcome and were considered critical for decision-making.

Conclusion

Core outcomes of the development of neonatal pain guidelines in Japan were identified. The assessment process of importance from this study highlights the difference in the perspectives of medical providers and parents on neonatal pain, thus, involving parents in the assessment and as the spokesperson for the infant admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit is important for a more inclusive evaluation of pain prevention and management.
Implementing a psychosocial care approach in pediatric inpatient care: process evaluation of the pilot Child Life Specialist program at the University Hospital of Munich, Germany
Authors: Hummel Julia , Voss Stephan , Clark Holly , Coenen Michaela , Klein Christoph , Rehfuess Eva A. , Zu Rhein Valerie , Voigt-Blaurock Varinka , Jung-Sievers Caroline
Published: June 2023

Background

Child Life Specialists (CLSs) are psychosocial care professionals of child development and health who focus on the individual needs and rights of young patients. CLSs accompany sick children and focus on the children's perspective and their reality of life. CLS programs are already established in clinical settings in the United States and other Anglophone countries but have not yet been piloted in the German health care setting, neither has their implementation been evaluated in this context. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the implementation of a pilot CLS program in pediatric inpatient care at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital at the University Hospital of Munich, Germany.

Methods

Building on methods commonly employed in the evaluation of complex interventions, we developed a logic model to guide the process evaluation of our program. Semi-structured interviews with four groups of stakeholders were conducted in person or via videoconferencing between June 2021 and January 2022. Data was analyzed collectively using the method of qualitative content analysis by Mayring.

Results

Fifteen individual interviews were conducted with patients (children aged 5–17 years, n = 4), parents (n = 4), CLSs (n = 4) and other health professionals (n = 3). Factors influencing the implementation were identified on three levels: system, staff and intervention. On the system level, a clearer definition of CLSs’ tasks and responsibilities was perceived as important and would likely lead to a delineation from other (psychosocial) professions and a reduction of potential resistances. On the staff level, lacking training opportunities and feelings of being insufficiently skilled were limiting the CLSs professional self-confidence. On the intervention level, the emergence of a unique characteristic of the CLSs’ work (i.e., preparation for medical procedures) supported the acceptance of the new program.

Conclusions

The implementation of a CLS program into an established hospital system with existing psychosocial care services is challenging. Our results contribute to a better understanding of implementation processes of such an additional psychosocial care approach and provide recommendations for addressing upcoming challenges.
Body composition changes during 8 weeks of military training are not accurately captured by circumference-based assessments
Authors: Foulis Stephen A. , Friedl Karl E. , Spiering Barry A. , Walker Leila A. , Guerriere Katelyn I. , Pecorelli Vincent P. , Zeppetelli David J. , Reynoso Marinaliz C. , Taylor Kathryn M. , Hughes Julie M.
Published: June 2023

In 1981, the US military adopted body fat standards to promote physical readiness and prevent obesity. Separate circumference-based equations were developed for women and men. Both predictive equations were known to underestimate %BF. However, it was not known how well these abdominal circumference-based methods tracked changes in %BF. This study examined the validity of the circumference-based %BF equations for assessing changes in %BF in young adult recruits during Army Basic Combat Training (BCT). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and circumference-based measures of %BF were obtained in women (n = 481) and men (n = 926) at the start (pre-BCT) and end (post-BCT) of 8 weeks of BCT. Repeated-measure ANOVAs were used to assess differences between DXA and circumference pre-BCT and for the change during BCT. Pre-BCT, circumferences underestimated %BF relative to DXA, with mean errors of −6.0% ± 4.4% for women and −6.0% ± 3.5% for men (both p < 0.01), and no difference between sexes was observed (p = 0.77). DXA detected a −4.0% ± 2.4% and −3.3% ± 2.8% change in %BF for women and men in response to BCT, respectively (both p < 0.01), whereas circumference estimates of %BF indicated a 0.0% ± 3.3% (p = 0.86) change in women and a −2.2% ± 3.3% (p < 0.01) change in men (sex difference by technique p < 0.01). In conclusion, circumference-based measures underestimated %BF at the start of BCT in both sexes as compared to DXA. Circumference measures underestimated changes in %BF during BCT in men and did not detect changes in women. These findings suggest that circumference-based %BF metrics may not be an appropriate tool to track changes in body composition during short duration training.
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of nitrogen (N)-responsive genes and the putative role of G-quadruplexes in N use efficiency (NUE) in rice
Authors: Sharma Narendra , Madan Bhumika , Khan M. Suhail , Sandhu Kuljeet S. , Raghuram Nandula
Published: June 2023

Rice is an important target to improve crop nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE), and the identification and shortlisting of the candidate genes are still in progress. We analyzed data from 16 published N-responsive transcriptomes/microarrays to identify, eight datasets that contained the maximum number of 3020 common genes, referred to as N-responsive genes. These include different classes of transcription factors, transporters, miRNA targets, kinases and events of post-translational modifications. A Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with all the 3020 N-responsive genes revealed 15 co-expression modules and their annotated biological roles. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of the main module revealed the hub genes and their functional annotation revealed their involvement in the ubiquitin process. Further, the occurrences of G-quadruplex sequences were examined, which are known to play important roles in epigenetic regulation but are hitherto unknown in N-response/NUE. Out of the 3020 N-responsive genes studied, 2298 contained G-quadruplex sequences. We compared these N-responsive genes containing G-quadruplex sequences with the 3601 genes we previously identified as NUE-related (for being both N-responsive and yield-associated). This analysis revealed 389 (17%) NUE-related genes containing G-quadruplex sequences. These genes may be involved in the epigenetic regulation of NUE, while the rest of the 83% (1811) genes may regulate NUE through genetic mechanisms and/or other epigenetic means besides G-quadruplexes. A few potentially important genes/processes identified as associated with NUE were experimentally validated in a pair of rice genotypes contrasting for NUE. The results from the WGCNA and G4 sequence analysis of N-responsive genes helped identify and shortlist six genes as candidates to improve NUE. Further, the hitherto unavailable segregation of genetic and epigenetic gene targets could aid in informed interventions through genetic and epigenetic means of crop improvement.
Investigating the concept of representation in the neural and psychological sciences
Authors: Favela Luis H. , Machery Edouard
Published: June 2023

The concept of representation is commonly treated as indispensable to research on brains, behavior, and cognition. Nevertheless, systematic evidence about the ways the concept is applied remains scarce. We present the results of an experiment aimed at elucidating what researchers mean by “representation.” Participants were an international group of psychologists, neuroscientists, and philosophers (N = 736). Applying elicitation methodology, participants responded to a survey with experimental scenarios aimed at invoking applications of “representation” and five other ways of describing how the brain responds to stimuli. While we find little disciplinary variation in the application of “representation” and other expressions (e.g., “about” and “carry information”), the results suggest that researchers exhibit uncertainty about what sorts of brain activity involve representations or not; they also prefer non-representational, causal characterizations of the brain’s response to stimuli. Potential consequences of these findings are explored, such as reforming or eliminating the concept of representation from use.
Development and validation of a genre-based second language (L2) writing self-efficacy scale
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Lawrence Jun , Zhu Ye
Published: June 2023

Writing self-efficacy serves as one of the essential motivational factors in L1 and L2 writing, which has been measured by a series of scales in L1 and L2 contexts. However, the issue of task specificity was not resolved appropriately. This study aims to tackle this issue by entailing the genre characteristics of L2 writing tasks through developing a genre-based L2 writing self-efficacy scale with pertinent items. The new scale was designed with reference to the available research into writing self-efficacy. Its factorial structure was examined by structural equation modeling. Convergent validity and discriminant validity of the scale were examined by taking into consideration the average variance extracted and composite reliability for each individual factor involved in the scale, whereas the predictive validity of the scale was computed through regression analysis. Results show that the genre-based L2 writing self-efficacy scale demonstrated sound psychometric qualities. Theoretical and pedagogical implications of these research findings are discussed.
Maximizing tendency predicts university adjustment and academic performance
Authors: Li Mushi , Jia Huiyuan , Wang Haixia
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Decision-making characteristics that contribute to university adjustment and academic performance have been important topics in the research on success in higher education. This study proposes a new perspective that maximizing tendency, as a decision-making style, influences adaptive outcomes in college life.

Materials and methods

Two studies were performed to investigate the positive effects of maximizing tendency on university adjustment and academic performance. In Study 1, we engaged in multistage data collection and surveyed 552 students in four universities. In over a span of 4 years, Study 2 was designed as a time-lagged survey with 309 students.

Results

The results revealed that maximizers among students have better university adjustment after their first year at school and achieve higher GPAs when they finished their bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, eudaimonic well-being mediated the relationship between maximizing tendency and university adjustment (Study 1), whereas university adjustment mediated the relationship between maximizing tendency and college student’s academic performance (Study 2).

Conclusion

These consistent results imply that maximizing tendency as a predictor of university adjustment and academic performance, showing its long-term positive impacts on adaptability and wellbeing.
Decreased inpatient psychiatric admissions with telepsychiatry use during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lin Brendon , Costakis Anna , John Majnu , Linder Howard
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study examines the quality of care provided through telepsychiatry by comparing psychiatric hospitalization rates among patients receiving in-person psychiatric care prior to the COVID-19 pandemic with rates among patients receiving virtual psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Mental health-related hospitalization rates among patients enrolled in a large academic hospital’s outpatient psychiatry programs between March 1, 2018 and February 28, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Four time periods were created, spanning March 1 to February 28 of the following year. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic health record, and descriptive statistics were calculated. Change in hospitalization rate between time periods was evaluated using McNemar’s test.

Results

In the 2018 time period, 7.38% of all enrolled patients were hospitalized, compared to 7.70% hospitalized in the 2019 period, 5.74% in the 2020 period, and 5.38% in the 2021 period. Patients enrolled in both the 2018 and the 2019 periods saw no difference in hospitalization rate between the 2 years (2.93% in 2018, 2.83% in 2019; p = 0.830); patients enrolled in both 2019 and 2020 saw significantly lower hospitalization rates in 2020 (5.47% in 2019, 4.58% in 2020; p = 0.022); and patients enrolled in both 2020 and 2021 saw no difference (3.34% in 2020, 3.23% in 2021; p = 0.777).

Conclusion

Psychiatric hospitalization rates significantly decreased between the 2019 and the 2020 periods, suggesting a decrease in admissions associated with adoption of telepsychiatry. Future research should differentiate the roles played by telepsychiatry and COVID-19-related factors in reducing hospitalization rates during the pandemic.
Psychiatric consequences and issues of long COVID on patients with prior psychiatric comorbidities: a scoping review
Authors: Hovagemyan Francesca , Dugerdil Adeline , Braggion Axelle , Mallet Luc , Flahault Antoine
Published: June 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is a growing field of research and mental health in long COVID is one of its interesting domains. This scoping review aims at studying the outcomes of mental health in patients already known for psychiatric illness. This was done by researching the literature in two databases (Embase and PubMed) for articles studying mental health consequences of long COVID in patients already known for psychiatric history. Eleven studies were included. 6/11 studies found an effect of long COVID, with varying severity of outcomes studied, with either a worsening in length or severity. 4/11 did not find any correlation between worsening symptoms and psychiatric history. The methods for assessing which psychiatric symptoms to include and how to determine prior history were heterogeneous, making direct comparison sometimes difficult. The data seem to show worse effects of long COVID on mental health of patients with prior mental illness, with limitations regarding the heterogeneity of the studies’ designs and focuses. It also highlights how neglected this population of patients is in the current state of research.
Telephone triage service use is associated with better outcomes among patients with cerebrovascular diseases: a propensity score analysis using population-based data
Authors: Deguchi Ryo , Katayama Yusuke , Himura Hoshi , Nishimura Tetsuro , Nakagawa Yuko , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Tai Shunsuke , Tsujino Junya , Shimazu Takeshi , Mizobata Yasumitsu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The telephone triage service is an emergency medical system through which citizens consult telephone triage nurses regarding illness, and the nurses determine the urgency and need for an ambulance. Despite being introduced in several countries, its impact on emergency patients has not been reported. We aimed to determine the effect of the telephone triage service on the outcomes of hospitalized patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease upon arrival after being transported by an ambulance.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with cerebrovascular disease who were transported by ambulance between January 2016 and December 2019. The primary outcome was discharge to home by day 21 of hospitalization. A total of 344 patients who used the telephone triage service were propensity score-matched to 344 patients who directly called for an ambulance.

Results

Telephone triage service use was associated with discharge to home by hospital day 21 (crude odd ratio: 1.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.4) and was not significantly associated with survival on hospital day 21 in multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusion

The prognoses of cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage depend on the time from symptom onset to treatment. Telephone triage services may allow patients to receive treatment more rapidly than traditional ambulance requests, resulting in improved patient outcomes. The findings of this study suggest that the use of telephone triage services is associated with improved outcomes in patients with cerebrovascular disease and indicate that the costs for medical expenses and disability may be greatly reduced in an aging society.
Preliminary sizing and study of a hybrid rocket based combined cycle
Authors: Hillion Laurine , Parisse Jean-Denis , Mangeot Alexandre
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the feasibility and performance of a missile propelled by a Hybrid Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (HRBCC) engine, which combines hybrid rocket and air-breathing engines. The HRBCC engine could enable intra and extra-atmospheric hypersonic flight in the future. Using a hybrid rocket engine could bring several advantages as reduced costs, increased reliability and simplicity. This research presents the unique feature of the hybrid rocket engine developed by HyPrSpace and explains its benefits for the conception of a HRBCC system. The performance of the missile was studied in two operational modes: pure rocket and ramjet. The results were then used to develop an in-house code that compared the trajectory of different missiles. Our findings indicate that HRBCC engines provide several advantages over other propulsive technologies and can meet the requirements of various military applications.
Contemporary myths on boredom
Authors: Ros Velasco Josefa
Published: June 2023

We don't know almost nothing about boredom. Even though the experience of boredom has been part of our daily life for centuries, we are far from being clear about what its suffering consists of, what its main causes and consequences are, or how we can satisfactorily escape it. This is one ofthe most repeated mythsabout boredom among some boredom scholars; one from which many others derive, causing unnecessary confusion about a phenomenon around which there exists, in fact, a whole corpus of scientific knowledge. Most of them are harmless, simple narratives from our popular culture; others, however, have the power to condition the way in which we perceive reality, to the point of becoming stigmatizing. Breaking with some of our most ingrained beliefs about boredom is not an easy task, although it is necessary to understand the true nature of this state. In my essay, I will try to disprove some of the contemporary myths that circulate about the experience of boredom. Starting with the first myth, I will explore the scope of other related myths such as those that say thatthe study of boredom is in its infancy, thatboredom has not been given the attention it deserves, thatthe experience of boredom is born in modern societies, thatboredom is an exclusively human condition, thatboredom only happens in leisure time, thatbeing bored is the same as doing nothing, thatit is desirable to have moments of boredom, thatboredom helps our brain to rest, thatboredom makes us more creative, and thatthose who get bored is because they want toor, what is worse, thatonly fools get bored.
A machine learning-based prediction model pre-operatively for functional recovery after 1-year of hip fracture surgery in older people
Authors: Lin Chun , Liang Zhen , Liu Jianfeng , Sun Wei
Published: June 2023

Background

Machine learning (ML) has been widely utilized for constructing high-performance prediction models. This study aimed to develop a preoperative machine learning-based prediction model to identify functional recovery one year after hip fracture surgery.

Methods

We collected data from 176 elderly hip fracture patients admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics and Oncology at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital between May 2019 and December 2019, who met the inclusion criteria. Patient's functional recovery was monitored for one year after surgery. We selected 26 factors, comprising 12 preoperative indicators, 8 surgical indicators, and 6 postoperative indicators. Eventually, 77 patients were included based on the exclusion criteria. Random allocation divided them into the training set (70%) and test set (30%) for internal validation. The Lasso method was employed to screen prognostic variables. We conducted comparisons among various common machine learning classifiers to determine the best prediction model. Prediction performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. To identify the importance of the predictor variables, we performed the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm based on Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values.

Results

The AUCs for the testing dataset were as follows: logistic regression (Logit) model = 0.934, k-nearest neighbors (KNN) model = 0.930, support vector machine (SVM) model = 0.910, Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB) model = 0.926, decision tree (DT) model = 0.730, random forest (RF) model = 0.957, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) model = 0.902. Among the seven ML-based models tested, the RF model demonstrated the best prediction performance, incorporating four features: postoperative rehabilitation compliance, marital status, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score (aCCI), and clinical frailty scale (CFS).

Conclusion

We developed a prediction model for the functional recovery following hip fracture surgery in elderly patients after one year, based on the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. This model exhibited superior prediction performance (ROC) compared to other models. The software application is available for use. External validation in a larger patient cohort or diverse hospital settings is necessary to assess the clinical utility of this tool.
Oral pharmacokinetics of a pharmaceutical preparation of florfenicol in broiler chickens
Authors: Gutierrez Lilia , Guzman-Flores Aline , Monroy-Barreto Minerva , Ocampo Luis , Sumano Hector
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The use of florfenicol must follow particular pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) ratios, i.e., it requires achieving serum concentrations at or slightly above the pathogen's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) during the dosing interval and that the ratio of area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC)/MIC should be as high as possible (still undetermined for poultry). As an alternative to the standard soluble florfenicol that is administered to the flock through drinking water, florfenicol premix is often recommended as feed medication in Latin America. However, no particular pharmaceutical design has been proposed.

Methods

This study compared the PK of two preparations of florfenicol in broiler chickens and pondered the possibility of each covering the referred PK-PD ratios as predictors of clinical efficacy. The preparations comprise a pharmaceutical form as FOLA pellets (F = bioavailability; O = optimum; and LA = long-acting) and the premix formulation. The former are small colored pellets with vehicles and absorption enhancers of florfenicol designed for long action, and the latter is the reference premix of the antibiotic. First, these two pharmaceutical forms of florfenicol were administered as oral boluses (30 mg/kg), aided by a probe. In a second trial of the dosing form, both pharmaceutical preparations of florfenicol were administered in feed and ad libitum (110 ppm; ~30 mg/kg).

Results

In both cases, FOLA-florfenicol presented much higher relative bioavailability (3.27 times higher) and mean better residence time than florfenicol premix (two times high when forced as bolus dose). Consequently, FOLA-florfenicol possesses better PK/PD ratios than less sensitive pathogens, i.e., E. coli. It is proposed that if a metaphylactic treatment of a bacterial outbreak in poultry is implemented with florfenicol prepared as FOLA, better PK/PD ratios will be obtained than those of standard florfenicol premix.

Discussion

Clinicians must confirm that feed consumption in the flock has not been affected by the particular disease if FOLA pellets of florfenicol are used.
Mapping Concurrent Wasting and Stunting Among Children Under Five in India: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Khura Bikash , Mohanty Parimala , Gandhi Aravind P , Patnaik Lipilekha , Mewara Abhishek , Pradhan KeertiBhusan , Padhi Bijaya Kumar
Published: June 2023

Objectives: The study aims to examine the coexisting forms, patterns, and predictors of concurrent wasting and stunting (WaSt) among children under five in India.

Methods: We used data from the National Family Health Survey to understand the trend and association of WaSt among children under five-year-old in India. Univariate analysis and cross-tabulations were performed for WaSt cases. The association was determined using multilevel binary logistic regression and multilevel regression, and the results were provided as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals at the significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of WaSt has decreased from 8.7% in 2005–06 to 5.2 percent in 2019–2020. The proportion of WaSt children grew rapidly from 6 to 18 months, peaked at 19 months (8%), then dropped after 24 months. The prevalence of concurrent wasting and stunting is higher among boys compared to girls. Compared to children of different birth orders, those in the higher birth order are 1.2 times more likely to be WaSt cases (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.33). The education of the mother is strongly correlated with WaSt instances, and children of more educated mothers have a 47% lower chance of being WaSt cases (aOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.57, 0.71). Children from wealthy families are 52% less likely to be WaSt cases (aOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.55).

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of concurrent wasting and stunting and its relationship with socioeconomic factors among children under five in India.
Apopcalypse: The Popularity of Heavy Metal as Heir to Apocalyptic Artifacts
Authors: Scheller Jörg
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the heavy metal genre as a popular form of apocalypticism, i.e., as a warning reminder or “premediation” of potentially (large-scale) lethal crises. By confronting the audience with disturbing, seemingly exaggerated scenarios of disease, chaos, war, and horror, heavy metal builds barriers in popular culture against what philosopher Günther Anders has called “apocalyptic blindness.” The genre, then, offers a kind of “aesthetic resilience training” particularly in relatively stable and peaceful times, when large-scale crises seem unlikely or, in the case of global nuclear war, exceed in their sheer dimension the human imagination. What connects traditional religious apocalyptic artifacts such as the Book of Revelation with heavy metal is a specific appeal to the popular. Apocalyptic artifacts and their contemporary secular heirs lend themselves well to popularization because of their strong affective and aesthetic sides, as the Revelation and its many ramifications in popular culture, not least in heavy metal, demonstrate.
Synergizing Intelligence and Building a Smarter Future: Artificial Intelligence Meets Bioengineering
Authors: Giansanti Daniele
Published: June 2023

Smart Engineering (SE) describes the methods, processes, and IT tools for the interdisciplinary, system-oriented development of innovative, intelligent, networked products, production plants, and infrastructures [...]
Propentofylline Improves Thiol-Based Antioxidant Defenses and Limits Lipid Peroxidation following Gliotoxic Injury in the Rat Brainstem
Authors: Baliellas Deborah E. M. , Barros Marcelo P. , Vardaris Cristina V. , Guariroba Maísa , Poppe Sandra C. , Martins Maria F. , Pereira Álvaro A. F. , Bondan Eduardo F.
Published: June 2023

Propentofylline (PROP) is a methylated xanthine compound that diminishes the activation of microglial cells and astrocytes, which are neuronal cells strongly associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Based on previously observed remyelination and neuroprotective effects, PROP has also been proposed to increment antioxidant defenses and to prevent oxidative damage in neural tissues. Since most neurodegenerative processes have free radicals as molecular pathological agents, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of 12.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 PROP in plasma and the brainstem of Wistar rats exposed to the gliotoxic agent 0.1% ethidium bromide (EB) for 7–31 days. The bulk of the data here demonstrates that, after 7 days of EB treatment, TBARS levels were 2-fold higher in the rat CNS than in control, reaching a maximum of 2.4-fold within 15 days. After 31 days of EB treatment, lipoperoxidation in CNS was still 65% higher than that in the control. Clearly, PROP treatment limited the progression of lipoperoxidation in EB-oxidized CNS: it was, for example, 76% lower than in the EB-treated group after 15 days. Most of these effects were associated with PROP-induced activity of glutathione reductase in the brainstem: the EB + PROP group showed 59% higher GR activity than that of the EB or control groups within 7 days. In summary, aligning with previous studies from our group and with literature about MTXs, we observed that propentofylline (PROP) improved the thiol-based antioxidant defenses in the rat brainstem by the induction of the enzymatic activity of glutathione reductase (GR), which diminished lipid oxidation progression and rebalanced the redox status in the CNS.
Formation with Non-Collision Control Strategies for Second-Order Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Aranda-Bricaire Eduardo , González-Sierra Jaime
Published: June 2023

This article tackles formation control with non-collision for a multi-agent system with second-order dynamics. The nested saturation approach is proposed to solve the well-known formation control problem, allowing us to delimit the acceleration and velocity of each agent. On the other hand, repulsive vector fields (RVFs) are developed to avoid collisions among the agents. For this purpose, a parameter depending on the distances and velocities among the agents is designed to scale the RVFs adequately. It is shown that when the agents are at risk of collision, the distances among them are always greater than the safety distance. Numerical simulations and a comparison with a repulsive potential function (RPF) illustrate the agents’ performance.
The Entropy Density Behavior across a Plane Shock Wave
Authors: Velasco Rosa M. , Uribe Francisco J.
Published: June 2023

Entropy density behavior poses many problems when we study non-equilibrium situations. In particular, the local equilibrium hypothesis (LEH) has played a very important role and is taken for granted in non-equilibrium problems, no matter how extreme they are. In this paper we would like to calculate the Boltzmann entropy balance equation for a plane shock wave and show its performance for Grad’s 13-moment approximation and the Navier–Stokes–Fourier equations. In fact, we calculate the correction for the LEH in Grad’s case and discuss its properties.
Battery Energy Storage Capacity Estimation for Microgrids Using Digital Twin Concept
Authors: Padmawansa Nisitha , Gunawardane Kosala , Madanian Samaneh , Than Oo Amanullah Maung
Published: June 2023

Globally, renewable energy-based power generation is experiencing exponential growth due to concerns over the environmental impacts of traditional power generation methods. Microgrids (MGs) are commonly employed to integrate renewable sources due to their distributed nature, with batteries often used to compensate for power fluctuations caused by the intermittency of renewable energy sources. However, sudden fluctuations in the power supply can negatively impact battery performance, making it challenging to select an appropriate battery energy storage system (BESS) at the design stage of an MG. The cycle count of a battery in relation to battery stress is a useful measure for determining the general health of a battery and can aid in BESS selection. An accurate digital replica of an MG is required to determine the required cycle count and stress levels of a BESS. The Digital Twin (DT) concept can be used to replicate the dynamics of the MG in a virtual environment, allowing for the estimation of required cycle numbers and applied stress levels to a BESS. This paper presents a Microgrid Digital Twin (MGDT) model that can estimate the required cycle count and stress levels of a BESS without considering any unique battery type. Based on the results, designers can select an appropriate BESS for the MG, and the MGDT can also be used to roughly estimate the health of the currently operating BESS, allowing for cost-effective predictive maintenance scheduling for MGs.
Trends in Locally Balanced Energy Systems without the Use of Fossil Fuels: A Review
Authors: Mazur Łukasz , Cieślik Sławomir , Czapp Stanislaw
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the idea of the operation of energy systems (power systems, heating systems) has changed significantly. This paper is an overview of locally balanced energy systems without the use of fossil fuels. The paper justifies the concept of local energy balancing in a new energy system that does not use fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and crude oil), based on European Union guidelines and formal documents as well as the literature on the subject. In this context, the issue of local energy self-sufficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources, as well as the concept of local smart grids based on innovative market mechanisms are raised. Attention is also paid to technical issues with regard to locally balanced energy systems, in particular photovoltaic sources and energy storage. Challenges related to the use of electrical protection in networks with many sources of energy are described. In such networks, the power flow is not in one direction only. Moreover, the selection of protections is problematic due to the distribution of short-circuit currents. Additionally, earth fault currents in such networks may be distorted, and this negatively affects the operation of residual current devices. The basic nomenclature describing locally balanced systems has been sorted out as well. Finally, possible future research paths in the field of creating locally balanced systems without the use of fossil fuels are presented.
Life Cycle Assessment of Biomethane vs. Fossil Methane Production and Supply
Authors: Amato Alessia , Tsigkou Konstantina , Becci Alessandro , Beolchini Francesca , Ippolito Nicolò M. , Ferella Francesco
Published: June 2023

Considering the current geopolitical situation that has hindered the gas supply gas from Russia, Europe’s main supplier, it is necessary to find alternative routes to guarantee the Italian gas stocks in winter at a reasonable cost. Such energetic strategies should consider the environmental sustainability of the different available options, fitting the targets of the EU environmental policy. With the aim of supplying a quantitative tool to support the European green transition, this paper reports the entire life cycle assessment (LCA) of three different options for the production and supply of natural gas/methane in Italy: the production of biomethane from biogas (considering a real-scale plant in Italy), the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplied by Qatar by vessel, and the use of compressed gas delivered from Algeria via pipeline. The application of the LCA standardized method allowed for the quantification of the environmental benefit provided by the first option, against all the considered impact categories, thanks to a combination of several advantages: (a) its low-impact anaerobic production, (b) its exploitation of a waste product from the food/agriculture industries, and (c) its production of valuable by-products, which can be considered environmental credits. The results proved the possible environmental gain resulting from an integrated energy supply system that would be able to enhance the economic fabric of specific areas.
Response Characteristics of Photosynthetic Productivity to the Canopy Spatial Distribution Pattern of Larix kaempferi
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Chen Dongsheng , Xia Guowei , Sun Xiaomei , Zhang Shougong
Published: June 2023

The spatial distribution of the forest canopy plays an important role in the transpiration and photosynthetic capacity of trees, ultimately affecting their growth and biomass production. Despite its importance, how canopy photosynthetic productivity enhancement depends on canopy spatial distribution remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study on Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carrière (L. kaempferi) plantations in Gansu, China, investigating the relationship between canopy height, leaf area, seasonal variations in canopy spatial distribution, and photosynthetic parameters. The results showed that the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of L. kaempferi increase with greater canopy height, while photosynthetically active radiation shows the opposite trend. Canopy photosynthetic productivity peaked in April, May, and June when the height in the canopy was 40%, followed by 20%, and then 30% from the perspective of spatiotemporal canopy spatial distribution. Maximum leaf area (10.7 m2) and photosynthesis productivity (919.6 mg·C·h−1) were observed when the height in the canopy ranged from 48%–59%. The changes increased sunlight exposure (75%–88%, 88%–100%) in different canopy areas. Additionally, there was a decrease in the amount of space covered by shade (25%–38%, 50%–63%, and 63%–75%), depending on the specific region within the canopy. By scientifically managing stand density, the canopy spatial distribution can be optimized for photosynthesis, resulting in maximum light interception rates, enhanced photosynthetic capacity, and reduced “non-functional canopy”. These findings offer effective and scientifically informed management strategies for the forestry industry. By optimizing the structure of the canopy, specifically in L. kaempferi, these strategies aim to maximize photosynthetic productivity.
The Institutionalisation of Brazilian Older Abused Adults: A Qualitative Study among Victims and Formal Carers
Authors: Ribeiro Dayane , Carreira Lígia , Salci Maria Aparecida , Marques Francielle Renata Danielli Martins , Gallo Adriana , Baccon Wanessa , Baldissera Vanessa , Laranjeira Carlos
Published: June 2023

Abuse against elders is acknowledged as a severe and pervasive problem in society. If support services are not tailored to the victims’ knowledge or perceived needs, the intervention is likely to be unsuccessful. This study aimed to explore the experience of institutionalisation of abused older people from the perspective of the victims and their formal carers in a Brazilian social shelter. A qualitative descriptive study was performed with 18 participants, including formal carers and older abused persons admitted to a long-term care institution in the south of Brazil. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts of semi-structured qualitative interviews. Three themes were identified: (1) personal, relational, and social bonds: broken or weakened; (2) denial of the violence suffered; and (3) from imposed protection to compassionate care. Our findings provide insights for effective prevention and intervention measures in elder abuse. From a socio-ecological standpoint, vulnerability and abuse might be averted at the community and societal levels (e.g., education and awareness of elder abuse) by creating a minimum standard for the care of older individuals (e.g., law or economic incentives). Further study is needed to facilitate recognition and raise awareness among individuals in need and those offering assistance and support.
Factor Structure and Measurement and Structural Invariance of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during the Perinatal Period among Japanese Women: What Is the Best Model?
Authors: Saito Tomomi , Sakanashi Kyoko , Tanaka Tomoko , Kitamura Toshinori
Published: June 2023

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used screening tool for perinatal depression. Its factor structure is still a debatable topic. Our study aimed to examine the factor structure and measurement invariances of the Japanese version of the EPDS from late pregnancy to early postpartum. A total of 633 women were followed with the EPDS at three times over the perinatal period: late pregnancy (n = 633), 5 days after childbirth (n = 445), and 1 month after childbirth (n = 392). We randomly divided the participants into two groups: one for exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and another for confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs). The result of the EFAs indicated different factor models at each time point. Hence, CFAs were performed using the second sample set to compare different models including the ones previously reported. A 3-factor model consisting of depression (items 7, 9), anxiety (items 4, 5), and anhedonia (items 1, 2) (Kubota et al., 2018) was consistently stable during the whole perinatal period. Kubota’s 3-factor model showed invariance across the perinatal period.
p53 Affects Zeb1 Interactome of Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Parfenyev Sergey E. , Shabelnikov Sergey V. , Tolkunova Elena N. , Barlev Nickolai A. , Mittenberg Alexey G.
Published: June 2023

P53 is a critical tumor suppressor that protects the integrity of genome and prevents cells from malignant transformation, including metastases. One of the driving forces behind the onset of metastases is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. Zeb1 is one of the key transcription factors that govern EMT (TF-EMT). Therefore, the interaction and mutual influence of p53 and Zeb1 plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. Another important feature of tumors is their heterogeneity mediated by the presence of so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs). To this end, we have developed a novel fluorescent reporter-based approach to enrich the population of CSCs in MCF7 cells with inducible expression of Zeb1. Using these engineered cell lines, we studied the effect of p53 on Zeb1 interactomes isolated from both CSCs and regular cancer cells. By employing co-immunoprecipitations followed by mass spectrometry, we found that the composition of Zeb1 interactome was affected not only by the p53 status but also by the level of Oct4/Sox2 expression, indicating that stemness likely affects the specificity of Zeb1 interactions. This study, together with other proteomic studies of TF-EMT interactomes, provides a framework for future molecular analyses of biological functions of Zeb1 at all stages of oncogenesis.
Immune Fingerprint in Diabetes: Ocular Surface and Retinal Inflammation
Authors: Amorim Madania , Martins Beatriz , Fernandes Rosa
Published: June 2023

Diabetes is a prevalent global health issue associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a well-known inflammatory, neurovascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of preventable blindness in developed countries among working-age adults. However, the ocular surface components of diabetic eyes are also at risk of damage due to uncontrolled diabetes, which is often overlooked. Inflammatory changes in the corneas of diabetic patients indicate that inflammation plays a significant role in diabetic complications, much like in DR. The eye’s immune privilege restricts immune and inflammatory responses, and the cornea and retina have a complex network of innate immune cells that maintain immune homeostasis. Nevertheless, low-grade inflammation in diabetes contributes to immune dysregulation. This article aims to provide an overview and discussion of how diabetes affects the ocular immune system’s main components, immune-competent cells, and inflammatory mediators. By understanding these effects, potential interventions and treatments may be developed to improve the ocular health of diabetic patients.
Development of Phytochemical Delivery Systems by Nano-Suspension and Nano-Emulsion Techniques
Authors: Zuccari Guendalina , Alfei Silvana
Published: June 2023

The awareness of the existence of plant bioactive compounds, namely, phytochemicals (PHYs), with health properties is progressively expanding. Therefore, their massive introduction in the normal diet and in food supplements and their use as natural therapeutics to treat several diseases are increasingly emphasized by several sectors. In particular, most PHYs possessing antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-cholesterol, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties have been isolated from plants. Additionally, their secondary modification with new functionalities to further improve their intrinsic beneficial effects has been extensively investigated. Unfortunately, although the idea of exploiting PHYs as therapeutics is amazing, its realization is far from simple, and the possibility of employing them as efficient clinically administrable drugs is almost utopic. Most PHYs are insoluble in water, and, especially when introduced orally, they hardly manage to pass through physiological barriers and scarcely reach the site of action in therapeutic concentrations. Their degradation by enzymatic and microbial digestion, as well as their rapid metabolism and excretion, strongly limits their in vivo activity. To overcome these drawbacks, several nanotechnological approaches have been used, and many nanosized PHY-loaded delivery systems have been developed. This paper, by reporting various case studies, reviews the foremost nanosuspension- and nanoemulsion-based techniques developed for formulating the most relevant PHYs into more bioavailable nanoparticles (NPs) that are suitable or promising for clinical application, mainly by oral administration. In addition, the acute and chronic toxic effects due to exposure to NPs reported so far, the possible nanotoxicity that could result from their massive employment, and ongoing actions to improve knowledge in this field are discussed. The state of the art concerning the actual clinical application of both PHYs and the nanotechnologically engineered PHYs is also reviewed.