bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the Hidden Risks: A Bibliometric Investigation of Farmers’ Vulnerability to Climate Change
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Yanfeng , Lyu Jie , Sun Zhanxiang
Published: September 2023

Climate change is having a significant impact on farmers and agriculture. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, are causing crop failures and reducing yields. This study evaluated existing publications from 2006 to 2022, using the Web of Science database, Citespace, and the Bibliometrix package in R language for a systematic analysis. A total of 426 publications were identified, written by 1449 authors from 56 countries. The results showed that China has the highest share of publications (16.4%), followed by the United States (14.3%) and Australia (6.8%), with China and Pakistan collaborating most frequently. The keyword timeline analysis from 2006 to 2022 identified 11 clusters of research topics related to farmers’ climate change risk (CCRF). Cluster #1, “water conservation measures,” had the longest duration, highlighting its significance. Key areas of CCRF research include the vulnerability of land-lost farmers, farmers’ use of meteorological information, sources of risk, barriers to implementing conservation agriculture, farmers’ attitudes towards heavy metal pollution, and the use of protection motivation theory in agricultural adaptation. In conclusion, climate change poses significant threats to farmers, impacting crop yields, soil fertility, and water availability. Farmers adopt adaptation strategies, but effectiveness varies due to resource limitations and policy gaps. The research on farmer adaptation to climate change is growing, emphasizing the need for supportive policies, resources, and knowledge-sharing to achieve sustainable agriculture and food security.
Mineral Coating Enhances the Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Biochar Derived from Paulownia Biowaste
Authors: Xiao Liang , Wu Jinghua , Li Wenhan , Yuan Guodong , Xu Qing , Wei Jing , Han Fengxiang
Published: September 2023

Biochar holds great promise for carbon sequestration but is restricted by high costs. Here, we introduced the water–fire coupled method and developed a mineral coating technique for biochar production from paulownia waste (Paulownia fortune). Exposure time and mineral (lime) coating were assessed for their impacts on biochar properties. The former had a dominant adverse effect on carbon content, specific surface area, and carbon capture capacity of the biochar. In contrast, the latter alleviated the adverse impact on carbon capture capacity and specific surface area, the highest being 67.07% and 176.0 m2 g−1, respectively. Without a mineral coating (B), biochar functional groups reduced at the exposure time of 0–4 min (-COOH from 0.50 to 0.19 mol/kg, phenolic-OH from 0.43 to 0.14 mol/kg). In contrast, a mineral coating (B-Ca) increased -COOH from 0.25 to 0.83 mol/kg and phenolic-OH from 0.19 to 0.72 mol/kg. The pyrolysis process with a mineral coating is conceptualized as (1) wrapping the paulownia branch with the mineral, (2) enabling oxygen-limited pyrolysis inside the branch, and (3) ending the pyrolysis with water to form biochar. Ca2+ played multiple functions of ion bridging, complexation, and reduction of COx gas formation, thus enhancing the carbon capture capacity (the ratio of C in biomass converted to biochar) to 67%. This research would improve the feasibility of biochar use for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
Impact of Rice–Wheat Straw Incorporation and Varying Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Wheat Grain Yield
Authors: Akwakwa Gabriel Hopla , Xiaoyan Wang
Published: September 2023

Straw return (SR) is crucial for the comprehensive and efficient utilization of resources within agroecosystems; however, its impact on soils and wheat grain yield in the Jianghan Plain of the Yangtze River Basin, Hubei Province of China, is not fully known. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the impact of returning rice–wheat straw, along with different nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications, on soil physicochemical properties and wheat grain yield. The Yangmai 23 wheat variety was cultivated in the Experimental Farms of Yangtze University in the Yangtze River Basin, with three rates of rice SR (0, 50 and 100%) and four N fertilizer rates (0, 33.3, 70 and 100%) with 180 kg/ha urea. The integrated use of SR- and N-fertilizer rates significantly altered soil nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus, potassium, pH and moisture within the 20 cm depth before the seeding, jointing and maturation stages of the wheat. The grain yields of 6408 ± 110 − 8290.00 ± 298 and 4726 ± 62 − 6758.00 ± 196 kg/ha were obtained in the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons, respectively. The studied soil physicochemical properties either before seeding, or at the jointing and maturation stages had a significant effect on final grain yield. These results underscore the combined effect of SR- and N-fertilizer application to improve wheat productivity in the Yangtze River Basin. However, further studies are ongoing to assess the impact of these treatments on the soil microbial community, as well as on wheat grain quality.
Bidirectional Interaction between Tetracyclines and Gut Microbiome
Authors: Jaroszewski Jerzy , Mamun Niles , Czaja Krzysztof
Published: September 2023

The escalating misuse of antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum antibiotics, has emerged as a pivotal driver of drug resistance. Among these agents, tetracyclines are widely prescribed for bacterial infections, but their indiscriminate use can profoundly alter the gut microbiome, potentially compromising both their effectiveness and safety. This review delves into the intricate and dynamic interplay between tetracyclines and the gut microbiome, shedding light on their reciprocal influence. By exploring the effects of tetracyclines on the gut microbiome and the impact of gut microbiota on tetracycline therapy, we seek to gain deeper insights into this complex relationship, ultimately guiding strategies for preserving antibiotic efficacy and mitigating resistance development.
Replacement of Vitamin E by an Extract from an Olive Oil by-Product, Rich in Hydroxytyrosol, in Broiler Diets: Effects on Liver Traits, Oxidation, Lipid Profile, and Transcriptome
Authors: Herrero-Encinas Javier , Corrales Nereida L. , Sevillano Fernando , Ringseis Robert , Eder Klaus , Menoyo David
Published: September 2023

The study examines the effect of replacing vitamin E (VE) with a liquid obtained from alpeorujo, an olive oil by-product rich in hydroxytyrosol (HT), as an antioxidant in broiler chicken feeds on the gene expression, lipid profile, and oxidation in the liver. There were five diets that differed only in the substitution of supplemental VE (0 to 40 mg/kg with differences of 10 mg/kg) by HT (30 to 0 mg/kg with differences of 7.5 mg/kg). A linear decrease (p < 0.05) in α-tocopherol concentration in the liver was observed with the replacement of VE by HT. There were no significant changes in triglyceride, cholesterol, or TBARS concentrations. The hepatic transcriptome showed 378 differentially expressed genes between broilers fed HT15 (20 mg/kg VE and 15 mg/kg HT) and HT0 (40 mg/kg VE) diets (p < 0.05 and fold change less or higher than 1.3). Significant changes in cell cycle, cell nucleus activity, neuroactivity, and necroptosis pathways and functions were observed. It is concluded that the olive oil by-product, rich in HT, could be used to spare VE as an antioxidant in broiler diets without affecting liver lipid and TBARS concentrations. The differential gene expression analysis showed a potential role of olive polyphenols in enhancing the chicken immune response.
Application of Satellite-Derived Summer Bloom Indicators for Estonian Coastal Waters of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Rahn Ian-Andreas , Kangro Kersti , Jaanus Andres , Alikas Krista
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to test and develop the indicators for the remote sensing assessment of cyanobacterial blooms as an input to the estimation of eutrophication and the environmental status (ES) under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in the optically varying Estonian coastal regions (the Baltic Sea). Here, the assessment of cyanobacteria blooms considered the chlorophyll-a (chl-a), turbidity, and biomass of N2-fixing cyanobacteria. The Sentinel-3 A/B Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) data and Case-2 Regional CoastColour (C2RCC) processor were used for chl-a and turbidity detection. The ES was assessed using four methods: the Phytoplankton Intensity Index (PII), the Cyanobacterial Surface Accumulations Index (CSA), and two variants of the Cyanobacterial Bloom Indicator (CyaBI) either with in situ-measured cyanobacterial biomass or with satellite-estimated cyanobacterial biomass. The threshold values for each coastal area ES assessment are presented. During 2022, the NW Gulf of Riga reached good ES, but most of the 16 coastal areas failed to achieve good ES according to one or multiple indices. Overall, the CyaBI gives the most comprehensive assessment of cyanobacteria blooms, with the CyaBI (in situ) being the best suited for naturally turbid areas. The CyaBI (satellite) could be more useful than in situ in large open areas, where the coverage of in situ sampling is insufficient.
Insertion Torque (IT) and Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) Assessment in Dental Implants with and without Healing Chambers: A Polyurethane In Vitro Study
Authors: Mello Bruno Freitas , De Carvalho Formiga Marcio , Bianchini Marco Aurélio , Borges Ivan , Coura Gustavo , Tumedei Margherita , Fuller Renato , Petrini Morena , Romasco Tea , Vaz Paula , Piattelli Adriano , Di Pietro Natalia
Published: September 2023

Primary Stability (PS) depends on different factors, such as bone structure (quality and density), implant characteristics (macro and micro), and the relationship between thread shape and implant insertion hole size. PS is crucial for the prognosis and success of dental implants. The use of healing chambers, which create empty spaces between the implant and peri-implant bone, helps reduce the risk of compressive bone necrosis. High Insertion Torque (IT) values could potentially lead to the deterioration of the implant-abutment connection. However, the optimal implant macro-structure and IT values remain unknown. In this study, implants with healing chambers (Test) and without (Control) were inserted into polyurethane blocks with densities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 pounds per cubic foot (PCF). In blocks with densities of 30 and 40 PCF, Control implants had significantly higher IT values than Test implants. Additionally, Control implants exhibited significantly higher Removal Torque (RT) values than Test implants, but only in the 30 PCF density block (p < 0.0001). However, no differences were found between the implants in the 10, 20, and 40 PCF density blocks. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values between the Test and Control implants. The results of the present study confirm that adding healing chambers to the macro-structure of dental implants can significantly reduce IT values without affecting ISQ values. This suggests the potential for avoiding compression and damage to peri-implant bone while maintaining consistent levels of PS.
Global and Conditional Disruption of the Igf-I Gene in Osteoblasts and/or Chondrocytes Unveils Epiphyseal and Metaphyseal Bone-Specific Effects of IGF-I in Bone
Authors: Xing Weirong , Kesavan Chandrasekhar , Pourteymoor Sheila , Mohan Subburaman
Published: September 2023

To evaluate the relative importance of IGF-I expression in various cell types for endochondral ossification, we quantified the trabecular bone at the secondary spongiosa and epiphysis of the distal femur in 8–12-week-old male mice with a global knockout of the Igf-I gene, as well as the conditional deletion of Igf-I in osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts/chondrocytes and their corresponding wild-type control littermates. The osteoblast-, chondrocyte-, and osteoblast/chondrocyte-specific Igf-I conditional knockout mice were generated by crossing Igf-I floxed mice with Cre transgenic mice in which Cre expression is under the control of either the Col1α2 or Col2α1 promoter. We found that the global disruption of Igf-I resulted in 80% and 70% reductions in bone size, defined as total volume, at the secondary spongiosa and epiphysis of the distal femur, respectively. The abrogation of Igf-I in Col1α2-producing osteoblasts but not Col2α1-producing chondrocytes decreased bone size by 25% at both the secondary spongiosa and epiphysis. In comparison, the deletion of the Igf-I globally or specifically in osteoblasts or chondrocytes reduced trabecular bone mass by 25%. In contrast, the universal deletion of Igf-I in all cells, but not the conditional disruption of Igf-I in osteoblasts and/or chondrocytes reduced trabecular bone mass in the epiphysis. The reduced trabecular bone mass at the secondary spongiosa in osteoblast- and/or chondrocyte-specific Igf-I conditional knockout mice is caused by the reduced trabecular number and increased trabecular separation. Immunohistochemistry studies found that the expression levels of chondrocyte (COL10, MMP13) and osteoblast (BSP) markers were less in the secondary spongiosa and the epiphyses in the global Igf-I deletion mice. Our data indicate that local and endocrine Igf-I act pleiotropically and in a cell type- and bone compartment-dependent manner in bone.
Ribonucleoside Hydrolases–Structure, Functions, Physiological Role and Practical Uses
Authors: Shaposhnikov Leonid A. , Savin Svyatoslav S. , Tishkov Vladimir I. , Pometun Anastasia A.
Published: September 2023

Ribonucleoside hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of ribonucleosides to nitrogenous bases and ribose. These enzymes are found in many organisms: bacteria, archaea, protozoa, metazoans, yeasts, fungi and plants. Despite the simple reaction catalyzed by these enzymes, their physiological role in most organisms remains unclear. In this review, we compare the structure, kinetic parameters, physiological role, and potential applications of different types of ribonucleoside hydrolases discovered and isolated from different organisms.
Recent Advances in Perioperative Immunotherapies in Lung Cancer
Authors: Fukuda Shota , Suda Kenichi , Hamada Akira , Tsutani Yasuhiro
Published: September 2023

Several clinical trials have been revolutionizing the perioperative treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many of these clinical trials involve cancer immunotherapies with antibody drugs that block the inhibitory immune checkpoints programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1. While these new treatments are expected to improve the treatment outcome of NSCLC patients after pulmonary resection, several major clinical questions remain, including the appropriate timing of immunotherapy (neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or both) and the identification of patients who should be treated with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant immunotherapies, because some early-stage NSCLC patients are cured by surgical resection alone. In addition, immunotherapy may induce immune-related adverse events that will require permanent treatment in some patients. Based on this fact as well, it is desirable to select appropriate patients for neoadjuvant/adjuvant immunotherapies. So far, data from several important trials have been published, with findings demonstrating the efficacy of adjuvant atezolizumab (IMpower010 trial), neoadjuvant nivolumab plus platinum-doublet chemotherapy (CheckMate816 trial), and several perioperative (neoadjuvant plus adjuvant) immunotherapies (AEGEAN, KEYNOTE-671, NADIM II, and Neotorch trials). In addition to these key trials, numerous clinical trials have reported a wealth of data, although most of the above clinical questions have not been completely answered yet. Because there are so many ongoing clinical trials in this field, a comprehensive understanding of the results and/or contents of these trials is necessary to explore answers to the clinical questions above as well as to plan a new clinical trial. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the recent data obtained from clinical trials addressing such questions.
TGF-β2 Induces Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transitions in 2D Planer and 3D Spheroids of the Human Corneal Stroma Fibroblasts in Different Manners
Authors: Umetsu Araya , Ida Yosuke , Sato Tatsuya , Furuhashi Masato , Ohguro Hiroshi , Watanabe Megumi
Published: September 2023

To examine the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is induced on the human corneal stroma, two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) cultures of human corneal stroma fibroblasts (HCSFs) were used. In this study, HCSF 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids were characterized by (1) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (2) trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran permeability, (3) cellular metabolic measurements, (4) the physical properties of 3D HCSF spheroids, and (5) the extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule gene expressions, including collagen (COL) 1, 4 and 6, and fibronectin (FN), a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1–4, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, 3, 9 and 14, and several endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related factors. In the 2D HCSFs, TGF-β2 concentration-dependently generated (1) a considerable increase in ECM deposits revealed by SEM, (2) an increase in TEER values and a decrease in FITC-dextran permeability, (3) increases in both mitochondrial and glycolytic functions, and a substantial upregulation of COL1, COL4, FN, αSMA, TIMP1, TIMP, and most ER stress-related genes and the downregulation of COL6 and MMP3. In the case of 3D spheroids, TGF-β2 induced the downsizing and stiffening of 3D spheroids and the upregulation of COL6, MMP14, and most ER stress-related genes. These findings suggest that TGF-β2 significantly induced a number of EMT-associated biological events including planar proliferation, cellular metabolic functions, and the production of ECM molecules in the 2D cultured HCSF cells, but these effects were significantly less pronounced in the case of 3D HCSF spheroids.
Circulating Tumor Cells Adhesion: Application in Biosensors
Authors: Paglia Eduarda B. , Baldin Estela K. K. , Freitas Gabriela P. , Santiago Thalyta S. A. , Neto João B. M. R. , Silva Jorge V. L. , Carvalho Hernandes F. , Beppu Marisa M.
Published: September 2023

The early and non-invasive diagnosis of tumor diseases has been widely investigated by the scientific community focusing on the development of sensors/biomarkers that act as a way of recognizing the adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). As a challenge in this area, strategies for CTCs capture and enrichment currently require improvements in the sensors/biomarker’s selectivity. This can be achieved by understanding the biological recognition factors for different cancer cell lines and also by understanding the interaction between surface parameters and the affinity between macromolecules and the cell surface. To overcome some of these concerns, electrochemical sensors have been used as precise, fast-response, and low-cost transduction platforms for application in cytosensors. Additionally, distinct materials, geometries, and technologies have been investigated to improve the sensitivity and specificity properties of the support electrode that will transform biochemical events into electrical signals. This review identifies novel approaches regarding the application of different specific biomarkers (CD44, Integrins, and EpCAm) for capturing CTCs. These biomarkers can be applied in electrochemical biosensors as a cytodetection strategy for diagnosis of cancerous diseases.
Review on the Prediction and Control of Structural Vibration and Noise in Buildings Caused by Rail Transit
Authors: He Yuanpeng , Zhang Yang , Yao Yuyang , He Yulong , Sheng Xiaozhen
Published: September 2023

As rail transportation continues to advance, it provides significant convenience to the public. However, the environmental vibration and noise generated during its operation have become major concerns for residents living near rail lines. In response to these concerns, the “Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution” was promulgated in China, bringing attention to this issue within the rail transportation sector. This review summarizes the regular features observed in environmental vibration and secondary structural noise tests on different sections, including embankment sections, bridge sections, underground railroads and vehicle sections. Furthermore, it introduces several physical models utilized in the study of environmental vibration and secondary structural noise, focusing on three key aspects: excitation sources, propagation paths and the modelling of building structures. This paper also explores the introduction of data-driven models related to big data and artificial intelligence to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of research in this field and provides an overview of commonly used measures to control train-induced environmental vibrations and secondary noise in buildings. These measures are discussed in terms of excitation sources, propagation paths, and receivers, offering insights into effective strategies for mitigating the impact of rail transportation on nearby residents. Finally, this study highlights the primary findings and offers pertinent recommendations. These recommendations include considerations regarding both laboratory and on-site testing procedures, challenges associated with the deployment of data-driven models and key parameters for designing and utilizing low-stiffness fasteners.
The Effects of Complementary Therapies on Patient-Reported Outcomes: An Overview of Recent Systematic Reviews in Oncology
Authors: Mentink Marit , Verbeek Daniëlle , Noordman Janneke , Timmer-Bonte Anja , von Rosenstiel Ines , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: September 2023

Many patients with cancer make use of complementary medicine alongside conventional medicine, but clinicians in oncology often lack the knowledge to adequately advise patients on the evidence base for complementary therapies. This study aims to provide an overview of recently published systematic reviews that assess the effects of complementary therapies on patient-reported health outcomes in patients with cancer. Systematic reviews, including a meta-analysis of at least two randomized controlled trials, were identified from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases. The methodological quality was assessed with AMSTAR 2. One hundred systematic reviews were included. The results suggest that several complementary therapies can improve health outcomes reported by patients with cancer, such as acupuncture to relieve pain, music interventions to reduce anxiety and yoga to improve cancer-related fatigue. The side effects related to complementary therapy use are generally mild. The results remain inconclusive for some intervention–outcome combinations. Many of the included systematic reviews insufficiently assessed the causes and impact of bias in their interpretation of the results. This overview of systematic reviews can support clinicians in counselling their patients on this topic and provide directions for future research and clinical practice guidelines in the field of complementary medicine.
A Systematic Review of Breast Implant-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Niraula Sujan , Katel Anjan , Barua Amit , Weiss Anna , Strawderman Myla S. , Zhang Huina , Manrique Oscar , O’Connell Avice , Pandey Sirish Raj , Dhakal Ajay
Published: September 2023

Breast augmentation is considered safe, but rare cases of breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) have been reported. This study aimed to systematically review published cases of BIA-SCC, providing valuable clinical data. The review included 14 articles and 18 cases of BIA-SCC. An increasing trend in reported BIA-SCC cases was observed, with four cases in the 1990s and 14 cases since 2010. The mean age of affected patients was 56 years, and symptoms typically appeared around 21 years after breast augmentation. Silicone implants used in cosmetic procedures were most commonly associated with BIA-SCC. Implant removal was necessary in all cases, and some patients required a mastectomy. Treatment approaches varied, with the selective use of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The estimated 6-month mortality rate was 11.1%, while the 12-month mortality rate was 23.8%. The estimated 6-month mortality rate should be cautiously interpreted due to the limited sample size. It appears lower than the rate reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, without clear reasons for this discrepancy. This study highlights the importance of enhanced monitoring and information sharing to improve detection and management of BIA-SCC. Healthcare providers should maintain vigilance during the long-term follow-up of breast augmentation patients.
Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: An Outlook on Chemical Strategies to Improve Endosomal Trafficking
Authors: Mangla Priyanka , Vicentini Quentin , Biscans Annabelle
Published: September 2023

The potential of oligonucleotide therapeutics is undeniable as more than 15 drugs have been approved to treat various diseases in the liver, central nervous system (CNS), and muscles. However, achieving effective delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to specific tissues still remains a major challenge, limiting their widespread use. Chemical modifications play a crucial role to overcome biological barriers to enable efficient oligonucleotide delivery to the tissues/cells of interest. They provide oligonucleotide metabolic stability and confer favourable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. This review focuses on the various chemical approaches implicated in mitigating the delivery problem of oligonucleotides and their limitations. It highlights the importance of linkers in designing oligonucleotide conjugates and discusses their potential role in escaping the endosomal barrier, a bottleneck in the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Chemosensors for Ion Detection
Authors: Sun Kien Wen
Published: September 2023

The advancement in chemosensory research towards the ionic species quantitation becomes vital to securing the environment for the future [...]
Motor Competence between Children with and without Additional Learning Needs: A Cross-Sectional Population-Level Study
Authors: Richards Amie B. , Barker Harriet G. , Williams Emily , Swindell Nils , Mackintosh Kelly A. , Tyler Richard , Griffiths Lucy J. , Foweather Lawrence , Stratton Gareth
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to examine associations in motor competence between children with additional learning needs (ALN) and typically developing children. This cross-sectional study involved a nationally representative cohort of 4555 children (48.98% boys; 11.35 ± 0.65 years) from sixty-five schools across Wales (UK). Demographic data were collected from schools, and children were assessed using the Dragon Challenge assessment of motor competence, which consists of nine tasks completed in a timed circuit. A multi-nominal multi-level model with random intercept was fitted to explore the proficiency between children with ALN and those without. In all nine motor competence tasks, typically developing children demonstrated higher levels of proficiency than their peers with ALN, with these associations evident after accounting for age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This study highlights motor competence inequalities at a population level and emphasises the need for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to prioritise motor competence development, particularly for children with ALN.
Associations of Morphological Changes in Skeletal Muscles of Preschool Children in China Following Physical Activity
Authors: Deng Pengyu , Ozaki Hayao , Natsume Toshiharu , Ke Dandan , Lu Dajiang , Suzuki Koya , Naito Hisashi
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) is likely to be the most important modifiable factor in skeletal muscle development. However, the influence of PA on the skeletal muscle of preschool children has not been thoroughly investigated. The main objective of this study was to quantitatively measure PA, and then, to assess whether associations exist between site-specific muscle changes and PA in relation to sex and weight statuses in preschool children aged 3 to 4 years. Methods: A total of 86 healthy preschool children, aged 3–4 years, were instructed to wear an accelerometer for seven consecutive days. The number of steps taken daily, and minutes spent in moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA (TPA) were recorded. Muscle thickness was measured by B-mode ultrasonography using a 5–18 MHz scanning head. Muscle thickness was measured at seven sites: the lateral forearm, upper arm, abdomen, anterior and posterior thigh, and anterior and posterior lower leg. Results: There was no significant difference between boys and girls in terms of MVPA and TPA on weekdays and weekends. According to the linear regression models, after adjusting for daylight duration, the muscle of the posterior thigh was significantly positively associated (p < 0.05) with daily steps and MVPA on weekdays for boys and girls, respectively. Conclusions: We found that the muscle thickness of the posterior thigh in preschool children was significantly positively associated with PA, as measured by daily steps and MVPA. We suggest that for the overall health and well-being of preschool children, the levels of PA should be maintained and/or increased, and preferably transformed into a regular part of daily living.
Advancing the Assessment and Treatment of Comorbid Pediatric Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain (CFAP) and Restrictive Eating Disorders
Authors: Beckmann Emily A. , Aarnio-Peterson Claire M. , Jastrowski Mano Kristen E.
Published: September 2023

The aim of this review is to heighten awareness of the association between chronic functional abdominal pain (CFAP) and restrictive eating disorders (ED) in adolescents. We describe current diagnostic practices and propose future research efforts to improve the assessment and treatment of comorbid CFAP and restrictive EDs. A narrative review of the literature on CFAP and EDs was performed using PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and PsycINFO and the following search terms: ‘restrictive eating disorders’, ‘chronic functional abdominal pain’, ‘chronic pain’ ‘treatment’ ‘diagnosis’ and ‘adolescents’. Published studies on restrictive EDs and CFAP from May 2008 to March 2023 were included. Ascribable to the overlap in etiology and symptom presentation, adolescents with chronic pain are significantly less likely to have their ED pathology promptly identified by providers compared to adolescents without comorbid chronic pain. This highlights the importance of the time sensitive and accurate identification of EDs in adolescents with CFAP. Overall, assessment methods are limited and EDs take longer to be identified in adolescents with comorbid CFAP. Future efforts should address diagnostic practices in pediatric settings and improve the communication among medical and mental health providers in order to promote the rapid and effective diagnosis and treatment of comorbid CFAP and EDs.
Piloting a Spanish-Language Web-Based Tool for Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing
Authors: Cragun Deborah , Manso Gretter , Arcusa Stefania Alastre , Zuniga Brenda , Dutil Julie , Cruz Marcia , Pal Tuya
Published: September 2023

The delivery of hereditary cancer pre-test education among Spanish-language patients is impeded by the dearth of Spanish-speaking genetic counselors. To address this gap, we evaluated a web-based genetic education tool delivered in Spanish to provide information typically discussed during an initial genetic counseling session. Spanish-speaking patients with a personal or family history of cancer were recruited at two centers in Puerto Rico and through social media. A total of 41 participants completed a survey before and after viewing the tool to measure knowledge, attitudes, and decisional empowerment. A subset of 10 participants completed a virtual semi-structured interview to assess the usability and appropriateness of the tool. Paired t-tests were calculated to evaluate changes in knowledge and attitudes. A McNemar test assessed for decisional empowerment. Interview transcripts were translated from Spanish to English and inductively coded and analyzed. Results revealed significant increases in knowledge (p < 0.001), while attitudes about genetic testing did not change (p = 0.77). The proportion of individuals who felt fully informed and empowered to decide about whether to undergo genetic testing increased from 15% to 51% (p < 0.001). Qualitative data indicated that participants found the tool easy to use with informative and valuable content. Our findings suggest this Spanish-language tool is a user-friendly and scalable solution to help inform and empower many individuals to decide about cancer genetic testing, recognizing that others may still benefit from genetic counseling prior to testing.
Aggressive Variant of Hepatic Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Inflammatory Pseudotumor-like Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma with PD-L1 and SSTR2a Expression
Authors: Pardasani Madhur , Rajakannu Muthukumarassamy , Vij Mukul , Rajalingam Rajesh , Rela Mohamed
Published: September 2023

An aggressive Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell (IPT-like FDC) sarcoma is reported in an adult female. The patient developed multifocal recurrence and passed away 13 months after the initial surgical resection. A bright field microscopic examination of the tumor demonstrated a classical growth pattern and the diffuse expression of Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and somatostatin receptor 2a (SSTR2a).
Intravascular Ultrasound vs. Fractional Flow Reserve for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Optimization in Long Coronary Artery Lesions
Authors: Budrys Povilas , Peace Aaron , Baranauskas Arvydas , Davidavicius Giedrius
Published: September 2023

Background: intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) have both been shown to be superior to angiography in optimizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is still a lack of comparative studies between PCI optimization using physiology and intravascular imaging head-to-head. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of FFR and IVUS PCI optimization strategies on the functional PCI result (assessed with FFR) immediately post-PCI and at 9–12 months after the treatment of long coronary lesions. Methods: This was a single-center study comparing post-PCI FFR between two different PCI optimization strategies (FFR and IVUS). The study included 154 patients who had hemodynamically significant long lesions, necessitating a stent length of 30 mm or more. The procedural outcomes were functional PCI result immediately post-PCI and at 9–12 months after treatment. Clinical outcomes included target vessel failure (TVF) and functional target vessel restenosis rate during follow-up. Results: Baseline clinical characteristics and FFR (0.65 [0.55–0.71]) did not differ significantly between the two groups and the left anterior descending artery was treated in 82% of cases. The FFR optimization strategy resulted in a significantly shorter stented segment (49 mm vs. 63 mm, p = 0.001) compared to the IVUS optimization strategy. Although the rates of optimal functional PCI result (FFR > 0.9) did not significantly differ between the FFR and IVUS optimization strategies, a proportion of patients in the FFR group (12%) experienced poor post-PCI functional outcome with FFR values ≤ 0.8, which was not observed in the IVUS group. At the 9–12 month follow-up, 20% of patients in the FFR group had target-vessel-related myocardial ischemia, compared to 6% in the IVUS group. The rates of TVF and functional target vessel restenosis during follow-up were also numerically higher in the FFR optimization group. Conclusions: The use of FFR PCI optimization strategy in the treatment of long coronary artery lesions is associated with a higher incidence of poor functional PCI result and larger myocardial ischemia burden at follow-up compared to the IVUS optimization strategy. However, this discrepancy did not translate into a statistically significant difference in clinical outcomes. This study highlights the importance of using IVUS to optimize long lesions functional PCI outcomes.
Temporomandibular Disorders at the Preoperative Time of Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Miotto Alice Vanzela , Bonotto Danielle Veiga , Silva Jessica Sarha Cavalheiro , De Souza Juliana Feltrin , Sebastiani Aline Monise , Scariot Rafaela
Published: September 2023

Individuals seeking orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery (OS) have a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), but the relationship between TMD diagnoses and dentofacial deformities (DFDs) is still controversial. Therefore, this cross-sectional study with a comparison group aimed to analyze the association between dentofacial deformities and TMDs. Methodology: Eighty patients undergoing OS were consecutively selected from the stomatology department of the Federal University of Paraná between July 2021 and July 2022. Forty patients who would undergo OS composed the group of participants with DFD, and forty who received other types of attention and did not present changes in the dental bone bases formed the group without DFDs (DFDs and no DFDs groups). The groups were matched for sex, age, and self-reported ethnicity. The diagnostic criteria for TMDs (DC/TMDs) were used to diagnose TMD based on the Axis I criteria. The psychosocial aspects, oral behaviors in wakefulness, and sleep bruxism were evaluated through the Axis II criteria. The data were analyzed with a 5% significance level. Results: The presence of DFDs was significantly associated with arthralgia (p = 0.01). The other types of TMDs were not associated with DFDs. Comorbidities, habits, and psychosocial variables were not associated with DFDs at a level of 0.05. (p > 0.05). In analyzing the participants with arthralgia, the ones with this condition presented higher frequencies of sleep bruxism (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Participants with DFDs presented a significantly higher frequency of arthralgia when compared to no DFDs ones. Sleep bruxism was associated with the occurrence of joint TMDs in these participants.
Co-Movements between an Asian Technology Stock Index and Cryptocurrencies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bi-Wavelet Approach
Authors: Rijanto Arief
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the co-movement patterns of Asia technology stock indices and cryptocurrencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis examines Bitcoin and Ethereum, China’s Tech index (XA90), and India’s Tech index (NSEIT) from 2017 to 2021, representing both before and during COVID-19. To visually explore the co-movement between these variables, a bi-wavelet method is employed. This approach allows for an examination of how these variables move together over time coherently. There were noticeable changes in the co-movement patterns between technology stock indices and cryptocurrencies during COVID-19 compared to before the pandemic. The duration of co-movements decreased significantly after the emergence of COVID-19. The previous financial crisis had a longer time horizon for joint movement, lasting 256 days. However, during the pre-COVID-19 period, XA90 exhibited a strong co-movement with Bitcoin over this extended period but weakened afterward when COVID-19 emerged. Conversely, NSEIT showed a significant co-movement with both Ethereum and Bitcoin in the initial stages of the pandemic. Before that period, NSEIT had muted price movements along with BTC. These changes in price co-movements suggest shifts in herding behavior due to the pandemic. Notably, cryptocurrency markets have demonstrated faster recovery compared to technology stock markets.
Thermal and Optical Analysis of Quantum-Dot-Converted White LEDs in Harsh Environments
Authors: Pei Naiqi , Yang Xuan , Xie Bin , Luo Xiaobing
Published: September 2023

Quantum-dot-converted white LEDs (QD-WLEDs) are promising in both lighting and display applications owing to their high luminous efficiency (LE) and high color-rendering index (CRI). However, their working lifetime is severely limited by the poor reliability of QDs and the LED package. In this work, the variation in photothermal parameters in QD-WLEDs during aging was investigated, and the effect of QDs and the LED package on the optical performance of QD-WLEDs was analyzed. First, the optical properties of phosphor–silicone, QD–silicone, and silicone were measured during the 524 h aging process at 80 °C and 100 °C, respectively. QD-WLEDs with high optical performance were packaged and aged under the same conditions to investigate the variation in their optical parameters and analyze the trends of their CRIs and correlated color temperatures (CCTs). According to the experimental results and the calculation models of the spectra, it was found that the changes in optical parameters are mainly caused by the degradation of QDs, and the aging of QDs has different effects on the CRI and CCT. The analysis of the energy-transfer process shows that the decrease in luminous flux of QD-WLEDs during the aging process is mainly caused by the aging of silicone. Based on optical and thermal analysis, this study proposed different optimization strategies for optical quality and lifetime in the LED design process.
W-Band Broadband Circularly Polarized Reflectarray Antenna
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Zhang Rui , Song Wenke , Xie Bingchuan , Lin Xiaobo , Li Haixuan , Tian Lu
Published: September 2023

We propose a W-band circularly polarized reflectarray antenna in this article, which contains a single-layer reflectarray and a linearly polarized horn feed. To realize the proposed antenna, we designed a novel W-band multi-resonant element containing a Rogers RT5880 substrate with copper patches printed on its both surfaces. Then, a circular reflectarray with 12.25 λ0 (39.1 mm) aperture diameter was designed based on the proposed multi-resonant element, whose center frequency is 94 GHz. We further fabricated the proposed circular reflectarray and tested its performance. In the measured results, we can see that the obtained 1 dB gain bandwidth is 19.1% (91~109 GHz) and the obtained 2 dB gain bandwidth can reach as wide as 27.6% (89~115 GHz). Moreover, the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is 13.8% (89~102 GHz). The measured gain of our proposed reflectarray antenna at 94 GHz is 29.1 dBi and the corresponding aperture efficiency can reach as high as 52.0%. Those results show that our proposed antenna may be prospective in wireless communication applications due to its strengths in broadband and high aperture efficiency.
An Innovative Design of Isoflux Scanning Digital Phased Array Based on Completely Shared Subarray Architecture for Geostationary Satellites
Authors: Cai Muren , Li Wentao , Shi Xiaowei , Zhang Qiaoshan , Liu Heng , Li Yan
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose an innovative spaceborne isoflux scanning digital phased array (ISDPA) design with two-stage digital beamforming (DBF) for geostationary satellites. To achieve isoflux scanning, a novel technique is presented to obtain an isoflux beam for the ISDPA equivalent element using a DBF completely shared subarray architecture and the differential evolution (DE) algorithm. By reutilizing the radiating elements of adjacent subarrays, the radiation aperture and element number are augmented, enhancing the degrees of optimization freedom. To validate the proposed design, a linear ISDPA with 16 DBF completely shared subarrays is optimized and analyzed using two sets of excitation coefficients in different DBF stages. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed ISDPA can adaptively compensate for space loss variations during beam scanning for geostationary communications with low sidelobes better than −20 dB.
Towards Implementation of Emotional Intelligence in Human–Machine Collaborative Systems
Authors: Markov Miroslav , Kalinin Yasen , Markova Valentina , Ganchev Todor
Published: September 2023

Social awareness and relationship management components can be seen as a form of emotional intelligence. In the present work, we propose task-related adaptation on the machine side that accounts for a person’s momentous cognitive and emotional state. We validate the practical significance of the proposed approach in person-specific and person-independent setups. The analysis of results in the person-specific setup shows that the individual optimal performance curves for that person, according to the Yerkes–Dodson law, are displaced. Awareness of these curves allows for automated recognition of specific user profiles, real-time monitoring of the momentous condition, and activating a particular relationship management strategy. This is especially important when a deviation is detected caused by a change in the person’s state of mind under the influence of known or unknown factors.
Real-Time Embedded System-Based Approach for Sensing Power Consumption on Motion Profiles
Authors: Olmedo-García Luis F. , García-Martínez José R. , Cruz-Miguel Edson E. , Barra-Vázquez Omar A. , Gónzalez-Lee Mario , Martínez-Sánchez Trinidad
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses the energy consumption of three parabolic, trapezoidal, and S-curve profiles when implemented using an embedded system. In addition, it presents an alternative methodology for implementing motion controllers using an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) microcontroller, which computes the trajectory and performs the control action in hard real-time. We experimented using a linear plant composed of a direct current (DC) motor coupled to an endless screw where a carriage was mounted. It can move mechanically along a rail at a distance of 1.16 m. A 4096 pulses per revolution (PPR) encoder was connected to the motor to calculate position and angular velocity. A Hall-effect-based current sensor was used to assess energy consumption. We conducted 40 tests for each profile to compare the energy consumption for the three motion profiles, considering cases with and without load on the carriage. We determined that the parabolic profile provides 22.19% lower energy consumption than the other profiles considered in this study, whereas the S-curve profile exhibited the highest energy consumption.
Reconfigurable Transmitarray Based on Frequency Selective Surface for 2D Wide-Angle Beam Steering
Authors: Sun Maolin , Xi Haowei , Qi Xiaokang , Xu Kuiwen , Li Huan , Lv Qinyi , Hu Shaoqing , Chen Shichang , Zhao Wensheng , Li Xungen , Li Wenjun
Published: September 2023

A novel reconfigurable transmitarray (RTA) with two-dimensional (2D) wide beam steering capability is presented herein. Different from the traditional RTA with the discrete phase compensation (one-bit or multi-bits phase shift), a second order parallel bandpass filter model is used to realize the RTA elements with a 180° continuous phase compensation. A sandwich structure composed of the two patches with rectangular slots and the middle ground sheet with the cruciform slot is constructed for the phase shift characteristics of the frequency selective surface (FSS), and two varactor diodes are loaded across the rectangular slots on the two top and bottom patches. The simulated results show that the proposed elements could achieve continuous transmission phase compensation from 0° to 180° with a 3 dB insert loss within the operating band of 11.8–12.6 GHz. The RTA prototype with 16×16 elements and an aperture size of 6λ0×6λ0 at 12.2 GHz is fabricated and measured for experimental verification. The measured results show that its beam scanning range can reach ±50° in both horizontal and vertical planes with a peak gain of 22.76 dBi and a aperture efficiency of 24.65%. Furthermore, the sidelobe levels (SLLs) are lower than −17.8 dB, which is much better than most RTAs. The proposed RTA has potential applications in radar, microwave imaging and wireless communication systems with low-cost fabrication and a stable performance.