bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between non-suicidal self-injury, identity conflict, and risky behavior among Druze adolescents
Authors: Toukhy Nermin , Ophir Shir , Stukalin Yelena , Halabi Samer , Hamdan Sami
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Druze adolescents in Israel, an ethnic minority, and examine the influence of identity conflict, depression, and performance of risky behaviors on such adolescents' engagement in NSSI. This investigation is important because little is known about NSSI among adolescents from ethnic minorities.

Methods

Overall, 290 Druze adolescents aged 16–18 (mean = 16.26, standard deviation = 0.9) years (63.9% female) participated in this study. They were recruited through snowball sampling from three Druze schools that agreed to participate in the study. All participants completed self-report measures for NSSI, depression, anxiety, engagement in risky behaviors, emotion regulation, sleep problems, and identity integration.

Results

Almost 20% of the total sample engaged in NSSI. Those who engaged in NSSI reported more significant depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and engagement in risky behaviors when compared with those who did not engage in NSSI. Moreover, those who engaged in NSSI reported experiencing a higher level of identity conflict. Further analysis revealed an indirect effect of identity conflict on NSSI through engagement in risky behaviors.

Conclusions

This study's findings clarify the prevalence of NSSI among Druze adolescents, as well as contributing factors, and also highlights the importance of developing interventions that specifically target this unique ethnic group.
The influence of social and commercial pension insurance differences and social capital on the mental health of older adults—Microdata from China
Authors: Chai Kuang-Cheng , Li Qiang , Jin Chengsheng , Lu Yu-Jiao , Cui Zhenxin , He Xingxing
Published: November 2022

The number of older adults is rising rapidly in China. Various concerns such as chronic diseases, financial inadequacy, and a feeling of loneliness have adversely affected the mental health of older adults, and this has become an important public health and social issue. To realize healthy aging, the Nineteenth National People's Congress of China put forth the Healthy China strategy, speeding up the promotion activities of mental health and pension measures, carrying out public welfare pension insurance for the entire population, and contributing to the mental health of older adults. This study used data from China Family Panel Studies. This study mainly uses the random effect estimation method (random effect, RE) and the feasible generalized least squares estimation method (FGLS) to control for heterogeneity to explore the impact of social and commercial pension insurance on the mental health of older adults, the moderating effect of social capital on pension insurance, and the mental health of older adults. The results showed that social pension insurance is proportional to the mental health of older adults, whereas commercial pension insurance is inversely proportional to mental health. Social capital had a significant moderating effect on pension insurance. When a country develops an aging economy, the emphasis on social capital helps make targeted industrial development suggestions. The government's expansion of insurance coverage is crucial for improving the mental health of older adults.
The impact of vaccination on patients with COVID-19 during the wave of Omicron in Shanghai
Authors: Yu Chen , Fengzhao Zhu , Hongmei Wu , Zeyuan Lei , Yu Liu , Yuhang Guo , Rufei Shen , Qingzhu Jia , Xiaorong Sun , Xia Wang , Caiping Song , Zhi Xu , Chunmei Luo
Published: November 2022

Background

The global health has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic persistently, of which Omicron is currently the predominant variant. However, the impact of vaccination on Omicron remained uncertain.

Objective

This study sought to explore the effect of vaccination on patients infected with Omicron.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort was conducted in the largest Fangcang shelter hospital in Shanghai from April 1 to May 30, 2022. The demographics, length of hospital stay, clinical symptoms, the comorbidities and vaccination status were recorded. Clinical outcomes of the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

Of the 3,119 patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study, 2,226 (71.4%) patients had received nCoV-19 vaccine while 893 (28.6%) patients had not received it before admission. Patients in the vaccinated group had significantly shorter length of hospital stay than those in the unvaccinated group (15.48 ± 2.708 vs. 15.85 ± 3.102, p < 0.001). More asymptomatic patients were observed in the vaccinated group than the non-vaccinated (70.4 vs. 64.5%, p < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that the older the age, the more significant the difference was (p < 0.005).

Conclusions

Vaccination was associated with a significant reduction in the severity of Omicron infection compared with no vaccination. Vaccination appears to make Omicron-infected people with milder symptoms than unvaccinated people. This suggests the potential effectiveness of current vaccines against Omicron.
Interdisciplinary social needs response team: A community case study in social needs targeted care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Mullen Isabelle , Mariano Melanie Agnes , Aysola Jaya
Published: November 2022

This case study illustrates the role and value of a social needs response team during times of crisis and beyond. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in two simultaneous crises—the infectious disease crisis and the socioeconomic crisis. Unemployment and lost wages, housing and food insecurity, and increased childcare needs are just a few examples of the socioeconomic needs that skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the start of the pandemic, the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) formed an interdisciplinary team of physicians, social workers, nurse practitioners and students of these professions to reimagine social needs screening in a way that could reach people during the pandemic and provide sustainable support for individual's evolving social needs. The Social Needs Response Team (SNRT) at UPHS utilized various secure platforms to keep members of the team connected with each other and their patients. Orientations for participating students included training on how to employ principles of crisis intervention theory, empathetic inquiry, and patient-led and family-centered care to best uncover and serve the needs of their patients. Alongside the illustrative case study, this piece details guiding principles and concepts that are essential to integrating social needs targeted care.
Medical perspective of reproductive health education in Indonesian schoolbooks
Authors: Diarsvitri Wienta , Utomo Iwu Dwisetyani
Published: November 2022

The current provision for equipping young Indonesians with a comprehensive knowledge of reproductive health is inadequate. In Indonesian primary and secondary schools, reproductive health education is integrated into various subjects, including Science, Biology, Sport, and Health Education. In this paper, we compared the accuracy of the material related to reproductive health education to scientific evidence published in medical scientific journals or medical textbooks. Even though the schoolbooks were used in Indonesia's 2006 minimum standard requirements of subject matter (KTSP) curriculum, we found much inaccurate information that is not based on the scientific literature and unnecessarily detailed information on therapy and technology. Schoolbooks should emphasize promoting a healthy lifestyle, preventing high-risk sexual behaviors, encouraging openness and discussion about reproductive health in the family, improving self-confidence to refuse and avoid sexual harassment, encouraging positive sexual behaviors, and increasing awareness for treatment-seeking behavior.
A narrative-based approach to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of stranded immigrants in four border cities in Mexico
Authors: Cruz Piñeiro Rodolfo , Ibarra Carlos S.
Published: November 2022

Objective

This paper describes the impact that the different COVID-19 related restrictions have had on the mental health and wellbeing of 57 Central American and Caribbean immigrants stranded in Mexico due to the pandemic.

Methods

Ethnographic data was obtained through the application of in-depth interviews centered on topics such as migration history, personal experience with COVID-19 and beliefs about the pandemic. This information was further analyzed through a narrative approach and Atlas Ti.

Main findings

US Title 42 and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) have stranded thousands of individuals in the US-Mexico border region, a situation that has overcrowded the available shelters in the area and forced many of the immigrants to live on the streets and in improvised encampments. Thus, exposing them to a higher risk of contagion. Furthermore, the majority of the interviewed Central American and Caribbean immigrants consider that Mexico is more lenient when it comes to the enforcement of sanitary measures, especially when compared to their countries of origin. Finally, vaccination hesitancy was low among the interviewees, mainly due to the operative aspects of the vaccination effort in Mexico and the fear of ruining their chances to attain asylum in the US. These findings are backed up by the discovery of five recurring narratives among the interviewees regarding: (1) The pandemic's psychological impact. (2) The uncertainty of being stranded in Mexico and the long wait. (3) Their fear of violence over the fear of contagion. (4) The perceived leniency of Mexico with the pandemic when compared to their countries of origin, and (5) their beliefs about the pandemic and vaccines.

Key finding

The mental health of stranded Central American and Caribbean immigrants in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic is mostly affected by their inability to make it across the US-Mexico border using legal means.
Examining spatial variation in soil solutes and flowpaths in a semi-arid, montane catchment
Authors: Gregory Reece B. , Bush Sidney A. , Sullivan Pamela L. , Barnard Holly R.
Published: November 2022

Biogeochemical properties of soils play a crucial role in soil and stream chemistry throughout a watershed. How water interacts with soils during subsurface flow can have impacts on water quality, thus, it is fundamental to understand where and how certain soil water chemical processes occur within a catchment. In this study, ~200 soil samples were evaluated throughout a small catchment in the Front Range of Colorado, USA to examine spatial and vertical patterns in major soil solutes among different landscape units: riparian areas, alluvial/colluvial fans, and steep hillslopes. Solutes were extracted from the soil samples in the laboratory and analyzed for major cation (Li, K, Mg, Br, and Ca) and anion (F, Cl, NO2, NO3, PO4, and SO4) concentrations using ion chromatography. Concentrations of most solutes were greater in near surface soils (10 cm) than in deeper soils (100 cm) across all landscape units, except for F which increased with depth, suggestive of surface accumulation processes such as dust deposition or enrichment due to biotic cycling. Potassium had the highest variation between depths, ranging from 1.04 mg/l (100 cm) to 3.13 mg/l (10 cm) sampled from riparian landscape units. Nearly every solute was found to be enriched in riparian areas where vegetation was visibly denser, with higher mean concentrations than the hillslopes and fans, except for NO3 which had higher concentrations in the fans. Br, NO2, and PO4 concentrations were often below the detectable limit, and Li and Na were not variable between depths or landscape units. Ratioed stream water concentrations (K:Na, Ca:Mg, and NO3:Cl) vs. discharge relationships compared to the soil solute ratios indicated a hydraulic disconnection between the shallow soils (<100 cm) and the stream. Based on the comparisons among depths and landscape units, our findings suggest that K, Ca, F, and NO3 solutes may serve as valuable tracers to identify subsurface flowpaths as they are distinct among landscape units and depth within this catchment. However, interflow and/or shallow groundwater flow likely have little direct connection to streamflow generation.
Diversity and Disturbance: How Mussels and Sea Stars Strengthen the Rocky Intertidal Community
Authors: Hendry Elliot , Ammann Karah N. , Dinger Eric C.
Published: November 2022

In the rocky intertidal zone, tides and rocks set the stage. Together they create habitat for a diverse community of species adapted to a world both underwater (high tide) and exposed to air (low tide). In some protected areas, like national parks, we study rocky intertidal ecosystems as vital signs of nature’s health. Studying them helps us understand the impact of disturbances, which play an important role in shaping these communities. Some disturbances, like the tides, happen daily. Others, like diseases, might happen once every decade. This article is about how tides and diseases affect two important members of rocky intertidal communities—mussels and sea stars. We explain the roles these organisms play and what happened when ochre sea stars, an important species in these habitats, suffered a major disease outbreak. Last, we emphasize the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems so we can continue to learn about the health of the natural environment.
Plant-based default nudges effectively increase the sustainability of catered meals on college campuses: Three randomized controlled trials
Authors: Boronowsky Renate D. , Zhang Angela W. , Stecher Chad , Presley Kira , Mathur Maya B. , Cleveland David A. , Garnett Emma , Wharton Christopher , Brown Daniel , Meier Adam , Wang May , Braverman Ilana , Jay Jennifer A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Literature suggests limiting consumption of animal products is key to reducing emissions and adverse planetary impacts. However, influencing dietary behavior to achieve planetary health targets remains a formidable problem.

Objective

We investigated the effect of changing the default meal option at catered events–from meat to plant-based–on participants' meal choices using three parallel-group, balanced, randomized controlled trials (RCT), and use these experimental results to project differences in plant-based default vs. meat default events on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) (kg CO2 − eq), land use (m2), nitrogen (g N), and phosphorus (g P) footprint.

Methods

Data collection was performed at three catered events (n = 280) across two college campuses. The selected experimental sites used convenience sampling. Events consisted of a graduate orientation, sorority dinner, and academic conference. Eligibility of individual participants included being 18 years or older and an invitation to RSVP for an enrolled event. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the control group received a RSVP form that presented a meat meal as the default catering option; whereas the intervention group received a form that presented a plant-based meal as the default. The primary outcome of interest in each group was the proportion of participants who selected plant-based meals. To explore environmental impacts, we modeled the footprints of four hypothetical meals. Using these meals and RCT results, the impact (GHGE, land use, nitrogen, phosphorus) of two hypothetical 100-person events was calculated and compared.

Results

In all, participants assigned to the plant-based default were 3.52 (95% CI: [2.44, 5.09]) times more likely to select plant-based meals than those assigned to the meat default. Using these results, a comparison of hypothetical events serving modeled meat-based and plant-based meals showed a reduction of up to 42.3% in GHGEs as well as similar reductions in land use (41.8%), nitrogen (38.9%), and phosphorus (42.7%).

Conclusion

Results demonstrated plant-based default menu options are effective, providing a low-effort, high-impact way to decrease consumption of animal products in catered events. These interventions can reduce planetary impact while maintaining participant choice.
The priority of liver resection compared with transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma at BCLC B1 stage: A single-center experience
Authors: Yi Peng-Sheng , Liu Jun-Ning , Li Yong , Wu Bin , Li Jian-Shui
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of liver resection (LR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B1 (BCLC B1) hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 65 patients with BCLC B1 were divided into the radical (LR group) and TACE groups. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out, and the prognostic factors for survival outcomes were identified using Cox proportional analysis.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates in the LR group (P = 0.036) were significantly higher than those in the TACE group (P = 0.027). Results of the multivariate analysis demonstrated that tumor distribution (both lobes vs. semi-liver) and treatment strategy (LR vs. TACE) were independent risk factors for the overall survival (OS) [hazard ratios (HRs): 3.926 and 0.479; P < 0.05] and PFS (HR: 3.336 and 0.465, P < 0.05). LR was associated with increased OS and PFS compared with TACE in patients with BCLC B1 hepatocellular carcinoma.
Evaluation of intracoronary hemodynamics identifies perturbations in vorticity
Authors: Vardhan Madhurima , Gounley John , Chen S. James , Nair Priya , Wei Wei , Hegele Luiz , Kusner Jonathan , Kahn Andrew M. , Frakes David , Leopold Jane A. , Randles Amanda
Published: November 2022

Background and objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly prevalent and associated with adverse events. Challenges have emerged in the treatment of intermediate coronary artery stenoses. These lesions are often interrogated with fractional flow reserve (FFR) testing to determine if a stenosis is likely to be causative for ischemia in a cardiac territory. This invasive test requires insertion of a pressure wire into a coronary vessel. Recently computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used to noninvasively assess fractional flow reserve in vessels reconstructed from medical imaging data. However, many of these simulations are unable to provide additional information about intravascular hemodynamics, including velocity, endothelial shear stress (ESS), and vorticity. We hypothesized that vorticity, which has demonstrated utility in the assessment of ventricular and aortic diseases, would also be an important hemodynamic factor in CAD.

Methods: Three-dimensional (3D), patient-specific coronary artery geometries that included all vessels >1 mm in diameter were created from angiography data obtained from 10 patients who underwent diagnostic angiography and FFR testing (n = 9). A massively parallel CFD solver (HARVEY) was used to calculate coronary hemodynamic parameters including pressure, velocity, ESS, and vorticity. These simulations were validated by comparing velocity flow fields from simulation to both velocities derived from in vitro particle image velocimetry and to invasively acquired pressure wire-based data from clinical testing.

Results: There was strong agreement between findings from CFD simulations and particle image velocimetry experimental testing (p < 0.01). CFD-FFR was also highly correlated with invasively measured FFR (ρ = 0.77, p = 0.01) with an average error of 5.9 ± 0.1%. CFD-FFR also had a strong inverse correlation with the vorticity (ρ = -0.86, p = 0.001). Simulations to determine the effect of the coronary stenosis on intravascular hemodynamics demonstrated significant differences in velocity and vorticity (both p < 0.05). Further evaluation of an angiographically normal appearing non-FFR coronary vessel in patients with CAD also demonstrated differences in vorticity when compared with FFR vessels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The use of highly accurate 3D CFD-derived intravascular hemodynamics provides additional information beyond pressure measurements that can be used to calculate FFR. Vorticity is one parameter that is modified by a coronary stenosis and appears to be abnormal in angiographically normal vessels in patients with CAD, highlighting a possible use-case in preventative screening for early coronary disease.
k-Pareto Optimality-Based Sorting with Maximization of Choice and Its Application to Genetic Optimization
Authors: Ruppert Jean , Aleksandrova Marharyta , Engel Thomas
Published: November 2022

Deterioration of the searchability of Pareto dominance-based, many-objective evolutionary optimization algorithms is a well-known problem. Alternative solutions, such as scalarization-based and indicator-based approaches, have been proposed in the literature. However, Pareto dominance-based algorithms are still widely used. In this paper, we propose to redefine the calculation of Pareto-dominance. Instead of assigning solutions to non-dominated fronts, they are ranked according to the measure of dominating solutions referred to as k-Pareto optimality. In the case of probability measures, such re-definition results in an elegant and fast approximate procedure. Through experimental results on the many-objective 0/1 knapsack problem, we demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach: (1) the approximate calculation procedure is much faster than the standard sorting by Pareto dominance; (2) it allows for achieving higher hypervolume values for both multi-objective (two objectives) and many-objective (25 objectives) optimization; (3) in the case of many-objective optimization, the increased ability to differentiate between solutions results in a better compared to NSGA-II and NSGA-III. Apart from the numerical improvements, the probabilistic procedure can be considered as a linear extension of multidimentional topological sorting. It produces almost no ties and, as opposed to other popular linear extensions, has an intuitive interpretation.
Ozone in Droplets and Mist in Inhibition of Phytopathogenic Microbiota
Authors: Tanuwidjaja Irina , Fuka Mirna Mrkonjic
Published: November 2022

Ozon is considered an environmentally friendly, low-cost antimicrobial treatment and an effective alternative to chemical pesticides. Ozonated water in the form of droplets and mist has been used in two concentrations (4 and 2 mg/L) against three biomasses (102, 104, and 106 CFU/mL) of phytopathogenic bacteria Erwinia amylovora, Pseudomonas syringae, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens and fungus Botrytis cinerea that infest a wide range of crops worldwide and pose a threat to global food production. Regardless of concentration, ozone dissolved in water showed a pronounced inhibitory effect on phytopathogenic bacteria when applied in the form of droplets. However, the effect was only detected when the bacterial load was not higher than 104 CFU/mL, indicating the necessity to treat the crops and plant materials when the bacterial load is still manageable. Unlike bacterial phytopathogens, B. cinerea was the most susceptible to treatment with aqueous ozone, regardless of the applied biomass, ozone concentration, or type of application. Total removal of high biomass of B. cinerea was achieved even with the lowest ozonated water concentration thus underlying the power of ozone in treating this particular fungal contamination.
Chemoprevention for the Populations of Malaria Endemic Africa
Authors: Greenwood Brian , Schellenberg David
Published: November 2022

Drugs have been used to prevent malaria for centuries, but only recently have they been used on a large scale to prevent malaria in the resident population of malaria endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper discusses some of the reasons for the hesitancy in adoption of chemopreventive strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, reasons why this hesitancy has been overcome in recent years and the range of target groups now identified by the World Health Organization as those who can benefit most from chemoprevention. Adoption of carefully targeted chemopreventive strategies could help reverse the recent stagnation in the decline in malaria in sub-Saharan Africa that had been taking place during the previous two decades.
Silicon Electrodeposition for Microelectronics and Distributed Energy: A Mini-Review
Authors: Suzdaltsev Andrey
Published: November 2022

Due to its prevalence in nature and its particular properties, silicon is one of the most popular materials in various industries. Currently, metallurgical silicon is obtained by carbothermal reduction of quartz, which is then subjected to hydrochlorination and multiple chlorination in order to obtain solar silicon. This mini-review provides a brief analysis of alternative methods for obtaining silicon by electrolysis of molten salts. The review covers factors determining the choice of composition of molten salts, typical silicon precipitates obtained by electrolysis of molten salts, assessment of the possibility of using electrolytic silicon in microelectronics, representative test results for the use of electrolytic silicon in the composition of lithium-ion current sources, and representative test results for the use of electrolytic silicon for solar energy conversion. This paper concludes by noting the tasks that need to be solved for the practical implementation of methods for the electrolytic production of silicon, for the development of new devices and materials for energy distribution and microelectronic application.
Influence Mechanisms of Dynamic Changes in Temperature, Precipitation, Sunshine Duration and Active Accumulated Temperature on Soybean Resources: A Case Study of Hulunbuir, China, from 1951 to 2019
Authors: Ning Xuanwei , Dong Peipei , Wu Chengliang , Wang Yongliang , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2022

As a raw material for clean energy supply for the new generation, the soybean is conducive to the realization of global energy transition and sustainable development in the context of “carbon neutrality”. However, global warming has been affecting soybean yields in recent years. How to clarify the correlation between meteorological factors and soybean yields, so as to ensure the security of soybean growth and development and the stability of renewable energy development, is a key concern of the government and academia. Based on the data of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration and active accumulated temperature during the soybean growing season in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 1951 to 2019, and soybean yield data of the city from 1985 to 2019, this paper adopted statistical methods such as the Trend Analysis Method, the Rescaled Range Analysis Method and so on to analyze the trends of yield changes, characteristics of abrupt changes and periodic patterns of climate factors and soybean yields in Hulunbuir. A Pearson Correlation Analysis and a Grey Relation Analysis were used to explore the correlation between climatic factors and soybean yields, followed by a comprehensive impact model of the combined effect of temperature and precipitation on soybean yields established by the Method of Integral Regression. The results showed that temperature and active accumulated temperature are the dominant factors affecting soybean yields in Hulunbuir, while the decrease in precipitation is unfavorable to the improvement of soybean yields. Meanwhile, temperature and precipitation have different effects on the growth and development of the soybean at different stages. The conclusion of this paper is of great practical significance for Hulunbuir to promote the sustainable development of clean energy.
Equivalent Inertia Estimation of Asynchronous Motor and Its Effect on Power System Frequency Response
Authors: Zhao Xingyong , Qin Penghui , Tang Zhen
Published: November 2022

With the increase in renewable energy penetration, the traditional synchronous generator is gradually replaced, resulting in the decrease in system inertia level and the weakening of frequency modulation capability. In addition to synchronous inertia, load inertia of asynchronous motors also widely exists in power systems, but its effect on system frequency stability has not been fully studied. To this end, based on the detailed model of asynchronous motor, the amplitude–phase motion equation based on potential after transient reactance is proposed, and then the phase motion equation of potential after transient reactance is derived to evaluate the equivalent inertia of asynchronous motor under electromechanical time scale. The equivalent inertia of asynchronous motor is studied theoretically by building the system frequency response model. The results show that the equivalent inertia of asynchronous motor can essentially improve the system frequency stability, while showing time-varying characteristics due to the combined effect of slip frequency and rotor speed. The analyses are validated with time-domain simulation results. The proposed method lays a foundation for mechanistic understanding of the frequency characteristics of the equivalent inertia of asynchronous motors affected by active and reactive power and its influence on the system frequency characteristics.
Hydrogen Production by Immobilized Rhodopseudomonas sp. Cells in Calcium Alginate Beads
Authors: Touloupakis Eleftherios , Chatziathanasiou Angeliki , Ghanotakis Demetrios F. , Carlozzi Pietro , Pecorini Isabella
Published: November 2022

The present investigation concerns the potentiality of Rhodopseudomonas sp. cells to produce clean energy such as molecular hydrogen (H2). The abovementioned goal could be reached by improving the capability of purple non-sulfur bacteria to produce H2 via a photofermentative process through the enzyme nitrogenase. Rhodopseudomonas sp. cells were immobilized in calcium alginate gel beads and cultured in a cylindrical photobioreactor at a working volume of 0.22 L. The semi-continuous process, which lasted for 11 days, was interspersed with the washing of the beads with the aim of increasing the H2 production rate. The maximum H2 production rate reached 5.25 ± 0.93 mL/h with a total output of 505 mL. The productivity was 40.9 μL (of H2)/mg (of cells)/h or 10.2 mL (of H2)/L (of culture)/h with a light conversion efficiency of 1.20%.
Are Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus Isolated from Powdered Infant Formula a Hazard for Infants? A Genomic Analysis
Authors: Parra-Flores Julio , Cabal-Rosel Adriana , Daza-Prieto Beatriz , Chavarria Pamela , Maury-Sintjago Eduard , Rodriguez-Fernández Alejandra , Acuña Sergio , Ruppitsch Werner
Published: November 2022

Powdered infant formulas (PIF) are the most used dietary substitutes that are used in order to supplement breastfeeding. However, PIF are not sterile and can be contaminated with different microorganisms. The objective of this study was to genomically characterize Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) and Enterococcus strains that were isolated from PIF. Strains were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Genomic typing, detection of virulence, and resistance profiles and genes were performed with the Ridom SeqSphere+ software; the comprehensive antibiotic resistance database (CARD) platform; ResFinder and PlasmidFinder tools; and by the disk diffusion method. Nineteen isolates from PIF were analyzed, including ENT such as Kosakonia cowanii, Enterobacter hormaechei, Franconibacter helveticus, Mixta calida, and lactic acid bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium. The strains exhibited resistance to beta-lactams, cephalosporins, and macrolides. Resistance genes such as AcrAB-TolC, marA, msbA, knpEF, oqxAB, fosA, blaACT-7, blaACT-14,qacJ, oqxAB,aac(6’)-Ii, and msr(C); and virulence genes such as astA, cheB, cheR, ompA ompX, terC, ironA, acm, and efaAfm, adem were also detected. All the analyzed strains possessed genes that produced heat-shock proteins, such as IbpA and ClpL. In PIF, the presence of ENT and Enterococcus that are multiresistant to antibiotics—together with resistance and virulence genes—pose a health risk for infants consuming these food products.
Use of Biomass as Alternative Fuel in Magnesia Sector
Authors: Margaritis Nikolaos , Evaggelou Christos , Grammelis Panagiotis , Yiannoulakis Haris , Papageorgiou Polykarpos , Puschnigg Stefan , Lindorfer Johannes
Published: November 2022

The European Union has started a progressive decarbonization pathway with the aim to become carbon neutral by 2050. Energy-intensive industries (EEIs) are expected to play an important role in this transition as they represent 24% of the final energy consumption. To stay competitive as EEI, a clear and consistent long-term strategy is required. In the magnesia sector, an essential portion of CO2 emissions result from solid fossil fuels (MgCO3, pet coke) during the production process. This study concerns the partial substitution of fossil fuels with biomass to reduce carbon emissions. An experimental campaign is conducted by implementing a new low-NOx burner at the magnesia plant of Grecian Magnesite (GM). Life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed to quantify the carbon reduction potential of various biomass mixtures. The experimental analysis revealed that even with a 100% pet coke feed of the new NOx burner, NOx emissions are decreased by 41%, while the emissions of CO and SOx increase slightly. By applying a biomass/pet coke mixture as fuel input, where 50% of the required energy input results from biomass, a further 21% of NOx emission reduction is achieved. In this case, SOx and CO emissions are additionally reduced by 50% and 13%, respectively. LCA results confirmed the sustainable impact of applying biomass. Carbon emissions could be significantly decreased by 32.5% for CCM products to 1.51 ton of CO2eq and by 38.2% for DBM products to 1.64 ton of CO2eq per ton of MgO in a best case scenario. Since the calcination of MgCO3 releases an essential and unavoidable amount of CO2 naturally bound in the mineral, biomass usage as a fuel is a promising way to become sustainable and resilient against future increased CO2 prices.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Inhibits Tumorigenesis and Progression of Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer through Suppression of Inflammatory Neutrophil-Activated Serine Proteases and IGFBP-3 Proteolysis
Authors: Cai Qing , Kim Minsun , Harada Aki , Idowu Michael O. , Sundaresan Gobalakrishnan , Zweit Jamal , Oh Youngman
Published: November 2022

Colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) accompanies the massive infiltration of neutrophils during tumorigenesis and progression of CAC. Depletion of neutrophils in circulation results in significant inhibition of tumor incidence in CAC. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. In this study, we provide evidence for the crucial involvement of inflammatory neutrophil-activated serine proteases (NSPs) on the dysregulation of the anti-inflammatory and antitumor IGFBP-3/IGFBP-3R signaling axis in CAC using a chronic AOM/DSS mouse model. We also provide preclinical evidence for α1-antitrypsin (AAT) as a preventive and as a therapeutic for CAC. AAT administration not only prevented colitis-associated tumorigenesis but also inhibited established CAC. AOM/DSS treatment results in the significant activation of NSPs, leading to CAC through increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased anti-inflammatory and antitumor IGFBP-3. Collectively, these data suggest that the NSPs proteolyze IGFBP-3, whereas AAT inhibits chronic colonic inflammation-induced NSP activity and subsequently suppresses IGFBP-3 proteolysis. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory and antitumor functions of the IGFBP-3/IGFBP-3R axis are restored. AAT mimicking small peptides also showed their inhibitory effects on NSP-induced IGFBP-3 proteolysis. These results suggest that targeting the NSP-IGFBP-3/IGFBP-3R axis using NSP inhibitors such as AAT and the AAT mimics and IGFBP-3R agonists could lead to novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of CAC.
Validation of a QTL on Chromosome 1DS Showing a Major Effect on Salt Tolerance in Winter Wheat
Authors: Mohamed Maisa , Siddiqui Md Nurealam , Oyiga Benedict Chijioke , Léon Jens , Ballvora Agim
Published: November 2022

Salt stress is one the most destructive abiotic stressors, causing yield losses in wheat worldwide. A prerequisite for improving salt tolerance is the identification of traits for screening genotypes and uncovering causative genes. Two populations of F3 lines developed from crosses between sensitive and tolerant parents were tested for salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Based on their response, the offspring were classified as salt sensitive and tolerant. Under saline conditions, tolerant genotypes showed lower Na+ and proline content but higher K+, higher chlorophyll content, higher K+/Na+ ratio, higher PSII activity levels, and higher photochemical efficiency, and were selected for further molecular analysis. Five stress responsive QTL identified in a previous study were validated in the populations. A QTL on the short arm of chromosome 1D showed large allelic effects in several salt tolerant related traits. An expression analysis of associated candidate genes showed that TraesCS1D02G052200 and TraesCS5B02G368800 had the highest expression in most tissues. Furthermore, qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed that ZIP-7 had higher differential expressions under saline conditions compared to KefC, AtABC8 and 6-SFT. This study provides information on the genetic and molecular basis of salt tolerance that could be useful in development of salt-tolerant wheat varieties.
Navitoclax Most Promising BH3 Mimetic for Combination Therapy in Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Langendonk Myra , Smit Nienke A. M. , Plattel Wouter , Diepstra Arjan , Meerten Tom van , Visser Lydia
Published: November 2022

The treatment of young patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is often successful but a significant proportion of patients suffers from late toxicity. In the current era there are new opportunities for less toxic and more targeted treatment options. In this respect, the anti-apoptotic pathway is an attractive target since Hodgkin tumor cells abundantly express components of this pathway. We measured the effect of BH3 mimetics that interfere with anti-apoptotic proteins in cell lines, also in combination with the standard of care chemotherapeutic doxorubicin and the recently discovered preclinically active tamoxifen. Several anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins were expressed in each case (n = 84) and in HL cell lines (n = 5). Cell lines were checked for sensitivity to BH3 mimetics by BH3 profiling and metabolic assays and monotherapy was only partially successful. Doxorubicin was synergistic with a BCL-XL inhibitor and BCL2/XL/W inhibitor navitoclax. Tamoxifen that targets the estrogen receptor β present in the mitochondria of the cell lines, could induce cell death, and was synergistic with several BH3 mimetics including/as well as navitoclax. In conclusion, targeting the anti-apoptotic pathway by the triple inhibitor navitoclax in combination with doxorubicin or tamoxifen is a promising treatment strategy in HL.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2: Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential in Preeclampsia Comorbidity with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections
Authors: Abel Tashlen , Moodley Jagidesa , Khaliq Olive P. , Naicker Thajasvarie
Published: November 2022

This review explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in the synergy of preeclampsia (PE), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Downregulation of VEGFR-2 in PE promotes endothelial dysfunction and prevents endothelial cell (EC) migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The HIV-1 accessory protein, tat (trans-activator of transcription), prevents VEGFR-2 signaling via the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) ligand. Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) may cause immune reconstitution, impaired decidualization, and endothelial injury, thus may be a risk factor for PE development. The VEGF/VEGFR-2 interaction may be associated with SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary oedema. Endothelial dysfunction and heightened inflammation are both associated with PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; therefore, it is plausible that both characteristics may be exacerbated in the synergy of these events. In addition, this review explored microRNAs (miR) regulating VEGFR-2. An overexpression of miR-126 is evident in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; thus, modulating the expression of miR-126 may be a therapeutic strategy. However, the involvement of microRNAs in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection needs further investigating. Since these conditions have been evaluated independently, this review attempts to predict their clinical manifestations in their synergy, as well as independently; thereby providing a platform for early diagnosis and therapeutic potential in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Protective Potential of an Extract from Cornus mas L. Fruit against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Skin Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts
Authors: Wójciak Magdalena , Zagórska-Dziok Martyna , Nizioł-Łukaszewska Zofia , Ziemlewska Aleksandra , Furman-Toczek Dominika , Szczepanek Dariusz , Sowa Ireneusz
Published: November 2022

Cornus mas L. is a rich source of valuable compounds with pro-health properties and, therefore, may be attractive for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. This paper attempts to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effect of an extract from C. mas fruit on skin cells in vitro. The phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried out using UPLC-MS and the content of the main components was determined. The biological activity of the extract was assessed by in vitro analysis using two human cell lines: keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (BJ). Additionally, the ability of this extract to regulate gene expression (SOD-1, Nox-4) in skin cells was evaluated. Moreover, the impact of the extract and its main components, including loganic acid and cornuside, on the level of inflammatory cytokines in H2O2-treated cells was assessed. The tests showed that the extract has strong antioxidant properties and stimulates the proliferation of both types of cells. The results evidence that the Cornus mas L. fruit extract significantly reduces the level of reactive oxygen species in the cells tested and can modulate the expression of genes closely related to oxidative stress. Moreover, it suppresses the production of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, and the effect was related to loganic acid and cornuside. The present research indicates that the analyzed dogwood extract can be an effective means of prevention of cell damage caused by free radicals and have a positive effect on the condition of skin cells.
The Impact of Nature Imagery and Mystery on Attention Restoration
Authors: Yap Trina , Dillon Denise , Chew Peter K. H.
Published: November 2022

The factors contributing to urbanization, such as population growth and the development of mega-cities, have increased environmental stressors on top of everyday stressors, resulting in information overload. This has led to the increasing incidence of direct attentional fatigue, which causes stress and mental fatigue. The attention restoration theory centres on the environment’s capacity to restore attentional deficits and suggests that there are certain qualities in the environment that restore attention, which leads to improvements in our physical, mental, and social well-being. An environment can be restorative through the activation of involuntary attention, which limits the need for directed attention. This study explored for effects of natural, built, and mixed environment types and levels of mystery on attention restoration in university undergraduates. Perceived and actual levels of attention restoration were measured using a perceived restoration scale (PRS) and the digit symbol substitution task (DSST), respectively. A total of 101 participants viewed a restorative image followed by the completion of the DSST and the PRS for each of the 18 images depicting different environments. Actual attention restoration was measured by latency values in the DSST instead of through both speed and error rates due to some operational issues with the DSST which interfered with the full achievement of the study’s aims. There was an effect of different environments and mystery on perceived attention restoration. However, there appeared to be no effect on actual attention restoration, indicating a disconnect between perceived and actual restoration. Further research is required to confirm the specific effects of natural and built environments and mystery on attention restoration.
A Rare Case of Haemophilus Influenzae Serotype F Endocarditis Complicated by Concurrent Cardiogenic and Septic Shock: A Case of Challenging Management
Authors: Kwok Michael , Sheikh Wasiq , Lima Fabio V. , Russell Raymond
Published: November 2022

H. Influenza is a rare cause of endocarditis. We report a case of H. Influenza endocarditis that was complicated by cardiogenic and septic shock, active myocardial ischemia and aortic insufficiency. The goal of this report is to help recognize the signs and symptoms of endocarditis and to discuss management strategies in patients with concomitant cardiogenic and septic shock complicated by aortic insufficiency.
Progress in the Realization of µ-Brush W for Plasma-Facing Components
Authors: Dorow-Gerspach Daniel , Derra Thomas , Gipperich Marius , Loewenhoff Thorsten , Pintsuk Gerald , Terra Alexis , Weber Thomas , Wirtz Marius , Linsmeier Christian
Published: November 2022

During the service life of plasma-facing components, they are exposed to cyclic stationary and transient thermal loads. The former causes thermal fatigue and potentially detachment between the plasma-facing material tungsten and the structural Cu-based materials (divertor) and steel (first wall). The latter causes surface roughening, cracking, or even melting, which could drastically increase the erosion rate. Employing thin flexible W wires (Ww) with a diameter of a few hundred µm can reduce mechanical stresses, and we demonstrated their crack resilience against transient loads within first proof of principle studies. Here, status and future paths towards the large-scale production of such Ww assemblies, including techniques for realizing feasible joints with Cu, steel, or W, are presented. Using wire-based laser metal deposition, we were able to create a homogeneous and shallow infiltration of about 200 µm of the Ww assembly with steel. A high-heat-flux test on such a µ-brush (10 × 10 × 5 mm3 Ww on a ~0.5 mm thick steel layer) using 5 MW/m2 for 2000 cycles was performed without loss of any wire. Microstructural examination after and infrared analysis during the test showed no significant signs of degradation of the joint.