bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the sustained impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program: a thematic analysis
Authors: Yavuz Sercekman Meltem
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the time-varying impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, specifically examining its effects on various variables 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years after program completion. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators in maintaining mindfulness practice over time and the preferred mindfulness practices among participants in three distinct time groups.

Methods

The study utilized a qualitative research design, conducting semi-structured interviews with 45 participants who had completed the 8-week MBSR program at different time points. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data obtained from the interviews, allowing for the identification of key themes and patterns.

Results

The findings revealed that the effectiveness of the MBSR program varied at different times and across different variables. Immediately after completing the program, participants experienced a significant decrease in stress levels and an increase in awareness. One year later, the program continued to have positive effects on inner calm, coping mechanisms, and relationships. Three years after completing the program, its long-term impact was observed in the adoption of a mindful lifestyle, increased compassion and kindness, and ongoing personal growth.

Discussion

The study highlights the transformative potential of the MBSR program beyond short-term symptom relief. The long-term effects observed in overall wellbeing emphasize the sustained efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions. The identified barriers and facilitators in maintaining mindfulness practice provide insights for program implementation and individual engagement. By understanding the long-term impact and preferences of participants, tailored interventions can be developed to maximize the benefits of the MBSR program for individuals over time.
An explorative study on consequences of abuse on psychological wellbeing and cognitive outcomes in victims of gender-based violence
Authors: Lausi Giulia , Cricenti Clarissa , Mari Emanuela , Burrai Jessica , Quaglieri Alessandro , Giannini Anna Maria , Barchielli Benedetta
Published: July 2024

Background

The issue of gender-based violence has been a public health problem for years. Considering its systemic nature, the possible consequences at the individual level on the psychological and cognitive wellbeing of victims have been examined. The present research aims to explore the differences in the various types and forms of violence.

Methods

A non-probability and convenience sample was used; a total of 83 participants joined the research. Inclusion criteria were minimum age of 18 years, female gender, and knowledge of the Italian language. Two non-parametric One-Way ANOVAs (Kruskal-Wallis) were performed according to the type of violence experienced and the type of self-reported abuse (i.e., no victimization, single victimization, complex victimization).

Results and discussion

Results showed that victims of violence scored higher overall than non-victims on all subscales of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale. Analyses among the three groups-no violence, single violence, and complex violence-showed no differences in any of the dimensions between those who experienced single and complex violence, while differences emerged between the “no victimization” group and the other groups. The results were discussed in relation to the existing literature on the topic, highlighting the limitations and future applications of the collected data.
Is there an intergenerational discrepancy in the comprehension and aesthetic preference regarding emoji usage? Evidence from WeChat
Authors: Wu Donghang , Zhang Xinxiu , Zhang Xinjia
Published: July 2024

Emojis are widely used on social media, blogs, and instant messaging to express users’ feelings. However, in everyday interactions, the same emoji often has different interpretations and aesthetic preferences among different age groups. This can lead to communication barriers and misunderstandings. Based on social identity theory, this study uses WeChat, a social platform popular in China, to analyze intergenerational differences in emoji understanding and preferences through a questionnaire survey. The results indicate: (1) There are significant intergenerational differences in the usage habits, interpretation, and aesthetic preferences of emojis. (2) Middle-aged and elderly tend to interpret goodbye emoji symbols as simple emotional expressions, such as “goodbye” or “see you later,” while younger-age groups lean towards more complex emotions and social intentions, such as “speechlessness” and “end of friendship.” (3) Younger-age groups use emojis frequently and with a wide variety, whereas middle-aged and elderly groups use emojis less frequently and with limited variety. Younger individuals’ aesthetic preferences for emojis lean towards humor, conflict, and narrative, whereas middle-aged and elderly groups prefer emojis with bright colors and everyday greetings typical of their generation. Based on research findings, we believe that social identity theory provides a framework for understanding how individuals establish their identities through interactions with specific social groups. This study is beneficial for identifying the comprehension and aesthetic biases in emoji usage across generations, sheds light on the broader implications of social identity theory in digital communication contexts, and promotes friendly social interactions in real-time communication applications.
Elevated accuracy in recognition of subliminal happy facial expressions in patients with panic disorder after psychotherapy
Authors: Qian Zirong , Yang Yunbo , Domschke Katharina , Gerlach Alexander L. , Hamm Alfons , Richter Jan , Herrmann Martin J. , Deckert Jürgen , Arolt Volker , Zwanzger Peter , Lotze Martin , Pfleiderer Bettina , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Lang Thomas , Ströhle Andreas , Konrad Carsten , Rief Winfried , Suslow Thomas , Jansen Andreas , Kircher Tilo , Straube Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Background

Individuals with anxiety disorders (ADs) often display hypervigilance to threat information, although this response may be less pronounced following psychotherapy. This study aims to investigate the unconscious recognition performance of facial expressions in patients with panic disorder (PD) post-treatment, shedding light on alterations in their emotional processing biases.

Methods

Patients with PD (n=34) after (exposure-based) cognitive behavior therapy and healthy controls (n=43) performed a subliminal affective recognition task. Emotional facial expressions (fearful, happy, or mirrored) were displayed for 33 ms and backwardly masked by a neutral face. Participants completed a forced choice task to discriminate the briefly presented facial stimulus and an uncovered condition where only the neutral mask was shown. We conducted a secondary analysis to compare groups based on their four possible response types under the four stimulus conditions and examined the correlation of the false alarm rate for fear responses to non-fearful (happy, mirrored, and uncovered) stimuli with clinical anxiety symptoms.

Results

The patient group showed a unique selection pattern in response to happy expressions, with significantly more correct “happy” responses compared to controls. Additionally, lower severity of anxiety symptoms after psychotherapy was associated with a decreased false fear response rate with non-threat presentations.

Conclusion

These data suggest that patients with PD exhibited a “happy-face recognition advantage” after psychotherapy. Less symptoms after treatment were related to a reduced fear bias. Thus, a differential facial emotion detection task could be a suitable tool to monitor response patterns and biases in individuals with ADs in the context of psychotherapy.
Transfer to community and prison mental health care from Ireland’s main remand prison over three years: 2015-2017
Authors: Walsh Jamie , Smith Damian , Byrne Fintan , Hickey Philip , Taylor Enda , Caddow Martin , Reynolds Orla , O’Neill Conor
Published: July 2024

Background

The post-release period is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have identified deficits in pre-release planning for mentally ill people in prison, particularly in remand settings.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the proportion of mentally ill people in Ireland’s main remand prison who were referred for mental health follow up in community and prison settings, who achieved face to face contact with the receiving service.

Method

This retrospective observational cohort study was based in Ireland’s main male remand prison, Cloverhill. Participants included all those individuals on the caseload of the prison inreach mental health team who were referred for mental health follow up in community and prison settings at the time of discharge, prison transfer or release from custody over a three-year period, 2015 - 2017. Successful transfer of care (TOC) was defined as face-to-face contact with the receiving service, confirmed by written correspondence or by follow up telephone call. Clinical, demographic and offence related variables were recorded for all participants.

Results

There were 911 discharges from the prison inreach mental health team within the three-year study period. Of these, 121 were admitted to hospital, 166 were transferred to other prison inreach mental health services and 237 were discharged to community based mental health follow up in psychiatric outpatient or primary care settings. One third (304/911) had an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophreniform or bipolar disorder (F20–31) and 37.5% (161/911) were homeless. Over 90% (152/166) of those referred to mental health teams in other prisons achieved successful TOC, with a median of six days to first face-to face assessment. Overall, 59% (140/237) of those referred to community psychiatric outpatient or primary care services achieved TOC following referral on release from custody, with a median of nine days from release to assessment. Clinical and demographic variables did not differ between those achieving and not achieving successful TOC, other than having had input from the PICLS Housing Support Service.

Conclusion

Successful transfer of care can be achieved in remand settings using a systematic approach with an emphasis on early and sustained interagency liaison and clear mapping of patient pathways. For incarcerated individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health disorders, provision of a housing support service was associated with increased likelihood of successful transfer of care to community mental health supports.
Analysis of the Interfacial Interaction between Wood Tar-Rejuvenated Asphalt and Aggregate Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Xu Le , Gong Guoqing , Zeng Deliang , Li Yongwei , Chen Xing , Liu Kefei , Li Quan
Published: July 2024

This study utilized molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the adhesion process between wood tar-rejuvenated asphalt and acid/alkaline aggregate. Initially, various indicators including the contact area, cohesion coefficient, and interaction energy were employed to assess the adhesion effect under dry conditions. This revealed the action mechanism of the wood tar-rejuvenator in enhancing the adhesion performance between aged asphalt and aggregate. Subsequently, an asphalt–water–aggregate interface model was developed to simulate the water damage process of the asphalt mixture. This aimed to unveil the damage mechanism of water intrusion on the adhesion performance of the asphalt–aggregate interface and evaluate the water damage resistance of wood tar-rejuvenated asphalt through adhesion energy, stripping work, and the energy ratio. The findings indicate that wood tar-rejuvenated asphalt exhibits favorable adhesion properties with both acid and alkaline aggregates. The addition of wood tar-rejuvenated asphalt increased the interaction energy between aged asphalt and acid and alkali aggregates by 67.75 kJ/mol and 97.3 kJ/mol, respectively. The addition of a wood tar rejuvenator enhances the interaction energy between aged asphalt and aggregate, thereby increasing mutual attraction and enlarging the contact area. The adhesion between asphalt and aggregates hinges on the interaction between asphaltene and aggregates, and the wood tar rejuvenator reduces the diffusion ability of asphaltene in the attractive state of the aggregate, resulting in stable aggregation. Moisture intrusion increased the aggregation distance between asphaltene and aggregate by 14.1% and decreased the degree of aggregation by 24.0%, thereby reducing the interaction energy. The extent of damage caused by water intrusion is linked to the aggregation distance, with greater distances leading to deeper damage. Under wet conditions, the interaction energy of wood tar-rejuvenated asphalt increased by 78.2% in the acidic aggregate system and 98.1% in the basic aggregate system compared with aged asphalt. Meanwhile, wood tar-based rejuvenated asphalt improves the adhesion between aged asphalt and aggregate and reduces the stripping function of asphalt affected by water replacement, which results in the ER value of wood tar-rejuvenated asphalt being higher than that of the original asphalt by 0.12 and 0.22 in the acidic and alkaline environments, respectively, thus showing excellent resistance to water damage. This study provides new criteria for the selection of rejuvenators for waste asphalt, which will help in the future selection of superior rejuvenators for aged asphalt and reduce the possibility of choosing the wrong rejuvenator.
The Natural Infection of Freshwater Snails with the Avian Air Sac Fluke, Cyclocoelum mutabile (Trematoda: Cyclocoelidae), in Brazil
Authors: Assis Jordana Costa Alves de , Pinto Hudson Alves
Published: July 2024

Trematodes of the family Cyclocoelidae are parasites mainly of the respiratory system of birds and present a cosmopolitan distribution. Although infection with these flukes can result in pathological changes and even bird death, information on their life cycles is scarce and almost entirely based on experimental infection data. Thus, the generation of knowledge on the mollusks that act as natural intermediate hosts of cyclocoelids is necessary and can aid control measures against these air sac trematodes. In the present study, gastropod mollusks collected in an urban stream from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were subjected to the compression technique for the detection of non-emerging larval trematodes. Tailless cercariae with confluent ceca were found in 8/30 (26.7%) specimens of Biomphalaria glabrata and 3/33 (9.1%) specimen of Physella acuta. Samples of the cercariae were subjected to morphological characterization and genetic study (28S, Cox-1, and Nad-1). For comparative purposes, adult trematodes previously collected in the air sac of a common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) found dead in another waterbody from the same region were also characterized. The molecular sequences obtained revealed a high degree of similarity (100% in 28S, 99.2% in Cox-1, and 99.5% in Nad-1) between larval stages found in mollusks and adult parasites found in G. galeata and morphologically identified as Cyclocoelum mutabile. The conspecificity with this widely distributed cyclocoelid was also corroborated by phylogenetic analysis and comparison with isolates of this species previously characterized in Peru and the Czech Republic (99.4–100% and 96.7–97.0% of similarity in Nad-1, respectively). Thus, the integrative analysis carried out in the present work enabled us to identify C. mutabile in mollusks in South America for the first time. The finding of B. glabrata and P. acuta as new intermediate hosts corroborates the importance of freshwater gastropods in the transmission of C. mutabile, as well as the low specificity to the mollusk group, as previously characterized through experimental studies.
Biological Profile of Synthetic and Natural Indole Derivatives: Paving New Paths in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Janeiro Ana Margarida , Marques Carolina S.
Published: July 2024

The indole scaffold is considered a privileged framework in the design and synthesis of several active pharmaceutical ingredients, particularly as promising anticancer agents. Its presence in several bioactive natural compounds has caught the attention of the scientific community, which has been committed to unveiling its biosynthetic pathways and generating multiple derivatives with innovative synthetic routes. The large variety of structural derivatives enhances their use in multiple bioapplications and pharmacological activities. In this review, the reader will have easy access to some examples of natural and synthetic indole derivatives with antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimigraine, and antiemetic activity. However, the main topic of this review is related to cancer and the importance of indole derivatives as promising anticancer drugs. Two of the reasons why cancer is considered a massive problem worldwide are attributed to the struggle to develop target-specific drugs while avoiding drug resistance. Among countless drugs targeting specific proteins involved in tumorigenesis, prompting life quality in the treatment of several cancer types, protein kinases, desoxyribonucleic acid topoisomerases, and P-glycoprotein have been shown to be the main targets when it comes to the development of novel anticancer agents. Furthermore, indole and its derivatives are also studied regarding affinity to other targets related to cancer. This review aims to highlight the utility of the indole scaffold in anticancer drug design, inspiring the creation and synthesis of new derivatives that target specific proteins and address drug resistance challenges.
RETRACTED: Anazi et al. Investigation and Evaluation of the Hybrid System of Energy Storage for Renewable Energies. Energies 2023, 16, 2337
Authors: Anazi Abeer Abdullah Al , Barboza-Arenas Luis Andres , Romero-Parra Rosario Mireya , Sivaraman Ramaswamy , Qasim Maytham T. , Al-Khafaji Sara Hakem , Gatea Maher Abdulfadhil , Alayi Reza , Farooq Waqas , Jasiński Michał , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Novak Filip , Gono Radomir
Published: July 2024

The journal Energies retracts the article “Investigation and Evaluation of the Hybrid System of Energy Storage for Renewable Energies” [...]
Control Strategy for Wind Farms-Energy Storage Participation in Primary Frequency Regulation Considering Wind Turbine Operation State
Authors: Yu Linlin , Wu Jiafeng , Cheng Yuming , Meng Gaojun , Chen Shuyu , Lu Yang , Xu Ke
Published: July 2024

With the continuous improvement of wind power penetration in the power system, the volatility and unpredictability of wind power generation have increased the burden of system frequency regulation. With its flexible control mode and fast power adjustment speed, energy storage has obvious advantages in participating in power grid frequency regulation. Therefore, this paper studies the control strategy of wind energy storage combined with primary frequency regulation and proposes a control method of wind energy storage combined with primary frequency regulation based on the operation state of wind turbines. This paper analyzes the reserve power and rotor reserve kinetic energy of wind turbines operating in different wind speed ranges, introduces the fan frequency regulation operation state coefficient to quantify the real-time frequency regulation ability of the unit, regards the fan and energy storage system as independent frequency regulation sources, and designs the control strategy of joint frequency regulation of wind and storage in different wind speed ranges. The energy storage system is employed to participate in frequency control in the low-wind-speed range, thereby addressing the “blind spot” issue of wind turbine unit frequency control alone. In the medium- and high-wind-speed ranges, the real-time complementary output of wind and energy storage power is achieved by assigning weights based on the frequency control operation status coefficient. Finally, the effectiveness of the joint frequency modulation control strategy of wind storage in low-, medium-, and high-wind-speed regions is verified in the simulation model.
Progress in the Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Coal Quality Analysis
Authors: Guo Ning , Xu Li , Gao Wei , Xia Hongwei , Xie Min , Ren Xiaohan
Published: July 2024

In recent years, with the increase in environmental awareness, people have become more and more concerned about the effectiveness with which coal burns. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become an important way of coal elemental analysis because of its uncomplicated sample handling, remote sensing capability, and superior sensitivity in identifying a wide range of elements, including both major and minor constituents, down to trace levels. However, the complexity of its mechanism of action, the experimental environmental factors, and the presence of matrix effects in its measurement spectrum have affected the measurement accuracy. In this paper, on the basis of introducing the experimental process and principle of LIBS, we summarize and analyze the influence of each factor on the LIBS detection medium, summarize the mainstream model analysis algorithms, and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each model. While summarizing the LIBS in media detection in recent years, it aims to provide strong support and guidance for subsequent more in-depth exploration and research.
Temporal Variations in Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Activity in Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth.): The Genetic Component
Authors: Sirgedaitė-Šėžienė Vaida , Čėsnienė Ieva , Vaitiekūnaitė Dorotėja
Published: July 2024

Betula pendula Roth. (silver birch) is a pioneer species in the Northern Hemisphere forests. It plays a significant role in various ecosystems, human industries, and biodiversity. Taking all this into account, understanding the genetic diversity within B. pendula populations is crucial for fully exploiting their potential, particularly regarding their production of phenolic compounds and antioxidants. We tested the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activity in seven silver birch half-sib family leaves. Spectrophotometric data from leaf extracts showed that there was a significant variation between families in terms of total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase (POX), catalase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase) levels. The data were gathered during two consecutive seasons, resulting in a variance in antioxidant production, which generally increased in the tested families during the second year (except for POX) as opposed to the first vegetative season. For example, SOD levels increased in the second year by 15% to 243% and TPC increased by 46%–189%, depending on the half-sib family. A more thorough study of this variation should prove beneficial in various research fields, ranging from climate change to cosmetics.
Behind the Code: Identifying Zero-Day Exploits in WordPress
Authors: Mohamed Mohideen Mohamed Azarudheen , Nadeem Muhammad Shahroz , Hardy James , Ali Haider , Tariq Umair Ullah , Sabrina Fariza , Waqar Muhammad , Ahmed Salman
Published: July 2024

The rising awareness of cybersecurity among governments and the public underscores the importance of effectively managing security incidents, especially zero-day attacks that exploit previously unknown software vulnerabilities. These zero-day attacks are particularly challenging because they exploit flaws that neither the public nor developers are aware of. In our study, we focused on dynamic application security testing (DAST) to investigate cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. We closely examined 23 popular WordPress plugins, especially those requiring user or admin interactions, as these are frequent targets for XSS attacks. Our testing uncovered previously unknown zero-day vulnerabilities in three of these plugins. Through controlled environment testing, we accurately identified and thoroughly analyzed these XSS vulnerabilities, revealing their mechanisms, potential impacts, and the conditions under which they could be exploited. One of the most concerning findings was the potential for admin-side attacks, which could lead to multi-site insider threats. Specifically, we found vulnerabilities that allow for the insertion of malicious scripts, creating backdoors that unauthorized users can exploit. We demonstrated the severity of these vulnerabilities by employing a keylogger-based attack vector capable of silently capturing and extracting user data from the compromised plugins. Additionally, we tested a zero-click download strategy, allowing malware to be delivered without any user interaction, further highlighting the risks posed by these vulnerabilities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recognized these vulnerabilities and assigned them CVE numbers: CVE-2023-5119 for the Forminator plugin, CVE-2023-5228 for user registration and contact form issues, and CVE-2023-5955 for another critical plugin flaw. Our study emphasizes the critical importance of proactive security measures, such as rigorous input validation, regular security testing, and timely updates, to mitigate the risks posed by zero-day vulnerabilities. It also highlights the need for developers and administrators to stay vigilant and adopt strong security practices to defend against evolving threats.
The Missense Variant in the Signal Peptide of α-GLA Gene, c.13 A/G, Promotes Endoplasmic Reticular Stress and the Related Pathway’s Activation
Authors: Bossio Sabrina , Perrotta Ida Daniela , Lofaro Danilo , La Russa Daniele , Rago Vittoria , Bonofiglio Renzo , Greco Rosita , Andreucci Michele , Aversa Antonio , La Russa Antonella , Perri Anna
Published: July 2024

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) is an X-linked multisystemic disorder with a heterogeneous phenotype, resulting from deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) and leading to globotriaosylceramide systemic accumulation. Lysosomal storage is not the unique player in organ failure and different mechanisms could drive tissue damage, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its related signaling pathway’s activation. We identified a new missense variant in the signal peptide of α-GLA gene, c.13 A/G, in a 55-year-old woman affected by chronic kidney disease, acroparesthesia, hypohidrosis, and deafness and exhibiting normal values of lysoGb3 and αGLA activity. The functional study of the new variant performed by its overexpression in HEK293T cells showed an increased protein expression of a key ER stress marker, GRP78, the pro-apoptotic BAX, the negative regulator of cell cycle p21, the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL1β, together with pNFkB, and the pro-fibrotic marker, N-cadherin. Transmission electron microscopy showed signs of ER injury and intra-lysosomal inclusions. The proband’s PBMC exhibited higher expression of TGFβ 1 and pNFkB compared to control. Our findings suggest that the new variant, although it did not affect enzymatic activity, could cause cellular damage by affecting ER homeostasis and promoting apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the variant’s contribution to cellular and tissue damage.
Hepatopancreas Transcriptome Analysis of Spinibarbus sinensis to Reveal Different Growth-Related Genes
Authors: Zhou Bo , Ling Leyan , Wang Bin , Yang Fei , Hou Mengdan , Liu Fan , Li Yu , Luo Hui , He Wenping , Ye Hua
Published: July 2024

Spinibarbus sinensis, also known as Qingbo, is an important economic fish in China. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying its growth are still unknown. To excavate the genes and signaling pathways related to its growth, we compared the transcriptome profiles of the hepatopancreas tissues of S. sinensis, with two groups of growth rate for evaluation. An average of 66,304,909 and 68,739,585 clean reads were obtained in the fast growth (FG) and slow growth (SG) group, respectively. The differential gene expression analysis results showed that 272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between the FG and SG groups, including 101 up-regulated genes and 171 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis results showed that GO terms related to metabolic process, organic substance metabolic process, and catalytic activity were enriched, pathway signals related to steroid biosynthesis and protein digestion and absorption were also detected. Meanwhile, the potential key regulatory genes sst2, fndc4, and cckra related to the growth of S. sinensis were screened. Reverse transcript fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) validation of 18 DEGs associated with growth differences showed that the RT-qPCR results were consistent with RNA-seq analysis, and nine genes, stk31, gpr149, angptl1, fstl1, sik1, ror2, nlrc3, pdlim2, and nav2 were significantly expressed in the FG group. bmp1, stc1, gpatch8, sstrt2, s100a1, ktf6, cckar6, sync1, bhlha15, a total of nine genes were significantly expressed in the SG group. This study provides basic information for improving the growth characteristics of S. sinensis and the functional research of candidate genes.
“Empowerment for Us by Us (E4UBU)”: Developing a Model of Empowerment Using Feminist Participatory Methods with LBQT+ Persons Assigned Female at Birth in Western Kenya
Authors: Tucker Heather M. , Odhiambo Rebecca , Jadwin-Cakmak Laura , Mbanda Anita , Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Rucah Caroline , Ubong Ini-Abasi , Akoth Ouko Cynthia , Odero Wilson , Harper Gary W.
Published: July 2024

Lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans and other gender diverse persons assigned female at birth (heretofore referred to as “LBQT+ persons”) in Western Kenya experience intersectional oppression and stigma. This stigma can manifest in acts of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and sexual and gender minority (SGM)-based violence, as well as various forms of discrimination—all of which have been linked to disproportionately higher levels of negative health outcomes for this group. Despite these challenges, many LBQT+ persons have been able to gain personal and collective power and thrive in this oppressive environment. The Empowerment for Us by Us (E4UBU) project is a mixed methods feminist participatory research study focused on exploring how LBQT+ persons conceptualize and define empowerment for themselves, and to understand their perspectives on how feelings of power and powerlessness influence their physical and mental health. This paper focuses on data from the first phase of the study, in which qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 LBQT+ persons (ages 19 to 50) from Kisumu and Homa Bay in Western Kenya. A participatory interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted to understand the lived experiences of LBQT+ persons as they navigate intersectional oppression and its influence on their experiences of empowerment and subsequent health outcomes. Findings from this analysis were presented to two different focus groups composed of participants who had participated in the in-depth interviews to gather their insights on the interpretations of the interviews as a form of member checking. Findings revealed that “empowerment” was not experienced and viewed by LBQT+ persons as a monolithic construct, but rather a process through which LBQT+ persons are able to transform negative forces of intersectional oppression and powerlessness into experiences of power and subsequent individual and collective action and impact—all leading to improved mental health and well-being. This process is facilitated at several junctures by participatory seeking and attainment of community-appropriate resources at multiple socio-ecological levels that, when accessed with sufficient intensity, frequency, and duration, enhance one’s journey through the process of empowerment. These facilitation junctures are viewed as likely points of focus for public health intervention. Analysis also revealed that the process of empowerment is dependent on the context within which the process is occurring, the specific issues being faced, and the population of focus. Recommendations for how this model can be used for future research and practice to improve the lives of LBQT+ persons in Kenya are discussed.
Cobalt-Catalyzed Reduction of Aldehydes to Alcohols via the Hydroboration Reaction
Authors: Lewandowski Dariusz , Hreczycho Grzegorz
Published: July 2024

A method for the reduction of aldehydes with pinacolborane catalyzed by pincer cobalt complexes based on a triazine backbone is developed in this paper. The presented methodology allows for the transformation of several aldehydes bearing a wide range of electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups under mild conditions. The presented procedure allows for the direct one-step hydrolysis of the obtained intermediates to the corresponding primary alcohols. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed.
Pea Seed Priming with Pluronic P85-Grafted Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Affects Photosynthetic Gas Exchange but Not Photosynthetic Light Reactions
Authors: Krumova Sashka , Stoichev Svetozar , Ilkov Daniel , Strijkova Velichka , Katrova Vesela , Crespo Ana , Álvarez José , Martínez Elvira , Martínez-Ramírez Sagrario , Tsonev Tsonko , Petrov Petar , Velikova Violeta
Published: July 2024

Nanotechnology is rapidly advancing towards the development of applications for sustainable plant growth and photosynthesis optimization. The nanomaterial/plant interaction has been intensively investigated; however, there is still a gap in knowledge regarding their effect on crop seed development and photosynthetic performance. In the present work, we apply a priming procedure with 10 and 50 mg/L Pluronic-P85-grafted single-walled carbon nanotubes (P85-SWCNT) on garden pea seeds and examine the germination, development, and photosynthetic activity of young seedlings grown on soil substrate. The applied treatments result in a distorted topology of the seed surface and suppressed (by 10–19%) shoot emergence. No priming-induced alterations in the structural and functional features of the photosynthetic apparatus in 14-day-old plants are found. However, photosynthetic gas exchange measurements reveal reduced stomatal conductance (by up to 15%) and increased intrinsic water use efficiency (by 12–15%), as compared to hydro-primed variants, suggesting the better ability of plants to cope with drought stress—an assumption that needs further verification. Our study prompts further research on the stomatal behavior and dark reactions of photosynthesis in order to gain new insights into the effect of carbon nanotubes on plant performance.
A Natural Bioactive Peptide from Pinctada fucata Pearls Can Be Used as a Potential Inhibitor of the Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 against COVID-19
Authors: Wang Yayu , Wang Qin , Chen Xinjiani , Li Bailei , Zhang Zhen , Yao Liping , Liu Xiaojun , Zhang Rongqing
Published: July 2024

The frequent occurrence of viral infections poses a serious threat to human life. Identifying effective antiviral components is urgent. In China, pearls have been important traditional medicinal ingredients since ancient times, exhibiting various therapeutic properties, including detoxification properties. In this study, a peptide, KKCH, which acts against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was derived from Pinctada fucata pearls. Molecular docking showed that it bound to the same pocket of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein and cell surface target angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). The function of KKCH was analyzed through surface plasmon resonance (SPR), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays, immunofluorescence, and simulation methods using the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus and live virus. The results showed that KKCH had a good affinity for ACE2 (KD = 6.24 × 10−7 M) and could inhibit the binding of the S1 protein to ACE2 via competitive binding. As a natural peptide, KKCH inhibited the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein to the surface of human BEAS-2B and HEK293T cells. Moreover, viral experiments confirmed the antiviral activity of KKCH against both the SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirus and SARS-CoV-2 live virus, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 398.1 μM and 462.4 μM, respectively. This study provides new insights and potential avenues for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Feed Components and Timing to Improve the Feed Conversion Ratio for Sustainable Aquaculture Using Starch
Authors: Shima Hideaki , Asakura Taiga , Sakata Kenji , Koiso Masahiko , Kikuchi Jun
Published: July 2024

Aquaculture contributes to the sustainable development of food security, marine resource conservation, and economy. Shifting aquaculture feed from fish meal and oil to terrestrial plant derivatives may result in cost savings. However, many carnivorous fish cannot be sustained on plant-derived materials, necessitating the need for the identification of important factors for farmed fish growth and the identification of whether components derived from terrestrial plants can be used in feed. Herein, we focused on the carnivorous fish leopard coral grouper (P. leopardus) to identify the essential growth factors and clarify their intake timing from feeds. Furthermore, we evaluated the functionality of starch, which are easily produced by terrestrial plants. Results reveal that carbohydrates, which are not considered essential for carnivorous fish, can be introduced as a major part of an artificial diet. The development of artificial feed using starch offers the possibility of increasing the growth of carnivorous fish in aquaculture.
Therapeutic Efficacy of an Erythromycin-Loaded Coaxial Nanofiber Coating in a Rat Model of S. aureus-Induced Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Markel David C. , Powell Dexter , Wu Bin , Pawlitz Paula , Bou-Akl Therese , Chen Liang , Shi Tong , Ren Weiping
Published: July 2024

Implant surface nanofiber (NF) coatings represent an alternative way to prevent/treat periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) via local drug release. We developed and characterized a coaxial erythromycin (EM)-doped PLGA/PCL-PVA NF coating. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of EM-NF coatings (EM0, no EM, EM100 (100 mg/mL), and EM1000 (1000 mg/mL) wt/wt) in a rat PJI model. A strong bond of the EM-NF coating to the surface of titanium (Ti) pins was confirmed by in vitro mechanical testing. Micro-computed tomography (mCT) analysis showed that both EM100 and EM1000 NF effectively reduced periprosthetic osteolysis compared to EM0 at 8 and 16 weeks after implantation. Histology showed that EM100 and EM1000 coatings effectively controlled infection and enhanced periprosthetic new bone formation. The bone implant contact (BIC) of EM100 (35.08%) was higher than negative controls and EM0 (3.43% and 0%, respectively). The bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) of EM100 (0.63 mm2) was greater than controls and EM0 (0.390 mm2 and 0.0 mm2, respectively). The BAFO of EM100 was higher than that of EM1000 (0.3 mm2). These findings may provide a basis for a new implant surface fabrication strategy aimed at reducing the risks of defective osseointegration and PJI.
A Metamaterials-Based Absorber Used for Switch Applications with Dynamically Variable Bandwidth in Terahertz Regime
Authors: Liu Yan , Hu Lingxi
Published: July 2024

A broadband absorber based on metamaterials of graphene and vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed and investigated in the terahertz (THz) regime, which can be used for switch applications with a dynamically variable bandwidth by electrically and thermally controlling the Fermi energy level of graphene and the conductivity of VO2, respectively. The proposed absorber turns ‘on’ from 1.5 to 5.4 THz, with the modulation depth reaching 97.1% and the absorptance exceeding 90% when the Fermi energy levels of graphene are set as 0.7 eV, and VO2 is in the metallic phase. On the contrary, the absorptance is close to zero and the absorber turns ‘off’ with the Fermi energy level setting at 0 eV and VO2 in the insulating phase. Furthermore, other four broadband absorption modes can be achieved utilizing the active materials graphene and VO2. The proposed terahertz absorber may benefit the areas of broadband switch, cloaking objects, THz communications and other applications.
The Effect of the Initiator/Activator/Accelerator Ratio on the Degree of Conversion, Film Thickness, Flow, and Cytotoxicity of Dual-Cured Self-Adhesive Resin Cements
Authors: Moon Hyun Kyung , Won Jong-Eun , Ryu Jae Jun , Shim Ji Suk
Published: July 2024

Although self-adhesive resin cements are convenient and less technique-sensitive materials for dental clinicians, they exhibit a lower degree of conversion due to acidic components in their composition. Supplementation of the initiator, accelerator, and activator in self-adhesive resin cements has been suggested to compensate for the lower degree of conversion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different combinations of self-curing initiators, self-curing activators, and accelerators on the degree of conversion (DC) of self-adhesive resin cements. A dual-cured self-adhesive resin was prepared using six combinations of initiators, activators, and accelerators. The change in the DC over time was evaluated with and without light curing. The film thickness, flow properties, and cytotoxicity of each formulation were assessed. The results showed that all supplemental components had an effect on increasing the DC, but a greater increase in the DC was observed in the following order: activator, accelerator, and initiator. The cytotoxicity of the resin cements was related to the DC values, as resin cements with lower DC values exhibited higher cytotoxicity. The film thickness met the ISO standards for all groups. The results suggest that utilizing an activator is the most effective approach to enhance the DC in self-adhesive resin cement and that cytotoxicity tended to increase with lower DC values, whereas film thickness and flow properties demonstrated no correlation with DC values.
Influence of Processing Parameters on Mechanical Properties and Degree of Crystallization of Polylactide
Authors: Fabijański Mariusz , Gołofit Tomasz
Published: July 2024

This work attempts to assess the influence of process parameters on the change of mechanical properties and the degree of crystallinity of polylactide (PLA). PLA is a biodegradable material that has been widely used in various areas—from packaging, through medicine, to 3D printing, where it is used to produce prototypes. The method of processing is important, because the technological process and its parameters have a significant impact on the quality of the finished product. Their appropriate selection depends on quality and mechanical properties. The process parameters have an impact on the structure of PLA, specifically on the share of the crystalline phase, which is also important from the point of view of the functional properties of the finished product. This work assessed the impact of the technological parameters of the injection process on the final properties of the obtained samples. The obtained results of static tensile strength, hardness and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirm that changing these parameters affects the material properties.
One-Bit Function Perturbation Impact on Robust Set Stability of Boolean Networks with Disturbances
Authors: Deng Lei , Cao Xiujun , Zhao Jianli
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the one-bit function perturbation (OBFP) impact on the robust set stability of Boolean networks with disturbances (DBNs). Firstly, the dynamics of these networks are converted into the algebraic forms utilizing the semi-tensor product (STP) method. Secondly, OBFP’s impact on the robust set stability of DBNs is divided into two situations. Then, by constructing a state set and defining an index vector, several necessary and sufficient conditions to guarantee that a DBN under OBFP can stay robust set stable unchanged are provided. Finally, a biological example is proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
A Novel Facet of In-Hospital Food Consumption Associated with Hospital Mortality in Patients with Scheduled Admission—Addition of a Study Protocol to Test the Existence of Effects of COVID-19 in the Same Study in the Post-COVID-19 Period
Authors: Miyata Hiroyo , Tsunou Ayako , Hokotachi Yoko , Amagai Teruyoshi
Published: July 2024

Background: Humankind has faced unexperienced pandemic events since 2020. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has calmed down, we felt the need to verify whether in-hospital mortality had worsened compared to pre-pandemic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To test the hypothesis that daily food consumption is associated with in-hospital mortality during hospitalization and to provide baseline data to examine whether the effects of COVID-19 exist or not in post-pandemic period. Methods: All hospitalized patients staying in a single institution on the third Thursday of May, August, November, and the following February were included. Compared data: (1) among four seasons, (2) between age < 75 vs. ≥75 years, (3) between <75% vs. ≥75% of in-hospital food, and (4) logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: In 365 inpatients, the following results were obtained: (1) no seasonality or age effect in in-hospital mortality, (2) the novel cutoff value of 75% of the hospital food requirement was used to identify poor in-hospital survivors, (3) logistic regression analysis showed low food consumption, with <75% of the hospital food requirement as the predictor of high in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: A small eater of in-hospital food < 75% during hospitalization was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality in patients with scheduled hospitalization in the pre-pandemic period. Then, a study protocol is proposed to test the existence of the effects of COVID-19 in the same study in the post-COVID-19 period. This study protocol is, to our knowledge, the first proposal to test the effects of food consumption in the post-COVID-19 period on in-hospital mortality in the clinical nutritional areas.
Astragalus Extract Mixture HT042 Alleviates Dexamethasone-Induced Bone Growth Retardation in Rat Metatarsal Bones
Authors: Baek Chae Yun , Lee JunI , Lee Donghun , Kim Hocheol
Published: July 2024

The most widely used synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), causes stunted growth in children when used excessively or for long periods of time; however, there are still plenty of pediatric patients require long-term treatment with DEX. As an alternative, growth hormone is used in combination, but it has side effects, a high cost, and psychological factors, and it is not satisfactory in terms of effectiveness. It is necessary to develop a safe and affordable treatment that can replace it. The Korean Food and Drug Administration approved HT042, a standardized functional food ingredient, with the claim that it can help height growth of children. In this study, it was found that HT042 activated the Indian hedgehog/parathyroid hormone-related protein signaling pathway and enhanced the number of growth hormone receptors and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors on the growth plate surface, which were reduced by DEX treatment, and restored growth retardation. In metatarsal bone and primary chondrocyte models, it was found that HT042 can promote the length of growth plate and recover DEX-induced growth retardation. It was also found that HT042 promotes cell proliferation using bromodeoxyuridine and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assays; moreover, we verified increased expression of GHR/IGF-1R and Ihh/PTHrP pathway activity using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and siRNA analyses to verify its direct action on the growth plate. The anti-apoptotic effect of HT042 was identified by regulating the expression of apoptotic factors such as caspase-3, Bcl2, Bclx, and Bax. These results were identified using both ex vivo and in vitro models. Our study verified that co-administration of HT042 could recover the DEX induced growth retardation