bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Physical Activity on Neurotrophin Concentrations and Cognitive Control in Patients With a Depressive Episode
Authors: Jasińska-Mikołajczyk Anna , Drews Katarzyna , Domaszewska Katarzyna , Kolasa Grzegorz , Konofalska Marta , Jowik Katarzyna , Skibińska Maria , Rybakowski Filip
Published: April 2022

Background

Cognitive deficits occur in most patients with affective disorders. The role of neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF) as modulators of brain plasticity affecting neurocognitive abilities has been emphasized. Neurotrophin concentrations may change under the influence of various interventions, including physical activity. Selected studies have shown that cognitive function may also be affected by exercise.

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine whether physical activity changes the concentration of neurotrophins and their receptors in patients with an episode of depression. It was also examined how one session of aerobic exercise affects cognitive control.

Methods

The study included 41 participants. The subjects were asked to exercise on a cycloergometer for 40 min with individually selected exercise loads (70% VO2max). Before and shortly after the exercise blood samples were acquired to perform blood assays (proBDNF, BDNF, TrkB, NGFR). The participants also performed a Stroop test twice—before the exercise and 10 min after its cessation.

Results

The single bout of physical exercise did not cause any significant changes in the concentration of neurotrophic factors. The SCWT results: both the mean reading time (29.3 s vs. 47.8 s) and the color naming time (36.7 s vs. 50.7 s) increased. The patients made more mistakes after physical exercise, both in part A (0.2 vs. 1.5) and B (0.6 vs. 1.5). The so-called interference effect decreased—the difference between naming and reading times was smaller after exercise (6.2 s vs. 2.4 s). No significant correlations were found between the concentrations of the studied neurotrophic factors and the Stroop test results.

Conclusions

The results did not confirm changes in neurotrophin concentration under the influence of a single session of physical activity. The shortening of the interference time after exercise may be caused by practice effects. A significant limitation of the study is the use of the Stroop test twice in short intervals.
What Is the Minimum Clinically Important Change in Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia? PANSS Based Post-hoc Analyses of a Phase III Clinical Trial
Authors: Czobor Pál , Sebe Barbara , Acsai Károly , Barabássy Ágota , Laszlovszky István , Németh György , Furukawa Toshi A. , Leucht Stefan
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is a measure that defines the minimum amount of change in an objective score of a clinical test that must be reached for that change to be clinically noticeable. We aimed to find the MCID for patients with predominantly negative symptoms of schizophrenia at its earliest occurrence.

Methods

Data of a 26-week long, double-blind study with 454 patients [Positive and Negative Symptom Scale Negative Factor Score (PANSS-FSNS) ≥24, Positive and Negative Symptom Scale Positive Factor Score (PANSS-FSPS) ≤ 19] treated with cariprazine 4.5 mg/d or risperidone 4 mg/d were analyzed. The Clinical Global Impression—Improvement scale was used to quantify minimum improvement (CGI-I = 3) and no clinical change (CGI-I = 4) on the PANSS-FSNS, and the MCID was estimated with the following methods: as the mean PANSS-FSNS changes corresponding to the first instance of minimal improvement across all visits (MCID1); as the difference between the PANSS-FSNS change associated with the first instance and the PANSS-FSNS changes associated with the last recorded clinically unchanged status across all visits (MCID2); with the effect size approach (MCID3); as the Youden Index based cut-off value between no clinical change and minimal improvement (MCID4); as the relative likelihood of minimal improvement (MCID5).

Results

The MCID1 and MCID2 resulted in, respectively, a 3.8-point (18.5%) and a 1.5-point (7.3%) decrease from baseline severity on the PANSS-FSNS. Greater values were required for the MCID at later evaluation times. The cut-off between minimum improvement and no clinical change defined by the Youden Index was a−3-point (15%) change in the PANSS-FSNS. The effect size approach indicated the 1.5-point difference between minimally improved and unchanged patients to be a medium effect (ES = 0.6).

Conclusion

Applying different methods led to different results, ranging between 7.3 and 18.5% improvement from the baseline for the MCID at its earliest occurrence in patients with predominantly negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Risk Factors for Sexual Offenses Committed by Men With or Without a Low IQ: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Vicenzutto Audrey , Joyal Christian C. , Telle Émilie , Pham Thierry H.
Published: April 2022

Although risk factors associated with offending and recidivism are relatively well-established for mainstream sexual offenses, much less is known about men with a low IQ who have sexually offended (MIQSO), let alone those with forensic involvement. In this exploratory study, 137 convicted for the commission of at least one sexual offense and found not criminally responsible because a mental disorder were recruited in a maximum-security hospital. They were all assessed with the SORAG (static risk factors) and the RSVP (dynamic risk factors). Compared with MIQSO (N = 76), men with an average or higher IQ who have sexually offended (MSO, N = 61) obtained significantly higher scores on static factors related with general delinquency (histories of alcohol abuse, non-violent criminality, violent criminality, and sexual offense) and dynamic factors related with sexual delinquency, paraphilia, and recidivism (chronicity, psychological coercion, escalation, sexual deviance, and substance abuse). In contrast, MIQSO obtained significantly higher scores on major mental illness, problems with planning and problems with self-awareness. Logistic regressions revealed that both the SORAG and RSVP were useful to predict group membership. It is concluded that risk factors related with general and sexual delinquency better describe offenses committed by MSO, whereas risk factors related with mental disorder, lack of insight and contextual impulsivity better describe offenses committed by MIQSO.
Social Deficits or Interactional Differences? Interrogating Perspectives on Social Functioning in Autism
Authors: Lin Xiangting Bernice , Lim Choon Guan , Lee Tih-Shih
Published: April 2022

Social dysfunction is a key characteristic of autism. Determining and treating autism-related social deficits have been challenging. The medical model views interpersonal difficulties in autism as a localized set of deficits to be managed, whereas the neurodiversity movement calls for the accommodation of differences by the larger community. One common assumption underlying these perspectives is a misalignment in social behaviors between autistic individuals and neurotypicals. This paper reviews and interrogates current perspectives on social functioning in autism to uncover the intricacies of such a notion. Even though extant literature has alluded to a misalignment in social behaviors between autistic and neurotypical individuals, it is uncertain where this disparity lies. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Plasma VEGF Concentrations and Ketamine's Effects on Suicidal Ideation in Depression With Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Zheng Wei , Gu Li-Mei , Zhou Yan-Ling , Wang Cheng-Yu , Lan Xiao-Feng , Zhang Bin , Ning Yu-Ping
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Accumulating evidence supports a role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of depression, but its relationship with the antisuicidal effects of ketamine is not clear. Our objective was to determine whether there was an association between the plasma VEGF (pVEGF) concentrations and the antisuicidal response to serial ketamine infusions.

Methods

Six ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg) over a 12-day period were administered to sixty depressed individuals suffering from suicidal ideation. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) suicide item, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) suicide item, and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI-part I) were used to assess suicidal ideation at baseline, 1 day after the first infusion (day 1), 1 day following the last infusion (day 13), and again 2 weeks post-infusion (day 26). For this purpose, plasma was obtained at baseline, day 13 and 26.

Results

The rates of antisuicidal response to ketamine were 61.7% (37/60), 81.7% (49/60), and 73.3% (44/60) at days 1, 13, and 26, respectively. The linear mixed model revealed significant time effects on suicidal ideation and pVEGF concentrations over time (all Ps < 0.05). Antisuicidal responders did not have significantly altered pVEGF concentrations compared with non-responders on day 13 and day 26 (all Ps > 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the baseline pVEGF concentration and suicidal ideation as measured by the SSI part 1, HAMD suicide item and MADRS suicide item on days 1, 13, and 26 (all ps > 0.05).

Conclusion

This preliminary finding does not support a role for VEGF in the antisuicidal effects of serial ketamine treatments in individuals with depression and suicidal ideation. Further research is needed to confirm and expand these findings.
Occupational Burnout and Productivity Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Academic University Staff
Authors: Amer Shaimaa A. A. M. , Elotla Sally Fawzy , Ameen Abeer Elsayed , Shah Jaffer , Fouad Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: April 2022

Background

Burnout has been endorsed with serious negative health- and work-related outcomes. This study is aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout and its association with work productivity among academic staff.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 240 academic staff working at a public university in Egypt. Participants were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire involving basic personal, health, and work-related characteristics. Besides, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was used to assess occupational burnout dimensions (i.e., emotional exhaustion “EE,” depersonalization “DP,” and personal accomplishment “PA”), while work productivity was assessed with the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ).

Results

In total, 28% of respondents scored high in EE [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.5–33.8%], 18.3% high in DP (95% CI: 13.8–3.6%), and 88.3% scored low in PA (95% CI: 83.8–91.9%). Seventy percent of respondents scored high in only one burnout dimension, 21.7% scored high in two dimensions, while 7.1% scored high in all three dimensions. Multivariable analysis showed that EE was the only burnout dimension that showed a statistically significant association between absenteeism and presenteeism rates. The absenteeism rates among respondents with moderate and high EE were 2.1 and 3.3 times the rates among those with low EE, respectively. Likewise, the presenteeism rates among respondents with moderate and high EE were 2.4 and 4.7 times the rates among those with low EE, respectively.

Conclusions

Academic staff showed a high prevalence of at least one burnout dimension. Moderate and high EE scores were significantly associated with increased productivity loss when compared to low EE.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on the Outcome of Medically Assisted Reproduction Pregnancies
Authors: Huri Mor , Noferi Virginia , Renda Irene , Piazzini Francesca , Benemei Silvia , Coccia Maria Elisabetta
Published: April 2022

Background

The impact of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pregnancy is not well-understood. During the outbreak, the initial approach suggested by the major societies was to postpone all non-urgent assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. Nevertheless, the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine considered ethically correct to proceed with ART treatments, as the infertility rate is increasing over time, with a consistent decline in the live birth rate. The objective of our study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outcomes of ART pregnancies, in terms of early pregnancy loss, overall success rate, and live birth rate.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retro-prospective cohort study. Patients who underwent ART treatments from 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 (pandemic ART cohort, pART; n = 749) and from 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020 (control cohort, CTR; n = 844) were enrolled. The study had a duration of 24 months. Patients underwent baseline severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) nasopharyngeal swab; quantitative serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) to assess pregnancy; pelvic transvaginal ultrasound; and follow-up until delivery. The study took place at the ART Center of the University Hospital in Florence, Italy.

Results

There were not statistically significant differences on implantation rate (pART 0.348 ± 0.034 vs. CTR 0.365 ± 0.033, CI = 95%, p = 0.49), clinical pregnancy rate (pART 0.847 ± 0.044 vs. CTR 0.864 ± 0.038, CI = 95%, p = 0.56), and ectopic pregnancy rate (pART 0.008 ± 0.011 vs. CTR 0.01 ± 0.011, CI = 95%, p = 0.79). Neither first trimester miscarriage rate was different between the groups (pART 0.224 ± 0.056 vs. CTR 0.213 ± 0.05, CI = 95%, p = 0.77) nor second trimester miscarriage rate (pART 0.018 ± 0.018 vs. CTR 0.019 ± 0.017, CI = 95%, p = 0.95). Live birth rate remained unchanged during the pandemic (pART 0.22 ± 0.03 vs. CTR 0.239 ± 0.029, CI = 95%, p = 0.37) and stable even when compared to our center rate between 2015 and 2019 (pART 0.222 ± 0.03 vs. general rate 0.224 ± 0.014, CI = 95%, p = 0.83).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic did not cause a statistically significant change in the live birth rate and in the pregnancy loss rate. ART during the COVID-19 pandemic can be considered fair and safe, ethically and medically appropriate. Patients and physicians should be reassured that ART pregnancy outcomes do not seem to be jeopardized by the pandemic state.
How Do Plants Defend Themselves From Root-Eating Creatures?
Authors: Touw Axel J. , van Dam Nicole M.
Published: April 2022

The belowground world is full of creatures that depend on plants as a food source. Belowground plant eaters, or herbivores, feed on roots and can cause considerable damage to plants. Roots are very important because they help plants take up water and nutrients from the soil. These are important resources that plants need for growth. To protect their roots, plants produce chemical defenses. The production of these defenses is costly because nutrients and energy used to make defenses cannot be used for growth or the production of flowers and seeds. Plants, therefore, must be efficient with their defenses. Scientists are very interested in understanding how plants defend themselves efficiently, because this can help us to develop more environmentally friendly ways of growing fruits and vegetables. In this article, we explain how plants defend themselves efficiently, and how plant defenses affect herbivores in the soil.
Indigenous African Orphan Legumes: Potential for Food and Nutrition Security in SSA
Authors: Abberton Michael , Paliwal Rajneesh , Faloye Benjamin , Marimagne Tchamba , Moriam Azeez , Oyatomi Olaniyi
Published: April 2022

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), both crop production and the hidden hunger index (HHI, a combination of zinc, iron, and vitamin A deficiency), continue to be worse than the rest of the world. Currently, 31 out of 36 countries of SSA show the highest HHI. At the same time, several studies show climate change as a major constraint to agriculture productivity and a significant threat to SSA food security without significant action regarding adaptation. The food security of SSA is dependent on a few major crops, with many of them providing largely only an energy source in the diet. To address this, crop diversification and climate-resilient crops that have adaptation to climate change can be used and one route toward this is promoting the cultivation of African orphan (neglected or underutilized) crops. These crops, particularly legumes, have the potential to improve food and nutrition security in SSA due to their cultural linkage with the regional food habits of the communities, nutritionally rich food, untapped genetic diversity, and adaptation to harsh climate conditions and poor marginal soils. Despite the wide distribution of orphan legumes across the landscape of SSA, these important crop species are characterized by low yield and decreasing utilization due in part to a lack of improved varieties and a lack of adequate research attention. Genomic-assisted breeding (GAB) can contribute to developing improved varieties that yield more, have improved resilience, and high nutritional value. The availability of large and diverse collections of germplasm is an essential resource for crop improvement. In the Genetic Resources Center of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the collections of orphan legumes, particularly the Bambara groundnut, African yambean, and Kersting's groundnut, have been characterized and evaluated for their key traits, and new collections are being undertaken to fill gaps and to widen the genetic diversity available to underpin breeding that can be further utilized with GAB tools to develop faster and cost-effective climate-resilient cultivars with a high nutrition value for SSA farmers. However, a greater investment of resources is required for applying modern breeding to orphan legume crops if their full potential is to be realized.
Iatrogenic Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis Following Craniotomy for Resection of Metastatic Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Stopa Brittany M. , Cuoco Joshua A. , Adhikari Srijan , Grider Douglas J. , Rogers Cara M. , Marvin Eric A.
Published: April 2022

Metastasis of ovarian carcinoma to the central nervous system occurs in <2% of cases and classically localizes within the brain parenchyma. Moreover, leptomeningeal spread of these tumors is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. Here, we conduct a systematic review of the current literature on the natural history, treatment options, and proposed pathogenic mechanisms of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in ovarian carcinoma. We also report a case of a 67-year-old female with stage IV metastatic ovarian serous carcinoma initially confined to the peritoneal cavity with a stable disease burden over the course of three years. Follow-up imaging demonstrated an intracranial lesion, which was resected via craniotomy, and pathology was consistent with the original diagnosis. Three months after surgery, she developed rapidly progressive dizziness, generalized weakness, fatigue, and ataxia. Repeat MRI demonstrated interval development of extensive and diffusely enhancing dural nodularity, numerous avidly enhancing supratentorial and infratentorial lesions, enhancement of the bilateral trigeminal nerves, internal auditory canals, and exit wound from the surgical site into the posterior aspect of the right-sided neck musculature consistent with diffuse leptomeningeal dissemination. The present case highlights that leptomeningeal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma is a potential yet rare consequence following surgical resection of an ovarian parenchymal metastasis. Progressive clinical symptomatology that develops postoperatively in this patient population should prompt urgent workup to rule out leptomeningeal disease and an expedited radiation oncology consultation if identified.
Pre-operative Hemostatic Status in Dogs Undergoing Splenectomy for Splenic Masses
Authors: McPhetridge Jourdan B. , Lynch Alex M. , Webster Cynthia R. L. , McCobb Emily , de Laforcade A. M. , O'Toole Therese E.
Published: April 2022

Portal system thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of splenectomy in dogs. The mechanism behind development of post-operative portal system thrombosis is unclear but may include alterations of portal blood flow following surgery, acquired hypercoagulability and endothelial dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate hemostatic biomarkers in hemodynamically stable (heart rate <130 beats/min, blood lactate < 2.5 mMol/L) and non-anemic (hematocrit >35%) dogs prior to splenectomy for splenic masses. Our hypothesis was that this population of stable dogs would have pre-existing laboratory evidence of hypercoagulability unrelated to shock, bleeding, anemia, or other pre-operative comorbidities. Pre-operatively, abdominal ultrasonography was performed and blood was collected for platelet enumeration, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), kaolin-activated thromboelastography (TEG), fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor activity (vWF:Ag), antithrombin and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT). Histopathological diagnosis and 30-day survival were recorded. None of the 15 enrolled dogs had pre-operative sonographic evidence of portal system thrombosis. Three of fifteen dogs were thrombocytopenic, three had thrombocytosis, three were hyperfibrinogenemic, one had low vWF:Ag, three had mild prolongations of PT and none had abnormal aPTT. Based on the TEG G value, 13/15 dogs were hypercoagulable (mean ± SD 13.5 ± 5.4 kd/s). Antithrombin deficiency was identified in 9/15 dogs (mean ± SD 68.7 ± 22.7%) with 5/9 having concurrently elevated TAT suggesting active thrombin generation. No dogs developed portal system thrombosis and all achieved 30-day survival. Pre-operative hypercoagulability was recognized commonly but its association with post-operative thrombosis remains undetermined.
A Study of the Mechanical Response of Nonwovens Excited by Plate Vibration
Authors: Archut Jan-Lukas , Kins Ruben , Heider Yousef , Cloppenburg Frederik , Markert Bernd , Gries Thomas , Corves Burkhard
Published: April 2022

Nonwovens are a type of textile that possess a wide range of unique properties, such as lightweight and damping characteristics, which make them suitable for many applications as in medicine and engineering. In this study, the focus lies on the mechanical response of nonwovens as a multiphase porous layer excited by an underlying vibrating plate. The material properties of the nonwovens are characterized via laboratory measurements applied to different samples. In particular, a dynamic analysis of the underlying thin plate is carried out to obtain its eigenmodes and, thus, the maximum response. These eigenmodes are then utilized in the boundary conditions in an advanced numerical porous media model to simulate the dynamic response of the anisotropic fibrous material. To understand the coupled processes in the fibrous textile material, a three-dimensional initial-boundary-value problem of porous media dynamics is introduced. The numerical results demonstrate the capability of the proposed model to realize the interplay between the pore-air pressure and the effective stresses during nonwovens vibration and, thus, the role of the pore air in vibration-induced fiber-fiber friction reduction as well as the effectiveness of the nonwovens in the dissipation of the kinetic energy, i.e., damping propagating acoustic waves.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen: Clinical Application and Research Status
Authors: Zhu Huange
Published: April 2022

The squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) is a tumor marker that has gained increasing attention for its biological functions and significance in normal physiological and pathological processes. Not only SCCA but also circulating immune complexes of SCCA and immunoglobulin M (IgM) are involved in normal physiological and pathological processes, providing a background for numerous clinical studies aimed at assessing the potential role of SCCA, SCCA–IgM, and SCCA isoform complexes in clinical practice. Previous studies support the clinical value of SCCA as a tumor marker for either diagnosing squamous cancers or monitoring the response to radiotherapy or chemotherapy, tumor relapse, and treatment failure. However, these studies show contrasting results, making the diagnostic or prognostic value of SCCA controversial. To reduce clinical heterogeneity across studies and achieve a more accurate and reliable comparison of results, a standardized detection method, scoring system, and cutoff level need to be established. Moreover, despite the fact that performances of different methods are comparable, the dynamic observation of tumor marker kinetics should be conducted under the same method.
Numerical Study on the Aerodynamics of the Evacuated Tube Transportation System from Subsonic to Supersonic
Authors: Zhou Zhiwei , Xia Chao , Shan Xizhuang , Yang Zhigang
Published: April 2022

In this study, the aerodynamic characteristics of the three-dimensional evacuated tube transportation (ETT) system based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes κ−ω shear-stress transport turbulent model were investigated. The effects of two key parameters on the drag and flow topology of the ETT system, namely the travelling speed and ambient pressure in the tube, were studied. Compared with trains in the atmospheric environment without the tube (i.e., the open system), the ETT system shows considerable drag reduction with suitable operating parameters in the tube, particularly at a higher travelling speed range. The drag varying with the speed from subsonic to supersonic, shows various change trends at different speeds because of their distinct flow structures. The higher pressure in front of train head was observed to be reduced by choking, and a low pressure in the wake by expansion waves led to rapid increase in the drag and drag coefficient. The relationship between the drag and operating pressure was observed to be approximately linear for both the subsonic and supersonic speeds.
Dynamic Energy Management for Perpetual Operation of Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Node Using Fuzzy Q-Learning
Authors: Hsu Roy Chaoming , Lin Tzu-Hao , Su Po-Cheng
Published: April 2022

In an energy harvesting wireless sensor node (EHWSN), balance of energy harvested and consumption using dynamic energy management to achieve the goal of perpetual operation is one of the most important research topics. In this study, a novel fuzzy Q-learning (FQL)-based dynamic energy management (FQLDEM) is proposed in adapting its policy to the time varying environment, regarding both the harvested energy and the energy consumption of the WSN. The FQLDEM applies Q-learning to train, evaluate, and update the fuzzy rule base and then uses the fuzzy inference system (FIS) for determining the working duty cycle of the sensor of the EHWSN. Through the interaction with the energy harvesting environment, the learning agent of the FQL will be able to find the appropriate fuzzy rules in adapting the working duty cycle for the goal of energy neutrality such that the objective of perpetual operation of the EHWSN can be achieved. Experimental results show that the FQLDEM can maintain the battery charge status at a higher level than other existing methods did, such as the reinforcement learning (RL) method and dynamic duty cycle adaption (DDCA), and achieve the perpetual operation of the EHWSN. Furthermore, experimental results for required on-demand sensing measurements exhibit that the FQLDEM method can be slowly upgraded to meet 65% of the service quality control requirements in the early stage, which outperforms the RL-based and DDCA methods.
Metabolomics Combined with Proteomics Provide a Novel Interpretation of the Changes in Flavonoid Glycosides during White Tea Processing
Authors: Deng Xuming , Shang Hu , Chen Jiajia , Wu Jun , Wang Tao , Wang Yiqing , Zhu Chensong , Sun Weijiang
Published: April 2022

In this study, nonvolatile metabolomics and proteomics were applied to investigate the change mechanism of flavonoid glycoside compounds during withering processing of white tea. With the extension of withering time, the content of the main flavonoid glycoside compounds significantly decreased, and then the flavonoid aglycones and water-soluble saccharides contents increased. However, the change trends of these compounds were inconsistent with the expression pattern of related biosynthesis pathway proteins, indicating that the degradation of flavonoid glycosides might exist in the withering process of white tea. One co-expression network that was highly correlated with variations in the flavonoid glycosides’ component contents during the withering process was identified via WGCNA. Further analysis revealed that the degradation of flavonoid glycosides may be related to the antioxidant action of tea leaves undergoing the withering process. Our results provide a novel characterization of white tea taste formation during processing.
Weldability Assessment of Various Steels by Hard-Facing
Authors: Arsić Dušan , Lazić Vukić , Nikolić Ružica R. , Sczygiol Norbert , Krstić Božidar , Ivković Djordje , Hadzima Branislav , Pastorek Filip , Ulewicz Robert
Published: April 2022

Two aspects of various steels’ weldability are considered in this article. The theoretical part presents general concepts related to steel’s weldability and the application of the most important methods for its determination. In the experimental section, results of the hard-facing application to several samples are presented, and consist of hardness measurements in the different zones of the welded samples, with the evaluation of those zones’ microstructures. The tested materials included two carbon steels and two alloyed steels, with hard-facing layers deposited by various filler metals. Experimental results were compared to results obtained by calculations; using both, authors were able to conclude which combination of filler metal, welding procedure and, if necessary, heat treatment, would achieve the optimal improvement of weldability in welding/hard-facing of each of the tested base metals.
Comparative Sample Preparation Using Focused Ion Beam and Ultramicrotomy of Human Dental Enamel and Dentine for Multimicroscopic Imaging at Micro- and Nanoscale
Authors: Witzke Katharina , Frank Marcus , Specht Olaf , Schulz Ute , Oehlschläger Claudia , Behrend Detlef , Ottl Peter , Warkentin Mareike
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to systematically compare TEM sections of mineralized human enamel and dentine prepared by focused ion beam (in situ lift-out) technique and ultramicrotomy through a combination of microscopic examination methods (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy). In contrast with published studies, we compared the TEM preparation methods using the same specimen blocks as those for the ultramicrotomy and FIB technique. (2) Methods: A further evaluation of TEM sample preparation was obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy and atomic force microscopy. In addition, ultramicrotome- and focused ion beam-induced artefacts are illustrated. (3) Results: The FIB technique exposed a major difference between non-decalcified enamel and dentine concerning the ultrastructural morphology compared to ultramicrotome-prepared sections. We found that ultramicrotomy was useful for cutting mineralized dentine, with the possibility of mechanical artefacts, but offers limited options for the preparation of mineralized enamel. FIB preparation produced high-quality TEM sections, showing the anisotropic ultrastructural morphology in detail, with minor structural artefacts. Our results show that the solution of artificial saliva and glutardialdehyde (2.5% by volume) is a very suitable fixative for human mineralized tissue. (4) Conclusions: The protocol that we developed has strong potential for the preparation of mineralized biomaterials for TEM imaging and analysis.
Fly-Ash Evaluation as Potential EOL Material Replacement of Cement in Pastes: Morpho-Structural and Physico-Chemical Properties Assessment
Authors: Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Nicoara Adrian-Ionut , Surdu Vasile-Adrian , Ene Vladimir Lucian , Neacsu Ionela Andreea , Stoica Alexandra Elena , Oprea Ovidiu , Boerasu Iulian , Trusca Roxana , Vrabec Mirijam , Miklavic Blaz , Sturm Saso , Ow-Yang Cleva , Gulgun Mehmet Ali , Bundur Zeynep Basaran
Published: April 2022

The main objective of the study was to produce alternative binder materials, obtained with low cost, low energy consumption, and low CO2 production, by regenerating end-of-life (EOL) materials from mineral deposits, to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The materials analyzed were ash and slag from the Turceni thermal power plant deposit, Romania. These were initially examined for morphology, mineralogical composition, elemental composition, degree of crystallinity, and heating behavior, to determine their ability to be used as a potential source of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) and to establish the activation and transformation temperature in the SCM. The in-situ pozzolanic behavior of commercial cement, as well as cement mixtures with different percentages of ash addition, were further observed. The mechanical resistance, water absorption, sorptivity capacity, resistance to alkali reactions (ASR), corrosion resistance, and resistance to reaction with sulfates were evaluated in this study using low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy.
A Review of Potential Use of Amazonian Oils in the Synthesis of Organogels for Cosmetic Application
Authors: Mosquera Narvaez Luis Eduardo , Ferreira Lindalva Maria de Meneses Costa , Sanches Suellen , Alesa Gyles Desireé , Silva-Júnior José Otávio Carréra , Ribeiro Costa Roseane Maria
Published: April 2022

New strategies for the delivery of bioactives in the deeper layers of the skin have been studied in recent years, using mainly natural ingredients. Among the strategies are organogels as a promising tool to load bioactives with different physicochemical characteristics, using vegetable oils. Studies have shown satisfactory skin permeation, good physicochemical stability mainly due to its three-dimensional structure, and controlled release using vegetable oils and low-molecular-weight organogelators. Within the universe of natural ingredients, vegetable oils, especially those from the Amazon, have a series of benefits and characteristics that make them unique compared to conventional oils. Several studies have shown that the use of Amazonian oils brings a series of benefits to the skin, among which are an emollient, moisturizing, and nourishing effect. This work shows a compilation of the main Amazonian oils and their nutraceutical and physicochemical characteristics together with the minority polar components, related to health benefits, and their possible effects on the synthesis of organogels for cosmetic purposes.
Design, Synthesis, and Antifungal Activity of 4-Amino Coumarin Based Derivatives
Authors: Xu Lu , Yu Jinmeng , Jin Lu , Pan Le
Published: April 2022

A series of 30 succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) of 4-amino coumarin-based derivatives were designed and synthesized. According to the analysis of fungicidal activity in vitro, most of the compounds expressed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against four plant pathogenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and Botrytis cinerea) using the mycelium growth inhibition method. The results showed that compounds 3n with the group of 2-ene-3-methyl-butyl and 4e with the group of 2-bromo-1-oxo-hexyl displayed excellent activity against Alternaria alternata and Alternaria solani, with EC50 values of 92~145 μg/mL. Molecular docking showed that the inhibitor 3n was completely locked into the cavity of SDH, forming a conventional hydrogen bond interacting with the amino acid residue TYR58. The present work indicates that these derivatives would serve as novel potential fungicides targeting SDH.
Nanochannel Array on Electrochemically Polarized Screen Printed Carbon Electrode for Rapid and Sensitive Electrochemical Determination of Clozapine in Human Whole Blood
Authors: Wang Kai , Yang Luoxing , Huang Huili , Lv Ning , Liu Jiyang , Liu Youshi
Published: April 2022

Rapid and highly sensitive determination of clozapine (CLZ), a psychotropic drug for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia, in patients is of great significance to reduce the risk of disease recurrence. However, direct electroanalysis of CLZ in human whole blood remains a great challenge owing to the remarkable fouling that occurs in a complex matrix. In this work, a miniaturized, integrated, disposable electrochemical sensing platform based on the integration of nanochannel arrays on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) is demonstrated. The device achieves high determination sensitivity while also offering the electrode anti-fouling and anti-interference capabilities. To enhance the electrochemical performance of SPCE, simple electrochemical polarization including anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction is applied to pretreat SPCE. The electrochemically polarized SPCE (p-SPCE) exhibits an enhanced electrochemical peak signal toward CLZ compared with bare SPCE. An electrochemically assisted self-assembly method (EASA) is utilized to conveniently electrodeposit a vertically ordered mesoporous silica nanomembrane film (VMSF) on the p-SPCE, which could further enrich CLZ through electrostatic interactions. Owing to the dual signal amplification based on the p-SPCE and VMSF nanochannels, the developed VMSF/SPCE sensor enables determination of CLZ in the range from 50 nM to 20 μM with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 28 nM (S/N = 3). Combined with the excellent anti-fouling and anti-interference abilities of VMSF, direct and sensitive determination of CLZ in human blood is also achieved.
Novel Chitosan-Based Schiff Base Compounds: Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Fontana Riccardo , Marconi Peggy Carla Raffaella , Caputo Antonella , Gavalyan Vasak B.
Published: April 2022

Chitosan (CS) and its derivatives are receiving considerable attention for their great biocompatibility and broad-spectrum activities in many fields. In this work, we aimed to characterize the antimicrobial activity of novel chitosan Schiff bases (CSSB). CS was synthesized by double deacetylation of chitin (Cn) after its extraction from the armors of crustaceans Astacus leptodactylus, and CSSB-1 and CSSB-2 were synthesized by interaction of CS with 4-(2-chloroethyl) benzaldehyde (aldehyde-1) and 4-(bromoethyl) benzaldehyde (aldehyde-2), respectively, at room temperature. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and against yeasts (Candida albicans) was significantly increased due to their higher solubility as compared to unmodified CS opening perspectives for the use of these compounds for antimicrobial prevention in different fields as, for example, food industry, cosmetics, or restoration.
DDPG-Based Throughput Optimization with AoI Constraint in Ambient Backscatter-Assisted Overlay CRN
Authors: Jia Xueli , Zheng Kechen , Chi Kaikai , Liu Xiaoying
Published: April 2022

The combination of ambient backscatter (AB) communications (ABCs) and RF-powered cognitive radio networks (CRNs) deals with challenges of both energy supply and spectrum shortage, and improves the network performances. With the expansion of wireless networks, many applications raise requirements for both high-throughput and timely data. Driven by these facts, we study the long-term throughput optimization of the secondary network in the AB-assisted overlay CRN (ABO-CRN), ABCs, and CRNs with the age of information (AoI) constraint, which is a novel metric for measuring the freshness of data received by receivers. Due to the dynamic environment, complete knowledge of the environment could not be obtained. Then, the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG), a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) method that addresses decision issues in both continuous and discrete spaces, is deployed to address the throughput optimization. We consider the impacts of time and energy allocation on the reward when the AoI constraint can not be satisfied, and develop the corresponding reward functions. Furthermore, we analyze the impacts of the minimum throughput requirement and maximum allowable AoI on the throughput and AoI of the secondary networks in the ABO-CRN, ABCs, and CRNs. We compare the throughput optimization scheme under the AoI constraint with two baseline schemes (i.e., throughput-optimal (T-O) and AoI-optimal (A-O) baseline schemes), and the simulation results show that the throughput of the ABO-CRN is close to the optimal throughput of the T-O baseline scheme, and the AoI of the ABO-CRN is close to the optimal AoI of the A-O baseline scheme.
Comparison of First-Trimester Screening Biomarkers in Spontaneous (Natural) and In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancies
Authors: Barati Mojgan , Zargar Mahvash , Asan Bahareh
Published: April 2022

Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the screening markers of spontaneous and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies in individuals who underwent combined screening in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined the difference between natural and assisted-reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies in 2252 mothers from January 2011 to October 2019. In both groups, the first trimester screening parameters including NT, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), and PAPP-A were measured. Results: According to the results of the present study, BMI was higher in the group that became pregnant by IVF compared to the normal pregnancy group (P<0.001). Additionally, in patients using IVF, the history of maternal disease was less frequent compared to the other group (P=0.003). Most cases of twin fetuses, dichorionic twin pregnancy, and fetal abnormality were seen in the IVF group. Although the β-hCG and free PAPP-A levels were high in the IVF group, no significant difference was observed. The group with spontaneous pregnancy had a higher penetration rate of nuchal translucency <95th percentile compared to the IVF group (P<0.001). The results of comparing the first trimester test showed that in the IVF group, 81.3% of patients were at low risk and 6.6% were at high risk, while in the normal pregnancy group, 78.9% of patients were at low risk and 7.0% of them were at low risk, indicating that the difference was not significant. Conclusions: Overall, although the risk of aneuploidy in IVF pregnancies was not higher compared to normal pregnancies, in IVF pregnancies, NI is associated with a high risk of fetal abnormalities. Therefore, NT sonography can help to diagnose fetal anomalies especially aneuploidy
THE INTENTION TOWARDS GREEN HOTEL SELECTION OF DOMESTIC TRAVELLERS TO CAN THO CITY
Authors: Trân Ngô Mỹ , Yến Trần Thị Bạch , Thảo Phạm Thanh
Published: April 2022

Nghiên cứu này phân tích các nhân tố ảnh hưởng đến ý định lựa chọn khách sạn xanh của du khách nội địa khi đến thành phố Cần Thơ dựa trên số liệu sơ cấp từ 150 du khách. Phương pháp phân tích chính gồm phương pháp EFA và phân tích hồi quy. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy năm nhân tố gồm thái độ đối với khách sạn xanh, chuẩn mực chủ quan, kiểm soát hành vi nhận thức, ý thức về môi trường và thuộc tính khách sạn xanh có ảnh hưởng tích cực đến ý định lựa chọn khách sạn xanh của du khách. Điều này cho thấy các nhà quản trị khách sạn xanh cần nâng cao hình ảnh xanh của mình trong lòng khách hàng, tung ra nhiều chính sách thân thiện với môi trường, luôn mang lại trải nghiệm xanh trong suốt quá trình khách hàng lưu trú. Nhờ đó, du khách có thể cảm nhận bản thân đang góp phần vào bảo vệ môi trường. Ngoài ra, các khách sạn cần đảm bảo thực hiện các tiêu chí xanh theo tiêu chuẩn chứng nhận mà khách sạn đã đạt được. Đồng thời, các nhà quản lý khách sạn xanh cũng cần hiểu rõ thái độ của khách hàng, cũng như nên nghiên cứu những thuộc tính xanh quan trọng đối với khách hàng của họ để lựa chọn các hoạt động bảo vệ môi trường nào cần được ưu tiên.
PLAY-BASED LEARNING FOR KINDERGARTEN: AN OVERVIEW STUDY
Authors: Vân Lê Thị Bích
Published: April 2022

Bài báo tổng quan một số công trình nghiên cứu về học qua chơi cho trẻ mẫu giáo. Câu hỏi nghiên cứu được đặt ra là “Các nhà khoa học nói gì về học qua chơi? Có điều gì khác biệt giữa các nghiên cứu trong và ngoài nước?”. Để thực hiện nghiên cứu, tác giả đã đọc, phân tích, tổng hợp 36 tài liệu có liên quan đến vấn đề này. Qua đó, tác giả đã tổng hợp được một số nội dung về học qua chơi như các thể loại, mục tiêu tổ chức, một số điểm khác biệt ở nghiên cứu trong và ngoài nước. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra một số điểm nổi bật: Ở Việt Nam, khi nói về học qua chơi, các tác giả hầu như chỉ đề cập đến “trò chơi học tập”, ý nghĩa của trò chơi này đến sự phát triển trí tuệ của trẻ; một số tác giả gợi ý các trò chơi học tập cho giáo viên và khuyến khích vai trò tích cực của giáo viên. Trong khi đó, các nghiên cứu quốc tế nêu nhiều điểm khác biệt về bản chất của học qua chơi, lợi ích của hoạt động này; mặc khác, các tác giả có nhiều tranh luận trái chiều về vai trò chủ động của trẻ, nhiệm vụ “hỗ trợ” của giáo viên.
THE TECHNIQUE OF EMPTINESS IN HAIKU POETRY AND THE WHITE SPACE IN JAPANESE INK WASH PAINTINGS
Authors: Như Nguyễn Diệu Minh Chân
Published: April 2022

Tương quan giữa thơ ca và hội họa trong nghệ thuật phương Đông từ lâu đã được nói đến một cách khái quát như: “thi trung hữu họa; họa trung hữu thi” (trong thơ có họa; trong họa có thơ). Nhưng những công trình nghiên cứu khoa học làm sáng tỏ mối tương quan đó thì nhìn chung vẫn chưa nhiều. Bài viết dựa trên cơ sở lí thuyết so sánh liên ngành trong văn học so sánh, đồng thời, thông qua việc khảo sát số liệu 102 tác phẩm thơ haiku và 98 tác phẩm tranh mặc hội nổi bật nhất ở Nhật Bản trong khoảng thời gian từ thế kỉ XVII đến thế kỉ XIX, để tìm ra điểm giao thoa giữa thơ haiku và tranh mặc hội. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra một trong những điểm giao thoa đó là thi pháp hư không trong thơ haiku và khoảng trống không bạch trong tranh mặc hội. Từ kết quả nghiên cứu này, bài viết mở ra hướng tiếp cận mới đối với thơ haiku Nhật Bản, đồng thời bước đầu tìm hiểu về phương thức tiếp nhận tranh mặc hội, vốn là một thành tựu văn hóa nghệ thuật đặc sắc, nhưng vấn đề tiếp nhận vẫn chưa được đào sâu nghiên cứu một cách sâu rộng ở Việt Nam. Mặc khác, công trình nghiên cứu cũng đóng góp những kết quả thực tế để phát triển mở rộng lí thuyết về so sánh loại hình trong lí thuyết so sánh văn học đương đại, tạo tiền đề cho những nhiên cứu mới trên phương diện lí luận.
RACH CAT FORT AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN CAN DUOC DISTRICT, LONG AN PROVINCE, VIETNAM
Authors: Huy Hà Triệu
Published: April 2022

Bài viết này nhằm tìm hiểu thực tế về đồn Rạch Cát, nơi được coi là pháo đài lớn nhất của người Pháp ở Đông Dương trong suốt thời kỳ thuộc địa cũng như đề xuất một số giải pháp cụ thể cho việc phát triển du lịch từ lợi ích của Đồn Rạch Cát. Tác giả đã sử dụng các phương pháp định lượng và định tính, bao gồm quan sát, phỏng vấn, thu thập dữ liệu, phân tích văn bản và phân tích chuyên sâu trong quá trình khảo sát thực tế và tìm hiểu thực tế để làm rõ các giá trị lịch sử của Đồn Rạch Cát và thực trạng bảo tồn và tiềm năng du lịch. Kết quả cho thấy Đồn Rạch Cát đang xuống cấp nghiêm trọng do không được bảo tồn và khai thác du lịch kém. Trong khi đó, địa điểm này đã được quân sự hóa từ lâu nên tiềm năng du lịch không có cơ hội được chính quyền địa phương khai thác. Qua đó, tác giả đề xuất một số gợi ý chính để di tích lịch sử này được bảo tồn tốt và nằm trong quỹ đạo phát triển của du lịch địa phương.