bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Combined Effect of Hot Water Treatment and Chitosan Coating on Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Kent) Fruits to Control Postharvest Deterioration and Increase Fruit Quality
Authors: Khalil Hoda A. , Abdelkader Mohamed F. M. , Lo’ay A. A. , El-Ansary Diaa O. , Shaaban Fatma K. M. , Osman Samah O. , Shenawy Ibrahim E. , Osman Hosam-Eldin Hussein , Limam Safaa A. , Abdein Mohamed A. , Abdelgawad Zinab A.
Published: January 2022

The synergistic effect of dipping in 55 °C for 5 min of hot water (HW) and 1% chitosan coating during the storage of mango at 13 ± 0.5 °C and 85%–90% relative humidity for 28 days was investigated. The combined treatment significantly suppressed the fruit decay percentage compared with both the single treatment and the control. In addition, the specific activities of key plant defense-related enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), markedly increased. The increase occurred in the pulp of the fruits treated with the combined treatment compared to those treated with HW or chitosan alone. While the control fruits showed the lowest values, the combination of pre-storage HW treatment and chitosan coating maintained higher values of flesh hue angle (h°), vitamin C content, membrane stability index (MSI) percentage, as well as lower weight loss compared with the untreated mango fruits. The combined treatment and chitosan treatment alone delayed fruit ripening by keeping fruit firmness, lessening the continuous increase of total soluble solids (TSS), and slowing the decrease in titratable acidity (TA). The results showed that the combined application of HW treatment and chitosan coating can be used as an effective strategy to suppress postharvest decay and improve the quality of mango fruits.
Evaluation of Tribulus terrestris Extracts Relative to Metformin on Oxidative Stress and Histopathology of the Liver for Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Al-Eisa Rasha A. , Tag Hend M. , ElNaggar Mohamed Salah , Abdelrazek Heba M. A. , El-Shenawy Nahla S.
Published: January 2022

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a metabolic condition that induces blood glucose levels to rise due to insulin deficiency and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of this study is to assess how efficient the antioxidant extracts Tribulus terrestris (TT) and metformin (MET) are in reducing oxidative stress and histopathology produced by streptozotocin in rat hepatocytes. The 36 male rats weighing 170–190 g of this study were randomly sorted into 6 groups. The first group was considered a normal control group, and the second and third groups were normal and remedy with MET and TT extract, respectively. The fourth group was positive diabetic, and the fifth and sixth groups were diabetic rats that were treated with MET and TT extract, respectively. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione (GSH) were detected, and the histopathology of the liver was evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment. Compared to regulation, morphological changes in the liver were found in diabetic animals, with a rise in LPO and a change in GSH levels as well as CAT and GST activities. The oxidative stress and histological architecture of the hepatocytes caused by hyperglycemia were improved as a result of therapy in the rats with MET and TT extract. Because of its antioxidant activities, diabetic rats with TT extract are more effective than MET in normoglycemia and hepatocyte reconditioning. Beneficial intervention tends to benefit primarily from direct ROS scavenging and CAT, GST, and GSH regeneration.
Recent Progress and Perspectives on Non-Invasive Glucose Sensors
Authors: Davison Nicholas B. , Gaffney Christopher J. , Kerns Jemma G. , Zhuang Qiandong D.
Published: January 2022

Self-monitoring of blood glucose forms an important part of the management of diabetes and the prevention of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. Current glucose monitoring methods either use needle-prick enzymatic glucose-meters or subcutaneous continuous glucose sensors (CGM) and thus, non-invasive glucose measurements could greatly improve the self-management of diabetes. A wide range of non-invasive sensing techniques have been reported, though achieving a level of precision comparable to invasive meters remains a challenge. Optical sensors, which utilise the interactions between glucose and light, offer the potential for non-invasive continuous sensing, allowing real-time monitoring of glucose levels, and a range of different optical sensing technologies have been proposed. These are primarily based upon optical absorption and scattering effects and include infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT), with other optical techniques such as photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) and polarimetry also reported. This review aims to discuss the current progress behind the most reported optical glucose sensing methods, theory and current limitations of optical sensing methods and the future technology development required to achieve an accurate optical-based glucose monitoring device.
Entropies and IPR as Markers for a Phase Transition in a Two-Level Model for Atom–Diatomic Molecule Coexistence
Authors: Baena Ignacio , Pérez-Fernández Pedro , Rodríguez-Gallardo Manuela , Arias José Miguel
Published: January 2022

A quantum phase transition (QPT) in a simple model that describes the coexistence of atoms and diatomic molecules is studied. The model, which is briefly discussed, presents a second-order ground state phase transition in the thermodynamic (or large particle number) limit, changing from a molecular condensate in one phase to an equilibrium of diatomic molecules–atoms in coexistence in the other one. The usual markers for this phase transition are the ground state energy and the expected value of the number of atoms (alternatively, the number of molecules) in the ground state. In this work, other markers for the QPT, such as the inverse participation ratio (IPR), and particularly, the Rényi entropy, are analyzed and proposed as QPT markers. Both magnitudes present abrupt changes at the critical point of the QPT.
A Comparative Assessment of Conventional and Artificial Neural Networks Methods for Electricity Outage Forecasting
Authors: Onaolapo Adeniyi Kehinde , Carpanen Rudiren Pillay , Dorrell David George , Ojo Evans Eshiemogie
Published: January 2022

The reliability of the power supply depends on the reliability of the structure of the grid. Grid networks are exposed to varying weather events, which makes them prone to faults. There is a growing concern that climate change will lead to increasing numbers and severity of weather events, which will adversely affect grid reliability and electricity supply. Predictive models of electricity reliability have been used which utilize computational intelligence techniques. These techniques have not been adequately explored in forecasting problems related to electricity outages due to weather factors. A model for predicting electricity outages caused by weather events is presented in this study. This uses the back-propagation algorithm as related to the concept of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The performance of the ANN model is evaluated using real-life data sets from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and compared with some conventional models. These are the exponential smoothing (ES) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models. The results obtained from the ANN model are found to be satisfactory when compared to those obtained from MLR and ES. The results demonstrate that artificial neural networks are robust and can be used to predict electricity outages with regards to faults caused by severe weather conditions.
The Study of VFTO Distribution in the Insulation System of IOCT Used in Traction Network
Authors: Su Zhonghuan , Luo Longfu , Liu Jun , Li Zhongxiang , Luo Hu , Bai Haonan
Published: January 2022

The FDS (Frequency-domain Dielectric Spectroscopy) of oil-immersed insulation paper, and semi-conductive paper with different moisture content, has been measured. The data measured are fitted as a function of frequency and moisture content using the amendatory Cole–Cole model utilizing the least square technique. Then, the broadband MTL model of the insulation system of IOCT (Inverted-type Oil-immersed Current Transformer) is established considering the capacitive electrodes thin layer, and the distribution parameters consider the moisture and frequency dependence. A new method for VFTO (Very Fast Transient Overvoltage) distribution calculation of insulation systems is proposed.
Conductor Temperature Monitoring of High-Voltage Cables Based on Electromagnetic-Thermal Coupling Temperature Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Yu Fuhao , Ma Zhe , Li Jian , Qian Jiang , Liang Xiaojiao , Zhang Jianzhong , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: January 2022

As a key state parameter of high-voltage cables, conductor temperature is an essential determinant of the current carrying capacity of cables, but in practice, this is difficult to measure directly during the operation of high-voltage cables. In this paper, the electromagnetic-thermal coupling analysis model of a 110 kV high-voltage cable is established using the finite element analysis software COMSOL. By analyzing the temperature distribution law of high-voltage cables under different load currents and ambient temperatures, the relationship between the change in the high-voltage cable surface temperature and the conductor temperature is deduced, which allows the monitoring of the high-voltage cable conductor temperature. Taking the 110 kV cable of the Yanzhong line in Shanxi Province as an example and using the electromagnetic-thermal coupling temperature field analysis method, the conductor temperature of the high-voltage cable can be measured using the data obtained from the cable surface temperature, which is measured by the self-developed Raman Distributed Temperature Sensor (RDTS) system with a maximum measurement error of about 2 °C. The method is easy to use and can achieve the accurate measurement of the conductor temperature without damaging the cable body.
Integrated Estimation of a Cyber-Physical System’s Sustainability
Authors: Schislyaeva Elena , Balashova Elena , Krasovskaya Inna , Saychenko Olga , Palkina Elena
Published: January 2022

Currently, in conditions of Industry 4.0, the use of cyber-physical systems in various fields is becoming widespread. This article is devoted to the problem of estimating CPS sustainability in the context of modern challenges faced by decision makers and IT developers in order to ensure effective proactive business process management using this innovative technology. The purpose of the research is to propose and substantiate a methodology for estimating CPS sustainability to ensure the reliability and strength of its elements, their interrelationships and interaction, as well as the effective functioning and development of this system in conditions of high dynamism and uncertainty of the external environment. In this study, we used methods of integral evaluation, synthesis, expert assessments, dynamic analysis, and systematic approach, and coined the term ‘CPS sustainability’. Our study showed that negative risks, external and internal threats may have a significant adverse impact on CPS sustainability. The reliability of this system should be evaluated on the basis of integrated indicators. The key indicators, reflecting the reliability of maintaining the properties of the CPS in a normal state of its function and further development, were identified. We propose a methodology for estimating CPS sustainability. In general, the presented results form the basis for improving CPS management to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of its functioning and development.
Multiobjective Optimal Control of Wind Turbines: A Survey on Methods and Recommendations for the Implementation
Authors: Gambier Adrian
Published: January 2022

Advanced control system design for large wind turbines is becoming increasingly complex, and high-level optimization techniques are receiving particular attention as an instrument to fulfil this significant degree of design requirements. Multiobjective optimal (MOO) control, in particular, is today a popular methodology for achieving a control system that conciliates multiple design objectives that may typically be incompatible. Multiobjective optimization was a matter of theoretical study for a long time, particularly in the areas of game theory and operations research. Nevertheless, the discipline experienced remarkable progress and multiple advances over the last two decades. Thus, many high-complexity optimization algorithms are currently accessible to address current control problems in systems engineering. On the other hand, utilizing such methods is not straightforward and requires a long period of trying and searching for, among other aspects, start parameters, adequate objective functions, and the best optimization algorithm for the problem. Hence, the primary intention of this work is to investigate old and new MOO methods from the application perspective for the purpose of control system design, offering practical experience, some open topics, and design hints. A very challenging problem in the system engineering application of power systems is to dominate the dynamic behavior of very large wind turbines. For this reason, it is used as a numeric case study to complete the presentation of the paper.
Correlation between Genetic Characteristics, Cell Structure and Material Properties of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) in Different Areas of China
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Hu Tao , Chang Yanting , Fei Benhua , Ma Yanjun , Deng Yayun , Xia Mengsi , Fan Keke , Zhang Xue , Jiang Zehui
Published: January 2022

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau), native to China, is one of the most economically and ecologically important bamboo species. Since the economic interests and the strong clonality, it has been widely cultivated in southern China, which inevitably reduces the natural stands and leads to gene loss in this species. In this study, three natural populations of Moso bamboo distributed in Anhui, Guangxi, and Zhejiang province, were used to analyze the correlation between phenotypic traits, cell structure, and material properties from the perspective of phenotypic, genetic, and environmental. Among those traits and properties, fiber width was correlated with wall thickness at breast height and average nodes length under branch positively. Leaf length was correlated positively with fiber lumen diameter and parenchyma lumen diameter. Furthermore, it showed a very close correlation between moisture content, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and diameter at breast height, clear height, and leaf length. The lumen diameter of fiber cell wall thickness is positively correlated with bending strength and modulus of elasticity. Density is positively correlated with parenchyma cell wall thickness. The experimental design is relatively detailed and representative, and the workload is huge. This study reflects the research objectives with scientific and rational experiments and data. This study will analyze the differences of various indicators from the perspective of genetic to build a bridge between micro-structure and macro-structure for rational utilization of the whole area of Moso bamboo resources in China.
Comprehensive Identification and Profiling of miRNAs Involved in Terpenoid Synthesis of Gleditsia sinensis Lam.
Authors: Yang Yuzhang , Wang Jing , Wang Chun , Chen Hui , Liu Yanping , Wang Yanwei , Gao Wei
Published: January 2022

Gleditsia sinensis Lam. is a tree with worldwide distribution and important economic and medicinal values; its pods contain terpenoids including gleditsioside, thiamine, and brassinosteroids. However, thus far, there are few studies on the terpenoid regulation of G. sinensis at the molecular level. microRNA (miRNA) is a class of small RNAs with conserved and crucial roles in the regulation of diverse biological processes during plant growth and development. To identify the miRNAs of G. sinensis and evaluate their involvement in terpenoid synthesis, this investigation quantified the content changes in saponins in pods at three developmental stages: May (pod-setting stage), July (elongation stage), and September (browning stage), and then we performed genome-wide miRNA profiles during the three development stages of the G. sinensis pods. A total of 351 conserved miRNAs belonging to 216 families were identified, among which 36 conserved miRNAs exist specifically in legumes. Through target analysis, 708 unigenes were predicted to be candidate targets of 37 differentially expressed miRNAs. The targets of miR838-3p and miR2093-5p were involved in the derived branches of monoterpenes and gleditsioside, in brassinosteroid biosynthesis (BRB), and in indole alkaloid biosynthesis (IAB). Intriguingly, the targets of miR829-3p.1 were predicted to take part in thiamine biosynthesis, and the targets of miR4414b and miR5037a were involved in the main process of cytokinin synthesis. The corresponding targets participated in BRB, IAB, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, which were enriched significantly, suggesting that miR2093-5p, miR4414b, miR5037a, miR829-3p.1, and miR838-3p play indispensable roles in the regulation of triterpenoid saponin and monoterpenoid biosynthesis. To date, this is the first report of miRNA identification in G. sinensis and miRNA expression profiles at different developmental stages of G. sinensis pods, which provides a basis for further uncovering the molecular regulation of terpenoid synthesis in G. sinensis and new insights into the role of miRNAs in legumes.
Impact of the Plastein Reaction of Casein Hydrolysates in the Presence of Exogenous Amino Acids on Their Anti-Inflammatory Effect in the Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Shi Yun-Jiao , Zhao Xin-Huai
Published: January 2022

In this study, papain-generated casein hydrolysates (CH) with a degree of hydrolysis of 13.7% were subjected to a papain-mediated plastein reaction in the absence or presence of one of the exogenous amino acids—Gly, Pro, and Hyp—to prepare four plastein modifiers, or mixed with one of three amino acids to prepare three mixtures. The assay results confirmed that the reaction reduced free NH2 for the modifiers and caused amino acid incorporation and peptide condensation. When RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to the CH, modifiers, and mixtures, these samples promoted macrophage growth and phagocytosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the CH shared similar activity in the cells as the mixtures, while the modifiers (especially the PCH-Hyp prepared with Hyp addition) exerted higher potential than CH, the mixtures, and PCH (the modifier prepared without amino acid addition). The plastein reaction thus enhanced CH bioactivity in the cells. When RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the inflammatory cells produced more lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and caused more four inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6) and two anti-inflammatory mediators (TGF-β1 and IL-10). However, the PCH-Hyp, PCH, and CH at dose levels of 100 μg/mL could combat against the LPS-induced inflammation. Overall, the PCH-Hyp was more active than the CH and PCH in reducing LDH release, ROS formation, and the secretion of these inflammatory mediators, or in increasing the secretion of the anti-inflammatory mediators. The qPCR and Western blot analysis results further confirmed that these samples had anti-inflammatory effects on the stimulated cells by suppressing the LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, via regulating the mRNA/miRNA expression of iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, TLR4, IL-10, TGF-β1, miR-181a, miR-30d, miR-155, and miR-148, as well as the protein expression of MyD88, p-IKKα, p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, and iNOS, involved in this signaling pathway. In addition, the immunofluorescence assay results revealed that these samples could block the LPS-mediated nuclear translocation of the p65 protein and displayed the same function as the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082. It was concluded that CH could be endowed with higher anti-inflammatory activity to the macrophages by performing a plastein reaction, particularly that in the presence of exogenous Hyp.
Fast Gelation of Poly(ionic liquid)-Based Injectable Antibacterial Hydrogels
Authors: Zhao Che , Sheng Chengju , Zhou Chao
Published: January 2022

Traditional antibacterial hydrogels have a broad-spectrum bactericidal effect and are widely used as wound dressings. However, the biological toxicity and drug resistance of these antibacterial hydrogels cannot meet the requirements of long-term clinical application. Imidazolium poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) are polymeric antibacterial agents exhibiting strong antibacterial properties, as they contain a strong positive charge. In this study, two imidazolium PILs, namely poly(N-butylimidazolium propiolic acid sodium) (PBP) and poly(N-(3,6-dioxaoctane) imidazolium propiolic acid sodium) (PDP), as high efficiency antibacterial agents, were synthesized by polycondensation reaction. Then, the PILs were compounded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) by a thiol-yne click reaction to prepare injectable antibacterial hydrogels. An in vitro assay showed that the injectable antibacterial hydrogels could not only quickly kill Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), but also had low toxicity for human skin fibroblasts cells (HSFs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), respectively. Additionally, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inflammation model revealed that the injectable antibacterial hydrogels also had anti-inflammatory effects, which would be advantageous to accelerate wound healing.
GOx/Hb Cascade Oxidized Crosslinking of Silk Fibroin for Tissue-Responsive Wound Repair
Authors: Shen Hongdou , Wang Pei , Han Xiaoke , Ma Mengli , Shang Yinghui , Ju Ye , Shen Saiji , Yin Feng , Wang Qigang
Published: January 2022

Promising wound dressings can achieve rapid soft-tissue filling while refactoring the biochemical and biophysical microenvironment to recruit endogenous cells, facilitating tissue healing, integration, and regeneration. In this study, a tissue biomolecule-responsive hydrogel matrix, employing natural silk fibroin (SF) as a functional biopolymer and haemoglobin (Hb) as a peroxidase-like biocatalyst, was fabricated through cascade enzymatic crosslinking. The hydrogels possessed mechanical tunability and displayed adjustable gelation times. A tyrosine unit on SF stabilised the structure of Hb during the cascade oxidation process; thus, the immobilized Hb in SF hydrogels exhibited higher biocatalytic efficiency than the free enzyme system, which provided a continuously antioxidative system. The regulation of the dual enzyme ratio endowed the hydrogels with favourable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and adhesion strength. These multifunctional hydrogels provided a three-dimensional porous extracellular matrix-like microenvironment for promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. A rat model with a full-thickness skin defect revealed accelerated wound regeneration via collagen deposition, re-epithelialisation and revascularisation. Enzyme-loaded hydrogels are an attractive and high-safety biofilling material with the potential for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and haemostasis.
Diane-35 and Metformin Induce Autophagy and Apoptosis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women with Early-Stage Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Wang Yang , Yao Dan , Chen Xing , Zhang Feifei , Feng Yi , Li Xin
Published: January 2022

Objective: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk ofendometrial carcinoma (EC). Previous studies indicated that the combined therapy of Diane-35 and metformin significantly suppresses disease progression in PCOS patients with early EC; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: An established murine model of PCOS with early EC, clinical specimens, and human EC cells was used in this study. The levels of protein and mRNA were measured with Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT, colony formation, and flow cytometry. Proteins were analyzed with immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Results: Diane-35 and metformin significantly inhibited proliferative activity and promoted apoptosis in EC cells. Additionally, cell autophagy was induced by the combined therapy. Quantitive PCR revealed that Diane-35 and metformin decreased androgen receptor (AR) expression but elevated GLUT4 expression. AR was found to repress GLUT4 expression by binding to the promoter of GLUT4. Moreover, the combined treatment mediated the onset of cellular autophagy by regulating the mTORC pathway via the suppression of IGF-1 and inhibited the development of EC by the activation of the PI3K/mTORC pathway. Conclusion: The results and previous clinical evidence support the use of Diane-35 and metformin combination therapy for patients with PCOS and early EC.
Heterotopic Heritage in Hong Kong: Tai Kwun and Neo-Victorian Carceral Space
Authors: Ho Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

The prison is specifically identified by Michel Foucault in his essay, ‘Of Other Spaces’ (1967), as an exemplar of “heterotopias of deviation”. Reified in neo-Victorian production as a hegemonic space to be resisted, within which illicit desire, feminist politics, and alternate narratives, for example, flourish under harsh panoptic conditions, the prison nonetheless emerges as a counter-site to both nineteenth-century and contemporary social life. This article investigates the neo-Victorian prison museum that embodies several of Foucault’s heterotopic principles and traits from heterochronia to the dynamics of illusion, compensation/exclusion and inclusion that structure the relationship of heterotopic space to all space. Specifically, I explore the heritage site of the Central Police Station compound in Hong Kong, recently transformed into “Tai Kwun: the Centre for Heritage and the Arts”. Tai Kwun (“Big Station” in Cantonese) combines Victorian and contemporary architecture, carceral space, contemporary art, and postcolonial history to herald the transformation of Hong Kong into an international arts hub. Tai Kwun is an impressive example of neo-Victorian adaptive reuse, but its current status as a former prison, art museum, and heritage space complicates the celebratory aspects of heterotopia as counter-site. Instead, Tai Kwun’s spatial, historical, and financial arrangements emphasize the challenges that tourism, government funding, heritage, and the art industry pose for Foucault’s original definition of heterotopia and our conception of the politics of neo-Victorianism in the present.
Ecological Study on the Oral Health of Romanian Intellectually Challenged Athletes
Authors: Vinereanu Arina , Munteanu Aneta , Stănculescu Alexandru , Farcașiu Alexandru Titus , Didilescu Andreea Cristiana
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to give an image of the oral health status and treatment needs of intellectually challenged athletes taking part in Special Olympics—Special Smiles (SO-SS) events organized in Romania during 2011–2019 and to find potential associations with socio-economic factors. An observational ecological retrospective study was conducted, and 1860 oral examinations were performed on participants aged 8 to 30 years in nine SS-SO events. Oral examination was performed under field conditions. Percentage of caries-free subjects, mean DMF-T index and its components (D = decayed; M = missing; F = filled; T = teeth), restoration index RI = [F/(F + D) × 100]%, and Plaque Index were calculated for each of the nine groups. Caries-free subjects ranged between 5.90% and 21.70%. DMF-T ranged from 4.27 to 7.71. Higher values for “F” component (range 0.66–1.69) and RI (range 13.02–27.74%) were found in events held in cities from regions with higher reported Gross Domestic Product. Sealants were present in 0 to 8.4% of the subjects. In areas with lower numbers of inhabitants per dentist, more sealants were found (p < 0.001). Romanian SO athletes exhibited relatively poor oral health, limited access to dental treatment, and low level of prevention. Targeted prevention and treatment programs adjusted to specific conditions in each geo-economic region are needed.
Mechanisms of Organ Damage and Novel Treatment Targets in AL Amyloidosis
Authors: Lavatelli Francesca
Published: January 2022

The deposition of amyloid light chains (LCs) in target sites translates into tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Clinical and experimental advances have cast new light on the pathophysiology of damage in AL amyloidosis. The currently accepted view is that, besides the alterations caused by fibrillar deposits in the extracellular space, direct proteotoxicity exerted by prefibrillar LC species is an important pathogenic factor. As our knowledge on the pathological species and altered cellular pathways grows, novel potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or reduce damage can be rationally explored. Complementing chemotherapy with approaches aimed at disrupting the deposited fibrils and stabilizing prefibrillar amyloidogenic LC may allow halting or even reverting damage in target sites. This review recapitulates the current knowledge and the most recent acquisitions regarding the mechanisms of organ damage in AL amyloidosis, with special emphasis on the heart, and will provide a critical discussion on possible novel treatment targets.
Changes in Metal Distribution, Vegetative Growth, Reactive Oxygen and Nutrient Absorption of Tagetes patula under Soil Cadmium Stress
Authors: Shi Hongzhou , Wang Yangmei , Chen Hong , Deng Fuxiang , Liu Yongan , Cao Guoxing
Published: January 2022

Phytoremediation with hyperaccumulator plants has been recognized as a potential way for the clearing of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. In this study, hyperaccumulator Tagetes patula was treated with seven concentrations of Cd, ranging from 0 to 300 mg kg−1. The Cd enrichment and nutrient contents in different organs during different growth phases were investigated. Under Cd concentrations ≤75 mg kg-1, the morphological growth of T. patula did not change significantly regardless of growth stage. However, when Cd concentration exceeded 150 mg kg−1, the morphological growth was remarkedly inhibited. The root/shoot ratio remained unchanged except for at 300 mg kg−1. In addition, Cd negatively influenced the flowering process at the concentration of 300 mg kg−1. Cd content increased significantly in Cd-treated plants. Nitrogen absorption was increased under Cd treatments, and phosphorus content was also increased under concentration ≤150 mg·kg−1. However, the potassium content in the flower was decreased under 300 mg kg−1. Furthermore, the contents of H2O2, O2− and malondialdehyde were increased during the seedling phase, especially when Cd concentration was ≥150 mg kg−1. In summary, T. patula showed a strong ability to tolerate Cd, and such ability might be explained by nutrient absorption and reactive oxygen clearness.
Advance Care Planning in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Scoping Review
Authors: Giordano Andrea , De Panfilis Ludovica , Perin Marta , Servidio Laura , Cascioli Marta , Grasso Maria Grazia , Lugaresi Alessandra , Pucci Eugenio , Veronese Simone , Solari Alessandra
Published: January 2022

Advance care planning (ACP) is increasingly acknowledged as a key step to enable patients to define their goals/preferences for future medical care, together with their carers and health professionals. We aimed to map the evidence on ACP in neurodegenerative disorders. We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed (inception-December 28, 2020) in addition to trial, review, and dissertation registers. From 9367 records, we included 53 studies, mostly conducted in Europe (45%) and US-Canada (41%), within the last five years. Twenty-six percent of studies were qualitative, followed by observational (21%), reviews (19%), randomized controlled trials (RCTs, 19%), quasi-experimental (11%), and mixed-methods (4%). Two-thirds of studies addressed dementia, followed by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (13%), and brain tumors (9%). The RCT interventions (all in dementia) consisted of educational programs, facilitated discussions, or videos for patients and/or carers. In conclusion, more research is needed to investigate barriers and facilitators of ACP uptake, as well as to develop/test interventions in almost all the neurodegenerative disorders. A common set of outcome measures targeting each discrete ACP behavior, and validated across the different diseases and cultures is also needed.
Refugees' Agency: On Resistance, Resilience, and Resources
Authors: Renkens José , Rommes Els , van den Muijsenbergh Maria
Published: January 2022

This study set out to answer the question ‘Which kinds of agency do refugees perform when dealing with mental health problems of themselves and their children?’. Aiming to gain more insight in why it seems harder for refugee parents and minors than for the native population to talk to health professionals about their mental health and wellbeing, we combined two theoretical notions of agency to investigate a broad spectrum of informants’ behaviour. We conducted 25 interviews with 30 refugees from 8 countries (Syria, Yemen, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Eritrea, Turkish Kurdistan, Vietnam), whose Dutch residence permit varied from 26 years to less than one year. Data were analysed through open and axial coding, followed by pattern analyses. Although sometimes refugees seek (mental) healthcare, at other times they show agency by doing ‘nothing’ or by deliberately using distracting activities to deal with severe stress. Making use of resources available to them, oftentimes refugees show agency in ways that are less visible to healthcare professionals, by surviving, showing resilience, and suffering. In these cases, we think healthcare for refugees should intervene in a non-medical way, e.g., by supporting them to obtain resources that help refugees to (re)gain agency.
Gender Differences in Psychological Stress Factors of Physical Therapy Degree Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bermejo-Franco Alberto , Sánchez-Sánchez Juan Luis , Gaviña-Barroso María Isabel , Atienza-Carbonell Beatriz , Balanzá-Martínez Vicent , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the mental health and quality of life of male and female physical therapy students at the European University of Madrid. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted including a range of tests capturing different domains: 36-item Short Form Health Survey, six-item state version of the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Three Items Loneliness Scale, four-item version of the Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory revised version, and Sleep Quality Numeric Rating Scale. (3) Results: A total of 151 students completed the study, consisting of 78 females and 73 males. Gender differences were observed on most of the domains evaluated. Female participants showed worse levels of general health perception, quality of life, depression symptoms, anxiety, stress, experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility, sleep quality and loneliness compared to male physical therapy students. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study support the need of psychological interventions as preventive programs in situations such as COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study comprise of improving knowledge, awareness, and self-coping strategies or other psychological domains oriented to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on mental health and health-related quality of life in university students, especially among female ones.
The Association between Social Participation and Loneliness of the Chinese Older Adults over Time—The Mediating Effect of Social Support
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Wu Lin
Published: January 2022

Based on activity theory, this paper employed data from the 2013, 2015, and 2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, and adopted Hierarchical Linear Modeling and longitudinal mediation analysis to explore the temporal variation characteristics of loneliness and the influence of social participation on loneliness in Chinese Older Adults, as well as the mechanism of them. The study found that loneliness among older adults overall was at a moderate level from 2013 to 2018 and increased over time, which may be related to decreasing social participation from year to year. Decreased social participation was associated with increased loneliness over time (β = −0.060, p < 0.001) and lower social support (β = 0.109, p < 0.001), which was associated with more loneliness (β = −0.098, p < 0.001). In addition, social support played a significant mediating role in the realization of social participation in alleviating loneliness. Social participation can not only directly reduce loneliness, but also reduce loneliness by increasing social support.
A Multinational Longitudinal Study Incorporating Intensive Methods to Examine Caregiver Experiences in the Context of Chronic Health Conditions: Protocol of the ENTWINE-iCohort
Authors: Morrison Val , Zarzycki Mikołaj , Vilchinsky Noa , Sanderman Robbert , Lamura Giovanni , Fisher Oliver , Ferraris Giulia , Elayan Saif , Buskens Erik , Bei Eva , Looijmans Anne , Angelini Viola , Hagedoorn Mariët
Published: January 2022

Informal caregivers are those who provide unpaid care to a relative or friend with a chronic illness, disability or other long-lasting health or care need. Providing informal care in the context of chronic health conditions presents a significant global challenge. Examination of the determinants of informal caregivers’ behaviour, especially in terms of motivations and willingness to provide/receive care, is crucial to understanding the nature of caregiver and care recipient experiences. A large group of international researchers have co-operated to execute the ENTWINE iCohort-a multinational, transdisciplinary, longitudinal study incorporating intensive methods to examine caregiver experiences in the context of chronic health conditions. The aim of ENTWINE-iCohort is to investigate the broad spectrum of factors, i.e., cultural, personal, geographical, relational, psychological, and economic that may affect motivations, willingness to provide or receive care, among diverse groups of informal caregivers and their care recipients, in different countries that have different care systems. Study questionnaires will be disseminated on-line in nine countries: Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the UK. Cross-sectional and longitudinal multivariate analysis, including intensive longitudinal and dyadic data analysis will be applied to examine the relative contribution of the above factors to caregiver or care recipient wellbeing.
Properties of Particulate Matter in the Air of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Related Health Benefits for Tourists
Authors: Bralewska Karolina , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Mucha Dominika , Badyda Artur Jerzy , Kostrzon Magdalena , Bralewski Adrian , Biedugnis Stanisław
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the mass concentration of size-resolved (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, PM100) particulate matter (PM) in the Wieliczka Salt Mine located in southern Poland, compare them with the concentrations of the same PM fractions in the atmospheric air, and estimate the dose of dry salt aerosol inhaled by the mine visitors. Measurements were conducted for 2 h a day, simultaneously inside (tourist route, passage to the health resort, health resort) and outside the mine (duty-room), for three days in the summer of 2017 using DustTrak DRX devices (optical method). The highest average PM concentrations were recorded on the tourist route (54–81 µg/m3), while the lowest was in the passage to the health resort (49–62 µg/m3). At the same time, the mean outdoor PM concentrations were 14–20 µg/m3. Fine particles constituting the majority of PM mass (68–80%) in the mine originated from internal sources, while the presence of coarse particles was associated with tourist traffic. High PM deposition factors in the respiratory tract of children and adults estimated for particular mine chambers (0.58–0.70), the predominance of respirable particles in PM mass, and the high content of NaCl in PM composition indicate high health benefits for mine visitors.
Analysis of Sustainable Transport Systems in Service of Selected SEA-EU Consortium Countries’ Airports—A Pilot Case Study of Passenger Choices for Gdańsk Airport
Authors: Tłoczyński Dariusz , Szmelter-Jarosz Agnieszka , Susmarski Sebastian
Published: January 2022

The article presents the results of a pilot study, namely a passenger survey on travel choices regarding commuting to the airport in one chosen location (Gdańsk, Poland). The study aimed at establishing which factors which influenced their travel time, assessment of travel time, choosing more or less sustainable transport mode, and also single-mode or multimodal travel. Research results show that choice of the means of transport influences travel time, that the highest travel times are generated by bus and car travel and that assessing the travel time as acceptable or not depends on travel time. However, the longer the travel time, the more likely was the passenger to accept it. What is more, it appeared that a few factors influence choosing a more sustainable transport mode: the purpose of the trip, the start of the trip to the airport, place of living, and job situation.
Automated Residential Area Generalization: Combination of Knowledge-Based Framework and Similarity Measurement
Authors: Gao Xiaorong , Yan Haowen , Lu Xiaomin , Li Pengbo
Published: January 2022

The major reason that the fully automated generalization of residential areas has not been achieved to date is that it is difficult to acquire the knowledge that is required for automated generalization and for the calculation of spatial similarity degrees between map objects at different scales. Furthermore, little attention has been given to generalization methods with a scale reduction that is larger than two-fold. To fill this gap, this article develops a hybrid approach that combines two existing methods to generalize residential areas that range from 1:10,000 to 1:50,000. The two existing methods are Boffet’s method for free space acquisition and kernel density analysis for city hotspot detection. Using both methods, the proposed approach follows a knowledge-based framework by implementing map analysis and spatial similarity measurements in a multiscale map space. First, the knowledge required for residential area generalization is obtained by analyzing multiscale residential areas and their corresponding contributions. Second, residential area generalization is divided into two subprocesses: free space acquisition and urban area outer boundary determination. Then, important parameters for the two subprocesses are obtained through map analysis and similarity measurements, reflecting the knowledge that is hidden in the cartographer’s mind. Using this acquired knowledge, complete generalization steps are formed. The proposed approach is tested using multiscale datasets from Lanzhou City. The experimental results demonstrate that our method is better than the traditional methods in terms of location precision and actuality. The approach is robust, comparatively insensitive to the noise of the small buildings beyond urban areas, and easy to implement in GIS software.
New Insight into the Coupled Grain–Disaster–Economy System Based on a Multilayer Network: An Empirical Study in China
Authors: Qu Hongjiao , Li Junli , Wang Weiyin , Xin Wenwen , Zhou Cheng , He Zongyi
Published: January 2022

Natural disasters occur frequently causing huge economic losses and reduced grain production. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly explore the spatial correlations between grain, disaster, and the economy. Based on inter-provincial panel data in China in 2019, this study integrates complex network and co-occurrence theory into a coupled grain–disaster–economy (GDE) multilayer network, which provides a new perspective to further explore the spatial correlation between these three systems. We identify the spatial coupled characteristics of the GDE multilayer network using three aspects: degree, centrality, and community detection. The research results show the following: (1) Provinces in the major grain-producing regions have a stronger role in allocating and controlling grain resources, and the correlation between grain and disasters in these provinces is stronger and more prone to disasters. Whereas provinces in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei economic zone, and the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta economic zones, such as Beijing, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Zhejiang, have a high level of economic development, thereby a stronger ability to allocate economic resources. (2) The economic subsystem assumes a more important, central role compared with the grain and disaster subsystems in the formation and development of the coupled GDE multilayer network, with a stronger coordination for the co-development between the complex grain, disaster, and economy systems in the nodal provinces of the network. (3) The community modularity of the coupled GDE multilayer network is significantly higher than that of the three single-layer networks, indicating a more reasonable community division after coupling the three subsystems. The identification of the spatial characteristics of GDE using multilayer network analysis offers a new perspective on taking various measures to improve the joint sustainable development of grain, disaster, and the economy in different regions of China according to local conditions.
Adaptive Feature Pyramid Network to Predict Crisp Boundaries via NMS Layer and ODS F-Measure Loss Function
Authors: Sun Gang , Yu Hancheng , Jiang Xiangtao , Feng Mingkui
Published: January 2022

Edge detection is one of the fundamental computer vision tasks. Recent methods for edge detection based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) typically employ the weighted cross-entropy loss. Their predicted results being thick and needing post-processing before calculating the optimal dataset scale (ODS) F-measure for evaluation. To achieve end-to-end training, we propose a non-maximum suppression layer (NMS) to obtain sharp boundaries without the need for post-processing. The ODS F-measure can be calculated based on these sharp boundaries. So, the ODS F-measure loss function is proposed to train the network. Besides, we propose an adaptive multi-level feature pyramid network (AFPN) to better fuse different levels of features. Furthermore, to enrich multi-scale features learned by AFPN, we introduce a pyramid context module (PCM) that includes dilated convolution to extract multi-scale features. Experimental results indicate that the proposed AFPN achieves state-of-the-art performance on the BSDS500 dataset (ODS F-score of 0.837) and the NYUDv2 dataset (ODS F-score of 0.780).