bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Axial Dynamics of Particle Manipulation With Weber Self-Accelerating Beams
Authors: An Sha , Peng Tong , Yan Shaohui , Yao Baoli , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2021

Optical manipulation of micro-particles with nondiffracting and self-accelerating beams has been successfully applied in many research fields such as chemicophysics, material sciences and biomedicine. Such operation mainly focuses on the particle transport and control in the beam propagation direction. However, the conventional optical microscopy is specifically designed for obtaining the sample information located in the lateral plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the detecting objective lens, making the real-time observation of particle dynamics in axial plane a challenge. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a technique which integrates a special beam optical tweezer with a direct axial plane imaging system. Here, particles are transported in aqueous solution along a parabolic trajectory by a designed nonparaxial Weber self-accelerating beam, and the particle motion dynamics both in lateral and axial plane are monitored in real-time by the axial plane imaging technique.
Proteomic Sequencing of Stellate Ganglions in Rabbits With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cheng Lijun , Wang Xinghua , Chou Hongda , Liu Tong , Fu Huaying , Li Guangping
Published: December 2021

The stellate ganglion (SG) of the autonomic nervous system plays important role in cardiovascular diseases (CDs). Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with sustained increasing cardiac sympathetic nerve activity. Expressions and functions of proteins in SG tissue after MI are remaining unclear. This study is to explore the expression characteristics of proteins in SGs associated with MI. Japanese big-ear white rabbits (n = 22) were randomly assigned to the control group and MI group. The MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation and confirmed by serum myocardial enzymes increasing 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining and echocardiography. The expressions of proteins in rabbit SGs after MI were detected using tandem mass tags (TMT) quantitative proteomic sequencing. There were 3,043 credible proteins were predicted in rabbit SG tissues and 383 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) including 143 upregulated and 240 downregulated proteins. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the DEPs involved in adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade, and other biological processes. Three kinds of proteins directly correlated to CDs were selected to be validated by the subsequent western blot experiment. This study first identified the characterization of proteins in rabbit SG after MI, which laid a solid foundation for revealing the mechanism of roles of SG on the MI process.
Genetic Diversity, QTL Mapping, and Marker-Assisted Selection Technology in Cotton (Gossypium spp.)
Authors: Kushanov Fakhriddin N. , Turaev Ozod S. , Ernazarova Dilrabo K. , Gapparov Bunyod M. , Oripova Barno B. , Kudratova Mukhlisa K. , Rafieva Feruza U. , Khalikov Kuvandik K. , Erjigitov Doston Sh. , Khidirov Mukhammad T. , Kholova Madina D. , Khusenov Naim N. , Amanboyeva Roza S. , Saha Sukumar , Yu John Z. , Abdurakhmonov Ibrokhim Y.
Published: December 2021

Cotton genetic resources contain diverse economically important traits that can be used widely in breeding approaches to create of high-yielding elite cultivars with superior fiber quality and adapted to biotic and abiotic stresses. Nevertheless, the creation of new cultivars using conventional breeding methods is limited by the cost and proved to be time consuming process, also requires a space to make field observations and measurements. Decoding genomes of cotton species greatly facilitated generating large-scale high-throughput DNA markers and identification of QTLs that allows confirmation of candidate genes, and use them in marker-assisted selection (MAS)-based breeding programs. With the advances of quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and genome-wide-association study approaches, DNA markers associated with valuable traits significantly accelerate breeding processes by replacing the selection with a phenotype to the selection at the DNA or gene level. In this review, we discuss the evolution and genetic diversity of cotton Gossypium genus, molecular markers and their types, genetic mapping and QTL analysis, application, and perspectives of MAS-based approaches in cotton breeding.
A Review of Cognitive Changes During Acute Aerobic Exercise
Authors: Cantelon Julie A. , Giles Grace E.
Published: December 2021

A growing body of work has investigated the effects of acute, or single bouts of, aerobic exercise on cognitive function. However, review of this research has largely focused on changes following exercise, with less focus on cognitive changes during exercise. The purpose of this review is to discuss the critical characteristics of this literature to date, including: (1) what has been done, (2) what has been found, and (3) what is next. Furthermore, previous meta-analytic reviews have demonstrated there is a small positive effect on cognition when measured during exercise, with executive functions showing the largest effects. However, these reviews group executive functions together. Here we explore how inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility are individually impacted by factors such as exercise intensity or duration. Searches of electronic databases and reference lists from relevant studies resulted in 73 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped by executive and non-executive cognitive domains, intensity and duration of exercise bouts. Within the executive domain, we found that effects on working memory and cognitive flexibility remain mixed, effects on inhibition are clearer. Moderate intensity exercise improves response time, vigorous intensity impairs accuracy. Moderate to vigorous intensity improves response time across non-executive domains of attention, motor speed and information processing, with no significant effects on accuracy. Memory processes are consistently improved during exercise. Effects of exercise duration on response time and accuracy are nuanced and vary by cognitive domain. Studies typically explore durations of 45 min or less, extended exercise durations remain largely unexplored. We highlight factors to consider when assessing exercise-cognition relationships, as well as current gaps and future directions for work in this field.
The Role of Language in Structuring Social Networks Following Market Integration in a Yucatec Maya Population
Authors: Padilla-Iglesias Cecilia , Kramer Karen L.
Published: December 2021

Language is the human universal mode of communication, and is dynamic and constantly in flux accommodating user needs as individuals interface with a changing world. However, we know surprisingly little about how language responds to market integration, a pressing force affecting indigenous communities worldwide today. While models of culture change often emphasize the replacement of one language, trait, or phenomenon with another following socioeconomic transitions, we present a more nuanced framework. We use demographic, economic, linguistic, and social network data from a rural Maya community that spans a 27-year period and the transition to market integration. By adopting this multivariate approach for the acquisition and use of languages, we find that while the number of bilingual speakers has significantly increased over time, bilingualism appears stable rather than transitionary. We provide evidence that when indigenous and majority languages provide complementary social and economic payoffs, both can be maintained. Our results predict the circumstances under which indigenous language use may be sustained or at risk. More broadly, the results point to the evolutionary dynamics that shaped the current distribution of the world’s linguistic diversity.
Managing the Uncertainties Inherent in Prohibitive Voice: How Leadership Interacts With Employee Political Skill
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Zhou Fan
Published: December 2021

Drawing from the uncertainty management theory, we examine how authoritarian leadership and humble leadership interact with employee political skill to predict prohibitive voice. We conducted a two-wave survey study of 43 managers and 176 subordinates in a power company in China. Our findings indicate that authoritarian leadership has a minimal negative effect on the psychological safety of employees with higher political skill, which in turn leads to a minimal negative effect on their prohibitive voice. Moreover, humble leadership is positively associated with prohibitive voice for employees with lower political skill. For employees with higher political skill, no type of leadership behavior has a significant influence on their prohibitive voice. We outline the implications of these findings for both theoretical and managerial practices.
The Effect of Cue Labeling in Multimedia Learning: Evidence From Eye Tracking
Authors: Hu Jialu , Zhang Jinkun
Published: December 2021

Cue labels are useful during multimedia learning. According to spatial contiguity principle, people learn more when related words and pictures are displayed spatially near one another. Well-arranged labels of multimedia material can greatly facilitate learning. This study used eye tracking to examine the joint influence of label size (large vs. small) and color (included vs. not) on multimedia learning. The results revealed that larger labels led to better retention test performance and a higher AOI glance count, but no cueing effect was found for color. Cues have a certain attention-leading function that promotes the learner remembering the content. These findings suggest that salient labels that provide explanatory information can guide learners’ attention and facilitate learning, though a combination of label size and color salience did not demonstrate a superior cueing effect.
Diversity in Psychological Research Activities: Quantitative Approach With Topic Modeling
Authors: Otsuka Sachio , Ueda Yoshiyuki , Saiki Jun
Published: December 2021

Recent cultural studies have discussed universality and diversity in human behavior using numerous samples investigated worldwide. We aimed to quantitatively extend this discussion to various research activities in psychology in terms of geographic regions and time trends. Most psychology departments have specialists in various fields of psychology. Further, research institutions in all regions typically aim to provide systematic and balanced research education. Nevertheless, most researchers recognize universal features and patterns of diversity in research activities in psychology in terms of regional differences and time trends. However, these arguments remain intuitive and vague, and no studies have conducted quantitative analyses. To this end, we conducted topic modeling for the abstracts of psychological articles with the regions of author affiliations and publication periods as covariates. The results showed that the topic proportions related to basic research were high in North-Central America, whereas those related to clinical research were high in Europe. Interestingly, the regional differences shown by topic modeling were not observed in the frequency analysis of keywords, indicating that topic modeling revealed implicit characteristics. Moreover, we observed an increasing trend of neuroscience topics across publication periods. However, this trend was not valid for the psychology journalPsychological Science. Taken together, our results suggest diversity of geographic regions and periods in research activities in psychology. More importantly, our findings indicate that universality holds neither for human behavior nor research activities on human mental processes.
The Processing Mechanisms of Two Types of Mixed Prospective Memory
Authors: Gan Jiaqun , Guo Yunfei , Wang Enguo
Published: December 2021

Mixed prospective memory (MPM) needs to be executed when both external time and event cues appear. According to the clarity of time cues, MPM can be further divided into two types: time-point MPM and time-period MPM. There is no research on these two types of MPM. Whether existing theories of EBPM can explain its processing mechanisms is worth exploring. The current study was aimed at examining the differences in attentional allocation characteristics between these two types of MPM and EBPM under different difficult ongoing tasks. The results showed that the attention consumption of the two types of MPM groups was less than that of the EBPM group in the early and middle stages of high cognitive load, but there was no difference between the three groups in the later stage of the task. The attention distribution of time-point MPM and time-period MPM displayed dynamic changes: the time-point MPM only had attention consumption in the later stage, while the time-period MPM also existed in the early and middle stages. These results support dynamic multiprocess theory.
The Empirical Investigation Between Ethical Leadership and Knowledge-Hiding Behavior in Financial Service Sector: A Moderated-Mediated Model
Authors: Mohsin Muhammad , Zhu Qiang , Wang Xiaojun , Naseem Sobia , Nazam Muhammad
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the impact of ethical leadership on knowledge-hiding behavior of the employees working in the financial services sector under the mediating role of meaningful at work and moderating role of ethical climate. For this purpose, data were collected from two hundred and fifteen employees of financial services providing organizations. The already-established scales were followed to develop an instrument that was used to obtain responses from the respondents. Collected data were analyzed by applying the structural equation modeling through Smart PLS and Process Macro. The results indicate that ethical leadership and meaningful work (MW) reduce knowledge-hiding behavior of employees at work, while ethical leadership positively impacts the influential work of employees at the workplace. Further, the relationship between ethical leadership and knowledge-hiding behavior is partially mediated by MW. Similarly, ethical climate moderated the relationship between ethical leadership and knowledge-hiding behavior. This research makes valuable contributions to the existing literature on leadership and knowledge management. From a practical point of view, this study stresses that managers at work should promote ethical leadership styles to promote MW, which will reduce knowledge hiding. Thus, in this way, it will enhance the innovation and creativity within organizational circuits. The limitations and future directions of this study are also listed.
What Family Circumstances, During COVID-19, Impact on Parental Mental Health in an Inner City Community in London?
Authors: Whitaker Lydia , Cameron Claire , Hauari Hanan , Hollingworth Katie , O'Brien Margaret
Published: December 2021

The introduction of lockdown due to a public health emergency in March 2020 marked the beginning of substantial changes to daily life for all families with young children. Here we report the experience of families from London Borough of Tower Hamlets with high rates of poverty and ethnic and linguistic diversity. This inner city community, like communities worldwide, has experienced a reduction or closure in access to education, support services, and in some cases, a change in or loss of income, job, and food security. Using quantitative survey items (N = 992), we examined what differences in family circumstances, for mothers and fathers of young children aged 0–5 living in Tower Hamlets, during March 2020 to November 2020, were associated with their mental health status. We measure parental mental health using symptoms of depression (self-report: Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale: PHQ-8), symptoms of anxiety levels (self-report: General Anxiety Disorder: GAD-7), and perceptions of direct loneliness. We find parental mental health difficulties are associated with low material assets (financial security, food security, and children having access to outside space), familial assets (parents time for themselves and parent status: lone vs. cohabiting), and community assets (receiving support from friends and family outside the household). South Asian parents and fathers across ethnicities were significantly more likely to experience mental health difficulties, once all other predictors were accounted for. These contributing factors should be considered for future pandemics, where restrictions on people's lives are put in place, and speak to the importance of reducing financial insecurity and food insecurity as a means of improving the mental health of parents.
Yohimbine-Induced Reactivity of Heart Rate Variability in Unmedicated Depressed Patients With and Without Adverse Childhood Experience
Authors: Deuter Christian Eric , Otte Christian , Wingenfeld Katja , Kuehl Linn Kristina
Published: December 2021

Stressful life events play a role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and many patients with MDD were exposed to developmental stress due to adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Furthermore, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and higher incidence of cardiovascular disease are found in MDD. In MDD, and independently in individuals with ACE, abnormalities in heart rate variability (HRV) have been reported. While these are often confounded, we systematically investigated them with a study which included MDD patients with/without ACE as well as healthy individuals with/without ACE. With this study, we investigated the influence of noradrenergic stimulation on HRV reactivity in unmedicated participants in a randomized, double-blind, repeated measures design. Our sample consisted of men and women with MDD and ACE (n = 25), MDD without ACE (n = 24), healthy participants with ACE (n = 27), and without ACE (n = 48). Participants received a 10 mg single dose of the alpha-2 antagonist yohimbine that increases noradrenergic activity or placebo on 2 separate days, with ECG recordings before and after drug administration at defined intervals. We found lower basal HRV in MDD and ACE: patients with MDD had reduced RMSSD whereas participants with ACE had lower LF-HRV. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no effect of yohimbine. With this study, we were able to replicate previous findings on HRV differences in MDD and ACE. From the null effect of yohimbine, we conclude that the yohimbine-induced sympathetic activation is not a significant driver of HRV in MDD and ACE.
The Importance of Suicide Risk Formulation in Schizophrenia
Authors: Berardelli Isabella , Rogante Elena , Sarubbi Salvatore , Erbuto Denise , Lester David , Pompili Maurizio
Published: December 2021

Suicide is a cause of early mortality in nearly 5% of patients with schizophrenia, and 25–50% of patients with schizophrenia attempt suicide in their lifetime. Evidence points to numerous individual, clinical, social, and psychological risk factors for suicide in patients with schizophrenia. Although recognizing suicidal risk factors in schizophrenia is extremely important in suicidal risk assessment, we have recently witnessed a change in suicide risk management that shifts the focus from suicide risk assessment to suicide risk formulation. Suicide risk formulation is dependent on the data gathered in the suicide risk assessment and assigns a level of suicide risk that is indispensable for the choice of treatment and the management of patients with a high suicidal risk. In this article, we extend the suicide risk formulation model to patients with schizophrenia. Suicide risk formulation results from four different areas that help clinicians collect as much information as possible for the management of suicidal risk. The four distinct judgments comprise risk status (the risk relating to the specific group to which the patient belongs), risk state (the risk for the person compared with his baseline or another reference point in the course of his life), available resources (on whom the person can count during a crisis) and foreseeable events (which can exacerbate the crisis). In schizophrenia, the suicide risk formulation model allows the clinician to evaluate in depth the clinical context of the patient, the patient's own history and patient-specific opportunities for better choosing and applying suicide prevention strategies.
Cariprazine Use in Early Psychosis: Three Case Reports
Authors: Coentre Ricardo , Saraiva Rodrigo , Sereijo Carolina , Levy Pedro
Published: December 2021

Objective: Cariprazine is a new atypical antipsychotic approved for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia (1, 2) and for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (1). Recently, cariprazine also got extended FDA-approval for the treatment of depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I disorder (3). The use of low doses of atypical antipsychotics is an essential component of early intervention in psychosis. For its particular performance and tolerability, cariprazine is becoming an important option for the treatment of first-episode psychosis.

Method: Three patients experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) were successfully treated with cariprazine. Two patients were in their first months of the disease, and the third patient was in his third year after the FEP.

Results: The three patients had a diagnosis of non-affective FEP, which includes schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. One of them was in their third year after the FEP with a predominance of negative symptoms at this stage of the disorder. All the patients were treated with cariprazine with a target dose of 3–4.5 mg/day. The three patients showed improvements in their psychosis, including a decrease in negative symptoms. No significant side effects were reported.

Conclusion: Our three case reports indicate that cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic beneficial in the treatment of early psychosis. Treatment with low doses of cariprazine could be effective and tolerable in this phase of the disorder. Future studies with longer follow-up of FEP patients are recommended to confirm these positive results of cariprazine in the early phases of psychosis.
Modeling Early Phases of COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern Italy and Its Implication for Outbreak Diffusion
Authors: Gandolfi Daniela , Pagnoni Giuseppe , Filippini Tommaso , Goffi Alessia , Vinceti Marco , D'Angelo Egidio , Mapelli Jonathan
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked an intense debate about the hidden factors underlying the dynamics of the outbreak. Several computational models have been proposed to inform effective social and healthcare strategies. Crucially, the predictive validity of these models often depends upon incorporating behavioral and social responses to infection. Among these tools, the analytic framework known as “dynamic causal modeling” (DCM) has been applied to the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding new light on the factors underlying the dynamics of the outbreak. We have applied DCM to data from northern Italian regions, the first areas in Europe to contend with the outbreak, and analyzed the predictive validity of the model and also its suitability in highlighting the hidden factors governing the pandemic diffusion. By taking into account data from the beginning of the pandemic, the model could faithfully predict the dynamics of outbreak diffusion varying from region to region. The DCM appears to be a reliable tool to investigate the mechanisms governing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 to identify the containment and control strategies that could efficiently be used to counteract further waves of infection.
Monitoring Lake Levels From Space: Preliminary Analysis With SWOT
Authors: Nair Akhilesh S. , Kumar Nitish , Indu J. , Vivek B.
Published: December 2021

Lakes are an essential component of biogeochemical processes, and variations in lake level are regarded as indicators of climate change. For more than a decade, satellite altimetry has successfully monitored variation in water levels over inland seas, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Through altimetry, the surface water levels are measured at varying temporal scales depending on the orbit cycle of the satellite. The futuristic mission of Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) scheduled to be launched in year 2022 shall offer the spatial coverage and resolution suitable for water level estimation and volume calculation in small water bodies like lakes worldwide. With a radar interferometer in Ka-band, SWOT proposes to provide two-dimensional maps of water heights 21 days repeat orbit configuration. Cycle average SWOT datasets for land will be developed with higher temporal resolution, with temporal resolution varying geographically. This work assesses the potential of SWOT for monitoring water volumes over a case study lake by analyzing SWOT like synthetic data produced using the SWOT simulator developed by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). With SWOT relying on a novel technology, the initial 90 days of this mission after launch shall focus on an extensive calibration and validation. Firsthand results of SWOT-simulated water levels and volumes are presented over a case study region in the tropical band, namely, Pookode Lake, in the ecologically fragile district of Wayanad, Kerala, India. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in Kerala that is being affected by anthropogenic activities, causing huge depletion in lake water storage in the last four decades. Our analysis indicated that the lake region is subjected to a rise in temperature of 0.018°C per year. We further assess the potential of remote sensing and SWOT data to monitor water storage of Pookode Lake, which is undergoing a rapid change. Results show that the proxy water surface elevations have immense potential in scientific studies pertaining to lake monitoring across the world. Overall, the study shows the potential of SWOT for monitoring the variability of water levels and volumes in this region.
Men’s Attitude Towards Contraception and Sexuality, Women’s Empowerment, and Demand Satisfied for Family Planning in India
Authors: Mejía-Guevara Iván , Cislaghi Beniamino , Darmstadt Gary L.
Published: December 2021

Whilst the prevalence of unmet need and contraceptive use remained unchanged for 10 years (between 2005–2015) in India, gender restrictive norms and power imbalances also have persisted, preventing married women from meeting their family planning desires. Data for this study are from the 2015–6 National Family Household Survey, which contains information on fertility preferences and family planning for women in reproductive age. As a proxy for men’s attitudinal norms, we aggregated men’s perceptions regarding contraception (contraception is women’s business, women who use contraception may become promiscuous) and control over their wife (if his wife refuses to have sex, men have the right to deny financial support, have sex with another woman, or beat wife) at district level. Using a three-level random intercepts model, we assessed individual and contextual-level associations of men’s attitudinal norms and met need for contraception among sexually active women (aged 15–49) with any demand for family planning, while adjusting for women’s empowerment indicators [education, job status, and adult marriage] and individual demographic factors. Our results indicate that men’s attitudinal norms are negatively associated with women’s contraceptive use; for instance, a 1 standard deviation increase in the proportion of men who believe that contraception is women’s business was associated with a 12% reduced likelihood of contraceptive use (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.95). Similar associations remained or were stronger after considering only modern methods, or when excluding female sterilization. Furthermore, our contextual effects analysis revealed that women’s higher education or wealth did not improve contraceptive uptake in communities with strong attitudinal norms, but working women or women married as children were more likely to use contraception in those communities. Our results suggest that men’s attitudinal norms may be dominating over women’s empowerment regarding family planning choices among reproductive age women. However, employment appeared to play a strong protective role associated with women’s contraceptive use. It is important for programs seeking to transform gender equality and empower women in making contraceptive choices to consider women’s employment opportunities and to also address male attitudinal norms in the context of the ecosystem in which men and women coexist and interact.
RETRACTED: Smartphone Interventions Effect in Pediatric Subjects on the Day of Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Li , Ma Jianping , Ma Dan , Zhou Xiaokang
Published: December 2021

Background: A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of smartphone interventions on the anxiety of the pediatric subjects at induction on the day of surgery compared to oral midazolam or standard care as control.

Methods: A systematic literature search up to June 2021 was performed and nine studies selected 785 pediatric subjects on the day of surgery at the start of the study; 390 of them were using smartphone interventions, 192 were control, and 203 were using oral midazolam. They were reporting relationships between the effects of smartphone interventions on the anxiety of the pediatric subjects at induction on the day of surgery compared to oral midazolam or control. The mean difference (MD) with its 95% CIs was calculated to assess the effect of smartphone interventions on the anxiety of the pediatric subjects at induction on the day of surgery compared to oral midazolam or control using the continuous method with a fixed or a random-effects model.

Results: Smartphone interventions in pediatric subjects were significantly related to lower anxiety at induction on the day of surgery (MD, −19.74; 95% CI, −29.87 to −9.61, p < 0.001) compared to control and significantly related to lower anxiety at induction on the day of surgery (MD, −7.81; 95% CI, −14.49 to −1.14, p = 0.02) compared to oral midazolam.

Conclusion: Smartphone interventions in pediatric subjects on the day of surgery may have lower anxiety at induction compared to control and oral midazolam. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Influence of Age on the Standardized Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Corn and Barley in Broilers
Authors: Barua Mukti , Abdollahi Mohammad Reza , Zaefarian Faegheh , Wester Timothy J. , Girish Channarayapatna Krishnegowda , Chrystal Peter V. , Ravindran Velmurugu
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDCs) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AAs) in corn and barley at six different ages (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) of broilers using the direct method. The apparent AA digestibility coefficients were corrected using age-appropriate basal endogenous AA losses. No age effect (p > 0.05) was noted for the SIDC of N in corn. The average SIDC of indispensable AAs (IAAs) and total AAs (TAAs) was influenced in a quadratic manner (p < 0.05) with the values being higher at day 7 that decreased at day 14, increased and plateaued between days 21 and 35 and dropped again at day 42. The average SIDC of dispensable AAs (DAAs) was influenced linearly (p < 0.05). In barley, the SIDC of N and average IAAs, DAAs and TAAs was affected (quadratic; p < 0.001) by age. The digestibility increased from day 7 to 21 and then plateaued up to day 42. The present findings confirm that the SIDC of AA in corn and barley are influenced by broiler age and that the age effect on AA digestibility may need to be considered for precise feed formulation.
Psychological Effects of Sweet Taste and Sweet Taste Preference
Authors: Schaefer Michael , Garbow Eileen
Published: December 2021

This review summarizes current studies on the psychological effects of sweet taste and its role in overweight and obesity. Recent psychological studies demonstrate intriguing relationships between the experience of sweet taste and social perceptions and behavior. For example, studies show that experiencing sweet taste affects “helping behavior” or interest in initiating a romantic relationship. Furthermore, given that the role of sweet taste in obesity has been suggested, we reviewed studies on the relationship between sweet taste preference and eating behavior, thereby examining the role of sweet taste (and the preference for it) in the global rise of overweight and obesity in adults and children. Finally, we provide an outlook on future research perspectives on the psychological effects of sweet taste, and suggest some fundamental issues that future research should address to help provide a comprehensive understanding of how sweet taste and sweet taste preference affect our thinking and eating behaviors.
An Update on Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments in Endodontics: Mechanical Characteristics, Testing and Future Perspective—An Overview
Authors: Zanza Alessio , D’Angelo Maurilio , Reda Rodolfo , Gambarini Gianluca , Testarelli Luca , Di Nardo Dario
Published: December 2021

Since the introduction of Nickel-Titanium alloy as the material of choice for the manufacturing of endodontic rotary instruments, the success rate of the root canal therapies has been significantly increased. This success mainly arises from the properties of the Nickel-Titanium alloy: the biocompatibility, the superelasticity and the shape memory effect. Those characteristics have led to a reduction in time of endodontic treatments, a simplification of instrumentation procedures and an increase of predictability and effectiveness of endodontic treatments. Nevertheless, the intracanal separation of Nickel-Titanium rotary instruments is still a major concern of endodontists, with a consequent possible reduction in the outcome rate. As thoroughly demonstrated, the two main causes of intracanal separation of endodontic instruments are the cyclic fatigue and the torsional loads. As results, in order to reduce the percentage of intracanal separation research and manufacturers have been focused on the parameters that directly or indirectly influence mechanical properties of endodontic rotary instruments. This review describes the current state of the art regarding the Nickel-Titanium alloy in endodontics, the mechanical behavior of endodontic rotary instruments and the relative stresses acting on them during intracanal instrumentation, highlighting the limitation of the current literature.
Attenuating Effect of Vitamin E against Silver Nano Particles Toxicity in Submandibular Salivary Glands
Authors: Bakr Mahmoud M. , Al-Ankily Mahmoud M. , Shogaa Sara M. , Shamel Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively used in many industries due to their superior antimicrobial properties. However, it is evident from many studies that AgNPs has cytotoxic potential through its effect on excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to examine the toxic effect of AgNPs on the submandibular salivary glands and the attenuating effect of vitamin E, as a natural antioxidant, against this toxicity. Thirty Albino rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 10): control group, AgNPs group receiving 2 mg/kg daily for 28 days, and AgNPs and vitamin E group receiving AgNPs the same as the previous group in addition to vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Microscopic, ultrastructural, and cytokeratin immune-reactivity examination of the glands were performed. The AgNPs group showed noticeable degeneration in all structures of the gland as evident in the histological and ultrastructural examination. The AgNPs and vitamin E group revealed an improvement of the glandular elements. A significant increase in cytokeratin immune expression was found after comparison of both groups (p = 0.01). This current study shows that vitamin E has powerful antioxidant properties, which can combat the cytotoxic effect caused by AgNPs. Further studies are deemed necessary to confirm this finding using other immunohistochemical markers, such as myosin and E-cadherin.
Embedded Upconversion Nanoparticles in Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Photodynamic Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chih , Lin Hung-Yin , Thomas James L. , Yu Jia-Xin , Lin Chien-Yu , Chang Yu-Hua , Lee Mei-Hwa , Wang Tzong-Liu
Published: December 2021

In this work, high-temperature pyrolysis was used to prepare both the core and shell of lantha-nide-doped UCNPs with lithium yttrium tetrafluoride (LiYF4) to enhance the green luminescence. Merocyanine 540 (MC540)-grafted magnetic nanoparticles were incorporated in the PD-L1 pep-tide-imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) particles, which were formed by precipitation in a non-solvent. UCNPs in the non-solvent bath were thus entrapped in the imprinted particles to generate composite nanoparticles for the targeting and photodynamic therapy of PD-L1 in tumor cells. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles in HepG2 human liver cancer cells was evaluated with the continuous administration of MC540/MNPs@MIPs/UCNPs under irradiation by an NIR laser. To understand the delivery of the UCNP-embedded molecularly imprinted pol-ymers, the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were also investigated.
Bacterial Lighthouses—Real-Time Detection of Yersinia enterocolitica by Quorum Sensing
Authors: Niehues Julia , McElroy Christopher , Croon Alexander , Pietschmann Jan , Frettlöh Martin , Schröper Florian
Published: December 2021

Foodborne zoonotic pathogens have a severe impact on food safety. The demand for animal-based food products (meat, milk, and eggs) is increasing, and therefore faster methods are necessary to detect infected animals or contaminated food before products enter the market. However, conventional detection is based on time-consuming microbial cultivation methods. Here, the establishment of a quorum sensing-based method for detection of foodborne pathogens as Yersinia enterocolitica in a co-cultivation approach using a bacterial biosensor carrying a special sensor plasmid is described. We combined selective enrichment with the simultaneous detection of pathogens by recording autoinducer-1-induced bioluminescent response of the biosensor. This new approach enables real-time detection with a calculated sensitivity of one initial cell in a sample after 15.3 h of co-cultivation, while higher levels of initial contamination can be detected within less than half of the time. Our new method is substantially faster than conventional microbial cultivation and should be transferrable to other zoonotic foodborne pathogens. As we could demonstrate, quorum sensing is a promising platform for the development of sensitive assays in the area of food quality, safety, and hygiene.
Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Downstaging or Bridging Therapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Gao Qimeng , Anwar Imran J. , Abraham Nader , Barbas Andrew S.
Published: December 2021

Liver transplantation offers excellent outcomes for patients with HCC. For those who initially present within the Milan criteria, bridging therapy is essential to control disease while awaiting liver transplant. For those who present beyond the Milan criteria, a liver transplant may still be considered following successful downstaging. Since the introduction of atezolizumab as part of the first-line treatment for HCC in 2020, there has been increasing interest in the use of ICIs as bridging or downstaging therapies prior to liver transplant. A total of six case reports/series have been published on this topic, with mixed outcomes. Overall, liver transplantation can be performed safely following prolonged ICI use, though ICIs may increase the risk of fulminant acute rejection early in the post-operative period. A minimal washout period between the last dose of ICI and liver transplantation has been identified as an important factor predicting transplant outcomes; however, further research is needed.
Combined Treatment with Immunotherapy-Based Strategies for MSS Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Baraibar Iosune , Mirallas Oriol , Saoudi Nadia , Ros Javier , Salvà Francesc , Tabernero Josep , Élez Elena
Published: December 2021

In recent years, deepening knowledge of the complex interactions between the immune system and cancer cells has led to the advent of effective immunotherapies that have revolutionized the therapeutic paradigm of several cancer types. However, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the tumor types in which immunotherapy has proven less effective. While there is solid clinical evidence for the therapeutic role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) and in highly microsatellite instable (MSI-H) metastatic CRC (mCRC), blockade of CTLA-4 or PD-L1/PD-1 as monotherapy has not conferred any major clinical benefit to patients with MMR-proficient (pMMR) or microsatellite stable (MSS) mCRC, reflecting 95% of the CRC population. There thus remains a high unmet medical need for the development of novel immunotherapy approaches for the vast majority of patients with pMMR or MSS/MSI-low (MSI-L) mCRC. Defining the molecular mechanisms for immunogenicity in mCRC and mediating immune resistance in MSS mCRC is needed to develop predictive biomarkers and effective therapeutic combination strategies. Here we review available clinical data from combinatorial therapeutic approaches using immunotherapy-based strategies for MSS mCRC.
TRPM7 Ion Channel: Oncogenic Roles and Therapeutic Potential in Breast Cancer
Authors: Cordier Clément , Prevarskaya Natalia , Lehen’kyi V’yacheslav
Published: December 2021

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a divalent cations permeant channel but also has intrinsic serine/threonine kinase activity. It is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues and studies have indicated that it participates in important physiological and pharmacological processes through its channel-kinase activity, such as calcium/magnesium homeostasis, phosphorylation of proteins involved in embryogenesis or the cellular process. Accumulating evidence has shown that TRPM7 is overexpressed in human pathologies including breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women with an incidence rate increase of around 0.5% per year since 2004. The overexpression of TRPM7 may be associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, so more efforts are needed to research a new therapeutic target. TRPM7 regulates the levels of Ca2+, which can alter the signaling pathways involved in survival, cell cycle progression, proliferation, growth, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and thus determines cell behavior, promoting tumor development. This work provides a complete overview of the TRPM7 ion channel and its main involvements in breast cancer. Special consideration is given to the modulation of the channel as a potential target in breast cancer treatment by inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion. Taken together, these data suggest the potential exploitation of TRPM7 channel-kinase as a therapeutic target and a diagnostic biomarker.
Vascular Proximity Increases the Risk of Local Recurrence in Soft-Tissue Sarcomas of the Thigh—A Retrospective MRI Study
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Caldari Emilia , Montanari Andrea , Fiore Michele , Cevolani Luca , Ponti Federico , D’Agostino Valerio , Bianchi Giuseppe , Miceli Marco , Spinnato Paolo , De Paolis Massimiliano , Donati Davide Maria
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to establish the prognostic effects of the proximity of the tumor to the main vessels in patients affected by soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the thigh. A total of 529 adult patients with deeply seated STS of the thigh and popliteal fossa were included. Vascular proximity was defined on MRI: type 1 > 5 mm; type 2 ≤ 5 mm and >0 mm; type 3 close to the tumor; type 4 enclosed by the tumor. Proximity to major vessels type 1–2 had a local recurrence (LR) rate lower than type 3–4 (p < 0.001). In type 4, vascular by-pass reduced LR risk. On multivariate analysis infiltrative histotypes, high FNLCC grade, radiotherapy administration, and type 3–4 of proximity to major vessels were found to be independent prognostic factors for LR. We observed an augmented risk of recurrence, but not of survival as the tumor was near to the major vessels. When major vessels were found to be surrounded by the tumor on preoperative MRI, vascular resection and bypass reconstruction offered a better local control.
Contact X-ray Brachytherapy for Older or Inoperable Rectal Cancer Patients: Short-Term Oncological and Functional Follow-Up
Authors: Custers Petra A. , Geubels Barbara M. , Huibregtse Inge L. , Peters Femke P. , Engelhardt Ellen G. , Beets Geerard L. , Marijnen Corrie A. M. , van Leerdam Monique E. , van Triest Baukelien
Published: December 2021

Total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is a major operation associated with morbidity and mortality. For older or inoperable patients, alternatives are necessary. This prospective study evaluated the oncological and functional outcome and quality of life of older or inoperable rectal cancer patients treated with a contact X-ray brachytherapy boost to avoid major surgery. During follow-up, tumor response and toxicity on endoscopy were scored. Functional outcome and quality of life were assessed with self-administered questionnaires. Additionally, in-depth interviews regarding patients’ experiences were conducted. Nineteen patients were included with a median age of 80 years (range 72–91); nine patients achieved a clinical complete response and in another four local control of the tumor was established. The 12 month organ-preservation rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 88%, 78%, and 100%, respectively. A transient decrease in quality of life and bowel function was observed at 3 months, which was generally restored at 6 months. In-depth interviews revealed that patients’ experience was positive despite the side-effects shortly after treatment. In older or inoperable rectal cancer patients, contact X-ray brachytherapy can be considered an option to avoid total mesorectal excision. Contact X-ray brachytherapy is well-tolerated and can provide good tumor control.
The Effectiveness of an Integrated Treatment for Functional Speech Sound Disorders—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Siemons-Lühring Denise I. , Euler Harald A. , Mathmann Philipp , Suchan Boris , Neumann Katrin
Published: December 2021

Background: The treatment of functional speech sound disorders (SSDs) in children is often lengthy, ill-defined, and without satisfactory evidence of success; effectiveness studies on SSDs are rare. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the integrated SSD treatment program PhonoSens, which focuses on integrating phonological and phonetic processing according to the Integrated Psycholinguistic Model of Speech Processing (IPMSP). Methods: Thirty-two German-speaking children aged from 3.5 to 5.5 years (median 4.6) with functional SSD were randomly assigned to a treatment or a wait-list control group with 16 children each. All children in the treatment group and, after an average waiting period of 6 months, 12 children in the control group underwent PhonoSens treatment. Results: The treatment group showed more percent correct consonants (PCC) and a greater reduction in phonological processes after 15 therapy sessions than the wait-list control group, both with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.89 and 1.04). All 28 children treated achieved normal phonological abilities: 21 before entering school and 7 during first grade. The average number of treatment sessions was 28; the average treatment duration was 11.5 months. Conclusion: IPMSP-aligned therapy is effective in the treatment of SSD and is well adaptable for languages other than German.