bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CONCEPÇÃO DE SEMELHANÇAS DE FAMÍLIA E O DESENVOLVIMENTO DA CONCEPÇÃO DE ÉTICA DE WITTGENSTEIN
Authors: Colares do Nascimento Matheus
Published: March 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho é argumentar contra a leitura convencional sobre o desenvolvimento da concepção de ética de Wittgenstein, em especial, no que toca ao papel que ela confere à concepção de semelhanças de família neste contexto. Para os defensores desta leitura a concepção de linguagem de Wittgenstein no Tractatus logico-philosophicus (TLP) restringe a sua concepção de ética tornando ambas incompatíveis. Tal incompatibilidade seria resolvida apenas com o desenvolvimento da sua concepção de linguagem. Isso permitiu um tratamento mais positivo para a sua concepção de ética, especialmente, a partir da concepção de semelhanças de família. Para esses autores, isso acarreta uma mudança na concepção de ética de Wittgenstein. Contra isso, defenderemos que há, na verdade, um sentido de continuidade na concepção de ética de Wittgenstein. Para argumentarmos em favor disso, mostraremos que Wittgenstein, mesmo posteriormente, continua sustentando pontos-chave desta concepção, a saber, a sua natureza não-empírica e necessária. Com isso, concluiremos que tal concepção é, na verdade, recontextualizada na discussão sobre a concepção de semelhanças de família.
EDUCAÇÃO NO NEOLIBERALISMO
Authors: Francisco Belito Vasco
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo tem como tema A Educação no Neoliberalismo: problema ou solução de desenvolvimento das Sociedades? Pretendemos reflectir sobre as contribuições que a educação enfrenta no neoliberalismo se são abonatórias ou não para o desenvolvimento das sociedades. A estratégia neoliberal de conquista hegemónica vai mais além do campo educacional, mesmo com prioridades, a educação e as políticas educativas regem por dependências dos grupos hegemónicos e das condições políticas da conjuntura histórica. O neoliberalismo é implementado por escolas e outras entidades na disseminação da centralidade económica como elemento estruturador das relações sociais e o Estado passando para a questão política. Com este horizonte, a educação é passada do índole dos direitos para índole do mercado, isto é transformar o direito social para um serviço, uma mercadoria que deve ser adquirida no livre mercado. O nosso país se iludiu com a necessidade da intervenção de mecanismos internacionais, onde as políticas neoliberais da educação são imposta por estes organismos (Banco Mundial e FMI) entre outros, que definem a forma como os países sobretudo pobres devem-se ajustar a globalização do capital e ao neoliberalismo. Como consequência do neoliberalismo na educação assistimos: menos recursos; prioridade no Ensino Básico; formação rápida e o barato apresentado como critério de eficiência; formação monos abrangente e mais profissionalizante; privatização de Ensino até superior; aceleração da aprovação para desocupar vagas e menor qualidade; turmas numerosas em todos Subsistemas de Ensino.
Palavras-chave: Educação, Neoliberalismo, Desenvolvimento, Sociedade.
PARA QUE SERVEM OS FILÓSOFOS?
Authors: Liria Carlos Fernández
Published: March 2023

Anais do “I Seminário de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da UNESAR”
DA AUTODIDAXÍA ENQUANTO PRESSUPOSTO METODOLÓGICO PARA A AUTÁRKEIA
Authors: Zmijewski Marcos Adriano
Published: March 2023

Anais do “I Seminário de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da UNESAR”
FRANTZ FANON E A VIOLÊNCIA
Authors: Gomes da Silva Bianca Gabriele
Published: March 2023

Anais do “I Seminário de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da UNESAR”
MONUMENTO E MEMÓRIAS: ESTUDO SOBRE A PRAÇA CAPITÃO KIRK (PORTO UNIÃO SC)
Authors: Bolincenha Marcos , Kobelinski Michel
Published: March 2023

Anais do “I Seminário de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da UNESAR”
O MITO DE SÍSIFO DE ALBERT CAMUS COMO DESAFIO ATUAL PARA O ENSINAR A FILOSOFAR
Authors: Martins Barreira Marcelo
Published: March 2023

Anais do “I Seminário de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da UNESAR”
SOBRE AS IDEIAS ORTEGUIANAS
Authors: Bertoletti Miriam
Published: March 2023

Anais do “I Seminário de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da UNESAR”
TRADIÇÃO, NORMAS RELIGIOSAS E JURÍDICAS NA ATENAS ALEXANDRINA
Authors: Silva Moreira Luiz Henrique
Published: March 2023

Anais do “I Seminário de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da UNESAR”
Microalgal polyunsaturated fatty acids: Hotspots and production techniques
Authors: Chen Weixian , Li Tianpei , Du Shuwen , Chen Hui , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2023

Algae play a crucial role in the earth’s primary productivity by producing not only oxygen but also a variety of high-value nutrients. One such nutrient is polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are accumulated in many algae and can be consumed by animals through the food chain and eventually by humans. Omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs are essential nutrients for human and animal health. However, compared with plants and aquatic sourced PUFA, the production of PUFA-rich oil from microalgae is still in the early stages of exploration. This study has collected recent reports on algae-based PUFA production and analyzed related research hotspots and directions, including algae cultivation, lipids extraction, lipids purification, and PUFA enrichment processes. The entire technological process for the extraction, purification and enrichment of PUFA oils from algae is systemically summarized in this review, providing important guidance and technical reference for scientific research and industrialization of algae-based PUFA production.
The pair ceramide 1-phosphate/ceramide kinase regulates intracellular calcium and progesterone-induced human sperm acrosomal exocytosis
Authors: Vaquer Cintia C. , Suhaiman Laila , Pavarotti Martín A. , Arias Rodolfo J. , Pacheco Guiñazú Anahí B. , De Blas Gerardo A. , Belmonte Silvia A.
Published: March 2023

Before fertilization, spermatozoa must undergo calcium-regulated acrosome exocytosis in response to physiological stimuli such as progesterone and zona pellucida. Our laboratory has elucidated the signaling cascades accomplished by different sphingolipids during human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Recently, we established that ceramide increases intracellular calcium by activating various channels and stimulating the acrosome reaction. However, whether ceramide induces exocytosis on its own, activation of the ceramide kinase/ceramide 1-phosphate (CERK/C1P) pathway or both is still an unsolved issue. Here, we demonstrate that C1P addition induces exocytosis in intact, capacitated human sperm. Real-time imaging in single-cell and calcium measurements in sperm population showed that C1P needs extracellular calcium to induce [Ca2+]i increase. The sphingolipid triggered the cation influx through voltage-operated calcium (VOC) and store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. However, it requires calcium efflux from internal stores through inositol 3-phosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) to achieve calcium rise and the acrosome reaction. We report the presence of the CERK in human spermatozoa, the enzyme that catalyzes C1P synthesis. Furthermore, CERK exhibited calcium-stimulated enzymatic activity during the acrosome reaction. Exocytosis assays using a CERK inhibitor demonstrated that ceramide induces acrosomal exocytosis, mainly due to C1P synthesis. Strikingly, progesterone required CERK activity to induce intracellular calcium increase and acrosome exocytosis. This is the first report, implicating the bioactive sphingolipid C1P in the physiological progesterone pathway leading to the sperm acrosome reaction.
A review of penicillin binding protein and group A Streptococcus with reduced-β-lactam susceptibility
Authors: Yu Dingle , Guo Danchun , Zheng Yuejie , Yang Yonghong
Published: March 2023

With the widespread use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global problem that endangers public health. Despite the global high prevalence of group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections and the global widespread use of β-lactams, β-lactams remain the first-line treatment option for GAS infection. β-hemolytic streptococci maintain a persistent susceptibility to β-lactams, which is an extremely special phenomenon in the genus Streptococci, while the exact current mechanism is not known. In recent years, several studies have found that the gene encoding penicillin binding protein 2X (pbp2x) is associated with GAS with reduced-β-lactam susceptibility. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current published data on GAS penicillin binding proteins and β-lactam susceptibility, to explore the relationship between them, and to be alert to the emergence of GAS with reduced susceptibility to β-lactams.
Origin and hydrochemical evolution of confined groundwater in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhan Guanghui , Li Jingzhu , Wang Hanmei , Wen Xiaohua , Gu Hua
Published: March 2023

Confined groundwater is an indispensable resource for the urban security of Shanghai, China, where multi-layer aquifer structures and human activities create a complex groundwater environment. An understanding of the hydrochemical characteristics and evolutionary mechanisms of groundwater is necessary for its protection and effective utilization and will be explored in this study. A total of 87 groundwater samples were collected from five confined aquifers. Hydrochemistry analysis methods such as Durov diagram, Gibbs model and Saturation index were used to determine the origin and hydrochemical evolution of the confined groundwater. The results show that the samples have two different origins, marine–continental and continental, which have different hydrochemical characteristics. Cl− content of 7.5 meq L−1 was used as a demarcation index for the two origins. The groundwater with a marine–continental-origin is dominated by ancient seawater from which Na+ and Cl− are derived, whereas Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− are derived mainly from carbonate dissolution. Groundwater with a continental-origin is dominated by the effects of water–rock interaction, where major ions are derived mainly from silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution. In both types of groundwater, SO42− is mainly derived from insoluble sulfides that are present in low quantities, whereas SO42− in the few samples with high insoluble sulfide content is derived from human activities. Cation exchange is another controlling factor regarding the hydrochemical composition of groundwater, and water from the two origins have different reaction modes as follows: reverse cation exchange is dominant in marine–continental groundwater, whereas positive cation exchange is more common in continental groundwater. Over the past century, saline water has been flowing into the groundwater funnel region due to human activities, which has resulted in changes in the hydrochemical composition. The recent influx of fresh groundwater and artificial recharge has caused groundwater salinization and mineral re-dissolution.
Study on rock-breaking efficiency evaluation of TBM disc cutters based on Rostami prediction equations
Authors: Zhou Guanghong , Wang Xuchun , Wang Ding , Luo Minhe , Hao Zhanpeng , Wu Wenrui
Published: March 2023

As the main cutting tool of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for rock-breaking, the rock-breaking efficiency of TBM disc cutters directly affects the TBM’s boring speed, which in turn affects the overall progress of the tunnelling project. Therefore, a simple and accurate evaluation method of the rock-breaking efficiency of TBM disc cutters is an essential prerequisite to improve the rock-breaking performance of TBM. In this paper, the classical force prediction equations of disc cutters were summarized and the applicability of each equation for the constant cross-section disc cutters was analyzed. The calculation equation of the specific energy per ring of TBM rock-breaking was derived based on the Rostami prediction equations and the specific energy theory for disc cutter rock-breaking. The specific energy per ring equation was verified through a practical engineering case. The results show that the maximum relative error of the effective thrust force and the effective torque of the cutter head based on the Rostami force prediction equations is 9.8%. The relative error of the specific energy per ring is 8.0%, which indicates that the prediction of the specific energy per ring equation can accurately reflect the rock-breaking efficiency of disc cutters. The derived equation of the specific energy per ring can not only simplify the rock-breaking efficiency evaluation of TBM disc cutters, but also serve as a valuable reference for practical engineering projects.
Effect of land use and environmental variables on phytoplankton community structure in high-elevation river, upper Yangtze river, China
Authors: Wang Zunyan , Li Qi , Tian Yulu , Li Xi , Chen Xingyu , Tian Yu , Xue Jie
Published: March 2023

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an ecologically fragile region. The changes in physicochemical parameters of water quality [PPOWQ] and land use types [LUT] in different regions will affect the phytoplankton community in rivers, thus threatening the ecosystem. Taking the phytoplankton community as an indicator variable, it is of great significance to study the relative influence of symbiotic factors on regulating human activities and river ecological protection. The results showed that the proportions of Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta, and Chlorophyta were >84% in the phytoplankton community of taxa composition. The abundance of the phytoplankton community varied from 1.47 × 105 to 7.58 × 105 cells/L. Bacillariophyta had the highest average abundance (>82%). The results of the variance partitioning analysis showed that PPOWQ was the main variable affecting the changes in the phytoplankton community. Redundancy analysis showed that local factors (total nitrogen, salinity, water temperature) and regional factors (forestland, grassland, unused land) (p < 0.05) were the main factors causing the changes in community structure and abundance of dominant algae. The analysis of structural equation models showed that LUT had the least direct impact on the abundance of the phytoplankton community, mainly through changing nutrients and physical parameters. Water temperature and nutrients are still the main factors affecting phytoplankton community abundance. Farmland and forestland are the main sources of total nitrogen in rivers. In general, in the ecologically vulnerable area, it is of guiding significance for the ecological monitoring and management of plateau rivers. In addition to considering water quality, it is also necessary to reasonably plan the LUT around rivers.
Does the integration of agriculture and tourism promote agricultural green total factor productivity?—Province-level evidence from China
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhou Faming , Chen Chen , Luo Zhonghua
Published: March 2023

The integrated development of agriculture and tourism is conducive to the realization of agricultural ecological value, which will promote the green development of agriculture and improve the green total factor productivity of agriculture as well. Based on panel data in China from 2008 to 2019, the super-efficiency SBM method and the coupling coordination degree model were used to estimate the agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) and the integration level of agriculture and tourism (ATL). The dynamic spatial Durbin model and threshold effect model were used to demonstrate the effects and characteristics of the agriculture and tourism integration on AGTFP. Results showed that: 1) During the study period, AGTFP and ATL increased steadily, and showed obvious spatial agglomeration characteristics; 2) The integration of agriculture and tourism will directly promote the improvement of AGTFP in the local region, and this impact has a spatial spillover effect. The direct effect in the central region in China is the strongest, and the spillover effect in the eastern region is the largest. 3) The influence of the agriculture and tourism integration on AGTFP was enhanced with the improvement of ATL, showing a threshold characteristic. From the perspective of subregion, the threshold value of ATL in the eastern region is the lowest, while the threshold value in the western region is the highest. The results of this study provide useful enlightenment for promoting the deep integration of agriculture and tourism and improvement of AGTFP so as to promote the green development of agriculture.
Quantitative analysis of the spatial diversity of Moraceae in China
Authors: Lu Dangui , Qiu Lichuan , Jiao Meiqi , Feng Zhongke , Wang Zhichao
Published: March 2023

Changes in distribution patterns of economically essential forest species under global change are urgently needed in the scientific forecast, and large-scale spatial modeling is a crucial tool. Using diversity pattern indicators and other data obtained through geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data on Moraceae species obtained from published data, we quantitatively studied the spatial diversity patterns of genera in the Moraceae in China. The results revealed that the patch richness, diversity index, and total shape index of the genera with multiple species were significantly higher than those of the monotypic genera. Monotypic genera had no spatial diversity and no distribution in patterns of spatial diversity. Maclura had the most concentrated spatial distribution and the lowest distribution area among the Moraceae in China. The number of patches and the total area were the smallest, while the most significant patch index was the highest. Maclura had no spatial diversity. Streblus had the highest patch abundance compared to other genera with fewer species. Streblus had the smallest number of patches and total area of distribution, the lowest spatial distribution, and a small total shape index, indicating its concentrated distribution. The values of the Shannon’s Diversity Index (SHDI) and Simpson’s Diversity Index (SIDI) were the highest, and the spatial distribution was the most diverse among the genera with fewer species. The patch type of Streblus had a more considerable value than other genera, but the number of patches was small, and the total shape index was low. Streblus was primarily distributed in the south of Yunnan, western Guangxi, the west and central parts of Hainan, and southern Guangdong. Most of these areas were mountainous. The temperature decreased with elevation, providing diverse environmental conditions for the narrow-stem genus. Among the Moraceae in China, the spatial distribution of Ficus was the most diverse, with the highest number of patches, patch types, total shape index, SHDI, and SIDI values. The spatial diversity of Ficus could be used as a protected area for Moraceae in China.
Physiological and life history responses in a mayfly (Callibaetis floridanus) inhabiting ponds with saltwater intrusion
Authors: Cochran Jamie K. , Funk David H. , Buchwalter David B.
Published: March 2023

Freshwater salinity varies in natural systems and plays a role in species distribution. Anthropogenic alterations to freshwater salinity regimes include sea level rise and subsequent intrusion of saline waters to inland habitats. While mayflies are generalized to be sensitive to increasing salinity, we still know remarkably little about the physiological processes (and their plasticity) that determine the performance of species in a changing world. Here, we explored life-history outcomes and physiological plasticity in a population of Callibaetis floridanus (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from a coastal pond that routinely experiences saltwater intrusion. We reared naiads from egg hatch to adulthood across a gradient of increasing salinities (113, 5,020, 9,921 μS/cm). Radiotracer flux studies (22Na, 35SO4, and 45Ca) were conducted in naiads reared at each salinity, revealing a positive association between ionic concentration and uptake rates. However, the influence of rearing history on ionic influx rates was apparent when naiads were transferred from their respective rearing water to the other experimental conditions. For example, we observed that naiads reared in the low salinity treatment (113 μS/cm) had 10.8-fold higher Na uptake rates than naiads reared at 9,921 μS/cm and transferred to 113 μS/cm. Additionally, naiads acclimated to the higher salinity water exhibited reduced uptake in ion-rich water relative to those reared in more dilute conditions (e.g., in 9,921 μS/cm water, 113 and 5,020 μS/cm acclimated naiads had 1.5- and 1.1-fold higher Na uptake rates than 9,921 μS/cm acclimated naiads, respectively). We found no significant changes in survival (80 ± 4.4%, mean ± s.e.m.) or naiad development time (24 ± 0.3 days, mean ± s.e.m.) across these treatments but did observe a 27% decrease in subimago female body weight in the most dilute condition. This reduction in female weight was associated with higher oxygen consumption rates in naiads relative to the other rearing conditions. Collectively, these data suggests that saline adapted C. floridanus may be more energetically challenged in dilute conditions, which differs from previous observations in other mayfly species.
Evolution of parental roles in phase portraits of bimatrix asymmetric games
Authors: Semenova Olga Vladimirovna , Brazhnikov Alexey Alexeevich , Butovskaya Marina Lvovna
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we address the evolutionary dynamic of parental roles using game theory. The main purpose of the article was to expand a classical list of evolutionary dynamic parental conflicts by adding some important cases which hitherto have not been intensively studied. Our models are apt to deliver some novel insights into the evolution of parental care. We also introduced several hypothetical events that served as illustrations of an arising alteration in cost-benefits for both parents and simulated a subsequent evolutionary endpoint. Our models revealed that evolutionary outcomes for reproductive decisions of both parents could be completely predicted by certain payoff matrices, which serve as proxies for a Darwinian fitness gain. In this sense, the result of a frequency-dependent selection on reproductive traits would inevitably depend on fitness costs and benefits arising for both parents in various circumstances. We demonstrated that population division could be a plausible evolutionary consequence for any human mating game where ‘reproductive defection’ represents the best response to any action by the reproductive opponent. We conclude that future evolutionary studies of human reproductive behavior should be more oriented on estimating a sex-biased asymmetry in potential fitness gains obtained by cooperative and deceptive parents in diverse environments and cultures.
Biomarkers predicting clinical outcomes in nasopharyngeal cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qian Xiaoyan , Chen Haizhu , Tao Yunxia
Published: March 2023

Background

Optimal biomarkers to select patients who will benefit most from immunotherapy remain lacking in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between various biomarkers and clinical outcomes in NPC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

Systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were performed up to October 2022. Studies evaluating the association between biomarkers and intended outcomes of ICIs were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, respectively, for the objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) under fixed or random-effect models.

Results

A total of 15 studies involving 1,407 patients were included. The pooled analysis indicated that NPC patients with lower plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA level at baseline (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.46-3.14, P < 0.001), decreased EBV DNA load during immunotherapy (OR = 4.57, 95% CI: 2.24-9.34, P = 0.002) and higher programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.36-4.09, P = 0.002) had superior ORR than the counterparts. No significant differences of ORR were observed between positive PD-L1 expression and negative PD-L1 expression (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.92-2.45, P = 0.104), as well as higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and lower TMB (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 0.41-6.44, P = 0.494). Patients with lower plasma EBV DNA level at baseline obtained a significant benefit on PFS than those with higher plasma EBV DNA level (HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.42-0.63, P < 0.001). There were no differences in PFS between decreased EBV DNA load and increased EBV DNA load during immunotherapy (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.22-1.17, P = 0.109), higher PD-L1 expression and lower PD-L1 expression (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-1.01, P = 0.054), positive PD-L1 expression and negative PD-L1 expression (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.64-1.26, P = 0.531), lower TMB and higher TMB (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.51-1.38, P = 0.684).

Conclusion

Lower baseline plasma EBV DNA level, decreased plasma EBV DNA during immunotherapy, and higher PD-L1 expression are reliable biomarkers predicting better response to ICIs treatment. Lower baseline plasma EBV DNA level was also associated with longer PFS. It is warranted to further explore and better illuminate the utility of these biomarkers in future clinical trials and real-world practice.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022324434.
Analysis of environmental factors impact on water transparency off southeastern Vietnam
Authors: Sun Yan , Xu Yuanxing , Liu Dazhao , Xu Guangjun
Published: March 2023

Seawater transparency, one of the important parameters to evaluate the marine ecological environment and functions, can be measured using the Secchi disk depth (SDD). In this study, we use multi-source remote sensing data and other fused data from 2011 to 2020 to study the spatial distribution and variation of SDD off southeastern Vietnam. The monthly average of SDD in the study area has obvious seasonal variation characteristics and shows a double peak characteristic. An important observation is a significant decrease in transparency from July to September each year, which is far lower than other nearby seas. To study this low SDD phenomenon, the generalized additive model (GAM) is used to determine the main environmental factors. The response relationship between SDD and environmental factors on different time scales is explained through empirical mode decomposition (EMD) analysis experiments. The results show that the comprehensive explanation rate of the GAM model is 72.1%, and the main environmental factors affecting SDD all have non-linear response relationships with SDD. The contributions are ranked as sea surface salinity (SSS)> offshore current velocity (Cu)> wind direction (WD)> offshore Ekman transport (ETu)> sea surface temperature (SST)> mean direction of wind waves (MDWW). SDD is positively correlated with SSS and SST, and negatively correlated with Cu and ETu. SSS, Cu, ETu, and SST have a significant effect on SDD at interannual scales. Long-term changes in SDD are driven by SSS, Cu, WD, and SST. Generally, SSS has the most comprehensive impact on SDD. WD indirectly has a non-negligible impact on SDD by changing ocean dynamics processes.
Silent infarction in sickle cell disease is associated with brain volume loss in excess of infarct volume
Authors: Jones R. Sky , Donahue Manus J. , Davis L. Taylor , Pruthi Sumit , Waddle Spencer L. , Custer Chelsea , Patel Niral J. , DeBaun Michael R. , Kassim Adetola A. , Rodeghier Mark , Jordan Lori C.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) increases cerebral infarct risk, but reported effects on brain volume have varied. More detailed information using larger cohorts and contemporary methods could motivate the use of longitudinal brain volume assessment in SCD as an automated marker of disease stability or future progression. The purpose of this study was to rigorously evaluate whether children and young adults with SCD have reduced gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV) compared to healthy controls using high-resolution MRI. We tested the hypotheses that (i) elevated CBF, a marker of cerebral hemodynamic compensation in SCD, is associated with global and regional brain atrophy, and (ii) silent cerebral infarct burden is associated with brain atrophy in excess of infarct volume.

Methods

Healthy controls (n = 49) and SCD participants without overt stroke (n = 88) aged 7–32 years completed 3 T brain MRI; pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling measured CBF. Multivariable linear regressions assessed associations of independent variables with GMV, WMV, and volumes of cortical/subcortical regions.

Results

Reduced hemoglobin was associated with reductions in both GMV (p = 0.032) and WMV (p = 0.005); reduced arterial oxygen content (CaO2) was also associated with reductions in GMV (p = 0.035) and WMV (p = 0.006). Elevated gray matter CBF was associated with reduced WMV (p = 0.018). Infarct burden was associated with reductions in WMV 30-fold greater than the infarct volume itself (p = 0.005). Increased GM CBF correlated with volumetric reductions of the insula and left and right caudate nuclei (p = 0.017, 0.017, 0.036, respectively). Infarct burden was associated with reduced left and right nucleus accumbens, right thalamus, and anterior corpus callosum volumes (p = 0.002, 0.002, 0.009, 0.002, respectively).

Discussion

We demonstrate that anemia and decreased CaO2 are associated with reductions in GMV and WMV in SCD. Increased CBF and infarct burden were also associated with reduced volume in subcortical structures. Global WMV deficits associated with infarct burden far exceed infarct volume itself. Hemodynamic compensation via increased cerebral blood flow in SCD seems inadequate to prevent brain volume loss. Our work highlights that silent cerebral infarcts are just a portion of the brain injury that occurs in SCD; brain volume is another potential biomarker of brain injury in SCD.
Bibliometric and visualised analysis on non-invasive cerebellar stimulation from 1995 to 2021
Authors: He Lin , Guo Qi-Fan , Hu Yu , Tan Hui-Xin , Chen Yi , Wang Chen-Han , Zhou Tian-Yu , Gao Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background

The non-invasive cerebellar stimulation (NICS) is a neural modulation technique, which shows the therapeutic and diagnostic potentials for rehabilitating brain functions in neurological or psychiatric diseases. There is a rapid growth in the clinical research related to NICS in recent years. Hence, we applied a bibliometric approach to analyze the current status, the hot spots, and the trends of NICS visually and systematically.

Methods

We searched the NICS publications from the Web of Science (Wos) between 1995 and 2021. Both VOSviewer (1.6.18) and Citespace (Version 6.1.2) software were used to generate the co-occurrence or co-cited network maps about the authors, institutions, countries, journals, and keywords.

Results

A total of 710 articles were identified in accordance with our inclusion criteria. The linear regression analysis shows a statistical increase in the number of publications per year on NICS research over time (p < 0.001). The Italy and University College London ranked the first in this field with 182 and 33 publications, respectively. Koch, Giacomo was the most prolific author (36 papers). The journal of Cerebellum, Brain stimulation and Clinical neurophysiology were the most three productive journals to publish NICS-related articles.

Conclusion

Our findings provide the useful information regarding to the global trends and frontiers in NICS field. Hot topic was focused on the interaction between the transcranial direct current stimulation and functional connectivity in the brain. It could guide the future research and clinical application of NICS.
Craniofacial and upper airway morphological characteristics associated with the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in Chinese children
Authors: Xu Qiuping , Wang Xiaoya , Li Na , Wang Ying , Xu Xin , Guo Jing
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To identify craniofacial and upper airway morphological characteristics associated with the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.

Methods

This study consisted of 82 OSA children and 77 controls (age 5–10 years). All subjects underwent cephalograms and were divided into a 5–7 age group and an 8–10 age group. Cephalometric variables were compared between OSA children and controls, and hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between cephalometric variables and OSA severity [expressed by the obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (OAHI)] in different age groups.

Results

Increased A/N ratio, narrowed posterior airway space, decreased SNA and SNB angles, and shortened ramus height were observed among OSA children in different age groups. In the 5–7 age group, the A/N ratio and a lower gonial angle explained 40.0% and 14.7% of the variance in the OAHI, respectively. In the 8–10 age group, the BMI z-score and A/N ratio explained 25.2% and 6.6% of the variance in the OAHI, followed by a lower gonial angle and the hyoid-retrognathion distance (19.1% in total).

Conclusions

Adenoid hypertrophy was a major factor associated with OSA in preschool children, whereas obesity replaced adenoid hypertrophy as the main contributor to OSA in late childhood. Several craniofacial skeletal variables such as the SNB angle, ramus height, lower gonial angle, and hyoid position are also associated with the presence and/or severity of OSA, which could be used to help recognize children at a higher risk for OSA.
The dynamic investigation of intrinsic vibration characteristics of a stranding machine by the finite element method
Authors: Ren Kai , Leng Bo , Zhang Chang , Sun Qingyun , Tang Wencheng
Published: March 2023

In response to the design problems of violent vibration and noise when a stranding machine is running at high speed, this project completed a motion simulation and vibration analysis based on the prototype FB-650C-2 bow-type stranding machine produced by Fuchuan Mechanical and Electrical Technology Co. The modal analysis was carried out in ANSYS to obtain the first eight orders of inherent frequencies and vibration patterns, combined with excitation force analysis to verify whether the rotating parts could avoid the resonant frequency when operating. Harmonic response analysis was carried out based on the modal state to calculate the steady-state forced vibration of the structure, and the variation curve of response value (usual deformation) with frequency and the cloud diagrams of stress distribution of each component at the rotation frequency were obtained. Suggestions for improving vibration and reducing noise were made based on the experimental and analytical results.
Isogeometric multi-patch topology optimization based on pix2pix
Authors: Hu Qingyuan , Meng Xin , You Yangxiu
Published: March 2023

We present a novel approach that combines the power of pix2pix, an image-to-image translation framework, with the advanced capabilities of isogeometric multi-patch analysis for topology optimization. The proposed method adds the Nitsche’s methods into the advantages of Isogeometric analysis (IGA), thus gaining the ability to handle complex geometries by generating locally smooth and well-converged results. Additionally, the usage of generative adversarial network based pix2pix allows for a more efficient representation of the design space, reducing the computational cost of the optimization process. This approach has shown promising results in various numerical examples. This technique aims to improve the efficiency of conceptual design in complex engineering applications.
Exact solutions and Darboux transformation for the reverse space–time non-local fifth-order non-linear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Shi Xinrui , Yang Yunqing
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the non-local reverse space−time fifth-order non-linear Schrödinger(NLS) equation has been investigated, which is proposed by the non-local reduction of Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur (AKNS) scattering problems. The determinant representation of the Nth Darboux transformation for the non-local reverse space−time fifth-order NLS equation is obtained. Some interesting non-linear wave solutions, including soliton, complexiton, and rogue wave solutions, are derived by the Darboux transformation. Moreover, the dynamics of non-linear wave solutions are illustrated with the corresponding evolution plots, and the results show that the non-local fifth-order NLS equation has new different properties from the local case.
Metabolic and microbiota response to arginine supplementation and cyclic heat stress in broiler chickens
Authors: Brugaletta Giorgio , Laghi Luca , Zampiga Marco , Oliveri Chiara , Indio Valentina , Piscitelli Raffaela , Pignata Stefano , Petracci Massimiliano , De Cesare Alessandra , Sirri Federico
Published: March 2023

Little attention has been paid to the biological role of arginine and its dietary supplementation in broilers under heat stress (HS) conditions. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the response of broilers to arginine supplementation and cyclic HS, with a focus on liver, pectoral muscle, and blood metabolic profiles and the cecal microbiota. Day-old male Ross 308 broilers (n = 240) were placed in 2 rooms with 12 pens each for a 44-day trial. Pens were assigned to one of two groups (6 pens/group/room): the control group (CON) was given a basal diet in mash form and the treated group (ARG) was fed CON diet supplemented with crystalline L-arginine. The total arginine:lysine ratio of CON diet ranged between 1.02 and 1.07, while that of ARG diet was 1.20. One room was constantly kept at thermoneutral (TN) conditions, while the birds in the other room were kept at TN conditions until D34 and subjected to cyclic HS from D35 onwards (∼34°C; 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.). Blood, liver, Pectoralis major muscle, and cecal content were taken from 2 birds per pen (12 birds/group/room) for metabolomics and microbiota analysis. Growth performance data were also collected on a pen basis. Arginine supplementation failed to reduce the adverse effects of HS on growth performance. Supplemented birds showed increased levels of arginine and creatine in plasma, liver, and P. major and methionine in liver, and reduced levels of glutamine in plasma, liver, and P. major. HS altered bioenergetic processes (increased levels of AMP and reduced levels of fumarate, succinate, and UDP), protein metabolism (increased protein breakdown to supply the liver with amino acids for energy production), and promoted the accumulation of antioxidant and protective molecules (histidine-containing dipeptides, beta-alanine, and choline), especially in P. major. Arginine supplementation may have partially counterbalanced the effects of HS on energy homeostasis by increasing creatine levels and attenuating the increase in AMP levels, particularly in P. major. It also significantly reduced cecal observed diversity, while HS increased alpha diversity indices and affected beta diversity. Results of taxonomic analysis at the phylum and family level are also provided.
Mode of gene action and heterosis for physiological, biochemical, and agronomic traits in some diverse rice genotypes under normal and drought conditions
Authors: Abd-El-Aty Mohamed S. , Abo-Youssef Mahmoud I. , Bahgt Mohamed M. , Ibrahim Omar M. , Faltakh Hana , Nouri Hela , Korany Shereen Magdy , Alsherif Emad A. , AbdElgawad Hamada , El-Tahan Amira M.
Published: March 2023

Water scarcity is a crucial environmental stress that constrains rice growth and production. Thus, breeding for developing high-yielding and drought-tolerant rice genotypes is decisive in sustaining rice production and ensuring global food security, particularly under stress conditions. To this end, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of water deficit on 31 genotypes of rice (seven lines, viz., Puebla, Hispagran, IET1444, WAB1573, Giza177, Sakha101, and Sakha105, and three testers, viz., Sakha106, Sakha107, and Sakha108) and their 21 crosses produced by line × tester mating design under normal and water deficit conditions; this was to estimate the combining ability, heterosis, and gene action for some traits of physiological, biochemical, and yield components. This study was performed during the summer seasons of 2017 and 2018. The results showed that water deficit significantly decreased relative water content, total chlorophyll content, grain yield, and several yield attributes. However, osmolyte (proline) content and antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and APX) were significantly increased compared with the control condition. Significant mean squares were recorded for the genotypes and their partitions under control and stress conditions, except for total chlorophyll under normal irrigation. Significant differences were also detected among the lines, testers, and line × tester for all the studied traits under both irrigation conditions. The value of the σ²GCA variance was less than the value of the σ²SCA variance for all the studied traits. In addition, the dominance genetic variance (σ2D) was greater than the additive genetic variance (σ2A) in controlling the inheritance of all the studied traits under both irrigation conditions; this reveals that the non-additive gene effects played a significant role in the genetic expression of the studied traits. The two parental genotypes (Puebla and Hispagran) were identified as good combiners for most physiological and biochemical traits, earliness, shortness, grain yield, and 1,000-grains weight traits. Additionally, the cross combinations Puebla × Sakha107, Hispagran × Sakha108, and Giza177 × Sakha107 were the most promising. These results demonstrated the substantial and desirable specific combining ability effects on all the studied traits, which suggested that it could be considered for use in rice hybrid breeding programs.
Trajectories of distress from pregnancy to 15-months post-partum during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khoury Jennifer E. , Jambon Marc , Giles Lauren , Atkinson Leslie , Gonzalez Andrea
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly burdened pregnant and postpartum women. It remains unclear how distress levels of pregnant and postpartum people have changed (or persisted) as the pandemic continues on and which factors may contribute to these trajectories of distress.

Methods

This longitudinal study included 304 pregnant people, who were followed during pregnancy, 6-weeks, 6-months and 15-months postpartum. At each time point, a latent “distress” factor was estimated using self-reported depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress. Reported negative impact of COVID-19 and social support were assessed during pregnancy as risk and protective factors related to distress. Second-order latent growth curve modeling with a piecewise growth function was used to estimate initial levels and changes in distress over time.

Results

Mean distress was relatively stable from the pregnancy to 6-weeks postpartum and then declined from 6-weeks to 15-months postpartum. Higher education, greater social support, and lower negative impact of COVID-19 were associated with a lower distress during pregnancy. Unexpectedly, negative impact of COVID-19 was associated with a faster decrease in distress and more social support was associated with a greater increase in distress from pregnancy to 6-weeks postpartum. However, these effects became non-significant after controlling for distress during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Findings indicate high but declining levels of distress from pregnancy to the postpartum period. Changes in distress are related to social support and the negative impact of the pandemic in pregnancy. Findings highlight the continued impact of COVID-19 on perinatal mental health and the need for support to limit the burden of this pandemic on pregnant people and families.
Self perceived health and stress in the pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liebana-Presa Cristina , Martínez-Fernández María Cristina , García-Fernández Rubén , Martín-Vázquez Cristian , Fernández-Martínez Elena , Hidalgo-Lopezosa Pedro
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had numerous maternal and neonatal consequences, especially at the mental level. Pregnant women experience a rise in anxiety symptoms and prenatal stress.

Aims

The aim was to describe self-perceived health status, general stress and prenatal stress and to analyze relations and associations with sociodemographic factors.

Methods

A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probabilistic circumstantial sampling. The sample was recruited during the first trimester of pregnancy during the control obstetrical visit. The Google Forms platform was used. A total of 297 women participated in the study. The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ), the Perceived Stress Score (PSS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used.

Results

Primiparas presented higher levels of worry about childbirth and the baby (10.93 ± 4.73) than multiparous women (9.88 ± 3.96). Somatic symptoms were present in 6% of the women. Anxiety-insomnia was scored positively by 18% of the women. In the Spearman correlation analysis, statistically significant values were found between almost all study variables. A positive correlation was observed between self-perceived health and prenatal and general stress levels.

Discussion

During the first trimester of gestation, prenatal concerns increase when levels of anxiety, insomnia and depression also increase. There is a clear relationship between prenatal worries, anxiety, insomnia and depression with stress. Health education that focuses on mental health of pregnant women would help reduce worries during pregnancy and would improve the pregnant women perception of her health and well-being.
Resilience of hospital staff facing COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from Israel
Authors: Trotzky Daniel , Aizik Uri , Mosery Jonathan , Carady Natali , Tavori Guy , Cohen Aya , Pachys Gal , Avraham Miri , Levtzion-Korach Osnat , Tal Orna
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional burden on already strained healthcare systems worldwide, intensifying the responsibility and burden of healthcare workers. Although most hospital staff continued working during this stressful and challenging unprecedented pandemic, differences in the characteristics and attributes were noted between sectors and hospital departments. Israeli healthcare workers are trained and experienced in coping with national emergencies, but the pandemic has exposed variations in staff reactions. Understanding the intrinsic differences between sectors and departments is a key factor in staff and hospital preparedness for unexpected events, better resource utilization for timely interventions to mitigate risk and improve staff wellbeing.

Objective

To identify and compare the level of resilience, secondary traumatization and burnout among hospital workers, between different sectors and hospital departments, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Cross-sectional research to assess the resiliency, secondary traumatization and burnout of healthcare workers at a large general public hospital in central Israel. The sample consisted of 655 participants across various hospital units exposed to COVID-19 patients.

Results

Emergency department physicians had higher rates of resilience and lower rates of burnout and secondary traumatization than staff in other hospital departments. In contrast, staff from internal medicine departments demonstrated the highest levels of burnout (4.29). Overall, physicians demonstrated higher levels of resilience (7.26) and lower levels of burnout compared to other workers.

Conclusion

Identifying resilience characteristics across hospital staff, sectors and departments can guide hospital management in education, preparation and training of healthcare workers for future large-scale health emergencies such as pandemics, natural disasters, and war.