bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MWCNTs-CTAB and HFs-Lac Nanocomposite-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Rutin Determination
Authors: Song Xin-Yan , Meng Xin , Xiao Bao-Lin , Li Yang-Yang , Ma Xin-Xin , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar , Hong Jun
Published: August 2022

Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside compound, which is mainly transported via the blood circulation system in the human body. The monitoring of the blood concentration of rutin is of great significance in many fields such as pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. In this work, a biosensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), hydroxyl fullerenes (HFs), and laccase (Lac) nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrodes was constructed. The modified materials were characterized with a transmission electron microscope (TEM), cyclic voltammograms (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). CTAB is used to disperse MWCNTs and improve hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of MWCNTs, while the use of Lac can enhance the oxidation of catechol structure in rutin, thus significantly improving the sensitivity and selectivity of the modified electrode. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) studies showed that the determination linear ranges of rutin were 0.1 µmol L−1 to 2 µmol L−1 and 2 µmol L−1 to 11 µmol L−1, with the determination limits of 30 nmol L−1 and 95.5 nmol L−1, respectively. The proposed biosensor can be used to detect rutin tablets and serum samples with high recovery, which indicates a good accuracy of this method, and the results are consistent with those measured by the traditional ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method. Hence, this biosensor has potential practical application value in rutin drug quality testing and clinical blood drug concentration monitoring.
Computer-Based Cognitive Training in Children with Primary Brain Tumours: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sciancalepore Francesco , Tariciotti Leonardo , Remoli Giulia , Menegatti Danilo , Carai Andrea , Petruzzellis Giuseppe , Miller Kiersten P. , Delli Priscoli Francesco , Giuseppi Alessandro , Premuselli Roberto , Tozzi Alberto E. , Mastronuzzi Angela , Vanacore Nicola , Lacorte Eleonora , Group Allena-Mente Study
Published: August 2022

Background: Late neurocognitive sequelae are common among long-term brain tumour survivors, resulting in significantly worse quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation through specific APP/software for PC/tablets represents an innovative intervention spreading in recent years. In this study, we aim to review the current evidence and trends regarding these innovative approaches. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed. Inclusion criteria were: (i) Studies recruiting patients diagnosed with any brain tumour before 21 years of age; (ii) studies assessing the role of digital interventions on cognitive outcomes. Case reports, case series, reviews, letters, conference proceedings, abstracts, and editorials were excluded. Results: Overall, nine studies were included; 152 patients (67.8% males) with brain tumours underwent a digital intervention. The mean age at diagnosis and the intervention enrolment ranged from 4.9 to 9.4 years and 11.1 to 13.3 years, respectively. The computer-based software interventions employed were: Cogmed, Captain’s Log, Fast ForWord, and Nintendo Wii. Most of these studies assessed the effects of cognitive training on working memory, attention, and performance in daily living activities. Conclusions: The studies suggest that this type of intervention improves cognitive functions, such as working memory, attention, and processing speed. However, some studies revealed only transient positive effects with a significant number of dropouts during follow-up. Trials with greater sample sizes are warranted. Motivating families and children to complete cognitive interventions could significantly improve cognitive outcomes and quality of life.
Associations of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer: A National Population-Based Study
Authors: Kim Choung-Soo , Park Jun-Ook , Nam Inn-Chul , Park Sung Joon , Lee Dong-Hyun , Kim Hyun-Bum , Han Kyung-Do , Joo Young-Hoon
Published: August 2022

Background: We investigated the association between BMI and HNC subtype incidence in a cohort study of ten million people, adjusting for the effect of smoking and drinking. We also investigated the relationship between waist circumference (WC) and HNC subtype. Methods: All data used in this study originated from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. We analysed subjects who had undergone health check-ups in 2009 and monitored subjects until 2018 (n = 10,585,852). Finally, 9,598,085 subjects were included after exclusions. We collected variables that could affect the risk of HNC. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The overall incidence of HNC was higher in the low BMI category (BMI < 18.5 according to WHO recommendations for Asian people) (HR: 1.322; 95% CI: 1.195–1.464) compared with the normal BMI category. Among the HNC cases, the incidence rates of laryngeal (HR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.085–1.558), oral cavity (HR: 1.277; 95% CI: 1.011–1.611), and oropharyngeal (HR: 1.584; 95% CI: 1.25–2.008) cancers were higher in the low BMI category compared with the normal BMI category. No significant association was detected between low BMI and sinus cancer, salivary gland cancer, or nasopharyngeal cancer. The low WC category (<80 cm in men and <75 cm in women) was related to a risk of hypopharyngeal (HR: 1.268; 95% CI: 1.061–1.514) and laryngeal (HR: 1.118; 95% CI: 1.007–1.241) cancers. The HR for occurrence of HNC was high in underweight participants according to smoking status (1.219 for never smoker vs. 1.448 for ever smoker, p for interaction = 0.0015) and drinking status (1.193 for never drinker vs. 1.448 for ever drinker, p for interaction = 0.0044). Conclusions: Low BMI was associated with the risk of some types of HNC. The results of this study could assist etiological investigations and prevention strategies.
Estrogen Related Receptor Alpha (ERRα) a Bridge between Metabolism and Adrenocortical Cancer Progression
Authors: Avena Paola , De Luca Arianna , Chimento Adele , Nocito Marta Claudia , Sculco Sara , La Padula Davide , Zavaglia Lucia , Giulietti Matteo , Hantel Constanze , Sirianni Rosa , Casaburi Ivan , Pezzi Vincenzo
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic changes that occur in adrenocortical cancer (ACC) cells in response to the modulation of Estrogen Related Receptor (ERR)α expression and the impact on ACC progression. Proteomics analysis and metabolic profiling highlighted an important role for ERRα in the regulation of ACC metabolism. Stable ERRα overexpression in H295R cells promoted a better mitochondrial fitness and prompted toward a more aggressive phenotype characterized by higher Vimentin expression, enhanced cell migration and spheroids formation. By contrast, a decrease in ERRα protein levels, by molecular (short hairpin RNA) and pharmacological (inverse agonist XCT790) approaches modified the energetic status toward a low energy profile and reduced Vimentin expression and ability to form spheroids. XCT790 produced similar effects on two additional ACC cell lines, SW13 and mitotane-resistant MUC-1 cells. Our findings show that ERRα is able to modulate the metabolic profile of ACC cells, and its inhibition can strongly prevent the growth of mitotane-resistant ACC cells and the progression of ACC cell models to a highly migratory phenotype. Consequently, ERRα can be considered an important target for the design of new therapeutic strategies to fight ACC progression.
Ultrasensitive Detection of GRP78 in Exosomes and Observation of Migration and Proliferation of Cancer Cells by Application of GRP78-Containing Exosomes
Authors: Tsurusawa Naoko , Iha Kanako , Sato Akane , Tsai Hsin-Yi , Sonoda Hikaru , Watabe Satoshi , Yoshimura Teruki , Wu Deng-Chyang , Lin Ming-Wei , Ito Etsuro
Published: August 2022

Cancer cells communicate with each other via exosomes in the tumor microenvironment. However, measuring trace amounts of proteins in exosomes is difficult, and thus the cancer stemness-promoting mechanisms of exosomal proteins have not been elucidated. In the present study, we attempted to quantify trace amounts of 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), which is involved in cancer progression, in exosomes released from cultured gastric cancer cells using an ultrasensitive ELISA combined with thio-NAD cycling. We also evaluated the cancer stemness-promoting effects by the application of high-GRP78-containing exosomes to cultured gastric cancer cells. The ultrasensitive ELISA enabled the detection of GRP78 at a limit of detection of 0.16 pg/mL. The stemness of cancer cultured cells incubated with high-GRP78-containing exosomes obtained from GRP78-overexpressed cells was increased on the basis of both an MTT assay and a wound healing assay. Our results demonstrated that the ultrasensitive ELISA has strong potential to measure trace amounts of proteins in exosomes. Further, exosomes with a high concentration of GRP78 promote the cancer stemness of surrounding cells. The technique for quantifying proteins in exosomes described here will advance our understanding of cancer stemness progression via exosomes.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Roquette Isaure , Bogart Emilie , Lacornerie Thomas , Ningarhari Massih , Bibault Jean-Emmanuel , Le Deley Marie-Cecile , Lartigau Eric F. , Pasquier David , Mirabel Xavier
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to describe patient characteristics, treatment efficacy, and safety in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). We retrospectively analyzed data of 318 patients with 375 HCC treated between June 2007 and December 2018. Efficacy (overall survival [OS], relapse-free survival, and local control) and acute and late toxicities were described. The median follow-up period was 70.2 months. Most patients were treated with 45 Gy in three fractions. The median (range) PTV volume was 90.7 (2.6–1067.6) cc. The local control rate at 24 and 60 months was 94% (91–97%) and 94% (91–97%), respectively. Relapse-free survival at 12, 24, and 60 months was 62% (55–67%), 29% (23–36%), and 13% (8–19%), respectively. OS at 12, 24, and 60 months was 72% (95%CI 67–77%), 44% (38–50%), and 11% (7–15%), respectively. Approximately 51% and 38% experienced acute and late toxicity, respectively. Child-Pugh score B-C, high BCLC score, portal thrombosis, high GTV volume, and higher PTV volume reported on total hepatic volume ratio were significantly associated with OS. SBRT is efficient for the management of HCC with a favorable toxicity profile. The outcome is highly related to the natural evolution of the underlying cirrhosis.
Critical Requirement of SOS1 for Development of BCR/ABL-Driven Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Gómez Carmela , Garcia-Navas Rósula , Baltanás Fernando C. , Fuentes-Mateos Rocío , Fernández-Medarde Alberto , Calzada Nuria , Santos Eugenio
Published: August 2022

We showed previously that the ABL-mediated phosphorylation of SOS1 promotes RAC activation and contributes to BCR-ABL leukemogenesis, suggesting the relevant role of SOS1 in the pathogenesis of CML. To try and obtain direct experimental evidence of the specific mechanistic implication of SOS1 in CML development, here, we combined a murine model of CML driven by a p210BCR/ABL transgene with our tamoxifen-inducible SOS1/2-KO system in order to investigate the phenotypic impact of the direct genetic ablation of SOS1 or SOS2 on the pathogenesis of CML. Our observations showed that, in contrast to control animals expressing normal levels of SOS1 and SOS2 or to single SOS2-KO mice, p210BCR/ABL transgenic mice devoid of SOS1 presented significantly extended survival curves and also displayed an almost complete disappearance of the typical hematological alterations and splenomegaly constituting the hallmarks of CML. SOS1 ablation also resulted in a specific reduction in the proliferation and the total number of colony-forming units arising from the population of bone marrow stem/progenitor cells from p210BCR/ABL transgenic mice. The specific blockade of CML development caused by SOS1 ablation in p210BCR/ABL mice indicates that SOS1 is critically required for CML pathogenesis and supports the consideration of this cellular GEF as a novel, alternative bona fide therapeutic target for CML treatment in the clinic.
Oligometastatic Head and Neck Cancer: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Bahig Houda , Huang Shao Hui , O’Sullivan Brian
Published: August 2022

A minority of patients with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) present with oligometastatic disease. Oligometastasis not only reflects a disease state, but might also present an opportunity for cure in the metastatic setting. Radical ablation of all oligometastatic sites may confer prolonged survival and possibly achieve cure in some patients. However, substantial debate remains about whether patients with oligometastatic disease could benefit from curative intent therapy or whether aggressive treatments expose some patients to futile toxicity. Optimal selection of patients, carefully balancing the currently known prognostic factors against the risks of toxicity is critical. Emerging evidence suggests that patients with a limited burden of disease, viral-related pharyngeal cancer, metachronous metastasis and lung-only metastasis may benefit most from this approach. Efforts are underway to identify biomarkers that can detect oligometastasis and better select patients who would derive the maximum benefit from an aggressive radical approach. The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy promises to enhance the anti-tumoral immune response and help overcome resistance. However, optimization of management algorithms, including patient selection, radiation dose and sequencing, will be critical in upcoming clinical trials. This review summarizes recent knowledge about the characteristics and investigational efforts regarding oligometastasis in HNSCC.
Association between Molecular Mechanisms and Tooth Eruption in Children with Obesity
Authors: Traver Carla , Miralles Lucía , Barcia Jorge Miguel
Published: August 2022

Different works have reported earlier permanent teething in obese/overweight children compared to control ones. In contrast, others have reported a delayed permanent teething in undernutrition/underweight children compared to control one. It has been reported that becoming overweight or suffering from obesity can increase gingival pro-inflammatory drive and can affect orthodontic treatment (among other complications). In this sense, little is known about the molecular mechanisms affecting dental eruption timing. Leptin and adiponectin are adipocytokines signaling molecules released in overweight and underweight conditions, respectively. These adipocytokines can modulate osteocyte, odontoblast, and cementoblast activity, even regulating dental lamina initiation. The present review focuses on the molecular approach wherein leptin and adiponectin act as modulators of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx 2) gene regulating dental eruption timing.
Psychomotor Skills Activities in the Classroom from an Early Childhood Education Teachers’ Perspective
Authors: Rojo-Ramos Jorge , González-Becerra María José , Gómez-Paniagua Santiago , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Acevedo-Duque Ángel , Adsuar José Carmelo
Published: August 2022

Psychomotricity is a tool that allows the development of different capacities, skills and corporal abilities of people. Currently, it is included in early childhood education programmes due to its importance in children’s development, but, even so, it is not always given the role they deserve. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of early childhood education teachers towards the needs and current state of psychomotor skills in the educational context of Extremadura schools and compare the information provided by teachers that work in rural and urban areas. A questionnaire was administered using a tablet and a Google Forms application. The sample consisted of 216 teachers, selected using a non-probability sampling method based on coexistence sampling. The Mann–Whitney U test was applied to determine the relationships between the different items and dimensions according to the location of the school, and Spearman’s Rho test was used to find out if there is any relationship between the age of the teachers and their responses in the different dimensions. The results showed that psychomotor skills do not receive the place they deserve, with insufficient material and facilities, inadequate training, few sessions and inappropriate programming, together with the rest of the components of the cycle. Therefore, it can be concluded that it is necessary to include psychomotor skills in the training of teachers and that the centres should be concerned about providing teachers with the necessary material and spaces for their work.
Corema album Leaves Mediate DNA Damage in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Cerquido Ana Sofia , Vojtek Martin , Ribeiro-Oliveira Rita , Gonçalves-Monteiro Salomé , Barroca Maria João , Moreira da Silva Aida , Viegas Olga , Freitas Victor , Sousa Joana Beatriz , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O. , Diniz Carmen
Published: August 2022

Corema (C.) album is a shrub endemic to the Atlantic coast and has been described as yielding beneficial effects for human health. Nevertheless, studies concerning the bioactivity of C. album leaves are scarce. This study aims at investigating the anticancer potential and mode of action, of an hydroethanolic extract of C. album leaves (ECAL) on triple-negative breast cancer. This is a poor survival breast cancer subtype, owing to its high risk of distant reappearance, metastasis rates and the probability of relapse. The ECAL ability to prevent tumor progression through (i) the inhibition of cell proliferation (cell viability); (ii) the induction of apoptosis (morphological changes, TUNEL assay, caspase-3 cleaved) and (iii) the induction of DNA damage (PARP1 and γH2AX) with (iv) the involvement of NF-κB and of ERK1/2 pathways (AlphaScreen assay) was evaluated. ECAL activated the apoptotic pathway (through caspase-3) along with the inhibition of ERK and NF-κB pathways causing DNA damage and cell death. The large polyphenolic content of ECAL was presumed to be accountable for these effects. The extract of C. album leaves can target multiple pathways and, thus, can block more than one possible means of disease progression, evidencing the anticancer therapeutic potential from a plant source.
Study on the Improvement of Waterproof Performance of Historical Silt Sites with Silicone Waterproofing Agent
Authors: Li Xingang , Ma Qingwen , Ji Yufu , Cheng Kaidi , Sun Zhuoliang
Published: August 2022

Silt has the characteristics of obvious capillary water effect and strong water sensitivity. The flooding of the Yellow River caused the water level in Kaifeng to be high, and the damage of capillary water to the silt site of Kaifeng Zhouqiao site is increasing day by day. In order to improve the waterproof performance of the site soil, three kinds of silicone waterproof materials were selected, and the site soil was improved by internal mixing. The improvement effects of different materials were compared through the capillary water rise test, and the contact angle of the modified soil with the optimal ratio was measured. Microscopic tests were conducted to evaluate its wetting properties and reveal the mechanism of action of the modified materials. The results show that the three kinds of silicone waterproofing agents can improve the waterproofing effect of soil, among which 0.5% sodium methylsilicate modified soil has the most significant waterproofing effect; its capillary water absorption inhibition effect can reach 98.34%, and the contact angle is 137.06. The surface of the modified soil is hydrophobic after the addition of sodium methylsilicate. An evenly distributed waterproof film is thus formed on the surface of the soil particles, which changes the contact mode between the soil particles and strengthens the connection between the soil particles, so that the proportion of large pores decreased. The proportion of mesopores and small pores increased, which made the soil sample more compact. These results explain the improvement of the waterproof performance of the soil sample.
Potential of Canna indica in Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: A Review
Authors: Karungamye Petro Novert
Published: August 2022

This article reviews investigations in which Canna indica was utilized in constructed wetlands (CW) for wastewater treatment of a variety types. It is strongly urged that ornamental flowering plants be used in CWs as monoculture or mixed species to improve the appearance of CWs whilst still treating wastewater. Plants play important roles in CWs by giving the conditions for physical filtration of wastewater, a large specific surface area for microbial growth, and a source of carbohydrates for bacteria. They absorb nutrients and integrate them into plant tissues. They release oxygen into the substrate, establishing a zone in which aerobic microorganisms can thrive and chemical oxidation can occur. They also provide wildlife habitat and make wastewater treatment system more visually attractive. The selection of plant species for CW is an important aspect during the CW design process. Canna indica’s effectiveness in CWs has shown encouraging results for eliminating contaminants from wastewater. There is still a scarcity of information on the mechanisms involved in removal of specific contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones, pesticides and steroids and their potential toxicity to the plants. Therefore, this paper reviews some published information about the performance of Canna indica in wastewater treatment, as well as potential areas for future research.
Complex Evolutionary History of the South American Fox Genus Lycalopex (Mammalia, Carnivora, Canidae) Inferred from Multiple Mitochondrial and Nuclear Markers
Authors: Favarini Marina O. , Simão Taiz L. L. , Macedo Gabriel S. , Garcez Fabrício S. , Oliveira Larissa R. , Cárdenas-Alayza Susana , Cardeña Mormontoy Marco , Angulo Fernando , Kasper Carlos Benhur , Johnson Warren E. , Eizirik Eduardo
Published: August 2022

The canid genus Lycalopex comprises six recently diversified South American species whose evolutionary relationships have been remarkably challenging to resolve. We analyzed 6000 bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 55 Lycalopex individuals (L. sechurae = 4, L. culpaeus = 7, L.griseus = 8, L.gymnocercus = 17, L.vetulus = 13 and L. fulvipes = 6), and nine specimens from the closely related species Cerdocyon thous, Chrysocyon brachyurus and Speothos venaticus, to reconstruct their phylogenetic relationships, estimate the support for species-level monophyly, and date their divergences. In addition, we also sequenced seven nuclear segments from the same taxa. Three different phylogenetic approaches converged on the same mitochondrial topology with strong support for most nodes. All species were confirmed to be monophyletic for mtDNA, except for one intriguing case in which two L. vetulus individuals carried L. gymnocercus haplotypes, potentially implying a case of interspecies admixture. L. vetulus was the first species to diverge (ca. 1.2 Mya), followed by L. sechurae and then L. gymnocercus. The most internal group comprised L. griseus and the sister-species L. culpaeus and L. fulvipes, which diverged around 430,000 years ago in southern Argentina or Chile. The analysis of nuclear markers revealed several examples of intra-specific variation coupled with lack of species monophyly, consistent with pervasive incomplete lineage sorting and/or hybridization in this recent radiation. Our results provide robust mitochondrial resolution of this challenging radiation, and illustrate the difficulty of attaining similar success with traditional nuclear markers.
Mechanism of Topology Change of Flat Magnetic Structures
Authors: Magadeev Eugene , Vakhitov Robert , Sharafullin Ildus
Published: August 2022

The paper investigates the processes of the magnetization reversal of perforated ferromagnetic films with strong anisotropy of the easy-plane type. The investigations have shown that, influenced by a current impulse passing through an antidot, an inhomogeneous magnetic structure is formed, which is accompanied by the localization of a quasiparticle with the +1 topological charge on the antidot and by an emission of a quasiparticle with a –1 charge. It is established that this scenario of the film magnetization reversal underlies a reformation of its inhomogeneous structure also if two or four antidots are present in the film, irrespective of the fact of through which antidots and in which directions the currents are passed. The results of the research obtained by using two independent methods (solving the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equations and analyzing the lattice model) demonstrated good agreement between the two. It is shown that a magnetic film comprising two or four antidots can be used as a memory cell for recording data in the ternary system.
Karlovitz Numbers and Premixed Turbulent Combustion Regimes for Complex-Chemistry Flames
Authors: Lipatnikov Andrei N. , Sabelnikov Vladimir A.
Published: August 2022

The structure of premixed turbulent flames and governing physical mechanisms of the influence of turbulence on premixed burning are often discussed by invoking combustion regime diagrams. In the majority of such diagrams, boundaries of three combustion regimes associated with (i) flame preheat zones broadened locally by turbulent eddies, (ii) reaction zones broadened locally by turbulent eddies, and (iii) local extinction are based on a Karlovitz number Ka, with differently defined Ka being used to demarcate different combustion regimes. The present paper aims to overview different definitions of Ka, comparing them, and suggesting the most appropriate choice of Ka for each combustion regime boundary. Moreover, since certain Karlovitz numbers involve a laminar flame thickness, the influence of complex combustion chemistry on the thickness and, hence, on various Ka and relations between them is explored based on results of complex-chemistry simulations of unperturbed (stationary, planar, and one-dimensional) laminar premixed flames, obtained for various fuels, equivalence ratios, pressures, and unburned gas temperatures.
Bond Quality and Durability of Cross-Laminated Flattened Bamboo and Timber (CLBT)
Authors: Yang Shiyu , Li Hongping , Fei Benhua , Zhang Xiubiao , Wang Xiaohuan
Published: August 2022

To achieve value-added utilization of domestic bamboo and plantation wood resources, this study investigated the feasibility of using flattened bamboo and Chinese fir for manufacturing cross-laminated bamboo and timber (CLBT). Two types of adhesives, one-component polyurethane (PUR), and phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF), and three applied pressure parameters (0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 MPa) were used to fabricate small CLBT panels (375 mm × 500 mm). In this study, block shear and delamination tests were conducted to examine the bond quality and durability of CLBT panels. The results showed that a significant difference in the bonding shear strength (BSS) in both directions. The bonding shear strength in the minor strength direction (BSSminor) was 1.81–3.45 times higher than the bonding shear strength in the major strength direction (BSSmajor). The adhesive type was the major factor affecting the bond quality and delamination, while the bonding pressure had no significant effect on the bond quality and delamination. Compared with PRF adhesives, CLBT specimens prepared from PUR had higher bonding shear strength (BSS) and wood failure percentage (WFP). However, the durability of delamination specimens prepared by PUR was not as good as layered specimens prepared by PRF.
The Predictive Accuracy of Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) in the Wood of Standing Trees and Logs
Authors: Papandrea Salvatore F. , Cataldo Maria F. , Bernardi Bruno , Zimbalatti Giuseppe , Proto Andrea R.
Published: August 2022

The characterization of poplar wood assumes a strategic position to increase the competitiveness of the entire forest wood supply chain. From this aspect, the identification of wood quality represents a primary objective for researchers and private landowners. The quality of wood can be defined via traditional visual methods based on the experience of technicians or using traditional tools, such as incremental drills and sound hammers. The traditional properties of these traits, based only on visual characteristics, can outline a classification based on the macroscopic properties of wood with the aim of defining the volume of recoverable wood. However, this approach does not provide a good indicator of the physical or mechanical properties of wood. Mechanical tests of wood require the felling of trees with the correlated preparation of the specimens. A different solution to determine wood quality is based on the application of non-destructive technology (NDT). In this context, the aim of the present study was to determine the predictive accuracy of non-destructive analysis of the MOEd in standing trees and logs of a 22-year-old poplar clone and to examine the relationship with MOEs in sawn specimens. This relationship was also studied at three different stem heights. We non-destructively measured poplar trees and green logs using TreeSonic and Resonance Log Grader and compared the results with those obtained via a destructive method using a universal testing machine. The results showed that for clone I-214 poplar trees, the dynamic elastic moduli of standing trees and logs were validly correlated with the static elastic modulus. These results suggest that it is possible to evaluate the mechanical properties of poplar wood directly from standing trees using non-destructive techniques (NDT) and that this tool can be easily used to presort material in the forest.
Error Bounds of a Finite Difference/Spectral Method for the Generalized Time Fractional Cable Equation
Authors: Ma Ying , Chen Lizhen
Published: August 2022

We present a finite difference/spectral method for the two-dimensional generalized time fractional cable equation by combining the second-order backward difference method in time and the Galerkin spectral method in space with Legendre polynomials. Through a detailed analysis, we demonstrate that the scheme is unconditionally stable. The scheme is proved to have min{2−α,2−β}-order convergence in time and spectral accuracy in space for smooth solutions, where α,β are two exponents of fractional derivatives. We report numerical results to confirm our error bounds and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. This method can be applied to model diffusion and viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluid flow.
Synthesis and CO2 Capture of Porous Hydrogel Particles Consisting of Hyperbranched Poly(amidoamine)s
Authors: Choi Hojung , Lee Sanghwa , Jeong SeongUk , Hong Yeon Ki , Kim Sang Youl
Published: August 2022

We successfully synthesized new macroporous hydrogel particles consisting of hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s (HPAMAM) using the Oil-in-Water-in-Oil (O/W/O) suspension polymerization method at both the 50 mL flask scale and the 5 L reactor scale. The pore sizes and particle sizes were easily tuned by controlling the agitation speeds during the polymerization reaction. Since O/W/O suspension polymerization gives porous architecture to the microparticles, synthesized hydrogel particles having abundant amine groups inside polymers exhibited a high CO2 absorption capacity (104 mg/g) and a fast absorption rate in a packed-column test.
Internal Validation of MaSTR™ Probabilistic Genotyping Software for the Interpretation of 2–5 Person Mixed DNA Profiles
Authors: Adamowicz Michael S. , Rambo Taylor N. , Clarke Jennifer L.
Published: August 2022

Mixed human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples present one of the most challenging pieces of evidence that a forensic analyst can encounter. When multiple contributors, stochastic amplification, and allele drop-out further complicate the mixture profile, interpretation by hand becomes unreliable and statistical analysis problematic. Probabilistic genotyping software has provided a tool to address complex mixture interpretation and provide likelihood ratios for defined sets of propositions. The MaSTR™ software is a fully continuous probabilistic system that considers a wide range of STR profile data to provide likelihood ratios on DNA mixtures. Mixtures with two to five contributors and a range of component ratios and allele peak heights were created to test the validity of MaSTR™ with data similar to real casework. Over 280 different mixed DNA profiles were used to perform more than 2600 analyses using different sets of propositions and numbers of contributors. The results of the analyses demonstrated that MaSTR™ provided accurate and precise statistical data on DNA mixtures with up to five contributors, including minor contributors with stochastic amplification effects. Tests for both Type I and Type II errors were performed. The findings in this study support that MaSTR™ is a robust tool that meets the current standards for probabilistic genotyping.
A Deceptive Curing Practice in Hunter–Gatherer Societies
Authors: Buckner William
Published: August 2022

The claim of possessing supernatural abilities is a commonly reported phenomenon across human societies. To bolster the credibility of such claims, performers may make use of illusions and sleight of hand to give the appearance of impressive powers. One common trick found among culturally independent hunter–gatherers on every continent they inhabit involves a healer ostensibly extracting from a sick person an object, such as a pebble or insect, that is supposedly causing the patient’s illness. The use and functions of the ‘extraction trick’ are here explored across a global sample of hunter–gatherer societies (N = 74), with attention given to the possible costs and benefits accrued by performers and their patients or audiences. This and similar tricks can be highly deceptive, but they can also be undertaken for entertainment, symbolic reasons, their placebo-like utility to sick patients, or some mixture of each. The recurrent invention of the trick across independent societies, as well as its cultural inheritance and diffusion between groups, indicates that it likely appeals to certain universal facets of human psychology, where experiences of sickness and pain commonly induce one to seek interventive cures from specialists, who in turn may use deceptive displays to give the appearance of greater skill and powers.
Efficacy of Dry Needling and Acupuncture in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Navarro-Santana Marcos José , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo
Published: August 2022

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome that involves chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and impaired quality of life and daily functioning. In addition to medical and psychological therapies, other therapies including acupuncture and dry needling aim to reduce pain and disability in patients with FM. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dry needling and acupuncture in patients with FM regarding pain, function and disability in both the short and the long term. MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trial studies evaluating efficacy data of dry needling or/and acupuncture treatments to improve pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and impaired quality of life and/or daily function. A qualitative analysis including the methodological quality and a systematic data synthesis was performed. A total of 25 studies addressed the selection criteria. Most studies had an acceptable methodological quality. Four studies assessed the effect of dry needling, and twenty-one studies assessed the effect of acupuncture. In general, both interventions improved pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, stiffness, quality of sleep and quality of life. However, both techniques were not compared in any study. Acupuncture and dry needling therapies seems to be effective in patients with FM, since both reduced pain pressure thresholds, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances and disability in the short term. It is still required to compare both techniques and their application in the long term.
Physical Activity and Related Factors in Pre-Adolescent Southern African Children of Diverse Population Groups
Authors: Pretorius Adeline , Wood Paola , Becker Piet , Wenhold Friede
Published: August 2022

Tailored obesity management includes understanding physical activity (PA) and its context, ideally in childhood before the onset of health risk. This cross-sectional study determined, by sex and population, the PA of Southern African pre-adolescent urban primary school children. PA was measured objectively (step count: pedometer) and subjectively (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children [PAQ-C]), taking confounders (phenotype, school-built environment, and socio-economic environment) into account. Body composition was measured with multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (Seca mBCA). PA was adjusted for phenotypic confounders (body size and composition) using multivariate regression. Sex and population differences in PA were determined with two-way ANOVA. Ninety-four healthy pre-adolescents (60% girls, 52% black) with a similar socio-economic status and access to PA participated. Amidst phenotypic differences, average steps/day in girls (10,212) was lower than in boys (11,433) (p = 0.029), and lower in black (9280) than in white (12,258) (p < 0.001) participants. PAQ-C scores (5-point rating) were lower for girls (2.63) than boys (2.92) (p < 0.001) but higher for black (2.89) than white (2.58) (p < 0.001) participants. Objective and subjective measurements were, however, not significantly (r = −0.02; p = 0.876) related and PAQ-C failed to identify reactive changes in the step count. Objectively measured PA of black participants and of girls was consistently lower than for white participants and boys. Target-group specific interventions should therefore be considered.
Effect of Short- to Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Particulate Matter on Cognitive Function in a Cohort of Middle-Aged and Older Adults: KoGES
Authors: Lee Jane J. , Kim Ji Hyun , Song Dae Sub , Lee Kyoungho
Published: August 2022

Exposure to ambient air pollution and its threat to human health is a global concern, especially in the elderly population. Therefore, more in-depth studies are required to understand the extent of the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) based on duration and levels of exposure. An investigation was conducted to determine the association between short- (1–14 days), medium- (1, 3, and 6 months), and long-term (1, 2, and 3 years) exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5 and PM10) and cognitive function among Koreans (4175 participants, mean age 67.8 years, 55.2% women) aged over 50 years. Higher levels of PM2.5 exposure for short to long term and PM10 exposure for medium to long term were found to be associated with decreased cognitive function, as indicated by lower scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination adopted in Korean (K-MMSE). There were significant effect modifications by sex, age group, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking status in the association between long-term PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and cognitive function. These findings, which underscore the importance of the efforts to reduce the exposure levels and durations of air pollutants, especially in the vulnerable elderly population, provide evidence for establishing more stringent policies for air pollution regulations.
Public Awareness and Sentiment toward COVID-19 Vaccination in South Korea: Findings from Big Data Analytics
Authors: Choi Yeon-Jun , Lee Julak , Paek Seung Yeop
Published: August 2022

Despite a worldwide campaign to promote vaccination, South Korea is facing difficulties in increasing its vaccination rate due to negative perceptions of the vaccines and vaccination policies. This study investigated South Koreans’ awareness of and sentiments toward vaccination. Particularly, this study explored how public opinions have developed over time, and compared them to those of other nations. We used Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen, and AstraZeneca as keywords on Naver, Daum, Google, and Twitter to collect data on public awareness and sentiments toward the vaccines and the government’s vaccination policies. The results showed that South Koreans’ sentiments on vaccination changed from neutral to negative to positive over the past two years. In particular, public sentiments turned positive due to South Koreans’ hopeful expectations and a high vaccination rate. Overall, the attitudes and sentiments toward vaccination in South Korea were similar to those of other nations. The conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccines had a significant effect on the negative opinions in other nations, but had little impact on South Korea.
Long-Term Health Symptoms and Sequelae Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Evidence Map
Authors: Franco Juan Victor Ariel , Garegnani Luis Ignacio , Oltra Gisela Viviana , Metzendorf Maria-Inti , Trivisonno Leonel Fabrizio , Sgarbossa Nadia , Ducks Denise , Heldt Katharina , Mumm Rebekka , Barnes Benjamin , Scheidt-Nave Christa
Published: August 2022

Post-COVID-19 conditions, also known as ‘Long-COVID-19’, describe a longer and more complex course of illness than acute COVID-19 with no widely accepted uniform case definition. We aimed to map the available evidence on persistent symptoms and sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 in children and adults. We searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register and the WHO COVID-19 Global literature on coronavirus disease database on 5 November 2021. We included longitudinal and cross-sectional studies and we extracted their characteristics, including the type of core outcomes for post-COVID-19 conditions. We included 565 studies (657 records). Most studies were uncontrolled cohort studies. The median follow-up time was 13 weeks (IQR 9 to 24). Only 72% of studies were conducted in high-income countries, 93% included unvaccinated adults with mild-to-critical disease, only 10% included children and adolescents, and less than 5% included children under the age of five. While most studies focused on health symptoms, including respiratory symptoms (71%), neurological symptoms (57%), fatigue (54%), pain (50%), mental functioning (43%), cardiovascular functioning (40%), and post-exertion symptoms (28%), cognitive function (26%), fewer studies assessed other symptoms such as overall recovery (24%), the need for rehabilitation (18%), health-related quality of life (16%), changes in work/occupation and study (10%), or survival related to long-COVID-19 (4%). There is a need for controlled cohort studies with long-term follow-up and a focus on overall recovery, health-related quality of life, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Studies need to be extended to later phases of the pandemic and countries with low resources.
Reduced Vastus Medialis/Lateralis EMG Ratio in Volleyballers with Chronic Knee Pain on Sports-Specific Surfaces: A Pilot Study
Authors: Frese Christina , Bubeck Dieter , Alt Wilfried
Published: August 2022

Background: Even though chronic knee pain is common in volleyball, neuromuscular imbalance as a potential risk factor has not been investigated in volleyball-specific tasks. The aim of the study was to compare neuromuscular control between healthy and injured players in a clinical jump test and a volleyball-specific jump task in real field conditions. Methods: Six athletes with knee pain and nine controls were included. Surface electromyographic data were recorded from the mm. vastus medialis (VM) and lateralis (VL) of both legs. VM/VL activation ratio was calculated from countermovement jump (CMJ) and volleyball spike indoors and on two beach surfaces. Results: All subjects had pain in the leading leg. Mann–Whitney U Test (M-W-U Test) revealed a significantly lower VM/VL ratio of the leading leg (always affected) of the injured compared with that of the healthy control group for the CMJ and spike jump on all three grounds. Bland–Altman analysis revealed low bias and low difference in standard deviation for the injured leg but high values for the uninvolved leg and healthy controls between tasks and grounds. These results could indicate that neuromuscular control might not adapt too well to different movement tasks and grounds in the injured leg. Conclusion: Athletes with chronic knee pain might have lower VM/VL ratios than controls independent from movement task and ground. Neuromuscular control in injured athletes might be less adaptable to new circumstances. The results of neuromuscular control in laboratory settings might be applicable to field conditions in injured legs but not healthy ones.
Does the National Credit Demonstration Policy Affect Urban Green Economy Efficiency? Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Region of China
Authors: Chen Haisheng , Ni Dingqing , Zhu Shuiping , Ying Ying , Shen Manhong
Published: August 2022

A more scientific green economy efficiency indicator is constructed based on OH (2010), and a multiperiod spatial DID model is used to examine the impact of national credit demonstration policies on urban green economy efficiency in a sample of cities above the prefecture level in the Yangtze River Delta. The study confirms the following: (1) The national credit demonstration policy makes a significant contribution to the green economic efficiency of cities, and it is conducive to strengthening awareness of the rule of law in the market to regulate market order. (2) The demand for credit regulation in coastal areas has increased under the new development pattern, and the national credit demonstration policy has effectively enhanced green economy efficiency through institutional supply. (3) Under the national credit demonstration policy, the subprovincial level and above can mobilise more resources for policy refinement and support, reducing transaction costs and improving the efficiency of the green economy. (4) The impact of the national credit demonstration policy on the efficiency of Zhejiang’s green economy is more obvious; but, under the overall framework of the Yangtze River Delta, the policy has a more prominent role in promoting green economy efficiency in other provinces. Policy insights are as follows: (1) Different cities have different degrees of impact on the efficiency of the green economy from the national credit demonstration policy, and they should implement differentiated measures based on regional heterogeneity; (2) regulating the use of administrative resources and avoiding undue administrative intervention are important prerequisites for promoting regional integration to enhance the efficiency of the green economy; and (3) strengthening interprovincial credit policy synergies can help to alleviate administrative distortions of policy implementation and enhance the efficiency of the regional green economy.