bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting dots in disorders of gut-brain interaction: the interplay of stress and sex hormones in shaping visceral pain
Authors: Labrenz Franziska , Merz Christian J. , Icenhour Adriane
Published: May 2023

Visceral pain and stress are tightly intertwined bodily and emotional phenomena, which enable a flexible adaptation to environmental challenges by activating a response repertoire to restore homeostasis along the gut-brain axis. However, visceral pain and stress can persist widely independent of the initial cause, acquiring independent disease values and posing major health burdens as predominant features in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Epidemiological data consistently documents an increased prevalence for women to suffer from chronic visceral pain, possibly shaped by sex hormones and modulated by stress and its biological and psychosocial correlates. Yet, mechanisms underlying the complex interactions between altered visceroception, stress and sex remain widely elusive, especially in clinical populations with DGBI.

We herein selectively review mechanisms of interactions between stress and sex in the complex pathophysiology of DGBI. A particular emphasis is laid on visceral pain, in which stress constitutes a major risk factor as well as mediator, and sex-related differences are particularly pronounced. Building on the neurobiology of stress and mechanisms of gut-brain interactions, we highlight putative target mechanisms via which visceral pain and stress may converge with sex effects into a triad.

Accommodating a global demographic shift, we propose a lifespan perspective in future research, which may enable a more fine-tuned evaluation of this complex interplay exerting distinct challenges during vulnerable developmental phases. This viewpoint may advance our understanding of pathophysiological processes and can ultimately inspire novel tailored prevention strategies and therapeutic approaches in the treatment of chronic visceral pain and DGBI across the lifespan.
Relationship between smartphone addiction and eating disorders and lifestyle among Chinese college students
Authors: Wang Jun , Hao Qing-Hong , Peng Wei , Tu Yang , Zhang Lan , Zhu Tian-Min
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Smartphone addiction has been a matter of serious concern among society and parents because of its high incidence and serious negative effects. This study aimed to determine the association between smartphone addiction and eating disorders and lifestyle changes among college students.

Methods

The present article is a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 1,112 college students from several universities in Chengdu, China. The data were collected by using the Chinese version of the Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI) and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). In addition, the information on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and smartphone use were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of smartphone addiction among the students involved in the study was 22.6%, of which 10.4% were at risk for eating disorders. Female students had higher MPAI scores and EAT-26 scores than male students (p < 0.001). The proportion of male students with a risk of eating disorders was significantly higher than that of female students (p < 0.05). The total EAT-26 scores of students with smartphone addiction were higher than that of others (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis indicated that the MPAI scores were significantly positively correlated with the EAT-26 scores, depression and anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep at night, the frequency of eating fast food and drinking carbonated soft drink (p < 0.01). In addition, the MPAI scores were significantly negatively correlated with skipping breakfast and the frequency of physical activity (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Smartphone addiction is significantly associated with eating disorders, eating habits, and lifestyle. The influence of dietary habits and lifestyle needs to be considered for the prevention and development of an intervention for smartphone addiction among college students.
Self-esteem levels in school-going adolescents across the slums of Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Naeem Hira , Sharif Sana , Sharif Hina , Seemi Tooba
Published: May 2023

Introduction

For individuals to live their lives and integrate into society, self-esteem is an essential feeling. Self-esteem development depends on the environment in which children are nurtured. Assessment techniques using questionnaires include Rosenberg's self-esteem scale.

Objective

The study aimed to assess the self-esteem of school-going adolescents in slum areas.

Methodology

This school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three understudied slum areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A standardized scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES), and a pre-tested demographic scale was used to assess the impact of gender, weight, academic performance, tuition, and parent's education level along with parent's strictness on the self-esteem of the understudied population of adolescents aged between 11 and 19 years included in the study. Parent consent was obtained before visiting the schools.

Findings

As per the collected data on self-esteem, among 539 school-going adolescents, 232 (43%) were male and 307 (57%) were female. Most students, 324 (60%), were in the 14–16 age range. Parents' education status and strictness towards their children, academic performance, and adolescent body mass index (BMI) influenced self-esteem levels.

Conclusion

The study found that age, parent's education, parent's strictness, BMI, and academic performance were linked to the levels of self-esteem in the target population regardless of gender. Children's surroundings play an imperative role in developing lower or higher self-esteem in children. Assessing adolescent's self-esteem can be a useful way to build strong self-confident youngster and also beneficial to treatment for those with psychosomatic complaints in their growing age.
IDSov and the silent data revolution: Indigenous Peoples and the decentralized building blocks of web3
Authors: Dobson Dillon , Fernandez Adam
Published: May 2023

This article explores the technology underpinning the decentralized data revolution and encourages Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to secure their Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) over the Metaverse and Web3. More specifically, this article will survey blockchain technologies, exploring some disturbing colonial uses and providing an international legal framework that IPs can use to advance their IDSov internationally and domestically. This article will consider the role that cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, decentralized oracles, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi), and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) might play in advancing IDSov as it relates to western conceptualizations of Web3 and the Metaverse. The worldwide web's global data structure is undergoing a seismic shift that will significantly impact IPs. As inherent sovereigns, IPs are uniquely positioned to use and regulate these technologies in manners consistent with their cultural values and international indigenous human rights instruments. However, the march toward Web3 also looms menacingly over IPs. As such, we intend to examine IPs' novel risks and opportunities with Web3 and the Metaverse. We conclude by encouraging IPs to become fluent in the minutia of these technologies and to exert their inherent sovereignty over these nascent technologies in international and domestic arenas by building culturally informed systems to address their particularized needs. Future research should look toward the specific hurdles, and successes IPs are experiencing as they apply the technologies and principles discussed here.
How good is the data for tracking countries’ agricultural greenhouse gas emissions? Making use of multiple national greenhouse gas inventories
Authors: Dittmer Kyle M. , Wollenberg Eva , Cohen Milo , Egler Cecelia
Published: May 2023

Tracking agriculture and land-use greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is necessary to inform global climate policy, yet UNFCCC country-reported data and three independent global databases show inconsistent estimates of countries’ emissions. Data for developing countries are particularly inconsistent, yet also collectively the largest source of emissions. Here, we provide transparency about available country-level emissions data for agriculture and related land use and characterize their data quality and consistency to enable better understanding of available data and tracking of climate change mitigation. We call for increased consistency in official national agricultural GHG inventory data and transparency about the differences among scientific data sources to enable decision makers to track progress, set priorities and manage emissions.
Emerging monitoring technologies to reduce illegal fishing activities at sea and prevent entry of fraudulent fish into markets
Authors: Willette Demian A. , Ababouch Lahsen , Barber Paul H. , Bunje Paul M. E. , Cauzac Jean-Pierre , Conchon Anna , Trenkel Verena M.
Published: May 2023

National and global priorities are increasingly focused on the concurrent marine fisheries challenges of food security, illegal fishing, and declining fisheries resources. Molecular genetics and electronic monitoring technologies can advance solutions to these challenges, particularly in fisheries surveillance and seafood traceability, and a growing number of studies continues to validate the utility of these tools. What is needed next is guidance to support their wider, more conventional adoption and implementation, either complementary to or in the absence of government policies. Here, we synthesize discussion held during the Borchard Foundation Colloquium held in July 2022 in Missillac, France on modernizing global fisheries with emerging technologies. Our aim is to provide perspectives to scientists, resource managers, and policy makers of emerging monitoring technologies, summarize the utility of these technologies in fisheries, and conclude with how the objective to modernize global marine fisheries is a prime opportunity to engage fresh talent in a new era of fisheries innovation.
Immunohistochemistry-based molecular subtyping of triple-negative breast cancer and its prognostic significance
Authors: Leeha Marisa , Kanokwiroon Kanyanatt , Laohawiriyakamol Suphawat , Thongsuksai Paramee
Published: May 2023

Background: Immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based protein markers representing molecular subtypes are of great value for routine use. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency distributions of the molecular subtypes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using IHC-based surrogate markers and examined their prognostic value.

Methods: Patients with TNBC treated at a university hospital in Southern Thailand were included in this study. Expression levels of androgen receptor, CD8, Forkhead box transcription factor C1, and Doublecortin-like kinase 1 were detected in tumor tissue to classify them into luminal androgen receptor (LAR), immunomodulatory (IM), basal-like immunosuppressed (BLIS), mesenchymal-like (MES), and unclassifiable (UC) subtypes. The association between variables and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results: Among the 195 cases of TNBC, the frequency distribution of the IHC-based subtype was as follows: BLIS, 52.8%; LAR, 19.0%; IM, 17.4%; MES, 0.5%; and un-classifiable, 10.3%. BLIS subtype was significantly found in younger ages (mean: 49.6 years) than other subtypes (mean: 51–57.7 years). LAR and BLIS subtypes were significantly associated with poorer OS compared to the IM subtype in univariate analysis, however, only BLIS was significant in multivariate analysis (HR: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.01–10.72). IHC-based subtype was not found to be associated with DFS.

Conclusion: This study revealed the differences in the proportion frequency of IHC-based TNBC subtypes in Thai patients compared to other populations. IHC-based molecular subtyping may be beneficial for prognosis. However further refinement of the molecular classification of TNBC is needed for better clinical relevance.
Structural Scalability Preliminary Studies for the Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor Composite Wing
Authors: Marano Aniello Daniele , Diodati Gianluca , Paletta Nicola , Di Palma Luigi , Belardo Marika , Nour Pierre Abdel
Published: May 2023

This paper is focused on structural scalability studies of a new generation of civil tiltrotor wingbox structures. Starting from a reference wingbox, developed under the H2020 Clean Sky 2 NGCTR-TD T-WING project, a geometric scaling was performed to upscale the concept up to a larger class tiltrotor named “NGCTR”. Given the wing and the wingbox geometry, a multi-objective optimization, based on genetic algorithms, was performed to find for the NGCTR, among different materials and layups, the best composite wing in terms of weight that satisfies stiffness and crash requirements. The crash requirement plays an important role in regards to wing weight performance. It was found that not all materials investigated in this study succeeded in satisfying both stiffness and crash requirements. The results in terms of minimum structural mass as the target of the optimization process show that the mass ratio of the optimized up-scaled wing is near the geometrical scale factor: 1.58 vs. 1.29. Furthermore, the solution found by the optimizer NGCTR upscaled wing is comparable with other tiltrotor data coming from a literature study. The difference in terms of the ratio between wing structural weight and tiltrotor MTOW is Δ% = +1.4: an acceptable small overestimation of weight compared to a design, optimization, and scalability method that is easily adaptable and effective. The study presented in this work is, in fact, part of a broader activity on scalability and constitutes its first phase, based on low-fidelity models. The scalability study will continue with a further phase (indicated as “phase 2”), in which more reliable models will be set up, allowing a better estimation of the wing’s structural weight and further optimization. The results shown in this manuscript concern phase 1 only and can be considered a starting point at the System Requirements Review level of the up-scaled wing. This phase allowed for a fast exploration of the available solutions by making a first assessment of the main requirements and by aiding in the material choice at the very beginning of the design.
Microbiota-Liver-Bile Salts Axis, a Novel Mechanism Involved in the Contrasting Effects of Sodium Selenite and Selenium-Nanoparticle Supplementation on Adipose Tissue Development in Adolescent Rats
Authors: Ojeda María Luisa , Nogales Fátima , Carrasco López José A. , Gallego-López María del Carmen , Carreras Olimpia , Alcudia Ana , Pajuelo Eloísa
Published: May 2023

Adolescence is a period during which body composition changes deeply. Selenium (Se) is an excellent antioxidant trace element related to cell growth and endocrine function. In adolescent rats, low Se supplementation affects adipocyte development differently depending on its form of administration (selenite or Se nanoparticles (SeNPs). Despite this effect being related to oxidative, insulin-signaling and autophagy processes, the whole mechanism is not elucidated. The microbiota–liver–bile salts secretion axis is related to lipid homeostasis and adipose tissue development. Therefore, the colonic microbiota and total bile salts homeostasis were explored in four experimental groups of male adolescent rats: control, low-sodium selenite supplementation, low SeNP supplementation and moderate SeNPs supplementation. SeNPs were obtained by reducing Se tetrachloride in the presence of ascorbic acid. Supplementation was received orally through water intake; low-Se rats received twice more Se than control animals and moderate-Se rats tenfold more. Supplementation with low doses of Se clearly affected anaerobic colonic microbiota profile and bile salts homeostasis. However, these effects were different depending on the Se administration form. Selenite supplementation primarily affected liver by decreasing farnesoid X receptor hepatic function, leading to the accumulation of hepatic bile salts together to increase in the ratio Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. In contrast, low SeNP levels mainly affected microbiota, moving them towards a more prominent Gram-negative profile in which the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae was clearly enhanced and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased. This bacterial profile is directly related to lower adipose tissue mass. Moreover, low SeNP administration did not modify bile salts pool in serum circulation. In addition, specific gut microbiota was regulated upon administration of low levels of Se in the forms of selenite or SeNPs, which are properly discussed. On its side, moderate-SeNPs administration led to great dysbiosis and enhanced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, being considered toxic. These results strongly correlate with the deep change in adipose mass previously found in these animals, indicating that the microbiota–liver–bile salts axis is also mechanistically involved in these changes.
The Air and Viruses We Breathe: Assessing the Effect the PM2.5 Air Pollutant has on the Burden of COVID-19
Authors: Kelly Sherrie L. , Shattock Andrew J. , Ragettli Martina S. , Vienneau Danielle , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M. , de Hoogh Kees
Published: May 2023

Evidence suggests an association between air pollutant exposure and worse outcomes for respiratory viral diseases, like COVID-19. However, does breathing polluted air over many years affect the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or severity of COVID-19 disease, and how intense are these effects? As climate change intensifies, air pollutant levels may rise, which might further affect the burden of respiratory viral diseases. We assessed the effect of increasing exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 microns in diameter) on SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility or COVID-19 severity and projected the impact on infections and hospitalisations over two years. Simulations in a hypothetical, representative population show that if exposure affects severity, then hospital admissions are projected to increase by 5–10% for a one-unit exposure increase. However, if exposure affects susceptibility, then infections would increase with the potential for onward transmission and hospital admissions could increase by over 60%. Implications of this study highlight the importance of considering this potential additional health and health system burden as part of strategic planning to mitigate and respond to changing air pollution levels. It is also important to better understand at which point PM2.5 exposure affects SARS-CoV-2 infection through to COVID-19 disease progression, to enable improved protection and better support of those most vulnerable.
A New Hardy–Hilbert-Type Integral Inequality Involving One Multiple Upper Limit Function and One Derivative Function of Higher Order
Authors: Yang Bicheng , Rassias Michael Th.
Published: May 2023

Using weight functions and parameters, as well as applying real analytic techniques, we derive a new Hardy–Hilbert-type integral inequality with the homogeneous kernel 1(x+y)λ+n involving one multiple upper limit function and one derivative function of higher order. Certain equivalent statements of the optimal constant factor related to some parameters are considered. A few particular inequalities and the case of reverses are also provided.
Transfer Learning Based on Transferability Measures for State of Health Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Amogne Zemenu Endalamaw , Wang Fu-Kwun , Chou Jia-Hong
Published: May 2023

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are considered to be one of the ideal energy sources for automotive and electronic products due to their size, high levels of charge, higher energy density, and low maintenance. When Li-ion batteries are used in harsh environments or subjected to poor charging habits, etc., their degradation will be accelerated. Thus, online state of health (SOH) estimation becomes a hot research topic. In this study, normalized capacity is considered as SOH for the estimation and calculation of remaining useful lifetime (RUL). A multi-step look-ahead forecast-based deep learning model is proposed to obtain SOH estimates. A total of six batteries, including three as source datasets and three as target datasets, are used to validate the deep learning model with a transfer learning approach. Transferability measures are used to identify source and target domains by accounting for cell-to-cell differences in datasets. With regard to the SOH estimation, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the three target batteries are 0.0070, 0.0085, and 0.0082, respectively. Concerning RUL prediction performance, the relative errors of the three target batteries are obtained as 2.82%, 1.70%, and 0.98%, respectively. In addition, all 95% prediction intervals of RUL on the three target batteries include the end-of-life (EOL) value (=0.8). These results indicate that our method can be applied to battery SOH estimation and RUL prediction.
Pulp–Dentin Complex Regeneration with Cell Transplantation Technique Using Stem Cells Derived from Human Deciduous Teeth: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study in Immunosuppressed Rats
Authors: Santos Larissa Regina Kuntze dos , Pelegrine André Antonio , da Silveira Bueno Carlos Eduardo , Muniz Ferreira José Ricardo , Aloise Antonio Carlos , Stringheta Carolina Pessoa , Martinez Elizabeth Ferreira , Pelegrine Rina Andréa
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to histologically verify the performance of pulp-derived stem cells used in the pulp–dentin complex regeneration. Maxillary molars of 12 immunosuppressed rats were divided into two groups: the SC (stem cells) group, and the PBS (just standard phosphate-buffered saline) group. After pulpectomy and canal preparation, the teeth received the designated materials, and the cavities were sealed. After 12 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and the specimens underwent histological processing and qualitative evaluation of intracanal connective tissue, odontoblast-like cells, intracanal mineralized tissue, and periapical inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemical evaluation was performed to detect dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1). In the PBS group, an amorphous substance and remnants of mineralized tissue were observed throughout the canal, and abundant inflammatory cells were observed in the periapical region. In the SC group, an amorphous substance and remnants of mineralized tissue were observed throughout the canal; odontoblasts-like cells immunopositive for DMP1 and mineral plug were observed in the apical region of the canal; and a mild inflammatory infiltrate, intense vascularization, and neoformation of organized connective tissue were observed in the periapical region. In conclusion, the transplantation of human pulp stem cells promoted partial pulp tissue neoformation in adult rat molars.
Artificial Intelligence for Personalized Genetics and New Drug Development: Benefits and Cautions
Authors: Gallo Crescenzio
Published: May 2023

As the global health care system grapples with steadily rising costs, increasing numbers of admissions, and the chronic defection of doctors and nurses from the profession, appropriate measures need to be put in place to reverse this course before it is too late [...]
Neuroprotective Effect of a Nutritional Supplement Containing Spearmint Extract, Forskolin, Homotaurine and Group B Vitamins in a Mouse Model of Transient Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Satriano Andrea , Laganà Maria Luisa , Licastro Ester , Nucci Carlo , Bagetta Giacinto , Russo Rossella , Adornetto Annagrazia
Published: May 2023

Glaucoma is one of the most common sight-threatening eye disorders and one of the main causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. The current therapies focusing on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) are often insufficient to prevent the progression of the disease, so the therapeutic management of glaucoma remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective, IOP-lowering independent effects of a nutritional supplement containing forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract and vitamins of the B group in a model of acute glaucoma developed in mice. Glaucoma was induced in adult wild-type C57BL/6J mice by transient elevation of IOP. The dietary supplement, branded as Gangliomix® (125 mg/kg/day), was administered by oral gavage for 17 days and ocular hypertension was induced on the 10th day of treatment. A histological analysis of the retinas was performed and RGC survival was evaluated with fluorogold labeling and Brn3a immunostaining on wholemount and retinal sections. Expression of alpha-spectrin, caspase-3, PARP-1 and GFAP was studied with western blotting or immunofluorescence. A significant increase in RGC survival was reported in the retina of mice treated with the dietary supplement as compared to vehicle-treated animals. The observed neuroprotection was associated with a calpain activity decrease, reduction in caspase-3 and PARP-1 activation, and prevention of GFAP upregulation. These effects were independent from the hypotensive effects of the supplement. Altogether, our data suggest that the dietary supplementation with forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract and vitamins of the B group supports RGC survival and may offer beneficial effects in glaucoma patients in combination with the currently used IOP-lowering therapy.
Cognitive and Cellular Effects of Combined Organophosphate Toxicity and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Freidin Dor , Har-Even Meirav , Rubovitch Vardit , Murray Kathleen E. , Maggio Nicola , Shavit-Stein Efrat , Keidan Lee , Citron Bruce A. , Pick Chaim G.
Published: May 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered the most common neurological disorder among people under the age of 50. In modern combat zones, a combination of TBI and organophosphates (OP) can cause both fatal and long-term effects on the brain. We utilized a mouse closed-head TBI model induced by a weight drop device, along with OP exposure to paraoxon. Spatial and visual memory as well as neuron loss and reactive astrocytosis were measured 30 days after exposure to mild TBI (mTBI) and/or paraoxon. Molecular and cellular changes were assessed in the temporal cortex and hippocampus. Cognitive and behavioral deficits were most pronounced in animals that received a combination of paraoxon exposure and mTBI, suggesting an additive effect of the insults. Neuron survival was reduced in proximity to the injury site after exposure to paraoxon with or without mTBI, whereas in the dentate gyrus hilus, cell survival was only reduced in mice exposed to paraoxon prior to sustaining a mTBI. Neuroinflammation was increased in the dentate gyrus in all groups exposed to mTBI and/or to paraoxon. Astrocyte morphology was significantly changed in mice exposed to paraoxon prior to sustaining an mTBI. These results provide further support for assumptions concerning the effects of OP exposure following the Gulf War. This study reveals additional insights into the potentially additive effects of OP exposure and mTBI, which may result in more severe brain damage on the modern battlefield.
Comparative Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin in BT-20 Triple-Negative Breast Carcinoma Monolayer and Spheroid Cultures
Authors: Ncube Keith N. , Jurgens Tamarin , Steenkamp Vanessa , Cromarty Allan D. , van den Bout Iman , Cordier Werner
Published: May 2023

Three-dimensional cell culture models are increasingly adopted as preferred pre-clinical drug testing platforms, as they circumvent limitations associated with traditional monolayer cell cultures. However, many of these models are not fully characterized. This study aimed to characterize a BT-20 triple-negative breast carcinoma spheroid model and assess its susceptibility to doxorubicin in comparison to a monolayer model. Spheroids were developed using the liquid overlay method. Phenotypic attributes were analyzed by characterizing changes in size, gross morphology, protein content, metabolic activity, hypoxic status, and cell–cell junctions. The cytotoxic range of doxorubicin in monolayers was determined using the sulforhodamine B assay, and the comparative effect of toxic and sub-toxic concentrations was assessed in both spheroids and monolayers. Similar to the in vivo microenvironment, spheroids had a heterogeneous spatial cytoarchitecture, inherent hypoxia and strong adherens junctions. Doxorubicin induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in monolayers (IC25: 130 nM, IC50: 320 nM and IC75: 1580 nM); however, these concentrations did not alter the spheroid size or acid phosphatase activity. Only concentrations ≥6 µM had any effect on spheroid integrity. In comparison to monolayers, the BT-20 spheroid model has decreased sensitivity to doxorubicin and could serve as a better model for susceptibility testing in triple-negative breast cancer.
Trends in Biological Ammonia Production
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale , Bello Ibrahim , Mukaila Taofeek , Sarker Niloy Chandra , Hammed Ademola
Published: May 2023

Food production heavily depends on ammonia-containing fertilizers to improve crop yield and profitability. However, ammonia production is challenged by huge energy demands and the release of ~2% of global CO2. To mitigate this challenge, many research efforts have been made to develop bioprocessing technologies to make biological ammonia. This review presents three different biological approaches that drive the biochemical mechanisms to convert nitrogen gas, bioresources, or waste to bio-ammonia. The use of advanced technologies—enzyme immobilization and microbial bioengineering—enhanced bio-ammonia production. This review also highlighted some challenges and research gaps that require researchers’ attention for bio-ammonia to be industrially pragmatic.
Retrospective Analysis of the Psychological Predictors of Public Health Support in Bulgarians at the Beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Stoyanova Kristina , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Dzhambov Angel M.
Published: May 2023

The earliest critical context of the pandemic, preceding the first real epidemiological wave of contagion in Bulgaria, was examined using a socio-affective perspective. A retrospective and agnostic analytical approach was adopted. Our goal was to identify traits and trends that explain public health support (PHS) of Bulgarians during the first two months of the declared state of emergency. We investigated a set of variables with a unified method within an international scientific network named the International Collaboration on Social & Moral Psychology of COVID-19 (ICSMP) in April and May 2020. A total of 733 Bulgarians participated in the study (67.3% females), with an average age of 31.8 years (SD = 11.66). Conspiracy Theories Beliefs were a significant predictor of lower PHS. Psychological Well-Being was significantly associated with Physical Contact and Anti-Corona Policy Support. Physical Contact was significantly predicted by fewer Conspiracy Theories Beliefs, higher Collective Narcissism, Open-mindedness, higher Trait Self-Control, Moral Identity, Risk Perception and Psychological Well-Being. Physical Hygiene compliance was predicted by fewer Conspiracy Theories Beliefs, Collective Narcissism, Morality-as-Cooperation, Moral Identity and Psychological Well-Being. The results revealed two polar trends of support and non-support of public health policies. The contribution of this study is in providing evidence for the affective polarization and phenomenology of (non)precarity during the outbreak of the pandemic.
Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multigroup Structural Equation Modelling of Underground Space Environment and Users’ Health
Authors: Chan Isabelle Y. S. , Chen Hao
Published: May 2023

Due to the inherent limitations of underground spaces, such as the lack of natural ventilation and sunlight, underground space users tend to face more health risks compared with their aboveground counterparts. However, little is known about how the underground environment, users’ health, and their associations were impacted by the outbreak of the pandemic. In this study, we investigated and compared the impacts of the general underground environment on regular users’ physical and psychological health before and after the pandemic. To achieve this aim, the data from 525 surveys were collected from eleven underground sites, followed by an objective field measurement study conducted at five underground sites in Hong Kong pre- and post-outbreak of the pandemic. The multigroup structural equation modelling results indicated that: (i) surprisingly, the users’ satisfaction towards almost all underground environment factors, including greenery, connectivity with the aboveground environment, thermal comfort, ventilation, indoor air quality, acoustic comfort, and lighting, excluding wayfinding, were significantly higher in the post-outbreak period; (ii) the users’ health, both physical and psychological, was significantly better in the post-outbreak period; (iii) the impacts of visual comfort on the users’ physical and psychological health were significantly greater in the post-outbreak period (critical difference ratio (|CDR|) > 1.96); (iv) the impacts of wayfinding, greenery, and acoustic and thermal comfort on the users’ physical or psychological health were significant only in the pre-outbreak period (|CDR| > 1.96); (v) the impacts of connectivity on the users’ physical and psychological health were significant in both the pre- and post-outbreak periods (|CDR| < 1.96). The findings were further cross-validated using the objective measurement results. With an increasing need to develop healthy underground spaces, the study contributes to the development, design, and management of the underground environment to enhance the users’ health in the post-outbreak era.
Recent Research Progress in Intelligent Construction: A Comparison between China and Developed Countries
Authors: Yan Jing-Ke , Zheng Zhe , Zhou Yu-Cheng , Lin Jia-Rui , Deng Yi-Chuan , Lu Xin-Zheng
Published: May 2023

Intelligent construction (IC) has emerged as a new approach to transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry through the integration of advanced information technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, due to its interdisciplinary nature, the relevant documents on IC are diverse and fragmented. To provide a comprehensive understanding of research progress and future opportunities in IC and to offer suggestions for both developing and developed countries, this study employed VOSviewer and Gephi to conduct a comparative review of relevant literature from the 21st century. A keyword search of Web of Science (WOS) identified 2788 relevant documents which were subjected to an overall co-citation and co-authorship analysis. To illustrate the differences between developing and developed countries, China, a representative developing country, was taken as the candidate to be compared with developed countries via a co-occurrence analysis. Differences between China and developed countries in the three sub-directions of IC, research foundation and domain knowledge transformation; information perception, fusion, and decision making; and embodied AI, were qualitatively discussed. Finally, four future research directions were suggested: (1) data fusion and decision-making, (2) improving the accuracy and efficiency of knowledge representation, learning, and utilization, (3) the establishment of large, pre-trained models in the field, and (4) embodied AI for taking actions according to the decisions made. This paper provides an overview of the relevant literature and the IC context for practitioners and scholars in the AEC industry in countries with different levels of development, as well as suggestions for the future development of IC. The findings of this study can serve both academia and industry in promoting IC in the AEC industry.
Patient’s Desire and Real Availability Concerning Supportive Measures Accompanying Radical Prostatectomy: Differences between Certified Prostate Cancer Centers and Non-Certified Centers Based on Patient-Reported Outcomes within the Cross-Sectional Study Improve
Authors: Wolff Ingmar , Burchardt Martin , Peter Julia , Thomas Christian , Sikic Danijel , Fiebig Christian , Promnitz Sören , Hoschke Bernd , Burger Maximilian , Schnabel Marco J. , Gilfrich Christian , Löbig Niklas , Harke Nina N. , Distler Florian A. , May Matthias
Published: May 2023

Certification as a prostate cancer center requires the offer of several supportive measures to patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). However, it remains unclear how patients estimate the relevance of these measures and whether the availability of these measures differs between certified prostate cancer centers (CERTs) and non-certified centers (NCERTs). In 20 German urologic centers, a survey comprising questions on the relevance of 15 supportive measures was sent to 1000 patients at a median of 15 months after RP. Additionally, patients were asked to rate the availability of these measures using a four-item Likert scale. The aim of this study was to compare these ratings between CERTs and NCERTs. The response rate was 75.0%. In total, 480 patients underwent surgery in CERTs, and 270 in NCERTs. Patients rated 6/15 supportive measures as very relevant: preoperative medical counselling concerning treatment options, a preoperative briefing answering last questions, preoperative pelvic floor exercises (PFEs), postoperative PFEs, postoperative social support, and postoperative rehabilitation addressing physical fitness recovery. These ratings showed no significant difference between CERTs and NCERTs (p = 0.133–0.676). In addition, 4/9 of the remaining criteria were rated as more detailed by patients in CERTs. IMPROVE represents the first study worldwide to evaluate a patient-reported assessment of the supportive measures accompanying RP. Pertinent offers vary marginally between CERTs and NCERTs.
Liquid Biopsy in Gastrointestinal Cancers: How Close Are We to Reaching the Clinic?
Authors: Earl Julie , Kataki Agapi , Smolkova Bozena
Published: May 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are malignancies that develop within the digestive system and account for one in four cancer cases according to WHO data [...]
Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated with Hypo-Fractionated Liver Radiotherapy
Authors: Mushonga Melinda , Helou Joelle , Weiss Jessica , Dawson Laura A. , Wong Rebecca K. S. , Hosni Ali , Kim John , Brierley James , Koch C. Anne , Alrabiah Khalid , Lindsay Patricia , Stanescu Teo , Barry Aisling
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To retrospectively review the clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBCa) following liver directed ablative intent radiotherapy (RT). Methods: Demographics, disease and treatment characteristics of patients with MBCa who received liver metastasis (LM) directed ablative RT between 2004–2020 were analysed. The primary outcome was local control (LC), secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) analyzed by univariate (UVA) and multi-variable analysis (MVA). Results: Thirty MBCa patients with 50 LM treated with 5–10 fraction RT were identified. Median follow-up was 14.6 (range 0.9–156.2) months. Class of metastatic disease was described as induced (12 patients, 40%), repeat (15 patients, 50%) and de novo (three patients, 10%). Median size of treated LM was 3.1 cm (range 1–8.8 cm) and median biologically effective dose delivered was 122 (Q1–Q3; 98–174) Gy3. One-year LC rate was 100%. One year and two-year survival was 89% and 63%, respectively, with size of treated LM predictive of OS (HR 1.35, p = 0.023) on UVA. Patients with induced OMD had a significantly higher rate of progression (HR 4.77, p = 0.01) on UVA, trending to significance on MVA (HR 3.23, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Hypo-fractionated ablative liver RT in patients with MBCa provides safe, tolerable treatment with excellent LC.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging Reveals Abnormalities in Cardiolipin Composition and Distribution in Astrocytoma Tumor Tissues
Authors: Krieger Anna C. , Macias Luis A. , Goodman J. Clay , Brodbelt Jennifer S. , Eberlin Livia S.
Published: May 2023

Cardiolipin (CL) is a mitochondrial lipid with diverse roles in cellular respiration, signaling, and organelle membrane structure. CL content and composition are essential for proper mitochondrial function. Deranged mitochondrial energy production and signaling are key components of glial cell cancers and altered CL molecular species have been observed in mouse brain glial cell xenograft tumors. The objective of this study was to describe CL structural diversity trends in human astrocytoma tumors of varying grades and correlate these trends with histological regions within the heterogeneous astrocytoma microenvironment. To this aim, we applied desorption electrospray ionization coupled with high field asymmetric ion mobility mass spectrometry (DESI-FAIMS-MS) to map CL molecular species in human normal cortex (N = 29), lower-grade astrocytoma (N = 19), and glioblastoma (N = 28) tissues. With this platform, we detected 46 CL species and 12 monolysocardiolipin species from normal cortex samples. CL profiles detected from glioblastoma tissues lacked diversity and abundance of longer chain polyunsaturated fatty acid containing CL species when compared to CL detected from normal and lower-grade tumors. CL profiles correlated with trends in tumor viability and tumor infiltration. Structural characterization of the CL species by tandem MS experiments revealed differences in fatty acid and double bond isomer composition among astrocytoma tissues compared with normal cortex and glioblastoma tissues. The GlioVis platform was used to analyze astrocytoma gene expression data from the CGGA dataset. Decreased expression of several mitochondrial respiratory enzyme encoding-genes was observed for higher-grade versus lower-grade tumors, however no significant difference was observed for cardiolipin synthesis enzyme CRLS1.
The Prevalence of Developmental Enamel Defects in Israeli Children and Its Association with Perinatal Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Berenstein Ajzman Gisela , Dagon Nurit , Iraqi Rabea , Blumer Sigalit , Fadela Shada
Published: May 2023

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and deciduous molar hypomineralization (DMH) affect the first permanent molars and second primary molars, respectively, causing a greater dental treatment burden and worse oral health quality of life among affected children. We assessed the prevalence and risk factors of MIH and DMH among 1209 children aged 3–13 years who attended a university dental clinic in Israel in 2019–2020. Clinical examinations were conducted to assess the presence of DMH and MIH. Potential etiological factors of MIH and DMH, including demographics, the mother’s perinatal health, and the child’s medical history during the first three years of life, were retrieved using a questionnaire. To examine the associations between the demographic and clinical variables and the prevalence of MIH and DMH, continuous variables were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni corrections. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to evaluate which of the significant variables found in the univariate analysis could predict a diagnosis of both MIH and DMH. The prevalence of MIH and DMH was 10.3% and 6.0%, respectively. Age ≥ 5 years, taking medications during pregnancy and severe lesions were associated with a greater risk for a diagnosis of DMH + MIH. Multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for age showed that the severity of hypomineralization was positively and significantly associated with a diagnosis of MIH + DMH with an odds ratio of 4.18 (95% confidence interval 1.26–17.16), p = 0.03. MIH should be diagnosed and monitored in young children to prevent further deterioration. Moreover, a preventive and restorative program for MIH should be established.
Insights on the Existence of Ancient Glacial Refugee in the Northern Black/Azov Sea Lowland, with the Description of the First Stygobiotic Microcrustacean Species of the Genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 from the Mouth of the Don River
Authors: Marin Ivan N. , Palatov Dmitry M.
Published: May 2023

A new species of the genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae), co-existing with other stygobiotic amphipods, Diasynurella kiwi Marin and Palatov, 2023 and Pontonyx donensis (Martynov, 1919) (Crangonyctidae), is described from a small spring on a shore of Kiziterinka River in Rostov-on-Don City in the mouth of the Don River. Two of the three species in the studied spring, D. kiwi and the discovered Niphargus, belong to microcrustaceans not exceeding the total body size of 3 mm. The new species, Niphargus rostovi sp. nov., represents one of the smallest species within the genus and is mostly related to the Greek Niphargus karkabounasi Ntakis, Anastasiadou, Zakšek and Fišer, 2015, which is also not reaching the body size of 3 mm. One more related undescribed species is found on the Crete Island by the molecular genetic data. These species represent a separate phylogenetic lineage within the “carpathicus” species complex, which diverged from the congeners in the Late Miocene for more than 10 Mya. At the same time, the speciation within the ingroup started about 5–6 Mya, obviously correlating with the drainage of the Euxinian basin of the Eastern Paratethys, connecting the lower Don and southern Greece areas. Niphargus potamophilus Birštein, 1954 is also first recorded from the mouth of the Belbek River in the Crimean Peninsula, closing the known area from the Kuban River delta to Rostov-on-Don area and further along the western coast of the Black Sea to Bulgaria. Analysis of the recent records of long-time lineages of endemic/subterranean/stygobiotic animals unable to disperse for long distances assumed that glacial refugium existed at the mouth of the Don River, along with the South Caucasus (Colchis) and the southern Caspian (Hyrcania), where many species have survived several periods of glaciation since the late Miocene.