bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Movements of Hatchery-Reared Dusky Groupers Released in a Northeast Atlantic Coastal Marine Protected Area
Authors: Silva Ana Filipa , Horta e Costa Bárbara , Costa José Lino , Pereira Esmeralda , Marques João Pedro , Castro João J. , Lino Pedro G. , Candeias-Mendes Ana , Pousão-Ferreira Pedro , Sousa Inês , Bentes Luís , Gonçalves Jorge M. S. , de Almeida Pedro Raposo , Quintella Bernardo Ruivo
Published: July 2022

No-take areas are key instruments to promote the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), particularly concerning the protection of endangered species such as the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus). However, despite the establishment of no-take areas and the prohibition of catching this species in a southwestern Portuguese MPA (SACVMP—‘Sudoeste Alentejano’ and ‘Costa Vicentina’ Marine Park) since 2011, there is still no evidence of population recovery. By using acoustic biotelemetry, this work aimed to evaluate the feasibility of restocking hatchery-reared adult dusky groupers in two no-take areas within the SACVMP. In 2019 and 2021, thirty groupers were tagged with acoustic transmitters and the site attachment and movements of the groupers were assessed in the releasing sites (no-take areas). None of the tagged fish settled down in either of the areas, leaving the no-take areas mainly at dusk and night. Some individuals displayed extended movements of more than a hundred kilometers along the Portuguese coast which was rarely reported for this species. At least in some coastal stretches, those movements were performed close to the shore, which may evidence the importance of coastal MPAs to protect and promote the connectivity of species more associated with rocky reef habitats. Following studies should focus on the conditions that promote site attachment and fidelity by hatchery-reared dusky groupers so that future large-scale restocking programs can be successful in MPAs with appropriate habitats.
Validation of Two Screening Tools for Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nadort Els , van Geenen Noëlle J. K. , Schouten Robbert W. , Boeschoten Rosa E. , Chandie Shaw Prataap , Vleming Louis Jean , Schouten Marcel , Farhat Karima , Dekker Friedo W. , van Oppen Patricia , Siegert Carl E. H. , Broekman Birit F. P.
Published: July 2022

Background: Symptoms of anxiety are often unrecognized and untreated in dialysis patients. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of two widely used screening tools for anxiety in hemodialysis patients. Methods: For this cross-sectional validation study, chronic hemodialysis patients from eight dialysis centers in the Netherlands were included. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) were validated by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (MINI) diagnostic interview. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off values. Results: Of 65 participants, 13 (20%) were diagnosed with one or more anxiety disorders on the MINI, of which 5 were included in the analysis. ROC curves showed a good diagnostic accuracy of the BAI and HADS-A. The optimal cut-off value for the BAI was ≥13 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 85%) and for the HADS-A was ≥10 (sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%). Conclusions: Based on our limited data, both the BAI and the HADS-A seem to be valid screening instruments for anxiety in hemodialysis patients that can be used in routine dialysis care. The HADS-A consists of fewer items and showed fewer false-positive results than the BAI, which might make it more useful in clinical practice.
Silver Nanoparticles Selectively Treat Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in a Neurofibromin-Dependent Manner
Authors: Alewine Garrett , Knight Jerrica , Ghantae Adithya , Mamrega Christina , Attiah Bashnona , Coover Robert A. , Fahrenholtz Cale D.
Published: July 2022

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is among the most common neurogenic disorders, characterized by loss of function mutations in the neurofibromin gene (NF1). NF1 patients are extremely susceptible to developing neurofibromas, which can transform into deadly malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). At the center of these tumors are NF1-null Schwann cells. Here, we found that nanomedicine shows promise in the treatment of NF1-associated MPNSTs. We assessed the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in NF1-null NF1-associated MPNSTs, NF1-wildtype sporadic MPNST, and normal Schwann cells. Our data show that AgNP are selectivity cytotoxic to NF1-associated MPNSTs relative to sporadic MPNST and Schwann cells. Furthermore, we found that sensitivity to AgNPs is correlated with the expression levels of functional neurofibromin. The restoration of functional neurofibromin in NF1-associated MPNSTs reduces AgNP sensitivity, and the knockdown of neurofibromin in Schwann cells increases AgNP sensitivity. This finding is unique to AgNPs, as NF1 restoration does not alter sensitivity to standard of care chemotherapy doxorubicin in NF1-associated MPNSTs. Using an in vitro model system, we then found that AgNP can selectively eradicate NF1-associated MPNSTs in co-culture with Schwann cells at doses tolerable to normal cells. AgNP represents a novel therapy for the treatment of NF1-associated MPNSTs and addresses significant unmet clinical need.
Fertility-Sparing Surgery versus Radical Hysterectomy in Early Cervical Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis and Noninferiority Study
Authors: Llueca Antoni , Ibañez Maria Victoria , Torne Aureli , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Martin-Jimenez Angel , Diaz-Feijoo Berta , Serra Anna , Climent Maria Teresa , Gil-Ibañez Blanca ,   on behalf of the Spain-GOG Cervical Cancer Working Group
Published: July 2022

Objective: Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) is the treatment of choice for patients with early cervical cancer (ECC) and fertility desire, but survival rates compared to radical hysterectomy (RH) have been scarcely reported. The aim of this study was to analyse the oncological outcomes of FSS compared to a balanced group of standard RH. Methods: A retrospective multicentre study of ECC patients who underwent FSS or RH was carried out in 12 tertiary hospitals in Spain between January 2005 and January 2019. The experimental group included patients who underwent a simple and radical trachelectomy, and the control group included patients who underwent RH. Optimal 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching analysis was performed to balance the series. Results: The study included 222 patients with ECC; 111 (50%) were treated with FSS, and 111 (50%) were treated with RH. After PS matching, a total of 38 patients in the FSS group and 38 patients in the RH group were analysed. In both groups, the overall survival (HR 2.5; CI 0.89, 7.41) and recurrence rates (28.9% in the FSS group vs. 13.2% in RH group) were similar. The rate of disease-free survival at 5 years was 68.99% in the FSS group and 88.01% in the RH group (difference of −19.02 percentage points; 95% CI −32.08 to −5.96 for noninferiority). In the univariate analysis, only tumour size reached statistical significance. Conclusion: FSS offers excellent disease-free and overall survival in women with ECC with fertility desire and is not inferior compared to RH.
The Diagnosis and Management of Cardiometabolic Risk and Cardiometabolic Syndrome after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Farkas Gary J. , Burton Adam M. , McMillan David W. , Sneij Alicia , Gater David R.
Published: July 2022

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) commonly present with component risk factors for cardiometabolic risk and combined risk factors for cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). These primary risk factors include obesity, dyslipidemia, dysglycemia/insulin resistance, and hypertension. Commonly referred to as “silent killers”, cardiometabolic risk and CMS increase the threat of cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death after SCI. This narrative review will examine current data and the etiopathogenesis of cardiometabolic risk, CMS, and cardiovascular disease associated with SCI, focusing on pivotal research on cardiometabolic sequelae from the last five years. The review will also provide current diagnosis and surveillance criteria for cardiometabolic disorders after SCI, a novel obesity classification system based on percent total body fat, and lifestyle management strategies to improve cardiometabolic health.
Hemostasis and Anti-Inflammatory Abilities of AuNPs-Coated Chitosan Dressing for Burn Wounds
Authors: Cherng Juin-Hong , Lin Cheng-An J. , Liu Cheng-Che , Yeh Jue-Zong , Fan Gang-Yi , Tsai Hsin-Da , Chung Chun-Fang , Hsu Sheng-Der
Published: July 2022

Burn injuries are a common hazard in the military, as fire is likely to be weaponized. Thus, it is important to find an effective substance to accelerate burn wound healing. This study used chitosan and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as wound dressings and investigated their effectiveness in femoral artery hemorrhage swine and rat burn models. Chitosan dressing has significant hemostatic properties compared with gauze. Histological results showed that burn wounds treated with chitosan or AuNP-coated chitosan dressings exhibited more cells and a continuous structure of the epidermis and dermis than those of the control and untreated lesion groups. Furthermore, both chitosan dressings have been shown to positively regulate the expression of genes- and cytokines/chemokines-related to the wound healing process; AuNP-coated chitosan significantly lessened severe sepsis and inflammation, balanced the activities of pro-fibrotic and anti-fibrotic ligands for tissue homeostasis, regulated angiogenesis, and inhibited apoptosis activity, thereby being beneficial for the burn microenvironment. Hence, chitosan alone or in combination with AuNPs represents a prospective therapeutic substance as a burn dressing which might be helpful for burn wound care. This study provides a novel hemostasis dressing for modern warfare that is simple to use by most medical and paramedical personnel handling for burn treatment.
Analysis of the Concept of Obstetric Violence: Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Ferrão Ana Cristina , Sim-Sim Margarida , Almeida Vanda Sofia , Zangão Maria Otília
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Obstetric violence has been highlighted in the political and social agenda of several countries. Efforts have been made to create policies to humanize obstetric care, guarantee the rights of pregnant women and respond to this form of violence. The lack of consensus on the appropriate terminology to name and define the behaviours that constitute obstetric violence, hinders this process. (2) Objective: To analyse the concept of obstetric violence related to assistance to women during labor. (3) Methodology: Scoping review protocol, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute method. The search will be performed on EBSCOhost Research Platform, PubMed, Virtual Health Library and SciVerse Scopus databases. The Open Scientific Repository of Portugal will also be considered. All types of studies, published in the last 10 years, in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages, constitute inclusion criteria. Studies of women experiencing labor, in a hospital setting, that address the dimensions of the concept of obstetric violence will be reviewed. (4) Discussion: The results will serve as a basis for identifying the appropriate terminology of the concept of obstetric violence, in order to direct future research with interest in the problem.
Embolization of Recurrent Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations by Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (Onyx®) in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Si-Mohamed Salim A. , Cierco Alexandra , Gamondes Delphine , Restier Lauria Marie , Delagrange Laura , Cottin Vincent , Dupuis-Girod Sophie , Revel Didier
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To evaluate short- and long-term safety and efficacy of embolization with Onyx® for recurrent pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Methods: In total, 45 consecutive patients (51% women, mean (SD) age 53 (18) years) with HHT referred to a reference center for treatment of recurrent PAVM were retrospectively included from April 2014 to July 2021. Inclusion criteria included evidence of PAVM recurrence on CT or angiography, embolization using Onyx® and a minimal 1-year-follow-up CT or angiography. Success was defined based on the standard of reference criteria on unenhanced CT or pulmonary angiography if a recurrence was suspected. PAVMs were analyzed in consensus by two radiologists. The absence of safety distance, as defined by a too-short distance for coil/plug deployment, i.e., between 0.5 and 1 cm, between the proximal extremity of the primary embolic material used and a healthy upstream artery branch, was reported. Results: In total, 70 PAVM were analyzed. Mean (SD) follow-up was 3 (1.3) years. Safety distance criteria were missing in 33 (47%) PAVMs. All procedures were technically successful, with a short-term occlusion rate of 100% using a mean (SD) of 0.6 (0.5) mL of Onyx®. The long-term occlusion rate was 60%. No immediate complication directly related to embolization was reported, nor was any severe long-term complication such as strokes or cerebral abscesses. Conclusions: In HHT, treatment of recurrent PAVM with Onyx® showed satisfactory safety and efficacy, with an immediate occlusion rate of 100% and a long-term rate of 60%.
Dosimetric Parameters Related to Acute Radiation Dermatitis of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated by Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy
Authors: Fang Ko-Chun , Huang Tai-Lin , Liao Kuan-Cho , Lee Tsair-Fwu , Hsieh Yang-Wei , Tsai Wen-Ling , Fang Fu-Min
Published: July 2022

Background: Growing patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were treated with intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). However, a high probability of severe acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) was observed. The objective of the study is to investigate the dosimetric parameters related to ARD for NPC patients treated with IMPT. Methods: Sixty-two patients with newly diagnosed NPC were analyzed. The ARD was recorded based on the criteria of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Logistic regression model was performed to identify the clinical and dosimetric parameters related to ARD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. Results: The maximum ARD grade was 1, 2, and 3 in 27 (43.5%), 26 (42.0%), and 9 (14.5%) of the patients, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in average volume to skin 5 mm with the respective doses were observed in the range 54–62 Cobalt Gray Equivalent (CGE) for grade 2 and 3 versus grade 1 ARD. Smoking habit and N2-N3 status were identified as significant predictors to develop grade 2 and 3 ARD in clinical model, and V58CGE to skin 5 mm as an independent predictor in dosimetric model. After adding the variable of V58CGE to the metric incorporating two parameters of smoking habit and N status, the AUC value of the metric increases from 0.78 (0.66–0.90) to 0.82 (0.72–0.93). The most appropriate cut-off value of V58CGE to skin 5 mm as determined by ROC curve was 5.0 cm3, with a predicted probability of 54% to develop grade 2 and 3 ARD. Conclusion: The dosimetric parameter of V58CGE to skin 5 mm < 5.0 cm3 could be used as a constraint in treatment planning for NPC patients treated by IMPT.
Waste Bank-Socio-Economic Empowerment Nexus in Indonesia: The Stance of Maqasid al-Shariʻah
Authors: Miftahorrozi Miftahorrozi , Khan Shabeer , Bhatti Muhammad Ishaq
Published: July 2022

With the rapid increase of waste throughout the country, the government of Indonesia has enacted regulations targeting waste reduction using religious sentiment. This is employed in Malang City’s “Waste Bank of Malang” (WBM). This study aims to analyze the impact of waste banks on socio-economic progress, and to assess their efficacy in accomplishing this objective from the Maqasid al-Shariʻah perspective. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach and uses both primary and secondary data sources. This study found that the operation of WBM contributes considerably to the community’s economic and social well-being. Likewise, the WBM has successfully managed waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling it as it is collected from customers. The customers receive financial incentives from the waste bank in return for providing recycled waste to a specialized firm under a profit-sharing (PLS) contract. As per the findings of the study, the rationale of the waste bank aligns with the Maqasid al-Shariʻah and the Islamic finance contract of PLS arrangements.
The Impact of Salinization and Wind Erosion on the Texture of Surface Soils: An Investigation of Paired Samples from Soils with and without Salt Crust
Authors: Li Xinhu , Guo Min
Published: July 2022

Wind erosion removes fine soil particles and thus affects surface soil properties, but the existence of a salt crust could prevent wind erosion and protect fine soil particles. Such results referring to wind erosion affecting soil surface textural properties have been reported by many studies. However, it is still not clear whether soil properties differ between salt-crusted soils and adjacent soils without a salt crust in areas experiencing serious wind erosion. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate paired samples from salt-crusted and non-crusted surface soils at 23 sites in the Tarim River Basin. The particle size distribution, salt content and composition, and crust thickness and strength were determined. The results of the pooled t-test reveal that, compared with soils without a salt crust, the salt-crusted soils had finer particles (silt + clay), but this difference only occurred in paired soils from the same site, and the silt content showed the largest difference between the paired soils. The salt content and salt crust strength showed great variability, from 88.52 to 603 g·kg−1 and from 0.30 to 5.96 kg·cm−1, respectively, at all sites, but only a weak relationship (R2 = 0.396) between the salt content and crust strength was found, indicating that the salt content was not the only factor affecting crust strength. Our results suggest that wind erosion and salinization cause great soil texture spatial heterogeneity, especially for silt particles in the Tarim River Basin. Variation in salt crust strength can influence dust emissions and must be considered in future management.
Characteristics of Soil Nutrients and Their Ecological Stoichiometry in Different Land Use Types in the Nianchu River Basin
Authors: Liu Yanling , Fu Lijiao , Lu Xuyang , Yan Yan
Published: July 2022

Land use types can cause changes in soil chemical characteristics, such as altering soil C, N, and P contents and distribution. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of soil C, N, P and other nutrient contents and their stoichiometric ratios in the terrestrial ecosystem of Nianchu River Basin, Tibet. A total of 102 sample plots with 306 soil samples and 102 plant samples were investigated in August 2021 along the Nianchu River basin by selecting four land-use types: grassland, shrubland, forestland, and farmland. The soil’s basic physical and chemical properties (soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), alkaline nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), pH, and soil particle composition) were examined at each sampling point, and the stoichiometric characteristics of C, N, and P of the soils were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs). The results revealed that the C and N contents of shrubland were significantly lower than those of grassland, forestland, and farmland, with farmland having the highest P content. For all land types, C:N increased with increasing soil depth, while C:P and N:P decreased with increasing soil depth. PCA and RDA analyses revealed that soil texture and pH had an impact on soil C, N, and P contents, as well as stoichiometric ratios.
The Effect of High-Speed Rail on Cropland Abandonment in China
Authors: Shi Junhui , Wang Fang
Published: July 2022

This study analyzed Chinese labor-force survey data to determine the relationship between cropland abandonment and high-speed rail (HSR) infrastructure. A PSM-DID approach was employed to examine 2014 and 2016 data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey and estimate the impact of HSR, from which it was found that HSR accessibility promoted cropland abandonment in local farm households with a coefficient of 0.206, that is, HSR projects led to a 20.6% increase in area of cropland abandonment and these impacts were found to be greater in hilly areas and lower in plain areas. The results also suggested that HSR accessibility could have a “pull” effect, which resulted in rural labor force shifts to non-agricultural sectors in the local region. Countermeasures and policy suggestions are given to reduce cropland abandonment.
Ethos and Pragmatics
Authors: Herman Thierry
Published: July 2022

Ethos, the speaker’s image in speech is one of the three means of persuasion e stablished by Aristotle’s Rhetoric and is often studied in a loose way. Many scholars develop lists of self-images (ethos of a leader, modesty ethos, etc.), but few explain how one arrives at these types of ethos. This is precisely what the inferential approach described here intends to do. Considering, like many discourse analysts, that ethos is consubstantial with speech, this paper provides an overview of various types and subtypes of ethos and highlights how these can be inferred from the discourse. Mainly, we would like to point out that what the speaker says about him or herself is only a part of what has been called “said ethos”: inferential processes triggered by what the speaker says about collectivities, opponents, or the audience also help construct an ethos. This tool will be applied to analyze a corpus of Donald Trump’s tweets of 6 January 2021, the day of the assault on the Capitol. As the notion of inference is essential in creating ethos, the paper pleads for the integration of the study of this rhetorical notion in the field of pragmatics.
The Supercapsular Percutaneously Assisted Total Hip (SuperPATH) Approach Revisited: Technique Improvements after the Perioperative Experience of 344 Cases
Authors: Flevas Dimitrios A. , Tsakotos Georgios A. , Benakis Leonardos N. , Sasalos Grigorios G. , Tokis Anastasios V.
Published: July 2022

The SuperPATH approach is a direct superior portal-assisted approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) that utilizes the interval between the gluteus minimus and the piriformis to access the hip capsule. Patients and Methods: SuperPATH arthroplasty was performed by a single surgeon between December of 2016 and December of 2021 in 344 cases. The technique described by Chow was performed in all cases. The average length of stay was 1.3 days, and all patients were discharged for home. All patients were mobilized on the day of the operation. Six cases presented complications: four intraoperative femur fractures and two peroneal nerve palsies. No infection and no hip dislocation were noticed in any case. Modifications: We recommend that the patient be placed as far from the surgeon as possible as well as the use of a sterilized standard linen pack to elevate the foot and internally rotate the hip. In addition, regarding instrumentation, we recommend the use of a 4.5 mm drill for the first guidance femur drilling and a standard corkscrew for femoral head removal. Finally, we propose a different reduction technique using a hook. The use of the SuperPATH approach allows for maximal tissue sparing through preservation of external rotators and minimizing stretching of the gluteus medius. There is no range of motion restrictions postoperatively and patients can achieve a high level of function with a very low dislocation risk and reduced inpatient stay. Furthermore, an incision extension is possible if needed in complex cases. For surgeons familiar with the standard posterolateral approach, the SuperPATH approach is a reliable and safe method with promising results for the patient. In order to improve the surgical effect and facilitate some steps in the procedure, we share our experience and recommend some modifications.
Validating the Impact of Water Potential and Temperature on Seed Germination of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) via Hydrothermal Time Model
Authors: Saeed Saleha , Ullah Abd , Ullah Sami , Noor Javaria , Ali Baber , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Hashem Mohamed , Mostafa Yasser S. , Alamri Saad
Published: July 2022

Wheat is the most extensively cultivated crop and occupies a central place in human nutrition providing 20% of the daily food calories. This study was conducted to find both T and ψ effects on wheat germination and the cardinal Ts value; a lab experiment was accomplished using HTT models. Cultivars were germinated under different accelerated aging periods (AAP, 0, 24, 48, and 72 h) at each of the following constant Ts of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C at each of the ψs of 0, −0.05, −0.1, −0.15, and −0.2 MPa. GR, GP, and other germination parameters (GI, GRI, CVG, SVI-I, SVI-II, GE, and MGT) were significantly determined by solute potential, temperature, and reciprocal action in both cultivars (p ≤ 0.01). Depending on the confidence interval of the model co-efficiently between cultivars, there was no significant difference. Hence, the average of cardinal Ts was 15, 20, and 35 °C for the Tb, To, and Tc, respectively, in the control condition (0 MPa). Hydro-time values declined when Ts was raised to To in cultivars, then remained constant at Ts ≥ To (2.4 MPah−1 in Pirsabak 15 and 0.96 MPah−1 in Shahkar). The slope of the relationship between ψb(50) and TTsupra with temperature when Ts is raised above To and reaches 0 at Tc. In conclusion, the assessed parameter values in this study can easily be used in simulation models of wheat germination to quantitatively characterize the physiological status of wheat seed populations at different Ts and ψs.
Alterations of Dopamine Receptors and the Adaptive Changes of L-Type Calcium Channel Subtypes Regulate Cocaine-Seeking Habit in Tree Shrew
Authors: Duan Ying , Jin Lingtong , Du Wenjie , Jin Shubo , Meng Yiming , Li Yonghui , Zhang Jianjun , Liang Jing , Sui Nan , Shen Fang
Published: July 2022

The putamen (Put) is necessary for habitual actions, while the nucleus caudate (Cd) is critical for goal-directed actions. However, compared with the natural reward (such as sucrose)-seeking habit, how drug-related dysfunction or imbalance between the Put and Cd is involved in cocaine-seeking habit, which is not easy to bias behavior to goal-directed actions, is absent. Therefore, in our present study, in comparison with sucrose-habitual behavior, we evaluated the distinctive changes of the two subtypes of dopamine (DA) receptors (D1R and D2R) in cocaine-seeking habitual behavior animals. Moreover, the adaptive changes of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3, as prime downstream targets of D1R and D2R respectively, were also assessed. Our results showed that a similar percentage of the animals exhibited habitual seeking behavior after cocaine or sucrose variable-interval self-administration (SA) training in tree shrews. In addition, compared with animals with non-habitual behavior, animals with cocaine habitual behavior showed higher D1Rs and Cav1.2 expression in the Put accompanied with lower D2Rs and Cav1.3 expression in the Cd. However, after sucrose SA training, animals with habitual behavior only showed lower membrane expression of D2R in the Put than animals with non-habitual behavior. These results suggested that the upregulation of D1Rs-Cav1.2 signaling may lead to hyper-excitability of the Put, and the inactivation of D2Rs-Cav1.3 signaling may result in depressed activity in the Cd. This imbalance function between the Put and Cd, which causes an inability to shift between habits and goal-directed actions, may underlie the compulsive addiction habit.
Tribological Properties of Ti6Al4V Titanium Textured Surfaces Created by Laser: Effect of Dimple Density
Authors: Gaikwad Akshay , Vázquez-Martínez Juan Manuel , Salguero Jorge , Iglesias Patricia
Published: July 2022

The loss of energy due to friction is one of the major problems industries are facing nowadays. Friction and wear between sliding components reduce the mechanical efficiency of machines and have a negative impact on the environment. In recent years, surface texturing has shown tremendous ability to reduce friction and wear. Micro-features generated on surfaces act as a secondary reservoir for lubricants and wear debris receptacles to further reduce abrasion. In addition, surface texturing boosts hydrodynamic pressure, which increases the elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication regime of the Stribeck curve, reducing friction and wear. Amongst all different techniques to texture surfaces, laser texturing is the most popular due to its advantages such as high accuracy, good consistency and celerity as compared to other techniques. This study investigated the effect of laser texturing on the tribological properties of Ti6Al4V in contact with a ceramic ball. The effect of varying the dimple density on friction and wear was studied using a ball-on-flat reciprocating tribometer under lubricated conditions. Results show that friction and wear were reduced for all the textured samples as compared to an untextured sample, with important friction and wear reductions for the samples with the highest dimple densities. For samples with intermediate dimple densities, the friction coefficient stayed low until the dimples wore out from the surface and then increased to a value similar to the friction coefficient of the untextured surface. The dimple wear-out time observed in these specimens was greatly influenced by the dimple density.
Effects of Forging and Heat Treatment on Martensite Lath, Recrystallization and Mechanical Properties Evolution of 18Ni(250) Maraging Steel
Authors: Xu Shucong , Yuan Lin , Xu Wenchen , Shan Debin , Guo Bin
Published: July 2022

The manufacturing process of maraging steel parts include forging, heat treatment and other technological links, and the strengthening mechanism at different stages is different, which has an important impact on the process design of forgings. To investigate the strengthening behavior of maraging steel, forging experiments with different deformation amounts and heat treatment conditions were carried out, and the microstructural and mechanical properties evolution of 18Ni(250) steel was analyzed. The experimental results show that the size of the martensite lath is affected by multiple factors such as the influence of grain size, recrystallization and martensite substructure fraction. The strengthening mechanism of maraging steel during forging and heat treatment is different. Forging combined with heat treatment can refine grains, and the internal defects of the original material can be better eliminated. The thermal deformation can better play the role of grain refinement compared with cyclic phase transformation, which can improve the plasticity of 18Ni(250) maraging steel.
Structure and Stability Characterization of Natural Lake Pigments Made from Plant Extracts and Their Potential Application in Polymer Composites for Packaging Materials
Authors: Szadkowski Bolesław , Kuśmierek Małgorzata , Śliwka-Kaszyńska Magdalena , Marzec Anna
Published: July 2022

Natural dyes were extracted from various plant sources and converted into lake pigments based on aluminum and tin. Three different plants (weld, Persian berries, and Brazilwood) were chosen as representative sources of natural dyes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQ MS) were used to identify dyestuffs in the raw extracts. The natural dyes and lake pigments were further characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stabilization of the studied plant extracts onto aluminum and tin salts led to the formation of natural lake pigments characterized by different color shades. The natural lake pigments showed improved thermal and chemical stability, which was confirmed by their higher degradation temperatures and lower solubility in chemical agents compared to natural dyes extracted from plants. This improvement can be attributed to electrostatic attraction due to the process of chelation. Ethylene-norbornene (EN) composites colored with the lake pigments exhibited uniform color and improved resistance to long-term UV exposure aging. After 300 h of UV exposure, the aging factor of the neat EN copolymer reduced to 0.3, indicating an advanced aging process of polymer compared to colored samples. Prolonged UV exposure deteriorated the mechanical properties of EN by approximately 57%, compared to about 43% with the application of BW/Al lake pigment. Natural lake pigments could be used as effective substitutes for commercial colorants in plastics for packaging applications.
Meta-Optimization of Dimension Adaptive Parameter Schema for Nelder–Mead Algorithm in High-Dimensional Problems
Authors: Rojec Žiga , Tuma Tadej , Olenšek Jernej , Bűrmen Árpád , Puhan Janez
Published: July 2022

Although proposed more than half a century ago, the Nelder–Mead simplex search algorithm is still widely used. Four numeric constants define the operations and behavior of the algorithm. The algorithm with the original constant values performs fine on most low-dimensional, but poorly on high-dimensional, problems. Therefore, to improve its behavior in high dimensions, several adaptive schemas setting the constants according to the problem dimension were proposed in the past. In this work, we present a novel adaptive schema obtained by a meta-optimization procedure. We describe a schema candidate with eight parameters subject to meta-optimization and define an objective function evaluating the candidate’s performance. The schema is optimized on up to 100-dimensional problems using the Parallel Simulated Annealing with Differential Evolution global method. The obtained global minimum represents the proposed schema. We compare the performance of the optimized schema with the existing adaptive schemas. The data profiles on the Gao–Han modified quadratic, Moré–Garbow–Hilstrom, and CUTEr (Constrained and Unconstrained Testing Environment, revisited) benchmark problem sets show that the obtained schema outperforms the existing adaptive schemas in terms of accuracy and convergence speed.
Quiescence Generates Moving Average in a Stochastic Epidemiological Model with One Host and Two Parasites
Authors: Sanusi Usman , John Sona , Mueller Johannes , Tellier Aurélien
Published: July 2022

Mathematical modelling of epidemiological and coevolutionary dynamics is widely being used to improve disease management strategies of infectious diseases. Many diseases present some form of intra-host quiescent stage, also known as covert infection, while others exhibit dormant stages in the environment. As quiescent/dormant stages can be resistant to drug, antibiotics, fungicide treatments, it is of practical relevance to study the influence of these two life-history traits on the coevolutionary dynamics. We develop first a deterministic coevolutionary model with two parasite types infecting one host type and study analytically the stability of the dynamical system. We specifically derive a stability condition for a five-by-five system of equations with quiescence. Second, we develop a stochastic version of the model to study the influence of quiescence on stochasticity of the system dynamics. We compute the steady state distribution of the parasite types which follows a multivariate normal distribution. Furthermore, we obtain numerical solutions for the covariance matrix of the system under symmetric and asymmetric quiescence rates between parasite types. When parasite strains are identical, quiescence increases the variance of the number of infected individuals at high transmission rate and vice versa when the transmission rate is low. However, when there is competition between parasite strains with different quiescent rates, quiescence generates a moving average behaviour which dampen off stochasticity and decreases the variance of the number of infected hosts. The strain with the highest rate of entering quiescence determines the strength of the moving average and the magnitude of reduction of stochasticity. Thus, it is worth investigating simple models of multi-strain parasite under quiescence/dormancy to improve disease management strategies.
Multiple Change-Point Detection in a Functional Sample via the 𝒢-Sum Process
Authors: Danielius Tadas , Račkauskas Alfredas
Published: July 2022

We first define the G-CUSUM process and investigate its theoretical aspects including asymptotic behavior. By choosing different sets G, we propose some tests for multiple change-point detections in a functional sample. We apply the proposed testing procedures to the real-world neurophysiological data and demonstrate how it can identify the existence of the multiple change-points and localize them.
Lightweight Target-Aware Attention Learning Network-Based Target Tracking Method
Authors: Zhao Yanchun , Zhang Jiapeng , Duan Rui , Li Fusheng , Zhang Huanlong
Published: July 2022

Siamese network trackers based on pre-trained depth features have achieved good performance in recent years. However, the pre-trained depth features are trained in advance on large-scale datasets, which contain feature information of a large number of objects. There may be a pair of interference and redundant information for a single tracking target. To learn a more accurate target feature information, this paper proposes a lightweight target-aware attention learning network to learn the most effective channel features of the target online. The lightweight network uses a designed attention learning loss function to learn a series of channel features with weights online with no complex parameters. Compared with the pre-trained features, the channel features with weights can represent the target more accurately. Finally, the lightweight target-aware attention learning network is unified into a Siamese tracking network framework to implement target tracking effectively. Experiments on several datasets demonstrate that the tracker proposed in this paper has good performance.
Porphyra tenera Protects against PM2.5-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction with the Regulation of Gut Function
Authors: Park Seon Kyeong , Kang Jin Yong , Kim Jong Min , Kim Min Ji , Lee Hyo Lim , Moon Jong Hyun , Jeong Hye Rin , Kim Hyun-Jin , Chung Min-Yu , Heo Ho Jin
Published: July 2022

To evaluate the biological effects of Porphyra tenera (P. tenera), we tried to confirm the possibility that the intake of P. tenera could modulate cognitive and intestinal functions in PM2.5-induced cognitive decline mice. P. tenera attenuated PM2.5-induced learning and memory impairment through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the mitochondrial function and TLR-initiated NF-κB signaling. In addition, P. tenera effectively alleviated Aβ production/tau phosphorylation by inhibiting the JNK phosphorylation. Also, the bioactive constituents of P. tenera determined the sulfated galactan, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), and chlorophyll derivatives. Moreover, the bioactive compounds of P. tenera by gut fermentation protected against gut dysbiosis and intestinal tight junction damage with a decrease in inflammatory response and short-chain fatty acid production. Based on these results, our findings suggest that P. tenera with sulfated galactan and MAAs is a potential material for cognitive function improvement.
Multipronged Programmatic Strategy for Preventing Secondary Fracture and Facilitating Functional Recovery in Older Patients after Hip Fractures: Our Experience in Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital
Authors: Chen Yu-Pin , Chang Wei-Chun , Wen Tsai-Wei , Chien Pei-Chun , Huang Shu-Wei , Kuo Yi-Jie
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives: The study assessed the effectiveness of a fracture liaison service (FLS) after 1 year of implementation in improving the outcomes of hip fracture surgery in older adult patients at Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital. Materials and Methods: The Wanfang hospital’s FLS program was implemented using a multipronged programmatic strategy. The aims were to encourage the screening and treatment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, to take a stratified care approach for patients with a high risk of poor postoperative outcomes, and to offer home visits for the assessment of environmental hazards of falling, and to improve the patient’s adherence to osteoporosis treatment. The clinical data of 117 and 110 patients before and after FLS commencement, respectively, were collected from a local hip fracture registry; the data were analyzed to determine the outcomes 1 year after hip fracture surgery in terms of refracture, mortality, and activities of daily living. Results: The implementation of our FLS significantly increased the osteoporosis treatment rate after hip fracture surgery from 22.8% to 72.3%, significantly decreased the 1-year refracture rate from 11.8% to 4.9%, non-significantly decreased 1-year mortality from 17.9% to 11.8%, and improved functional outcomes 1 year after hip fracture surgery. Conclusions: Implementation of our FLS using the multipronged programmatic strategy effectively improved the outcomes and care quality after hip fracture surgery in the older adult population, offering a successful example as a valuable reference for establishing FLS to improve the outcomes in vulnerable older adults.
Therapeutic Options in Postoperative Enterocutaneous Fistula—A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Denicu Maria Mădălina , Cartu Dan , Ciorbagiu Mihai , Nemes Raducu Nicolae , Surlin Valeriu , Ramboiu Sandu , Chiuțu Luminița Cristina
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The aim of the study was to present the results obtained in our experiment regarding the management of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas (PECF). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 64 PECF registered after 2030 abdominal surgeries (1525 digestive tract surgeries and 505 extra-digestive ones) over a period of 7 years (1st of January 2014–31th of December 2020) in the 1st and 2nd Surgery Clinics, Clinical County Emergency Hospital of Craiova, Romania. The group included 41 men (64.06%) and 23 women (35.34%), aged between 21–94 years. Of the cases, 71.85% occurred in elderly patients over 65 years old. Spontaneous fistulas in Crohn’s disease, intestinal diverticulosis, or specific inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Results: The overall incidence of 3.15% varied according to the surgery type: 6.22% after gastroduodenal surgery, 1.78% after enterectomies, 4.30% after colorectal surgery, 4.28% after bilio-digestive anastomoses, and 0.39% after extra-digestive surgery. We recorded a 70.31% fistula closure rate, 78.94% after exclusive conservative treatment and 57.61% after surgery; morbidity was 79.68%, mortality was 29.68%. Conclusion: PECF management requires a multidisciplinary approach and is carried out according to an algorithm underlying well-established objectives and priorities. Conservative treatment including resuscitation, sepsis control, output control, skin protection, and nutritional support is the first line treatment; surgery is reserved for complications or permanent repair of fistulas that do not close under conservative treatment. The therapeutic strategy is adapted to topography, morphological characteristics and fistula output, age, general condition, and response to therapy.
Novel Animal Model of Spontaneous Cerebral Petechial Hemorrhage Using Focused Ultrasound in Rats
Authors: Yoon Sang-Youl , Han Mun , Lee Chaejin , Lee Eun-Hee , Kim Moonsik , Kim Kyoung-Tae , Hwang Jeong-Hyun , Na Sungdae , Park Juyoung , Park Ki-Su
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives: Petechial cerebral hemorrhages can be caused by various factors, such as traumas, cerebral infarctions, and aging, and is related to the disruption of the blood–brain barrier or the cellular damage of blood vessels. However, there is no animal model that recapitulates cerebral petechial hemorrhages. Materials and Methods: Here, we implemented a petechial hemorrhage using a novel technology, i.e., microbubble-assisted focused ultrasound (MB + FUS). Results: This method increases the permeability of the blood–brain barrier by directly applying mechanical force to the vascular endothelial cells through cavitation of the microbubbles. Microbubble-enhanced cavitation has the advantage of controlling the degree and location of petechial hemorrhages. Conclusions: We thus generated a preclinical rat model using noninvasive focal MB + FUS. This method is histologically similar to actual petechial hemorrhages of the brain and allows the achievement of a physiologically resembling petechial hemorrhage. In the future, this method shall be considered as a useful animal model for studying the pathophysiology and treatment of petechial cerebral hemorrhages.
Impact of Local Anesthetics on Cancer Behavior and Outcome during the Perioperative Period: A Review
Authors: Borgeat Alain , Aguirre José
Published: July 2022

There is a growing interest regarding the impact of the perioperative period and the application of anesthetic drugs on the recurrence of cancer metastases. Among them, the use of amide-type local anesthetics seems promising since in vitro studies and animal models have shown their potential to inhibit the Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression and Src activity, which are clearly implicated in the process of inflammation and cancer metastases. This review emphasizes the potential of amide-type local anesthetics in this context.
A Self-Controlled and Self-Healing Model of Bacterial Cells
Authors: Garzon Max , Sosik Petr , Drastík Jan , Skalli Omar
Published: July 2022

A new kind of self-assembly model, morphogenetic (M) systems, assembles spatial units into larger structures through local interactions of simpler components and enables discovery of new principles for cellular membrane assembly, development, and its interface function. The model is based on interactions among three kinds of constitutive objects such as tiles and protein-like elements in discrete time and continuous 3D space. It was motivated by achieving a balance between three conflicting goals: biological, physical-chemical, and computational realism. A recent example is a unified model of morphogenesis of a single biological cell, its membrane and cytoskeleton formation, and finally, its self-reproduction. Here, a family of dynamic M systems (Mbac) is described with similar characteristics, modeling the process of bacterial cell formation and division that exhibits bacterial behaviors of living cells at the macro-level (including cell growth that is self-controlled and sensitive to the presence/absence of nutrients transported through membranes), as well as self-healing properties. Remarkably, it consists of only 20 or so developmental rules. Furthermore, since the model exhibits membrane formation and septic mitosis, it affords more rigorous definitions of concepts such as injury and self-healing that enable quantitative analyses of these kinds of properties. Mbac shows that self-assembly and interactions of living organisms with their environments and membrane interfaces are critical for self-healing, and that these properties can be defined and quantified more rigorously and precisely, despite their complexity.