bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of Poiseuille Flow to a Pulsating Flow Using a Periodically Expanding-Contracting Balloon
Authors: Moulinos Iosif , Manopoulos Christos , Tsangaris Sokrates
Published: April 2023

Balloon pumps are employed to assist cardiac function in cases of acute myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, unstable angina, refractory ventricular failure, or cardiac surgery. Counterpulsation, through increasing the diastolic pressure and reducing the systolic pressure, increases coronary perfusion and assists the heart to pump more blood at each contraction. An expanding-contracting balloon, modifying the Poiseuille flow in a straight circular duct, is examined in this study. The balloon is spheroid-shaped, with the length of its minor axis, which is perpendicular to the flow direction, changing in time following a sinusoidal law. The inlet flow volume rate is steady while the rate that the fluid volume leaves the duct varies in time due to the presence of the balloon. For a pulsation frequency of 60 pulses/min, the pressure difference across the pulsating balloon exhibits significant phase lagging behind the outflow volume waveform. The outlet pressure depends on the balloon radius oscillation amplitude and is computed for a range of such. The flow field around the spheroid, periodically expanding-contracting balloon in the steady flow stream is presented, in which the exact pattern of the gradual downstream intensification of the flow pulsation alongside the spheroid body is also identified.
Effect of Vanillin on the Anaesthesia of Crucian Carp: Effects on Physiological and Biochemical Indices, Pathology, and Volatile Aroma Components
Authors: Jiang Lexia , Tang Jiaming , Huang Baosheng , Zhang Changfeng , Jiang Peihong , Chen Dongjie
Published: April 2023

The anaesthetic effect of vanillin on crucian carp was investigated using different concentrations of vanillin, with a nonvanillin control. The effective concentration range of vanillin anaesthesia was determined from the behavioural characteristics of crucian carp during the anaesthesia onset and recovery phases. Physiological and biochemical indices, and the electronic nose response to the fish muscle, were measured over the range of effectiveanaestheticc concentrations. An increased concentration of vanillin shortened the time taken to achieve deep anaesthesia but increased the recovery time. The levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobinn, platelets, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, total protein, and serum albumin were lower than the control in the vanillin treatment group. Triglycerides and total cholesterol were not significantly affected. Histology showed no effect of vanillin on the liver, except at 1.00 g/L vanillin. Vanillin resulted in a nondose-responsive effect on the gill tissue, increasing the width and spacing of the gill lamellae. E-Nose analysis of the carp-muscle flavour volatiles was able to distinguish between different vanillin treatment concentrations. GC-IMS identified 40 flavour compounds, including 8 aldehydes, 11 alcohols, 10 ketones, 2 esters, and 1 furan. Vanillin had aanaestheticic effect on crucian carp and these findings provide a theoretical basis for improving the transport and experimental manipulation of crucian carp.
Citrinin Exposure Induced Testicular Damage and Spermatogenesis Disorder by Triggering Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Wu Jing , Wu You , Fan Hui , Yang Chenglin , Yang Mengran , Kong Xiangyi , Ning Can , Wang Siqi , Xiao Wenguang , Wang Naidong , Yi Jine , Yuan Zhihang
Published: April 2023

Damage to the reproductive system is the key factor leading to male infertility. Citrinin (CTN) is produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus in nature, and is definitely found in food and animal feed. Studies have revealed that CTN can cause damage to male reproductive organs and reduce fertility, but the mechanism of toxicity has not been revealed. In the present study, male Kunming mice were given different doses of CTN (0, 1.25, 5 or 20 mg/kg BW) by intragastric administration. The results demonstrated that CTN exposure caused disorder of androgen, a decline in sperm quality, and histopathological damage of testis. The inhibition of the expression of ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin suggests that the blood-testis barrier (BTB) was damaged. Simultaneously, CTN inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as CAT and SOD, and promoted the production of MDA and ROS, resulting in oxidative damage of testis. Additionally, apoptotic cells were detected and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased. Not only that, CTN activated the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins IRE1, ATF6, CHOP, and GRP78. Interestingly, 4-Phenylbutyric Acid (4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor) treatment blocked the adverse effects of CTN exposure on male reproduction. In short, the findings suggested that CTN exposure can cause damage to mouse testis tissue, in which ERS exhibited an important regulatory role.
Greek Landrace Flours Characteristics and Quality of Dough and Bread
Authors: Skendi Adriana , Papageorgiou Maria , Irakli Maria , Stefanou Stefanos
Published: April 2023

Besides organic growing, ancient wheats and landraces are attracting the attention of scientists who are reassessing the healthy and dietary properties attributed to them by popular tradition. A total of eleven wheat flours and whole meal samples were analyzed, of which, nine originated from the organic farming of five Greek landraces (one einkorn, one emmer, two durum, and one soft wheat) and a commercial organically grown emmer cultivar. Two commercial conventional flours of 70% and 100% extraction rate were examined for comparison purposes. Chemical composition, micronutrients, phenolic profile, and quantification, and antioxidant activity of all samples were determined. Moreover, dough rheology and breadmaking quality were studied; Flours from local landraces were higher in micronutrients, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity than the commercial samples. The 90% extraction flour of the landrace, besides the highest protein content (16.62%), exhibited the highest content of phenolic acids (19.14 μg/g of flour), whereas the commercial refined emmer flour was the lowest (5.92 μg/g of flour). The same milling of the einkorn landrace also showed a higher specific volume (1.9 mL/g vs. 1.7 mL/g) and lower bread crumb firmness than the whole meal commercial emmer sample (33.0 N vs. 44.9 N). The results of this study showed that the examined Greek wheat landraces could be considered as a possible source of microelements, phenolics, and antioxidants with a beneficial effect in human health, and by using an appropriate breadmaking procedure, they could produce high-quality breads.
Effects of Steaming on Sweet Potato Soluble Dietary Fiber: Content, Structure, and Lactobacillus Proliferation In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Liu Buyu , Liu Xingquan , Hu Weiwei , Zhang Chengcheng , Guo Yang , Wu Weicheng
Published: April 2023

The influence of steaming treatment on the soluble dietary fiber (SDF) of sweet potato was investigated. The SDF content increased from 2.21 to 4.04 g/100 g (in dry basis) during 20 min of steaming. The microcosmic morphology of the fractured cell wall indicated the release of SDF components during steaming. The SDF from fresh (SDF-F) and 20 min steamed (SDF-S) sweet potato was characterized. The neutral carbohydrates and uronic acid levels in SDF-S were significantly higher than SDF-F (59.31% versus 46.83%, and 25.36% versus 9.60%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The molecular weight of SDF-S was smaller than SDF-F (5.32 kDa versus 28.79 kDa). The probiotic property was evaluated by four Lactobacillus spp. fermentation in vitro with these SDF as carbon source, using inulin as the references. SDF-F showed the best proliferation effects on the four Lactobacillus spp. in terms of the OD600 and pH in cultures, and the highest production of propanoic acid and butyric acid after 24 h fermentation. SDF-S presented higher Lactobacillus proliferation effects, but slight lower propanoic acid and butyric acid production than inulin. It was concluded that 20 min of steaming released SDF with inferior probiotic properties, which might derive from the degraded pectin, cell wall components, and resistant dextrin.
Development of New Antibodies and an ELISA System to Detect the Potato Alkaloids α-Solanine and α-Chaconine
Authors: Okada Kohki , Matsuo Kano
Published: April 2023

Food poisoning can be caused by the potato alkaloids α-solanine (SO) and α-chaconine (CHA). Therefore, this study aimed to establish new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detecting these two toxins in biological samples and potato extracts. Two antibodies that bind to solanidine, a chemical compound found in both SO and CHA, were newly developed, and two types of ELISAs (Sold1 ELISA and Sold2 ELISA) were constructed. We measured SO and CHA diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), serum, and urine. The detection performance of the two ELISAs for SO and CHA in PBS was higher than in serum and urine, and the sensitivity of Sold2 ELISA was lower than that of Sold1 ELISA. Thus, we used these ELISAs to measure SO and CHA in potato part extracts and found that potato sprouts contained approximately 80-fold more SO and CHA than tubers and 8-fold more SO and CHA than peels. Although the detection sensitivity of SO and CHA depends on the sample types, these ELISAs may be effective as future clinical and food testing methods after further improvements.
Formulation Development, Optimization by Box–Behnken Design, and In Vitro and Ex Vivo Characterization of Hexatriacontane-Loaded Transethosomal Gel for Antimicrobial Treatment for Skin Infections
Authors: Aodah Alhussain H. , Hashmi Sana , Akhtar Naseem , Ullah Zabih , Zafar Ameeduzzafar , Zaki Randa Mohammed , Khan Shamshir , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Jawaid Talha , Alam Aftab , Ali Md Sajid
Published: April 2023

There are many different infections and factors that can lead to skin illnesses, but bacteria and fungi are the most frequent. The goal of this study was to develop a hexatriacontane-loaded transethosome (HTC-TES) for treating skin conditions caused by microbes. The HTC-TES was developed utilizing the rotary evaporator technique, and Box–Behnken design (BBD) was utilized to improve it. The responses chosen were particle size (nm) (Y1), polydispersity index (PDI) (Y2), and entrapment efficiency (Y3), while the independent variables chosen were lipoid (mg) (A), ethanol (%) (B), and sodium cholate (mg) (C). The optimized TES formulation with code F1, which contains lipoid (mg) (A) 90, ethanol (%) (B) 25, and sodium cholate (mg) (C) 10, was chosen. Furthermore, the generated HTC-TES was used for research on confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), dermatokinetics, and in vitro HTC release. The results of the study reveal that the ideal formulation of the HTC-loaded TES had the following characteristics: 183.9 nm, 0.262 mV, −26.61 mV, and 87.79% particle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency, respectively. An in vitro study on HTC release found that the rates of HTC release for HTC-TES and conventional HTC suspension were 74.67 ± 0.22 and 38.75 ± 0.23, respectively. The release of hexatriacontane from TES fit the Higuchi model the best, and the Korsmeyer–Peppas model indicates the release of HTC followed a non-Fickian diffusion. By having a higher negative value for cohesiveness, the produced gel formulation demonstrated its stiffness, whereas good spreadability indicated better gel application to the surface. In a dermatokinetics study, it was discovered that TES gel considerably increased HTC transport in the epidermal layers (p < 0.05) when compared to HTC conventional formulation gel (HTC-CFG). The CLSM of rat skin treated with the rhodamine B-loaded TES formulation demonstrated a deeper penetration of 30.0 µm in comparison to the hydroalcoholic rhodamine B solution (0.15 µm). The HTC-loaded transethosome was determined to be an effective inhibitor of pathogenic bacterial growth (S. aureus and E. coli) at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. It was discovered that both pathogenic strains were susceptible to free HTC. According to the findings, HTC-TES gel can be employed to enhance therapeutic outcomes through antimicrobial activity.
The Kindertransport Everyday: The Complexities of Domestic Space for Child Refugees
Authors: Coombs Hannah Louise
Published: April 2023

Analysis of refugee experiences often stands in the context of broad and visible experiences, despite the accounts of child refugees consistently recalling their experiences through domestic, everyday experience. Over 80 years since the Kindertransport, the autobiographical literature bears witness to the lived realities of Kindertransport refugees, standing as memorials to their alternative experiences of the Holocaust. This paper addresses accounts shared through autobiographical texts, arguing that the Kinder constantly negotiated their identity performance in response to new ‘home’ spaces, creating new relationships with space in the homes of others. This article discusses spatial theory and identity performance to analyse the ways in which domestic spaces were a defining factor in the Kinder’s experiences and identity development, and likewise, how the Kinder’s experiences shaped their perceptions of domestic space. Everyday experiences exert affective impacts through repetitive encounters, and the Kindertransport saw children immersed in new everyday norms. Entering new, shared spaces during childhood, the Kinder experienced long-lasting impacts on identity development as they became distanced from familiar norms and suddenly immersed in new alternatives. Kinder found themselves with limited privacy in seemingly private homes as they entered into already-inhabited domestic environments. Blurred boundaries between public and private within these spaces contributed to an unusual constancy of performance as the Kinder were constantly before an audience.
The Role of TGF-β, Activin and Follistatin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hatamzade Esfahani Nasim , Day Andrew S.
Published: April 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An increasing prevalence of IBD has been observed globally. The pathogenesis of IBD includes a complex interplay between the intestinal microbiome, diet, genetic factors and immune responses. The consequent imbalance of inflammatory mediators ultimately leads to intestinal mucosal damage and defective repair. Growth factors, given their specific roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, are of particular interest in the setting of IBD. Furthermore, direct targeting of growth factor signalling pathways involved in the regeneration of the damaged epithelium and the regulation of inflammation could be considered as therapeutic options for individuals with IBD. Several members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, particularly TGF-β, activin and follistatin, are key candidates as they exhibit various roles in inflammatory processes and contribute to maintenance and homeostasis in the GI tract. This article aimed firstly to review the events involved in the pathogenesis of IBD with particular emphasis on TGF-β, activin and follistatin and secondly to outline the potential role of therapeutic manipulation of these pathways.
Reproductive Rights and Ecofeminism
Authors: Kitch Sally L.
Published: April 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in its Dobbs decision in June 2022 came as a shock. Yet, upon reflection, the decision simply reinforced what history has shown: women’s rights and opportunities have always been subject to controls, fluctuations, and specious rationales. Dobbs is one in a long line of legal edicts in the U.S. and elsewhere that either allow or curtail and control female agency, including reproductive agency. The decision’s devastating consequences for U.S. women’s reproductive lives are damaging enough, but they are only part of the story. In addition to its hobbling effects on reproductive rights and justice, the Dobbs decision goes hand in hand with the underlying causes of today’s unparalleled environmental emergency. This article argues, through ecofeminist theory and feminist and Native American climate fiction, that Dobbs is a catalyst for understanding the role of patriarchy—as a particularly insidious form of androcentrism—in the destruction of our planet. Evidence is mounting to support claims made by ecofeminists since the 1970s: patriarchy and resulting masculinist values have been foundational to the extractive and exploitative attitudes and practices regarding marginalized peoples, colonized lands, and racialized entitlements to natural resources that have endangered the earth’s biosystems.
Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Trust Me Scale—Italian Version: A Validation Study
Authors: Ivziku Dhurata , Caruso Rosario , Lommi Marzia , Conte Gianluca , Magon Arianna , Stievano Alessandro , Rocco Gennaro , Notarnicola Ippolito , De Maria Maddalena , Gualandi Raffaella , Tartaglini Daniela , De Benedictis Anna
Published: April 2023

Background: The Trust Me Scale is a widely used instrument to measure trust in healthcare providers. However, no Italian version of the scale exists yet, limiting its use in Italian-speaking populations. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Trust Me Scale for use in Italian-speaking populations in nurses and nurse managers. Methods: The translation process involved methodological steps of collaborative and iterative translation with cultural adaptation. The validation process included a cross-sectional study enrolling a convenience sample of 683 nurses and 188 nurse managers who completed the Italian version of the Trust Me Scale and measures of intention to leave, satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Results: Item 5 was removed for poor factor loading, and items 11 and 13 were removed following an a priori strategy focused on deleting items with correlations between residual variables different than expected based on theoretical expectations derived from previous research. The final model fit well to sample statistics with a three-factor structure (harmony, reliability, and concern) and 13 items. A multiple-indicator multiple-cause model showed a measurement invariance between nurses and nurse coordinators. Construct validity was also supported by the evidence that the measured domains of trust align with the theoretical expectations and are related to the intention to leave, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Each dimension showed adequate scale reliability. Conclusions: The Italian version of the Trust Me Scale is a valid and reliable instrument to measure trust in nurses and nurse managers in Italian-speaking contexts. It can be used for research in nursing and leadership and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving trust in healthcare contexts.
Evaluating the Feasibility of Pro-Neurotensin and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 as Possible Indicators for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications
Authors: Mohammed Amal A. , Abo El-Matty Dina M. , Abd ElSalam Esraa A. , Hussein Mona A. , Hafez Wael , Ibrahim Sharehan A. , Shaheen Eman A. H. , Awad Eman A. , Osman Marwa A. , Abd El-Raouf Marwa S. , Saed Salma M. , El-Amir Reham Y. , Ghaith Doaa , Al Anouti Fatme , Wahba Alaa S.
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome are associated with decreased vitamin D. In contrast, high pro-neurotensin (pro-NT) levels are linked with an increased risk of T2DM and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the validity of pro-NT and 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 levels as predictors for T2DM complications; (2) Methods: One hundred T2DM, and one hundred healthy volunteers participated in this case-control study. Their Pro-NT and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were evaluated using the ELISA technique; (3) Results: Pro-NT and 25 (OH) vitamin D3 have significant validity and accuracy in T2DM prediction, 84.5%, and 90.5%, respectively (p = 0.001). At a value of <29.5, 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 showed 88% sensitivity and 93% specificity in predicting T2DM. At a value of >124 Pmol/L, Pro-NT showed 81% sensitivity and 88% specificity in predicting T2DM. At a value of 16.5, 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 had 78.4% sensitivity and 68.3% specificity in predicting T2DM complications. At a value of >158 pmol/L, Pro-NT predicted T2DM complications with 67.6% sensitivity and 56.0% specificity; (4) Conclusions: 25 (OH) Vit D3 and Pro-NT could identify T2DM patients and predict T2DM complications. More extensive research is required to adequately validate this novel perspective with a large population study.
Prevalence and Demographic Distribution of Hypermobility in a Random Group of School-Aged Children in Nigeria
Authors: Ituen Oluwakemi Adebukola , Anieto Ebuka Miracle , Ferguson Gillian , Duysens Jacques , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien
Published: April 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypermobility in randomly selected healthy children, without previous trauma or disease process affecting the joints and whether other demographic variables (age, sex, BMI) had an impact on Beighton scores and range of motion (RoM) in children between 6 and 10 years of age. Results: 286 children were included; 27.3% of them had a Beighton score ≥7/9 and 72% would be classified hypermobile if we had used a Beighton cut-off score ≥4/9. Prevalence declined with increasing age. Girls were more often hypermobile (34%) than boys (20%) and this was mainly caused by increased RoM in the knees. Positive scores of finger items of the Beighton were more common than on the other items, leading to a high prevalence of peripheral hypermobility. Localized hypermobility was only found in the fifth MCP joint. A total of 15% of the children with normal mobility reached 20 excess degrees RoM of the left and right fifth MCP. Pain was present in 12 of the 239 children but was not linked to the level of mobility. Conclusion: Hypermobility is the rule in this pain-free population of children with GJH.
A Scoping Review of Knowledge, Awareness, Perceptions, Attitudes, and Risky Behaviors of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Southeast Asia
Authors: Balakrishnan Vimala , Yong Kok Khuen , Tiong Chiong Kian , Ng Nicholas Jian Shen , Ni Zhao
Published: April 2023

This scoping review synthesizes literature to examine the extent of research focusing on knowledge, awareness, perceptions, attitudes, and risky behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Southeast Asia (SEA). The PRISMA-Scoping approach was adopted targeting articles published from 2018 to 2022, sought from CINALH, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. A process of screening and elimination resulted in a total of 70 articles reviewed. Most of the studies were conducted in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with the majority focusing on HIV/AIDS. In general, studies examining knowledge, awareness, and risky behaviors related to STIs in SEA reported low levels across various cohorts. However, evidence suggests that these issues are more prominent among individuals with low levels of education or low socioeconomic status, those living in rural areas or those working in the sex/industrial sectors. Engaging in unsafe sex and having multiple partners are the key examples for risky sexual behavior, while fear of being rejected/discriminated/stigmatized and lacking STI awareness were identified as social risky behaviors in SEA. Overall, cultural, societal, economic and gender inequality (male dominance) greatly impact people’s knowledge, awareness, perceptions, attitudes, and risky behaviors in SEA. Education is an important factor influencing healthy behavior; therefore, this scoping review calls for increased investment in educating vulnerable populations to prevent STIs, particularly in less-developed countries/regions of SEA.
Prevalence and Severity of Pelvic Floor Disorders during Pregnancy: Does the Trimester Make a Difference?
Authors: Baruch Yoav , Manodoro Stefano , Barba Marta , Cola Alice , Re Ilaria , Frigerio Matteo
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Women experience pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms during pregnancy. This study is the first to investigate and compare variances in the prevalence and severity of pelvic floor symptoms between trimesters using a valid pregnancy-targeted questionnaire. (2) Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between August 2020 to January 2021 at two university-affiliated tertiary medical centers. Pregnant women (n = 306) anonymously completed the Pelvic Floor Questionnaire for Pregnancy and Postpartum with its four domains (bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual). (3) Results: Thirty-six women (11.7%) were in the 1st trimester, eighty-three (27.1%) were in the 2nd trimester, and one hundred and eighty-seven (61.1%) were in the 3rd trimester. The groups were similar in age, pregestational weight, and smoking habits. A total of 104 (34%) had bladder dysfunction, 112 (36.3%) had bowel dysfunction, and 132 (40.4%) reported sexual inactivity and/or sexual dysfunction. Least prevalent (33/306; 10.8%) were prolapse symptoms. Increased awareness of prolapse and significantly higher rates of nocturia and the need to use pads due to incontinence were recorded in the 3rd trimester. Sexual dysfunction or abstinence were equally distributed in all three trimesters. (4) Conclusions: Bladder and prolapse symptoms, equally frequent throughout pregnancy, significantly intensified in the 3rd trimester. Bowel and sexual symptoms, equally frequent throughout pregnancy, did not intensify in the third trimester.
Creating Understandable and Actionable COVID-19 Health Messaging for Refugee, Immigrant, and Migrant Communities
Authors: Feinberg Iris , O’Connor Mary Helen , Khader Saja , Nyman Amy L. , Eriksen Michael P.
Published: April 2023

During the coronavirus pandemic, it was imperative that real-time, rapidly changing guidance on continuously evolving critical health information about COVID-19 be communicated. This case study highlights how understandable and actionable COVID-19 health information was systematically developed and disseminated to support highly vulnerable refugee, immigrant, and migrant (RIM) communities in Clarkston, Georgia. Our approach was grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) incorporating Cultural and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards, plain language and health literacy guidelines, and health communication science to improve the understandability and usability of COVID-19 micro-targeted messaging for RIM communities. We followed a centralized systematic approach to materials development and incorporated local needs and existing networks to ensure cultural and linguistic responsiveness as well as understandability for populations with limited literacy skills. Further, iterative development of materials with community members and agencies provided buy-in prior to dissemination. As part of a multi-pronged community-wide effort, effective materials and messaging provided support to community health workers and organizations working to improve vaccination rates among the RIM community. As a result, we saw vaccine rates in Clarkston outpace other similar areas of the county and state due to this community-wide effort.
Intergenerational Resource Transfer Patterns between Parents and Children in South Korea and Depression
Authors: Kim Junpyo , Chon Yongho , Kim Myoung-il
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the patterns of intergenerational resources transfer between parents and children in South Korea, and the influence on depression by its patterns. To maintain this, the seventh wave of Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging data were used. For data analysis, Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used with five sub-factor variables: direct and indirect connections, receiving and providing financial support, and rearing grandchildren. For additional analysis, crosstab, logistic analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression were used. In the results, the optimal number of latent classes was four (parents offering, financial-centered, mutual offering, and emotional and financial-centered). In addition to the LCA results, there were some differences in predictors of pattern determination in each country. According to the results of ANOVA and multiple regression, parents offering and financial patterns led to more depression than the other two patterns. Based on the results, the importance of mutual communication and emotional connection was suggested for managing depression in South Korean older parents.
Weight Status Prediction Using a Neuron Network Based on Individual and Behavioral Data
Authors: Rousset Sylvie , Angelo Aymeric , Hamadouche Toufik , Lacomme Philippe
Published: April 2023

Background: The worldwide epidemic of weight gain and obesity is increasing in response to the evolution of lifestyles. Our aim is to provide a new predictive method for current and future weight status estimation based on individual and behavioral characteristics. Methods: The data of 273 normal (NW), overweight (OW) and obese (OB) subjects were assigned either to the training or to the test sample. The multi-layer perceptron classifier (MLP) classified the data into one of the three weight statuses (NW, OW, OB), and the classification model accuracy was determined using the test dataset and the confusion matrix. Results: On the basis of age, height, light-intensity physical activity and the daily number of vegetable portions consumed, the multi-layer perceptron classifier achieved 75.8% accuracy with 90.3% for NW, 34.2% for OW and 66.7% for OB. The NW and OW subjects showed the highest and the lowest number of true positives, respectively. The OW subjects were very often confused with NW. The OB subjects were confused with OW or NW 16.6% of the time. Conclusions: To increase the accuracy of the classification, a greater number of data and/or variables are needed.
Adultery as a Defence: The Construction of a Legally Permissible Violence, England 1810
Authors: Menis Susanna
Published: April 2023

The Mawgridge’s case in 1707 set the precedent where adultery was recognised as a justified trigger for the husband’s killing of his wife’s lover; this crystallised a partial defence for provocation. However, in an 1810 case, the killing of the unfaithful wife followed a manslaughter conviction rather than murder for the first time. This study aims to investigate the shaping of a legally permissible violence, that is, the mitigation of the husband’s culpability in killing his adulterous wife. This provides the opportunity to question the (ir)rationality behind the judiciary’s discourse in the case of R v Clinton 2012; here, despite infidelity being abolished in 2009 in England and Wales as a defence for murder, the judges still insisted on its relevance in our culture and hence on legal culpability. The theoretical framework in this paper draws upon the scholarship of masculinity, the family, and the law. This paper discusses the contribution of the hegemonic male identity in creating this legal violence and fortifying social-hierarchical structure.
Study of the Component Composition of Essential Oil, Morphology, Anatomy and Ploidy Level of Hyssopus officinalis f. cyaneus Alef
Authors: Plugatar Yuri Vladimirovich , Bulavin Iliya Vladimirovich , Ivanova Natalia Nikolaevna , Miroshnichenko Nataliya Nikolaevna , Saplev Nikita Maximovich , Shevchuk Oksana Michailovna , Feskov Sergey Alexandrovich , Naumenko Tatiana Sergeevna
Published: April 2023

Common hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) is widely used as an aromatic and medicinal plant. In the component composition of the essential oil from the above-ground mass of H. officinalis f. cyaneus, from the collection of the Nikita Botanical Garden, the bicyclic monoterpene ketones isopinocamphone (50.99–64.41%) and pinocamphone (3.95–18.88%) predominate, which allows us to attribute this form to the isopinocamphone chemotype for use in pharmacology. An essential oil sample with a high content of isopinocamphone (70.74%) in complete absence of pinocamphone was determined, which made it possible to use the plant as a starting material for breeding. The objective of our work was to study the component composition of the essential oil of this form, and the morphology, anatomy and ploidy level of microshoots in vitro on a nutrient medium with BAP. This was compared with ex situ samples to develop a cultivation technique with the preservation of a valuable trait for use in task-oriented selection. Biotechnological methods are used for future mass propagation, study and the preservation of breeding forms. Morphological and anatomical features and ploidy of H. officinalis microshoots were studied in vitro. Using in vitro culturing of microshoots on MS medium containing BAP, a decrease in the cuticular layer and the degree of development of collenchyma near vascular bundles in leaves were shown compared to microshoots ex situ. Significant structural changes were found with a high increase in BAP concentration, while no changes in the ploidy level were detected.
Cost-Effectiveness of Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant in Naïve and Previously Treated Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Medina-Baena Marta , Cejudo-Corbalán Olga , Labella-Quesada Fernando , Girela-López Eloy
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To compare the direct costs associated with the dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX-i) in treatment-naïve and previously treated eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) in a real clinical setting. Methods: Retrospective and single-center study conducted in a real clinical scenario. Consecutive DME patients, either naïve or previously treated with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF), who received treatment with one or more DEX-i between May 2015 and December 2020, and who were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months, were included in the study. The cost analysis was performed from the perspective of the Andalusian Regional Healthcare Service. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the probability of achieving an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 15 ETDRS letters after 1 year of treatment. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of different improvements in BCVA was calculated. Results: Forty-nine eyes, twenty-eight (57.1%) eyes from the treatment-naïve group and twenty-one (42.9%) from the previously treated group, were included in the analysis. The total cost of one year of treatment was significantly lower in the treatment-naïve eyes than in the previously treated eyes [Hodges-Lehmann median difference: EUR 819.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): EUR 786.9 to EUR 1572.8; p < 0.0001]. The probability of achieving a BCVA improvement of ≥15 letters at month 12 was significantly greater in the treatment-naïve group than in the previously treated group (rate difference: 0.321; 95% CI: 0.066 to 0.709; p = 0.0272). The Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel Odds Ratio of achieving a BCVA improvement of ≥15 letters at month 12 was 3.55 (95% CI: 1.09 to 11.58; p = 0.0309). In terms of ICER, the treatment-naïve group showed cost savings of EUR 7704.2 and EUR 5994.2 for achieving an improvement in BCVA ≥ 15 letters at month 12 and at any of the measured time points, respectively. Conclusions: DEX-i was found to be more cost-effective in treatment-naïve eyes than in those previously treated with anti-VEGF. Further studies are needed to determine the most cost-effective treatment based on patient profile.
Emergent Social Capital during the Coronavirus Pandemic in the United States in Hispanics/Latinos
Authors: Contreras Jennifer , Fincannon Alexandra , Khambaty Tasneem , Villalonga-Olives Ester
Published: April 2023

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically impacted many groups that have been socially and economically marginalized such as Hispanics/Latinos in the United States (U.S.). Our aim was to understand how bonding social capital, bridging social capital, and trust played a role in Hispanics/Latinos over the course of the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as explore the negative consequences of social capital. We performed focus group discussions via Zoom (n = 25) between January and December 2021 with Hispanics/Latinos from Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, and New York City, NY. Our findings suggest that Hispanics/Latinos experienced bridging and bonding social capital. Of particular interest was how social capital permeated the Hispanic/Latino community’s socioeconomic challenges during the pandemic. The focus groups revealed the importance of trust and its role in vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, the focus groups discussed the dark side of social capital including caregiving burden and spread of misinformation. We also identified the emergent theme of racism. Future public health interventions should invest in social capital, especially for groups that have been historically marginalized or made vulnerable, and consider the promotion of bonding and bridging social capital and trust. When prospective disasters occur, public health interventions should support vulnerable populations that are overwhelmed with caregiving burden and are susceptible to misinformation.
Going beyond Mindfulness: How Concentration and Tranquility Commonly Co-Arising with Mindfulness Account for Mental Health
Authors: Chan Ryan M. K. , Mak Winnie W. S. , Yu Ben C. L.
Published: April 2023

Concentration and tranquility usually co-arise with mindfulness during mindfulness practice and in daily life and may potentially contribute to mental health; however, they have rarely been studied in empirical research. The present study aimed to examine the relationship of concentration and tranquility with mindfulness and indicators of mental health. With no existing self-report measure assessing concentration and tranquility, the Concentration Scale and Tranquility Scale were first developed and validated. Items were developed based on the extant literature, rated by a group of experts, and selected according to their ratings. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA; n = 384) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA; n = 384) were employed in separate samples of university students and community adults to establish the factor structure of both scales. Their construct validity was established in another similar sample (n = 333) by examining their correlations with variables including (a) concentration-related concepts, (b) tranquility-related concepts, (c) mindfulness-related concepts, and (d) perceived stress and psychological distress. The relationships between concentration, tranquility, mindfulness, perceived stress and psychological distress were then examined by hierarchical multiple regressions, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. A single-factor structure was found by the EFA and confirmed by the CFA for both scales. Concentration and tranquility were significantly and positively associated with (a) attentional control and (b) mindfulness and nonattachment; and negatively associated with (c) irritability and (d) perceived stress and psychological distress. Concentration and tranquility were found to have a significant incremental value over the effect of mindfulness on indicators of mental health. Concentration and tranquility can incrementally explain mental health above and beyond the effect of mindfulness.
A Global Women’s Rugby Union Web-Based Survey
Authors: Brown Natalie , Williams Geneviève K. R. , Stodter Anna , McNarry Melitta A. , Roldan-Reoyo Olga , Mackintosh Kelly A. , Moore Isabel S. , Williams Elisabeth M. P.
Published: April 2023

Rugby Union (rugby) is a full-contact team sport characterised by frequent collision events. Over one third (2.7 million) of global rugby participants are women and girls. Yet, most rugby research, laws, and regulations are derived from the men’s game with limited transferability to the women’s game. This includes research focused on injury and concussion management. Greater insights are urgently required to enable appropriate adaptations and support for all rugby participants. Therefore, this paper presents the protocol for a project that sought to gather insights into the understanding, experiences, and attitudes of players and coaches in women’s rugby regarding key issues of concussion, injury, and training for injury prevention, as well as the implications of the menstrual cycle for training and performance. From August 2020 to November 2020, online, open, cross-sectional surveys for players and coaches were distributed globally through rugby governing bodies and women’s rugby social media platforms using snowball sampling. Survey responses were recorded anonymously via a GDPR-compliant online survey platform, JISC (jisc.ac.uk, Bristol, England). Participant eligibility included being ≥18 years and either actively playing or coaching women’s rugby 15s and/or sevens, or having done so in the past decade, at any level, in any country. To enhance the number and accuracy of responses, the survey was professionally translated into eight additional languages. A total of 1596 participants from 62 countries (27 ± 6 years; 7.5 ± 5.1 years of playing experience) and 296 participants from 37 countries (mean age = 36.64, SD = 9.09, mean experience = 6.53 years, SD = 3.31) completed the players’ and coaches’ surveys, respectively. Understanding women’s participation in and experiences of rugby is important to enable lifelong engagement and enjoyment of the sport and health during and following participation.
Hidden Costs of the COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Authors: Young Sean G.
Published: April 2023

“First, do no harm” [...]
Vascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease: Alterations in the Plasma Contact and Fibrinolytic Systems
Authors: Badimon Ana , Torrente Daniel , Norris Erin H.
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. The classical hallmarks of AD include extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles, although they are often accompanied by various vascular defects. These changes include damage to the vasculature, a decrease in cerebral blood flow, and accumulation of Aβ along vessels, among others. Vascular dysfunction begins early in disease pathogenesis and may contribute to disease progression and cognitive dysfunction. In addition, patients with AD exhibit alterations in the plasma contact system and the fibrinolytic system, two pathways in the blood that regulate clotting and inflammation. Here, we explain the clinical manifestations of vascular deficits in AD. Further, we describe how changes in plasma contact activation and the fibrinolytic system may contribute to vascular dysfunction, inflammation, coagulation, and cognitive impairment in AD. Given this evidence, we propose novel therapies that may, alone or in combination, ameliorate AD progression in patients.
Recent Advances in Genome-Editing Technology with CRISPR/Cas9 Variants and Stimuli-Responsive Targeting Approaches within Tumor Cells: A Future Perspective of Cancer Management
Authors: Allemailem Khaled S. , Almatroodi Saleh A. , Almatroudi Ahmad , Alrumaihi Faris , Al Abdulmonem Waleed , Al-Megrin Wafa Abdullah I. , Aljamaan Adel Nasser , Rahmani Arshad Husain , Khan Amjad Ali
Published: April 2023

The innovative advances in transforming clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) into different variants have taken the art of genome-editing specificity to new heights. Allosteric modulation of Cas9-targeting specificity by sgRNA sequence alterations and protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) modifications have been a good lesson to learn about specificity and activity scores in different Cas9 variants. Some of the high-fidelity Cas9 variants have been ranked as Sniper-Cas9, eSpCas9 (1.1), SpCas9-HF1, HypaCas9, xCas9, and evoCas9. However, the selection of an ideal Cas9 variant for a given target sequence remains a challenging task. A safe and efficient delivery system for the CRISPR/Cas9 complex at tumor target sites faces considerable challenges, and nanotechnology-based stimuli-responsive delivery approaches have significantly contributed to cancer management. Recent innovations in nanoformulation design, such as pH, glutathione (GSH), photo, thermal, and magnetic responsive systems, have modernized the art of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery approaches. These nanoformulations possess enhanced cellular internalization, endosomal membrane disruption/bypass, and controlled release. In this review, we aim to elaborate on different CRISPR/Cas9 variants and advances in stimuli-responsive nanoformulations for the specific delivery of this endonuclease system. Furthermore, the critical constraints of this endonuclease system on clinical translations towards the management of cancer and prospects are described.
Anti-Obesity and Anti-Inflammatory Synergistic Effects of Green Tea Catechins and Citrus β-Cryptoxanthin Ingestion in Obese Mice
Authors: Nakadate Kazuhiko , Kawakami Kiyoharu , Yamazaki Noriko
Published: April 2023

Chronic obesity causes various diseases, leading to an urgent need for its treatment and prevention. Using monosodium-glutamate-induced obesity mice, the present study investigated the synergistic obesity-reducing effects of tea catechins and the antioxidant β-cryptoxanthin present in mandarin oranges. The results show that the obese mice that ingested both tea catechin and β-cryptoxanthin for 4 weeks had a significantly decreased body weight, with no difference in body weight compared with control mice. Moreover, the blood biochemical test results were normal, and the body fat percentage was significantly decreased according to the histopathological analysis. Additionally, the abundance of M1 macrophages, which release pro-inflammatories, was significantly reduced in adipose tissue. Indeed, a significant decrease was detected in M1-macrophage-secreted tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels. Meanwhile, M2 macrophage levels were recovered, and adiponectin, which is released from adipocytes and involved in suppressing metabolic syndrome, was increased. Collectively, these results suggest that the combination of tea catechins and antioxidant foods can alleviate chronic obesity, indicating that a combination of various ingredients in foods might contribute to reducing chronic obesity.
Diplacone Isolated from Paulownia tomentosa Mature Fruit Induces Ferroptosis-Mediated Cell Death through Mitochondrial Ca2+ Influx and Mitochondrial Permeability Transition
Authors: Kang Myung-Ji , Ryu Hyung , Oh Eun , Song Yu , Huh Yang , Park Ji-Yoon , Oh Seon , Lee Su-Yeon , Park Yhun , Kim Doo-Young , Ro Hyunju , Hong Sung-Tae , Lee Su , Moon Dong-Oh , Kim Mun-Ock
Published: April 2023

The recently defined type of cell death ferroptosis has garnered significant attention as a potential new approach to cancer treatment owing to its more immunogenic nature when compared with apoptosis. Ferroptosis is characterized by the depletion of glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx4) and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Diplacone (DP), a geranylated flavonoid compound found in Paulownia tomentosa fruit, has been identified to have anti-inflammatory and anti-radical activity. In this study, the potential anticancer activity of DP was explored against A549 human lung cancer cells. It was found that DP induced a form of cytotoxicity distinct from apoptosis, which was accompanied by extensive mitochondrial-derived cytoplasmic vacuoles. DP was also shown to increase mitochondrial Ca2+ influx, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore-opening. These changes led to decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and DP-induced cell death. DP also induced lipid peroxidation and ATF3 expression, which are hallmarks of ferroptosis. The ferroptosis inhibitors ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1 were effective in counteracting the DP-mediated ferroptosis-related features. Our results could contribute to the use of DP as a ferroptosis-inducing agent, enabling studies focusing on the relationship between ferroptosis and the immunogenic cell death of cancer cells.