bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Association of Cognitive Impairment with Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Plotogea Oana-Mihaela , Diaconu Camelia Cristina , Gheorghe Gina , Stan-Ilie Madalina , Badea Mircea-Alexandru , Prelipcean Cristina Cijevschi , Constantinescu Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Introduction/Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cognitive impairments and their association with sleep patterns in a cohort of patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease (CLD). Material and methods. The present paper is a prospective cohort study, carried out over a period of 12 months, among patients with various stages of CLD. We evaluated the cognitive function through psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), while sleep was assessed by actigraphy and two self-reported questionnaires: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results. Seventy-four patients with CLD were considered eligible and were enrolled between December 2020–November 2021. The prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in the entire cohort was 41.9%, and the diagnosis was considered for PHES scores ≤ −3. Patients with cirrhosis recorded significantly lower PHES scores compared to patients with other CLDs but without cirrhosis (−3.19 ± 3.89 vs. 0.19 ± 2.92, p < 0.05). Patients who exhibited MHE suffered from poor sleep, daytime somnolence, disturbed nighttime sleep, and low overall sleep efficacy. Patients diagnosed with MHE and undergoing treatment with lactulose and/or rifaximin for prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) showed better results in terms of sleep parameters compared to patients diagnosed with MHE but without treatment. Conclusions. This research increases awareness regarding the connection between sleep features and MHE in patients with cirrhosis and other CLDs. A deeper insight into the subclinical stages of HE and associated sleep disturbances is warranted in future studies.
Portable Neuroimaging-Guided Noninvasive Brain Stimulation of the Cortico-Cerebello-Thalamo-Cortical Loop—Hypothesis and Theory in Cannabis Use Disorder
Authors: Walia Pushpinder , Ghosh Abhishek , Singh Shubhmohan , Dutta Anirban
Published: March 2022

Background: Maladaptive neuroplasticity-related learned response in substance use disorder (SUD) can be ameliorated using noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS); however, inter-individual variability needs to be addressed for clinical translation. Objective: Our first objective was to develop a hypothesis for NIBS for learned response in SUD based on a competing neurobehavioral decision systems model. The next objective was to develop the theory by conducting a computational simulation of NIBS of the cortico-cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CCTC) loop in cannabis use disorder (CUD)-related dysfunctional “cue-reactivity”—a construct closely related to “craving”—that is a core symptom. Our third objective was to test the feasibility of a neuroimaging-guided rational NIBS approach in healthy humans. Methods: “Cue-reactivity” can be measured using behavioral paradigms and portable neuroimaging, including functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalogram (EEG) metrics of sensorimotor gating. Therefore, we conducted a computational simulation of NIBS, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) of the cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) of the CCTC loop for its postulated effects on fNIRS and EEG metrics. We also developed a rational neuroimaging-guided NIBS approach for the cerebellar lobule (VII) and prefrontal cortex based on a healthy human study. Results: Simulation of cerebellar tDCS induced gamma oscillations in the cerebral cortex, while transcranial temporal interference stimulation induced a gamma-to-beta frequency shift. A preliminary healthy human study (N = 10) found that 2 mA cerebellar tDCS evoked similar oxyhemoglobin (HbO) response in the range of 5 × 10−6 M across the cerebellum and PFC brain regions (α = 0.01); however, infra-slow (0.01–0.10 Hz) prefrontal cortex HbO-driven phase–amplitude-coupled (PAC; 4 Hz, ±2 mA (max)) cerebellar tACS evoked HbO levels in the range of 10−7 M that were statistically different (α = 0.01) across these brain regions. Conclusion: Our healthy human study showed the feasibility of fNIRS of cerebellum and PFC and closed-loop fNIRS-driven ctACS at 4 Hz, which may facilitate cerebellar cognitive function via the frontoparietal network. Future work needs to combine fNIRS with EEG for multi-modal imaging for closed-loop NIBS during operant conditioning.
Transcriptional CDK Inhibitors as Potential Treatment Option for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Funke Kai , Düster Robert , Wilson Prince De-Graft , Arévalo Lena , Geyer Matthias , Schorle Hubert
Published: March 2022

Type II testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most frequently diagnosed solid malignancy in young men. Up to 15% of patients with metastatic non-seminomas show cisplatin resistance and a very poor survival rate due to lacking treatment options. Transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) have been shown to be effective targets in the treatment of different types of cancer. Here, we investigated the effects of the CDK inhibitors dinaciclib, flavopiridol, YKL-5-124, THZ1, NVP2, SY0351 and THZ531. An XTT viability assay revealed a strong cytotoxic impact of CDK7/12/13 inhibitor SY0351 and CDK9 inhibitor NVP2 on the TGCT wild-type cell lines (2102EP, NCCIT, TCam2) and the cisplatin-resistant cell lines (2102EP-R, NCCIT-R). The CDK7 inhibitor YKL-5-124 showed a strong impact on 2102EP, 2102EP-R, NCCIT and NCCIT-R cell lines, leaving the MPAF control cell line mostly unaffected. FACS-based analysis revealed mild effects on the cell cycle of 2102EP and TCam2 cells after SY0351, YKL-5-124 or NVP2 treatment. Molecular analysis showed a cell-line-specific response for SY0351 and NVP2 inhibition while YKL-5-124 induced similar molecular changes in 2102EP, TCam2 and MPAF cells. Thus, after TGCT subtype determination, CDK inhibitors might be a potential alternative for optimized and individualized therapy independent of chemotherapy sensitivity.
Unravelling Prostate Cancer Heterogeneity Using Spatial Approaches to Lipidomics and Transcriptomics
Authors: Mutuku Shadrack M. , Spotbeen Xander , Trim Paul J. , Snel Marten F. , Butler Lisa M. , Swinnen Johannes V.
Published: March 2022

Due to advances in the detection and management of prostate cancer over the past 20 years, most cases of localised disease are now potentially curable by surgery or radiotherapy, or amenable to active surveillance without treatment. However, this has given rise to a new dilemma for disease management; the inability to distinguish indolent from lethal, aggressive forms of prostate cancer, leading to substantial overtreatment of some patients and delayed intervention for others. Driving this uncertainty is the critical deficit of novel targets for systemic therapy and of validated biomarkers that can inform treatment decision-making and to select and monitor therapy. In part, this lack of progress reflects the inherent challenge of undertaking target and biomarker discovery in clinical prostate tumours, which are cellularly heterogeneous and multifocal, necessitating the use of spatial analytical approaches. In this review, the principles of mass spectrometry-based lipid imaging and complementary gene-based spatial omics technologies, their application to prostate cancer and recent advancements in these technologies are considered. We put in perspective studies that describe spatially-resolved lipid maps and metabolic genes that are associated with prostate tumours compared to benign tissue and increased risk of disease progression, with the aim of evaluating the future implementation of spatial lipidomics and complementary transcriptomics for prognostication, target identification and treatment decision-making for prostate cancer.
Osteogenic Commitment of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Is Predetermined by Methylation, Chromatin Accessibility and Expression of Key Transcription Factors
Authors: Assis Rahyza I. F. , Racca Francesca , Ferreira Rogério S. , Ruiz Karina G. S. , da Silva Rodrigo A. , Clokie Samuel J. H. , Wiench Malgorzata , Andia Denise C.
Published: March 2022

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLCs) can be used as a valuable source in cell therapies to regenerate bone tissue. However, the potential therapeutic outcomes are unpredictable due to PDLCs’ heterogeneity regarding the capacity for osteoblast differentiation and mineral nodules production. Here, we identify epigenetic (DNA (hydroxy)methylation), chromatin (ATAC-seq) and transcriptional (RNA-seq) differences between PDLCs presenting with low (l) and high (h) osteogenic potential. The primary cell populations were investigated at basal state (cultured in DMEM) and after 10 days of osteogenic stimulation (OM). At a basal state, the expression of transcription factors (TFs) and the presence of gene regulatory regions related to osteogenesis were detected in h-PDLCs in contrast to neuronal differentiation prevalent in l-PDLCs. These differences were also observed under stimulated conditions, with genes and biological processes associated with osteoblast phenotype activated more in h-PDLCs. Importantly, even after the induction, l-PDLCs showed hypermethylation and low expression of genes related to bone development. Furthermore, the analysis of TFs motifs combined with TFs expression suggested the relevance of SP1, SP7 and DLX4 regulation in h-PDLCs, while motifs for SIX and OLIG2 TFs were uniquely enriched in l-PDLCs. Additional analysis including a second l-PDLC population indicated that the high expression of OCT4, SIX3 and PPARG TFs could be predictive of low osteogenic commitment. In summary, several biological processes related to osteoblast commitment were activated in h-PDLCs from the onset, while l-PDLCs showed delay in the activation of the osteoblastic program, restricted by the persistent methylation of gene related to bone development. These processes are pre-determined by distinguishable epigenetic and transcriptional patterns, the recognition of which could help in selection of PDLCs with pre-osteoblastic phenotype.
Creative Arts Therapy in the “Remote Therapeutic Response” Format in the Education System
Authors: Korman-Hacohen Shir , Regev Dafna , Roginsky Efrat
Published: March 2022

Many creative arts therapists work in the education system on a regular basis. As a result of the pandemic, all have had to treat students in a “remote therapeutic response” format. The aim of the present study was to map creative arts therapists' perceptions of the “remote therapeutic response” in the education system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 creative arts therapists who participated in the study. The consensual qualitative research approach yielded seven domains: (1) the emotional experiences of transitioning to a remote therapeutic response; (2) the implementation of the remote therapeutic response; (3) benefits of remote creative arts therapy; (4) challenges in remote creative arts therapy; (5) remote contact with parents; (6) working in the educational system; (7) insights and recommendations. Although the findings show that creative arts therapists believe that remote creative arts therapy will never be a fully satisfactory replacement for most clients, remote work, despite its many difficulties and challenges, has also opened the door to new possibilities in the world of creative arts therapy in the education system.
Evaluation of Transparent ITO/Nano-Ag/ITO Electrode Grown on Flexible Electrochromic Devices by Roll-to-Roll Sputtering Technology
Authors: Cheng Yuang-Tung , Lu Tsung-Lin , Hong Min-Han , Ho Jyh-Jier , Chou Chau-Chang , Ho Jiajer , Hsieh Tung-Po
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the flexible ITO/nano-Ag/ITO multilayer electrodes grown on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates and processed by a continuous roll-to-roll (R2R) sputtering system at room temperature used for flexible electrochromic device (ECD) applications. The effect of the nano-Ag interlayer thickness on the electrical and optical properties of the flexible ITO/nano-Ag/ITO multilayer was thoroughly investigated. By using R2R-sputtered at an Ag DC power of 0.2 kW, we were able to achieve optimal ITO/nano-Ag/ITO multilayer that exhibits a high optical transmittance of 87.19% and the best figure of merit value (30.93 × 10−3 Ω−1). The EC performance and stability of the flexible devices were tested by a cathodic WO3 coloration. Coloring and bleaching tests show that ITO/nano-Ag/ITO multilayers are highly effective conductors, indicating that the R2R sputtering technique is a promising continuous sputtering process in preparing for the fabrication of optical devices and flexible electronics industries.
Natural History and Morphology of Crotalus ehecatl (Serpentes: Viperidae)
Authors: Carbajal-Márquez Rubén Alonso , Sigala-Rodríguez José Jesús , Hidalgo-García Jorge Arturo , Ayala-Rodríguez Juan José , Cedeño-Vázquez José Rogelio
Published: March 2022

The Tehuantepec Isthmus rattlesnake (Crotalus ehecatl) is a poorly known species endemic to Mexico. We describe its diet, morphological variation, life history traits and activity patterns based on data from field encounters, museum specimens, and published data. Its diet consists almost exclusively of mammals, with no detected ontogenetic shift or sexual differences in prey type, and with feeding happening mainly in the rainy season. As the first detailed study on the feeding ecology of C. ehecatl, it adds six new prey species and suggests a homogeneous diet among age classes and sexes, but not among seasons. Crotalus ehecatl does not present sexual dimorphism in snout-vent length, head length or total length, but males have significantly longer tails than females, possess fewer ventral scales, more subcaudal and anterior intersupraocular scales. Crotalus ehecatl showed a unimodal activity pattern with peak activity in the summer, with crepuscular and nocturnal activity during the warmer months, and diurnal activity during the cooler months. The timing of C. ehecatl reproductive events, is similar to other rattlesnakes from temperate and tropical zones. Additional studies on this and related species would help to understand how the ecology of Neotropical rattlesnakes differs from rattlesnakes of more temperate zones.
Linking Leaf N:P Stoichiometry to Species Richness and Composition along a Slope Aspect Gradient in the Eastern Tibetan Meadows
Authors: Li Xin’e , Hu Yafei , Zhang Renyi , Zhao Xin , Qian Cheng
Published: March 2022

As an important topographical factor, slope aspect has an essential influence on plant community structure and leaf traits. Leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry is an important leaf trait indicating plant growth. However, it has rarely been studied how leaf N:P stoichiometry correlates with plant community structure along the slope aspect gradient. To understand the variation of leaf N:P stoichiometry and community structure, as well as their correlation with each other, the species composition and leaf N and P in Tibetan meadows were investigated across three slope aspects: the south-, west-, and north-facing slope aspects (i.e., SFS, WFS, and NFS). In our results, leaf N:P ratio was significantly lower on the NFS than on the SFS, indicating N and P limitation on the NFS and SFS, respectively. Richness of forb species and all species was higher on the NFS than on the SFS and was negatively correlated with leaf N concentration, whereas graminoid richness was not statistically different among the slope aspects and showed a negative correlation with leaf P concentration. Thus, our results provide evidence for the functional significance of leaf N:P stoichiometry for species composition along a natural environmental gradient. Our findings could provide applicable guidance in the refinement of grassland management and biodiversity conservation based on topography.
The Transversality of Civic Learning as the Basis for Development in the University
Authors: Naval Concepción , Villacís Jorge L. , Ibarrola-García Sara
Published: March 2022

The social dimension of higher education seems to have been highlighted in the most recent documents of the European Higher Education Area. Furthermore, the interest in providing future graduates with the competences necessary for their future jobs seems to have grown in recent decades. In this context, the key questions are what social competences could help graduates to enter the world of work and how universities can facilitate the development of such competences. In the present article, we clarify the role of civic and social competence in university education and offer some guidelines to orientate their learning. To address these objectives, the present study is divided into five parts. First, we define what we understand as civic or citizen competence. In the second part, we describe the reasons why we consider that the learning of civic competence may occur in different settings (formal, informal, or non-formal) of university life. We propose character education and integrated learning (IL) as promising approaches to foster civic learning in the third and fourth sections. Finally, we offer recommendations on how university leaders and professors might promote civic or citizenship competence.
A Subspace Pre-Learning Strategy to Break the Interpose PUF
Authors: Li Gaoxiang , Mursi Khalid T.
Published: March 2022

Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) are promising security primitives for resource-constrained IoT devices. A critical aspect of PUF security research is to identify all potential security risks. This information about vulnerabilities is beneficial for both PUF developers and PUF-using application developers in terms of designing new PUFs to mitigate existing risks and avoid vulnerable PUFs. Recently, a PUF structure called Interpose PUF (IPUF) was proposed, which claims to be resistant to reliability attacks and machine learning modeling attacks. Related studies on this secure PUF design have demonstrated that some IPUFs can still be broken, but large IPUFs may remain secure against all known modeling attacks. In addition, all these studies either focus on plain challenge–response pair attacks or require prior knowledge of IPUF architecture implementation. However, depending on the claim of attack resistance to reliability attacks, we can employ a different attack approach to break IPUFs. In this paper, we describe a subspace pre-learning-based attack method that can rapidly and accurately break the IPUFs that were treated as secure in the earlier study, revealing a vulnerability in IPUFs if the open interface conforms to the way challenge–response data are accessed by the subspace pre-learning-based attack method.
Determination of the Minimum Safe Distance between a USV and a Hydro-Engineering Structure in a Restricted Water Region Sounding
Authors: Makar Artur
Published: March 2022

Bathymetric surveys performed using small, unmanned vessels are increasingly used in coastal areas and regions difficult to access by hydrographic motorboats. Their geometric dimensions, manoeuvring parameters, low labour intensity, and costs of survey execution have allowed the unmanned survey vessel (USV) to be a commonly recognised surveying platform. It is equipped with a navigation system for positioning, maintaining a course or survey line, determining spatial orientation, and measuring depths. The operation zone of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) in coastal water regions enables geodetic positioning in land-based surveys and of moving objects, also including, for example, a sounding vessel. Under difficult observational conditions, the positioning is limited by the obscuration of the upper hemisphere, i.e., the visibility of satellites and the reflection from high field buildings. This poses a threat to a small vessel operating at a very short distance from a hydro-engineering structure. Based on a study performed in a marina, the article presents the determination of the minimum safe distance of the planned survey line to the quay in terms of the USV’s dimensions under good sounding conditions. These include low and constant velocity and good observational conditions for a GNSS receiver. The analysis was conducted on survey lines perpendicular to the quay, which was approached twice at distances of 1–5 m, with a 0.5 m interval. A 1 m distance between the end of the survey line and the quay has been determined for the safety of USV’s navigation and continuity of geospatial data collection during bathymetric surveys.
Theoretical Research on Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Hydrostatic Oil Film in Flat Microfluidic Boundary Layer
Authors: Liu Liansheng , Qu Huiru , Duan Runze , Liu Teng , Li Chentao , Wang Enyu , Liu Lujia
Published: March 2022

The hydrostatic bearing is the core component of ultra-precision computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. Because the temperature rise in the oil film of hydrostatic bearings seriously affects the working accuracy of the bearings, it is important to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the oil film. Based on the physical model of an incompressible viscous fluid flowing in a flat microfluidic boundary layer, velocity, temperature and heat flux distribution equations of oil film are constructed by theories of heat transfer and hydrodynamics. Then, the effects of several parameters on velocity distribution, temperature distribution and heat flux distribution are analyzed, such as the upper plate velocity, the channel length, and so on. The results show that the dimensionless velocity of the oil film decreases with the increase in the upper plate velocity and the channel length. The oil film temperature distribution can be divided into three zones: the increasing zone, stabilizing zone and decreasing zone. The heat flux decreases linearly with the increase in the plate thickness, and increases linearly with the increase in the temperature difference.
Research on the Operational Strategy of the Hybrid Wind/PV/Small-Hydropower/Facility-Agriculture System Based on a Microgrid
Authors: Ren Yan , Ren Linmao , Zhang Kai , Liu Dong , Yao Xianhe , Li Huawei
Published: March 2022

The use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, photovoltaics (PV), and hydropower, to supply facility agriculture may effectively mitigate food and environmental pollution problems and ensure continuity of the energy supply. The operating conditions of a hybrid system are complex, so the operating strategy is very important for system configuration and scheduling purposes. In the current study, first, a hybrid wind/PV/small-hydropower/facility-agricultural system was constructed. Then, the chaotic particle swarm method was applied to optimize hybrid system operation, and a scheduling strategy of the hybrid system was proposed. Finally, combined with an example, according to wind and PV power output and load curves, supply-to-load curves for wind, PV, and small hydropower were obtained. The operational strategy proposed in this study maximizes the utilization of wind and solar resources and rationally allocates hydropower resources. The aforementioned operational strategy provides a basis for hybrid system capacity allocation and scheduling.
Experimental and Numerical Studies on the Traditional Penetration Mortise–Tenon Connection Reinforced by Self-Tapping Screws
Authors: Guo Ting , Yang Na , Zhou Haibin , Wang Shuangyong
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the mechanical performance improvement of traditional penetration mortise–tenon (PMT) connections reinforced by self-tapping screws (STSs) were experimental and numerical studied. Four unreinforced penetration mortise–tenon connections and four STS-reinforced connections were experimentally investigated under monotonic and low-frequency cyclic loading. Besides, the numerical model of PMT connections reinforced by STSs with different diameters and yield strength were established and analyzed.Their failure modes, rotational stiffness, moment-resisting capacity, ductility, and seismic behavior were studied. The experimental results indicated that the STSs reinforcements could enhance the moment-resisting capacity of the penetration mortise–tenon connection. Compared with unreinforced connections, the initial stiffness of STS-reinforced connections increased by 75% with the moment-resisting capacity increasing by 69%, respectively. Furthermore, the STSs reinforcement method can effectively restrict the pull-out of tenon during the whole loading process. Numerical simulation results showed that the yield strength of STS has little effect on the moment-bearing behavior of the connection. The diameter of STS significantly influences the connection performance, and the diameter of 8 mm is suggested.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on Fermentation Quality and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Paper Mulberry Silage
Authors: Wang Ningwei , Xiong Yi , Wang Xuekai , Guo Linna , Lin Yanli , Ni Kuikui , Yang Fuyu
Published: March 2022

There are few studies on the application of lactic acid bacteria in the reduction of anti-nutrient factors in paper mulberry silage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different lactic acid bacteria on the fermentation quality and the amount of anti-nutritional factors in paper mulberry silage. Two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (GX, isolated from paper mulberry silage; GZ, provided by Sichuan Gaofuji Biotechnology Co. Ltd.) were added as silage additives. On days 7, 15, 30 and 60 of the ensiling process, the fermentation quality, and the amount of anti-nutritional factors were measured. Compared with the control group, inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum could rapidly reduce pH values, leading to lower NH3-N/TN. Besides, it also significantly increased the lactic acid content (p < 0.05). The two strains of L. plantarum significantly reduced the content of hydrolysed tannin, condensed tannin, total tannin, oxalic acid, phytic acid and saponin (p < 0.05). Overall, this study found that the addition of lactic acid bacteria could significantly improve the fermentation quality of paper mulberry and reduce the amount of anti-nutrient factors (p < 0.05).
Consumption Habits and Brand Loyalty of Belgian Coffee Consumers
Authors: Alsafra Zouheir , Renault Véronique , Parisi Gianni , Scholl Georges , Meulenaer Bruno De , Eppe Gauthier , Saegerman Claude
Published: March 2022

Coffee is usually subjected to a roasting process which is responsible for the formation of aroma and flavours but also of some undesirable compounds such as furan and alkyl furans. These compounds are known as process contaminants of the roasting process and exhibit some harmful effects. In order to evaluate the exposure to these compounds in coffee, it is necessary to know the levels of contamination as well as consumption habits. The degree of consumers’ loyalty to specific coffee brands could also be an important driver affecting the level of exposure. This research aimed to evaluate the levels of consumption and the degree of loyalty to coffee brands available in Belgian markets, as well as the factors affecting the choice and the consumption of coffee products and coffee brands. Data were collected in Belgium through an online survey. The results show that for the 1930 participants, 87% reported daily coffee consumption and 13% never or occasionally consumed coffee. The global median coffee consumption was 3 cups per day, and the median for individual daily consumers only was 4 cups per day. The level of consumption of ground coffee was about twice higher than coffee beans, followed by instant coffee and relatively very low consumption of coffee substitutes. In total, 78% of participants reported brand loyalty but to different degrees. Two coffee brands sold in Belgian regions were listed together by more than 20% of the survey participants. The most frequent criteria for selecting a specific coffee brand were taste and price, followed by tradition and habit. The age of coffee consumers and several sociodemographic characteristics have significant effects on coffee consumption. The type of coffee product, the degree of loyalty, and also the type of packaging should be further considered (when available) in the exposure assessment to furan compounds.
Linking Categorical and Dimensional Approaches to Assess Food-Related Emotions
Authors: Toet Alexander , Van der Burg Erik , Van den Broek Tim J. , Kaneko Daisuke , Brouwer Anne-Marie , Van Erp Jan B. F.
Published: March 2022

Reflecting the two main prevailing and opposing views on the nature of emotions, emotional responses to food and beverages are typically measured using either (a) a categorical (lexicon-based) approach where users select or rate the terms that best express their food-related feelings or (b) a dimensional approach where they rate perceived food items along the dimensions of valence and arousal. Relating these two approaches is problematic since a response in terms of valence and arousal is not easily expressed in terms of emotions (like happy or disgusted). In this study, we linked the dimensional approach to a categorical approach by establishing mapping between a set of 25 emotion terms (EsSense25) and the valence–arousal space (via the EmojiGrid graphical response tool), using a set of 20 food images. In two ‘matching’ tasks, the participants first imagined how the food shown in a given image would make them feel and then reported either the emotional terms or the combination of valence and arousal that best described their feelings. In two labeling tasks, the participants first imagined experiencing a given emotion term and then they selected either the foods (images) that appeared capable to elicit that feeling or reported the combination of valence and arousal that best reflected that feeling. By combining (1) the mapping between the emotion terms and the food images with (2) the mapping of the food images to the valence–arousal space, we established (3) an indirect (via the images) mapping of the emotion terms to the valence–arousal space. The results show that the mapping between terms and images was reliable and that the linkages have straightforward and meaningful interpretations. The valence and arousal values that were assigned to the emotion terms through indirect mapping to the valence–arousal space were typically less extreme than those that were assigned through direct mapping.
Formulation, Characterization, and In Vitro Drug Release Study of β-Cyclodextrin-Based Smart Hydrogels
Authors: Suhail Muhammad , Vu Quoc Lam , Wu Pao-Chu
Published: March 2022

In this study, novel pH-responsive polymeric β-cyclodextrin-graft-poly(acrylic acid/itaconic acid) hydrogels were fabricated by the free radical polymerization technique. Various concentrations of β-cyclodextrin, acrylic acid, and itaconic acid were crosslinked by ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of ammonium persulfate. The crosslinked hydrogels were used for the controlled delivery of theophylline. Loading of theophylline was conducted by the absorption and diffusion method. The fabricated network of hydrogel was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crosslinking among hydrogel contents and drug loading by the fabricated hydrogel were confirmed by FTIR analysis, while TGA indicated a high thermal stability of the prepared hydrogel as compared to pure β-cyclodextrin and itaconic acid. The high thermal stability of the developed hydrogel indicated an increase in the thermal stability of β-cyclodextrin and itaconic acid after crosslinking. Similarly, a decrease in crystallinity of β-cyclodextrin and itaconic acid was observed after crosslinking, as evaluated by XRD analysis. SEM revealed an irregular and hard surface of the prepared hydrogel, which may be correlated with strong crosslinking among hydrogel contents. Crosslinked insoluble and uncrosslinked soluble fractions of hydrogel were evaluated by sol–gel analysis. An increase in gel fraction was seen with the increase in compositions of hydrogel contents, while a decrease in sol fraction was observed. Dynamic swelling and dissolution studies were performed in three various buffer solutions of pH 1.2, 4.6, and 7.4, respectively. Maximum swelling and drug release were observed at higher pH values as compared to the lower pH value due to the deprotonation and protonation of functional groups of the hydrogel contents; thus, the pH-sensitive nature of the fabricated hydrogel was demonstrated. Likewise, water penetration capability and polymer volume were evaluated by porosity and polymer volume studies. Increased incorporation of β-cyclodextrin, acrylic acid, and itaconic acid led to an increase in swelling, drug release, drug loading, and porosity of the fabricated hydrogel, whereas a decrease was detected with the increasing concentration of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Conclusively, the prepared hydrogel could be employed as a suitable and promising carrier for the controlled release of theophylline.
The World of Oral Cancer and Its Risk Factors Viewed from the Aspect of MicroRNA Expression Patterns
Authors: Aghiorghiesei Ovidiu , Zanoaga Oana , Nutu Andreea , Braicu Cornelia , Campian Radu Septimiu , Lucaciu Ondine , Berindan Neagoe Ioana
Published: March 2022

Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with a reported 5-year survival rate of around 50% after treatment. Epigenetic modifications are considered to have a key role in oral carcinogenesis due to histone modifications, aberrant DNA methylation, and altered expression of miRNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have a key role in cancer development by regulating signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. MiRNA deregulation identified in oral cancer has led to the idea of using them as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In recent years, a key role has been observed for risk factors in preventing and treating this malignancy. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent knowledge about the altered mechanisms of oral cancer due to risk factors and the role of miRNAs in these mechanisms.
Examining the Predictors of Mental Ill Health in Esport Competitors
Authors: Smith Matthew , Sharpe Benjamin , Arumuham Atheeshaan , Birch Phil
Published: March 2022

Few research studies have examined the predictors of mental ill health in esports. This study addresses that gap by investigating stressors, sleep, burnout, social phobia anxiety and mental ill health in esport athletes. An online survey was disseminated to competitive student esport athletes (n = 313) residing in the UK. The survey included measures of stressors resulting from competing in esports, sleep quality, burnout, and social phobia, as well as outcome measures of mental ill health. Hierarchical regression analyses examined these relationships. All the hypotheses were supported, with stressors significantly predicting sleep quality, burnout, and social phobia anxiety, and stressors, sleep quality, burnout, and social phobia anxiety were all significant positive predictors of mental ill health. The strength of these predictions varied, for example, the daytime dysfunction subscale of sleep was a strong predictor of all outcome variables; two subscales of burnout, reduced sense of accomplishment and exhaustion significantly predicted each of the three mental ill health outcome variables, and two subscales of social phobia anxiety, fear and avoidance, significantly predicted mental ill health. Our study has important implications for player health in esports, highlighting interventions that could target specific aspects of stress, sleep, burnout, and social phobia anxiety to improve the mental health of those who compete in esports.
Impact of the Cognitive–Behavioral Approach and Psychoeducational Intervention in Breast Cancer Management: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ardizzone Antonella , Bavetta Domenico , Garo Maria Luisa , Santangelo Domenico , Bongiorno Antonio , Bono Maria
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy in women. High cancer-related psychological distress levels have been observed in BC patients, with a potentially relevant impact on disease management, compliance with disease treatments, and everyday life activities and relationships. This work evaluated the effectiveness of three individual cognitive–behavioral therapy psychoeducational sessions versus a self-managed informative guide with individual counseling sessions without specific psychological treatment. (2) Methods: the intervention group received three individual 50-min sessions of psychoeducational training, and the control group received a self-managed informative guide with individual counseling sessions without any kind of psychological treatment. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the Distress Thermometer (DT), and the EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) QLQ-C30 were administered at baseline and two months after study inclusion. (3) Results: A total of 60 participants were included in the study (intervention group: 30, control group: 30). Significant improvements were observed in both groups after two months (p < 0.05), but no statistically significant differences emerged between groups. (4) Conclusions: Psychoeducational interventions and CBT help BC patients manage disease-related fear and distress, allowing them to achieve a good quality of life.
Weather Conditions Influence on Lavandin Essential Oil and Hydrolate Quality
Authors: Aćimović Milica , Lončar Biljana , Stanković Jeremić Jovana , Cvetković Mirjana , Pezo Lato , Pezo Milada , Todosijević Marina , Tešević Vele
Published: March 2022

Lavandula sp. essential oil and hydrolate are commercially valuable in various industry branches with the potential for wide-ranging applications. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of these products obtained from L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ for the first time cultivated on Fruška Gora Mt. (Serbia) during three successive seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021). Essential oil extraction was obtained by steam distillation, and the composition and influence of weather conditions were also assessed, using flowering tops. The obtained essential oils and hydrolates were analysed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A linear regression model was developed to predict L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ essential oil volatile compound content and hydrolate composition during three years, according to temperature and precipitation data, and the appropriate regression coefficients were calculated, while the correlation analysis was employed to analyse the correlations in hydrolate and essential oil compounds. To completely describe the structure of the research data that would present a better insight into the similarities and differences among the diverse L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ samples, the PCA was used. The most dominant in L. intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ essential oil and hydrolate were oxygenated monoterpenes: linalool, 1,8-cineole, borneol, linalyl acetate, and terpinene-4-ol. It is established that the temperature was positively correlated with all essential oil and hydrolate compounds. The precipitations were positively correlated with the main compounds (linalool, 1,8-cineole, and borneol), while the other compounds’ content negatively correlated to precipitation. The results indicated that Fruška Gora Mt. has suitable agro-ecological requirements for cultivating Lavandula sp. and providing satisfactory essential oil and hydrolate.
From Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U) to Breastfeeding: Is the Jump Short?
Authors: Prestileo Tullio , Adriana Sanfilippo , Lorenza Di Marco , Argo Antonina
Published: March 2022

Background: Vertical transmission of HIV infection may occur during pregnancy, at childbirth or through breastfeeding. Recommendations on the safety of breastfeeding of HIV-infected women on effective antiretroviral treatment are not univocal among international guidelines (WHO 2010, EACS 2017, DHHS 2017), leaving space for variability at the patient’s level. Methods: We collected clinical, laboratory and outcome data from 13 HIV-infected pregnant women who, between March 2017 and June 2021, elected to breastfeed their children against specific medical advice. All mothers were on antiretroviral therapy with darunavir or raltegravir plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil and remained HIV-RNA undetectable and >400 cells/mmc CD4+ lymphocytes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Prophylactic antiretroviral therapy (zidovudine for 4 weeks) was started immediately after birth in all newborns. The mean duration of breastfeeding was 5.4 months. Newborns were tested for HIV-RNA multiple times: at birth, 1, 3, and 6 months after birth, and 1, 3 and 6 months after the end of breastfeeding. Results: None of the infants were infected by HIV. Conclusions: Our experience, gathered in the setting of freedom of choice on the patient’s side, while insufficient to address the eventual safety of breastfeeding in HIV-infected mothers since the represented cohort is numerically irrelevant, supports the extension of the U=U (Undetectable Equals Untransmittable) paradigm to this setting. Since breastfeeding is often requested by women with HIV planning pregnancy, more extensive comparative studies should be performed.
Smartphone-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment of Coping with Loneliness amid COVID-19 in Germany
Authors: Wegner Luisa , Haucke Matthias N. , Heinzel Stephan , Liu Shuyan
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused people to feel isolated, left out, and in need of companionship. Effective strategies to cope with such unrelenting feelings of loneliness are needed. In times of COVID-19, we conducted a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study with 280 lonely participants in Germany over 7 months, where a long and hard second national lockdown was in place. Each participant reported their daily loneliness and coping strategies for loneliness once in the evening for 7 consecutive days. We found that managing emotions and social relationships were associated with decreased feelings of loneliness, while using a problem-focused coping strategy was associated with increased feelings of loneliness amid COVID-19. Interestingly, managing emotions was particularly effective for easing loneliness during the second lockdown. Females tend to use more emotion-focused coping strategies to overcome their loneliness compared to males. Our study highlights the importance of managing emotions against loneliness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Designing technology that provides emotional support to people may be one of the keys to easing loneliness and promoting well-being.
Application of a Novel Collection of Exhaled Breath Condensate to Exercise Settings
Authors: Sol Joseph A. , Quindry John C.
Published: March 2022

The collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a non-invasive method for obtaining biosamples from the lower respiratory tract, an approach amenable to exercise, environmental, and work physiology applications. The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective, reproducible methodology for obtaining larger volume EBC samples. Participants (male: n = 10; female: n = 6; 26 ± 8 yrs.) completed a 10 min EBC collection using a novel device (N-EBC). After initial collection, a 45 min bout of cycling at 75% HRmax was performed, followed by another N-EBC collection. In a subset of individuals (n = 5), EBC was obtained using both the novel technique and a commercially available EBC collection device (R-EBC) in a randomized fashion. N-EBC volume—pre- and post-exercise (2.3 ± 0.8 and 2.6 ± 0.9 mL, respectively)—and pH (7.4 ± 0.5 and 7.4 ± 0.5, respectively) were not significantly different. When normalized for participant body height, device comparisons indicated N-EBC volumes were larger than R-EBC at pre-exercise (+12%) and post-exercise (+48%). Following moderate-intensity exercise, no changes in the pre- and post-trial values of Pentraxin 3 (0.25 ± 0.04 and 0.26 ± 0.06 pg/mL, respectively) and 8-Isoprostrane (0.43 ± 0.33 and 0.36 ± 0.24 pg/mL, respectively) concentrations were observed. In a cost-efficient fashion, the N-EBC method produced larger sample volumes, both pre- and post-exercise, facilitating more biomarker tests to be performed.
Large-Scale Mercury Dispersion at Sea: Modelling a Multi-Hazard Case Study from Augusta Bay (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Sprovieri Mario , Cucco Andrea , Budillon Francesca , Salvagio Manta Daniela , Trincardi Fabio , Passaro Salvatore
Published: March 2022

This contribution discusses an example of potential multi-hazard effects resulting from an earthquake in a highly seismogenic area of the Mediterranean Sea, the Augusta Bay, which presents high levels of contamination in sediments and seawater, due particularly to high-concentrations of mercury as a result of a long-term industrial exploitation. In particular, a high-resolution hydrodynamic and transport model is used to calculate the effects of enhanced mercury spreading in the open sea after significant damage and collapse of the artificial damming system confining the embayment where a very high concentration of Hg occurs in seafloor sediments and seawater. Coupling high-resolution 3D dynamic circulation modelling and sediment–seawater Hg fluxes calculated using the HR3DHG diffusion–reaction model for both inorganic and organic Hg species offers a valuable approach to simulating and estimating the effects of spatial dispersion of this contaminant due to unpredictable hazard events in coastal systems, with the potential attendant enhanced effects on the marine ecosystem. The simulated scenario definitely suggests that a combination of natural and anthropogenic multi-hazards calls for a thorough re-thinking of risk management in marine areas characterised by significant levels of contamination and where a deep understanding of the biogeochemical dynamics of pollutants does not cover all the aspects of danger for the environment.
COVID-19 Lockdown in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Boulin Mathieu , Cransac-Miet Amélie , Maynadié Marc , Volot Fabienne , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Eicher Jean-Christophe , Chagué Frédéric , Ksiazek Eléa , Beltramo Guillaume , Bonniaud Philippe , Moreau Thibault , Bonnotte Bernard , Sales-Wuillemin Edith , Soudry-Faure Agnès , Zeller Marianne , Cottin Yves
Published: March 2022

Background: We aimed to investigate the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on medication adherence, physician access, lifestyle behaviours, and mental health in patients with chronic conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional phone survey was conducted in 1274 housebound adults recruited from 8 regional chronic disease cohorts (CLEO CD study: NCT04390126). Results: Medication adherence was 97%; 305 (41%) patients declared that at least one scheduled visit with a physician was missed during the first lockdown. The main changes in lifestyle behaviours were deterioration in sleep time (duration and/or quality; 71%), increase in screen time (46%), and decrease in physical activity (46%). Nineteen percent experienced psychological distress (Kessler-6 score ≥ 5). An urban living place (OR, 1.76 vs. rural; 95% CI, 1.32–2.33; p = 10−4), worse self-reported mental health (OR, 1.62 vs. about the same or better; 95% CI, 1.17–2.25; p = 0.003), and a K6 score ≥ 5 (OR, 1.52 vs. <5; 95% CI, 1.05–2.21; p = 0.03) were independent factors associated with at least one unhealthy behaviour. Conclusions: Encouraging results were observed in terms of medication adherence. Caution is needed in chronic disease patients living in urban places as well as those presenting psychological distress and worse self-reported mental health to reduce unhealthy behaviours.