bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focus on Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α-Related Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Lopetuso Loris Riccardo , Cuomo Claudia , Mignini Irene , Gasbarrini Antonio , Papa Alfredo
Published: May 2023

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents have been increasingly used to treat patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease and dermatological and rheumatologic inflammatory disorders. However, the widening use of biologics is related to a new class of adverse events called paradoxical reactions. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but it is suggested that cytokine remodulation in predisposed individuals can lead to the inflammatory process. Here, we dissect the clinical aspects and overall outcomes of autoimmune diseases caused by anti-TNF-α therapies.
Entomopathogenic Potential of Bacillus velezensis CE 100 for the Biological Control of Termite Damage in Wooden Architectural Buildings of Korean Cultural Heritage
Authors: Moon Jae-Hyun , Ajuna Henry B. , Won Sang-Jae , Choub Vantha , Choi Su-In , Yun Ju-Yeol , Hwang Won Joung , Park Sang Wook , Ahn Young Sang
Published: May 2023

Biocontrol strategies are gaining tremendous attention in insect pest management, such as controlling termite damage, due to the growing awareness of the irreparable harm caused by the continuous use of synthetic pesticides. This study examines the proteolytic and chitinolytic activities of Bacillus velezensis CE 100 and its termiticidal effect through cuticle degradation. The proteolytic and chitinolytic activities of B. velezensis CE 100 systematically increased with cell growth to the respective peaks of 68.3 and 128.3 units/mL after seven days of inoculation, corresponding with the highest cell growth of 16 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The in vitro termiticidal assay showed that B. velezensis CE 100 caused a rapid and high rate of termite mortality, with a median lethal time (LT50) of >1 h and the highest mortality rates of 91.1% and 92.2% recorded at 11 h and 12 h in the bacterial broth culture and crude enzyme fraction, respectively. In addition to broken setae and deformed sockets, termites treated with the bacterial broth culture exhibited degraded epicuticles, while the crude enzyme fraction caused severe disintegration of both the epicuticle and endocuticle. These results indicate the tremendously higher potential of B. velezensis CE 100 in the biological control of subterranean termites compared to the previously used entomopathogenic bacteria.
Characterization of Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue and Validation of the Banking Procedure for Autologous Transplantation
Authors: Favaretto Francesca , Compagnin Chiara , Cogliati Elisa , Montagner Giulia , Dell’Antonia Francesco , Berna Giorgio , Vettor Roberto , Milan Gabriella , Trojan Diletta
Published: May 2023

Adipose tissue (AT) is composed of a heterogeneous population which comprises both progenitor and differentiated cells. This heterogeneity allows a variety of roles for the AT, including regenerative functions. In fact, autologous AT is commonly used to repair soft tissue defects, and its cryopreservation could be a useful strategy to reduce the patient discomfort caused by multiple harvesting procedures. Our work aimed to characterize the cryopreserved AT and to validate its storage for up to three years for clinical applications. AT components (stromal vascular fraction-SVF and mature adipocytes) were isolated in fresh and cryopreserved samples using enzymatic digestion, and cell viability was assessed by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Live, apoptotic and necrotic cells were quantified using cytometry by evaluating phosphatidylserine binding to fluorescent-labeled Annexin V. A multiparametric cytometry was also used to measure adipogenic (CD34+CD90+CD31−CD45−) and endothelial (CD34+CD31+CD45−) precursors and endothelial mature cells (CD34−CD31+CD45−). The maintenance of adipogenic abilities was evaluated using in vitro differentiation of SVF cultures and fluorescent lipid staining. We demonstrated that AT that is cryopreserved for up to three years maintains its differentiation potential and cellular composition. Given our results, a clinical study was started, and two patients had successful transplants without any complications using autologous cryopreserved AT.
Cinnamaldehyde-Rich Cinnamon Extract Induces Cell Death in Colon Cancer Cell Lines HCT 116 and HT-29
Authors: Nile Arti , Shin Jisoo , Shin Juhyun , Park Gyun Seok , Lee Suhyun , Lee Ji-Ho , Lee Kyung-Woo , Kim Beob Gyun , Han Sung Gu , Saini Ramesh Kumar , Oh Jae-Wook
Published: May 2023

Cinnamon is a natural spice with a wide range of pharmacological functions, including anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cinnamaldehyde-rich cinnamon extract (CRCE) on the colorectal cancer cell lines HCT 116 and HT-29. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of a lipophilic extract of cinnamon revealed the dominance of trans-cinnamaldehyde. Cells treated with CRCE (10–60 µg/mL) showed significantly decreased cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. We also observed that cell proliferation and migration capacity were inhibited in CRCE-treated cells. In addition, a remarkable increase in the number of sub-G1-phase cells was observed with arrest at the G2 phase by CRCE treatment. CRCE also induced mitochondrial stress, and finally, CRCE treatment resulted in activation of apoptotic proteins Caspase-3, -9, and PARP and decreased levels of mu-2-related death-inducing gene protein expression with BH3-interacting domain death agonist (BID) activation.
PD-L1 Exon 3 Is a Hidden Switch of Its Expression and Function in Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Yan Lingyan , Sun Yanan , Guo Jihua , Jia Rong
Published: May 2023

The interaction between programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) protects tumor cells from immune surveillance. PD-L1 exon 3 is a potential alternative exon and encodes an Ig variable (IgV) domain. Here, we found that a lack of exon 3 leads to the significant loss of cellular membrane locations and the dramatically reduced protein expression of PD-L1, indicating that PD-L1 exon 3 is essential for its protein expression and translocation to the cell membrane. Notably, oral cancer cells show almost no exon 3 skipping to ensure the expression of the full-length, functional PD-L1 protein. We discovered two key exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) for exon 3 inclusion. Two efficient antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) were identified to block these two ESEs, which can significantly trigger exon 3 skipping and decrease the production of full-length, functional PD-L1 on the surface of cancer cells. Treatment of oral cancer cells with these ASOs significantly enhanced immune cells’ suppression of cancer cell proliferation. Surprisingly, these two ASOs also significantly inhibited cell growth and induced cell pyroptosis in oral cancer cells. Altogether, the results of our study demonstrate the pivotal roles of exon 3 in PD-L1 expression and provide a novel anti-PD-L1 method.
Transgenerational Paternal Inheritance of TaCKX GFMs Expression Patterns Indicate a Way to Select Wheat Lines with Better Parameters for Yield-Related Traits
Authors: Szala Karolina , Dmochowska-Boguta Marta , Bocian Joanna , Orczyk Waclaw , Nadolska-Orczyk Anna
Published: May 2023

Members of the TaCKX gene family (GFMs) encode the cytokinin oxygenase/dehydrogenase enzyme (CKX), which irreversibly degrades cytokinins in the organs of wheat plants; therefore, these genes perform a key role in the regulation of yield-related traits. The purpose of the investigation was to determine how expression patterns of these genes, together with the transcription factor-encoding gene TaNAC2-5A, and yield-related traits are inherited to apply this knowledge to speed up breeding processes. The traits were tested in 7 days after pollination (DAP) spikes and seedling roots of maternal and paternal parents and their F2 progeny. The expression levels of most of them and the yield were inherited in F2 from the paternal parent. Some pairs or groups of genes cooperated, and some showed opposite functions. Models of up- or down-regulation of TaCKX GFMs and TaNAC2-5A in low-yielding maternal plants crossed with higher-yielding paternal plants and their high-yielding F2 progeny reproduced gene expression and yield of the paternal parent. The correlation coefficients between TaCKX GFMs, TaNAC2-5A, and yield-related traits in high-yielding F2 progeny indicated which of these genes were specifically correlated with individual yield-related traits. The most common was expressed in 7 DAP spikes TaCKX2.1, which positively correlated with grain number, grain yield, spike number, and spike length, and seedling root mass. The expression levels of TaCKX1 or TaNAC2-5A in the seedling roots were negatively correlated with these traits. In contrast, the thousand grain weight (TGW) was negatively regulated by TaCKX2.2.2, TaCKX2.1, and TaCKX10 in 7 DAP spikes but positively correlated with TaCKX10 and TaNAC2-5A in seedling roots. Transmission of TaCKX GFMs and TaNAC2-5A expression patterns and yield-related traits from parents to the F2 generation indicate their paternal imprinting. These newly shown data of nonmendelian epigenetic inheritance shed new light on crossing strategies to obtain a high-yielding F2 generation.
Core Promoter Regions of Antisense and Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Savina Ekaterina A. , Shumilina Tatiana G. , Tumanyan Vladimir G. , Anashkina Anastasia A. , Il’icheva Irina A.
Published: May 2023

RNA polymerase II (POL II) is responsible for the transcription of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Previously, we have shown the evolutionary invariance of the structural features of DNA in the POL II core promoters of the precursors of mRNAs. In this work, we have analyzed the POL II core promoters of the precursors of lncRNAs in Homo sapiens and Mus musculus genomes. Structural analysis of nucleotide sequences in positions −50, +30 bp in relation to the TSS have shown the extremely heterogeneous 3D structure that includes two singular regions - hexanucleotide “INR” around the TSS and octanucleotide “TATA-box” at around ~−28 bp upstream. Thus, the 3D structure of core promoters of lncRNA resembles the architecture of the core promoters of mRNAs; however, textual analysis revealed differences between promoters of lncRNAs and promoters of mRNAs, which lies in their textual characteristics; namely, the informational entropy at each position of the nucleotide text of lncRNA core promoters (by the exception of singular regions) is significantly higher than that of the mRNA core promoters. Another distinguishing feature of lncRNA is the extremely rare occurrence in the TATA box of octanucleotides with the consensus sequence. These textual differences can significantly affect the efficiency of the transcription of lncRNAs.
A Metabolomics and Big Data Approach to Cannabis Authenticity (Authentomics)
Authors: Jadhav Pramodkumar D. , Shim Youn Young , Paek Ock Jin , Jeon Jung-Tae , Park Hyun-Je , Park Ilbum , Park Eui-Seong , Kim Young Jun , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: May 2023

With the increasing accessibility of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., also known as marijuana and hemp), its products are being developed as extracts for both recreational and therapeutic use. This has led to increased scrutiny by regulatory bodies, who aim to understand and regulate the complex chemistry of these products to ensure their safety and efficacy. Regulators use targeted analyses to track the concentration of key bioactive metabolites and potentially harmful contaminants, such as metals and other impurities. However, the metabolic complexity of cannabis metabolic pathways requires a more comprehensive approach. A non-targeted metabolomic analysis of cannabis products is necessary to generate data that can be used to determine their authenticity and efficacy. An authentomics approach, which involves combining the non-targeted analysis of new samples with big data comparisons to authenticated historic datasets, provides a robust method for verifying the quality of cannabis products. To meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, it is necessary to implement the authentomics platform technology and build an integrated database of cannabis analytical results. This study is the first to review the topic of the authentomics of cannabis and its potential to meet ISO standards.
The Effectiveness of L-arginine in Clinical Conditions Associated with Hypoxia
Authors: Kurhaluk Natalia
Published: May 2023

The review summarises the data of the last 50 years on the effectiveness of the amino acid L-arginine in therapeutic practice in conditions accompanied by different-origin hypoxia. The aim of this review was to analyse the literature and our research data on the role of nitric oxide in the modulation of individual physiological reactivity to hypoxia. The review considers the possibility of eliminating methodological conflicts in the case of L-arginine, which can be solved by taking into account individual physiological reactivity (or the hypoxia resistance factor). Considerable attention is paid to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia and conditions of adaptation in different models. The article presents data on the clinical effectiveness of L-arginine in cardiovascular system diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, etc.) and stress disorders associated with these diseases. The review presents a generalised analysis of techniques, data on L-arginine use by athletes, and the ambiguous role of NO in the physiology and pathology of hypoxic states shown via nitric oxide synthesis. Data on the protective effects of adaptation in the formation of individual high reactivity in sportsmen are demonstrated. The review demonstrates a favourable effect of supplementation with L-arginine and its application depending on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation processes and biochemical indices in groups of individuals with low and high capacity of adaptation to hypoxia. In individuals with high initial anti-hypoxic reserves, these favourable effects are achieved by the blockade of NO-dependent biosynthesis pathways. Therefore, the methodological tasks of physiological experiments and the therapeutic consequences of treatment should include a component depending on the basic level of physiological reactivity.
The Long Run towards Personalized Therapy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Current State and Future Directions
Authors: Genova Carlo
Published: May 2023

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, due to its high incidence and mortality [...]
Parental Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Regarding Current and Future Newborn Bloodspot Screening: The First Report from Thailand
Authors: Wilaiwongsathien Kalyarat , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Aonnuam Chanatpon , Tangshewinsirikul Chayada , Tim-Aroon Thipwimol
Published: May 2023

Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health service that is used to screen for treatable conditions in many countries, including Thailand. Several reports have revealed low levels of parental awareness and knowledge about NBS. Because of limited data on parental perspectives toward NBS in Asia and the differences in socio-cultural and economic contexts between Western and Asian countries, we conducted a study to explore parental perspectives on NBS in Thailand. A Thai questionnaire to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding NBS was constructed. The final questionnaire was distributed to pregnant women, with or without their spouses, and to parents of children aged up to one year who visited the study sites in 2022. A total of 717 participants were enrolled. Up to 60% of parents were identified as having good awareness, which was significantly associated with gender, age, and occupation. Only 10% of parents were classified as having good knowledge relative to their education level and occupation. Providing appropriate NBS education should be initiated during antenatal care, focusing on both parents. This study noted a positive attitude toward expanded NBS for treatable inborn metabolic diseases, incurable disorders, and adult-onset diseases. However, modernized NBS should be holistically evaluated by multiple stakeholders in each country because of different socio-cultural and economic contexts.
Information and Parental Consent for French Neonatal Screening: A Qualitative Study on Parental Opinion
Authors: Pinel Julia , Bellanger Amandine , Jamet Carole , Moreau Caroline
Published: May 2023

Neonatal screening has excellent coverage in France. Data from the foreign literature raise questions about the informed consent to this screening. The Neonatal Screening and Informed Consent Dépistage Néonatal Information et Consentement Eclairé (DENICE) study was designed to assess whether information on neonatal screening provided for families in Brittany allows for informed consent. A qualitative methodology was chosen to collect parents’ opinions on this topic. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-seven parents whose children had positive neonatal screening for one of six diseases. The five main themes from the qualitative analysis were knowledge of neonatal screening, information received by parents, parental choice, the experience of the screening process, and parents’ perspectives and wishes. Informed consent was weakened by parents’ lack of knowledge regarding choice and the absence of a parent after birth. The study found that more information about screening during pregnancy would be preferable. The information should be repeated and accessible and should make it clear that neonatal screening is not mandatory, but informed consent should be obtained from parents who choose to screen their newborns.
Pt(II) Complexes with a Novel Pincer N^C^N Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photophysics
Authors: Luneva Evgeniia E. , Kozina Daria O. , Mozzhukhina Anna V. , Porsev Vitaly V. , Solomatina Anastasia I. , Tunik Sergey P.
Published: May 2023

A series of new platinum square planar complexes [Pt(NCN)L]+/0 with the pincer N^C^N cyclometallated ligand (NC(H)N = 1,3-bis(1-phenyl-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)benzene) containing the following L: Cl−, acetonitrile, pyridine, dimethylaminopyridine, 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide, has been synthesized. Application of bridging acetate ion as L ligand allowed obtaining a binuclear [Pt(NCN)]2OOCCH3 complex. The bulky and rigid structure of N^C^N-ligand provokes instability of its pincer coordination that makes possible transformation of the molecular architecture to give a heteronuclear complex with the Pt-Ag-Pt coordination core. The composition and structure of the obtained compounds were characterized in solution and in the solid state using ESI mass-spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal XRD crystallography. The complexes luminesce in solid state, solution, and in polymeric matrix demonstrating moderate to bright emission at ca. 550 nm with quantum yields up to 22% and lifetime of excited state up to 22 µs. TD DFT computational approach together with analysis of the photophysical properties in different media reveals the predominant ligand-centered 3IL nature of the radiative excited state localized at the N^C^N-ligand. The ancillary ligand L demonstrates a minor influence on the energy of emission but affects dramatically emission efficiency and lifetime. The chloride complex displays dual (fluorescence and phosphorescent) luminescence due to labile coordination of an N-coordinated functionality that produces a dangling aromatic fragment, which gives emission from a singlet excited state.
Parasitism Features of a Fig Wasp of Genus Apocrypta (Pteromalidae: Pteromalinae) Associated with a Host Belonging to Ficus Subgenus Ficus
Authors: Chou Po-An , Bain Anthony , Chantarasuwan Bhanumas , Tzeng Hsy-Yu
Published: May 2023

Non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFWs), particularly long-ovipositored Sycoryctina wasps, exhibit a high species specificity and exert complex ecological effects on the obligate mutualism between the plant genus Ficus and pollinating fig wasps. Apocrypta is a genus of NPFWs that mostly interacts with the Ficus species under the subgenus Sycomorus, and the symbiosis case between Apocrypta and F. pedunculosa var. mearnsii, a Ficus species under subgenus Ficus, is unique. As fig’s internal environments and the wasp communities are distinct between the two subgenera, we addressed the following two questions: (1) Are the parasitism features of the Apocrypta wasp associated with F. pedunculosa var. mearnsii different from those of other congeneric species? (2) Is this Apocrypta species an efficient wasp that lives in its unique host? Our observation revealed that this wasp is an endoparasitic idiobiont parasitoid, as most congeneric species are, but developed a relatively long ovipositor. Furthermore, the relationships of the parasitism rate versus the pollinator number, the fig wall, and the sex ratio of the pollinator, respectively, showed that it possessed a higher parasitism ability than that of other congeners. However, its parasitism rate was low, and thus it was not an efficient wasp in its habitat. This difference between parasitism ability and parasitism rate might be a consequence of its oviposition strategy and the severe habitat conditions. These findings may also provide insights into the mechanism to maintain the interaction between the fig tree and the fig wasp community.
Phylogenetic and Morphological Characteristics Reveal Cryptic Speciation in Stingless Bee, Tetragonula laeviceps s.l. Smith 1857 (Hymenoptera; Meliponinae)
Authors: Ador Kimberly , Gobilik Januarius , Benedick Suzan
Published: May 2023

Tetragonula laeviceps sensu lato (s.l.) Smith 1857 has the most complicated nomenclatural history among the Tetragonula genera. The objective of this study was to investigate whether T. laeviceps s.l. individuals with worker bees are grouped in the same or nearly the same morphological characteristics and have similar COI haplotype cluster groups. A total of 147 worker bees of T. laeviceps s.l. were collected from six sampling sites in Sabah (RDC, Tuaran, Kota Marudu, Putatan, Kinarut and Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture (FSA)), but only 36 were selected for further studies. These specimens were first classified according to the most obvious morphological characteristics, i.e., hind tibia color, hind basitarsus color and body size. Group identification was based on morphological characteristics important for distinguishing the four groups within T. laeviceps s.l. The four groups of T. laeviceps s.l. had significantly different body trait measurements for the TL (total length), HW (head width), HL (head length), CEL (compound eye length), CEW (compound eye width), FWLT (forewing length, including tegula), FWW (forewing width), FWL (forewing length), ML (mesoscutum length), MW (mesoscutum width), SW (mesoscutellum width), SL (mesoscutellum length), HTL = (hind tibia length), HTW (hind tibia width), HBL (hind basitarsus length) and HBW (hind basitarsus width) (p < 0.001). Body color included HC (head color), CC (clypeus color), ASC (antennae scape color), CFPP (Clypeus and frons plumose pubescence), HTC (hind tibia color), BSC (basitarsus color), SP (leg setae pubescence), SP (Thorax mesoscutellum pubescence), SPL (thorax mesoscutellum pubescence length) and TC (thorax color) (p < 0.05). The most distinctive features of the morphological and morphometric characteristics measured by PCA and LDA biplot that distinguish Group 1 (TL6-1, TL6-2 and TL6-3) from the other groups were the yellowish-brown ASC and the dark brown TC. Group 2 (haplotypes TL2-1, TL2-2 and TL2-3 and TL4-1, TL4-2 and TL4-3) had a dark brown ASC and a black TC, while Group 3 (haplotypes TL11-1, TL11-2 and TL11-3) had a blackish-brown ASC, a black TC and the largest TL, FWW and FWL. As for phylogenetic relationships, 12 out of 36 haplotypes showed clear separation with good bootstrap values (97–100%). The rest of the haplotypes did not show clear differentiation between subclades that belonged together, regardless of their morphology and morphometric characteristics. This suggests that the combination of DNA barcoding for species identification and phylogenetic analysis, as well as traditional methods based on morphological grouping by body size and body color, can be reliably used to determine intraspecific variations within T. laeviceps s.l.
Impact of High-Intensity Statin on Early Neurologic Deterioration in Patients with Single Small Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Jang Seong Hwa , Park Hyungjong , Hong Jeong-Ho , Yoo Joonsang , Lee Hyung , Kim Hyun Ah , Sohn Sung-Il
Published: May 2023

Backgrounds: One of the major hypotheses for early neurological deterioration (END) in single small subcortical infarction (SSSI) is the process of atherosclerosis. However, the association between statin therapy, especially high-intensity statin therapy, and its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of END during the acute phase of SSSI remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of high-intensity statin therapy compared to moderate-intensity statin therapy during the acute phase on the incidence of END in SSSI. Methods: The records of 492 patients with SSSI who received statin therapy within 72 h of symptom onset from a prospective stroke registry were analyzed. The association between END and statin intensity was evaluated using multivariable regression analysis for adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Results: Of the 492 patients with SSSI (mean age: 67.2 years, median NIHSS score on admission: 3), END occurred in 102 (20.7%). Older age (aOR, 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–1.05; p = 0.017), and branch atheromatous lesion (aOR, 3.49; 95% CI 2.16–5.74; p < 0.001) were associated with END. Early high-intensity statin therapy was associated with a lower incidence of END than moderate-intensity statin therapy (aOR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25–0.77; p = 0.004). In addition, there was significantly lower incidence of END in early administration (≤24 h) of high-intensity statin group. Conclusions: We identified an association between the intensity of early statin therapy and END in patients with SSSI. Early administration of high-intensity statin (≤24 h) is associated with a reduced incidence of END in patients with SSSI.
Efficacy and Safety of Co-Administered St. John’s Wort and Ginkgo biloba Extracts in Patients with Subjective Tinnitus: A Preliminary Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Hantai , Ha Jungho , Park Hun Yi , Choung Yun-Hoon , Jang Jeong Hun
Published: May 2023

It is widely accepted that extracts of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) improve depressive symptoms, and tinnitus patients commonly presented with either mild depression or anxiety. We investigated whether co-administration of St. John’s wort and Ginkgo biloba extracts can suppress tinnitus. Participants with subjective tinnitus aged 30–70 years were randomly assigned to the experimental (co-administration of St. John’s wort and Ginkgo biloba extract; n = 20) or control (Ginkgo biloba extract only; n = 26) group for 12 weeks. Participants were blinded to the group assignments. After 12 weeks of treatment, no significant change in the minimum masking level on the tinnitogram was observed in either group. In the co-administration group, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score decreased from 34.7 (SD, 15.9) to 29.6 (16.0) (p = 0.102). However, the control group showed a significant decrease in THI score, from 30.5 (16.7) to 25.6 (17.1) (p = 0.046). Regarding the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), only the “Social Functioning” domain score changed significantly after extract co-administration, from 74.5 (21.5) to 83.9 (20.5) (p = 0.047). Co-administration of St. John’s wort and Ginkgo biloba extracts did not improve the symptoms of subjective tinnitus compared to administration of Ginkgo biloba extract alone.
Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors: State of the Art
Authors: Nokovitch Lara , Maquet Charles , Crampon Frédéric , Taihi Ihsène , Roussel Lise-Marie , Obongo Rais , Virard François , Fervers Béatrice , Deneuve Sophie
Published: May 2023

Head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) originate from the epithelial cells of the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract, which includes the oral cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, and the sinonasal cavities. There are many associated risk factors, including alcohol drinking coupled with tobacco use, which accounts for 70% to 80% of HNSCCs. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is another independent risk factor for oropharyngeal SCC, but it is only a minor contributor to oral cavity SCC (OSCC). Betel quid chewing is also an established risk factor in southeast Asian countries. However, OSCC, and especially oral tongue cancer, incidence has been reported to be increasing in several countries, suggesting risk factors that have not been identified yet. This review summarizes the established risk factors for oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas and examines other undemonstrated risk factors for HNSCC.
Tracing Cognitive Processes in Insight Problem Solving: Using GAMs and Change Point Analysis to Uncover Restructuring
Authors: Graf Mario , Danek Amory H. , Vaci Nemanja , Bilalić Merim
Published: May 2023

Insight problems are likely to trigger an initial, incorrect mental representation, which needs to be restructured in order to find the solution. Despite the widespread theoretical assumption that this restructuring process happens suddenly, leading to the typical “Aha!” experience, the evidence is inconclusive. Among the reasons for this lack of clarity is that many measures of insight rely solely on the solvers’ subjective experience of the solution process. In our previous paper, we used matchstick arithmetic problems to demonstrate that it is possible to objectively trace problem-solving processes by combining eye movements with new analytical and statistical approaches. Specifically, we divided the problem-solving process into ten (relative) temporal phases to better capture possible small changes in problem representation. Here, we go a step further to demonstrate that classical statistical procedures, such as ANOVA, cannot capture sudden representational change processes, which are typical for insight problems. Only nonlinear statistical models, such as generalized additive (mixed) models (GAMs) and change points analysis, correctly identified the abrupt representational change. Additionally, we demonstrate that explicit hints reorient participants’ focus in a qualitatively different manner, changing the dynamics of restructuring in insight problem solving. While insight problems may indeed require a sudden restructuring of the initial mental representation, more sophisticated analytical and statistical approaches are necessary to uncover their true nature.
Achievement in Fundamental Movement Skills, Spatial Abilities, and Mathematics among Lower Key Stage 2 Children
Authors: Scott Jessica , Jay Tim , Spray Christopher
Published: May 2023

Research has demonstrated links between sport and mathematics learning, and their relationship with spatial abilities in children. This study explored the association between the development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and mathematics achievement, and whether the understanding of specific spatial concepts mediated these relationships. Overall, 154 Year 3 children (69 males, 85 females, aged 7–8 years) from four schools in England completed an FMS assessment involving six skills; four spatial tasks assessing intrinsic-static, intrinsic-dynamic, extrinsic-static, and extrinsic-dynamic spatial abilities; and a mathematics test assessing numerical, geometrical, and arithmetical abilities. Overall FMS ability (a combined score across the six skills) was significantly positively correlated to overall mathematics achievement. This relationship was mediated by children’s performance on the intrinsic-static spatial ability test. These findings suggest that children who have more mature FMS perform better in mathematics tasks, and this could be due to more developed intrinsic-static spatial ability. However, further research is necessary to determine the mediation effects of intrinsic-dynamic and extrinsic-static spatial ability.
Special Issue on Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics of Marine Structures
Authors: Braun Moritz , Ehlers Sören
Published: May 2023

Fatigue and fracture are important design criteria for marine structures subjected to static and cyclic loading [...]
The Degree of Stent Apposition Measured by Stent Enhancement at the Level of the Side Branch as a Novel Predictor of Procedural Success in Left Main PCI
Authors: Moț Ștefan Dan Cezar , Șerban Adela Mihaela , Dădârlat-Pop Alexandra , Tomoaia Raluca , Pop Dana
Published: May 2023

Background: Stent enhancement techniques allow adequate visualization of stent deformation or incomplete stent expansion at the ostium of the side branch. Measuring the stent enhancement side branch length (SESBL) could reflect procedural success in terms of optimal stent expansion and apposition with better long-term outcomes. A longer SESBL may reflect a better stent apposition at the polygon of confluence and at the side branch (SB) ostium. Methods: We evaluated 162 patients receiving the left main (LM) provisional one-stent technique and measured the SESBL, dividing them into two groups: SESBL≤ 2.0 mm and SESBL > 2.0 mm. Results: The mean SESBL was 2.0 ± 1.2 mm. More than half of the bifurcations had both main and side branch lesions (Medina 1-1-1) (84 patients, 51.9%) and the length of the SB disease was 5.2 ±1.8 mm. Kissing balloon inflation (KBI) was performed in 49 patients (30.2%). During follow-up (12 months), there was a significantly higher rate of cardiac death in the SESBL ≤ 2.0 mm group (p = 0.02) but no significant difference in all major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (p = 0.7). KBI did not influence the outcomes (p = 0.3). Conclusion: Suboptimal SESBL is positively correlated with worse outcomes and SB compromise. This novel sign could aid the LM operator to assess the level of stent expansion at the ostium of the SB in the absence of intracoronary imaging.
Multi-Armed Bandit Algorithm Policy for LoRa Network Performance Enhancement
Authors: Askhedkar Anjali R. , Chaudhari Bharat S.
Published: May 2023

Low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) constitute a variety of modern-day Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Long range (LoRa) is a promising LPWAN technology with its long-range and low-power benefits. Performance enhancement of LoRa networks is one of the crucial challenges to meet application requirements, and it primarily depends on the optimal selection of transmission parameters. Reinforcement learning-based multi-armed bandit (MAB) is a prominent approach for optimizing the LoRa parameters and network performance. In this work, we propose a new discounted upper confidence bound (DUCB) MAB to maximize energy efficiency and improve the overall performance of the LoRa network. We designed novel discount and exploration bonus functions to maximize the policy rewards to increase the number of successful transmissions. The results show that the proposed discount and exploration functions give better mean rewards irrespective of the number of trials, which has significant importance for LoRa networks. The designed policy outperforms other policies reported in the literature and has a lesser time complexity, a comparable mean rewards, and improves the mean rewards by a minimum of 8%.
The Use of Technology as an Instrument to Promote School Coexistence
Authors: Montenegro-Rueda Marta , Fernández-Cerero José , Fernández-Batanero José María
Published: May 2023

The phenomenon of school coexistence has gained special relevance in recent years, mainly due to the increase in conflict situations among students. The main objective of this work has been to carry out a systematic review of the scientific literature on the impact of the application of technologies as a didactic resource for the improvement of school coexistence, as well as to find out the current and future lines of research in this field of investigation. For this purpose, a total of 14 scientific articles indexed in the Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were selected following the principles of the PRISMA Declaration. The results show that, although the scientific literature on the implementation of technologies for school coexistence is limited, didactic strategies measured with technologies reduce cases of school conflict. Among the conclusions are that technologies are tools to be taken into account for the improvement of school coexistence; however, their misuse due to a lack of digital skills can lead to violent behaviour on the part of students.
Synergies and Trade-Offs among Different Ecosystem Services through the Analyses of Spatio-Temporal Changes in Beijing, China
Authors: Xu Qiurong , Li Ruipeng , Yu Jia , Zhang Pei
Published: May 2023

Increasing global urbanization has not only resulted in economic development but it has also caused a number of ecological issues, such as haze, global warming, and storm surges, which can end up hindering the development of human society in the long term. One method of maintaining the long-term growth of human ecosystems is by considering ecosystem services (ES) when making decisions over land use. This study provides information to aid with decision making in the maintenance of Beijing’s ES provision in the long term. Firstly, three key ES, namely, carbon storage (CS), habitat quality (HQ), and water yield (WY), were evaluated by the InVEST model. Then, the spatial patterns of synergies and trade-offs among three ES at the city and grid scales were explored through the correlation coefficients analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR). Finally, the strength of trade-offs among ES was calculated based on root mean squared error (RMSE), and the potential ecological risk areas are recognized. We discovered that (1) the total carbon storage decreases from 3.74 million tons in 2000 to 3.66 million tons in 2020, and HQ has the same trend, with its average value decreasing from 0.72 to 0.67; in contrast, water yield is more stable, increasing slightly from 8.22 × 1010 m3 in 2000 to 8.23 × 1010 m3 in 2020. (2) The synergies and trade-offs of ES are spatially heterogeneous. Among them, the correlation coefficients at the city-level indicated synergistic relationships among the three ES, but CS-WY and WY-HQ always have trade-off relationships at the grid level, where 37.88% of WY-HQ and 14.59% of CS-WY were trade-offs in 2020. (3) At the urban-rural interface, the trade-offs among ES are stronger than those in other regions. In rural-urban areas, the RMSE in CS-HQ, CS-WY and WY-HQ always had high values (>0.5), accounting for 16.72%, 9.33%, and 26.94% of the entire area, respectively; these areas are identified as potential ecological risk areas, which will be the focus area for future ES regulation. These findings provide opportunities for clear trade-offs among ES and promote positive synergies. In addition, land-use management may use the results to guide ecosystem service use, identify critical areas, and ensure regional sustainability in urban development.
Challenging Basic Assumptions in Code-Switching Research: New Linguistic, Sociolinguistic and Psycholinguistic Evidence
Authors: Hofweber Julia Elisabeth , Zeller Jan Patrick , Treffers-Daller Jeanine
Published: May 2023

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together research evidence from studies into code-switching, that is, the alternation and mixing of languages as practiced on a daily basis by bilinguals throughout the world [...]
Physical Simulation and Numerical Simulation of Flash Butt Welding for Innovative Dual Phase Steel DP590: A Comparative Study
Authors: Song Jingwen , Zhu Lisong , Wang Jun , Lu Yao , Ma Cheng , Han Jian , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: May 2023

In this study, the microstructure and performance of newly designed dual-phase steel (DP590) after joining by flash butt welding (FBW) for vehicle wheel rims was analysed and compared by two simulations, i.e., physical simulation and numerical simulation, due to the high acceptance of these two methodologies. Physical simulation is regarded as a thermal–mechanical solution conducted by the Gleeble 3500 simulator and which can distribute the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the obtained weld joint into four typical HAZs. These are coarse-grained HAZ, fine-grained HAZ, inter-critical HAZ and sub-critical HAZ. A combination of ferrite and tempered martensite leads to the softening behaviour at the sub-critical HAZ of DP590, which is verified to be the weakest area, and influences the final performance due to ~9% reduction of hardness and tensile strength. The numerical simulation, relying on finite element method (FEM) analysis, can distinguish the temperature distribution, which helps us to understand the relationship between the temperature distribution and real microstructure/performance. Based on this study, the combination of physical and numerical simulations can be used to optimise the flash butt welding parameters (flash and butt processes) from the points of temperature distribution (varied areas), microstructure and performance, which are guidelines for the investigation of flash butt welding for innovative materials.
State Feedback with Integral Control Circuit Design of DC-DC Buck-Boost Converter
Authors: Al-Baidhani Humam , Sahib Abdullah , Kazimierczuk Marian K.
Published: May 2023

The pulse-with modulated (PWM) dc-dc buck-boost converter is a non-minimum phase system, which requires a proper control scheme to improve the transient response and provide constant output voltage during line and load variations. The pole placement technique has been proposed in the literature to control this type of power converter and achieve the desired response. However, the systematic design procedure of such control law using a low-cost electronic circuit has not been discussed. In this paper, the pole placement via state-feedback with an integral control scheme of inverting the PWM dc-dc buck-boost converter is introduced. The control law is developed based on the linearized power converter model in continuous conduction mode. A detailed design procedure is given to represent the control equation using a simple electronic circuit that is suitable for low-cost commercial applications. The mathematical model of the closed-loop power converter circuit is built and simulated using SIMULINK and Simscape Electrical in MATLAB. The closed-loop dc-dc buck-boost converter is tested under various operating conditions. It is confirmed that the proposed control scheme improves the power converter dynamics, tracks the reference signal, and maintains regulated output voltage during abrupt changes in input voltage and load current. The simulation results show that the line variation of 5 V and load variation of 2 A around the nominal operating point are rejected with a maximum percentage overshoot of 3.5% and a settling time of 5.5 ms.
Network DEA and Its Applications (2017–2022): A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ratner Svetlana V. , Shaposhnikov Artem M. , Lychev Andrey V.
Published: May 2023

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is one of the fastest growing approaches to solving management problems for the multi-criteria evaluation of the efficiency of homogeneous production systems. The general trend in recent years has been the development of network DEA (NDEA) models, which can consider the complicated structure of Decision Making Units (DMUs) and, therefore, can be more informative from the point of view of management science than traditional DEA models. The aim of this study is the systematization and clarification of general trends in the development of NDEA applications over the past 6 years (2017–2022). This study uses the methodology of a systematic literature review, which includes the analysis of the dynamics of the development of the topic, the selection of the main clusters of publications according to formal (citation, branches of knowledge, individual researchers) and informal (topics) criteria, and the analysis of their content. This review reveals that, most frequently, network structures are used for bank models, supply chain models, models of eco-efficiency of complex production systems, models of innovation processes, and models of universities or their departments and healthcare systems. Two-stage models, where the outputs of the first stage are the inputs of the second (intermediate outputs), are the most commonly used. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable tendency to complicate DEA models and introduce hierarchical structures into them.
In Vitro Biodegradation, Drug Absorption, and Physical Properties of Gelatin–Fucoidan Microspheres Made of Subcritical-Water-Modified Fish Gelatin
Authors: Ho Truc Cong , Lim Ju-Sop , Kim Shin-Jun , Kim Sung-Yeoul , Chun Byung-Soo
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to prepare gelatin–fucoidan microspheres with enhanced doxorubicin binding efficiency and controllable biodegradation using fish gelatin combined with low molecular weight (LMW) gelatin and fucoidan at fixed ratios. The MW of gelatin was modified by subcritical water (SW), which is known as a safe solvent, at 120 °C, 140 °C, and 160 °C. In addition, gelatin–fucoidan microspheres were prepared using a solvent exchange technique. Our findings revealed that particle size decreased, the surface was rougher, the swelling ratio increased, and particle shape was irregular in microspheres composed of SW-modified gelatin. Doxorubicin binding efficiency was improved by fucoidan and SW-modified gelatin at 120 °C but not at 140 °C and 160 °C. Interestingly, an increase in in vitro enzymatic degradation was observed in the microspheres consisting of SW-modified fish gelatin, although the cross-linking degree between them was not significantly different. This is because LMW gelatin could form more cross-linked bonds, which might be weaker than the intramolecular bonds of gelatin molecules. Gelatin–fucoidan microspheres consisting of SW-modified fish gelatin with controlled biodegradation rates could be a candidate for a short-term transient embolization agent. In addition, SW would be a promising method to modify the MW of gelatin for medical applications.