bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold seep nitrogen fixation and its potential relationship with sulfur cycling
Authors: Quan Qiumei , Liu Jiaxing , Xia Xiaomin , Zhang Si , Ke Zhixin , Wang Minxiao , Tan Yehui
Published: August 2024

Dinitrogen (N
2
) fixation is a crucial source of bioavailable nitrogen in carbon-dominated cold seep systems. Previous studies have shown that diazotrophy is not necessarily dependent on sulfate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane for energy, and diverse catabolism can fuel the high-energy-demanding process in sediments. However, it remains unclear whether diazotroph can obtain energy by sulfur oxidation in sulfur-rich cold seep water column. Here, field investigations and
in situ
experiments were conducted in Haima cold seep to examine the effects of diverse sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on N
2
fixation, specifically containing sulfur, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. We found that active N
2
fixation occurred in the water column above the Haima cold seep, with the
Dechloromonas
genus dominating the diazotroph community as revealed by
nifH
gene using high-throughput sequencing.
In situ
experiments showed an increased rate of N
2
fixation (1.15- to 12.70-fold compared to that in control group) and a greater relative abundance of the
Dechloromonas
genus following enrichment with sulfur-containing organic matter. Furthermore, metagenomic assembly and binning revealed that
Dechloromonas
sp. carried genes related to N
2
fixation (
nifDHK
) and sulfur compound oxidation (
fccAB
and
soxABCXYZ
), implying that the genus potentially serves as a multifunctional mediator for N
2
fixation and sulfur cycling. Our results provide new insights regarding potential coupling mechanism associated with sulfur-driven N
2
fixation in methane- and sulfide-rich environments.

IMPORTANCE

N2 fixation is an important source of biologically available in carbon-dominated cold seep systems as little nitrogen is released by hydrocarbon seepage, thereby promoting biological productivity and the degradation of non-nitrogenous organic matter. Cold seeps are rich in diverse sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from the sinking of photosynthetic products in euphotic layer and the release of chemosynthesis products on the seafloor. However, it remains unclear whether N2 fixation is coupled to the metabolic processes of DOM, as determined by e.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur content, for energy acquisition in sulfur-rich cold seeps. In this study, diazotroph community structure and its response to DOM compositions were revealed. Moreover, the metagenomics analysis suggested that
Dechloromonas
genus plays a dominant role in potential coupling N2 fixation and sulfur oxidation. Our study highlighted that sulfur oxidation in deep-sea cold seeps may serve as an energy source to drive N2 fixation.
Prevalence and associated factors of cancer-related fatigue among adult patients with cancer attending oncology units: an institution-based cross-sectional study design in the Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Zeleke Gebreeyesus , Worku Workie Zemene , Ayele Desalegn
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) continues to be a common problem among most patients with cancer. It is a subjective feeling of tiredness, weakness or lack of energy. CRF has a significant impact on social interactions, everyday activities and the general quality of life of patients with cancer worldwide. However, little is known about CRF in Ethiopia as well as in the current study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of CRF among adult patients attending oncology units at the comprehensive specialised hospitals in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with cancer undergoing treatment. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and participants’ medical charts were used to collect the data. The questionnaire consisted of eight subsections, including sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural characteristics, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Performance Status Scale, Oslo Social Support Status, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and clinical and medical factors. The data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and exported into SPSS V.26 for analysis. The participants’ characteristics were compiled using descriptive statics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify associations between dependent and independent variables. Variables with a value of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Result

A total of 326 randomly selected patients with cancer, undergoing treatment, participated in this study; the response rate was 94%. The prevalence of CRF was found to be 63.93% (95% CI 58.5% to 69.25%). Depression (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.975, 95% CI 1.009 to 3.865), poor sleep quality (AOR 3.309, 95% CI 1.057 to 10.345), poor performance status (AOR 1.983, 95% CI 1.176 to 4.70), cancer stage (AOR 3.242, 95% CI 1.016 to 10.342) and admitted patients with cancer (AOR 2.047, 95% CI 1.122 to 3.734) were associated with CRF.

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of CRF was found to be high. Stage of cancer, poor sleep quality, poor performance status, depression and hospital admission were significant factors. The results show that healthcare providers should focus on risk factors as well as CRF through early screening and management.
When Small Decisions Have Big Impact: Fairness Implications of Algorithmic Profiling Schemes
Authors: Kern Christoph , Bach Ruben , Mautner Hannah , Kreuter Frauke
Published: August 2024

Algorithmic profiling is increasingly used in the public sector with the hope of allocating limited public resources more effectively and objectively. One example is the prediction-based profiling of job seekers to guide the allocation of support measures by public employment services. However, empirical evaluations of potential side-effects such as unintended discrimination and fairness concerns are rare in this context. We systematically compare and evaluate statistical models for predicting job seekers’ risk of becoming long-term unemployed concerning subgroup prediction performance, fairness metrics, and vulnerabilities to data analysis decisions. Focusing on Germany as a use case, we evaluate profiling models under realistic conditions using large-scale administrative data. We show that despite achieving high prediction performance on average, profiling models can be considerably less accurate for vulnerable social subgroups. In this setting, different classification policies can have very different fairness implications. We therefore call for rigorous auditing processes before such models are put to practice.
Understanding Spatial Agglomeration: Increasing Returns, Land, and Transportation Costs
Authors: Koster Hans R.A. , Thisse Jacques-François
Published: August 2024

Economic activities are concentrated on a small share of inhabitable land. In our view, this agglomeration is the outcome of a trade-off between increasing returns and transportation costs, which capitalizes into land rents. Our second baseline idea is that Tiebout-like sorting provides a general framework to handle a large array of problems in spatial economics. Cities have high housing prices because they are productive and offer high levels of amenities and public goods. Both production and amenity effects capitalize in the land rent at a particular location. Through the process of bidding for land, spatial sorting is the involuntary consequence of a myriad of individual decisions made by agents who pursue their own interests.
Learning From Ricardo and Thompson: Machinery and Labor in the Early Industrial Revolution and in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Johnson Simon
Published: August 2024

David Ricardo initially believed machinery would help workers but revised his opinion, likely based on the impact of automation in the textile industry. Despite cotton textiles becoming one of the largest sectors in the British economy, real wages for cotton weavers did not rise for decades. As E.P. Thompson emphasized, automation forced workers into unhealthy factories with close surveillance and little autonomy. Automation can increase wages, but only when accompanied by new tasks that raise the marginal productivity of labor and/or when there is sufficient additional hiring in complementary sectors. Wages are unlikely to rise when workers cannot push for their share of productivity growth. Today, artificial intelligence may boost average productivity, but it also may replace many workers while degrading job quality for those who remain employed. As in Ricardo's time, the impact of automation on workers today is more complex than an automatic linkage from higher productivity to better wages.
Skeletal muscle adaptations following eccentric contractions are not mediated by keratin 18
Authors: Ganjayi Muni Swamy , Frank Samuel W. , Krauss Thomas A. , York Michael L. , Bloch Robert J. , Baumann Cory W.
Published: August 2024

The molecular processes that underlie the changes in skeletal muscle following eccentric exercise training are complex and involve multiple factors. Our findings indicate that Krt18 may not play a significant role in muscle adaptations following eccentric exercise training, likely due to its low expression in skeletal muscle. These results underscore the complexity of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to muscle plasticity and highlight the need for further research in this area.
FSE‐RBFNN‐Based AILC of Finite Time Complete Tracking for a Class of Time‐Varying NPNL Systems with Initial State Errors
Authors: Zhang Chunli , Yan Lei , Gao Yangjie
Published: August 2024

The paper proposed an adaptive iterative learning control (AILC) strategy for the unmatched uncertain time‐varying nonparameterized nonlinear systems (NPNL systems). Addressing the difficulty of nonlinear parameterization terms in system models, a new function approximator (FSE‐RBFNN) which is combined with radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and Fourier series expansion (FSE) is introduced to model each time‐varying nonlinear parameterization function. Using adaptive backstepping method to design control laws and parameter adaptive laws. As the number of iterations increases, the maximum tracking error gradually decreases until it converges to zero on the entire given interval [0, T] according to the Lyapunov‐like synthesis. A updated time‐varying boundary layer is introduced to eliminating the impact of initial state errors. Introducing a series to deal with the unknown error upper bounds. Finally, two simulation examples demonstrate the correctness of the proposed control method.
Matrix and Inverse Matrix Projective Synchronization of Fractional‐Order Time‐Delay Chaotic Systems with Uncertainty
Authors: Shukla Vijay K. , Joshi Mahesh C. , Mishra Prashant K. , Avcı İbrahim , Etemad Sina
Published: August 2024

In the present article, the matrix projective synchronization (MPS) and the inverse matrix projective synchronization (IMPS) have been analyzed with fractional‐order chaotic systems with uncertain terms. First, we theoretically discussed both types of synchronizations. To achieve both types of synchronization, several required conditions are derived. We also drew portraits of Lyapunov’s exponents and bifurcation for more analysis. Furthermore, time‐delay terms are also considered, giving an elegant application in real‐world problems. Finally, numerical results agreed with the theoretical hypothesis. The numerical outcomes are shown through the graphical presentation.
A Comparative Study on the Modification of Polyphenolic, Volatile, and Sensory Profiles of Merlot Wine by Indigenous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Oenococcus oeni
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Cuiyi , Zhang Biying , Jia Weipeng , He Ling , Sun Yue , Li Jin , Zhou Penghui , Guan Xueqiang , Liu Shuwen , Shi Kan
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims. The variation of malolactic fermentation (MLF) behavior between Oenococcus oeni and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is crucial for wine quality. This work aimed to evaluate the fermentation kinetics of preacclimatized indigenous O. oeni (strains of SD‐2a and 144‐46) and Lp. plantarum (strains of XJ25 and XJA2), and their effect on color, polyphenols, volatile components, and sensory characteristics of wine. Methods and Results. The changes of polyphenols, color, volatile components, and sensory properties of a low‐pH Merlot wine (pH < 3.3) after MLF with indigenous O. oeni and Lp. plantarum strains were investigated and compared. O. oeni gave wine more floral and balsamic aromas and increased the proportion of co‐pigmented anthocyanins. Only strain 144‐46 of O. oeni could complete fermentation during 6‐day MLF (final concentration of L‐malic acid <0.1 g/L). However, both Lp. plantarum strains effectively and thoroughly metabolized L‐malic acid within 3 days for XJA2 and 5 days for XJ25 while maintaining a substantial population of viable cells. Lp. plantarum significantly enhanced the proportion of polymerized anthocyanins and the fruity, caramel, fatty, roasted, and herbaceous notes in wine through the modification of volatile profiles. Conclusions. Lp. plantarum after preacclimation shows more robust MLF performance compared to O. oeni. O. oeni prefers to give wine more floral and balsamic aromas, and a high proportion of co‐pigmented anthocyanins. Lp. plantarum prefers to give wine more herbal and chemical aromas and a high proportion of polymerized anthocyanins. Significance of the Study. Lp. plantarum after preacclimation exhibits more favorable effects on wine compared to O. oeni., suggesting its potential for industrial application.
Assessment of Clinical Analgesic Levels and Serum Biomarkers in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Diclofenac and Methotrexate Combined Therapy with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Authors: Zhang Mei , Ma Zhongyuan , Suguro Rinkiko , Zhu Menglin , Chen Esther Xinyi , Dong Xin , Chen Meixiu , Cheng Linling , Su Bolun , Zhu Yizhun
Published: August 2024

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been identified as a viable alternative therapeutic approach in light of the present protracted clinical course of pharmacological treatment, and changes in levels of marker proteins in the blood samples of RA patients can be utilized to assess treatment outcomes. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving forty patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were assigned randomly to two groups. The first group received a combination of diclofenac and methotrexate (MTX) consisting of 25 mg of diclofenac administered thrice daily and 15 mg of MTX administered once weekly. Individual follow‐up assessments were carried out after 7 and 14 days. Meanwhile, patients in the second group underwent two sessions of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), with a 7‐day interval between sessions. Evaluations were conducted on day 7 and day 14. Patients who displayed pain control and stability were advised to continue the treatment, whereas those who had inflammation and discomfort were administered specific medications, and their progress was closely monitored until day 28. Blood samples were collected from both groups prior to treatment, after the first treatment, and after the second treatment. Four marker proteins (NRP‐1, CELF‐6, COX‐2, and RGS‐1) and two inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐17) were measured using western blot and RT‐PCR techniques. A statistical analysis was conducted on the levels of specific proteins and inflammatory factors before and after treatment to evaluate its impact. Result. Both groups exhibited statistically significant differences in the serum level of target biomarkers before and after the intervention. However, the ESWT group demonstrated a more noticeable effect, while the diclofenac + MTX group exhibited a delayed anti‐inflammatory effect compared to ESWT. Conclusion. Both treatments significantly improved joint function, relieved pain, and reduced inflammation in patients. However, ESWT demonstrated a more prominent clinical analgesic effect compared to the combination treatment of diclofenac and MTX. Furthermore, ESWT produced a more immediate and noteworthy anti‐inflammatory impact by regulating NRP‐1 expression, a trophic factor receptor that facilitates vascular endothelial cell migration and tissue repair through angiogenesis, and regulating RGS‐1 to limit inflammatory signal transmission and immune cell activation.
Magnitude of Neonatal Sepsis and Factors Associated with It among Neonates Admitted to the Intensive Care Units of Neonate in the Primary Hospital of Hawzen, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Gebremeskel Fre , Gebremedhin Haftay , Mehari Medhin
Published: August 2024

Purpose. Neonatal sepsis contributes substantially to neonatal mortality and morbidity and is an ongoing major global public health problem particularly in developing countries. A significant proportion of mothers give birth in primary health care, but studies regarding neonatal sepsis and its associated factors among admitted neonates are limited to the hospital which may not be generalized to the primary health care unit. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the proportion of neonatal sepsis and associated factors in the study areas. Objective. To assess the magnitude of neonatal sepsis and its associated factors among neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of Hawzen Primary Hospital, Eastern Zone, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2020. Methods. An institution‐based cross‐sectional study design was carried out among 290 study participants in Hawzen Primary Hospital in January–March/2020. A systematic random sampling method was applied to select the study participants, and pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The collected data were coded, entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Binary logistic regression analyses with a confidence interval of 95% were used to select determinant factors. Statistically significant factors were identified using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR). Statistical significance was determined at p value <0.05. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to see the association of the variables at a p < 0.05. Results. In this study, the overall proportion of neonatal sepsis was (60.2%) 95% CI (56, 68)]. Birth asphyxia [AOR = 2.04; 95%CI (1.07, 3.93)], maternal age of 15–19 [AOR = 2.00; 95% CI (1.81, 11.93)], duration of labor greater or equal to 24 hours [AOR = 3.00; 95% CI (2.67, 14.21)], history of oxygen administration [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI (1.18, 4.75)], neonatal age of greater or equal to seven days [AOR = 4.0595% CI (1.07, 3.93), and home delivery [AOR = 5.00; 95% CI (2.34, 18.92)] were the predictor variables for neonatal sepsis. Conclusion. In this study, neonatal sepsis was high. Birth asphyxia, intranasal oxygen administration, age of the mother, home delivery, and duration of labor were associated with neonatal sepsis.
Effect of Different Substrates and Protected Environments on Growth, Chlorophyll, and Carotenoid Contents of Kale Microgreens and Baby Leaf
Authors: Dantas Thaise , Costa Edilson , da Silva João Batista Medeiros , Binotti Flávio Ferreira da Silva , Vendruscolo Eduardo Pradi , Vieira Gustavo Haralampidou da Costa , Ribeiro Fernanda Cristina Silva
Published: August 2024

Microgreens and baby leaves are increasingly appreciated and consumed due to the increased concentrations of antioxidant compounds, vitamins, nutrients, and minerals than adult plants. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different substrates and protected environments on the growth of microgreen and baby leaf kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.) and their contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4 × 2 (four environments × two substrates) for the microgreens and 4 × 5 (four environments × five substrates) for the baby leaf, both with six replications. For microgreens, the Carolina Soil® commercial substrate promoted greater height, fresh matter, dry matter, productivity, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in all evaluated environments. In the greenhouse with a screen of 35% shading under the film, greater height, fresh matter, dry matter, and productivity were obtained, and in the greenhouse with a screen of 42/50% shading under the film, higher contents of microgreen chlorophylls and carotenoids were obtained. For baby leaves, the greenhouse with 42/50% shading screen under the film promoted plants with greater height, fresh matter, dry matter, and productivity in all substrates. The baby leaf grown in the greenhouse with a screen of 35% shading under the film showed higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in the pure Carolina Soil® substrate. For greater productivity, with higher contents of pigments, greenhouses with screens under the film and the use of organomineral commercial substrate are the most suitable for microgreen and baby leaf kale.
Figure 1 from Mast Cell Infiltration and Subtype Promote Malignant Transformation of Oral Precancer and Progression of Oral Cancer
Authors: Cai Xin-Jia , Peng Chao-Ran , Zhang Jian-Yun , Li Xue-Fen , Wang Xu , Han Ying , Zhang He-Yu , Peng Xin , Li Tie-Jun
Published: August 2024

Differences of relative fraction in immune cell infiltration between oral precancer and OSCC using the CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm for immune cell infiltration analysis in RNA-seq of 31 cases of frozen samples A, and two datasets from the GEO database (B, GSE85195; C, GSE30784). *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ns, not significant.
DTx2: criação de um método de design de tipos incorporando o Design Thinking para aumentar a participação do usuário
Authors: Souza João Vitor Moreira de , Canfield Daniel de Salles
Published: August 2024

Foi observado nos métodos de design de tipos existentes um foco em questões técnicas ou do próprio designer, sendo identificada uma ausência de etapas ou ferramentas relativas às necessidades do usuário. Assim, este estudo propõe um método de criação de tipos com uma maior participação do usuário por meio da adição de etapas e ferramentas do Design Thinking (DT). Para tal, a Design Science Research (DSR) foi utilizada como método de pesquisa. O resultado é um método para o design de tipos com a adição do DT, denominado DTx2, composto por 6 etapas e 14 ferramentas, que proporcione essa aproximação respeitando as particularidades do processo de criação de tipos. Este estudo, além de estabelecer uma base para posterior aplicação prática do método, serve para estudantes e pesquisadores, não apenas como base teórica, mas como incremento e incentivo a um maior debate sobre o assunto.
Impact of transsexualizing process centers on self-medication of transgender individuals
Authors: Moraes Arthur Machado Geiger Dias de , Souza Caren Nariel Pereira Santos , Marques Luiza Taddeo , Barcelos João Fernando Nascimento de , Oliveira Felipe Barros , Bispo Rafaela Góes , Santos Rodrigo Gomes , Santos Ailton  da Silva , Faria Júnior José Antônio Diniz , Oliveira Luciana Mattos Barros
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVE: The transgender population in Brazil faces marginalization and difficulties in accessing education and health, leading many individuals to self-medicate. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the implementation of Specialized Centers in the Transsexualizing Process (SCTP) on the use of cross-sex hormone therapy (CSHT) without medical prescription, as well as the level of education and mental health profile of these individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with data from physical and electronic medical records between September 2017 and February 2023 regarding the use of CSHT before and after the implementation of two SCTP in the state of Bahia, Brazil, in addition to data on education level, previous diagnosis of anxiety and depression of patients. RESULTS: A total of 219 participants, 127 transgender men (TM) and 92 transgender women and travestis (TrTW), were assessed. A significant reduction in the prevalence of self-medication was observed in both TrTW (92.98% before and 51.43% after, p<0.001), and TM (47.17% before and 25.67% after, p = 0.010) with the implementation of SCTP. Transgender individuals who used CSHT before accessing the service were found to have a lower prevalence of depression. Self-medication was not significantly associated with education or anxiety in our sample. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the need for the expansion of SCTP, as they were associated with lower rates of self-medication in the transgender population.
Schools Are in the Future Business: Exploring Outcomes of a Positive Education Programme for Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Blaine Judith
Published: August 2024

In Hong Kong adolescent mental health is of great concern, with both the number of suicides and the suicide ideation figures doubling in recent years. As such there is an increasing need to implement positive education programmes in schools in order to equip students with skills to counteract mental health crises. This study evaluated a positive education (PosEd) programme for sixth-form students attending an international school in Hong Kong. Employing a mixed methods quasi-experimental design, a purposive sample of 102 sixth-form students was recruited for this study. Quantitative data was collected utilising three norm-referenced questionnaires pre and post intervention, while semi-structured interviews with two focus groups (N =15) formed the bulk of the qualitative data. Quantitative results demonstrated a slight decrease in all self-reported measures post-intervention, which was not the desired or expected outcome. Employing the acronym EQUIP, qualitative findings provided useful information as to possible reasons why the students felt the outcomes of the programme were not helpful, affirming or constructive. The importance of the contribution of this research to addressing how such programmes can be tailored to more effectively meet the needs of the students is discussed, with recommendations for future research.
Effects of Sales Campaign Strategies on Customer Patronage of Nigeria Breweries Products in Jos South LGA of Plateau State
Authors: Nwobi Hope , Okpara Arinzechukwu , Maude Isaac
Published: August 2024

Customer patronage is borne out of a longing to be focused on a specialist co-op either founded on its administration quality or seen administration esteem. Albeit a few scientists have proposed that what decides a client's decision of choosing or disparaging items varies from one country to another as well as from one district to another because of contrasts in social, ecological and financial elements. The review analyzed the impacts of deals advancement methodologies on client support of Nigeria distilleries items in Jos South LGA of Level State. The review utilized a semi-organized survey planned with a 5-point Likert scaling. 143 duplicates of the survey were circulated among the respondents, who were sub merchants of Amstel Malt in Jos South LGA of Level State. The information gathered was dissected utilizing various straight relapse. The discoveries delighted that there is a huge connection between deals advancement procedures aspects (premium item, gift, extra-item and scaled down cost) on client support, implying that deals advancement techniques significantly affect client support. The review presumes that Nigeria bottling works ought to build their concentration and keep up with the level of the deals advancement methodologies (premium item, gift, extra-item and scaled down cost), since it impacts client's support. The review suggests that Nigeria distilleries ought to direct investigations to assess various degrees of allure of the markdown base advancement. Furthermore, that administration ought to execute extra-item methodologies that will empower clients see them as particularly unique and drive most extreme support.
Effect and Mechanism of Nystose on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Yuan Xiaoyi , Wang Xinxin , Hu Yongjun , Luo Runjun , Wang Ting , Zhai Ting , Ye Xiaohan
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of nystose on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). hBMSCs were cultured and divided into 5 groups: a control group that received no treatment, and 4 groups treated with varying
concentrations of nystose solution (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 μg/mL). The proliferation ability of hBMSCs was tested at different culture times and different concentrations of nystose solution using cell counting kit-8 assay. Alizarin red staining was employed to examine ALP expression and
calcium nodule formation in hBMSCs. Western blotting and RT-PCR were conducted to analyze the expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), as well as the levels of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) pathway
genes. Our findings demonstrated that increasing nystose concentration enhanced cell proliferation. Notably, compared to the control group, nystose intervention significantly elevated ALP activity and expression of osteoblast-related genes. Additionally, it was observed that nystose intervention
increased phosphorylation levels of JNK1 and ERK1/2. Conversely, inhibition of JNK/ERK pathway activity reduced ALP and RUNX2 expression and calcium nodule formation, thereby inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Nystose intervention effectively regulated the osteogenic differentiation
ability of hBMSCs through modulation of the JNK/ERK pathway. These results provide evidence supporting the promotion of osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by nystose, thus offering a promising therapeutic approach for bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.
Advances in Polyethylene Glycol-Based Materials in Peritoneal Adhesions
Authors: Zhou Min-Chang , Wu WuHao-Ming , Yang Shu-Hao , Zhou Bing-nan , Zhang Zhen , Liu Zi-Tao , Li Kai-Nan , Hu Xu-Lin
Published: August 2024

Peritoneal adhesions (PA), commonly occurring complications of wound healing, often lead to various medical issues, including secondary, chronic abdominal pain, small bowel obstruction and infertility. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards employing Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), known for its unique biological properties, to mitigate postoperative peritoneal adhesions. PEG stands out for its anti-adhesion capabilities, demonstrated through its surface non-adhesiveness, ability to inhibit protein adsorption and cell attachment, and its effectiveness in preventing thrombus and fibrin formation, alongside its highly adaptable properties. Consequently, researchers have explored PEGbased materials, often blending or copolymerizing them with other substances to enhance their characteristics. Various adhesion prevention techniques, including membranes, sprays, injectable hydrogels, and solutions, have been extensively studied. This article begins with an exploration of the etiology and complications of peritoneal adhesions, followed by a concise summary of recent advancements in PEG-based anti-adhesion barriers and hydrogels. Additionally, it provides critical insights and comments, laying a theoretical groundwork for future research in this field.
Determination of plasma lysophosphatidylethanolamines (lyso-PE) by LC-MS/MS revealed a possible relation between obesity and lyso-PE in Japanese preadolescent children: The Hokkaido study
Authors: Inoue Nao , Gowda Siddabasave Gowda B. , Gowda Divyavani , Sakurai Toshihiro , Ikeda-Araki Atsuko , Bamai Yu Ait , Ketema Rahel Mesfin , Kishi Reiko , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu-Ping
Published: August 2024

Background

Lysophosphatidylethanolamines (lyso-PEs) are the partial hydrolysis products of phosphatidylethanolamine. Although lyso-PEs are important biomarkers in various diseases, their determination is limited by the lack of simple and efficient quantification methods. This study aims to develop an improved quantitative method for the determination of lyso-PEs and its application to an epidemiological study.

Methods

Single reaction monitoring channels by collision-induced dissociation for seven lyso-PEs were established using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma lyso-PEs were extracted with a single-phase method using an isotopically labelled internal standard for quantification. The proposed method was adopted to define lyso-PEs in plasma samples of children aged 9–12 years living in Sapporo, Japan.

Results

The limit of detection and limit of quantification for each lyso-PE ranged between 0.001–0.015 and 0.002–0.031 pmol/ μL, respectively. Recoveries were found to be > 91% for all the species. The analysis results of children’s plasma showed that the total lyso-PE concentrations in boys ( n = 181) and girls ( n = 161) were 11.53 and 11.00 pmol/ μL (median), respectively. Participants were further classified by the percentage of overweight and subgrouped as underweight ( n = 12), normal range ( n = 292), or overweight ( n = 38). Interestingly, the reduction of lyso-PE 16:0 and increased lyso-PE 22:6 were observed in overweight children compared with normal range (Fold change: 0.909 and 1.174, respectively).

Conclusions

This study successfully established a simple quantitative method to determine lyso-PE concentrations. Furthermore, our method revealed the possible relation between plasma lyso-PEs and overweight status.
Fiduciary relationships
Authors: Mundó Jordi
Published: August 2024

Although fiduciary relationships have a long tradition in Hammurabic, Jewish or Islamic codifications, they were especially conceived and instituted by Roman civil (private) law to normatively address asymmetrical interindividual relationships in which a settlor or beneficiary has an interest in the performance of a certain action, but does not have the experience, time or means to carry it out himself. Therefore, she needs a fiduciary to carry out that action, who does not necessarily have an interest in carrying it out to the satisfaction of the beneficiary. Since this is a problematic and potentially dangerous relationship for the beneficiary, both in private law and in democratic political relations, the fiduciary must be held accountable. That is why contemporary economics, law, bioethics and political philosophy have dealt with fiduciary relationships. In contrast, the fiduciary approach has been rare in the field of economics and society. A reflection on the interest of incorporating fiduciary analysis (in its empirical and normative dimensions) is proposed, illustrating it with the case of property. The necessary integration of the economic, social, legal and political dimensions in a fiduciary frame includes a reflection on the alleged fiduciary duty – and its correlative governance – to preserve the natural systems in which we live for the common good.
Who has ICT Access in India?  A Gender-based Analysis
Authors: Jain Ritika
Published: August 2024

This article examines the determinants of India’s information and communications technology (ICT) access. We use the second wave of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) of 2011–2012, a nationally representative survey at the individual level, and find that ICT ownership and usage are abysmally low for women compared to men. Using probit and sample selection models to capture determinants of ICT access, we find women are disadvantaged in owning and using ICT systems. By re-estimating our models separately for men and women, we find that marriage has an opposite effect on the two genders—it has a positive impact on men owning and using ICT systems and a negative effect on women. As an extension, we also find that networks strongly influence ICT access. While social networks improve the probability of owning ICT devices for women, political connections enhance the propensity to use ICTs for men.

JEL Codes: O33, O35
The Roles of Spiritual Fortitude and Religious Orientation in Relationship Quality for Interfaith Couples
Authors: Provencio Alyssa , McElroy-Heltzel Stacey E.
Published: August 2024

Previous research has demonstrated that interfaith couples often face challenges related to religious disagreements, which is associated with a decrease in relationship quality. Research also indicates that religious orientation and spiritual fortitude might be useful personal resources for individuals navigating stressful life events, particularly when they cause religious or spiritual strain. Although prior work has indicated that religious orientation is related to relationship outcomes in interfaith couples, there has been no research on the association between spiritual fortitude and relationship outcomes in interfaith couples. This study uses a dyadic analysis model to determine whether religious orientation and spiritual fortitude are related to commitment, conflict engagement, dyadic adjustment, and meaning in life within this population. Both members of 130 interfaith couples responded to measures of each variable. The results indicate that spiritual fortitude is positively related to relationship commitment, dyadic adjustment, and meaning in life and negatively related to conflict engagement. The majority of the significant findings applied to the male, but not female, member of the couple. This finding is supported by previous literature on spiritual fortitude as a resource that helps sustain well-being through stress.
Hating an Outgroup is to Render their Stories a Fiction: A BLINCS Model Hypothesis and Commentary
Authors: Abraham Anna
Published: August 2024

The underpinnings of intergroup dynamics, particularly in relation to outgroup antipathy, have been systematically examined from psychological and sociocultural perspectives. In this paper, I make a case for the added consideration of imagination-based factors in our explanations of the foundations that give rise to outgroup-directed hate and discrimination. The proposal is an application of the BLINCS model, which holds that our implicit understanding of the reality-fiction distinction is rooted in the inherent features of fictional narratives, namely that they are bounded, inference-light, curated, and sparse. I propose that intergroup hate derives in part from our propensity to render the stories about our outgroups to be more akin to fiction than to reality.
Exploiting body redundancy to control supernumerary robotic limbs in human augmentation
Authors: Lisini Baldi Tommaso , D’Aurizio Nicole , Gaudeni Chiara , Gurgone Sergio , Borzelli Daniele , d’Avella Andrea , Prattichizzo Domenico
Published: August 2024

In the last decades, supernumerary robotic limbs (SRLs) have been proposed as technological aids for rehabilitation, assistance, and functional augmentation. Whether they are in the form of wearable devices or grounded systems, SRLs can be used to compensate for lost motor functions in patients with disabilities, as well as to augment the human sensorimotor capabilities. By using SRLs, users gain the ability to perform a wide range of complex tasks that may otherwise be challenging or even impossible with their natural limbs. Designing effective strategies and policies for the control and operation of SRLs represents a substantial challenge in their development. A key aspect that remains insufficiently addressed is the formulation of successful and intuitive augmentation policies that do not hinder the functionality of a person’s natural limbs. This work introduces an innovative strategy based on the exploitation of the redundancy of the human kinematic chain involved in a task for commanding SRLs having one degree of freedom. This concept is summarized in the definition of the Intrinsic Kinematic Null Space (IKNS). The newly developed procedure encompasses a real-time analysis of body motion and a subsequent computation of the control signal for SRLs based on the IKNS for single-arm tasks. What sets our approach apart is its explicit emphasis on incorporating user-specific biomechanical and physiological characteristics and constraints. This ensures an efficient and intuitive approach to commanding SRLs, tailored to the individual user’s needs. Towards a complete evaluation of the proposed system, we studied the users’ capability of exploiting the IKNS both in virtual and real environments. Obtained results demonstrated that the exploitation of the Intrinsic Kinematic Null Space allows to perform complex tasks involving both biological and artificial limbs, and that practice improves the ability to accurately manage the coordination of human and supernumerary artificial limbs.
Factors Affecting Successful Aging of Older Adults and the Relationship Between Leisure Activities Duration and Successful Aging
Authors: Duman İbrahim , Kazak Salti Aysun , Vefikuluçay Yilmaz Duygu
Published: August 2024

The study was conducted with older adults who lived in a nursing home and applied to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital between April and August 2022. The study sample was 516 older adults and the data were collected by using the Older Information Form and Successful Aging Scale (SAS). It was determined that the mean duration of daily leisure activities was 6.61 ± 3.69 hours, and their mean SAS score was 58.31 ± 15.21. A moderate positive correlation was found between the SAS scores of the older adults and the activities of shopping; whereas a low positive correlation was found between their SAS scores and activities of walking, visiting friends and relatives, growing flowers, listening to music, reading, hand knitting, spending time on social media, exercising, and puzzles ( p < .05). The main results of our study revealed that planned leisure activities that older adults engage in would contribute to their successful aging.
“I Wanna at Least Give Back so They Could Have an Idea of Doing Right”: A Culturally Relevant Approach to Understanding Black Adolescent Males’ Moral Development
Authors: Harris Johari , Kruger Ann Cale , English Jacob
Published: August 2024

Given the connections between moral development and positive youth development, this qualitative study explored Black adolescent males’ moral development through the application of Snarey and Siddle Walker’s African-American Model of Ethics. Framed by PVEST, results revealed participants’ notions of justice and care intersected with their racialized-gendered identities, highlighting the need for a culturally relevant approach to Black Americans’ moral development. In addition, findings highlighted the ways Black adolescent males’ development of moral principles aligned with a culturally relevant moral development model. These findings have important implications for researchers and practitioners focused on Black adolescent males.
Capital as world-economy: Dale Tomich’s distinctive contribution to the world-historical method
Authors: Taşdemir Yaşın Zehra
Published: August 2024

The concept of “the world-economy” has been a central conceptual constituent of the world-system/world-historical studies. Methodological debates within the world-historical studies have engaged in conceptually specifying and historically locating the world-economy by understanding and tracing the relationship between “the parts of the capitalist world-system” that are conceived as the objects of analysis at the national-local levels and “the whole” that is conceived as the world-historical unit of analysis. Dale Tomich’s contribution to these debates has produced a distinct methodological plane that questions and re-comprehends the relationship between theory and history. Tomich brings light a new conception of world-economy based in Marx’s theory of capital that both demonstrates the limits of Marx’s “historical theory” and enables the differentiated complexity of locally specific “theoretical histories” unfolding within the world-historical context of the formation and development of the world-economy as a historical process. Tomich’s perspective questions a conceptually and empirically singular history of capitalist development as a history prefigured by theory. Instead, it calls for exploring socially and materially multiple and diverse histories of commodities, (re)production and exchange as unified histories interlinked through the world-historical relation of capital, i.e. the world-economy., in ways that informs and reconstructs “the theory” as historical theory.
An improved damage constitutive model for pre-heated rocks under uniaxial compression considering the initial compaction effect and residual strength
Authors: Hu Xunjian , Ma Dongdong , Xie Ni , Zhu Qizhi , Hu Haibo , Gong Xiaonan
Published: August 2024

Enhancing our understanding of the damage evolution in pre-heated rock is essential for safer design practices. Accordingly, a mechanical damage variable that accurately depicts the initial damage recovery process was proposed. Subsequently, a damage constitutive model is developed based on the generalized equivalent strain principle, enabling the identification of the initial nonlinear characteristics exhibited in the stress-strain curve. By integrating the above constitutive model with a statistical damage model that considers the residual strength based on the Weibull distribution, a comprehensive piecewise damage constitutive model specifically designed for pre-heated rocks was derived. The model consists of eight parameters, which can be directly determined through experimental results or readily obtained by fitting of the stress-strain data. A comparison of experimental data from multiple pre-heated rock types subjected to uniaxial compression is performed to validate the proposed model, revealing a strong agreement between the theoretical and experimental results. The comparison results demonstrate that the proposed model effectively captures the nonlinearity of the stress-strain curve throughout various stages, including the initial compaction, linear elastic, and strain-hardening stages before reaching the peak stress, as well as the subsequent strain-softening and residual stages. Furthermore, the proposed damage constitutive model elucidates the influence of temperature on crucial factors such as the elastic modulus, peak stress, residual strength, and stress-strain curve of pre-heated rocks, thereby enhancing its applicability in the design of deep underground rock projects.
Exploring the Impact of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives Within a Canadian Nursing Program: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lane Jennifer , Alizadeh Neda , Daclan Anika , Vickery Adam
Published: August 2024

Interventions that aim to address equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the health professions often strive to promote the retention, recruitment, and success of individuals from historically underrepresented groups, who often belong to the same groups experiencing underservicing in health care. A pilot study aimed to examine the impact of ongoing EDI initiatives at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada by exploring sense of belonging and curricular inclusion/representation from the perspectives of enrolled students. Intersectionality Theory was operationalized by way of considering the relational and contextual nature of marginalization. Results showed differences in perceptions of impacted sense of belonging and curricular inclusion/representation of diverse groups between respondents in the underrepresented subgroup as compared to their overrepresented counterparts. Differences in underrepresented and overrepresented subgroups’ perceptions of impacted sense of belonging and curricular inclusion/representation suggest a need for further research to better understand the impact of EDI interventions on nursing students.