bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Chinese Tibetan Adolescents with Their Han Counterparts: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Ruming , Zhang Feng , Yin Xiaojian , Liu Yuan , Guo Yaru , Sun Pengwei
Published: December 2022

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a core element of healthy physical fitness. Foreign attention to CRF in adolescents at different altitudes is high, while less research has been conducted on Chinese adolescents. In order to compare the CRF of Chinese Tibetan adolescents with their Han counterparts born and raised at high altitude and Chinese Han adolescents at sea level. A total of 2748 participants, including Chinese Tibetan adolescents, Chinese Han adolescents born and raised at high altitudes, and Chinese Han adolescents at sea level aged 12–18 years old, were obtained using convenience sampling and random cluster sampling. The method of the 20 m shuttle run test (20 m SRT) test was used to derive VO2max by equation. One-way ANOVA and LSD methods were conducted, and effect sizes were calculated to compare the CRF of the three types of adolescents. Regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between altitude and VO2max. The VO2max scores of Chinese Tibetan adolescents and Chinese Han adolescents at sea level were higher than Chinese Han adolescents born and raised at high altitudes. For both boys and girls, the VO2max scores of Chinese Tibetan adolescents exceeded Chinese Han adolescents at sea level after the age of 16 years old. Regression analysis showed that altitude was inversely associated with VO2max. The pace of lung growth may distinguish Chinese Tibetan adolescents from Chinese Han adolescents born and raised at high altitudes. The results of the study suggest that we should focus on the changes in CRF in adolescents at different altitudes and should adopt different CRF interventions for adolescents at different altitudes.
Caring for Transgender People in Healthcare: A Qualitative Study with Hospital Staff in Croatia
Authors: Tutić Grokša Ivana , Doričić Robert , Branica Vanja , Muzur Amir
Published: December 2022

Transgender and gender-diverse people have greater health risks due to increased social stress and face a disadvantaged position in the healthcare system as a result of the stigma associated with their gender identity. Due to the lack of research in Croatia on the position of transgender people in the healthcare system, this research was intended to supplement the knowledge about the experiences of hospital staff in the Croatian healthcare system when caring for patients with transgender identities. Qualitative research was conducted using an interview method. The participants (n = 10) were healthcare managers or hospital care team members. The collected data were processed through thematic analysis. The results show that some participants had had no encounters with transgender patients and those who had described them as unproblematic or had only encountered them at a level of basic healthcare. They also described how they perceive transgender people and their life circumstances. The participants described how they envision potential encounters with this group of patients and what they consider necessary to improve the position of this group within the healthcare system. In the discussion part of the article, we assess the need for additional training regarding hospital staff, especially in terms of diversity competence, and for an increase in the visibility of transgender patients.
The Short-Term Effect of Dynamic Tape versus the Low-Dye Taping Technique in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Castro-Méndez Aurora , Palomo-Toucedo Inmaculada C. , Pabón-Carrasco Manuel , Ortiz-Romero Mercedes , Fernández-Seguín Lourdes Mª
Published: December 2022

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a painful disorder that affects the plantar fascia of the foot, with a multifactorial aetiology. Dorsal flexion deficiency in the ankle is a risk factor for it. The provisional use of taping is described as part of conservative treatment. Dynamic Tape® is a type of tape that, adhered to muscles, allows for potential elastic energy to accumulate and dissipate later, optimizing its function. Therefore, it can offer immediate benefits while the patient awaits definitive treatment depending on the cause. Objective: To verify the effectiveness of Dynamic Tape® and the low-dye taping technique on pain intensity, ankle range of motion, and foot posture index. Method: A randomised, double-blind clinical trial was conducted. A total of 57 subjects from the Clinical Podiatry Area of the University of Seville (Spain), clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, were randomized into two groups. For one week, in the gastrocnemius–Achilles–plantar system, one group was treated with Dynamic Tape® and another group with low-dye taping. Pain, degrees of movement of dorsal flexion, and the foot posture index were measured in both groups before the intervention and one week after the intervention. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the differences between groups. Results: Significant differences in the decrease in pain intensity using Dynamic Tape® were found when comparing the treatments (p = 0.015) and the foot posture index was more normal in low-dye taping (p < 0.001). In both cases, the treatment showed similar behaviour with respect to the dorsal flexion ankle movement. Conclusion: The effectiveness of Dynamic Tape®, compared to that of the low-dye taping, has a major benefit with regard to pain intensity from fasciitis, although it does not produce changes in the ankle range of motion and foot posture index. Consequently, Dynamic Tape® can be considered a taping technique with beneficial effects on pain intensity in the provisional approach to plantar fasciitis.
Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Satisfaction with Life in University Students
Authors: Vilca-Pareja Vilma , Luque Ruiz de Somocurcio Andrés , Delgado-Morales Ronald , Medina Zeballos Lizbeth
Published: December 2022

The present study examined if Emotional Intelligence (EI), resilience, and self-esteem predicted life satisfaction in university students. We computed correlations between the study variables, then, we compared the differences between men and women. Finally, a simultaneous multiple regression was performed. The sample was composed of 2574 university students (715 were men and 1859 were women), whose age ranged from 18 to 30 years with a mean (M) of 20.83 and a standard deviation (SD) of 2.45. The instruments used were the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (ER-25), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The results indicated that EI, self-esteem, and resilience correlated significantly and directly with satisfaction with life. Regarding sex differences, it was found that men had greater resilience, appraisal and recognition of emotion in others, and self-regulation of emotion. Women had greater appraisal and expression of emotion in self and self-esteem. The results showed that self-esteem, self-regulation of emotion, the use of emotion to facilitate performance, and acceptance of self and life as resilience factors predicted satisfaction with life. accounting for 48% of the variance. The variable that best predicted satisfaction with life was self-esteem.
Health Literacy Is Associated with Activities of Daily Living of Patients Participating in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Clinical Study
Authors: Kanejima Yuji , Izawa Kazuhiro P. , Kitamura Masahiro , Ishihara Kodai , Ogura Asami , Kubo Ikko , Nagashima Hitomi , Tawa Hideto , Matsumoto Daisuke , Shimizu Ikki
Published: December 2022

The activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with cardiac disease tend to decline. A previous study revealed that ADL relates to physical and cognitive functions associated with health literacy (HL). However, the relationship between HL and ADL is not well documented. This study aimed to clarify this relationship among patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation. This multicenter study, the Kobe-Cardiac Rehabilitation project for people around the World (K-CREW), included patients who participated in cardiac rehabilitation from October 2020 to December 2021. Patients with probable dementia and difficulty walking alone were excluded. We used the 14-item Health Literacy Scale (HLS-14) to assess HL and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to assess ADL at discharge. Patients were divided by their HLS-14 score into the low HL group (<50 points) or the high HL group (≥50 points). We analyzed the relationship between the HLS-14 and FIM scores. We investigated 268 cardiac rehabilitation patients (median age, 71.0 years; male ratio, 76.9%). Low HL patients accounted for 51.1% of all patients and had significantly lower motor and cognitive FIM scores. Functional HL related better to the FIM scores (r = 0.28–0.36) than did other HL subclasses. Multiple regression analysis identified HLS-14 as an explanatory variable (p = 0.002) for the total FIM score. Patients with low HL had significantly lower ADL than those with high HL. These findings underscore the importance of considering HL in cardiac rehabilitation.
Impact of Personal Experience of COVID-19 Disease on Recreational Anglers’ Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Skrzypczak Andrzej , Karpiński Emil , Józefacka Natalia , Podstawski Robert
Published: December 2022

Background: Anglers are a large social group with access to a “relatively safe” form of recreation, that allows the opportunity to relieve stress. An important question, however, is how they did so, and to what extent their perceived COVID-19 transition status influenced decisions both in life and at the fishing site. Aim: Our study aimed to determine the dynamics of anglers’ attitudes and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the different statuses of their exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We assumed that the behavior of anglers who have not experienced the disease (were not ill and not sure if ill) will be similar and, on the other hand, different from the behavior of those who have experienced COVID-19. Methods: The web-assisted interviews survey was used among 586 anglers with different COVID-19 disease experience statuses. Their pandemic behavior and activities by four age groups were studied using non-metric multidimensional scaling. Redundancy analysis has been used to identify the relationship between anglers’ life attitudes and socioeconomic and demographic factors, taking into account their preferences and involvement in fishing. Results: We have demonstrated that the behavior of anglers who have not experienced COVID-19 disease and do not present a reckless attitude toward pandemic threats, do not show significant differences from the life attitudes of the group experienced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These two groups comprise more than 70% of anglers. However, the rest show a lack of interest in an aware diagnosis of their health and a low level of acceptance of self-restraint in the area of direct social contact. Conclusions: Unawareness, combined with ignorance, could be a potential factor in the transmission of the virus while fishing. The behaviors of almost 30% of anglers are particularly risky when combined with a strong need to fish in the company of friends and familiar people. Anglers’ social identity should be tapped by fishery managers. Targeted educational campaigns should be aimed at groups around specific fishing spots. The need for self-limitation under the pandemic should be promoted for the benefit of the general public and to maintain the reputation of angling as a safe recreational activity.
Neighborhood Built and Social Environment Influences on Lifestyle Behaviors among College Students in a High-Density City: A Photovoice Study
Authors: Wong Ming Yu Claudia , Ou Kailing , Zhang Chun-Qing , Zhang Ru
Published: December 2022

Based on the social ecological approach, a photovoice study was conducted to explore how neighborhood built and social environments facilitate or hinder college students’ lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, active transportation, and dietary behavior. A total of 37 college students took photos about neighborhood built and social environments that may affect their physical activity, dietary behavior, and active transportation, and shared their perceptions about how neighborhood built and social environments influence their lifestyle behaviors. Our findings demonstrated that the availability and accessibility of services, school facilities, and home facilities affected physical activity and dietary behaviors among college students. Moreover, the well-developed transportation facilities and networks benefit college students’ active transportation. Environments-based interventions are recommended in future research to better understand the associations between neighborhood built and social environments and lifestyle behaviors in college students.
Time-Dependent Effect of Sciatic Nerve Injury on Rat Plasma Lipidome
Authors: Senko Dmitry , Gorovaya Anna , Stekolshchikova Elena , Anikanov Nickolay , Fedianin Artur , Baltin Maxim , Efimova Olga , Petrova Daria , Baltina Tatyana , Lebedev Mikhail A. , Khaitovich Philipp , Tkachev Anna
Published: December 2022

Neuropathic pain is a condition affecting the quality of life of a substantial part of the population, but biomarkers and treatment options are still limited. While this type of pain is caused by nerve damage, in which lipids play key roles, lipidome alterations related to nerve injury remain poorly studied. Here, we assessed blood lipidome alterations in a common animal model, the rat sciatic nerve crush injury. We analyzed alterations in blood lipid abundances between seven rats with nerve injury (NI) and eight control (CL) rats in a time-course experiment. For these rats, abundances of 377 blood lipid species were assessed at three distinct time points: immediately after, two weeks, and five weeks post injury. Although we did not detect significant differences between NI and CL at the first two time points, 106 lipids were significantly altered in NI five weeks post injury. At this time point, we found increased levels of triglycerides (TGs) and lipids containing esterified palmitic acid (16:0) in the blood plasma of NI animals. Lipids containing arachidonic acid (20:4), by contrast, were significantly decreased after injury, aligning with the crucial role of arachidonic acid reported for NI. Taken together, these results indicate delayed systematic alterations in fatty acid metabolism after nerve injury, potentially reflecting nerve tissue restoration dynamics.
Zingiber officinale Rosc. in the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome Disorders—A Review of In Vivo Studies
Authors: Gumbarewicz Ewelina , Jarząb Agata , Stepulak Andrzej , Kukula-Koch Wirginia
Published: December 2022

Inflammation is a protective reaction of the innate immune system as a response to imbalances caused by a specific stimulus, a disease or a pathogen. A prolonged inflammatory condition may lead to the development of metabolic syndrome, which affects more than one-fourth of the world’s population. This condition leads to the development of multi-organ disorders based on disrupted blood lipid and sugar levels, hypertension and oxidative stress. The review aims to present Zingiber officinale Rosc. as a plant that exhibits a variety of healing properties and restores the organism’s equilibrium. Ginger (GI) rhizomes have been commonly used in traditional medicine to treat arthritis, stomach ache, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, rheumatism, nervous system syndromes, asthma, diabetes and nausea caused by pregnancy or chemotherapy. This review gathers together data from in vivo experiments related to the application of ginger for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, obesity, diabetes and other related disorders as a consequence of metabolic syndrome, including the confirmed molecular mechanisms of action.
Detection and pH-Thermal Characterization of Proteinases Exclusive of Honeybee Worker-Fate Larvae (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Sagona Simona , D’Onofrio Chiara , Miragliotta Vincenzo , Felicioli Antonio
Published: December 2022

The occurrence of the honeybee caste polyphenism arises when a change in diet is transduced into cellular metabolic responses, resulting in a developmental shift mediated by gene expression. The aim of this investigation was to detect and describe the expression profile of water-soluble proteases during the ontogenesis of honeybee worker-fate larvae. The extraction of insect homogenates was followed by the electrophoretic separation of the protein extract in polyacrylamide gels under semi-denaturing condition, precast with gelatin, pollen, or royal jelly protein extracts. The worker-fate honeybee larva showed a proteolytic pattern that varied with aging, and a protease with the highest activity at 72 h after hatching was named PS4. PS4 has a molecular weight of 45 kDa, it remained active until cell sealing, and its enzymatic properties suggest a serine-proteinase nature. To define the process that originates a queen-fate larvae, royal jelly and pollen were analysed, but PS4 was not detected in either of them. The effect of food on the PS4 was investigated by mixing crude extracts of queen and worker-fate larvae with pollen and royal jelly, respectively. Only royal jelly inhibited PS4 in worker-fate larvae. Taken together, our data suggest that PS4 could be involved in caste differentiation.
Genetic Determinants of Antagonistic Interactions and the Response of New Endophytic Strain Serratia quinivorans KP32 to Fungal Phytopathogens
Authors: Chlebek Daria , Grebtsova Valeriia , Piński Artur , Żur-Pińska Joanna , Hupert-Kocurek Katarzyna
Published: December 2022

Fungal phytopathogens are challenging to control due to their penetration into plant tissues. Therefore, plant-colonizing bacteria could serve as an excellent weapon in fighting fungal infections. In this study, we aim to determine the biocontrol potential of the new endophytic strain Serratia quinivorans KP32, isolated from the roots of Petroselinum crispum L.; identify the related mechanisms; and understand the basis of its antagonistic interaction with taxonomically diverse fungi at the molecular level. The KP32 strain presented biological activity against Rhizoctonia solani, Colletotrichum dematium, Fusarium avenaceum, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and its ability to inhibit the growth of the phytopathogens was found to be mediated by a broad spectrum of biocontrol features, such as the production of a number of lytic enzymes (amylases, chitinases, and proteases), siderophores, volatile organic and inorganic compounds, salicylic acid, and N-acyl-homoserine lactones. The higher expression of chitinase (chiA) and genes involved in the biosynthesis of hydrogen cyanide (hcnC), enterobactin (entB), and acetoin (budA) in bacteria exposed to fungal filtrates confirmed that these factors could act in combination, leading to a synergistic inhibitory effect of the strain against phytopathogens. We also confirm the active movement, self-aggregation, exopolysaccharide production, and biofilm formation abilities of the KP32 strain, which are essential for effective plant colonization. Its biological activity and colonization potential indicate that KP32 holds tremendous potential for use as an active biopesticide and plant growth promoter.
Super-Mitobarcoding in Plant Species Identification? It Can Work! The Case of Leafy Liverworts Belonging to the Genus Calypogeia
Authors: Ślipiko Monika , Myszczyński Kamil , Buczkowska Katarzyna , Bączkiewicz Alina , Sawicki Jakub
Published: December 2022

Molecular identification of species is especially important where traditional taxonomic methods fail. The genus Calypogeia belongs to one of the tricky taxons. The simple morphology of these species and a tendency towards environmental plasticity make them complicated in identification. The finding of the universal single-locus DNA barcode in plants seems to be ‘the Holy Grail’; therefore, researchers are increasingly looking for multiloci DNA barcodes or super-barcoding. Since the mitochondrial genome has low sequence variation in plants, species delimitation is usually based on the chloroplast genome. Unexpectedly, our research shows that super-mitobarcoding can also work! However, our outcomes showed that a single method of molecular species delimitation should be avoided. Moreover, it is recommended to interpret the results of molecular species delimitation alongside other types of evidence, such as ecology, population genetics or comparative morphology. Here, we also presented genetic data supporting the view that C. suecica is not a homogeneous species.
Arylcyclohexylamine Derivatives: Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, Clinical and Forensic Aspects
Authors: Pelletier Romain , Le Daré Brendan , Le Bouëdec Diane , Kernalléguen Angéline , Ferron Pierre-Jean , Morel Isabelle , Gicquel Thomas
Published: December 2022

Since the 2000s, an increasing number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have appeared on the drug market. Arylcyclohexylamine (ACH) compounds such as ketamine, phencyclidine and eticyclidine derivatives are of particular concern, given their rapidly increasing use and the absence of detailed toxicity data. First used mainly for their pharmacological properties in anesthesia, their recreational use is increasing. ACH derivatives have an antagonistic activity against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, which leads to dissociative effects (dissociation of body and mind). Synthetic ketamine derivatives produced in Asia are now arriving in Europe, where most are not listed as narcotics and are, thus, legal. These structural derivatives have pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that are sometimes very different from ketamine. Here, we describe the pharmacology, epidemiology, chemistry and metabolism of ACH derivatives, and we review the case reports on intoxication.
Comprehensive Analysis of FASN in Tumor Immune Infiltration and Prognostic Value for Immunotherapy and Promoter DNA Methylation
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Yu Lei , Sun Yannan , Hao Li , Bai Jing , Yuan Xinyu , Wu Rihan , Hong Mei , Liu Pengxia , Duan Xiaojun , Wang Changshan
Published: December 2022

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) promotes tumor progression in multiple cancers. In this study, we comprehensively examined the expression, prognostic significance, and promoter methylation of FASN, and its correlation with immune cell infiltration in pan-cancer. Our results demonstrated that elevated FASN expression was significantly associated with an unfavorable prognosis in many cancer types. Furthermore, FASN promoter DNA methylation can be used as a tumor prognosis marker. Importantly, high levels of FASN were significantly negatively correlated with tumor immune infiltration in 35 different cancers. Additionally, FASN was significantly associated with tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) in multiple malignancies, suggesting that it may be essential for tumor immunity. We also investigated the effects of FASN expression on immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis. In up to 15 tumors, it was significantly negatively correlated with immunotherapy-related genes, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. Moreover, we found that tumors with high FASN expression may be more sensitive to immunotherapy and have a good prognosis with PD-L1 treatment. Finally, we confirmed the tumor-suppressive effect of mir-195-5p through FASN. Altogether, our results suggested that FASN may serve as a novel prognostic indicator and immunotherapeutic target in various malignancies.
DFT Simulation-Based Design of 1T-MoS2 Cathode Hosts for Li-S Batteries and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Hojaji Elaheh , Andritsos Eleftherios I. , Li Zhuangnan , Chhowalla Manish , Lekakou Constantina , Cai Qiong
Published: December 2022

The main challenge in lithium sulphur (Li-S) batteries is the shuttling of lithium polysulphides (LiPSs) caused by the rapid LiPSs migration to the anode and the slow reaction kinetics in the chain of LiPSs conversion. In this study, we explore 1T-MoS2 as a cathode host for Li-S batteries by examining the affinity of 1T-MoS2 substrates (pristine 1T-MoS2, defected 1T-MoS2 with one and two S vacancies) toward LiPSs and their electrocatalytic effects. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations are used to determine the adsorption energy of LiPSs to these substrates, the Gibbs free energy profiles for the reaction chain, and the preferred pathways and activation energies for the slow reaction stage from Li2S4 to Li2S. The obtained information highlights the potential benefit of a combination of 1T-MoS2 regions, without or with one and two sulphur vacancies, for an improved Li-S battery performance. The recommendation is implemented in a Li-S battery with areas of pristine 1T-MoS2 and some proportion of one and two S vacancies, exhibiting a capacity of 1190 mAh/g at 0.1C, with 97% capacity retention after 60 cycles in a schedule of different C-rates from 0.1C to 2C and back to 0.1C.
Does Photobiomodulation Affects CK10 and CK14 in Oral Mucositis Radioinduced Repair?
Authors: Sardo Ariane Venzon Naia , Andrade Maíra Franco , Figueiredo Anaeliza , Rosin Flávia Cristina Perillo , Corrêa Luciana , Zezell Denise Maria
Published: December 2022

The mechanisms of action of photobiomodulation (PBM) in oral mucositis (OM) are not completely elucidated. To enlighten the role of PBM in the evolution of epithelial maturity in OM ulcers, the present study evaluated the effect of PBM with red (λ) wavelength of 660 nanometers (nm) and infrared of 780 nm in radio-induced OM wounds on the tongue of rats, eight and twenty days after irradiation with single dose of 20 Gy. The percentage area corresponding to positive staining for cytokeratin 10 (CK10) and 14 (CK14) proteins was evaluated in the epithelial area of the lesions, using an immunohistochemical technique (IHC), 8 and 20 days after the induction of lesions, and compared with an untreated control group. CK10 was significantly more expressed in the group treated with 660 nm PBM. CK14 did not show quantitative differences between the groups evaluated. However, whereas in the groups treated with PBM, CK14 was already restricted to the basal layer of the epithelium, as expected in healthy epithelia, in control group it was also expressed in upper layers of the epithelium. In this work, PBM was able to improve epithelial maturity of the repaired OM wound, especially in the 660 nm group.
Microglia and Brain Macrophages as Drivers of Glioma Progression
Authors: Zheng Yuqi , Graeber Manuel B.
Published: December 2022

Evidence is accumulating that the tumour microenvironment (TME) has a key role in the progression of gliomas. Non-neoplastic cells in addition to the tumour cells are therefore finding increasing attention. Microglia and other glioma-associated macrophages are at the centre of this interest especially in the context of therapeutic considerations. New ideas have emerged regarding the role of microglia and, more recently, blood-derived brain macrophages in glioblastoma (GBM) progression. We are now beginning to understand the mechanisms that allow malignant glioma cells to weaken microglia and brain macrophage defence mechanisms. Surface molecules and cytokines have a prominent role in microglia/macrophage-glioma cell interactions, and we discuss them in detail. The involvement of exosomes and microRNAs forms another focus of this review. In addition, certain microglia and glioma cell pathways deserve special attention. These “synergistic” (we suggest calling them “Janus”) pathways are active in both glioma cells and microglia/macrophages where they act in concert supporting malignant glioma progression. Examples include CCN4 (WISP1)/Integrin α6β1/Akt and CHI3L1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR. They represent attractive therapeutic targets.
A Large Intergenic Spacer Leads to the Increase in Genome Size and Sequential Gene Movement around IR/SC Boundaries in the Chloroplast Genome of Adiantum malesianum (Pteridaceae)
Authors: Gu Xiaolin , Zhu Ming , Su Yingjuan , Wang Ting
Published: December 2022

Expansion and contraction (ebb and flow events) of inverted repeat (IR) boundaries occur and are generally considered to be major factors affecting chloroplast (cp) genome size changes. Nonetheless, the Adiantum malesianum cp genome does not seem to follow this pattern. We sequenced, assembled and corrected the A. flabellulatum and A. malesianum cp genomes using the Illumina NovaSeq6000 platform, and we performed a comparative genome analysis of six Adiantum species. The results revealed differences in the IR/SC boundaries of A. malesianum caused by a 6876 bp long rpoB-trnD-GUC intergenic spacer (IGS) in the LSC. This IGS may create topological tension towards the LSC/IRb boundary in the cp genome, resulting in a sequential movement of the LSC genes. Consequently, this leads to changes of the IR/SC boundaries and may even destroy the integrity of trnT-UGU, which is located in IRs. This study provides evidence showing that it is the large rpoB-trnD-GUC IGS that leads to A. malesianum cp genome size change, rather than ebb and flow events. Then, the study provides a model to explain how the rpoB-trnD-GUC IGS in LSC affects A. malesianum IR/SC boundaries. Moreover, this study also provides useful data for dissecting the evolution of cp genomes of Adiantum. In future research, we can expand the sample to Pteridaceae to test whether this phenomenon is universal in Pteridaceae.
Association of BRAFV600E Mutation with the Aggressive Behavior of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of 33 Studies
Authors: Attia Abdallah S. , Hussein Mohammad , Issa Peter P. , Elnahla Ahmad , Farhoud Ashraf , Magazine Brandon M. , Youssef Mohanad R. , Aboueisha Mohamed , Shama Mohamed , Toraih Eman , Kandil Emad
Published: December 2022

An association between the BRAFV600E mutation and the clinicopathological progression of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has been suggested. We aimed to summarize the relevant literature and determine the predictive value of BRAFV600E mutation in predicting clinical outcomes and risk stratification in patients with PTMC. A systematic search using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase up to February 2020 was performed. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a pool of 8838 patients, of whom 5043 (57.1%) patients were positive for BRAFV600E mutation. Tumors with positive BRAFV600E mutation had a higher tendency for multifocality (RR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.03–1.16), extrathyroidal extension (RR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.37–2.32), and lymph node metastasis (RR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.19–1.71). Patients with BRAFV600E mutation were at increased risk of disease recurrence (RR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.43–2.53). PTMC in patients positive for the BRAFV600E mutation is more aggressive than wild-type BRAF PTMC. Since BRAF-mutated PTMC is generally more resistant to radioiodine treatment, patients with BRAFV600E-mutated PTMC may require earlier management, such as a minimally invasive ablative intervention. Conservative management by active surveillance may be suitable for patients with wild-type BRAFV600E PTMC.
Implementation of Total Productive Maintenance Approach: Improving Overall Equipment Efficiency of a Metal Industry
Authors: Singh Sukhpreet , Agrawal Ashish , Sharma Deepak , Saini Vishnu , Kumar Abhinav , Praveenkumar Seepana
Published: December 2022

Quality has become one of the most crucial criteria in an institution’s success and survival as there is nothing more than what an era of globalization and intensity demands. Successful businesses recognize that consumer reliability may have a severe influence on their bottom lines. As a result, several competitive companies are constantly raising their quality requirements. Competitive companies think that improving quality is the best way to recover, and most authors have specified various procedures relevant to their processes. The majority of automobile assembly sectors are looking for high-quality requirements in their manufacturing techniques and are executing a quality system known as total productive maintenance (TPM). The study’s goal is to deploy the TPM program inside the metal forming industry to improve metal industry workstations. The overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) for various workstations such as rolling, bending, cutting, and die punching for the fiscal year 2018–2019 has been evaluated. In addition to the other reasons, inefficient resource utilization is a significant component that diminishes the factory’s OEE. In the financial year 2019–2020, the TPM approach was adopted in the enterprise. As a result, there has been an improvement in overall performance.
Stock Market Volatility Response to COVID-19: Evidence from Thailand
Authors: Suwannapak Suthasinee , Chancharat Surachai
Published: December 2022

This study investigated how stock market volatility responded dynamically to unexpected changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting uncertainty in Thailand. Using a multivariate GARCH-BEKK model, the conditional volatility dynamics, the interlinkages, and the conditional correlations between stock market volatility and the increasing rate of COVID-19 infection cases are examined. The increased rate of COVID-19 infections impacts stock returns detrimentally; in Thailand, stock market volatility responses are asymmetric in the increase and decline situations. This disparity is due to the unfavourable impact of the pandemic’s volatility. Finally, we acknowledge that directional volatility spillover effects exist between the increase in COVID-19 cases and stock returns, suggesting that time-varying conditional correlations occur and are generally positive. Using this study’s results, governments and financial institutions can devise strategies for subsequent recessions or financial crises. Furthermore, investment managers can manage portfolio risk and forecast patterns in stock market volatility. Academics can apply our methodology in future investment trend studies to analyse additional variables in the economic system, such as the value of the US dollar, the price of commodities, or GDP.
Causality between Arbitrage and Liquidity in Platinum Futures
Authors: Iwatsubo Kentaro , Watkins Clinton
Published: December 2022

Arbitrage and liquidity are interrelated. Liquidity facilitates arbitrageurs’ trading on deviations from the law of one price. However, whether arbitrage opportunity leads to an increase or decrease in liquidity depends on the cause of the deviation. A demand shock leads to greater liquidity, while asymmetric information is toxic to liquidity. We examine how arbitrage and liquidity influence each other in the world’s largest platinum futures markets on exchanges in New York and Tokyo. The markets provide an interesting institutional setting because the futures are based on an identical underlying commodity but exhibit different liquidity characteristics both intraday and over their lifespans. Using intraday data, we find that deviation in currency-adjusted futures prices leads, on average, to an immediate increase in liquidity, suggesting that demand shocks are the dominant driver of arbitrage opportunities. Less actively traded futures experience a greater liquidity effect. Arbitrageurs improve liquidity in both New York and Tokyo by acting as discretionary liquidity traders and cross-sectional market-makers.
The Theoretical Approach and Practice of Farmland Rights System Reform from Decentralization to Centralization Promoting Agricultural Modernization: Evidence from Yuyang District in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Cai Lu , Chai Chaoqing , Zhang Bangbang , Yang Feng , Wang Wei , Zhang Chengdong
Published: December 2022

The Chinese government is attempting to readjust the relationship of farmland rights by farmland rights system reform to optimize the allocation of farmland by market means. Therefore, this study is aimed at exploring the effectiveness of the farmland rights system reform from decentralization to centralization and its impacts on agricultural modernization. In this study, the shift theory of land rights is introduced to analyze the approach of the reform promoting agricultural modernization, and the practice of Yuyang District as evidence illustrates that the reform is a further extension of the land marketization reform, which clears the obstacles of market allocation of farmlands and promotes agricultural modernization by achieving three objectives of agricultural production. The results of this study show the reform is beneficial to a high level of yield, efficient production, and environment friendly in agricultural production, so the reform indirectly promotes agricultural modernization. Meanwhile, Yuyang District’s experiences show that the farmland issue is a complex one, which should be considered from the perspectives of public benefits and private benefits, and appropriate farmland rights system reform is a policy accelerator for facilitating agricultural modernization. Generally, this study not only innovatively links the farmland rights system reform with the three objectives of agricultural production to analysis impact mechanism of the reform on agricultural modernization, but it also confirms the effectiveness of the reform design of the central government and provides some advanced experiences for other regions.
1,3,3,3′,3′-Pentaisopropyl-1,3,3′,6,6′,7,7′-heptahydro-1λ5-1,1′-spirobi[acenaphtho 5,6-cd][1,2,6]oxadiphosphinine]-3,3′-diium Triiodide
Authors: Picthall Daniel , Ray Matthew James , Slawin Alexandra Martha Zoya , Kilian Petr
Published: December 2022

Reaction of bis(peri-substituted) triphosphine iPrP(AcenapPiPr2)2 (Acenap = acenaphthene-5,6-diyl) with iodine, followed by hydrolysis, afforded ionic species with [iPrP(AcenapP(O)iPr2)2] dication, containing P-O-P-O-P motif, balanced by triiodide anions. The new species were fully characterised, including single crystal X-ray diffraction. The formation of the unusual double-bridged motif is likely a result of crowding in the peri-region.
Synthesis and Characterization of Single-Phase α-Cordierite Glass-Ceramics for LTCC Substrates from Tuff
Authors: Yu Yongsheng , Wang Jinghan , Yu Yuanyuan , Yan Zhaoli , Du Yanyan , Chu Pengfei , Jing Qiangshan , Liu Peng
Published: December 2022

Single-phase α-cordierite glass-ceramics for a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate were fabricated from tuff as the main raw material, using the non-stoichiometric formula of α-cordierite with excess MgO without adding any sintering additives. The sintering/crystallization behavior and the various performances of dielectric properties, thermal expansion, and flexural strength of the glass-ceramics were detected. The results indicated that only single-phase α-cordierite crystal was precipitated from the basic glass sintered at the range 875–950 °C, and μ-cordierite crystal was not observed during the whole sintering-crystallization process. The properties of glass-ceramics were first improved and then deteriorated with the increase in tuff content and sintering temperature. Fortunately, the glass-ceramics sintered at 900 °C with 45 wt.% tuff content possessed excellent properties: high densify (2.62 g∙cm−3), applicable flexural strength (136 MPa), low dielectric loss (0.010, at 10 MHz), low dielectric constant (5.12, at 10 MHz, close to α-cordierite), and suitable coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE, 3.89 × 10−6 K−1).
Research Progress of Steels for Nuclear Reactor Pressure Vessels
Authors: Zhou Linjun , Dai Jie , Li Yang , Dai Xin , Xie Changsheng , Li Linze , Chen Liansheng
Published: December 2022

The nuclear reactor pressure vessel is an important component of a nuclear power plant. It has been used in harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure, neutron irradiation, thermal aging, corrosion and fatigue for a long time, which puts forward higher standards for the performance requirements for nuclear pressure vessel steel. Based on the characteristics of large size and wall thickness of the nuclear pressure vessel, combined with its performance requirements, this work studies the problems of forging technology, mechanical properties, irradiation damage, corrosion failure, thermal aging behavior and fatigue properties, and summarizes the research progress of nuclear pressure vessel materials. The influencing factors of microstructures evolution and mechanism of mechanical properties change of nuclear pressure vessel steel are analyzed in this work. The mechanical properties before and after irradiation are compared, and the influence mechanisms of irradiation hardening and embrittlement are also summarized. Although the stainless steel will be surfacing on the inner wall of nuclear pressure vessel to prevent corrosion, long-term operation may cause aging or deterioration of stainless steel, resulting in corrosion caused by the contact between the primary circuit water environment and the nuclear pressure vessel steel. Therefore, the corrosion behavior of nuclear pressure vessels materials is also summarized in detail. Meanwhile, the evolution mechanism of the microstructure of nuclear pressure vessel materials under thermal aging conditions is analyzed, and the mechanisms affecting the mechanical properties are also described. In addition, the influence mechanisms of internal and external factors on the fatigue properties, fatigue crack initiation and fatigue crack propagation of nuclear pressure vessel steel are analyzed in detail from different perspectives. Finally, the development direction and further research contents of nuclear pressure vessel materials are prospected in order to improve the service life and ensure safe service in harsh environment.
Synthesis of Hollow Calcium Carbonate Microspheres by a Template Method for DOX Loading and Release with Carbon Dots Photosensitivity
Authors: Mo Fuwang , Chen Qiujuan , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: December 2022

Calcium carbonate, as the main inorganic component of human bones and teeth, has good biocompatibility and bioactivity and finds increasing applications in the field of bone drug carriers. In this study, hollow calcium carbonate microspheres were synthesized by a water hydrothermal method using folic acid as a template. Before drug loading, the prepared calcium carbonate microspheres were subjected to aminidation, carboxylation, and vinylenimine modification. The hollow calcium carbonate microspheres loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) were further incorporated with light-emitting carbon quantum dots(CQDs) and hyaluronic acid (HA). The result showed that the drug loading capacity in the as-prepared calcium carbonate was 179.064 mg/g. In the simulated solutions of cellular metabolism containing various concentrations of reduced glutathione(GSH), the sustained release of DOX was confirmed qualitatively by the luminescence of the CQDs. The DOX release rate was measured quantitively by UV absorption spectra. The highest release rate reached 85.99% in a simulated solution of 0.005 mol/L GSH solution, and the release rate could vary intelligently with the concentration.
Efficiency Decreases in a Laminated Solar Cell Developed for a UAV
Authors: Mateja Krzysztof , Skarka Wojciech , Drygała Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

Achieving energy autonomy in a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is an important direction for aerospace research. Long endurance flights allow for continuous observations, taking of measurements and control of selected parameters. To provide continuous flight, a UAV must be able to harvest energy externally. The most popular method to achieve this is the use of solar cells on the wings and structure of the UAV. Flexible solar cells mounted on the surface of the wings can be damaged and contaminated. To prevent these negative changes, it is necessary to apply a protective coating to the solar cells. One of the more promising methods is lamination. To properly carry out this process, some parameters have to be appropriately adjusted. The appropriate selection of temperature and feed speed in the laminator allows a PV (photovoltaic) panel to be coated with film, minimizing any defects in the structure. Covering PV panels with film reduces the performance of the solar cells. By measuring the current–voltage characteristics, data were obtained showing the change in the performance of solar cells before and after lamination. In the case of testing flexible PV panels, the efficiency decreased from 24.29 to 23.33%. This informed the selection of the appropriate number of solar cells for the UAV, considering the losses caused by the lamination process.
Self-Propelled Rotary Tools in Hard Turning: Analysis and Optimization via Finite Element Models
Authors: Umer Usama , Mian Syed Hammad , Mohammed Muneer Khan , Abidi Mustufa Haider , Moiduddin Khaja , Kishawy Hossam
Published: December 2022

This study investigates self-propelled rotary tool (SPRT) performance in hard turning using 3D finite element (FE) models. The FE models developed in this study are based on coupled temperature-displacement analysis using an explicit time-integration scheme. The developed FE models can predict chip morphology, cutting forces, tool and workpiece stresses and temperatures. For model verification, hard turning experiments were conducted using an SPRT on AISI 4340 bars. Cutting forces and maximum tool–chip interface temperatures were recorded and compared with the model findings. The effects of different process parameters were analyzed and discussed using the developed FE models. The FE models were run with a central composite design (CCD-25) matrix with four input variables, i.e., the cutting speed, the feed rate, the depth of the cut and the inclination angle. Response surfaces based on the Gaussian process were generated for each performance variable in order to predict design points not available in the original design of the experiment matrix. An optimization study was carried out to minimize tool stress and temperature while setting limits for the material removal rate (MRR) and specific cutting energy for the process. Optimized processes were found with moderate cutting speeds and feed rates and high depths of cut and inclination angles.
High-Entropy Materials in SOFC Technology: Theoretical Foundations for Their Creation, Features of Synthesis, and Recent Achievements
Authors: Pikalova Elena Y. , Kalinina Elena G. , Pikalova Nadezhda S. , Filonova Elena A.
Published: December 2022

In this review, recent achievements in the application of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and high-entropy oxides (HEOs) in the technology of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are discussed for the first time. The mechanisms of the stabilization of a high-entropy state in such materials, as well as the effect of structural and charge factors on the stability of the resulting homogeneous solid solution are performed. An introduction to the synthesis methods for HEAs and HEOs is given. The review highlights such advantages of high-entropy materials as high strength and the sluggish diffusion of components, which are promising for the use at the elevated temperatures, which are characteristic of SOFCs. Application of the medium- and high-entropy materials in the hydrocarbon-fueled SOFCs as protective layers for interconnectors and as anode components, caused by their high stability, are covered. High-entropy solid electrolytes are discussed in comparison with traditional electrolyte materials in terms of conductivity. High-entropy oxides are considered as prospective cathodes for SOFCs due to their superior electrochemical activity and long-term stability compared with the conventional perovskites. The present review also determines the prioritizing directions in the future development of high-entropy materials as electrolytes and electrodes for SOFCs operating in the intermediate and low temperature ranges.