bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Evaluation of Human Body Near Field Exposure to a Vehicular Antenna for Military Applications
Authors: Colella Micol , Biscarini Marianna , de Meis Marco , Patrizi Roberto , Ciallella Tino , Ferrante Daniele , De Gaetano Alessandro , Capuano Marco , Pellegrino Giovanni , Martini Emanuele , Cavagnaro Marta , Apollonio Francesca , Liberti Micaela
Published: February 2022

Background

The use of electromagnetic (EM) technologies for military applications is gaining increasing interest to satisfy different operational needs, such as improving battlefield communications or jamming counterpart's signals. This is achieved by the use of high-power EM waves in several frequency bands (e.g., HF, VHF, and UHF). When considering military vehicles, several antennas are present in close proximity to the crew personnel, which are thus potentially exposed to high EM fields.

Methods

A typical exposure scenario was reproduced numerically to evaluate the EM exposure of the human body in the presence of an HF vehicular antenna (2–30 MHz). The antenna was modeled as a monopole connected to a 3D polygonal structure representing the vehicle. Both the EM field levels in the absence and in the presence of the human body and also the specific absorption rate (SAR) values were calculated. The presence of the operator, partially standing outside the vehicle, was simulated with the virtual human body model Duke (Virtual Population, V.3). Several exposure scenarios were considered. The presence of a protective helmet was modeled as well.

Results

In the area usually occupied by the personnel, E-field intensity radiated by the antenna can reach values above the limits settled by international safety guidelines. Nevertheless, local SAR values induced inside the human body reached a maximum value of 14 mW/kg, leading to whole-body averaged and 10-g averaged SAR values well below the corresponding limits.

Conclusion

A complex and realistic near-field exposure scenario of the crew of a military vehicle was simulated. The obtained E-field values radiated in the free space by a HF vehicular antenna may reach values above the safety guidelines reference levels. Such values are not necessarily meaningful for the exposed subject. Indeed, SAR and E-field values induced inside the body remain well below safety limits.
Consumer Purchasing Behavior Toward Green Environment in the Healthcare Industry: Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Innovation and Moderating Effect of Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Sarfraz Muddassar , Raza Mohsin , Khalid Rimsha , Liu Tong , Li Zeyu , Niyomdecha Lubna
Published: February 2022

Entrepreneurial innovations lead to transformations in the existing business model, involving them integrating the new knowledge into the established entrepreneurial activities. The current study combines marketing strategies, entrepreneurial innovation, absorptive capacity, and consumer purchasing behavior in the health sector. This study investigates the impact of packaging and labeling strategies on entrepreneurial innovation and consumer purchasing behavior. Therefore, this study also investigates the mediating effect of entrepreneurial innovation between packaging and labeling strategies and consumer purchasing behavior. The study examines the moderating role of absorptive capacity between entrepreneurial innovation and consumer purchasing behavior. While using convenience sampling, this study used the consumer of medications as a sample from China. The research adopted a quantitative method to conduct the study analysis. A well-structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale has used for the study analysis. The adopted questionnaires were utilized in data collection with 702 with a 70% response rate, and Smart PLS was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study indicate that packaging and labeling strategies significantly influence entrepreneurial innovation and consumer purchasing behavior. Entrepreneurial innovation significantly mediates the packaging and labeling strategies and consumer purchasing behavior. The moderating role of absorptive capacity significantly affects entrepreneurial innovation and consumer purchasing behavior. The implications of the investigated model with innovative marketing strategies give new insights for managerial, policymakers, and research perspectives.
Associations of Dietary Patterns and Incident Type 2 Diabetes in a Community Population Cohort From Southwest China
Authors: Wang Yanhuan , Xu Lina , Wang Na , Zhu Ling , Zhao Fouxi , Xu Kelin , Liu Tao , Fu Chaowei
Published: February 2022

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rising rapidly worldwide, but there are scant empirical data on the association between diet and diabetes in Southwest China.

Methods

In this prospective community-population cohort study from Guizhou Province, China since 2010, 7,023 eligible adults were included. Dietary information was obtained by face-to-face interviews with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were derived by factor analysis. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated for the associations between various dietary patterns and incident T2D risk by cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Until 2020, a total of 749 new T2D cases were identified during the average follow-up of 7.05 years and the incidence was 14.75/1,000 person-years. Two main dietary patterns from the food frequency questionnaire were identified by factor analysis, i.e., vegetable-grain pattern and junk food pattern. In the multivariate analysis, 28 and 20% lower risks of T2D were observed at the low intake of junk food pattern (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.87) and the high intake of vegetable-grain pattern (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.95) after adjustment for potential confounding factors, compared with the medium intake of such patterns, respectively. Positive linear relationships were found between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at follow-up and its change with junk food pattern, while there were inverse linear associations with vegetable-grain pattern.

Conclusion

Higher adherence to vegetable-grain patterns and lower adherence to junk food patterns significantly lowered T2D incidence among the population in Southwest China. Moving toward a healthier dietary model deserves more attention to develop interventions for the prevention of T2D.
Oral Fungal Infections: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Cannon Richard D.
Published: February 2022

Oral fungal infections have afflicted humans for millennia. Hippocrates (ca. 460-370 BCE) described two cases of oral aphthae associated with severe underlying diseases that could well have been oral candidiasis. While oral infections caused by other fungi such as cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, mucormycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis occur infrequently, oral candidiasis came to the fore during the AIDS epidemic as a sentinel opportunistic infection signaling the transition from HIV infection to AIDS. The incidence of candidiasis in immunocompromised AIDS patients highlighted the importance of host defenses in preventing oral fungal infections. A greater understanding of the nuances of human immune systems has revealed that mucosal immunity in the mouth delivers a unique response to fungal pathogens. Oral fungal infection does not depend solely on the fungus and the host, however, and attention has now focussed on interactions with other members of the oral microbiome. It is evident that there is inter-kingdom signaling that affects microbial pathogenicity. The last decade has seen significant advances in the rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of oral microbiomes and in the simultaneous quantification of immune cells and cytokines. The time is ripe for the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to integrate more refined analyses of oral microbiome composition (including fungi, bacteria, archaea, protozoa and viruses—including SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19). This analysis should incorporate the quantification of immune cells, cytokines, and microbial cell signaling molecules with signs of oral fungal infections in order to better diagnose and predict susceptibility to oral fungal disease.
Characteristics and Global Occurrence of Human Pathogens Harboring Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Crops: A Scoping Review
Authors: Brunn Ariel , Kadri-Alabi Zaharat , Moodley Arshnee , Guardabassi Luca , Taylor Phil , Mateus Ana , Waage Jeff
Published: February 2022

Background

The role of the crop environment as a conduit for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through soil, water, and plants has received less attention than other sectors. Food crops may provide a link between the agro-environmental reservoir of AMR and acquisition by humans, adding to existing food safety hazards associated with microbial contamination of food crops.

Objectives

The objectives of this review were: (1) to use a systematic methodology to characterize AMR in food crop value chains globally, and (2) to identify knowledge gaps in understanding exposure risks to humans.

Methods

Four bibliographic databases were searched using synonyms of AMR in food crop value chains. Following two-stage screening, phenotypic results were extracted and categorized into primary and secondary combinations of acquired resistance in microbes of concern based on established prioritization. Occurrence of these pathogen-AMR phenotype combinations were summarized by sample group, value chain stage, and world region. Sub-analyses on antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) focused on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and tetracycline resistance genes.

Results

Screening of 4,455 citations yielded 196 studies originating from 49 countries, predominantly in Asia (89 studies) and Africa (38). Observations of pathogen-phenotype combinations of interest were reported in a subset of 133 studies (68%). Primary combinations, which include resistance to antimicrobials of critical importance to human medicine varied from 3% (carbapenem resistance) to 13% (fluoroquinolones), whereas secondary combinations, which include resistance to antimicrobials also used in agriculture ranged from 14% (aminoglycoside resistance) to 20% (aminopenicillins). Salad crops, vegetables, and culinary herbs were the most sampled crops with almost twice as many studies testing post-harvest samples. Sub-analysis of ARG found similar patterns corresponding to phenotypic results.

Discussion

These results suggest that acquired AMR in opportunistic and obligate human pathogens is disseminated throughout food crop value chains in multiple world regions. However, few longitudinal studies exist and substantial heterogeneity in sampling methods currently limit quantification of exposure risks to consumers. This review highlights the need to include agriculturally-derived AMR in monitoring food safety risks from plant-based foods, and the challenges facing its surveillance.
Effect of Cluster Nursing Based on Risk Management Strategy on Urinary Tract Infection in Patients With Severe Craniocerebral Injury
Authors: Qiao Hongbin , Yang Jing , Wang Cui
Published: February 2022

Objective

To observe the effect of cluster nursing based on risk management strategy in the management of urinary tract infection in patients with severe craniocerebral injury.

Methods

A total of 116 patients with severe craniocerebral injury who were admitted to our hospital from March 2019 to March 2021 were included. They were divided into the control group (58 patients) and the observation group (58 patients). The control group received routine nursing care and the observation group received cluster nursing based on risk management strategy. The incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), the results of bacterial culture on the surface of the urinary catheter, the incidence of nursing risk events, the duration of placing the urinary catheter, the length of hospital stay, and hospital costs as well as the patient satisfaction score were compared between the two groups. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scale for prevention of catheter infection and the competence evaluation scale of nurses were used to evaluate the sense-control ability and core competence of the interveners.

Results

The total incidence of CAUTI in the observation group was (6.90%) lower than that in the control group (20.69%) (p < 0.05). The bacterial culture results on the catheter surface of patients in the observation group before and after 6 and 12 h of catheter cleaning were better than those of patients in the control group (p < 0.05). The duration of indwelling urinary catheter, hospitalization time, and hospitalization expenses of patients in the observation group were lower than those of patients in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence rate of nursing risk events in the observation group was (1.72%) lower than that in the control group (11.86%) (p < 0.05). The overall satisfaction score of patients and the control and core ability scores of nursing staff in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cluster nursing based on risk management strategy can effectively reduce the incidence of nursing risk events and the probability of UTI in patients with severe craniocerebral injury, shorten the duration of indwelling urinary catheter and hospitalization.
Development, Optimization, Biological Assays, and In Situ Field Immersion of a Transparent Piezoelectric Vibrating System for Antifouling Applications
Authors: Grilli Lucas , Casset Fabrice , Bressy Christine , Brisset Hugues , Briand Jean-François , Barry-Martinet Raphaëlle , Colin Mikael
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the development and experimentations of transparent vibrating piezoelectric micromembranes dedicated to protecting immersed measurement instruments from marine biofouling. As any surface immersed is subject to the adhesion and settlement of organisms, especially in seawater, transparent materials quickly become opaque, resulting in deteriorated accuracy for optical sensors. According to this, we developed a transparent vibrating membrane to promote biofouling detachment in order to reduce the data quality drift and the frequency of maintenance operations on deployed optical sensors. In the first part, the design, the materials, and the steps to manufacture demonstrators are described. Then, the electromechanical characterizations of the demonstrators are carried out and interpreted with the support of FEM simulations. The last part describes the laboratory bioassays and the field immersion tests. Laboratory bioassays assess the antifouling potential of the vibrating piezoelectric membranes by exposing their surface to a suspended bacterial solution. In situ assays allow the membrane to perform in the Mediterranean Sea to assess their effectiveness in real conditions. Laboratory bioassays showed a great potential against the adhesion and settlement of a bacterial solution, while in situ tests confirmed the antifouling effect of piezoelectric vibrating micromembrane. Nevertheless, in situ experimentations revealed troubles with the piezo driver actuating the vibrating membranes, and tests should be carried out again with an improved piezo driver to reveal the full potential of the vibrating membranes. These are the first steps to set up an efficient antifouling vibrating system for immersed optical sensors.
Digital Design of Different Transpalatal Arches Made of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) and Determination of the Force Systems
Authors: Mieszala Cornelia , Schmidt Jens Georg , Becker Kathrin , Willmann Jan Hinrich , Drescher Dieter
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the polymer polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which is approved for (dental) medical appliances, is suitable for the production of orthodontic treatment appliances. Different geometries of transpalatal arches (TPAs) were designed by Computer Aided Design (CAD). Out of a number of different designs and dimensions, four devices were selected and manufactured by milling out of PEEK. A finite element analysis (FEA) and a mechanical in vitro testing were performed to analyze the force systems acting on the first upper molars. Up to an activation (transversal compression) of 4 mm per side (total 8 mm), the PEEK TPAs generated forces between 1.3 and 3.1 Newton (N) in the FEA and between 0.7 and 3.2 N in the mechanical testing. The moments in the oro-vestibular direction were measured between 2.1 and 6.6 Nmm in the FEA and between 1.1 and 6.0 Nmm in the mechanical testing, depending on the individual TPA geometry. With the help of the FEA, it was possible to calculate the von Mises stresses and the deformation patterns of the different TPAs. In some areas, local von Mises stresses exceeded 154–165 MPa, which could lead to a permanent deformation of the respective appliances. In the in vitro testing, however, none of the TPAs showed any visible deformation or fractures. With the help of the FEA and the mechanical testing, it could be shown that PEEK might be suitable as a material for the production of orthodontic TPAs.
System-Level Assessment of a C-RAN based on Generalized Space–Frequency Index Modulation for 5G New Radio and Beyond
Authors: Velez Vasco , Pavia João Pedro , Rita Catarina , Gonçalves Carolina , Souto Nuno , Sebastião Pedro , Correia Américo
Published: February 2022

Index modulation (IM) has been attracting considerable research efforts in recent years as it is considered a promising technology that can enhance spectral and energy efficiency and help cope with the rising demand of mobile traffic in future wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) suitable for fifth-generation (5G) and beyond systems, where the base stations (BSs) and access points (APs) transmit multidimensional IM symbols, which we refer to as precoding-aided transmitter-side generalized space–frequency IM (PT-GSFIM). The adopted PT-GSFIM approach is an alternative multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) scheme that avoids multiuser interference (MUI) while exploiting the inherent diversity in frequency-selective channels. To validate the potential gains of the proposed PT-GSFIM-based C-RAN, a thorough system-level assessment is presented for three different three-dimensional scenarios taken from standardized 5G New Radio (5G NR), using two different numerologies and frequency ranges. Throughput performance results indicate that the 28 GHz band in spite of its higher bandwidth and higher achieved throughput presents lower spectral efficiency (SE). The 3.5 GHz band having lower bandwidth and lower achieved throughput attains higher SE. Overall, the results indicate that a C-RAN based on the proposed PT-GSFIM scheme clearly outperforms both generalized spatial modulation (GSM) and conventional MU-MIMO, exploiting its additional inherent frequency diversity.
Deep Learning Based Detection of Missing Tooth Regions for Dental Implant Planning in Panoramic Radiographic Images
Authors: Park Jumi , Lee Junseok , Moon Seongyong , Lee Kyoobin
Published: February 2022

Dental implantation is a surgical procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Detecting missing tooth regions is essential for planning dental implant placement. This study proposes an automated method that detects regions of missing teeth in panoramic radiographic images. Tooth instance segmentation is required to accurately detect a missing tooth region in panoramic radiographic images containing obstacles, such as dental appliances or restoration. Therefore, we constructed a dataset that contains 455 panoramic radiographic images and annotations for tooth instance segmentation and missing tooth region detection. First, the segmentation model segments teeth into the panoramic radiographic image and generates teeth masks. Second, a detection model uses the teeth masks as input to predict regions of missing teeth. Finally, the detection model identifies the position and number of missing teeth in the panoramic radiographic image. We achieved 92.14% mean Average Precision (mAP) for tooth instance segmentation and 59.09% mAP for missing tooth regions detection. As a result, this method assists diagnosis by clinicians to detect missing teeth regions for implant placement.
No Association between Jump Parameters and Tissue Stiffness in the Quadriceps and Triceps Surae Muscles in Recreationally Active Young Adult Males
Authors: Konrad Andreas , Paternoster Florian Kurt
Published: February 2022

While the main contributor for drop jump (DJ) performance is the calf muscle–tendon unit (MTU), for countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, it is the quadriceps MTU. However, to date, it is not clear if the muscle and/or tendon stiffness of the respective MTUs can be related to DJ or CMJ performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between DJ and CMJ performance parameters and tissue stiffness (i.e., muscle stiffness, tendon stiffness) of the calf MTU and quadriceps MTU, respectively. Consequently, with 16 healthy volunteers, the tissue stiffness of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) Achilles tendon (AT), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and patellar tendon (PT) were recorded with a Myoton device. Moreover, DJ and CMJ performances were assessed with a force plate. The alpha level was set to 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed no significant association between DJ performance and GM, GL, or AT stiffness (−0.07 to 0.24; p > 0.05). Similarly, no association was found between CMJ performance parameters and VM, VL, RF, or PT stiffness (−0.13–0.36; p > 0.05). According to our results, other variables, such as jump technique, body weight, or strength, were likely play a more important role in DJ and CMJ performance.
Analysis of Erosion Minimization for a Slurry Pump Using Discrete Phase Model Simulations
Authors: Na Seung Jun , Kim Young Shin , Jeon Euy Sik
Published: February 2022

A slurry pump is a device used to transport slurry, which is a mixture of solids and liquids. The slurry pump is subjected to physical erosion, generally resulting from erosion by friction between the solid and liquid particles. This study aimed to analyze the effects of process parameters on the erosion wear of a throat bush, which is the main component of a slurry pump. The erosion rate density (E) was analyzed based on the process parameters, that is, the slurry particle diameter, rotation speed of the impeller, and gap between the impeller and the throat bush. The discrete phase model (DPM) of the slurry pump was simulated using the process parameters. These parameters were optimized to minimize the erosion rate density. The optimization method using design of experiments (DOE) to derive a specific location with the greatest influence of the design variables through the one-way layout method and optimize the response value at that location is a method that efficiently analyzes a large number of cases. The optimization results confirmed that the erosion rate density was reduced in the optimization model compared with the earlier model.
Regulation of Melanocortin-3 and -4 Receptors by Isoforms of Melanocortin-2 Receptor Accessory Protein 1 and 2
Authors: Ji Ren-Lei , Tao Ya-Xiong
Published: February 2022

The neural melanocortin receptors (MCRs), melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R), play essential non-redundant roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Interaction of neural MCRs and melanocortin-2 receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs, MRAP1 and MRAP2) is suggested to play pivotal roles in MC3R and MC4R signaling. In the present study, we identified two new human (h) MRAP2 splice variants, MRAP2b (465 bp open reading frame) and MRAP2c (381 bp open reading frame). Human MRAP2s are different in C-termini. We investigated the effects of five isoforms of MRAPs, hMRAP1a, hMRAP1b, hMRAP2a, hMRAP2b, and hMRAP2c, on MC3R and MC4R pharmacology. At the hMC3R, hMRAP1a and hMRAP2c increased and hMRAP1b decreased the cell surface expression. hMRAP1a increased affinity to ACTH. Four MRAPs (hMRAP1a, hMRAP1b, hMRAP2a, and hMRAP2c) decreased the maximal responses in response to α-MSH and ACTH. For hMC4R, hMRAP1a, hMRAP2a, and hMRAP2c increased the cell surface expression of hMC4R. Human MRAP1b significantly increased affinity to ACTH while MRAP2a decreased affinity to ACTH. Human MRAP1a increased ACTH potency. MRAPs also affected hMC4R basal activities, with hMRAP1s increasing and hMRAP2s decreasing the basal activities. In summary, the newly identified splicing variants, hMRAP2b and hMRAP2c, could regulate MC3R and MC4R pharmacology. The two MRAP1s and three MRAP2s had differential effects on MC3R and MC4R trafficking, binding, and signaling. These findings led to a better understanding of the regulation of neural MCRs by MRAP1s and MRAP2s.
Identification of the Marine Alkaloid Lepadin A as Potential Inducer of Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Nuzzo Genoveffa , Gallo Carmela , Crocetta Fabio , Romano Lucia , Barra Giusi , Senese Giuseppina , dell’Isola Mario , Carbone Dalila , Tanduo Valentina , Albiani Federica , Villani Guido , d’Ippolito Giuliana , Manzo Emiliano , Fontana Angelo
Published: February 2022

Natural products and their synthetic analogs and derivatives are a traditional source of bioactive molecules with potential development as drug candidates. In this context, Marine Natural Products (MNPs) represent a rich reservoir of diverse molecular skeletons with potential pharmacological activity that, so far, has been mostly explored in cancer and infectious diseases. Starting from the development of a novel bioassay-guided screening platform for immunomodulatory compounds from an in-house MNPs library, we report the identification of the alkaloid lepadin A as a new model compound for immune-based anticancer activity with characteristics that suggest a possible mechanism as Immunogenic Cell Death inducer. The work describes the molecular-based bioprospecting in the Gulf of Naples together with the bioassay-guided fractionation, the chemical characterization of the alkaloid, and the biological activity in mouse dendritic cells (D1).
Influence of DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR) System in Survival and Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Olivares-Hernández Alejandro , del Barco Morillo Edel , Parra Pérez Carmen , Miramontes-González José Pablo , Figuero-Pérez Luis , Martín-Gómez Teresa , Escala-Cornejo Roberto , Bellido Hernández Lorena , González Sarmiento Rogelio , Cruz-Hernández Juan Jesús , Ludeña de la Cruz María Dolores
Published: February 2022

Mutations in the mismatch repair (MMR) system predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like colon or gastric cancer. However, the MMR system’s involvement in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. Addressing this issue will improve clinical guidelines in the case of mutations in the main genes of the MMR system (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2). This work retrospectively assessed the role that these gene mutations play in the response to and survival of ICIs in NSCLC. Patients with NSCLC treated with nivolumab as the second-line treatment in the University Hospital of Salamanca were enrolled in this study. Survival and response analyses were performed according to groups of MMR system gene expression (MMR expression present or deficiency) and other subgroups, such as toxicity. There was a statistically significant relationship between the best response obtained and the expression of the MMR system (p = 0.045). The presence of toxicity grade ≥ 3 was associated with the deficiency expression of MMR (dMMR/MSI-H) group (p = 0.022; odds ratio = 10.167, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.669–61.919). A trend towards greater survival and response to ICIs was observed in NSCLC and dMMR. Assessing the genes in the MMR system involved in NSCLC is key to obtaining personalized immunotherapy treatments.
Aripiprazole Offsets Mutant ATXN3-Induced Motor Dysfunction by Targeting Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 1A and 2A Receptors in C. elegans
Authors: Jalles Ana , Vieira Cármen , Pereira-Sousa Joana , Vilasboas-Campos Daniela , Mota Ana Francisca , Vasconcelos Sara , Ferreira-Lomba Bruna , Costa Marta Daniela , Da Silva Jorge Diogo , Maciel Patrícia , Teixeira-Castro Andreia
Published: February 2022

The atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole is a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the treatment of psychotic, mood, and other psychiatric disorders. Previous drug discovery efforts pinpointed aripiprazole as an effective suppressor of Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) pathogenesis, as its administration resulted in a reduced abundance and aggregation of mutant Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins. Dopamine partial agonism and functional selectivity have been proposed as the main pharmacological mechanism of action of aripiprazole in the treatment of psychosis; however, this mechanism remains to be determined in the context of MJD. Here, we focus on confirming the efficacy of aripiprazole to reduce motor dysfunction in vivo, using a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of MJD, and on unveiling the drug targets required for its positive action against mutant ATXN3 pathogenesis. We employed pharmacogenetics and pharmacological approaches to identify which dopamine and serotonin receptors are critical for aripiprazole-mediated improvements in motor function. We demonstrated that dopamine D2-like and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors play important roles in this process. Our findings strengthen the relevance of dopaminergic and serotoninergic signaling modulation against mutant ATXN3-mediated pathogenesis. The identification of aripiprazole’s cellular targets, relevant for MJD and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases, may pave the way for prospective drug discovery and development campaigns aiming to improve the features of this prototypical compound and reduce side effects not negligible in the case of aripiprazole.
Effects of Mind-Body Interventions on Adolescents’ Cooperativeness and Emotional Symptoms
Authors: Feruglio Susanna , Pascut Stefania , Matiz Alessio , Paschetto Andrea , Crescentini Cristiano
Published: February 2022

Background: Mind-body interventions may support the development of adolescents’ self-regulation and provide a protective effect against maladaptive outcomes, e.g., internalizing and externalizing problems. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of mindfulness-oriented meditation training (MOM) and autogenic training (AT) on a group of healthy Italian adolescents’ character dimensions, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Methods: 72 adolescents were randomly assigned to MOM/AT conditions and tested before and after the 8-week trainings through self-report measures (Temperament and Character Inventory 125, TCI; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for Adolescents, SDQ-A). Main analyses involved robust and repeated measures ANOVAs, carried out separately for character TCI and SDQ-A scales. Results: After trainings, we found increased levels of cooperativeness and reduced emotional symptoms. Changes in these dimensions were negatively correlated: the more participants increased in their cooperativeness the greater decrease they showed in emotional symptoms. Conclusion: Both MOM and AT enhanced a cooperative attitude in adolescents and helped reducing their emotional problems. Therefore, it may be useful to apply these mind-body interventions in school settings as they can have a protective effect on the well-being and psychosocial adjustment of youths, through fostering their character maturity and helping them to better regulate their emotions.
Reduced Graphene Oxide—Polycarbonate Electrodes on Different Supports for Symmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Okhay Olena , Bastos Alexandre Cunha , Andreeva Kateryna , Tuukkanen Sampo , Tkach Alexander
Published: February 2022

Electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors or supercapacitors (SCs) are widely studied, as they are needed for the development of energy storage devices in electrical vehicles and flexible electronics. In the current work, a self-supported paper of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with polycarbonate (PC) (as rGO-PC composite) was prepared by simple vacuum filtration and low-temperature annealing. rGO-PC as a freestanding single electrode was studied in a three-electrode system and presented a capacitive energy storage mechanism. To fabricate SCs based on rGO-PC, flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with layers of both Cu tape (Cu tape) and carbon tape (C tape) (PET/Cu/C), as well as PET covered by graphene ink (PET/GrI), were used as supports. Fabricated flexible symmetric SCs have shown similar behavior with a higher areal capacitance value than that on PET/Cu/C substrate.
Evaluation of Catalysts for the Metathesis of Ethene and 2-Butene to Propene
Authors: Felischak Matthias , Wolff Tanya , Alvarado Perea Leo , Seidel-Morgenstern Andreas , Hamel Christof
Published: February 2022

Different metathesis catalysts were evaluated regarding their activity for propene production from ethene and trans-butene feedstocks. Nickel, molybdenum, rhenium and tungsten, along with bimetallic nickel-rhenium systems were applied with commercial supports and self-synthesized MCM-41. For the latter support the Si/Al ratio was adjusted as an additional optimization parameter (Si/Al = 60). Attractive activities were observed using Re and NiRe based catalysts at moderate temperatures of 200–250 °C. In contrast, the tungsten-based catalysts were only active above 450 °C. Three catalysts, namely Re/AlMCM-41(60), NiRe/mix (1:1) and W/SiO2 offered propene selectivity’s exceeding 40% at attractive conversion rates. These catalysts were characterized by BET, powder XRD, NH3-TPD and TPR-TPO-TPR cycles. At specific reaction temperatures, reaction-regeneration cycles were performed, which revealed that for the Re and W catalysts the initial reactant conversions and propene selectivity can be recovered. In contrast, for the NiRe catalyst, a continuous, gradual and irreversible decrease of activity was observed. Even though the tungsten catalyst was operated at the highest temperature, no irreversible decrease in conversion and propene selectivity occurred. Therefore, this catalyst has potential as a promising candidate for the synthesis of propene.
Barriers and Opportunities for Patient-Reported Outcome Implementation: A National Pediatrician Survey in the United States
Authors: Chen Ming , Jones Conor M. , Bauer Hailey E. , Osakwe Onyekachukwu , Ketheeswaran Pavinarmatha , Baker Justin N. , Huang I-Chan
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To characterize pediatricians’ perceived barriers and areas of confidence in assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the U.S., and to test associations of these factors with implementing PRO assessment. Methods: Using a random sample from the members of American Medical Association, we recruited general pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists to complete a survey (July 2011 to December 2013). Perceived barriers and confidence in PRO assessment were compared by age, pediatric specialty (general pediatrics, seven subspecialties), practice settings (academic, private), and region of practice. Multivariable logistic regressions tested associations of demographic factors, barriers, and confidence factors with the implementation of PRO assessment. Findings: The survey was completed by 458 participants (response rate 48.5%); of these, 40.4%, 15.9%, 15.5%, and 8.1% were general pediatricians, cardiology, hematology/oncology, and pulmonary specialists, respectively. PRO assessment was implemented by 29.0% of the pediatricians. The top five barriers for PRO assessment included limited time/manpower (79.0%), limited training (77.4%), lengthy PRO instruments (76%), lack of meaningful cut-offs on PRO scores (75.5%), and unavailable PRO instruments (75.0%). Limited knowledge of PROs (OR 4.10; 95% CI 2.21, 7.60) and unavailability of PRO instruments (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.01, 3.49) increased the odds of not implementing the assessment, whereas confidence in PRO assessments compatible with norms (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.23, 0.72) and perceived benefit over clinical judgment alone (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.31, 0.93) decreased the odds of not implementing the assessment. Interpretation: significant barriers to PRO assessment in pediatric settings suggest the need for providing training, resources, and practical guidance toward implementation. Patient or Public Contribution: healthcare service users contributed to this study by completing a survey and providing feedback about the barriers and areas of confidence in assessing PROs for pediatric populations.
A Simple Population Balance Model for Crystallization of L-Lactide in a Mixture of n-Hexane and Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Phan Thanh Thao , Nguyen Thi Hong No , Phan Minh Vuong
Published: February 2022

In this contribution, crystallization was performed to assess the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth of L-lactide. In most common solvents, this compound shows very high solubility even at low temperatures, which could be challenging for crystallization process design. In the first part of this paper, the anti-solvent effects of n-hexane on solutions of L-lactide in tetrahydrofuran (THF) were investigated through studying the influence of solvent compositions on the solubility. Thanks to these effects, the solubility of the interested compound can be adjusted to desired degrees of supersaturation by adding suitable amounts of the anti-solvent. In the second part, a solvent composition at a mass ratio of 45/55 (n-hexane/THF) was chosen, and an isothermal seeded crystallization process was implemented. The evolution of the particle sizes and changes in the solute concentration profile of this process were monitored. Based on the obtained data, a widely used model, i.e., the population balance equation (PBE), was then utilized to model the crystal size distribution (CSD). Reasonable assumptions were made to reduce the mathematical complexity of the PBE. In the simplified model, only crystal growth and secondary nucleation were considered for model formulation, with assumptions of the size-independent growth rate and negligible size of nuclei. The kinetic parameters were estimated by using the seed and final-time crystal density functions in combination with variations in the concentration of the mother liquor. Indeed, the numerical solution for the one-dimensional problem of the L-lactide crystallization based on the estimated parameters gained a relatively good agreement with the determined CSD. Furthermore, the obtained model also correlated well with the variations in the solute concentration of the mother liquor. In short, this simple approach can be used for predicting the productivity and CSD of the L-lactide crystallization.
Micro-RNAs, the Cornerstones of the Future of Radiobiology in Head and Neck Cancers?
Authors: Mireștean Camil Ciprian , Iancu Roxana Irina , Iancu Dragoș Petru Teodor
Published: February 2022

Even though it is only the 6th most common malignancy at the modal level, head and neck cancers are distinguished by a considerable treatment failure rate, especially by locoregional recurrences, the intrinsic tumor radioresistance being one of the causes of this phenomenon. The efforts of radiobiological research of these cancers are oriented towards the identification of biomarkers associated with radioresistance and radiosensitivity in order to modulate the treatment so that the therapeutic benefit is maximum. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs, miRs), small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules are currently being extensively evaluated as potential biomarkers in numerous diseases, including cancer. The evaluation of the potential of miRNAs to modulate or predict radiosensitivity or radioresistance, to anticipate the risk of recurrence and metastasis, and to differentiate different tumor subtypes is based on multiple mechanisms by which mRNAs control proliferation and apoptosis and interact with cell cycle phases or act as oncogenes with the potential to influence invasion promotion or tumor suppression. A refinement of radiosensitivity based on miRNAs with clinical and radiobiological application in head and neck cancers can lead to a personalization of radiotherapy. Thus, a miRNA signature can anticipate the risk of toxicity associated with chemoradiation, the possibility of obtaining locoregional control after treatment, and the recurrence and distant metastasis risk. The potential of miRNAs as an intrinsic predictor of sensitivity to chemotherapy may also guide the therapeutic decision toward choosing an escalation or de-escalation of concurrent or sequential systemic treatment. The choice of the irradiated dose, the fractional dose, the fractionation scheme, and the refining of the dose-volume constraints depending on the radiosensitivity of each tissue type estimated on a case-by-case basis by miRNAs profile are possible concepts for the future radiotherapy and radiobiology of head and neck cancers.
Added Value of Computed Tomography Virtual Intravascular Endoscopy in the Evaluation of Coronary Arteries with Stents or Plaques
Authors: Wu Patricia Wanping , Tsay Pei-Kwei , Sun Zhonghua , Peng Syu-Jyun , Lee Chia-Yen , Hsu Ming-Yi , Ko Yu-Shien , Hsieh I-Chang , Wen Ming-Shien , Wan Yung-Liang
Published: February 2022

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a widely used imaging modality for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) but is limited by a high false positive rate when evaluating coronary arteries with stents and heavy calcifications. Virtual intravascular endoscopy (VIE) images generated from CCTA can be used to qualitatively assess the vascular lumen and might be helpful for overcoming this challenge. In this study, one hundred subjects with coronary stents underwent both CCTA and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). A total of 902 vessel segments were analyzed using CCTA and VIE. The vessel segments were first analyzed on CCTA alone. Then, using VIE, the segments were classified qualitatively as either negative or positive for in-stent restenosis (ISR) or CAD. These results were compared, using ICA as the reference, to determine the added diagnostic value of VIE. Of the 902 analyzed vessel segments, CCTA/VIE had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (shown in %) of 93.9/90.2, 96.2/98.2, 96.0/97.7, 70.0/83.1, and 99.4/99.0, respectively, in diagnosing ISR or CAD, with significantly improved specificity (p = 0.025), accuracy (p = 0.046), and positive predictive value (p = 0.047). VIE can be a helpful addition to CCTA when evaluating coronary arteries.
Roles of Proliferation and Angiogenesis in Locally Aggressive Biologic Behavior of Ameloblastoma versus Ameloblastic Fibroma
Authors: Ibrahim Amr , Alqalshy Emad , Abdel-Hafiz Ahmed Abdel-Shakour , El-Rahman Kamal Abd , Alazzazi Magdy
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: The present study was carried out to evaluate the roles of proliferation and angiogenesis in locally aggressive biologic behavior of ameloblastoma versus ameloblastic fibroma; (2) Methods: 30 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks (15 cases of ameloblastoma and 15 cases of ameloblastic fibroma) were used. To evaluate the proliferation, the tissue sections were stained with an AgNORs stain. CD105 was used as an immunohistochemical marker of angiogenesis. Quantitative evaluations of AgNORs were performed. The mean vascular density was evaluated as a measure for CD105 protein expression by using image analyzer computer system; (3) Results: The mean number of AgNORs dots per nucleus was significantly higher in ameloblastoma as compared to ameloblastic fibroma. Additionally, the protein level of CD105 showed positive expression and wide distribution that the mean vascular density was significantly higher in ameloblastoma as compared to ameloblastic fibroma; (4) Conclusion: Quantitative evaluation of the AgNORs stain and the mean vascular density utilizing CD105 protein expression may reflect a higher proliferative activity and a more locally aggressive biologic behavior of ameloblastoma when compared to ameloblastic fibroma, indicating that other factors may be involved in biologic behavior of ameloblastic fibroma.
Associations between Longitudinal Gestational Weight Gain and Scalar Infant Birth Weight: A Bayesian Joint Modeling Approach
Authors: Pietrosanu Matthew , Kong Linglong , Yuan Yan , Bell Rhonda C. , Letourneau Nicole , Jiang Bei
Published: February 2022

Despite the importance of maternal gestational weight gain, it is not yet conclusively understood how weight gain during different stages of pregnancy influences health outcomes for either mother or child. We partially attribute this to differences in and the validity of statistical methods for the analysis of longitudinal and scalar outcome data. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian joint regression model that estimates and uses trajectory parameters as predictors of a scalar response. Our model remedies notable issues with traditional linear regression approaches found in the clinical literature. In particular, our methodology accommodates nonprospective designs by correcting for bias in self-reported prestudy measures; truly accommodates sparse longitudinal observations and short-term variation without data aggregation or precomputation; and is more robust to the choice of model changepoints. We demonstrate these advantages through a real-world application to the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) dataset and a comparison to a linear regression approach from the clinical literature. Our methods extend naturally to other maternal and infant outcomes as well as to areas of research that employ similarly structured data.
Mutual Information in Conjugate Spaces for Neutral Atoms and Ions
Authors: Angulo Juan Carlos , López-Rosa Sheila
Published: February 2022

The discrepancy among one-electron and two-electron densities for diverse N-electron atomss, enclosing neutral systems (with nuclear charge Z=N) and charge-one ions (|N−Z|=1), is quantified by means of mutual information, I, and Quantum Similarity Index, QSI, in the conjugate spaces position/momentum. These differences can be interpreted as a measure of the electron correlation of the system. The analysis is carried out by considering systems with a nuclear charge up to Z=103 and singly charged ions (cations and anions) as far as N=54. The interelectronic correlation, for any given system, is quantified through the comparison of its double-variable electron pair density and the product of the respective one-particle densities. An in-depth study along the Periodic Table reveals the importance, far beyond the weight of the systems considered, of their shell structure.
Energy Efficiency of User-Centric, Cell-Free Massive MIMO-OFDM with Instantaneous CSI
Authors: Han Tongzhou , Zhao Danfeng
Published: February 2022

In the user-centric, cell-free, massive multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, a large number of deployed access points (APs) serve user equipment (UEs) simultaneously, using the same time–frequency resources, and the system is able to ensure fairness between each user; moreover, it is robust against fading caused by multi-path propagation. Existing studies assume that cell-free, massive MIMO is channel-hardened, the same as centralized massive MIMO, and these studies address power allocation and energy efficiency optimization based on the statistics information of each channel. In cell-free, massive MIMO systems, especially APs with only one antenna, the channel statistics information is not a complete substitute for the instantaneous channel state information (CSI) obtained via channel estimation. In this paper, we propose that energy efficiency is optimized by power allocation with instantaneous CSI in the user-centric, cell-free, massive MIMO-OFDM system, and we consider the effect of CSI exchanging between APs and the central processing unit. In addition, we design different resource block allocation schemes, so that user-centric, cell-free, massive MIMO-OFDM can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) for high-speed communication and massive machine communication (mMTC) for massive device communication. The numerical results verify that the proposed energy efficiency optimization scheme, based on instantaneous CSI, outperforms the one with statistical information in both scenarios.