bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Impairment and Associated Factors in Middle-aged and Elderly Individuals in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Cui Can , Zhai Yujia , Yu Tianyun , Zhang Shan , Su Zengfeng
Published: July 2023

Background The prevalence rate of CI among middle-aged and elderly individuals in Anhui Province was 12.6%. Female sex, elderly age, family history, low educational status, current smoking status, sleep disorders, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes were shown to be risk factors for CI, while exercise was shown to be a protective factor.
Methods From May to June 2022, a multistage, stratified cluster-sampling method was used to select 3200 middle-aged and elderly people over 45 years old in Anhui Province for a questionnaire survey, and the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function. SPSS 25.0 was used for univariate and multivariate analyses, and R software was used to establish and validate the nomogram.
Results A total of 3059 valid questionnaires were included, of which 384 were from participants who were diagnosed with CI, and the prevalence rate was 12.6%. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that female sex, advanced age, family history, etc., were closely related to the occurrence of CI. The AUC values in the modeling and validation groups were 0.845 (95% CI: 0.822-0.868) and 0.868 (95% CI: 0.835-0.902), respectively, indicating that the predictive ability of the model was good. The Hosmer‒Lemeshow test suggested that the model had good goodness-of-fit, and the decision-curve evaluation nomogram had a high benefit within the threshold, which had a certain clinical importance.
Cross inoculation study using the potential yeast strains isolated from starter cakes of traditional rice beer and different indigenous rice varieties of Tripura
Authors: Nath Nandita , Sharma Bipin Kumar
Published: July 2023

Tripura is a small hilly state of Northeast India, inhabited by several ethnic tribes having the tradition of preparation and consumption of traditional rice beer. The present study aimed to isolate and identify the potential yeast strains from starter culture cakes of different rice beers of Tripura and evaluate its fermentation ability by cross inoculation study with traditional rice varieties of this region. The yeast species were studied using culture-dependent methods, and they were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomycopsis fibuligera, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus. This identification was further supported by molecular analysis utilising partial 5.8S-ITS gene sequencing. To determine the most effective mixture for alcohol production, three traditional rice varieties—Tipra Binni, Kali Khasa, and Mula Sail and five potential yeast isolates were used in a cross-inoculation investigation. According to the findings of this study, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NN/BKS/R4) and Tripra Binni have the highest prospect for producing alcohol. Additionally, it was also determined that using traditional rice varieties on a larger scale will enhance the quality of traditional beer and provide ample opportunity for scientific advancement for social acceptance and commercialization.
Assessment of the health risks associated with the consumption of bivalve molluscs potentially contaminated with phycotoxins, from a coastal ecosystem, the Ebrié lagoon, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Mel Hayo Vianney , Ouffoué Koffi Sébastien , Bamba Kafoumba , Diabagaté Dangui , Kouadio Olivier
Published: July 2023

This work focuses on the assessment of the risk associated with the consumption of bivalve molluscs, potentially contaminated with phycotoxins. The studied phycotoxins are saxitoxin (STX), okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins (DTX), yessotoxins (YTX), pectenotoxins (PTX), azaspiracids (AZA) and domoic acid (AD). They were sought in three species of bivalve molluscs (Anadara senilis, Crassostrea gasar and Perna perna), originating from the Ebrié lagoon. The quantifications were carried out by chromatography. The concentrations of OA and DTX, STX and AD were, respectively, 4.2 µg/kg; 9.6 µg/kg and 0.17 mg/kg. That of PTX, AZA and YTX were 3.3 µg/kg, respectively; 3.3 µg/kg and 0.003 mg/kg. The daily dose exposure DDE was 0.007 µg/kg bw for OA and DTX; 0.029 mg/kg bw for AD; 0.006 µg/kg bw for PTX; 0.017µg/kg bw for STX; 0.005 µg/kg bw for YTX and 0.006 µg/kg bw for AZA for the Crassostrea gasar oyster. These estimated values are lower than the acute reference doses (ARfD) of each phycotoxin promulgated by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA). The risk of harmful effects is acceptable for the coastal populations, therefore a fortiori for the Ivorian population.
An extramedullary bone model to study metastatic dormancy reveals a piecemeal model for metastatic reactivation.
Authors: Malanchi Ilaria , Blasio Stefania Di , Rizou Tatiana , Gay Laurie , Rabas Nicolas , Chakravarty Probir , Snoeks Thomas , Karoutas Adam , Rodrigues Felipe , Bridgeman Victoria , Fan Xuanxuan , Bonnet Dominique , Abarrategi Ander
Published: July 2023

Metastatic relapse can occur months to years after the cancer is first diagnosed, and it relies on the reactivation of disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) that have lied dormant in secondary organs. The acquisition and maintenance of a dormancy phenotype are tightly regulated by the interaction of DTCs with their microenvironment. In the bone, the dormant program activated in metastatic competent cells and how their reactivation is induced are largely unknown. We here present a strategy to engineer a mouse-to-mouse extramedullary (EM) bone, which faithfully recapitulates endogenous bone and that can induce the acquisition of dormancy in highly metastatic breast cancer cells. By characterising the dormant state of metastatic cells, we found that they persist in two distinct transcriptional states: a more abundant quiescent and a less abundant proliferative state. The local environment influences the ratio between the two states. We found that an inflammatory mediator expressed by neutrophils progenitors, HMGB2, can contribute to nudging DTCs into an increased proliferation. Indeed, waves of emergency granulopoiesis expanding the neutrophils pool caused by inflammatory events such as intestinal colitis, expanded the proliferative pool of DTCs without resulting in a direct outgrowth. However, these events, progressively augmented the amount of DTCs in the bone, increasing the chance of overt metastasis. Therefore, this study proposes a piecemeal model of metastatic reactivation, where subsequent inflammatory events challenging the bone environment progressively increase the likelihood of outgrowth over time as opposed to a sudden switch from dormancy to metastasis.
Artificial intelligence reveals human biases in sustainability research
Authors: Varelas Panagiotis , Larosa Francesca , Hoyas Sergio , Conejero J. Alberto , Contino Francesco , Fuso-Nerini Francesco , García-Martínez Javier , Garibo-i-Orts Òscar , Parente Alessandro , Vinuesa Ricardo
Published: July 2023

To achieve sustainability, it is essential that all sustainable development goals (SDGs) receive adequate funding and that their interlinkages are supported in proposals. We use an artificial-intelligence-based approach to survey funding proposals in the European Union and the United States. We reveal that while some SDGs are widely covered by research projects, others receive less attention. Furthermore, we uncover persistent gender imbalances of the main applicant across almost all SDGs.
Leveraging Established Machine Learning Methodology to Tackle Viral Infections in Emergency Departments: A Retrospective Analysis using Hemocytometric Data to detect SARS-CoV-2
Authors: CURIER R. Lyana , Brouwer Calvin , wardak Hilda , Twist Daan van , Bromuri Stefano , Martens Remy , Leers Mathie
Published: July 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare system faced significant strain. This study aimed to achieve two objectives: developing a machine learning model using only haemocytometric data to accurately identify COVID-19 positive patients in Emergency Departments (EDs) and empowering non-technical healthcare professionals to assess model performance and make informed decisions about implementing machine learning models in healthcare settings. This study utilized data from suspected COVID-19 admissions at Zuyderland Medical Center and employed principal component analysis, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, followed by Random Forest to build and evaluate the prediction model. Model validation was conducted using a separate dataset. The resulting model, based on 14 haemocytometric parameters, achieved an overall weighted accuracy of 0.88, with specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of 0.93, 0.78, 0.86, and 0.89, respectively. Concentrations of highly fluorescent lymphocytes, basophils, and eosinophils had the most significant impact on the model's output. This study demonstrates the potential of a well-trained machine learning model to predict COVID-19 infection within one hour using easily accessible laboratory data. Implementing this model in Emergency Departments could provide valuable support and alleviate staff workload.
Can we support mourning older adults in their grief process with an e-mental health intervention?
Authors: Hurmuz Marian Z. M. , Brandl Lena , Siderakis Eva , Schokking Lotte , Jacinto Sofia , Verdam Mandy , Jansen-Kosterink Stephanie M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose
To ensure a sustainable and safe implementation of e-mental health interventions for mourning older adults, we need to know how these interventions are used and whether the target group accepts them. Consequently, this research investigates the user experience of an e-mental health intervention supporting mourning older adults, called LEAVES.
Methods
We conducted a crossover pilot study in the Netherlands among older adults who lost their spouse: one group started with using the e-mental health intervention, the other group started with a waiting period and then used the e-mental health intervention. For both groups, a follow-up period was scheduled after using the intervention. Participants completed several questionnaires during the study and were invited to join a focus group session.
Results
We started with a total of 96 older adults: 45 in the intervention group and 51 in the waitlist group. The mean age of the total group was 67.9 (SD = 8.5) years old and the group consisted of slightly more females (52.1%). Participants used LEAVES on average around five times during the ten week period. The participants had positive attitudes towards their experience with LEAVES, and on an individual level we noticed that for the majority LEAVES was helpful in decreasing their grief symptoms, depression or loneliness.
Conclusions
Implementing an e-mental health intervention for supporting older adults while processing the loss of their spouse is promising. In our paper, we propose several recommendations for future e-mental health interventions which are important to take into account to ensure their sustainable implementation.
CYP5122A1 encodes an essential sterol C4-methyl oxidase in Leishmania donovani and determines the antileishmanial activity of antifungal azoles
Authors: Wang Michael , Jin Yiru , Basu Somrita , Feng Mei , Ning Yu , Munasinghe Indeewara , Joachim Arline , Li Junan , Madden Robert , Burks Hannah , Gao Philip , Perera Chamani , Werbovetz Karl , Zhang Kai
Published: July 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania donovani, is a life-threatening parasitic disease, but current antileishmanial drugs are limited and have severe drawbacks. There have been efforts to repurpose antifungal azole drugs for the treatment of Leishmania infection. Antifungal azoles are known to potently inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 51 enzymes which are responsible for removing the C14α-methyl group of lanosterol, a key step in ergosterol biosynthesis in Leishmania. However, they exhibit varying degrees of antileishmanial activities in culture, suggesting the existence of unrecognized molecular targets for these compounds. Our previous study reveals that, in Leishmania, lanosterol undergoes parallel C4- and C14-demethylation reactions to form 4α,14α-dimethylzymosterol and T-MAS, respectively. In the current study, CYP5122A1 is identified as a sterol C4-methyl oxidase that catalyzes the sequential oxidation of lanosterol to form C4-oxidation metabolites. CYP5122A1 is essential for both L. donovani promastigotes in culture and intracellular amastigotes in infected mice. Overexpression of CYP5122A1 results in growth delay, differentiation defects, increased tolerance to stress, and altered expression of lipophosphoglycan and proteophosphoglycan. CYP5122A1 also helps to determine the antileishmanial effect of antifungal azoles in vitro. Dual inhibitors of CYP51 and CYP5122A1, e.g., clotrimazole and posaconazole, possess superior antileishmanial activity against L. donovani promastigotes whereas CYP51-selective inhibitors, e.g., fluconazole and voriconazole, have little effect on promastigote growth. Our findings uncover the critical biochemical and biological role of CYP5122A1 in L. donovani and provide an important foundation for developing new antileishmanial drugs by targeting both CYP enzymes.
Bright and stable monomeric fluorescent proteins derived from StayGold
Authors: Piatkevich Kiryl , Lesnov Gleb , Zhang Hanbin , Subach Oksana , Vlaskina Anna , Samygina Valeriya , Nikolaeva Alena , Gabdulkhakov Azat , Qin Wenming , Borshchevskiy Valentin , Perfilov Maxim , Mishin Alexander , Subach Fedor
Published: July 2023

High brightness and photostability of StayGold make it a particularly attractive probe for long-term live cell imaging. However, its dimeric nature precludes its application as a fluorescent tag for proteins. Here, we report the development and X-ray structures of a monomeric variant of StayGold (mStayGold), which preserves the beneficial properties of its precursor while serving as a tag for structural proteins and membranes. We compare mStayGold to other state-of-art GFPs and utilize it for super-resolution long-term live cell imaging.
Essential oil production, chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Thymus vulgaris as affected by harvesting season and drying conditions
Authors: Tohidi-Nejad Zahra , Khajoei-Nejad Gholamreza , Tohidi-Nejad Enayatollah , Ghanbari Jalal
Published: July 2023

In this study, the effects of seven distinct drying methods (sun, shade, freeze-drying [FD], oven drying at 40°C [OV40] and 70°C [OV70], and microwave 360 W [MW360] and 720 W [MW720]) were assessed in two harvesting seasons (spring and autumn) on the essential oil (EO) content, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and volatile compounds of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The analysis of essential oils facilitated the identification of numerous compounds, 18 of which accounted for approximately 67.84–64.94% of the total thyme EO compounds. Six significant compounds were investigated, including thymol, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, carvacrol, linalool, and borneol. The results demonstrated that the thyme samples harvested in spring possessed higher amounts of γ-terpinene, thymol, carvacrol, EO content, and TFC, while samples harvested in autumn exhibited the highest amounts of borneol, p-cymene, TPC, and higher antioxidant activity. Principal component analysis (PCA) findings revealed that thyme samples harvested in spring, dried in the sun, shade, and FD conditions were rich in EO content, γ-terpinene and samples dried in MW720, OV40, and FD conditions possessed the highest amounts of thymol, carvacrol, and TFC. Drying the samples under MW360, OV40, and FD indicated significantly higher TPC and linalool. Drying the autumn-harvested samples under the sun and shade also exhibited higher linalool and TFC than other methods. Overall, the results conclusively indicated that the harvesting season and drying conditions significantly affected bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and EO production and quality.
Occult Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Lichenoid Dermatitis of the Glans Penis: a Potentially Life Threatning Entity Identified by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Alomary Simona , Shah Rohan , Bova Emma , Swearingen Alyssa , Schwartz Robert , Lambert W. Clark
Published: July 2023

We have recently reported a series of three cases initially diagnosed histopathologically as lichenoid dermatitis subsequently revealed to be occult squamous cell carcinoma using immunohistochemistry. We now report a fourth case in the glans penis.
Development of gene-based InDel markers on putative drought stress responsive genes and genetic diversity of durian (Durio zibethinus)
Authors: Sathapondecha Ponsit , Suksri Phassorn , Nuanpirom Jirathchaya , Nakkanong Korakot , Nualsri Charassri , Whankaew Sukhuman
Published: July 2023

Insertion-deletion (InDel) markers are co-dominant, relatively abundant and practical for agarose gel genotyping. InDel polymorphism usually affects gene functions. Nucleotide sequences of durian (Durio zibethinus) are available, but InDel makers have not been well established. This study aimed to develop drought-related gene-based InDel markers for durian through bioinformatic analysis of RNA-Seq datasets. The polymorphism of the markers was verified in 24 durian genotypes local to Thailand. Bioinformatic analysis indicated 497 InDel loci having lengths more than 9 bp. To evaluate these InDel markers, 15 InDel loci were selected. Nine markers were successfully amplified a clear polymorphic band pattern on 2% agarose gel. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of these nine markers ranged from 0.1103 to 0.5808. The genetic distance between the 24 genotypes ranged from 0.222 to 0.889. The phylogeny based on the nine InDel loci distinguished the 24 genotypes, and divided samples into four groups. This set of gene-based InDel markers on putative drought responsive genes will be useful for genetic studies.
Analysis of the Brucella melitensis epidemic in Xinjiang: Genotyping, polymorphism, antibiotic resistance and tracing
Authors: Yang Xiaowen , Liu Yan , Li Na , Peng Xiaowei , Zhang Yinghui , Zhang Xiaoqian , Liang Lin , Bian Zengjie , Jiang Hui , Ding Jiabo
Published: July 2023

Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular pathogens that cause the zoonosis- brucellosis worldwide. There has been a trend of the re-emergence of brucellosis worldwide in recent years. Xinjiang is located in northwestern China and in the hinterland of the Eurasian continent. The epidemic situation of brucellosis is serious in Xinjiang. To analyze the epidemic situation of Brucella spp. in Xinjiang among humans and animals, this study used 16S rRNA amplification to identify 144 isolates of Brucella and their biovars. MLVA, drug resistance testing, and wgSNP detection were also performed. At the same time, analysis based on the published data of Brucella isolates worldwide was conducted. The results showed that the dominant species was B. melitensis biovar 3 and the correlation among isolates was high, whether in humans or animals. Since 2010, the polymorphism of isolates in Xinjiang has been increasing each year. No reported amikacin/kanamycin-resistant strains were found, but 6 rifampicin-intermediate isolates were found without rpoB gene variation. The NJ tree of the wgSNP results indicated that there were three main complexes of the B. melitensis epidemic in Xinjiang. In conclusion, the dominant Brucella species has greatest genetic variation in Xinjiang than other location in China, and the rifampicin-resistant trend has been existed in Xinjiang. This study analyzes the prevalence, genotyping, diversity, drug resistance, and tracing of B. melitensis in Xinjiang. The results provide basic data for the prevention and control of brucellosis in Xinjiang and China.
Design Miniaturized Millimeter-Wave Butterworth Bandpass Filters in 0.13-µm BiCMOS Technology for 5G Wireless Applications
Authors: Mousa Marwa E. , Abdullah Haythem H. , El-Soud M. El din Abo , Yakout Mohamed A.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a design methodology for a miniaturized millimeter-wave bandpass filter (BPF) on-chip is presented. The introduced method is based on quasi-lumped elements, which consist of a resonator with a meander transmission line and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors. In this technique, the conventional large-size coil is replaced by a compact transmission line and MIM capacitor, where the filter is equivalent to the large coil and the associated capacitors. Four implementations of simplified LC-equivalent circuit layouts are carried out in order to fully explain the introduced technique. The four introduced designs are first-order Butterworth BPF, second-order Butterworth BPF, third-order Butterworth BPF, and fourth-order Butterworth BPF. All these four designs are simulated in 0.13-µm BiCMOS technology. Each of the first design BPF and the second BPF has one meander line and MIM capacitors (one capacitor in first design and two capacitors in second design). The simulation results for the first design BPF show an insertion loss of 2.3 dB at the frequency center of 54.2 GHz of this filter, and the return loss range from 10 dB to 28.3 dB in the band of frequencies of 48.9 to 58.9 GHz. The chip size of the first design BPF is 0.055 × 0.074 mm2. The simulation results for the second design BPF show an insertion loss of 2.37 dB at the frequency center of 47.5 GHz of this filter, and the return loss range from 10 dB to 23 dB in the band of frequencies of 44 to 53 GHz. The chip size of the second design BPF is 0.092 × 0.074 mm2. The third design BPF and the fourth design BPF include two meander lines and MIM capacitors (three capacitors in third design and four capacitors in fourth design), which has a very low insertion loss of 1.19 dB at the frequency center of 49 GHz. The return loss ranges from 10 dB to 45.3 dB at frequencies 41 GHz to 59 GHz. The chip size of the third design BPF is 0.098 × 0.19 mm2. The simulated results for the fourth-design BPF show an insertion loss of 1.25 dB at the center frequency of 50 GHz, and the return loss ranges from 10 dB to 50 dB at frequencies from 43 GHz to 58 GHz. The chip size of the fourth BPF is 0.098 × 0.25 mm2. The bandwidth range for each of the four designs is 48.2 GHz to 59.3 GHz for the first BPF, 44 GHz to 53 GHz for the second BPF, 35 GHz to 65 GHz for the third BPF, and 38.5 GHz to 64 GHz for the fourth BPF.
High restriction pressure can compromisse adherence of practitioners to blood flow restriction training
Authors: de Oliveira Roque Santos , Fernandes Rodrigo Volga , Dias-Junior Gessé C. , Alves Augusto V. , Silva-Soares Vitor D.B. , Gomes Rayff H. O.
Published: July 2023

Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) has been shown to be an effective method for increasing strength and muscle size like high-load exercise (HL); however, perceptual and affective responses to LL-BFR with different arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) have rarely been investigated. The study aimed to investigate the effects of manipulation of restriction pressure with LL-BFR on psychophysiological responses and to compare with HL. Twenty-two resistance-trained men performed LL-BFR at 20% 1RM with 40% (20/40), 80% (20/80) and 120% (20/120) AOP and 70% 1RM in a crossover design. Participants performed 20/40, 20/80 and 20/120 protocols in four sets of 15 repetitions of unilateral elbow flexion exercise, with 1-min rest, with a pressure cuff placed around the proximal region of the dominant arm, while 70/0 was performed in four sets of 10 repetitions, with 90 s rest. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived pain (PP) were assessed at the end of each set, while perceived affect (PA) was assessed immediately after the exercise session. The RPE in 70/0 (ES: 1.6) was significantly higher than all protocols in the first set (p<.0001) and similar to 20/120 in the 2, 3, and 4 sets (ES: 5.4) (p>0.05). RPE increased dose‒response with BFR: 20/40 ES: 1.2, and 20/80 ES: 1.9 (p<.0001). Protocols 20/120 and 20/80 significantly induced greater PP and lower PA compared to the 20/40 and 70/0 protocols (p<.0001). Higher levels of restriction pressure promote a greater sensation of pain and exertion, which can impair adherence for new participants. Keywords:
First report of damping-off caused by Pythium aphanidermatum in the seedlings of wax gourd grown in the seedling period
Authors: Miyake Noriyuki , Matsusaki Masashi , Yasuda Hiroko , Kubota Yoshimasa , Kouno Tsuneyoshi , Otake Takamasa
Published: July 2023

In February 2023, seedlings of wax gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.) developed water-soaked rot on hypocotyls in the seedling period in Japan. The diseased seedlings eventually displayed damping-off. A Pythium sp. was isolated from the hypocotyls and was identified as Pythium aphanidermatum based on the morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacers region of DNA sequences. The same symptoms were observed when seedlings were inoculated with the isolated fungus. Moreover, the same fungus was reisolated from the damping-off seedlings. This is the first report of damping-off in wax gourd seedlings caused by P. aphanidermatum during the seedling period in Japan.
The City as a Metaphor for Order: The Prohibition on the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages at Night as a Means of Purifying Public Space
Authors: Vukićević Jelena
Published: July 2023

This paper discusses a segment of a study that took place between 2012 and 2015, which examined the then-existing ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in commercial establishments at night in several Serbian cities, including Belgrade, Kragujevac, Novi Sad, Šabac, and Zrenjanin. The research also looked at how the media represented the ban from 2006 to 2013 and analysed data obtained through a questionnaire completed by 22 individuals from Belgrade in 2023.

The study examined various aspects of the ban, including its role in the context of spatial power operation, which is discussed in this paper. The researcher began with the assumption that the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at night in commercial establishments could be interpreted as a way of purifying public space, through which one social group establishes dominance over others in society by controlling public space. This is achieved not only by excluding members of specific social groups from the specified place, but also by excluding socially inappropriate practices deemed typical for those groups. The ultimate goal is to organise public space so that it reflects dominant societal values and achieves dominance for the group that tends to represent those values.

The restriction was seen to be targeted at preventing members of the lower classes and young people, as members of the aforementioned classes, from occupying public space. It also had the broader aim of prohibiting the purchase and problematic use of alcoholic beverages late at night, a practice identified in the aforementioned socioeconomic strata, where it was perceived as a possible source of disruption, violence, and a threat to upper-class citizens. The decision was an attempt to increase the safety of the higher classes by limiting the ability of members of the lower classes and youth to purchase alcoholic beverages at night, as well as through spatial segregation. Although not explicitly stated, one of the effects sought by this decision was the prohibition of alcohol consumption in public places among the aforementioned social groups.

The purpose was to instil a sense of security in the community and to project an image of moral order in society. It represented a mechanism for the higher classes to assert their authority in society and to establish their class identity by spatially separating themselves from the classes with which they were placed in a relationship of opposition. Thus, public space was created to reflect the values advocated by upper-class citizens, such as order, self-control, moderation, and decency, which aided their dominance in society.
Correlation between Si-Al disorder and hydrogen-bonding distance variation in ussingite (Na2AlSi3O8OH) revealed by one- and two-dimensional multi-nuclear NMR and first-principles calculation
Authors: Xue Xianyu , Kanzaki Masami
Published: July 2023

Ussingite (Na2AlSi3O8OH) is a mineral with a unique interrupted framework structure and strong hydrogen bonding. It contains 4-, 6-, and 8-membered tetrahedral rings resembling feldspars, but, unlike the latter, is partially depolymerized. There are four crystallographically distinct tetrahedral (T) sites, two of which (T1, T2) are Q4 [i.e., having 4 next nearest neighbor (NNN) T sites], and the other two (T3, T4) are Q3 (i.e., having 3 NNN T sites), each with NNN (in brackets) of T1(1T2, 1T3, 2T4), T2(1T1, 2T3, 1T4), T3(1T1, 2T2), and T4(2T1, 1T2). There is one unique OH site in the T4-O8-H···O2-T3 configuration, where O8 and O2 are nonbridging O atoms (NBO). In the ordered structure, T1 is fully occupied by Al, and the other three T sites by Si. Previous X-ray and neutron diffraction and 1H and 29Si NMR studies gave contradictory conclusions regarding Si-Al disorder. In this study, we were able to unambiguously clarify the issue via comprehensive one- and two-dimensional 1H, 29Si, 27Al, and 23Na NMR and first-principles calculation. It was revealed that there is ~3% Si-Al disorder that occurs between neighboring T1-(O)-T2 sites, such that the formation of Al-O-Al linkage and Al(Q3) are avoided. The disorder was found to result in the development of Si(Q3) sites with various NNN, including 3Al and 3Si, and neighboring OH sites having significantly shorter and longer hydrogen-bonding distances than in the ordered structure, with 1H chemical shifts near 15~16 ppm and 11 ppm, in addition to a main peak near 13.9 ppm. Good correlation was found between 1H chemical shift, hydrogen-bonding (O-H, H···O, and O···O) distances, and Si-O distances in the Si-O-H···O-Si linkage. This suggests that Si-Al disorder is correlated with variation in hydrogen-bonding distances via through-bond transmission of bond valence variations. This could be a universal phenomenon also applicable to other hydrous minerals. The revelation of preferential partition of Al in Q4 over Q3 sites to avoid the formation of Al-OH and Al-NBO provides insight into their behavior in other partially depolymerized hydrous aluminosilicate systems, such as glasses and melts.
Study of traffic-related pollution and its treatment with a particular focus on microplastics in tunnel wash and road runoff water
Authors: Rathnaweera Subhash S. , Vik Eilen A. , Manamperuma Lelum D. , Åstebøl Svein Ole , Vollertsen Jes , Heier Lene S. , Kronvall Kjersti W.
Published: July 2023

Treatment of tunnel wash runoff water and road runoff water before it reaches the environment is recommended to limit the negative consequences of traffic-related pollution. The efficiency of existing water treatment systems to remove traffic-related microplastic (MP) has not been sufficiently documented. Expanding the knowledge about traffic-related MP and documenting the treatment efficiency of MP in road tunnel wash water (TWW) and road runoff (RRW) treatment systems were the objectives of the presented project. TWW from the Tåsen tunnel, Norway, and RRW from the Fossbekken sedimentation pond were investigated in summer and winter situations. Six commonly available polymer types, tire rubber tread particles (TRP), and road marking paints (RMP) were analyzed in the selected samples. About 0.12 and 0.26 μg/L of polymers were identified in winter and summer TWWs. Significantly higher tire rubber and road marking paint concentrations were identified in the winter sample compared to summer sample. Suspended particle concentration in the Fossbekken RRW treatment pond effluent was lower in the summer than in the winter sample. About 0.002 and 0.0008 μg/L polymer masses were identified in winter and summer samples, respectively. TRP in the winter and summer samples were 0.7 and 0.2 μg7/L, and 13.4 μg/L RMP was found in the winter sample, while it was only 0.008 μg/L in the summer sample.
Application of hydraulic modelling and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for cloudburst management in cities with combined sewer systems
Authors: Jørgensen Claus , Domingo Nina D. Sto. , Tomicic Berislav , Jørgensen Morten E. , Hansen Lisbeth Truelstrup , Petersen Heidi Huus , Clauson-Kaas Jes
Published: July 2023

Urban cloudburst management may include the intentional temporary storage of flood water in green recreational areas. In cities with combined sewers, this will expose the population visiting the area to sewage and increase the risk of diarrhoeal disease. We present a unique approach to estimate the risk of diarrhoeal disease after urban flooding. The exposure scenario was: rainwater mixed with sewage flows into a park; sewage with pathogens deposit on the grass; after discharge, a baby plays on the grass and is exposed to the pathogens in the deposited sewage by hand-to-mouth transfer. The work included modelling the transport of sewage into four parks intended to be flooded during future cloudbursts. A flood simulation experiment was conducted to estimate the deposition of pathogens from sewage to grass and transfer from grass to hand. Hand-to-mouth transfer, based on literature values, was used to estimate the ingested dose of pathogens. The probability of illness was estimated by QMRA. The estimated average probability of illness varied between 0.03 and 17%. If the probability of illness is considered unacceptable, the cloudburst plans should be changed, or interventions, e.g. informing the public about the risk or restricting access to the flooded area, should be implemented.
The Effects of Lycopene and Tomato Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
in Adults: A Grade Assessment Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zamani Mohammad , Behmanesh Nia Farimah , Ghaedi Kimia , Mohammadpour Saba , Amirani Niusha , Goudarzi Kian , Kolbadi Kosar Sadat Hosseini , Ghanavati Matin , Ashtary-larky Damoon
Published: July 2023

Background:

In recent times, modifying dietary habits to control cardiovascular risk factors has
gained significant attention. However, previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the effects of
lycopene and tomato consumption on cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of consuming lycopene and tomatoes on various
cardiovascular risks factors such as lipid profile, glycemic control markers, blood pressure, inflammation, oxidative
stress, and body weight.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was carried out using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of
Science, and Scopus, up to November 2022 to identify eligible Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) evaluating
the effect of lycopene and tomato consumption on cardiovascular risk factors. Heterogeneity tests of the selected
trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity
tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval
(CI).

Results:

Out of 27,438 records initially identified, a total of 34 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included
in this meta-analysis. The results showed that lycopene consumption was associated with a significant
reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating a potential benefit in reducing oxidative stress. However,
lycopene and tomato consumption did not have significant effects on other cardiovascular risk factors such
as triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure
(DBP), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis
factor α (TNF-α), body weight, and body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion:

Overall, the findings showed that lycopene and tomato consumption did not affect cardiovascular
risk factors. However, lycopene supplementation may result in a significant improvement in MDA levels. With
the view to confirming these results, further studies with long-term duration and different doses are needed.
A Review on Nanosponges: An Idiosyncratic Approach for Delivery of
Proactive Molecules
Authors: Attri Meenakshi , Raghav Asha , Rao Komal , Pandey Parijat , Minocha Neha
Published: July 2023

Background:

A lot of work has been done by many researchers to develop a system that is
targeted at a specific site. Nanosponges are one of the systems that serve this purpose and have several
advantages over other methods.

Objective:

The article’s strategy is to provide access to data regarding the nanosponges system, including
its preparation, evaluation, and advantages in various fields, such as the transportation of proteins,
vaccines, biocatalysts, and drugs with enhanced bioavailability. Nanosponges also contribute
significantly to the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, fungal infection, water treatment, and topical
application than other approaches.

Method:

Nanosponges contain a solid, porous system in which hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs are
loaded at their core in the nanocavity. All the information provided in this article was collected after
analysing various reports on nanosponges available on Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science,
and Science Direct. It is concluded that the nanosponges have excellent aqueous solubility properties.
Therefore, they can be used as carriers for drugs with poor water solubility. Moreover, greater
bioavailability can be achieved by using the nanosponge approach.

Conclusion:

Nanosponges possess various outstanding properties that form the unique system of this
approach. Nanosponges provide an effective carrier system for enzymes, proteins, vaccines, and therapeutic
fields. This review provides a broad overview of the development of nanosponges, their evaluation,
and the uses of nanosponges based on cyclodextrin for drug delivery.
Alumina Crucibles from Free Dispersant Suspensions: A Useful Labware
to form Advanced Powders for Radiation Dosimetry
Authors: S.C. Santos , A.S. Martins , T.L. Araújo , O. Rodrigues Jr , L.L. Campos
Published: July 2023

Background:

Powder technology provides conditions to control particle-particle interactions
that drive the formation of final-component/material, which also includes the crystalline
structure, microstructure and features. Alumina (Al2O3) is the most studied ceramic based material
due to its useful properties, disposal, competitive price, and wide technological applicability.
This work aims to produce alumina crucibles with controlled size and shape from free dispensant
suspensions. These crucibles will be used as containers for the synthesis of new materials for radiation
dosimetry.

Methods:

The Al2O3 powders were characterized by XRD, SEM, PCS, and EPR. The stability of
alumina particles in aqueous solvent was evaluated by zeta potential determination as a function
of pH. Alumina suspensions with 30 vol% were shaped by slip casting in plaster molds, followed
by sintering at 1600oC for 2 h in an air atmosphere. Alumina based crucibles were characterized
by SEM and XRD.

Results:

ɑ-Al2O3 powders exhibited a mean particle diameter size (d50) of 983nm. Besides, the
stability of particles in aqueous solvent was achieved at a range of pH from 2.0-6.0, and from
8.5-11.0. EPR spectra revealed two resonance peaks P1 and P2, with g-values of 2.0004 and
2.0022, respectively. The as-sintered ɑ-alumina based crucibles presented uniform shape and
controlled size with no apparent defects. In addition, the final microstructure driven by solid-state
sintering revealed a dense surface and uniform distribution of grains.

Conclusion:

The ɑ-Al2O3 crucibles obtained by slip casting of free dispensant alumina suspensions,
followed by sintering, exhibited mechanical strength, and controlled shape and size. These
crucibles will be useful labwares for the synthesis of new materials for radiation dosimetry.
The Modifications That Arise in The Thyroid Hormone in Prediabetic Patients Above 18 Years of Age: Protocol for A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Aswani Hasnaa Satar , Mdluli Wendy , Khathi Andile
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes is a condition of intermediate hyperglycaemia below the diagnostic threshold of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have found that the most prevalent endocrine illnesses are thyroid dysfunction and type 2 diabetes melittus which have a bidirected influence upon each other.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review protocol will deliver an outline of all procedures in the synthesis of the available data on the changes in thyroid hormone concentrations.

METHODS

This protocol was prepared in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for reporting protocols. Published prospective observational studies, case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies designs that involve non-diabetic, type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes reports will be used. The databases that will be screened are MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase and African Journals Online. Three reviewers (HA, AK, WM) will screen all the results for eligibility criteria. The risk of bias will then be examined using the STROBES checklist. Review Manager v5.4 Forrest plot will be used for meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will then be used to grade the quality of the evidence.

RESULTS

The systematic review will make use of publicly accessible data, which will be gathered after the release of this protocol. This protocol will give direction on the exploration of articles that report on changes in thyroid hormone concentrations in the pre-diabetic state.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained from this protocol will further give direction on the research to be done at in the eThekwini district of South Africa.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)
CRD42023430297, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=430297
Caracterización de lodos activados en dos Plantas de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales (PTAR) ubicadas en Costa Rica
Authors: Alfaro Arrieta Ernesto
Published: July 2023

Las aguas residuales representan un gran problema de contaminación para los ríos y el ambiente, ya que en muchos casos no se llegan a tratar de manera correcta y son depositados en los ríos y quebradas. Existen distintos tipos de tratamiento de aguas residuales entre los cuales resalta, debido a su eficacia, el tratamiento aerobio de lodos activados. Sin embargo, actualmente, no existen muchos análisis en Costa Rica que sean específicos para estos lodos de manera que se pueda dar un criterio de la calidad de estos, y por lo tanto del buen funcionamiento de la planta de tratamiento. Países como España han generado un Índice de Calidad de Lodos Activados utilizando el estudio de sus componentes, que ha permitido la caracterización de estos avanzando enormemente en temas de tratamiento de aguas residuales. Con el objetivo de realizar una caracterización para la aplicación de dicho Índice de Calidad de Lodos Activados en Costa Rica, se realizaron cuatro muestreos de lodos y de los efluentes de dos distintas Plantas de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales los cuales se analizaron, tanto microbiológicamente como fisicoquímicamente, y se les aplicó el índice de lodos activados mencionado anteriormente. Se obtuvieron resultados positivos del índice categorizando los lodos activados como Buenos, coincidiendo con los análisis de calidad de los efluentes y demostrando que dicho índice es aplicable en las plantas de tratamiento aeróbicas de Costa Rica. Es necesario que el índice de Lodos Activados se realice como análisis de rutina para dar una caracterización completa de calidad a todas las PTAR de Lodos Activados.
"Tko nasljeđuje žensko pismo?" O domaćoj recepciji francuske feminističke teorije
Authors: Dakić Mirela
Published: July 2023

Rad donosi osvrt na pitanja i probleme koji proizlaze iz široke upotrebe pojma "žensko pismo" i recepcije francuske feminističke teorije u domaćem književnoznanstvenom prostoru od 1980-ih naovamo. Pritom nastojimo odgovoriti na pitanje je li najšira primjena pojma povezana s koracima u teorijskoj recepciji te može li teorijski rad na feminističkom kategorijalnom aparatu postati svojevrsnim korektivom postojećeg stanja. Oslanjajući se na dosadašnja istraživanja tog problema u recepciji Irene Vrkljan, razmatramo nesuglasja o pojmu ženskog pisma koja su se očitovala već pri njegovu uvođenju u domaću književnu znanost 1980-ih te metodološki i teorijski osvješteniji zaokret ka ženskoj književnosti u postjugoslavenskom kontekstu. Na primjerima recepcije Irene Vrkljan i Dubravke Ugrešić pokazujemo kako je dominantna upotreba ženskog pisma potisnula važne elemente njihova opusa – napose modernističke i avangardne utjecaje u njihovim poetikama – uz detaljniji osvrt na "Brnjicu za vještice" (2021) Dubravke Ugrešić kao relevantnu dijagnozu suvremenog književnog polja. Naposljetku, u široj regionalnoj recepciji francuske teorije nalazimo vrijedne poticaje povratku teorijskoj raspravi o temeljnom feminističkom pojmovlju.
미국법상 미성년자 성적 침해에 대한 민사소송의 소멸시효제도
Authors:   Wonkwang University Legal Research Institute has, Lee Hyeri
Published: July 2023

In the case of sexual infringement against a minor, even if the victim muster up the courage to face the memory of past sexual violence and try to heal the wounds through legal remedies after becoming an adult, the civil statute of limitations has expired since the sexual infringement occurred long time ago. There is a problem of not being able to file a lawsuit due to the statute of limitation. In particular, in the case of sexual infringement against minors, in many cases, the perpetrator is a family member, teacher, religious person, etc. The victim, a minor, is economically and emotionally dependent on the perpetrator, so they do not easily think of filing civil lawsuits even as adults. Fortunately, South Korea established Article 766, Paragraph 3 of the Civil Act in 2020, and legislative improvements have been made so that the statute of limitations does not proceed until a minor becomes an adult in the case of sexual infringement. However, despite these good intentions, there are still limits to the relief, so this article will examine the US system. First of all, in the United States, state and federal laws operate different statute of limitations, and since the 1980s, the discovery rule has been applied so that victims can file lawsuits even after a considerable amount of time has elapsed after they become adults. For example, if the victim of a sexual assault is a minor and the victim has not yet discovered the injury after reaching adulthood, from the time he or she discovers the injury and the causal relationship between the injury and the sexual assault Legislative examples such as the requirement to file a claim for damages within four years reflect the discovery principle. However, despite these laws, there are many cases where the requirements are not met, and the relief of victims has not been smoothly carried out. Thus, California and New York State further extended the statute of limitations, and furthermore, through window legislation, even if the statute of limitations had expired, a period of one or two years was allowed to file a civil lawsuit. This legislation provides an opportunity to sue the victims of Jeffrey Epstein's decades of sexual exploitation of minors. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the Windows Act is not unconstitutional. While retroactive legislation is “an identifiable injustice”, civil actions based on sexual abuse of minors are rather reasonable in light of the injustice done to the victims. Under these retroactive legislation, some religious organizations are actively raising their own funds for the relief of victims, and are paying settlements on the condition that they do not file a lawsuit against the religious organizations. The basis for such retroactive legislation is that if society has previously borne the cost of damages incurred to the victim, the perpetrator must bear the cost.