bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in a Caribbean Colombian Population That Recovered from COVID-19 during the Pandemic
Authors: Mantilla-Morrón Mirary , Suárez-Palacio Damaris , Urina-Triana Miguel Alberto
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to COVID-19 among Colombians. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the pandemic between November 2020 and May 2021 using a survey that focused on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19. The online survey was completed by 1424 participants who had a history of COVID-19 illness, and the study spanned 3 months. Many respondents were male students who demonstrated adequate knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and prevention measures, although their understanding of its transmission routes was limited. Nevertheless, 65.9% expressed optimism that COVID-19 would ultimately be successfully controlled, and 71.8% had confidence in the Colombian government’s handling of the crisis. Additionally, more than half of the participants admitted to visiting crowded places, and this practice was more common among those who were less informed about COVID-19. However, many respondents reported using face masks in public. This highlights a significant gap between theoretical knowledge and actual practices that need to be addressed. To bridge this gap, establishing an interdisciplinary support network is crucial, as is launching mass education campaigns targeting specific population groups, and compiling reports on successful practices implemented during the pandemic. These efforts are essential for enhancing the overall level of knowledge, and the attitudes and practices related to COVID-19, and also for preparing for future health emergencies.
A 15N-Tracing Study to Explore the Coupling Effects of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Tomato Growth, Yield, Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization, and the Rhizosphere Soil Environment under Root-Divide Alternative Irrigation
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zheng Jian , Wang Yan , Shi Cong , Wu You
Published: December 2023

To investigate the coupling effects of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer on tomato growth, nitrogen uptake and utilization (NUU), and the soil environment, a pot experiment was conducted using 15N-tracing technology from March to July 2021 and from September 2021 to January 2022. Three biochar application rates (B0, B1, and B2; 0, 3, and 6 t/hm2, respectively) and three nitrogen levels (N1, N2, and N3; 150, 300, and 450 kg/hm2, respectively) were set up. The results show that the growth, yield, rate of 15N uptake, nitrogen derived from soil (Ndfs), total nitrogen (TN), 15N utilization, and recovery rate of tomatoes were improved under biochar application, but nitrogen derived from fertilizer (Ndff) gradually decreased. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that the 15N uptake, Ndfs, TN, rhizosphere soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, and TN were significantly positively correlated with the yield and lycopene content of tomatoes. The comprehensive benefit to the tomatoes was evaluated based on combination weighting with the help of the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). This indicates that the best planting mode was the B2N2 treatment, with a biochar rate of 6 t/hm2 and nitrogen levels of 300 kg/hm2, under the alternative partial root-zone irrigation.
Peony Pollen Protects against Primary Dysmenorrhea in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response and Regulating the COX2/PGE2 Pathway
Authors: Yang Xu , Tian Yunyuan , Liu Jincai , Kou Yaoyao , Xie Yanhua , Wang Siwang , Zhao Ye
Published: December 2023

Peony pollen contains multiple nutrients and components and has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history, but the effect of the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea remains to be clarified. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of peony pollen on primary dysmenorrhea mice and the potential mechanism. A uterus contraction model in vitro and primary dysmenorrhea mice were used to evaluate the treatment effect of peony pollen on primary dysmenorrhea. The primary dysmenorrhea mice were treated with 62.5 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg of peony pollen, and the writhing response, latency period, histopathological changes in the uterus, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels, and infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages were investigated. Protein expression of interleukin 1 β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin-E synthase 1 (mPGEs-1), BCL2-Associated X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected by Western blot, and the oxidative stress related marker malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. Peony pollen could attenuate spontaneous or oxytocin-induced uterus contractions in vitro. Moreover, peony pollen decreased the writhing times, prolonged the writhing latency, and reduced the pathological damage of uterine tissues. Furthermore, the inflammatory cell infiltration and the protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and NLRP3 were decreased. The COX-2/PGE2 pathway was inhibited; oxidative stress and apoptosis in the uterus also improved in the uterus of primary dysmenorrhea mice. Peony pollen exerts a positive effect on primary dysmenorrhea by inhibiting the inflammatory response and modulating oxidative stress and apoptosis by regulating the COX-2/PGE2 pathway.
Is Wheat Glutenin Extract Intrinsically Allergenic? Evaluation Using a Novel Adjuvant-Free Mouse Model of Systemic Anaphylaxis
Authors: Jorgensen Rick , Gao Haoran , Arul Arasan Tamil Selvan , Van Antwerp Chris , Sundar Vaisheswini , Ng Perry K. W. , Gangur Venu
Published: December 2023

Wheat is a prominent allergenic food that can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. Presently, it remains unclear whether wheat glutenin (WG) extract possesses inherent sensitization potential independently, without the use of adjuvants, and whether it can sensitize mice to the extent of inducing life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that repeated skin exposures to WG extract without adjuvant will sensitize mice with the resultant anaphylactic reaction upon systemic WG challenge. Balb/c mice were bred and maintained on a strict plant protein-free diet and were repeatedly exposed to a WG extract or vehicle once a week for 9 weeks. WG-specific (s)IgE and total (t)IgE levels were quantified. Mice were challenged with WG extract to induce anaphylactic reactions as measured by hypothermic shock response (HSR) and mucosal mast cell degranulation response (MMCR). We also conducted proteomic analysis of 120 spleen immune markers. These skin-sensitized mice exhibited exposure-dependent IgE responses and near-fatal anaphylaxis upon challenge. Proteomic analysis identified seven dramatically elevated immune biomarkers in anaphylactic mice. These data reveal that WG is intrinsically allergenic, and that chronic skin exposure to WG extract can prime the mice for potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
Emerging Relevance of Ghrelin in Programmed Cell Death and Its Application in Diseases
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zeng Zihan , Liu Yaning , Liu Dan
Published: December 2023

Ghrelin, comprising 28 amino acids, was initially discovered as a hormone that promotes growth hormones. The original focus was on the effects of ghrelin on controlling hunger and satiation. As the research further develops, the research scope of ghrelin has expanded to a wide range of systems and diseases. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In recent years, substantial studies have demonstrated that ghrelin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and other effects, which could affect the signaling pathways of various kinds of programmed cell death (PCD) in treating diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the function of ghrelin in different kinds of PCD have not been thoroughly illuminated. This review describes the relationship between ghrelin and four kinds of PCD (apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis) and then introduces the clinical applications based on the different features of ghrelin.
Differential Interventional Effects of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Hepatic Pathology
Authors: Hao Lei , Chen Chih-Yu , Nie Yong-Hui , Kaliannan Kanakaraju , Kang Jing X.
Published: December 2023

Current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend replacing saturated fat (SFA) intake with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monosaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) but do not specify the type of PUFAs, which consist of two functionally distinct classes: omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs. Given that modern Western diets are already rich in n-6 PUFAs and the risk of chronic disease remains high today, we hypothesized that increased intake of n-3 PUFAs, rather than n-6 PUFAs, would be a beneficial intervention against obesity and related liver diseases caused by high-fat diets. To test this hypothesis, we fed C57BL/6J mice with a high-fat diet (HF) for 10 weeks to induce obesity, then divided the obese mice into three groups and continued feeding for another 10 weeks with one of the following three diets: HF, HF+n-6 (substituted half of SFA with n-6 PUFAs), and HF+n-3 (substituted half of SFA with n-3 PUFAs), followed by assessment of body weight, fat mass, insulin sensitivity, hepatic pathology, and lipogenesis. Interestingly, we found that the HF+n-6 group, like the HF group, had a continuous increase in body weight and fat mass, while the HF+n-3 group had a significant decrease in body weight and fat mass, although all groups had the same calorie intake. Accordingly, insulin resistance and fatty liver pathology (steatosis and fat levels) were evident in the HF+n-6 and HF groups but barely seen in the HF+n-3 group. Furthermore, the expression of lipogenesis-related genes in the liver was upregulated in the HF+n-6 group but downregulated in the HF+n-3 group. Our findings demonstrate that n-6 PUFAs and n-3 PUFAs have differential effects on obesity and fatty liver disease and highlight the importance of increasing n-3 PUFAs and reducing n-6 PUFAs (balancing the n-6/n-3 ratio) in clinical interventions and dietary guidelines for the management of obesity and related diseases.
Fluorescence of the Retinal Chromophore in Microbial and Animal Rhodopsins
Authors: Nikolaev Dmitrii M. , Shtyrov Andrey A. , Vyazmin Sergey Yu. , Vasin Andrey V. , Panov Maxim S. , Ryazantsev Mikhail N.
Published: December 2023

Fluorescence of the vast majority of natural opsin-based photoactive proteins is extremely low, in accordance with their functions that depend on efficient transduction of absorbed light energy. However, several recently proposed classes of engineered rhodopsins with enhanced fluorescence, along with the discovery of a new natural highly fluorescent rhodopsin, NeoR, opened a way to exploit these transmembrane proteins as fluorescent sensors and draw more attention to studies on this untypical rhodopsin property. Here, we review the available data on the fluorescence of the retinal chromophore in microbial and animal rhodopsins and their photocycle intermediates, as well as different isomers of the protonated retinal Schiff base in various solvents and the gas phase.
Oncolytic Effect of Zika Virus in Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors: New Perspectives for Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Cocco Martina Maria , Carcione Claudia , Miceli Vitale , Tinnirello Rosaria , Chinnici Cinzia Maria , Carbone Carmine , Zito Giovanni , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Iannolo Gioacchin
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PCa) is the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality. Recently, our group and others have demonstrated the oncolytic activity of the Zika virus (ZIKV) against glioblastoma. The peculiar features of this virus offer the opportunity to use an agent already tested in vivo through natural transmission, with minimal effects on adults, to specifically target a tumor such as glioblastoma. This remarkable specificity prompted us to explore the potential use of ZIKV oncolytic action against other tumor types. In particular, we focused on the subgroup of pancreatic tumors with a neuroendocrine origin known as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). We found that ZIKV exerts its oncolytic activity by specifically infecting NET cells, leading to growth inhibition and cell death. We also assessed whether the oncolytic action could be extended to pancreatic tumors different from NETs. However, as expected, the viral specificity is limited to NETs and is not applicable to adenocarcinoma tumors, indicating a narrow spectrum of action for this virus. These findings support the potential use of ZIKV in therapeutic approaches not only in glioblastoma, but also against other tumors, such as neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors.
Application and Experimental Validation of Seven-Degree-of-Freedom Beam Element for Girder Bridges during Deck Construction
Authors: Hui Li , Ashiquzzaman Md , Hindi Riyadh
Published: December 2023

During bridge deck construction, the deck finishing machine and the fresh concrete often produce large vertical loads and torsional moments acting on the bridge girder system. In some cases, these loads can cause excessive vertical deflection and transverse rotation in the bridge girders, leading to many maintenance and safety problems, such as changes in deck thickness and local and global instabilities during construction. To minimize the potential problems caused by deck construction, the AASHOTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification requires consideration of these torsional moments during the design procedure, and a detailed three-dimensional finite element analysis may be conducted. However, for bridge girders with open-section thin-walled sections, only the solid or shell element can be used to recognize the warping of the girder since the torsional warping effect is not included in the classical beam element. In this research, a warping degree of freedom was added to a beam element, and a three-dimensional beam element with seven degrees of freedom (7-DOF) at each node was derived as an alternative method for analyzing girder bridges during deck construction. A computer program based on the 7-DOF beam element was also developed in MATLAB. To assess the 7-DOF beam element, one bridge was selected to measure the transverse rotation, vertical deflection, and stress of the exterior girder and the first interior girder during deck construction. Also, three full-scale numerical models using solid elements, classical three-dimensional beam elements, and 7-DOF beam elements were created based on the geometries and loads of the experimental bridge. A comparative study was conducted by comparing the results from the numerical models and experimental monitoring data to evaluate the 7-DOF beam element. The results showed that the 7-DOF beam element had excellent behavior in analyzing the girder bridges under construction load, especially in the torsional analysis of bridge girders. Also, unlike the solid element model, which also provided reasonable results, the 7-DOF beam element model can compute the internal forces of the cross-sections along the bridge, which allows the 7-DOF beam element to be an alternative approach for design and research requiring less modeling effort and computational complexity.
Effect of Juvenile Hormone on Worker Behavioral Transition in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Ren Qilin , Ma Lin , Zhang Xiaolong , Chen Libiao , Mao Zhigang , Li Dongdong , Zhang Lei , Jiang Xingfu
Published: December 2023

The division of labor among workers is a defining characteristic of social insects and plays a pivotal role in enhancing the competitive advantage of their colony. Juvenile hormone (JH) has long been hypothesized to be the essential driver in regulating the division of labor due to its ability to accelerate behavioral transitions in social insects, such as honeybees. The regulation of behavioral transitions by JH in the red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, a typical social pest, is unclear. Through video capture and analysis, we investigated the effects of the juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) methoprene on brood care, phototaxis behavior, and threat responsiveness of RIFA nurse workers. Our results showed that the JHA application significantly reduced the time and frequency of brood care behavior by nurse workers while increasing their walking distance and activity time in the light area. Additionally, the application of JHA made ants become excited, indicating a significant improvement in their activity level (movement distance, time, and speed). Furthermore, it was observed that the application of JHA did not affect the threat responsiveness of nurse workers towards stimuli (nestmates or non-nestmates). Our study demonstrates that the application of JHA reduced brood care behavior and enhanced phototaxis in nurse workers, which may reveal the role of JH in facilitating behavioral transitions in RIFA from intranidal tasks to extranidal activity. This study provides an experimental basis for further elucidating the mechanism underlying the division of labor in social insects.
First Simulations for the EuAPS Betatron Radiation Source: A Dedicated Radiation Calculation Code
Authors: Frazzitta Andrea , Bacci Alberto , Carbone Arianna , Cianchi Alessandro , Curcio Alessandro , Drebot Illya , Ferrario Massimo , Petrillo Vittoria , Conti Marcello Rossetti , Samsam Sanae , Serafini Luca , Rossi Andrea Renato
Published: December 2023

X-ray production through betatron radiation emission from electron bunches is a valuable resource for several research fields. The EuAPS (EuPRAXIA Advanced Photon Sources) project, within the framework of EuPRAXIA, aims to provide 1–10 keV photons (X-rays), developing a compact plasma-based system designed to exploit self-injection processes that occur in the highly nonlinear laser-plasma interaction (LWFA) to drive electron betatron oscillations. Since the emitted radiation spectrum, intensity, angular divergence, and possible coherence strongly depend on the properties of the self-injected beam, accurate preliminary simulations of the process are necessary to evaluate the optimal diagnostic device specifications and to provide an initial estimate of the source’s performance. A dedicated tool for these tasks has been developed; electron trajectories from particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are currently undergoing numerical analysis through the calculation of retarded fields and spectra for various plasma and laser parameter combinations. The implemented forward approach evaluation of the fields could allow for the integration of the presented scheme into already existing PIC codes. The spectrum calculation is thus performed in detector time, giving a linear complex exponential phase; this feature allows for a semi-analitical Fourier transform evaluation. The code structure and some trajectories analysis results are presented.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing: Role and Indications
Authors: Mink Sylvia , Fraunberger Peter
Published: December 2023

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, over 769 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, including close to 7 million COVID-19-related deaths, have been reported. Although mortality rates have dropped notably compared to the first months of the pandemic, spikes in reported cases and mortality rates continue to be registered. Both recent spikes in case numbers and the continued emergence of new variants suggest that vulnerable patient groups, including older adults, immunocompromised patients, and patients with severe comorbidities, are going to continue to be affected by COVID-19. In order to curb the pandemic, relieve the pressure on primary care facilities, and reduce mortality rates, global vaccination programs have been established by the WHO, with over 13.5 billion vaccine doses having been administered globally. In most immunocompetent individuals, vaccination against COVID-19 results in the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies. However, certain patient subsets have inadequate or reduced immune responses, and immune responses are known to decrease with age. General recommendations on the timing of booster vaccinations may therefore be insufficient to protect vulnerable patients. This review aims to evaluate the clinical role of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, focusing on measurement indications, prognostic value, and potential as a correlate of protection to guide future booster vaccination strategies.
Wear of Carbide Plates with Diamond-like and Micro-Nano Polycrystalline Diamond Coatings during Interrupted Cutting of Composite Alloy Al/SiC
Authors: Ashkinazi Evgeny E. , Fedorov Sergey V. , Martyanov Artem K. , Sedov Vadim S. , Khmelnitsky Roman A. , Ralchenko Victor G. , Ryzhkov Stanislav G. , Khomich Andrey A. , Mosyanov Mikhail A. , Grigoriev Sergey N. , Konov Vitaly I.
Published: December 2023

The complexity of milling metal matrix composite alloys based on aluminum like Al/SiC is due to their low melting point and high abrasive ability, which causes increased wear of carbide tools. One of the effective ways to improve its reliability and service life is to modify the surface by plasma chemical deposition of carbon-based multilayer functional layers from vapor (CVD) with high hardness and thermal conductivity: diamond-like (DLC) or polycrystalline diamond (PCD) coatings. Experiments on an indexable mill with CoroMill 200 inserts have shown that initial tool life increases up to 100% for cases with DLC and up to 300% for multilayered MCD/NCD films at a cutting speed of 800 m/min. The primary mechanism of wear of a carbide tool in this cutting mode was soft abrasion, when wear on both the rake and flank surfaces occurred due to the extrusion of cobalt binder between tungsten carbide grains, followed by their loss. Analysis of the wear pattern of plates with DLC and MCD/NCD coatings showed that abrasive wear begins to prevail against the background of soft abrasion. Adhesive wear is also present to a lesser extent, but there is no chipping of the base material from the cutting edge.
Exosome Shedding Is Concordant with Objective Treatment Response Rate and Stratifies Time to Progression in Treatment Naïve, Non-Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Núñez Kelley G. , Wyczechowska Dorota , Hibino Mina , Sandow Tyler , Gimenez Juan , Koksal Ali R. , Aydin Yucel , Dash Srikanta , Cohen Ari J. , Thevenot Paul T.
Published: December 2023

Translational strategies to characterize and monitor extracellular vesicles such as exosome (EX) shedding and the clinical impact of this data within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, EX shedding was assessed in early-stage HCC and evaluated as a stratification factor for time to progression (TTP) following first-cycle liver-directed therapy (LDT). Plasma EXs were isolated from HCC patients undergoing LDT using ultracentrifugation. Purified EXs were stained using markers CD9 and CD63 and quantified using an ImageStreamX flow cytometer. Circulating EXs expressing CD9 were isolated at 10-fold higher levels compared to CD63. The intensity of CD9+ EX shedding following LDT was positively correlated with treatment response. High post-LDT CD9+ EX shedding stratified TTP risk with a 30% lower frequency of disease progression at 1 year following LDT. Post-LDT high CD9+ EX shedding was observed in 100% (10/10) of patients successfully bridged to liver transplantation while only 22% (2/9) of patients with tumor progression had high CD9+ EX shedding post-LDT. CD9+ EX shedding also stratified TTP risk within the first cycle objective response rate (ORR) group, identifying patients still at higher disease progression. EX shedding was concordant with imaging response rate, stratified TTP in early-stage HCC, and may have important implications for assessing post-LDT viable, biologically aggressive HCC.
Surface Coatings of Reinforcement Phases in Magnesium Matrix Composites: A Review
Authors: Wu Shiyi , Chen Bin
Published: December 2023

Magnesium matrix composites have been extensively investigated due to their light weight and machinability. The interfaces are the most important part of these composites, and their properties determine the properties of composites to a large extent. However, there are still many problems with interface bonding. The reinforcements are faced with the dilemma of poor dispersion, bad interfacial reaction, and poor wettability, which limits further improvements in the mechanical properties. Surface coating treatment of reinforcements is considered to be one of the effective methods to protect reinforcements and modify the interface. This review presents an overview of different coating materials on various reinforcements. The major roles of coatings in the composites and the properties of the composites are discussed. Future directions and potential research areas in the field of magnesium matrix composites reinforced with coated reinforcements are also highlighted.
Effects of Cold Rolling or Precipitation Hardening Treatment on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance of Ti-Rich Metastable Medium-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Hsu Hsueh-Chuan , Wong Ka-Kin , Wu Shih-Ching , Huang Chun-Yu , Ho Wen-Fu
Published: December 2023

Titanium-rich metastable medium-entropy alloys, designed for low elastic moduli, sacrifice strength. However, enhancing their mechanical strength is crucial for bio-implant applications. This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of a metastable Ti80–Nb10–Mo5–Sn5 medium-entropy alloy using various treatments, including cold rolling (at 50% and 75% reduction) and precipitation hardening (at room temperature, 150 °C, 350 °C, 550 °C, and 750 °C). The results showed that the alloy underwent a stress-induced martensitic transformation during the rolling process. Notably, the α phase was precipitated in the β grain boundaries after 30 days of precipitation hardening at room temperature. The yield strengths of the alloy increased by 51% and 281.9% after room-temperature precipitation and 75% cold rolling, respectively. In potentiodynamic corrosion tests conducted in phosphate-buffered saline solution, the pitting potentials of the alloy treated using various conditions were higher than 1.8 V, and no pitting holes were observed on the surface of the alloys. The surface oxide layer of the alloy was primarily composed of TiO2, Nb2O5, MoO3, and SnO2, contributing to the alloy’s exceptional corrosion and pitting resistance. The 75% rolled Ti80–Nb10–Mo5–Sn5 demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance, positioning it as a promising bio-implant candidate.
Effective Mechanical Properties of Periodic Cellular Solids with Generic Bravais Lattice Symmetry via Asymptotic Homogenization
Authors: Rajakareyar Padmassun , ElSayed Mostafa S. A. , Abo El Ella Hamza , Matida Edgar
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the scope of discrete asymptotic homogenization employing voxel (cartesian) mesh discretization is expanded to estimate high fidelity effective properties of any periodic heterogeneous media with arbitrary Bravais’s lattice symmetry, including those with non-orthogonal periodic bases. A framework was developed in Python with a proposed fast–nearest neighbour algorithm to accurately estimate the periodic boundary conditions of the discretized representative volume element of the lattice unit cell. Convergence studies are performed, and numerical errors caused by both voxel meshing and periodic boundary condition approximation processes are discussed in detail. It is found that the numerical error in periodicity approximation is cyclically dependent on the number of divisions performed during the meshing process and, thus, is minimized with a refined voxel mesh. Validation studies are performed by comparing the elastic properties of 2D hexagon lattices with orthogonal and non-orthogonal bases. The developed methodology was also applied to derive the effective properties of several lattice topologies, and variation of their anisotropic macroscopic properties with relative densities is presented as material selection charts.
Effect of Residue Acrylic Monomers in Synthesized Solvent-Free Photoreactive Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives on the Main Properties of Transfer Tapes Applied to Joining Wooden Elements
Authors: Czech Zbigniew , Bartkowiak Marcin , Krystofiak Tomasz
Published: December 2023

This publication describes the influence of residue monomers in synthesized pressure-sensitive adhesives based on acrylics on their main properties—tack, peel adhesion, shear strength and shrinkage—in the form of transfer tapes used for joining wooden elements in the furniture industry. The discussed carrier-free adhesive tapes are synthesized via photo-crosslinking and photopolymerization with UV radiation of the photoreactive prepolymers sandwiched between two adhesive siliconized polyester films. The simultaneous crosslinking and polymerization processes carried out under UV lamps placed simultaneously above and below the crosslinked photoreactive polymer layer lead to the production of a carrier-free adhesive film. The preliminary target of these studies was to investigate how the intensity of UV radiation and the time of its exposure affect the viscosity of the photoreactive compositions and the content of unreacted monomers in them. Next, the influence of the crosslinking agent concentration and UV irradiation time on the content of unreacted monomers after the crosslinking process was tested. The last step of the studies was the investigation of the influence of the residue monomer concentration on the application properties of the obtained pressure-sensitive adhesive layers. The typical PSA application properties were tested on the wood samples: tack, peel adhesion, shear strength (cohesion) and shrinkage.
A Retrospective Comparison of Clinical Efficacy between Multimodal Analgesia and Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Teng-Kuan , Wang Yang-Yi , Ku Ming-Chou , Huang Kui-Chou , Tong Kwok-Man , Wu Chih-Cheng , Tsai Yuan-Hsin
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Adequate pain management during early rehabilitation is mandatory for improving the outcomes of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Conventional pain management, mainly comprising opioids and epidural analgesia, may result in certain adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, and motor blockade. We proposed a multimodal analgesic (MA) strategy involving the use of peripheral nerve block (NB), periarticular injection (PAI), and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA). This study compared the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of the proposed MA strategy and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). Materials and Methods: We enrolled 118 patients who underwent TKA under spinal anesthesia. The patients followed either the MA protocol or received PCEA after surgery. The analgesic effect was examined using a numerical rating scale (NRS). The adverse effects experienced by the patients were recorded. Results: A lower proportion of patients in the MA group experienced motor blockade (6.45% vs. 22.98%) compared to those in the PCEA group on the first postoperative day. Furthermore, a lower proportion of patients in the MA group experienced numbness (18.52% vs. 43.33%) than those in the PCEA group on the first postoperative day. Conclusions: The MA strategy can be recommended for reducing the occurrence of motor blockade and numbness in patients following TKA. Therefore, the MA strategy ensures early rehabilitation while maintaining adequate pain relief.
Novel Optical Kerr Switching Photonic Device Based on Nonlinear Carbon Material
Authors: Wang Ke , Xie Zhoufa , Ji Jianhua , Song Yufeng , Zhang Bin , Wang Zhenhong
Published: December 2023

In the context of current communication systems, there is an urgent demand for more efficient and higher-speed optical signal processing technologies. Researchers are actively exploring new materials and devices to harness nonlinear optical phenomena, seeking advancements in this field. Nonlinear carbon materials, especially promising 2D materials, have garnered attention for their potential interaction with light and have become integral to the development of all-optical signal processing devices. This study focuses on utilizing a photonic device based on a nonlinear Au/CB composite material for optical Kerr switching. The application of Au/CB as a nonlinear material in the Kerr switch represents a noteworthy advancement, demonstrating its capability to modulate optical signals. By appropriately applying a pump light, the study achieves optical Kerr switching with an extinction ratio of approximately 15 dB in the fully off state of the signal light carrying a 10 GHz analog signal, marking a pioneering achievement in the field to the best of our knowledge. The experimental results, encompassing extinction ratios, signal control, and stability, not only validate the feasibility of this technology but also underscore its potential applicability within optical communication systems. The successful modulation and control of a 10 GHz analog signal showcase the practicality and effectiveness of the Au/CB-based optical Kerr switch. This progress contributes to the continuous evolution of optical Kerr switching, a crucial component in modern optical communication systems. Therefore, we believe that the Au/CB-based optical Kerr switch is an exceptionally promising and stable all-optical signal processing device. As the contemporary communication landscape evolves, the integration of this technology holds the potential to enhance the efficiency and speed of optical signal processing.
Prevalence of Ten Gene Variants Involved in Muscular Phenotypes in a Mexican Mestizo Population
Authors: López-Hernández Luz Berenice , Avila-Ramírez Guillermina , Del Villar-Morales Ariadna , Anaya-Segura Mónica Alejandra , Montes-Almanza Luis Angel , García-Martínez Froylan Arturo , Miranda-Duarte Antonio , Sosa-Flores Carlos Antonio , Rodríguez-Arellano Martha Eunice , Chavez-Maisterra Ileana , Luna-Angulo Alexandra Berenice , Casillas-Ávila Miriam Pavelth , Gómez-Díaz Benjamín
Published: December 2023

Several reports have provided evidence that there are genetic variants of genes such as MSTN, BDRKB2, ACTN3 and ADRB2 that are involved in a better response to adaptation during resistance or strength training, while other genes such as GRB14, AGT and END1 are reported to be associated with the risk of suffering from some diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity. A cross-sectional study from a Mexican Mestizo population was performed to estimate the frequency of 10 gene variants in 8 genes involved in athletic performance or chronic degenerative diseases, MSTN (rs1805085, rs1805086), BDKRB2 (rs1799722), FST (rs1423560), ACTN3 (rs1815739), ADRB2 (rs1042713, rs1042714), GRB14 (rs8192673), AGT (rs699) and EDN1 (rs5370), and to compare frequencies from 26 populations reported in the Database of 1000 Genomes project. Genotype frequencies fitted the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, except for MST rs1805086 and FST rs1423560, and our study revealed significant differences in the distribution of frequencies of some of these gene variants among populations reported in the 1000 Genomes Project. Our findings provide insights regarding the genetic background of our population, and future case–control studies can be carried out with more accurate sample sizes for genetic association studies. Our results may be also useful in recognizing the roles and mechanisms contributing to athletic performance and/or chronic degenerative diseases in Mexicans.
Extrapolating the Coffee and Caffeine (1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine) Effects on Exercise and Metabolism—A Concise Review
Authors: Starling-Soares Bernardo , Pereira Marcela , Renke Guilherme
Published: December 2023

The consumption of coffee and caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is part of many cultures worldwide. Their properties include serving as a neurostimulant aid, enhancing energy substrate levels, and improving general exercise performance. Both present therapeutic effects that can also be used to control chronic and metabolic diseases due to four mechanisms: adenosine receptor antagonism, increased catecholamine concentrations, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and a stimulator of calcium-release channels. Despite the individual genetic variabilities, distinct mechanisms have been demonstrated to improve physical performance, thermogenesis, lipolysis, insulin sensitivity, and hormonal modulation. Thus, coffee consumption and caffeine supplementation may enhance physical and mental performance and may improve metabolic variables, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Current data reveal vital aspects of coffee and caffeine consumption in specific populations, although further studies are needed to define clinical interventions with caffeine in obesity and chronic conditions.
High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation Significantly Affects the Placental Transcriptome
Authors: Vestergaard Anna Louise , Andersen Matilde K. , Olesen Rasmus V. , Bor Pinar , Larsen Agnete
Published: December 2023

Vitamin D deficiency is a highly prevalent obstetrical concern associated with an increased risk of complications like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and growth retardation. Vitamin D status in pregnancy is also linked to long-term offspring health, e.g., the risk of obesity, metabolic disease, and neurodevelopmental problems. Despite the suspected role of vitamin D in placental diseases and fetal development, there is limited knowledge on the effect of vitamin D on placental function. Thus, we performed next-generation RNA sequencing, comparing the placental transcriptome from uncomplicated term pregnancies receiving the often-recommended dose of 10 µg vitamin D/day (n = 36) with pregnancies receiving 90 µg/day (n = 34) from late first trimester to delivery. Maternal vitamin D status in the first trimester was also considered. We found that signaling pathways related to cell adhesion, immune function, and neurodevelopment were affected, supporting that increased vitamin D supplementation benefits placental function in established pregnancies without severe vitamin D deficiency, also underlining the importance of vitamin D in brain development. Specific effects of the first trimester vitamin D status and offspring sex were also identified. Further studies are warranted, addressing the optimal vitamin status during pregnancy with a focus on organ-specific vitamin D needs in individual pregnancies.
Novel Multi-Strain E3 Probiotic Formulation Improved Mental Health Symptoms and Sleep Quality in Hong Kong Chinese
Authors: Chan Helen Hoi Yin , Siu Pui Ling Kella , Choy Chi Tung , Chan Un Kei , Zhou Junwei , Wong Chi Ho , Lee Yuk Wai , Chan Ho Wang , Tsui Joseph Chi Ching , Loo Steven King Fan , Tsui Stephen Kwok Wing
Published: December 2023

Mental health issues have emerged as a significant concern in public health, given their association with physical and psychological comorbidities and the resultant socioeconomic burdens. Recent studies have highlighted the interplay between gut microbes and brain functions through the gut–brain axis. To investigate this further, we conducted a targeted 16S rRNA sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis among Southern Chinese individuals to explore the role of the gut microbiome in depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. We analyzed the differences in the gut microbiome profile of 68 participants with sleep disturbance and mood symptoms before and after an 8-week course of a novel oral E3 multi-strain probiotics formula. The results revealed a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality (PSQI: mean 8.79 at baseline vs. 7.10 at week 8, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (PHQ9: mean 6.17 at baseline vs. 4.76 at week 8, p < 0.001), and anxious symptoms (GAD7: mean 4.90 at baseline vs. 3.76 at week 8, p < 0.001). Additionally, there were notable differences in beta diversity (weighted UniFrac; p = 0.045) and increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio (p = 4 × 10−4) were observed in the gut microbiome analysis. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum (p < 0.001), Lactobacillus acidophilus (p < 0.001), Lactobacillus helveticus (p < 0.001) and Lactobacillus plantarum (p < 0.001) were significantly increased after the 8-week probiotic supplementation. Our study suggests that the gut microbial landscape varies between responders and non-responders at multiple levels, including genera, species, functional, and network interaction. Notably, the use of probiotics in populations with depressive or anxious symptoms and poor sleeping quality remodeled the gut microbiome and demonstrated improved mood and sleep quality.
Pregnancy Protects against Abnormal Gut Permeability Promoted via the Consumption of a High-Fat Diet in Mice
Authors: Biolcatti Caio F. , Bobbo Vanessa C. , Solon Carina , Morari Joseane , Haddad-Tovolli Roberta , Araujo Eliana P. , Simoes Marcela R. , Velloso Licio A.
Published: December 2023

The consumption of large amounts of dietary fats and pregnancy are independent factors that can promote changes in gut permeability and the gut microbiome landscape. However, there is limited evidence regarding the impact of pregnancy on the regulation of such parameters in females fed a high-fat diet. Here, gut permeability and microbiome landscape were evaluated in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity in pregnancy. The results show that pregnancy protected against the harmful effects of the consumption of a high-fat diet as a disruptor of gut permeability; thus, there was a two-fold reduction in FITC–dextran passage to the bloodstream compared to non-pregnant mice fed a high-fat diet (p < 0.01). This was accompanied by an increased expression of gut barrier-related transcripts, particularly in the ileum. In addition, the beneficial effect of pregnancy on female mice fed the high-fat diet was accompanied by a reduced presence of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridia, and by increased Lactobacillus murinus in the gut (p < 0.05). Thus, this study advances the understanding of how pregnancy can act during a short window of time, protecting against the harmful effects of the consumption of a high-fat diet by promoting an increased expression of transcripts encoding proteins involved in the regulation of gut permeability, particularly in the ileum, and promoting changes in the gut microbiome.
Does Awareness of Malaysian Healthy Plate Associate with Adequate Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Malaysian Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases?
Authors: Tan Lay Kim , Chua En Hong , Mohd Ghazali Sumarni , Cheah Yong Kang , Jayaraj Vivek Jason , Kee Chee Cheong
Published: December 2023

The healthy eating plate concept has been introduced in many countries, including Malaysia, as a visual guide for the public to eat healthily. The relationship between Malaysian Healthy Plate (MHP) and adequate fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among morbid Malaysian adults is unknown. Hence, we investigated the relationship between awareness of the MHP and FV intake among morbid Malaysian adults. National survey data on 9760 morbid Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above were analyzed. The relationship between awareness of MHP and FV intake among Malaysian adults with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were determined using multivariable logistic regression controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle risk factors. Our data demonstrated that MHP awareness is associated with adequate FV intake among the Malaysian adults with abdominal obesity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–3.29), diabetes mellitus (aOR: 4.88, 95% CI: 2.13–22.18), hypertension (aOR: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.96–9.83), and hypercholesterolemia (aOR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.48–11.72). Our findings indicated the necessity for ongoing efforts by policymakers, healthcare professionals, and nutrition educators to promote the concept of MHP and ensure that morbid Malaysian adults consume a sufficient intake of FV or adopt a healthy eating pattern to achieve and maintain optimal health.
Exercise and Nutrition Interventions for Prehabilitation in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancers: A Narrative Review
Authors: Christopher Cami N. , Kang Dong-Woo , Wilson Rebekah L. , Gonzalo-Encabo Paola , Ficarra Salvatore , Heislein Diane , Dieli-Conwright Christina M.
Published: December 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers constitute over 25% of global cancer cases annually, with hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers presenting particularly poor prognosis and challenging surgical treatments. While advancements in clinical care have improved post-operative outcomes over time, surgery for HPB cancers remains associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with HPB cancer are often older, diagnosed at later stages, and have a higher prevalence of co-morbid conditions, leading to reduced life expectancy, suboptimal post-operative recovery, and increased recurrence risk. Exercise and nutrition interventions have emerged as safe non-pharmacological strategies to enhance clinical outcomes among cancer survivors, but their potential in the pre-operative period for patients with HPB cancer remains underexplored. This narrative review evaluates existing evidence on exercise and nutritional interventions during pre-operative prehabilitation for HPB cancer populations, focusing on clinically relevant post-operative outcomes related to frailty and malnutrition. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies utilizing a prehabilitation intervention in HPB cancer populations with exercise and nutritional components. The currently available evidence suggests that incorporating exercise and nutrition into prehabilitation programs offers a critical opportunity to enhance post-operative outcomes, mitigate the risk of comorbidities, and support overall survivorship among HPB cancer populations. This review underscores the need for further research to optimize the timing, duration, and components of pre-operative prehabilitation programs, emphasizing patient-centered, multidisciplinary approaches in this evolving field.
Dual-Pump Vibrational Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering System Developed for Simultaneous Temperature and Relative Nitrogen–Water Vapor Concentration Measurements
Authors: Too Amon , Sidiropoulos Evaggelos , Holz Yannik , Karuri Nancy Wangechi , Seeger Thomas
Published: December 2023

Simultaneous gas phase temperature and water vapor concentration measurement are important to understand reacting flows such as combustion or gas reforming processes. Here, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) offers the possibility for non-intrusive measurements with a high temporal and spatial resolution. Therefore, this work demonstrates the simultaneous measurement of temperature and relative water vapor–nitrogen concentrations by using dual-pump vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (DPVCARS). A calibration procedure is developed for a temperature range of 473 K to 673 K and a water vapor concentration of 24% to 46% at ambient pressure. This setup is tested with 500 CARS single pulse spectra taken in a gas cell at a known temperature and concentration. Based on these results, information about precision and accuracy can be delivered.