bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Management as a Coping Strategy for Managing Stressors in Primates: The Influence of Temperament and Species
Authors: Palmer Sierra , Oppler Scott Hunter , Graham Melanie L.
Published: March 2022

Primates involved in biomedical research experience stressors related to captivity, close contact with caregivers, and may be exposed to various medical procedures while modeling clinical disease or interventions under study. Behavioral management is used to promote behavioral flexibility in less complex captive environments and train coping skills to reduce stress. How animals perceive their environment and interactions is the basis of subjective experience and has a major impact on welfare. Certain traits, such as temperament and species, can affect behavioral plasticity and learning. This study investigated the relationship between these traits and acquisition of coping skills in 83 macaques trained for cooperation with potentially aversive medical procedures using a mixed-reinforcement training paradigm. All primates successfully completed training with no significant differences between inhibited and exploratory animals, suggesting that while temperament profoundly influences behavior, training serves as an important equalizer. Species-specific differences in learning and motivation manifested in statistically significant faster skill acquisition in rhesus compared with cynomolgus macaques, but this difference was not clinically relevant. Despite unique traits, primates were equally successful in learning complex tasks and displayed effective coping. When animals engage in coping behaviors, their distress decreases, improving welfare and reducing inter- and intra- subject variability to enhance scientific validity.
Striatal Injury Induces Overall Brain Alteration at the Pallial, Thalamic, and Cerebellar Levels
Authors: Lukacova Kristina , Hamaide Julie , Baciak Ladislav , Van der Linden Annemie , Kubikova Lubica
Published: March 2022

The striatal region Area X plays an important role during song learning, sequencing, and variability in songbirds. A previous study revealed that neurotoxic damage within Area X results in micro and macrostructural changes across the entire brain, including the downstream dorsal thalamus and both the upstream pallial nucleus HVC (proper name) and the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). Here, we specify these changes on cellular and gene expression levels. We found decreased cell density in the thalamic and cerebellar areas and HVC, but it was not related to neuronal loss. On the contrary, perineuronal nets (PNNs) in HVC increased for up to 2 months post-lesion, suggesting their protecting role. The synaptic plasticity marker Forkhead box protein P2 (FoxP2) showed a bi-phasic increase at 8 days and 3 months post-lesion, indicating a massive synaptic rebuilding. The later increase in HVC was associated with the increased number of new neurons. These data suggest that the damage in the striatal vocal nucleus induces cellular and gene expression alterations in both the efferent and afferent destinations. These changes may be long-lasting and involve plasticity and neural protection mechanisms in the areas directly connected to the injury site and also to distant areas, such as the cerebellum.
An Integrative Pan-Cancer Analysis of Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1) in Human Tumors
Authors: Wu Hao , Duan Yingjuan , Gong Siming , Zhu Qiang , Liu Xuanyou , Liu Zhenguo
Published: March 2022

Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) is a minus-end-directed motor protein that is critically involved in microtubule crosslinking and spindle formation. KIFC1 is essential for supernumerary centrosomes, and it is associated with the initiation and progression of cancers. In the present study, we initially reviewed the The Cancer Genome Atlas database and observed that KIFC1 is abundantly expressed in most types of tumors. We then analyzed the gene alteration profiles, protein expressions, prognoses, and immune reactivities of KIFC1 in more than 10,000 samples from several well-established databases. In addition, we conducted a gene set enrichment analysis to investigate the potential mechanisms for the roles of KIFC1 in carcinogenesis. The pan-cancer analysis of KIFC1 demonstrates significant statistical correlations of the KIFC1 expression with the clinical prognoses, the oncogenic signature gene sets, the myeloid-derived suppressor cell infiltration, the ImmunoScore, the immune checkpoints, the microsatellite instabilities, and the tumor mutational burdens across multiple tumors. These data may provide important information on the understanding of the role and mechanisms of KIFC1 in carcinogenesis and immunotherapy, as well as on the clinical progression of a variety of cancers.
Glioblastoma in the Elderly: Review of Molecular and Therapeutic Aspects
Authors: Bruno Francesco , Pellerino Alessia , Palmiero Rosa , Bertero Luca , Mantovani Cristina , Garbossa Diego , Soffietti Riccardo , Rudà Roberta
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumour. As GBM incidence is associated with age, elderly people represent a consistent subgroup of patients. Elderly people with GBM show dismal prognosis (about 6 months) and limited response to treatments. Age is a negative prognostic factor, which correlates with clinical frailty, poorer tolerability to surgery or adjuvant radio-chemotherapy, and higher occurrence of comorbidities and/or secondary complications. The aim of this paper is to review the clinical and molecular characteristics, current therapeutic options, and prognostic factors of elderly patients with GBM.
Orofacial Muscle Strength across the Dysarthrias
Authors: Clark Heather M. , Duffy Joseph R. , Strand Edythe A. , Hanley Holly , Solomon Nancy Pearl
Published: March 2022

This study compared orofacial muscle strength between normal and dysarthric speakers and across types of dysarthria, and examined correlations between strength and dysarthria severity. Participants included 79 speakers with flaccid, spastic, mixed spastic–flaccid, ataxic, or hypokinetic dysarthria and 33 healthy controls. Maximum pressure generation (Pmax) by the tongue, lips, and cheeks represented strength. Pmax was lower for speakers with mixed spastic–flaccid dysarthria for all tongue and lip measures, as well as for speakers with flaccid or spastic dysarthria for anterior tongue elevation and lip compression. Anterior tongue elevation and cheek compression tended to be lower than normal for the hypokinetic group. Pmax did not differ significantly between controls and speakers with ataxic dysarthria on any measure. Correlations were generally weak between dysarthria severity and orofacial weakness but were stronger in the dysarthria groups with more prominent orofacial weakness. The results generally support predictions that orofacial weakness accompanies flaccid and/or spastic dysarthria but not ataxic dysarthria. The findings support including type of dysarthria as a variable of interest when examining orofacial weakness in motor speech disorders.
Integrated BIM and VR for Interactive Aerodynamic Design and Wind Comfort Analysis of Modular Buildings
Authors: Gan Vincent J. L. , Liu Ting , Li Kexin
Published: March 2022

Modular building is becoming a common sight due to government policies promoting greater automation and productivity. When moving towards modularity, indoor comfort within volumetric modules, such as levels of humidity and temperature, natural ventilation, and air pollutant transport, have a major effect on human health and well-being. Computational fluid dynamics simulations (CFD) are used to evaluate the efficiency of natural ventilation. However, designers usually find it difficult to visualize the CFD simulation results, which can deepen users’ understanding of the wind environment and help optimize the design of modular buildings. To overcome this challenge, this paper presents an integrated approach based on building information modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR), with the aim of analyzing the aerodynamic design and wind comfort for modular buildings. The framework consists of four salient components. First, a new method, combining OpenStreetMap and Dynamo, is proposed to achieve rapid urban modeling of modular buildings. The second step involves the use of CFD to simulate the outdoor wind environment surrounding modular buildings. The third step emphasizes the integration of CFD-computed data with VR applications to create an immersive virtual environment for designers to analyze the wind environment of design alternates. Finally, the visual experience of non-professional users is used to improve the ventilation of the building and support more informed decision marking at the early stage of building design. The proposed framework is illustrated via a case study that focuses on a group of modular housings in the urban area of Singapore. The results indicate that visualization of CFD simulations in VR provides designers with more details regarding the actual space, and it is expected to help optimize the architectural design.
Selected Papers from 1st Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering (1CroCEE)
Authors: Uroš Mario , Nastev Miroslav , Atalić Josip , Lakušić Stjepan
Published: March 2022

This special issue of Buildings Journal brings together outstanding papers presented at the 1st Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering 1CroCEE, held at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb, Croatia, 22–24 March 2021 [...]
The Effect of Bone Ash on the Physio-Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Clay Ceramic Bricks
Authors: Bih Numfor Linda , Mahamat Assia Aboubakar , Chinweze Chukwuemeka , Ayeni Olugbenga , Bidossèssi Hounkpè Jechonias , Onwualu Peter Azikiwe , Boakye Emmanuel E.
Published: March 2022

Bone ash waste can be used to fabricate clay ceramic bricks, consequently managing their pollution of the environment. This is because bone ash (BA) and clay predominantly consist of calcium and alumina-silicate, respectively, which are components of clay ceramic brick (CCB) materials. This study aims to investigate the effect of bone ash and temperature on the physio-chemical and mechanical properties of CCB. Different percentages of bone ash (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were added to clay and heat treated at temperatures of 100 °C, 300 °C, 600 °C, and 900 °C, and their compressive strengths were measured. Prior to the determination of their mechanical properties, the CCB chemical and phase compositions were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The CCB microstructure was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the compressive strength was tested. The results suggest that the addition of bone ash (10% and 15%) improves the compressive strength and water absorption properties after heat treatment of CCB at higher temperatures.
Anandamide-Modulated Changes in Metabolism, Glycosylation Profile and Migration of Metastatic Melanoma Cells
Authors: Sobiepanek Anna , Milner-Krawczyk Małgorzata , Musolf Paulina , Starecki Tomasz , Kobiela Tomasz
Published: March 2022

An effective therapy for advanced melanoma, a skin cancer with the highest mortality, has not yet been developed. The endocannabinoid system is considered to be an attractive target for cancer treatment. The use of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide (AEA), is considered to be much greater than as a palliative agent. Thus, we checked its influence on various signaling pathways in melanoma cells. Our investigation was performed on four commercial cell lines derived from different progression stages (radial WM35 and vertical WM115 growth phases, lymph node WM266-4 metastasis, solid tumor A375-P metastasis). Cell viability, glucose uptake, quantification of reactive oxygen species production, expression of selected genes encoding glycosyltransferases, quantification of glycoproteins production and changes in the glycosylation profile and migration, as well as in cell elastic properties were analyzed. The cell glycosylation profile was investigated using the biophysical profiling method—the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Anandamide treatment of only metastatic cells resulted in: an increase in the cell metabolism, a decrease in GFAT-1 and DPM1 expression, followed by a decrease in L1-CAM glycoprotein production, which further influenced the reduction in the cell glycosylation profile and migration. Considering our results, AEA usage is highly recommended in the combined therapy of advanced melanoma.
Midnolin Regulates Liver Cancer Cell Growth In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Kweon Soo-Mi , Kim Gayeoun , Jeong Yunseong , Huang Wendong , Lee Ju-Seog , Lai Keane K. Y.
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks worldwide as one of the most lethal cancers. In spite of the vast existing knowledge about HCC, the pathogenesis of HCC is not completely understood. Discovery of novel genes that contribute to HCC pathogenesis will provide new insights for better understanding and treating HCC. The relatively obscure gene midnolin has been studied for over two decades; however, its biological roles are largely unknown. Our study is the first to demonstrate the functional significance of midnolin in HCC/cancer: Midnolin expression correlates with poor prognosis in HCC patients, and suppression of midnolin severely inhibits tumorigenicity of HCC cells in vitro and in mice and disrupts retinoic acid/lipid metabolism in these cells.
Hemodynamic Imaging in Cerebral Diffuse Glioma—Part A: Concept, Differential Diagnosis and Tumor Grading
Authors: Guida Lelio , Stumpo Vittorio , Bellomo Jacopo , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Sebök Martina , Berhouma Moncef , Bink Andrea , Weller Michael , Kulcsar Zsolt , Regli Luca , Fierstra Jorn
Published: March 2022

Diffuse gliomas are the most common primary malignant intracranial neoplasms. Aside from the challenges pertaining to their treatment—glioblastomas, in particular, have a dismal prognosis and are currently incurable—their pre-operative assessment using standard neuroimaging has several drawbacks, including broad differentials diagnosis, imprecise characterization of tumor subtype and definition of its infiltration in the surrounding brain parenchyma for accurate resection planning. As the pathophysiological alterations of tumor tissue are tightly linked to an aberrant vascularization, advanced hemodynamic imaging, in addition to other innovative approaches, has attracted considerable interest as a means to improve diffuse glioma characterization. In the present part A of our two-review series, the fundamental concepts, techniques and parameters of hemodynamic imaging are discussed in conjunction with their potential role in the differential diagnosis and grading of diffuse gliomas. In particular, recent evidence on dynamic susceptibility contrast, dynamic contrast-enhanced and arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging are reviewed together with perfusion-computed tomography. While these techniques have provided encouraging results in terms of their sensitivity and specificity, the limitations deriving from a lack of standardized acquisition and processing have prevented their widespread clinical adoption, with current efforts aimed at overcoming the existing barriers.
Microbial Metabolite Regulation of Epithelial Cell-Cell Interactions and Barrier Function
Authors: Ornelas Alfredo , Dowdell Alexander S. , Lee J. Scott , Colgan Sean P.
Published: March 2022

Epithelial cells that line tissues such as the intestine serve as the primary barrier to the outside world. Epithelia provide selective permeability in the presence of a large constellation of microbes, termed the microbiota. Recent studies have revealed that the symbiotic relationship between the healthy host and the microbiota includes the regulation of cell–cell interactions at the level of epithelial tight junctions. The most recent findings have identified multiple microbial-derived metabolites that influence intracellular signaling pathways which elicit activities at the epithelial apical junction complex. Here, we review recent findings that place microbiota-derived metabolites as primary regulators of epithelial cell–cell interactions and ultimately mucosal permeability in health and disease.
A Personal History of Cystinosis by Dr. Jerry Schneider
Authors: Schneider Jerry , Levtchenko Elena
Published: March 2022

Cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disease that is tightly linked with the name of the American physician and scientist Dr. Jerry Schneider. Dr. Schneider (1937–2021) received his medical degree from Northwestern University, followed by a pediatrics residency at Johns Hopkins University and a fellowship in inherited disorders of metabolism. He started to work on cystinosis in J. Seegmiller’s laboratory at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and subsequently moved to the UC San Diego School of Medicine, where he devoted his entire career to people suffering from this devastating lysosomal storage disorder. In 1967, Dr. Schneider’s seminal Science paper ‘Increased cystine in leukocytes from individuals homozygous and heterozygous for cystinosis’ opened a new era of research towards understanding the pathogenesis and finding treatments for cystinosis patients. His tremendous contribution transformed cystinosis from a fatal disorder of childhood to a treatable chronic disease, with a new generation of cystinosis patients being now in their 40th and 50th years. Dr. Schneider wrote a fascinating ‘Personal History of Cystinosis’ highlighting the major milestones of cystinosis research. Unfortunately, he passed away before this manuscript could be published. Fifty-five years after his first paper on cystinosis, the ‘Personal History of Cystinosis’ by Dr. Schneider is a tribute to his pioneering discoveries in the field and an inspiration for young doctors and scientists who have taken over the torch of cystinosis research towards finding a cure for cystinosis.
Vav1 Promotes B-Cell Lymphoma Development
Authors: Shalom Batel , Farago Marganit , Salaymeh Yaser , Sebban Shulamit , Pikarsky Eli , Katzav Shulamit
Published: March 2022

Vav1 is normally and exclusively expressed in the hematopoietic system where it functions as a specific GDP/GTP nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), firmly regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Mutations and overexpression of Vav1 in hematopoietic malignancies, and in human cancers of various histologic origins, are well documented. To reveal whether overexpression of Vav1 in different tissues suffices for promoting the development of malignant lesions, we expressed Vav1 in transgenic mice by using the ubiquitous ROSA26 promoter (Rosa Vav1). We detected Vav1 expression in epithelial tissues of various organs including pancreas, liver, and lung. While carcinomas did not develop in these organs, surprisingly, we noticed the development of B-cell lymphomas. Rac1-GTP levels did not change in tissues from Rosa Vav1 mice expressing the transgenic Vav1, while ERK phosphorylation increased in the lymphomas, suggesting that signaling pathways are evoked. One of the growth factors analyzed by us as a suspect candidate to mediate paracrine stimulation in the lymphocytes was CSF-1, which was highly expressed in the epithelial compartment of Rosa Vav1 mice. The expression of its specific receptor, CSF-1R, was found to be highly expressed in the B-cell lymphomas. Taken together, our results suggest a potential cross-talk between epithelial cells expressing Vav1, that secrete CSF-1, and the lymphocytes that express CSF-1R, thus leading to the generation of B-cell lymphomas. Our findings provide a novel mechanism by which Vav1 contributes to tumor propagation.
Spatial Manipulation of Particles and Cells at Micro- and Nanoscale via Magnetic Forces
Authors: Panina Larissa V. , Gurevich Anastasiya , Beklemisheva Anna , Omelyanchik Alexander , Levada Kateryna , Rodionova Valeria
Published: March 2022

The importance of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles for applications in biomedical technology is widely recognised. Many of these applications, including tissue engineering, cell sorting, biosensors, drug delivery, and lab-on-chip devices, require remote manipulation of magnetic objects. High-gradient magnetic fields generated by micromagnets in the range of 103–105 T/m are sufficient for magnetic forces to overcome other forces caused by viscosity, gravity, and thermal fluctuations. In this paper, various magnetic systems capable of generating magnetic fields with required spatial gradients are analysed. Starting from simple systems of individual magnets and methods of field computation, more advanced magnetic microarrays obtained by lithography patterning of permanent magnets are introduced. More flexible field configurations can be formed with the use of soft magnetic materials magnetised by an external field, which allows control over both temporal and spatial field distributions. As an example, soft magnetic microwires are considered. A very attractive method of field generation is utilising tuneable domain configurations. In this review, we discuss the force requirements and constraints for different areas of application, emphasising the current challenges and how to overcome them.
Polymorphism of Baculoviral Inhibitor of Apoptosis Repeat-Containing 5 (BIRC5) Can Be Associated with Clinical Outcome of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Szczyrek Michał , Mlak Radosław , Szudy-Szczyrek Aneta , Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Kędziora Karolina , Milanowski Janusz
Published: March 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises about 85% of all lung cancers. Currently, NSCLC therapy is based on the analysis of specific predictors, whose presence qualifies patients for appropriate treatment. Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5), also known as “survivin”, is a protein whose expression is characteristic for most malignant tumors and fetal tissue, while absent in mature cells. The biological role of BIRC5 is to counteract apoptosis by inhibiting the initiating and effector activities of caspases and binding to microtubules of the mitotic spindle. In our study, we looked for a relationship between BIRC5 gene polymorphism and the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy. The study group consisted of 104 patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. DNA was isolated from pretreatment blood samples, and SNPs of BIRC5 gene were analyzed. All patients received first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Univariate analysis showed that a specific BIRC5 genotype was significantly associated with a higher risk of early progression (homozygous GG vs. heterozygous CG or CC: 28.9% vs. 11.9%). The presence of a homozygous GG genotype of the BIRC5 gene was insignificantly related to PFS shortening and TTP shortening. Moreover, significantly higher risk of overall survival shortening was associated with the BIRC5 homozygous GG genotype. Thus, studies on polymorphisms of selected genes affecting apoptosis may have a practical benefit for clinicians who monitor and treat NSCLC.
Phosphorous (V) Corrole Fluorophores for Nitrite Assessment in Environmental and Biological Samples
Authors: Caroleo Fabrizio , Diedenhofen Giovanni , Catini Alexandro , Di Natale Corrado , Paolesse Roberto , Lvova Larisa
Published: March 2022

Two phosphorous (V) corrole complexes, [5,10,15-pentafluorophenyl corrole] phosphorous (V) (PFCorr) and [10-(4-trimethylsilylphenyl)-5,15-dimesityl-corrole] phosphorous (V) (PCorr) were synthesized and tested as nitrite-sensitive fluorophores. Fluorimetry studies on ligand sensitivity towards anions were carried out in solution, then inside polymeric membrane optodes deposited on glass, and finally by functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles deposited on a paper support. The selective fluorescence quenching was registered upon addition of an increasing amount of NO2− ions for both ligands. The influence on the PFCorr optode’s response of the lipophilic sites’ functionalization was investigated. The sensors’ suitability for nitrite assessment in natural waters at levels 10-fault lower than the WHO’s recommended maximum concentration level of 3 mg/L was demonstrated.
Influence of Maternal Region of Birth on Placental Pathology of Babies Born Small
Authors: Fernando Mindi , Choudhary Nalin , Kumar Beena , Juchkov Natasha , Shearer Kathryn , Ellery Stacey J. , Davies-Tuck Miranda , Malhotra Atul
Published: March 2022

Background: Placental pathology is a common antecedent factor in infants born small for gestational age. Maternal region of birth can influence rates of SGA. Aims: To determine the association of maternal region of birth on placental pathology in babies that are born small, comparing a South Asian born population with Australia and New Zealand born women. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Monash Health, the largest public health service in Victoria. Mother-baby pairs above 34 weeks’ gestation and birth weight less than 10th centile born in 2016 were included. Placental pathology reports and medical records were reviewed. Statistical analyses of placental and selected neonatal outcomes data were performed. Results: Three hundred and eleven small for gestational age babies were included in this study, of which 171 were born to South Asian mothers and 140 to Australian and New Zealand mothers. There were no significant differences in gestational age at birth between the groups (38.7 (1.6) vs. 38.3 (1.7) weeks, p = 0.06). Placental pathology (macroscopic and microscopic) data comparisons showed no significant differences between the two groups (81% major abnormality in both groups). This was despite South Asian small for gestational age babies being less likely to require admission to a special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (35 vs. 41%, p = 0.05), or have a major congenital abnormality (2.3 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: In this observational study, maternal region of birth did not have an influence on placental pathology of babies born small, despite some differences in neonatal outcomes.
The Limited Impact of Low-Volume Recreational Dance on Three-Compartment Body Composition and Apparent Bone Mineral Density in Young Girls
Authors: Milanese Chiara , Cavedon Valentina , Peluso Ilaria , Toti Elisabetta , Zancanaro Carlo
Published: March 2022

Recreational dance is practiced worldwide as a multidimensional physical activity with a potential for prevention of a sedentary lifestyle and overweight/obesity. This study explored in young (7–15 year; n = 21) girls the effect of long-term (>1 year) exposure to recreational (2 h/w) dancing on three-compartment body composition. Recreational dancers (RD) were compared with recreational (≤4 h/w) artistic gymnasts (RG, n = 22) and physically active young girls not involved in structured extracurricular physical activity (control; C, n = 22), adjusting for confounding variables (age, body mass, menarche). We hypothesized for RD an intermediate body composition between RG and C. The three groups had similar age and body mass index. Body composition indices in RD were intermediate between that of C and RG, but RD values were not statistically significantly different vs. C. This agreed with the not statistically significant higher energy expenditure (MET-min/w) in RD vs. C (1357.7 ± 805.32 and 1090.9 ± 596.63, p = 0.172). In conclusion, long-term recreational dance exposure at low volume had limited positive effect on body composition of young girls vs. unstructured extracurricular physical activity. Future work will explore the potential of recreational dance at higher volume (3–4 h/w) to improve body composition in young girls.
Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment for the Treatment of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Fallea Antonio , Zuccarello Rosa , Roccella Michele , Quatrosi Giuseppe , Donadio Serena , Vetri Luigi , Calì Francesco
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The importance of dental care and oral hygiene is often underestimated in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comorbidity with dental anxiety is greater in ASD subjects who also show unusual reactions to sensory stimuli. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy for a sensory-adapted environment and targeted methods in reducing anxiety and positively influencing cooperation in children with ASD during a dental examination or specific treatments. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 50 Italian children with a diagnosis of ASD (36 males and 14 females; aged 9–10 years) presenting with mild intellectual disability (ID) and verbal language skills. The subjects enrolled in the study had at least two decayed teeth and all were treated in two different dental environments: regular dental environment (RDE) and sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE). Results: 20% of the sample was successfully treated in RDE, while 68% of subjects were successfully treated in SADE. Conclusions: Results suggest that a sensory-adapted environment positively affects the therapeutic dental treatment in patients with ASD and reaffirm that sensory dysregulation in children with ASD is a crucial factor influencing the successful outcome of oral care.
Microstructure and Performance of Ni/TiN Coatings Deposited by Laser Melting Deposition on 40Cr Substrates
Authors: Wang Yan , Gao Wang
Published: March 2022

The current study reports the successful preparation of Ni/TiN coatings via laser melting deposition (LMD) for repairing the shaft of an electric submersible pump (ESP). The surface morphology, microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, shear strength, and wear resistance were investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), microhardness meter, shear strength test machine, and friction and wear tester. Among the three coatings, the Ni/TiN coating deposited at 1.5 kW processed fine grains with an evenly dispersed and compact structure. The Ni/TiN coating revealed a face-centered cubic (f c c) lattice that exhibited diverse orientations due to the laser powers. The Ni/TiN coating deposited at 1 kW had the lowest average microhardness of 768 HV, while the Ni/TiN coating deposited at 1.5 kW had the highest average hardness of 843 HV. The shear displacements of the Ni/TiN coatings obtained at 1, 1.5, and 2 kW were 0.68, 0.54, and 0.61 mm, respectively. The Ni/TiN coating deposited at 1.5 kW had the lowest friction coefficient among all coatings, with an average value of only 0.44. Additionally, the Ni/TiN coating deposited at 1.5 kW exhibited the highest wear resistance. The presence of Ni, Ti, N, Cr, and Fe elements on the surface of the shaft of the ESP, indicated that the LMD technology had successfully repaired the shaft.
Evaluation of Sputtered Mo–Cu–Cr–N Coatings Prepared at Different N2 Gas Flow Rates Using a Multicomponent Single-Alloy Target
Authors: Kim Soobyn , An Ki Won , Yoon Hae Won , Park Hyun Jun , Moon Kyoung Il , Lee Caroline Sunyong
Published: March 2022

With the growth of the automobile, machinery, and aerospace industries, demand for high-performance surface coatings having multifunctional characteristics for use in mechanical parts is increasing. In this study, ternary/quaternary Mo–Cu–Cr–(N) nanocomposite coatings were deposited at different N2 gas flow rates using direct current magnetron sputtering from a multicomponent single-alloy target. The use of a single-alloy target simplifies the deposition process and improves the coating uniformity. The influence of the nitrogen content was investigated regarding the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological properties, and corrosion resistance of these coatings. The Mo–Cu–Cr–N coating containing 30.5 at.% nitrogen showed a nanocomposite structure comprising transition metal nitride phases (Mo–N/Cr–N) having high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, while retaining the excellent tribological properties of ternary Mo–Cu–N coatings.
Effect of Prior Surface Textures on the Resulting Roughness and Residual Stress during Bead-Blasting of Electron Beam Melted Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Rifat Mustafa , Basu Saurabh , De Meter Edward C. , Manogharan Guha
Published: March 2022

The finishing of additive manufactured (AM) components is crucial for endowing them with fatigue resistance. Unfortunately, current AM processes naturally promote anisotropic surface characteristics that make it challenging to optimize finishing processes. In this study, bead-blasting is explored as a process for finishing Electron Beam Melted (EBM) Ti-6Al-4V. The effects of anisotropic roughness characteristics on the mechanics of bead-blasting are delineated using surface texture measurements via optical profilometry and residual stress measurements via X-ray diffraction. As-received surfaces resulting from AM, as well as those that have been Electrical Discharge Machined (EDM), are studied. It is seen that pre-processed roughness textures heavily influence the final textures and residual stresses. These linkages are quantified using a plasticity index as the governing metric—a rougher surface features a larger plastic index, which results in comparatively greater evolution of its texture characteristics than a smoother surface after equivalent bead-blasting treatments. The mechanics of this evolution are delineated using energy-controlled indentation as a model representing a single impact in bead-blasting. It is seen that rougher surfaces featuring complex textures in as-received states also produce complex stress states featuring a greater level of locally tensile stresses during indentation compared with smoother surfaces. Approaches to address these complications are proposed that can potentially transform a printed, non-functional surface into one that is optimized for fatigue resistance.
Pt-Based Multimetal Electrocatalysts and Potential Applications: Recent Advancements in the Synthesis of Nanoparticles by Modified Polyol Methods
Authors: Hang Nguyen Thi Nhat , Yang Yong , Nam Nguyen Quang Thanh , Nogami Masayuki , Phuc Le Hong , Long Nguyen Viet
Published: March 2022

In our review, we have presented a summary of the research accomplishments of nanostructured multimetal-based electrocatalysts synthesized by modified polyol methods, especially the special case of Pt-based nanoparticles associated with increasing potential applications for batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells. To address the problems raised in serious environmental pollution, disease, health, and energy shortages, we discuss and present an improved polyol process used to synthesize nanoparticles from Pt metal to Pt-based bimetal, and Pt-based multimetal catalysts in the various forms of alloy and shell core nanostructures by practical experience, experimental skills, and the evidences from the designed polyol processes. In their prospects, there are the micro/nanostructured variants of hybrid Pt/nanomaterials, typically such as Pt/ABO3-type perovskite, Pt/AB2O4-type ferrite, Pt/CoFe2O4, Pt/oxide, or Pt/ceramic by modified polyol processes for the development of electrocatalysis and energy technology. In the future, we suggest that both the polyol and the sol-gel processes of diversity and originality, and with the use of various kinds of water, alcohols, polyols, other solvents, reducing agents, long-term capping and stabilizing agents, and structure- and property-controlling agents, are very effectively used in the controlled synthesis of micro/nanoparticles and micro/nanomaterials. It is understood that at the levels of controlling and modifying molecules, ions, atoms, and nano/microscales, the polyol or sol-gel processes, and their technologies are effectively combined in bottom-up and top-down approaches, as are the simplest synthetic methods of physics, chemistry, and biology from the most common aqueous solutions as well as possible experimental conditions.
New Records of Powdery Mildews from Taiwan: Erysiphe ipomoeae comb. nov., E. aff. betae on Buckwheat, and E. neolycopersici comb. nov. on Cardiospermum halicacabum
Authors: Hsiao Hui-Yu , Ariyawansa Hiran A. , Hsu Ching-Ching , Wang Chao-Jen , Shen Yuan-Min
Published: March 2022

Erysiphe is the largest genus of powdery mildews (PMs), a group of obligate plant pathogenic fungi. Exploration of biodiversity generally relies on regional surveys and our aim is to investigate the PMs in Taiwan. Collections of the fungi on five plant species around agricultural environments were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization, using both internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin gene (TUB2) regions for the phylogenetic analyses. Erysipheipomoeae comb. nov., a species able to infect Ipomoea obscura and I. aquatica demonstrated by pathogenicity tests, has been neotypified. The two buckwheat species, Fagopyrum esculentum and F. tataricum, are found to be hosts of E. aff. betae. These results suggest that hosts in some plant families can be infected by more than one Erysiphe pathogen, e.g., Convolvulaceae by E. ipomoeae and E. convolvuli and Polygonaceae by E. polygoni and E. aff. betae, respectively. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of PMs on Cardiospermum halicacabum and tomato belonging to the E. aquilegiae complex are allocated under E. neolycopersici comb. nov. This extends the potential host range of E. aquilegiae complex to the plant family Sapindaceae. We conclude that awareness of the host associations of PMs can potentially benefit crop disease management.
The Diabetes Team Dynamics Unraveled: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Van Nuland Eefje , Dumitrescu Irina , Scheepmans Kristien , Paquay Louis , De Wandeler Ellen , De Vliegher Kristel
Published: March 2022

Background: Diabetes is a complex disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach. However, the dynamics of this collaboration and the involvement of healthcare providers remain unclear. Aim(s): To explore the composition, the division of roles/tasks, and the collaboration in a diabetes team. Methods: A qualitative, explorative study with six focus groups was conducted, of which four focus groups were with healthcare providers (n = 34) and two with informal caregivers and persons with diabetes (n = 13). In addition, two in-depth interviews with doctors were performed. An iterative process of data analysis took place, guided by the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL). Results: All participants confirm the importance of patient empowerment and the fact that the person with diabetes should have a central role within the team. However, this has not been achieved yet. This research gives a clear insight into the dynamics of a diabetes team. Roles and tasks are allocated according to the specific expertise and knowledge of the different healthcare providers. Interprofessional collaboration is the ultimate goal. However, the diabetes team is often formed ad hoc depending on the needs of the person with diabetes and the preferences for collaboration of the healthcare providers. Furthermore, this study revealed some important bottlenecks with regard to the knowledge of healthcare providers, persons with diabetes and their informal caregivers, the regulation and reimbursement. Discussion: Our study uncovers the dynamics of a diabetes team and its members. Healthcare providers work mainly alone, except in hospitals, where they can consult other healthcare providers briefly if necessary. Although collaboration proves to be difficult, all healthcare providers ask for a more intensive interprofessional collaboration. Conclusion: In order to improve quality of diabetes care, patient-centered care and the satisfaction of patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare providers, efforts have to be made to facilitate interprofessional collaboration. This can be achieved by sharing information via electronic shared patient records, coordination, overview, local task agreements, simplified legal regulations, and an adjusted financing system.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Cerebral and Spinal Cavernous Malformations of a Patient with Dementia and Tetraparesis
Authors: Antonescu Florian , Butnariu Ioana , Cojocaru Florentina Melania , Anghel Daniela Nicoleta , Antonescu-Ghelmez Dana , Tuță Sorin
Published: March 2022

Cavernomas are rare cerebrovascular malformations that usually occur in sporadic forms with solitary lesions located most often in the hemispheric white matter, but also in the infratentorial or spinal region. Multiple lesions at different CNS levels are considered a hallmark for the familial form of the disease. The diagnostic modality of choice for cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present an intriguing case of a 65-year-old male admitted to our hospital with tetraparesis and cognitive impairment where highly sensitive MRI sequences identified many cerebral cavernous lesions at the supra-, infratentorial and cervical–thoracic spine levels, some of them with recent signs of bleeding in a patient with oral anticoagulant therapy due to atrial fibrillation. The mechanism of cognitive impairment in this patient is most probably the interruption of strategic white matter tracts, as it is known to happen in other subcortical vascular pathologies. MRI can be helpful not only in mapping the anatomical distribution of lesions, but also in weighing the risks and making decisions regarding whether or not to continue oral anticoagulant therapy.
In Elderly Anemic Patients without Endoscopic Signs of Bleeding Are Duodenal Biopsies Always Necessary to Rule Out Celiac Disease?
Authors: Pivetta Giulia , Coluccio Chiara , Dilaghi Emanuele , Lahner Edith , Pilozzi Emanuela , Carabotti Marilia , Corleto Vito Domenico
Published: March 2022

Iron-deficiency anemia in the elderly may be due to numerous gastrointestinal conditions. Anemia is frequent in celiac disease (CD); however, the use of routine duodenal biopsies, independently of age or serology, is debated. To determine the diagnostic yield of routine duodenal biopsies in adult and elderly patients with no bleeding anemia, a cross-sectional study analyzing 7968 gastroscopies (2017–2020) was performed; 744 were for anemia and 275 were excluded (GI bleeding or without duodenal biopsies). Of the 469 included patients, clinical, endoscopic, and histological features were analyzed in groups with or without histopathological changes in the duodenal mucosa (DM). Univariate/multivariate analyses were performed. Of the 469 patients, 41 (8.7%) had DM histopathological changes, 12 (2.6%) had CD, 26 (5.5%) had duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytosis (DIL), and 3 had (0.6%) other conditions. They were younger compared to patients with normal DM. DM histopathology was significantly inversely correlated with age group, with prevalences of 27%, 20%, 12.5%, 10%, and 2.5%, in the <40–50, 51–60, 61–70, 71–80, and >80-year age groups, respectively (p = 0.0010). Logistic-regression models showed that anemic patients aged >60, >70, or >80 years with endoscopically normal DM had a progressively three- to four-fold higher probability of having normal duodenal histology. In adults, anemic patients without bleeding, age and endoscopically normal DM are predictors of normal DM histology. In >70-year anemic patients, negligible DM pathology was found. The results suggest that routine duodenal biopsies are questionable in elderly anemic patients
Cross-Region Comparison Intellectual Capital and Its Impact on Islamic Banks Performance
Authors: Prasojo Prasojo , Yadiati Winwin , Fitrijanti Tettet , Sueb Memed
Published: March 2022

This paper uses the value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) to assess the performance of Islamic banks (IBs) by measuring return on assets (ROA) and income from financing Islamic banks (IFIB). The model tests the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and IB performance in various regions using a panel data regression methodology with a fixed-effects model and IB financial data for the period 2009–2019 from the BankScope database. The empirical results show that VAIC has a significant positive effect on IB performance using both ROA and IFIB proxies. Furthermore, human capital and capital employed efficiency have a positive relationship with ROA and IFIB, while structural capital efficiency has a relationship with ROA, but is not related to IFIB. The results can be used by companies in strategic decision making related to IC, especially human capital, structural capital, and employed capital.
Comparative Perspectives on the Role of National Pride, Identity and Belonging in the Curriculum
Authors: Kandiko Howson Camille , Lall Marie
Published: March 2022

In this Special Issue, Comparative Perspectives on the Role of National Pride, Identity and Belonging in the Curriculum, Pedagogy and Experience of Higher Education, papers explore how contemporary issues in democratic education play out in higher education curriculum policy, pedagogy, and the student experience within and across different national contexts [...]
Lessons Learned from 10 Experiments That Tested the Efficacy and Assumptions of Hypothetical Learning Trajectories
Authors: Baroody Arthur J. , Clements Douglas H. , Sarama Julie
Published: March 2022

Although reformers have embraced learning trajectories (LT, also called learning progressions) as an important tool for improving mathematics education, the efficacy and assumptions of LT-based instruction are largely unproven. The aim of a recently completed research project was to fill this void. Fulfilling this aim was more challenging than many supporters of LT-based instruction might imagine. A total of 10 experiments were untaken, of which 5 demonstrated that LT-based instruction was significantly more efficacious than a counterfactual involving either a Teach-to-Target/Skip-Level approach (Assumption 1) or the same unordered activities (Assumption 2). The results of the remaining studies were non-significant either for theoretical (2) or methodological (3) reasons. In the five indicating LTs’ efficacy, we found that some LTs consists of levels that are facilitative conditions for the next higher level and, thus, may be helpful but perhaps not necessary for the subsequent level.
A Hybrid Routing Protocol Based on Naïve Bayes and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Wang Xun , Wu Huarui , Miao Yisheng , Zhu Huaji
Published: March 2022

Clustering of sensor nodes is a prominent method applied to wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In a cluster-based WSN scenario, the sensor nodes are assembled to generate clusters. The sensor nodes also have limited battery power. Therefore, energy efficiency in WSNs is crucial. The load on the sensor node and its distance from the base station (BS) are the significant factors of energy consumption. Therefore, load balancing according to the transmission distance is necessary for WSNs. In this paper, we propose a hybrid routing algorithm based on Naïve Bayes and improved particle swarm optimization algorithms (HRA-NP). The cluster heads (CHs) are selected according to the CH conditional probability, which is estimated by the Naïve Bayes classifier. After the selection of the CHs, the multi-hop routing algorithm is applied to the CHs. The best routing path from each CH to the BS is obtained from an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Simulations were conducted on evaluation factors such as energy consumption, active sensor nodes per round, the sustainability of the network, and the standard deviation of a load on the sensor node. It was observed that HRA-NP outperforms comparable algorithms, namely DUCF, ECRRS, and FC-RBAT, based on the evaluation factors.