bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Metabolomics Analysis Identifies Differential Serum Metabolites in Elite and Sub-elite Swimmers
Authors: Cai Ming , Wu Chao , Jing Chen , Shen Xunzhang , He Mian , Wang Liyan , Guo Qi , Yan Yan , Yan Xu , Yang Ruoyu
Published: May 2022

Objective: Metabolites in body fluids, such as lactate, glucose, and creatinine, have been measured by conventional methods to evaluate physical function and performance or athletic status. The objectives of the current study were to explore the novel metabolite biomarkers in professional swimmers with different competition levels using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics, and try to establish a model to identify the athletic status or predict the competitive potential.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 103 elite and 84 sub-elite level Chinese professional swimmers, and were profiled by NMR analysis.

Results: Out of the thirty-six serum metabolites profiled, ten were associated with the athletic status of swimmers (with p < 0.05). When compared with sub-elite swimmers, elite swimmers had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), unsaturated fatty acid, lactic acid, and methanol. Elite swimmers had lower levels of isoleucine, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetate, glutamine, glycine, and α-glucose. A model with four metabolites, including HDL, glutamine, methanol, and α-glucose, was established to predict athletic status by adjusting with different covariates. The area under the curve (AUC) of the best model was 0.904 (95% CI: 0.862-0.947), with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.5 and 90.2%, respectively.

Conclusion: We have identified ten metabolite biomarkers with differentially expressed levels between elite and sub-elite swimmers, the differences could result from genetic or sports level between the two cohorts. A model with four metabolites has successfully differentiated professional swimmers with different competitive levels.
A Protocol for the Cryopreservation of Human Intestinal Mucosal Biopsies Compatible With Single-Cell Transcriptomics and Ex Vivo Studies
Authors: McRae Alison , Ricardo-Silgado Maria Laura , Liu Yuanhang , Calderon Gerardo , Gonzalez-Izundegui Daniel , Rohakhtar Fariborz Rakhshan , Simon Vernadette , Li Ying , Acosta Andres
Published: May 2022

The heterogeneity of the human intestinal epithelium has hindered the understanding of the pathophysiology of distinct specialized cell types on a single-cell basis in disease states. Described here is a workflow for the cryopreservation of endoscopically obtained human intestinal mucosal biopsies, subsequent preparation of this tissue to yield highly viable fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)isolated human intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) single-cell suspensions compatible with successful library preparation and deep single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). We validated this protocol in deep scRNAseq of 59,653 intestinal cells in 10 human participants. Furthermore, primary intestinal cultures were successfully generated from cryopreserved tissue, capable of surviving in short-term culture and suitable for physiological assays studying gut peptide secretion from rare hormone-producing enteroendocrine cells in humans. This study offers an accessible avenue for single-cell transcriptomics and ex vivo studies from cryopreserved intestinal mucosal biopsies. These techniques may be used in the future to dissect and define novel aberrations to the intestinal ecosystem that lead to the development and progression of disease states in humans, even in rare IEC populations.
The Outcomes of Organizational Cronyism: A Social Exchange Theory Perspective
Authors: Ali Shahab , Shahzad Farrukh , Hussain Iftikhar , Yongjian Pu , Khan Muhammad Mahroof , Iqbal Zafar
Published: May 2022

The current research examines the possible outcomes of cronyism like organizational deviance (OD), organizational cynicism (OCy), and counterproductive work behavior and also investigates the mediating variable violation of psychological contract (VPC) among cronyism and its possible outcomes. Many studies have investigated the presence of organizational cronyism (OC) at the workplace and its impacts on certain variables. However, the outcomes observed in this study, i.e., OD, OCy, and counter-productive work behavior were not empirically investigated previously as per researchers’ knowledge. The second gap this study fills is the mediating effect of VPC between the studied variables. Thirdly, the study was conducted in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, which is almost the first attempt to investigate this phenomenon in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Data were collected from the employees working under different ministries of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan like education, forest, sports, information, local government, finance, and tourism. The data from 350 employees were collected through convenience sampling. The data collection process was conducted at two distinct time lags. Results show that OC significantly and positively relates with OD, OCy, and counter-productive work behavior, whereas VPC mediates the relationship among OC and OD, OC, and counter-productive work behavior. Employees enjoying special favors from the leadership seem to be more dedicated toward the organization than the employees who do not have this favor, and the ultimate result is negative for the organization.
Language Assessment Literacy of Teachers
Authors: Weng Fanrong , Shen Bin
Published: May 2022

Language assessment literacy (LAL) is a significant component of language teachers’ expertise but is also a challenging task for most language teachers. To date, there have been relatively few studies examining the research on teachers’ LAL during these decades. To fill this void, this article reviews the conceptualizations of LAL and relevant empirical studies published from 1991 to 2021. It first analyzes various conceptualizations of LAL. Then in examining the empirical studies on teachers’ LAL, five major themes emerge: (i) teachers’ LAL levels; (ii) factors influencing LAL; (iii) language teachers’ assessment training needs; (iv) language assessment training courses; and (v) LAL development through reflection. Finally, future research directions on teachers’ LAL are discussed.
Sexual and Reproductive Health: How Can Situational Judgment Tests Help Assess the Norm and Identify Target Groups? A Field Study in Sierra Leone
Authors: Moussaoui Lisa Selma , Law Erin , Claxton Nancy , Itämäki Sofia , Siogope Ahmada , Virtanen Hannele , Desrichard Olivier ,   Consortium Sierra Leone Red Cross Society
Published: May 2022

Sexual and reproductive health is a challenge worldwide, and much progress is needed to reach the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals. This paper presents cross-sectional data collected in Sierra Leone on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), family planning (FP), child, early and forced marriage (CEFM), and female genital mutilation (FGM) using an innovative method of measurement: situational judgment tests (SJTs), as a subset of questions within a larger survey tool. For the SJTs, respondents saw hypothetical scenarios on these themes and had to indicate how they would react. The objective is to give an impression of beliefs and norms on specific behaviors, which provide insights for social and behavior change interventions. Data was collected by enumerators traveling to villages randomly selected in six districts of the country. The sample is composed of 566 respondents. Results show that FGM in particular seem to be a priority topic, in comparison to the other topics for which the norms seem to be stronger against those practices. Age differences emerged and suggest priority groups to be targeted (e.g., on the topic of female genital mutilation, younger female respondents, and older male respondents gave the lowest coded responses which reflected to less appropriate behavior in our coding). In terms of validity of the measurement methods, situational judgment test answers correlated positively with other items in the survey, but the magnitude of the association is often small, and sometimes not significant. Thus, more studies are needed to further explore the validity of this measure by comparing against a reference value. Using SJTs could complement other data collection tools to perform community assessment, and orient the direction of the program in its planning phase.
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Lesionsin Kawasaki Disease Independent of Antibiotic Use in Chinese Children
Authors: Lao Sixian , Zhou Tao , Kuo Ho-Chang , Zhong Guoping , Zeng Weiwei
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To study the impact of antibiotics used in Kawasaki disease (KD) with coronary artery lesions (CAL) and identify independent risk factors.

Methodology

This study reviewed the records of 287 KD patients between the years 2016 and 2020. Patients were grouped by their outcome, the CAL group, and a no-coronary artery lesions (NCAL) group, and stratified by the use of antibiotics. We collected clinical and laboratory data before the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment.

Results

The two groups of KD patients with and without CAL were compared. The results showed that there are significant differences between groups which were erythrocyte count (p = 0.045) and hemoglobin (p = 0.005), red blood cell-specific volume (p = 0.001), immature granular cells percentage (p = 0.006), total protein (p = 0.045), albumin (p = 0.041), alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.023), and chlorine (p = 0.006). After multivariate logistic regression, neutrophil granulocyte percentage (odds ratio [OR] = 1.200, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.008-1.428, p = 0.040), lymphocyte percentage (p = 0.028, OR = 1.243, 95% CI: 1.024-1.508, p = 0.028) and total protein (OR = 4.414, 95% CI: 1.092-17.846, p = 0.037) were found to be independent risk factors for CAL. After analyzing the cases with a history of antibiotic use, multivariate analysis showed no indicators were considered independent risk factors for CAL.

Conclusion

Neutrophil granulocyte percentage, Lymphocyte percentage and total protein were independent risks for CAL in KD without antibiotics use history. The use of antibiotics affected physiological indicators of KD patients.
A Multicentre, Randomised, Double Blind, Parallel Design, Placebo Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Uthever (NMN Supplement), an Orally Administered Supplementation in Middle Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Huang Hao
Published: May 2022

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the anti-aging effect of NMN and its safety in a double-blind, parallel, randomised controlled clinical trial.

Methods: The study was carried out on 66 healthy subjects between the ages of 40 and65 years, instructed to take two capsules (each containing 150 mg. of NMN or starch powder) once a day after breakfast for 60 days.

Results: At day 30, NAD+/NADH levels in the serum showed a noteworthy increase, i.e., by 11.3%, whereas the placebo group had shown no change at all. At the end of the study, i.e., day 60, the NAD+/NADH levels were increased further by 38% compared to baseline, against a mere 14.3% in the placebo group. In the case of SF 36, at day 60, the Uthever group showed a rise of 6.5%, whereas the placebo group was merely raised by 3.4%. At the end of the study, the mean HOMA IR Index showed a rise of 0.6% among the Uthever group and 30.6% among the Placebo group from baseline.

Conclusion: The rise in the levels of NAD+/NADH at day 30 and day 60 illustrated the potential of Uthever to raise the levels of NAD+ in the cells, which is linked to higher energy levels and an anti-aging effect. Increased sensitivity to insulin has also been linked to anti-aging. There was no noteworthy change in HOMA score, in the Uthever group whereas there was a noteworthy rise in the placebo group, demonstrating the anti-aging effect of Uthever as in its absence, the parameters worsened.

Clinical Trial Registration: (clinicaltrials.gov), identifier (NCT04228640 NMN).
A Giant Ovarian Cystadenoma in A 20-Year-Old Nulliparous Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Pramana Cipta , Almarjan Lulu , Mahaputera Pramadio , Wicaksono Satrio Adi , Respati Giri , Wahyudi Firdaus , Hadi Cahyono
Published: May 2022

Giant ovarian cyst itself is defined as a cyst >10 cm in diameter from radiological- examination or the size of the cyst exceeds the umbilicus. Extra-large benign and malignant cysts of the ovary are uncommon and involve diagnostic and management challenges. We present the case of a 20-year-old nulliparous woman who was referred to our center with complaints of abdominal pain and heavy breathing. She benefited from a salphingo-oophorectomy laparotomy procedure. Benign and malignant gynecologic and non-gynecologic etiologies are included in the differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass. Because of the infrequent occurrence or absence of distinctive clinical presentation of the giant ovarian cyst, accurate preoperative diagnosis is challenging.
Structural Design and Experiments of a Dynamically Balanced Inverted Four-Bar Linkage as Manipulator Arm for High Acceleration Applications
Authors: Zomerdijk Matthijs J. J. , van der Wijk Volkert
Published: May 2022

Industrial robotic manipulators in pick-and-place applications require short settling times to achieve high productivity. The fluctuating reaction forces and moments on the base of a dynamically unbalanced manipulator, however, cause base vibrations, leading to increased settling times. These base vibrations can be eliminated with dynamic balancing, which is achieved, in general, with the addition of counter-masses and counter-inertias. Adding these elements, however, comes at the cost of increased moving mass and inertia, resulting in lower natural frequencies and again higher settling times. For a minimal settling time it is therefore essential that a balanced mechanism has high natural frequencies with an optimal mass distribution. A dynamically balanced inverted four-bar linkage architecture is therefore favoured over architectures which depend on counter-masses and counter-rotating flywheels. The goal of this paper is to present and experimentally verify a structural design of a manipulator arm with high natural frequencies that is based on a dynamically balanced inverted four-bar linkage. The dynamical properties and the robustness to manufacturing tolerances are both verified with simulations and experiments. Experiments for 5.2 G tip accelerations show, when fully balanced, a reduction of 99.3% in reaction forces and 97.8% in reaction moments as compared to the unbalanced mechanism. The manipulator reached 21 G tip accelerations and a first natural frequency of 212 Hz was measured, which is significantly high and more than adequate for implementation in high acceleration applications.
Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) Alkaloids Alleviate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Chen Yan-Min , Lian Chun-Fang , Sun Qian-Wen , Wang Ting-Ting , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Ye Jun , Gao Li-Li , Yang Yan-Fang , Liu Shuai-Nan , Shen Zhu-Fang , Liu Yu-Ling
Published: May 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have highly related mechanisms. Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloids (SZ-A) from Morus alba L. were approved in 2020 for the treatment of T2DM. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects and mechanism of SZ-A on obesity and NAFLD in mice. Mice (C57BL/6J) fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks were treated with SZ-A for another 6 weeks. HFD-induced weight gain was reduced by SZ-A in a dose-dependent manner. SZ-A treatment significantly stimulated adiponectin expression and secretion in adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, SZ-A markedly reduced hepatic steatosis (triglyceride, total cholesterol) and expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes. SZ-A regulated lipid metabolism and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH)) in the liver. Palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells were also repressed by SZ-A. Collectively, SZ-A protected mice from HFD-induced NAFLD through an indirect effect of improved systemic metabolism reducing bodyweight, and a direct effect by enhancing the lipid metabolism of HepG2 cells. The weight-loss effect of SZ-A in mice was partly due to improved fatty oxidation instead of influencing food consumption.
Phytochemical Characterization and Utilization of Dried Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Peel Extract in Maintaining the Quality of Nile Tilapia Fish Fillet
Authors: El-Beltagi Hossam S. , El-Mogy Mohamed M. , Parmar Aditya , Mansour Abdallah Tageldein , Shalaby Tarek A. , Ali Marwa Rashad
Published: May 2022

Phytochemicals derived from agro-industrial waste materials could be employed as functional food additives and natural antioxidants to replace their synthetic counterparts, which are increasingly being rejected. The current study aims to assess total phenolic compound (TPC), flavonoids, betalain contents, and antiradical scavenging using DPPH and IC50% of dried red beetroot peel (DRBP) extract at different concentrations of 50, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mg/100 mL t. In addition, a characterization of phenols and flavonoids was conducted using HPLC. The second part of this study aims to utilize aqueous DRBP extract in preserving Nile Talipia fish fillet at two concentrations of 80 and 100 mg/100 mL water, compared with 200 ppm of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and control at 5 °C for 10 days. The DRBP aqueous extract was found to have a high concentration of TPC (832 mg/100 g), flavonoids (234 mg/100 g) and betalains (535 mg/100 g) compounds, resulting in a potential antioxidant activity. The IC50% for the extract was detected at 80 mg/100 mL extract. DRBP aqueous extract showed an excellent preservative effect on the fish fillet. Fish fillet samples treated with DRBP extract at a concentration of 100 mg/100 mL were superior in reducing TBA (thiobarbituric acid) increase compared with other treatments at the end of cold storage. Overall, the study showed that red beetroot extracts can act as a natural preservative agent due to their significant antioxidant activity, providing healthy and safe food to consumers.
A Pressure-Based Fully-Coupled Flow Algorithm for the Control Volume Finite Element Method
Authors: Mangani Luca , Alloush Mhamad Mahdi , Lindegger Raphael , Hanimann Lucian , Darwish Marwan
Published: May 2022

A pressure-based fully-coupled flow algorithm is developed for the control volume finite element method (CVFEM), which covers speeds up to the transonic regime. The CVFEM is used because it presents a number of advantages as compared to the popular cell-centered finite volume method (CCFVM), while retaining the properties of the finite volume method (FVM) in terms of flux conservation and numerical integration simplicity. The implementation presents a novel weak formulation of Dirichlet boundary conditions to resolve the disadvantages emerging from the strong formulation, by mimicking the methods followed in the CCFVM. Derivation and implementation details are presented, and a number of test cases are used to evaluate the accuracy and performance of this approach.
Current Trends in Skeletal Borderline Patients: Surgical versus Orthodontic Treatment Decisions—What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Incorvati Cristina , Gulotta Chiara , Mirabile Fiammetta Maria Clara , Badiali Giovanni , Marchetti Claudio
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim is to assess the current evidence-based knowledge about treatment decisions for skeletal malocclusion in adult borderline patients. Methods: A literature search was conducted through three databases. Inclusion criteria were restricted to systematic reviews, prospective, retrospective, and control studies. Only articles comparing orthodontic camouflage and orthognathic surgical treatment for Class II and Class III malocclusions in adult patients were selected to be reviewed. Results: Seven articles concerning Class II and nine concerning Class III met the inclusion criteria. Scientific evidence was poor due to low methodological quality. Conclusions: Surgical treatment was found to better improve skeletal and soft-tissue cephalometric values, whereas camouflage treatment mainly involved dentoalveolar movements. Aesthetic changes, as perceived by the patient, were not significantly different in the two groups. Recently improved surgical techniques, differing from those described in the analyzed articles, may provide similar or more stable outcomes compared with orthodontic-only treatment. Although some cephalometric variables can be helpful, the most important parameters for treatment selection are the patient’s presenting complaint and their self-image perception. Further studies with larger sample sizes and similar pretreatment conditions, and considering patient self-evaluation of esthetics and function, should be undertaken.
Microstructural Analysis and Mechanical Characterization of Shape Memory Alloy Ni-Ti-Ag Synthesized by Casting Route
Authors: Salman Khansaa Dawood , Al-Maliki Wisam Abed Kattea , Alobaid Falah , Epple Bernd
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the current research is to study the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni-Ti-Ag shape memory alloys prepared by the casting route. Ag (grain size at 1 mm) was incorporated into Ni-Ti alloys at varying percentages of weight (0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 wt.% Ag) to produce shape memory alloys using a Vacuum Arc Re-melting (VAR) furnace. Microstructural analysis was defined by FESEM microscopy and XRD examinations, while the transformation temperatures of the Ni-Ti-Ag shape memory alloy were determined by DSC examination. On the other hand, determination of mechanical properties was carried out using micro-hardness and compressive tests. The results of this work show that Ag was dispersed homogeneously into the Ni-Ti alloy. Moreover, two primary phases (austenite phase and martensite phase) emerged with few impurities. The results of the XRD examination show that the number of Ag peaks increased with the increase in weight percentage of Ag. The transformation temperature of the austenitic phase was defined as −1.6 °C by DSC. The mechanical characterizations increased with the increase in weight percentages of Ag (1.5, 3 and 4.5 wt.%), and significantly affected the mechanical properties of the Ni-Ti alloy. An improvement in compressive strength (42.478%) was found for the alloy with 3 wt.% Ag, while the micro-hardness results show a slight decrease in micro-hardness (8.858%) for the alloy with 4.5 wt.% Ag.
Long-Term (2017–2020) Aerosol Optical Depth Observations in Hohhot City in Mongolian Plateau and the Impacts from Different Types of Aerosol
Authors: Ma Yongjing , Tian Yongli , Ren Yuanzhe , Wang Zifa , Wu Lin , Pan Xiaole , Ma Yining , Xin Jinyuan
Published: May 2022

Aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements for 2017–2020 in urban Hohhot of the Mongolian plateau, a transition zone between the depopulated zone and East Asian urban agglomeration, were analyzed for the first time. Results show that annual AOD500 and Ångström exponent α440-675 were 0.36 ± 0.09 and 1.11 ± 0.16 (2017), 0.41 ± 0.12 and 0.90 ± 0.28 (2018), 0.38 ± 0.09 and 1.13 ± 0.24 (2019), 0.38 ± 0.12 and 1.17 ± 0.22 (2020), respectively, representing a slightly polluted level with a mixed type of coarse dust aerosol and a fine urban/industrial aerosol. Throughout the year, depopulated-zone continental air flows predominated in Hohhot (i.e., NW-quadrant wind), accounting for 82.12% (spring), 74.54% (summer), 63.61% (autumn), and 100% (winter). The clean and strong NW-quadrant air flows induced by the south movement of a Siberian anticyclone resulted in a low 500-nm AOD of 0.30 ± 0.29, 0.20 ± 0.15, 0.24 ± 0.29, and 0.13 ± 0.08 from spring to winter. Meanwhile, the local emissions from Hohhot city, as well as anthropogenic urban/industrial aerosols transported by southern and western air masses, originating from southern urban agglomeration and western industrial cities (Baotou, Wuhai, etc.), contributed to the highest aerosol loading, with significant transformation rates of the secondary aerosols Sulfate-Nitrate-Ammonium (SNA) of 47.45%, 57.39%, 49.88%, and 45.16–47.36% in PM2.5 for each season. The extinction fraction of fine aerosols under these anthropogenic trajectories can be as high as 80%, and the largest fine aerosol size was around 0.2–0.25 μm. Dust aerosols were suspending in urban Hohhot all year, although at different levels for different seasons, and the extinction fraction of dust aerosol during sandstorms was generally higher than 70%.
Accessing the Heat Exposure Risk in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on Heat Island Footprint Analysis
Authors: Fu Xuecheng , Yao Lei , Sun Shuo
Published: May 2022

The urbanization process leads to the enhancement of the urban heat island (UHI) effect, and the high temperature brought by it exacerbates the risk of heat exposure and seriously endangers human health. Analyzing the spatiotemporal characteristics and levels of heat exposure risk is important for formulating heat risk prevention and control measures. Therefore, this study analyzes the spatiotemporal characteristics of heat exposure risk based on the UHI footprint (FP) and explores the relationship between it and urbanization factors in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region from 2000 to 2020, and obtains the following conclusions: (1) The BTH region suffers from severe UHI problems, with FP ranging from 6.05 km (Chengde) to 32.51 km (Beijing), and the majority of cities show significant trends of FP increase. (2) With the increase in FP, massive populations are exposed within the heat risk areas, with the average annual population at risk across cities ranging from 269,826 (Chengde) to 166,020,390 (Beijing), with a predominance of people exposed to high risk (more than 65% of the total) and generally showing increasing trends. (3) The population at risk of heat exposure is significantly correlated with urbanization factors, indicating that urbanization is an important reason for the increase in the risk population and the enhancement of the risk level. These results suggest that with the continuous urbanization process, the heat exposure risk problem faced by cities in the BTH region will persist and gradually worsen, which must be paid attention to and effective mitigation measures must be taken.
Nano-Scaled Materials and Polymer Integration in Biosensing Tools
Authors: Moulahoum Hichem , Ghorbanizamani Faezeh , Guler Celik Emine , Timur Suna
Published: May 2022

The evolution of biosensors and diagnostic devices has been thriving in its ability to provide reliable tools with simplified operation steps. These evolutions have paved the way for further advances in sensing materials, strategies, and device structures. Polymeric composite materials can be formed into nanostructures and networks of different types, including hydrogels, vesicles, dendrimers, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), etc. Due to their biocompatibility, flexibility, and low prices, they are promising tools for future lab-on-chip devices as both manufacturing materials and immobilization surfaces. Polymers can also allow the construction of scaffold materials and 3D structures that further elevate the sensing capabilities of traditional 2D biosensors. This review discusses the latest developments in nano-scaled materials and synthesis techniques for polymer structures and their integration into sensing applications by highlighting their various structural advantages in producing highly sensitive tools that rival bench-top instruments. The developments in material design open a new door for decentralized medicine and public protection that allows effective onsite and point-of-care diagnostics.
The Relationship between Sleep Duration and Stroke Risk: The Mediating Role of Physical Activity
Authors: Liu Xingyue , Zhang Juhua , Wang Yanmei , Lu Changlian , Gu Xuefeng , Wan Guoqing , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of physical activity (PA) on the relationship between average sleep duration and risk of stroke in suburban residents without stroke. Methods: A cross-sectional study was executed, and participants were recruited through a multistage, stratified, probability-proportional-to-size sampling method in this research. The stroke risk was measured using a risk assessment form for a high-risk stroke population. The PA score was calculated by the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3). The average sleep duration was calculated by adding up night sleep and afternoon nap durations. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the association between stroke risk, average sleep duration, and PA. The direct and indirect effects of average sleep duration on stroke risk were analyzed by using the PA in a mediation framework. Results: A total of 5312 suburban residents (average: 54.96 ± 12.21 years, 2970 women) participated in the study. After adjusting for covariates, relatively inappropriate sleep duration (<7 h/>8 h~9 h/>9 h) and stroke risk were significantly associated, compared with the moderate average sleep duration (7~8 h) (β = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.024~0.128; β = 0.078, 95% CI: 0.128~0.250; β = 0.150, 95% CI: 0.390~0.549). The PA total score (indirect effect ab = 0.013, 95% CI: 0.003~0.022) partially mediated the relationship between the long average sleep duration and stroke risk, in which the activity intensity (ab = −0.015, 95% CI: −0.021~−0.008), the activity duration (ab = 0.043, 95% CI: 0.029~0.058), and the activity frequency (ab = 0.012, 95% CI: 0.004~0.020; ab = 0.037, 95% CI: 0.026~0.050) all played a mediating role in the different sleep duration. Conclusions: A significant relationship between a long average sleep duration and stroke risk factors among people without stroke was found in this study. The PA and its components partially mediated the association between a long average sleep duration and stroke risk. Suitable prevention methods and interventions for PA and sleep may reduce the risk of stroke.
BIM-Assisted Workflow Enhancement for Architecture Preliminary Design
Authors: Wu Keyao , Tang Shu
Published: May 2022

China’s urban housing demand has directly influenced urbanization development. To stabilize the level of urbanization, it is urgent to optimize the whole life-cycle efficiency of construction and the preliminary design as the first step is even more significant. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is widely used as information technology in the construction industry to promote the implementation and management of projects. However, the traditional preliminary design approach still occupies the mainstream market without forming a systematic BIM workflow, which causes inefficiency. To address this issue, this research aims to construct a BIM-assisted workflow to enhance the preliminary design efficiency of architecture. This study creates traditional and BIM-assisted workflows for comparative analysis to capture duration data with a questionnaire and validate by practical simulation. The findings show that the BIM-assisted workflow consumes less time than the traditional workflow. This research indicates that the BIM-assisted workflow can significantly reduce operation time to enhance preliminary design efficiency and deserves to be strongly promoted in the Chinese Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
Hydrogenation of CO2 on Nanostructured Cu/FeOx Catalysts: The Effect of Morphology and Cu Load on Selectivity
Authors: Simkovičová Karolína , Qadir Muhammad , Žilková Naděžda , Olszówka Joanna , Sialini Pavel , Kvítek Libor , Vajda Štefan
Published: May 2022

The aim of this work was to study the influence of copper content and particle morphology on the performance of Cu/FeOx catalysts in the gas-phase conversion of CO2 with hydrogen. All four investigated catalysts with a copper content between 0 and 5 wt% were found highly efficient, with CO2 conversion reaching 36.8%, and their selectivity towards C1 versus C2-C4, C2-C4=, and C5+ products was dependent on catalyst composition, morphology, and temperature. The observed range of products is different from those observed for catalysts with similar composition but synthesized using other precursors and chemistries, which yield different morphologies. The findings presented in this paper indicate potential new ways of tuning the morphology and composition of iron-oxide-based particles, ultimately yielding catalyst compositions and morphologies with variable catalytic performances.
Electrodeposition of a Li-Al Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) on a Ball-like Aluminum Lathe Waste Strips in Structured Catalytic Applications: Preparation and Characterization of Ni-Based LDH Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huang Song-Hui , Chen Yu-Jia , Huang Wen-Fu , Uan Jun-Yen
Published: May 2022

A functionally structured catalyst was explored for ethanol steam reforming (ESR) to generate H2. Aluminum lathe waste strips were employed as the structured catalytic framework. The mixed metal oxide (Li-Al-O) was formed on the surface of Al lathe waste strips through calcination of the Li-Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH), working as the support for the formation of Ni catalyst nanoparticles. NaOH and NaHCO3 titration solutions were, respectively, used for adjusting the pH of the NiCl2 aqueous solutions at 50 °C when developing the precursors of the Ni-based catalysts forming in-situ on the Li-Al-O oxide support. The Ni precursor on the Al structured framework was reduced in a H2 atmosphere at 500 °C for 3 h, changing the hydroxide precursor into Ni nanoparticles. The titration agent (NaOH or NaHCO3) effectively affected the physical and chemical characterizations of the catalyst obtained by the different titrations. The ESR reaction catalyzed by the structured catalysts at a relatively low temperature of 500 °C was studied. The catalyst using NaHCO3 titration presented good stability for generating H2 during ESR, achieving a high rate of H2 volume of about 122.9 L/(gcat·h). It also had a relatively low acidity on the surface of the Li-Al-O oxide support, leading to low activity for the dehydration of ethanol and high activity to H2 yield. The interactions of catalysts between the Ni precursors and the Li-Al-O oxide supports were discussed in the processes of the H2 reduction and the ESR reaction. Mechanisms of carbon formation during the ESR were proposed by the catalysts using NaOH and NaHCO3 titration agents.
Hippocampal Excitatory Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity Are Differentially Altered during Postnatal Development by Loss of the X-Linked Intellectual Disability Protein Oligophrenin-1
Authors: Cresto Noemie , Lebrun Nicolas , Dumont Florent , Letourneur Franck , Billuart Pierre , Rouach Nathalie
Published: May 2022

Oligophrenin-1 (OPHN1) is a Rho-GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP), whose mutations are associated with X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). OPHN1 is enriched at the synapse in both pre- and postsynaptic compartments, where it regulates the RhoA/ROCK/MLC2 signaling pathway, playing a critical role in cytoskeleton remodeling and vesicle recycling. Ophn1 knockout (KO) adult mice display some behavioral deficits in multiple tasks, reminiscent of some symptoms in the human pathology. We also previously reported a reduction in dendritic spine density in the adult hippocampus of KO mice. Yet the nature of the deficits occurring in these mice during postnatal development remains elusive. Here, we show that juvenile KO mice present normal basal synaptic transmission, but altered synaptic plasticity, with a selective impairment in long-term depression, but no change in long-term potentiation. This contrasts with the functional deficits that these mice display at the adult stage, as we found that both basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation are reduced at later stages, due to presynaptic alterations. In addition, the number of excitatory synapses in adult is increased, suggesting some unsuccessful compensation. Altogether, these results suggest that OPHN1 function at synapses is differentially affected during maturation of the brain, which provides some therapeutic opportunities for early intervention.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Ferreira Julio Cesar Batista
Published: May 2022

Mitochondria are major intracellular hubs distributed throughout the cell that play a key role in the spatiotemporal coordination and propagation of signalling events, ensuring that homeostasis is met at baseline or under environmental pressure [...]
Effects of Zn on Corrosion Properties of Homogenized Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Cu Alloy
Authors: Jia Zheng , Yu Bing , Wang Zhizhuo , Han Xu , Fu Li
Published: May 2022

The effects of 1% Zn on the corrosion properties of homogenized Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Cu alloys were investigated. The corrosion behavior of homogeneous TXC311 and TXCZ3111 alloys in 3.5% NaCl solution was studied by using a hydrogen evolution test, polarization curve and impedance spectrum, and the corrosion properties of the alloys were discussed with considerations relative to microstructure. The results show that the second phases of TXC311 alloy consist of CaMgSn and Mg2Cu. The corrosion rate is 132 mm·year−1. After the addition of 1% Zn element, the grains are significantly refined, the number of Mg2Cu phases is reduced and the MgZnCu phases are formed. The corrosion rate of Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Cu alloy decreased to 80 mm·year−1. TXCZ3111 alloy presents fine grains and a reduced number of Mg2Cu phases, which improve the stability of the corrosion film and reduce the corrosion rate of the alloy. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of TXCZ3111 alloy is much higher than that of TXC311 alloy.
Experimental and Simulation Analysis of Warm Shearing Process Parameters for Rolled AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Plate
Authors: Meng Yue , Ma Lifeng , Jia Weitao
Published: May 2022

The study was carried out on a KRUMAN-CLS1016-NC shearing machine at a shear temperature of 20 °C to 250 °C and a shear edge clearance of 8% to 10% for a rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy plate with a thickness of 8.35 mm. The height and area share of the bright zone in the shear section were analyzed by macroscopic measurements and super depth-of-field experiments, and combined with DEFORM-3D finite element simulations, the optimal shear program was determined using the orthogonal experimental method. It was found that, with the increase of shear temperature and shear edge clearance, the height and area of the burnish band first increased and then decreased. In addition, from the simulated orthogonal test, it can be obtained that the effect of shear temperature on the height of the burnish band is superior to that of the shear edge gap, so the selection of shear temperature is preferred. In this paper, the shear temperature of 150 °C and the shear edge clearance of 12% were finally determined as the best shear process parameters for the rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet.
Primary Angiosarcoma of the Breast: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in Korea
Authors: Kim Yeon-Jin , Ryu Jai-Min , Lee Se-Kyung , Chae Byung-Joo , Kim Seok-Won , Nam Seok-Jin , Yu Jong-Han , Lee Jeong-Eon
Published: May 2022

Due to the rarity of primary angiosarcoma of the breast, optimal management is based on expert opinion. The aim of this study was to review all primary angiosarcomas of the breast obtained from a single center in terms of clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and survival outcomes. From 1997 to 2020, 15 patients with primary angiosarcoma of the breast underwent either mastectomy or wide excision. We analyzed the clinicopathologic data to assess disease-free survival and overall survival. Fifteen women with primary angiosarcoma of the breast were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 33 years (range: 14–63 years). The overall mean tumor size was 7.7 cm (range 3.5–20 cm). Upon histological grading, there were three cases of low grade, five intermediate grade, six high grade, and one unidentified grade. The five-year disease-free survival rate was 24.4%, and the five-year survival rate was 37.2%. The survival rate of the low-grade patient group was statistically higher than that of the intermediate- or high-grade patient groups (p = 0.024). Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare aggressive tumor characterized by high grade and poor outcome. Histologic grade appears to be a reliable predictor of survival. There are no standard treatment guidelines; thus, optimal R0 surgical resection remains the best approach. The roles of neoadjuvant, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy remain unclear.
Sexual Functioning in Female Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Colorectal Cancer—A Single-Center, Prospective Triple Timepoint Yearly Follow-Up
Authors: Tarkowska Magdalena , Głowacka-Mrotek Iwona , Skonieczny Bartosz , Nowikiewicz Tomasz , Tarkowski Michał , Jankowski Michał , Zegarski Wojciech , Jarzemski Piotr
Published: May 2022

The study was aimed at assessing the quality of sexual functioning in female patients having undergone surgical treatment for cancer depending on the type of surgery. The prospective cohort consisted of 48 female patients (23 patients with stoma [A2] and 25 patients with maintained continuity of the GI tract [A1]). Study methods included a diagnostic survey and the analysis of medical records of patients. Research tools consisted of a standardized FSFI questionnaire and a proprietary form for evaluation of sociodemographic data. Measurements were performed at threetimepoints: On the day before the surgery (Measurement I) as well as six and 12 months after the surgery (Measurements II and III, respectively). Statistically significant differences in results were observed in Measurements II and III in the subscales of arousal (II:p = 0.0068, III:p = 0.0018), lubrication (II:p = 0.0221, III:p = 0.0134), orgasm (II:p = 0.0044, III:p = 0.0021), satisfaction (II:p = 0.0021, III:p = 0.0433), and pain/discomfort (II:p = 0.0343, III:p = 0.0473). In all cases, lower scores corresponding to lower quality of sexual functioning were observed in patients in whom stoma had been performed. Statistically significant differences in sexual functioning were observed at Measurements II and III in each group, with the results being significantly (p > 0.05) worse in patients having undergone Hartmann’s procedure or abdominoperineal resection). Variables significantly affecting self-assessed sexual satisfaction included marital status, age, and modality of neoadjuvant treatment. Restoration of the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract is a chance for better self-assessment of the patient’s quality of life as regards sexual functioning.
Usefulness of Imaging and Biological Tools for the Characterization of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Burciu Călin , Șirli Roxana , Bende Felix , Fofiu Renata , Popescu Alina , Sporea Ioan , Ghiuchici Ana-Maria , Miuțescu Bogdan , Dănilă Mirela
Published: May 2022

This study aims to evaluate the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and biological tests to characterize portal vein thrombosis (PVT). We retrospectively analyzed 101 patients with PVT, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In all patients, demographic, biologic, imaging, and endoscopic data were collected. All patients underwent CEUS and a second line imaging technique (CE-CT/MRI) to characterize PVT. Of the 101 cirrhotic subjects, 77 (76.2%) had HCC. CEUS had 98.6% sensitivity (Se) and 89.3% specificity (Sp) for the characterization of PVT type. A significant correlation was found between alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and the PVT characterization at CEUS (r = 0.28, p = 0.0098) and CT/MRI (r = 0.3, p = 0.0057). Using the AFP rule-out cutoff values for HCC (AFP < 20 ng/dL), 78% of the subjects were correctly classified as having benign PVT, while 100% of the subjects were correctly classified as tumor-in-vein (TIV) when the rule-in cutoff value was used (AFP ≥ 200 ng/dL). Using multiple regression analysis, we obtained a score for classifying PVT. The PVT score performed better than CEUS (AUC—0.99 vs. AUC—0.93, p = 0.025) or AFP serum levels (AUC—0.99 vs. AUC—0.96, p = 0.047) for characterizing PVT. In conclusion, CEUS is a sensitive method for the characterization of PVT. The PVT score had the highest performance for PVT characterization.
Ex Vivo Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy (FCM) of Prostate Biopsies Rethought: Opportunities of Intraoperative Examinations of MRI-Guided Targeted Biopsies in Routine Diagnostics
Authors: Sievert Karl-Dietrich , Hansen Torsten , Titze Barbara , Schulz Birte , Omran Ahmad , Brockkötter Lukas , Gunnemann Alfons , Titze Ulf
Published: May 2022

Background: The diagnosis of prostate carcinoma (PCa) requires time- and material-consuming histopathological examinations. Ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) can detect carcinoma foci in diagnostic biopsies intraoperatively. Methods: MRI-guided and systematic biopsies were identified in a dataset of our previously published study cohort. Detection rates of clinically relevant tumors were determined in both groups. A retrospective blinded trial was performed to determine how many tumors requiring intervention were detectable via FCM analysis of MRI-guided targeted biopsies alone. Results: MRI-guided targeted biopsies revealed tumors more frequently than systematic biopsies. Carcinomas in need of intervention were reliably represented in the MRI-guided biopsies and were identified in intraoperative FCM microscopy. Combined with serum PSA levels and clinical presentation, 91% of the carcinomas in need of intervention were identified. Conclusions: Intraoperative FCM analysis of MRI-guided biopsies is a promising approach for the efficient diagnosis of PCa. The method allows a timely assessment of whether a tumor disease requiring intervention is present and can reduce the psychological stress of the patient in the waiting period of the histological finding. Furthermore, this technique can lead to reduction of the total number of biopsies needed for the diagnosis of PCa.
Low Levels of Procalcitonin Are Related to Decreased Antibiotic Use in Children Hospitalized Due to Influenza
Authors: Wrotek August , Wrotek Oliwia , Jackowska Teresa
Published: May 2022

Procalcitonin increases in bacterial infections, which are often suspected (though rarely confirmed) in paediatric influenza. We retrospectively verified procalcitonin’s usefulness in antibiotic guidance in children hospitalized due to laboratory-confirmed influenza. The ROC curve analysis evaluated procalcitonin’s performance in terms of antibiotic implementation or continuation in patients who were naive or had been receiving antibiotic treatment prior to hospital admission. We also assessed the procalcitonin’s usefulness to predict lower-respiratory-tract infections (LRTI), the presence of radiologically confirmed pneumonia, an intensive care unit transfer and a fatal outcome. Multiple regression models were built to verify the previously reported procalcitonin cut-off values. The study enrolled 371 children (median age 33 months). The AUC (area under the curve) for antibiotic implementation reached 0.66 (95%CI: 0.58–0.73) and 0.713 (95%CI: 0.6–0.83) for antibiotic continuation; optimal cut-offs (0.4 and 0.23 ng/mL, respectively) resulted in a negative predictive value (NPV) of 79.7% (95%CI: 76.2–82.9%) and 54.6% (95%CI: 45.8–63%), respectively. The use of 0.25 ng/mL as a reference decreased the odds of antibiotic treatment by 67% (95%CI: 43–81%) and 91% (95%CI: 56–98%), respectively. Procalcitonin showed lower AUC for the prediction of LRTI and pneumonia (0.6, 95%CI: 0.53–0.66, and 0.63, 95%CI: 0.56–0.7, respectively), with a moderately high NPV in the latter case (83%, 95%CI: 79.3–86.1%). Procalcitonin use may decrease the antibiotic frequency in hospitalized influenza cases both in terms of antibiotic administration and continuation. Procalcitonin concentrations may suggest bacterial suprainfections at lower concentrations than in adults, and a focus on its rule-out value is of special interest.