bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Glycerophospholipids in Biological Material Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Charged Aerosol Detector HPLC-CAD—A New Approach for Isolation and Quantification
Authors: Rosłon Magdalena , Jaworska Małgorzata , Anuszewska Elżbieta L.
Published: May 2022

The method of using high-performance liquid chromatography with a charged aerosol detector method (HPLC-CAD) was developed for the separation and determination of phospholipids isolated from cell membranes. The established cell lines—normal and neoplastic prostate cells and normal skin fibroblasts and melanoma cells—were selected for the study. Chromatographic separation was performed in the diol stationary phase using a gradient elution based on a mixture of n-hexane, isopropanol and water with the addition of triethylamine and acetic acid as buffer additives. Taking the elements of the Folch and Bligh–Dyer methods, an improved procedure for lipid isolation from biological material was devised. Ultrasound-assisted extraction included three extraction steps and changed the composition of the extraction solvent, which led to higher recovery of the tested phospholipids. This method was validated by assessing the analytical range, precision, intermediate precision and accuracy. The analytical range was adjusted to the expected concentrations in cell extracts of various origins (from 40 µg/mL for PS up to 10 mg/mL for PC). Both precision and intermediate precision were at a similar level and ranged from 3.5% to 9.0%. The recovery for all determined phospholipids was found to be between 95% and 110%. The robustness of the method in terms of the use of equivalent columns was also confirmed. Due to the curvilinear response of CAD, the quantification was based on an internal standard method combined with a power function transformation of the normalized peak areas, allowing the linearization of the signal with an R2 greater than 0.996. The developed method was applied for the isolation and determination of glycerophospholipids from cell membranes, showing that the profile of the tested substances was characteristic of various types of cells. This method can be used to assess changes in metabolism between normal cells and neoplastic cells or cells with certain pathologies or genetic changes.
The Effect of Standardised Leaf Extracts of Gaultheria procumbens on Multiple Oxidants, Inflammation-Related Enzymes, and Pro-Oxidant and Pro-Inflammatory Functions of Human Neutrophils
Authors: Michel Piotr , Granica Sebastian , Rosińska Karolina , Glige Małgorzata , Rojek Jarosław , Poraj Łukasz , Olszewska Monika Anna
Published: May 2022

The leaves of Gaultheria procumbens are polyphenol-rich traditional medicines used to treat inflammation-related diseases. The present study aimed to optimise the solvent for the effective recovery of active leaf components through simple direct extraction and verify the biological effects of the selected extract in a model of human neutrophils ex vivo. The extracts were comprehensively standardised, and forty-one individual polyphenols, representing salicylates, catechins, procyanidins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, were identified by UHPLC–PDA–ESI–MS3. The chosen methanol–water (75:25, v/v) extract (ME) was obtained with the highest extraction yield and total phenolic levels (397.9 mg/g extract’s dw), including 98.9 mg/g salicylates and 299.0 mg/g non-salicylate polyphenols. In biological tests, ME revealed a significant and dose-dependent ability to modulate pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory functions of human neutrophils: it strongly reduced the ROS level and downregulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue remodelling enzymes, especially IL-1β and elastase 2, in cells stimulated by fMLP, LPS, or fMLP + cytochalasin B. The extracts were also potent direct scavengers of in vivo relevant oxidants (O2•−, •OH, and H2O2) and inhibitors of pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase-2, hyaluronidase, and lipoxygenase). The statistically significant correlations between the tested variables revealed the synergic contribution of individual polyphenols to the observed effects and indicated them as useful active markers for the standardisation of the extract/plant material. Moreover, the safety of ME was confirmed in cytotoxicity tests. The obtained results might partially explain the ethnomedicinal application of G. procumbens leaves and support the usage of the standardised leaf extract in the adjuvant treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related chronic diseases.
Sarcorucinine-D Inhibits Cholinesterases and Calcium Channels: Molecular Dynamics Simulation and In Vitro Mechanistic Investigations
Authors: Khalid Asaad , Abdalla Mohnad , Saeed Maria , Ghayur Muhammad Nabeel , Kalauni Surya Kant , Albratty Mohammed , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Mesaik Mohammed Ahmed , Gilani Anwarul Hassan , Ul-Haq Zaheer
Published: May 2022

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are considered effective therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. AChE plays an essential role in the nervous system by catalyzing the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In this study, the inhibition of the enzyme AChE by Sarcorucinine-D, a pregnane type steroidal alkaloid, was investigated with experimental enzyme kinetics and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation techniques. Kinetics studies showed that Sarcorucinine-D inhibits two cholinesterases—AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)—noncompetitively, with Ki values of 103.3 and 4.66 µM, respectively. In silico ligand-protein docking and MD simulation studies conducted on AChE predicted that Sarcorucinine-D interacted via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with the residues of the active-site gorge of AChE. Sarcorucinine-D was able to relax contractility concentration-dependently in the intestinal smooth muscles of jejunum obtained from rabbits. Not only was the spontaneous spasmogenicity inhibited, but it also suppressed K+-mediated spasmogenicity, indicating an effect via the inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Sarcorucinine-D could be considered a potential lead molecule based on its properties as a noncompetitive AChE inhibitor and a Ca2+ channel blocker.
Modelling the Interaction between Carboxylic Acids and Zinc Oxide: Insight into Degradation of ZnO Pigments
Authors: Lubani Jihan , De Angelis Filippo , Meggiolaro Daniele , Cartechini Laura , Fantacci Simona
Published: May 2022

Computational modelling applied to cultural heritage can assist the characterization of painting materials and help to understand their intrinsic and external degradation processes. The degradation of the widely employed zinc oxide (ZnO)—a white pigment mostly used in oil paints—leads to the formation of metal soaps, complexes of Zn ions and long-chain fatty acids coming from the degradation of the oil binder. Being a serious problem affecting the appearance and the structural integrity of many oil paintings, it is relevant to characterize the structure of these complexes and to understand the reaction pathways associated with this degradation process. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption of the acetate and acetic acid on relatively large ZnO clusters and the formation of Zn–acetate complexes. Carboxylic acids with longer alkyl chains were then investigated as more realistic models of the fatty acids present in the oil medium. In addition, DFT calculations using a periodic ZnO slab were performed in order to compare the obtained results at different levels of theory. Optimization calculations as well as the formation energies of the ZnO@carboxylate coupled systems and the thermodynamics leading to possible degradation products were computed. Our results highlight the potential for DFT calculations to provide a better understanding of oil paint degradation, with the aim of contributing to the development of strengthening and conservation strategies of paintings.
Anthocyanins in Chronic Diseases: The Power of Purple
Authors: Panchal Sunil K. , John Oliver D. , Mathai Michael L. , Brown Lindsay
Published: May 2022

Anthocyanins are mainly purple-coloured phenolic compounds of plant origin that as secondary metabolites are important in plant survival. Understanding their health benefits in humans requires sourcing these unstable compounds in sufficient quantities at a reasonable cost, which has led to improved methods of extraction. Dark-coloured fruits, cereals and vegetables are current sources of these compounds. The range of potential sustainable sources is much larger and includes non-commercialised native plants from around the world and agri-waste containing anthocyanins. In the last 5 years, there have been significant advances in developing the therapeutic potential of anthocyanins in chronic human diseases. Anthocyanins exert their beneficial effects through improvements in gut microbiota, oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulation of neuropeptides such as insulin-like growth factor-1. Their health benefits in humans include reduced cognitive decline; protection of organs such as the liver, as well as the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys; improvements in bone health and obesity; and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. This review summarises some of the sources of anthocyanins and their mechanisms and benefits in the treatment of chronic human diseases.
Phytochemical Combination (p-Synephrine, p-Octopamine Hydrochloride, and Hispidulin) for Improving Obesity in Obese Mice Induced by High-Fat Diet
Authors: Lee Dahae , Lee Ji Hwan , Kim Byoung Ha , Lee Sanghyun , Kim Dong-Wook , Kang Ki Sung
Published: May 2022

Obesity treatment efficiency can be increased by targeting both central and peripheral pathways. In a previous study, we identified two natural compounds (hispidulin and p-synephrine) that affect adipocyte differentiation. We tested whether obesity treatment efficiency may be improved by adding an appetite-controlling agent to the treatment in the present study. Alkaloids, such as p-octopamine, are adrenergic agonists and are thus used as dietary supplements to achieve weight loss. Here, we assessed anti-obesity effects of a mixture of p-synephrine, p-octopamine HCl, and hispidulin (SOH) on murine preadipocyte cells and on mice receiving a high-fat diet (HFD). SOH showed stronger inhibition of the formation of red-stained lipid droplets than co-treatment with hispidulin and p-synephrine. Moreover, SOH reduced the expression of adipogenic marker proteins, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. In the HFD-induced obesity model, body weight and dietary intake were lower in mice treated with SOH than in the controls. Additionally, liver weight and the levels of alanine aminotransferase and total cholesterol were lower in SOH-treated mice than in the controls. In conclusion, our results suggest that consumption of SOH may be a potential alternative strategy to counteract obesity.
Reply to Aguenaou et al. Comment on “Muzzioli et al. Are Front-of-Pack Labels a Health Policy Tool? Nutrients 2022, 14, 771”
Authors: Muzzioli Luca , Penzavecchia Claudia , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Pinto Alessandro
Published: May 2022

As a team of scientists who believe that exchanging views is one of the prerequisites of the scientific method, we welcome the comments from Aguenaou H et al. [...]
Is There a Correlation between Dietary and Blood Cholesterol? Evidence from Epidemiological Data and Clinical Interventions
Authors: Fernandez Maria Luz , Murillo Ana Gabriela
Published: May 2022

Dietary cholesterol has been a topic of debate since the 1960s when the first dietary guidelines that limited cholesterol intake to no more than 300 mg/day were set. These recommendations were followed for several years, and it was not until the late 1990s when they were finally challenged by the newer information derived from epidemiological studies and meta-analysis, which confirmed the lack of correlation between dietary and blood cholesterol. Further, dietary interventions in which challenges of cholesterol intake were evaluated in diverse populations not only confirmed these findings but also reported beneficial effects on plasma lipoprotein subfractions and size as well as increases in HDL cholesterol and in the functionality of HDL. In this review, we evaluate the evidence from recent epidemiological analysis and meta-analysis as well as clinical trials to have a better understanding of the lack of correlation between dietary and blood cholesterol.
Profiles of Physical Activity and Physical Performance in Matched Religious Vegetarian and Nonvegetarian Women: A Preliminary Observational Study in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Yu-Zu , Chan Yun-Ting , Hsieh Jyh-Gang , Chen Jia-Ching
Published: May 2022

Religious vegetarianism has become more popular with women and increases with age. However, concerns have been raised that vegetarians are less productive than nonvegetarians. Thus, we aimed to compare the characteristics of physical activity and physical performance in properly matched religious vegetarian and nonvegetarian women aged ≥ 45 years. Participants (n = 160) were recruited via convenience sampling in the community of Hualien, Taiwan, and matched by demographic and cognitive characteristics. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Physical performance was assessed with handgrip strength, five-times-sit-to-stand, gait speed, timed up-and-go, and functional reach tests (FRT). Overall, 90% of religious vegetarians practiced lacto-ovo-vegetarianism. The proportions of those with low physical activity levels and poor physical performance did not significantly differ between religious vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Additionally, there were no significant between-group differences in IPAQ-SF scores and physical performance, except for FRT performance (mean 24.5 cm vs. 19.7 cm, p < 0.001). Exhaustion after work, busyness, and a lack of interest were three main reasons for low physical activity levels, and none of these had significant between-group differences (p = 0.936). Our results show a similar profile of physical activity and physical performance in religious vegetarian and nonvegetarian women.
Is It Time for “Time-In”?: A Pilot Test of the Child-Rearing Technique
Authors: Holden George W. , Gower Tricia , Wee Sharyl E. , Gaspar Rachel , Ashraf Rose
Published: May 2022

Time-out, a mainstay of non-punitive discipline for over 60 years, has been criticized for isolating and distancing children from others. An alternative technique, one promoted by advocates of positive parenting practices, is labeled “time-in”. This procedure is intended to help the child connect to the parent, communicate their feelings, and learn how to self-regulate. Although the technique has been advocated in the positive parenting literature since at least the 1990s, there are few empirical studies evaluating it. This pilot mixed-models study was designed as an initial test to determine whether mothers, following a brief training, would use the procedure over a two-week period, and how they would view it. Based on the daily reports as well as post-intervention interview of a small sample of mothers, the technique was evaluated as easy to use and effective. This study provides initial information about mothers’ use of the technique and sets the stage for a comprehensive set of studies to rigorously test and evaluate the technique.
Effect of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor C on Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Induced by High d-Glucose in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Grismaldo Rodríguez Adriana , Zamudio Rodríguez Jairo A. , Mendieta Cindy V. , Quijano Gómez Sandra , Sanabria Barrera Sandra , Morales Álvarez Ludis
Published: May 2022

Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker for cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemia induces endothelial dysfunction, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Platelet-derived growth factor C stimulates angiogenesis and revascularization in ischemic tissues of diabetic mice and promotes the migration of progenitors and mature ECs to injury sites; however, the molecular mechanisms of its actions are not described yet. Here, we evaluated the effect of PDGF-C on oxidative stress induced by HG. Human aortic endothelial cells were grown in glucose concentrations ranging from 5 mmol/L to 35 mmol/L for 1 to 24 h. Treatment with 50 ng/mL PDGF-C was done for 1 to 3 h. Cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS were measured by fluorometry, and the expression of antioxidant enzymes was evaluated by Western blot. Nrf2 and Keap1 expression was assessed by real-time PCR. High glucose induced mitochondrial ROS production. PDGF-C diminished the oxidative stress induced by high glucose, increasing SOD2 expression and SOD activity, and modulating the Keap1 expression gene. These results give new evidence about the mitochondrial antioxidant effect that PDGF-C could exert on endothelial cells exposed to high glucose and its considerable role as a therapeutic target in diabetes.
Neutrophil Immunomodulatory Activity of Farnesene, a Component of Artemisia dracunculus Essential Oils
Authors: Schepetkin Igor A. , Özek Gulmira , Özek Temel , Kirpotina Liliya N. , Khlebnikov Andrei I. , Klein Robyn A. , Quinn Mark T.
Published: May 2022

Despite their reported therapeutic properties, not much is known about the immunomodulatory activity of essential oils present in Artemisia species. We isolated essential oils from the flowers and leaves of five Artemisia species: A. tridentata, A. ludoviciana, A. dracunculus, A. frigida, and A. cana. The chemical composition of the Artemisia essential oil samples had similarities and differences as compared to those previously reported in the literature. The main components of essential oils obtained from A. tridentata, A. ludoviciana, A. frigida, and A. cana were camphor (23.0–51.3%), 1,8-cineole (5.7–30.0%), camphene (1.6–7.7%), borneol (2.3–14.6%), artemisiole (1.2–7.5%), terpinen-4-ol (2.0–6.9%), α-pinene (0.8–3.9%), and santolinatriene (0.7–3.5%). Essential oils from A. dracunculus were enriched in methyl chavicol (38.8–42.9%), methyl eugenol (26.1–26.4%), terpinolene (5.5–8.8%), (E/Z)-β-ocimene (7.3–16.0%), β-phellandrene (1.3–2.2%), p-cymen-8-ol (0.9–2.3%), and xanthoxylin (1.2–2.2%). A comparison across species also demonstrated that some compounds were present in only one Artemisia species. Although Artemisia essential oils were weak activators of human neutrophils, they were relatively more potent in inhibiting subsequent neutrophil Ca2+ mobilization with N-formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) agonist fMLF- and FPR2 agonist WKYMVM, with the most potent being essential oils from A. dracunculus. Further analysis of unique compounds found in A. dracunculus showed that farnesene, a compound with a similar hydrocarbon structure as lipoxin A4, inhibited Ca2+ influx induced in human neutrophils by fMLF (IC50 = 1.2 μM), WKYMVM (IC50 = 1.4 μM), or interleukin 8 (IC50 = 2.6 μM). Pretreatment with A. dracunculus essential oils and farnesene also inhibited human neutrophil chemotaxis induced by fMLF, suggesting these treatments down-regulated human neutrophil responses to inflammatory chemoattractants. Thus, our studies have identified farnesene as a potential anti-inflammatory modulator of human neutrophils.
Preparation and Drug Release Profile of Chitosan–Siloxane Hybrid Capsules Coated with Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Shirosaki Yuki , Tsukatani Yasuyo , Okamoto Kohei , Hayakawa Satoshi , Osaka Akiyoshi
Published: May 2022

Chitosan is a cationic polymer that forms polymerized membranes upon reaction with anionic polymers. Chitosan−carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) capsules are drug delivery carrier candidates whose mechanical strength and permeability must be controlled to achieve sustained release. In this study, the capsules were prepared from chitosan−γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS)−CMC. The mechanical stability of the capsules was improved by crosslinking the chitosan with GPTMS. The capsules were then coated with hydroxyapatite (HAp) by alternately soaking them in calcium chloride solution and disodium hydrogen phosphate solution to prevent rapid initial drug release. Cytochrome C (CC), as a model drug, was introduced into the capsules via two routes, impregnation and injection, and then the CC released from the capsules was examined. HAp was found to be deposited on the internal and external surfaces of the capsules. The amount of CC introduced, and the release rate were reduced by the HAp coating. The injection method was found to result in the greatest CC loading.
Characteristic Study of Non-Line-of-Sight Scattering Ultraviolet Communication System at Small Elevation Angle
Authors: Du Axin , Wang Yuehui , Zhang Jing , Zhao Yingkai , Sun Ning , Liu Jianguo
Published: May 2022

Ultraviolet (UV) communication is considered an effective complement to traditional wireless communication. However, the scattering models of existing non-line-of-sight (NLOS) UV, which are complex, are difficult to combine with the test. In this paper, the single scattering isosceles model with a small elevation angle is proposed first. Then, the relationships between the path loss of single scattering isosceles and elevation angle, emission beam angle, receiving field angle, and transmission distance are studied. Finally, we consider outdoor NLOS UV solar-blind communications test at ranges of up to 100 m and 400 m, with different transmit and receive elevation angles. The results show that the isosceles model is in good agreement with the experiments. In addition, the UV isosceles model exhibits good properties compared with the existing scattering model. The proposed UV isosceles model can be employed as a reference for practical applications in outdoor tests.
QCD Phase Boundary and the Hadrochemical Horizon
Authors: Müller Berndt
Published: May 2022

I review the physics of the phase boundary between hadronic matter and quark matter from several different points of view. These include thermodynamics, statistical physics, and chemical kinetics. In particular, the review focuses on the role of the chemical freeze-out line and its relation to the concept of valence-quark percolation. The review ends with some recollections of Jean Cleymans.
Innovative Approach for Controlling Black Rot of Persimmon Fruits by Means of Nanobiotechnology from Nanochitosan and Rosmarinic Acid-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles
Authors: Salem Mohamed F. , Tayel Ahmed A. , Alzuaibr Fahad Mohammed , Bakr Ramadan A.
Published: May 2022

The protection of persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.) from postharvest fungal infestation with Alternaria alternata (A. alternate; black rot) is a major agricultural and economic demand worldwide. Edible coatings (ECs) based on biopolymers and phytocompounds were proposed to maintain fruit quality, especially with nanomaterials’ applications. Chitosan nanoparticles (NCt), rosmarinic acid bio-mediated selenium nanoparticles (RA/SeNPs) and their composites were produced, characterized and evaluated as ECs for managing persimmon black rot. The constructed NCt, RA/SeNPs and NCt/RA/SeNPs composite had diminished particles’ size diameters. The ECs solution of 1% NCt and NCt/RA/SeNPs composite led to a significant reduction of A. alternata radial growth in vitro, with 77.4 and 97.2%, respectively. The most powerful ECs formula contained 10 mg/mL from NCt/RA/SeNPs composite, which significantly reduced fungal growth than imazalil fungicide. The coating of persimmon with nanoparticles-based ECs resulted in a significant reduction of black rot disease severity and incidence in artificially infected fruits; the treatment with 1% of NCt/RA/SeNPs could completely (100%) hinder disease incidence and severity in coated fruits, whereas imazalil reduced them by 88.6 and 73.4%, respectively. The firmness of fruits is greatly augmented after ECs treatments, particularly with formulated coatings with 1% NCt/RA/SeNPs composite, which maintain fruits firmness by 85.7%. The produced ECs in the current study, based on NCt/RA/SeNPs composite, are greatly recommended as innovatively constructed human-friendly matrix to suppress the postharvest destructive fungi (A. alternata) and maintain the shelf-life and quality of persimmon fruits.
Tablet Formulations of Polymeric Electrospun Fibers for the Controlled Release of Drugs with pH-Dependent Solubility
Authors: Friuli Valeria , Pisani Silvia , Conti Bice , Bruni Giovanna , Maggi Lauretta
Published: May 2022

A challenge in the pharmaceutical sector is the development of controlled release dosage forms for oral administration of poorly soluble drugs, in particular, drugs characterized by pH-dependent solubility through the gastrointestinal tract, which itself shows wide variability in terms of environmental pHs. The best approach is to increase the dissolution rate of the drugs at the different pHs and only then modify its release behavior from the pharmaceutical form. This work aims to demonstrate the ability of properly designed polymeric nanofibers in enhancing the release rate of model drugs with different pH-dependent solubility in the different physiological pHs of the gastrointestinal tract. Polymeric nanofibers loaded with meloxicam and carvedilol were prepared using the electrospinning technique and were then included in properly designed tablet formulations to obtain fast or sustained release dosage forms. The nanofibers and the tablets were characterized for their morphological, physico-chemical and dissolution properties. The tablets are able to deliver the dose according to the expected release behavior, and zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas and Hixon–Crowell kinetics models were used to analyze the prevailing release mechanism of the tablets. This study shows that the electrospun fibers can be advantageously included in oral dosage forms to improve their release performances.
Experimental Study of Fatigue and Fracture Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Straps
Authors: Gao Jing , Xu Penghai , Fan Lingyun , Li Jinfeng , Terrasi Giovanni Pietro , Meier Urs
Published: May 2022

The hanger is one of the important components for through and half-through arch bridges. Conventional steel hangers are vulnerable to corrosion due to corrosive environments. Therefore, a new type of bridge hangers consisting of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) straps was developed recently. The CFRP straps are self-anchored, which is formed by layers-winding, and they have great advantages in corrosive environments such as high resistance to corrosion. In this study, the fatigue and fracture behavior of CFRP straps has been experimentally investigated. Firstly, the tensile testing of four CFRP strap specimens was conducted to investigate the static fracture behavior of CFRP straps, and three stages were observed, including delamination, cracking, and brittle rupture. Then, a fatigue test of thirty-nine specimens (four groups) was carried out to study the fatigue behavior of CFRP straps, where two types of pins, titanium alloy pin and CFRP pin, and two loading frequencies, 10 Hz and 15 Hz, were used. The number of cycles to failure, displacement, fatigue failure strain, outside surface temperature at the vertex of specimen, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs were recorded and analyzed to investigate the fatigue behavior of CFRP straps. The experiment results show that the temperature development at the vertex of the CFRP strap varies obviously if different pins are used due to the different friction coefficients. In addition, the fatigue life of CFRP straps decreases significantly with the increase in loading rate for the titanium pin, while it only reduces slightly with the increase in loading rate for the CFRP pin.
Combining Maternal and Post-Hatch Dietary 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Supplementation on Broiler Chicken Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Avila Luis P. , Leiva Samuel F. , Abascal-Ponciano Gerardo A. , Flees Joshua J. , Sweeney Kelly M. , Wilson Jeanna L. , Turner Bradley J. , Litta Gilberto , Waguespack-Levy April M. , Pokoo-Aikins Anthony , Starkey Charles W. , Starkey Jessica D.
Published: May 2022

Dietary inclusion of the vitamin D3 (D3) metabolite, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), was demonstrated to improve broiler growth performance and breast meat yield. To assess the effect of combined maternal (MDIET) and post-hatch (PDIET) dietary 25OHD3 inclusion on broiler growth performance and carcass characteristics, a randomized complete block design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure was conducted. From 25 to 38 weeks of age, broiler breeder hens were provided with 1 of 2 MDIET formulated to contain: 5000 IU D3 (MCTL), or 2240 IU of D3 + 2760 IU of 25OHD3 per kg of feed (M25OHD3). Their chick offspring (n = 448; 224 per MDIET) hatched from eggs collected from 37 to 38 weeks of age were reared in 16 replicate pens with 7 birds per pen and fed 1 of 2 PDIET in 3 phases up to day 40 formulated to contain: 5000 IU of D3 per kg of feed (PCTL), or 2240 IU of D3 + 2760 IU of 25OHD3 per kg of feed (P25OHD3). No additive or synergistic effects of combining 25OHD3 inclusion in MDIET and PDIET were observed. Broilers from 25OHD3-fed hens (M25OHD3) were heavier on day 40 than those from hens fed only D3 (MCTL; 2.911 vs. 2.834 kg; p = 0.040). Tender weight (123 vs. 117 g) and yield (5.63 vs. 5.44%) were greater in the M25OHD3 broilers than the MCTL broilers (p = 0.006). Broilers fed 25OHD3 (P25OHD3) tended to have heavier breasts (637 vs. 615 g; p = 0.050), bone-in wings (215 vs. 210 g; p = 0.070), and boneless thighs (279 vs. 270 g; p = 0.078) compared with those fed only D3 (PCTL). Neither MDIET nor PDIET altered the severity of Wooden Breast and White Striping (p ≥ 0.106). Overall, including 25OHD3 in either the maternal or broiler diet increased broiler meat yield.
Attachment and Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Posttraumatic Growth and Religion as Moderators
Authors: Dwiwardani Carissa , Shelton Andrew J. , Oda Alan Y.
Published: May 2022

Consistent with the teachings in various religious traditions of finding meaning amidst suffering, we suspected that Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) would have a buffering effect on attachment insecurity and psychosocial outcomes. We examined the effects of anxious and avoidant attachment, PTG, and religion on psychosocial outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depression, and loneliness). Data from 466 participants recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and a college student sample revealed that PTG served as a moderator between anxious attachment and (a) depression and (b) loneliness, and (c) PTG buffered the relationship between anxious attachment and anxiety to a greater extent among Christians, compared to non-Christians. On the other hand, (a) PTG did not moderate the link between attachment avoidance and depression, (b) PTG exacerbated the relationship between attachment avoidance and anxiety, and (c) PTG buffered the association between attachment avoidance and loneliness for non-Christians, but this link was amplified for Christians. We discuss the findings that PTG interacted with religion and offered protective effects for anxious (but not avoidant) attachment. Factors that may have contributed to the difference between the two attachment styles are discussed, along with implications from cultural-religious and adult attachment frameworks.
Monitoring the Impact of Large Transport Infrastructure on Land Use and Environment Using Deep Learning and Satellite Imagery
Authors: Pavlovic Marko , Ilic Slobodan , Antonic Nenad , Culibrk Dubravko
Published: May 2022

Large-scale infrastructure, such as China–Europe Railway Express (CER-Express), which connects countries and regions across Asia and Europe, has a potentially profound effect on land use, as evidenced by changes in land cover along the railway. To ensure sustainable development of such infrastructure and appropriate land administration, effective ways to monitor and assess its impact need to be developed. Remote sensing based on publicly available satellite imagery represents an obvious choice. In the study presented here, we employ a state-of-the-art deep-learning-based approach to automatically detect different types of land cover based on multispectral Sentinel-2 imagery. We then use these data to conduct and present a study of the changes in land use in two geopolitically diverse regions of interest (in Serbia and China and with and without CER-Express infrastructure) for the period of the last three years. Our results show that the standard image-patch-based land cover classification approaches suffer a significant drop in performance in our target scenario in which each pixel needs to be assigned a cove class, but still, validate the applicability of the proposed approach as a remote sensing tool to support the sustainable development of large infrastructure. We discuss the technical limitations of the proposed approach in detail and potential ways in which it can be improved.
Research on Detection Technology of Spoofing under the Mixed Narrowband and Spoofing Interference
Authors: Huang Long , Lu Zukun , Ren Chao , Liu Zhe , Xiao Zhibin , Song Jie , Li Baiyu
Published: May 2022

The global navigation satellite system has achieved great success in the civil and military fields and is an important resource for space-time information services. However, spoof interference has always been one of the main threats to the application security of satellite navigation receivers. In order to further improve the application security of satellite navigation receivers, this paper focuses on the application scenarios where narrowband and spoofing interference exist at the same time, studies the problem of spoofing interference detection under mixed interference conditions, then proposes a spoofing interference detection method based on the tracking loop identification curve. This method can effectively deal with the detection of spoofing interference under the conditions of narrowband interference and, at the same time, it can effectively detect the spoofing interference of gradual deviation. Simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the spoofing interference detection method, based on the tracking loop discrimination curve. In typical jamming and spoofing scenarios, when the spoofing signal is about 7.5 m away from the real signal, the method used in this paper can achieve effective detection. The proposed detection method is of great significance for improving the anti-spoofing capability of satellite navigation receivers.
Detecting Cyberattacks on Electrical Storage Systems through Neural Network Based Anomaly Detection Algorithm
Authors: Gaggero Giovanni Battista , Caviglia Roberto , Armellin Alessandro , Rossi Mansueto , Girdinio Paola , Marchese Mario
Published: May 2022

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are growing in importance Power Systems. Battery Electrical Storage Systems (BESS) represent fundamental tools in order to balance the unpredictable power production of some Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Nevertheless, BESS are usually remotely controlled by SCADA systems, so they are prone to cyberattacks. This paper analyzes the vulnerabilities of BESS and proposes an anomaly detection algorithm that, by observing the physical behavior of the system, aims to promptly detect dangerous working conditions by exploiting the capabilities of a particular neural network architecture called the autoencoder. The results show the performance of the proposed approach with respect to the traditional One Class Support Vector Machine algorithm.
The Association Agreement between the European Union and Central America: a potential to be exploited
Authors: Caldentey Pedro
Published: May 2022

The case of the Association Agreement (AA) signed in 2013 between the European Union (EU) and Central America is very relevant within the framework of EU-Latin America relations. It is the first bi-regional agreement and builds on the precedents of the San José Process in the framework of the Esquipulas Agreements, a success story of the EU’s positive impact on international relations. This document analyses the development of the trade pillar and the difficulties in developing the political dialogue and cooperation pillars, which are pending ratification. The preliminary results of the agreement are positive, but of low intensity for the two regions. They have not lived up to expectations regarding the EU’s impact in supporting Central American development and have not generated significant incentives to improve Central America’s prominence among EU member states. Recovering the more informal but more dynamic mechanisms of political dialogue between the two regions prior to the agreement seems to be an indispensable condition for the agreement to develop its potential.
Supporting people with pain-related distress in primary care consultations: a qualitative study
Authors: Shivji Noureen A , Geraghty Adam WA , Birkinshaw Hollie , Pincus Tamar , Johnson Helen , Little Paul , Moore Michael , Stuart Beth , Chew-Graham Carolyn A
Published: May 2022

Background

Low mood and distress are commonly reported by people who have persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, which may be labelled as ‘depression’. It is important to understand how pain-related distress is conceptualised and managed in primary care consultations.

Aim

To explore understanding of pain-related distress and depression from the perspectives of people with persistent MSK pain and GPs.

Design and setting

Qualitative study with people with persistent MSK pain and GPs from different parts of the UK.

Method

Semi-structured interviews conducted remotely and data analysed thematically.

Results

Most participants reported challenges in distinguishing between distress and depression in the context of persistent MSK pain, but also described strategies to make this distinction. Some people described how acceptance of their situation was key and involved optimism about the future and creation of a new identity. Some GPs expressed ‘therapeutic nihilism’, with uncertainty about the cause of pain and how to manage people with both persistent MSK pain and distress in primary care consultations, while GPs who could identify and build on optimism with patients described how to help the patient to move forwards.

Conclusion

This study offers a framework for the primary care consultation with patients presenting with pain-related distress. GPs should recognise the impact of persistent MSK pain on the patient and support the person in coming to terms with their pain, explore how the person feels about the future, encourage optimism, and support self-management strategies.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a model of premature aging: the pathogenetic role of mitochondria
Authors: Бродская Т.А. , Невзорова В.А. , Гельцер Б.И. , Кабалык М.А. , Шекунова О.И. , Багирова А.Э.
Published: May 2022

Накопленные данные позволяют отнести ХОБЛ к заболеваниям с типичными чертами преждевременного старения. Современные теории патогенеза ХОБЛ включают ряд взаимосвязанных концепций, доминирующих в различные временны́е периоды. В данной работе на основании анализа результатов собственных и опубликованных научных исследований продемонстрировано, что митохондриально-опосредованный компонент представляется связующим звеном большинства признанных теорий патогенеза ХОБЛ как модели раннего преждевременного старения. Вопросы участия митохондрий в патогенезе ХОБЛ активно исследуются, но до конца не изучены и не всегда имеют однозначное толкование. В работе систематизированы сведения о вкладе дисфункции митохондрий в различные аспекты патогенеза ХОБЛ, включая взаимосвязи процессов воспаления, гипоксии, окислительного стресса, протеазного дисбаланса, повреждения тканевого и клеточного дифферона с перепрограммированием метаболизма и накоплением пула клеток с «состаренным» фенотипом. Наблюдения свидетельствуют, что митохондриальная дисфункция может быть ключевым фактором, способствующим инициации и прогрессированию ХОБЛ, накоплению системных эффектов, формированию коморбидности и преждевременному старению. Аргументирование данной концепции обеспечивает доказательную основу для разработки перспективных, патогенетически обоснованных таргетных стратегий профилактики и контроля ХОБЛ на топическом и системном уровне.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease with typical features of premature aging. Modern theories of the pathogenesis of COPD include a number of interrelated concepts that dominate in different time periods. In this work, based on the analysis of the results of our own and published scientific studies, it is demonstrated that the mitochondria-mediated component seems to be the link of most of the recognized theories of the pathogenesis of COPD as a model of early premature aging. The issues of mitochondrial involvement in the pathogenesis of COPD are actively studied, but are not fully understood and do not always have an unambiguous interpretation. The paper systematizes information on the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to various aspects of the pathogenesis of COPD, including the relationship between inflammation, hypoxia, oxidative stress, protease imbalance, damage to tissue and cellular phenotype with reprogramming of metabolism and accumulation of a pool of cells with an «aged» phenotype. Observations suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a key factor contributing to the initiation and progression of COPD, the accumulation of systemic effects, the formation of comorbidity, and premature aging. The argumentation of this concept provides an evidence-based basis for the development of promising, pathogenetically substantiated targeted strategies for the prevention and control of COPD at the topical and systemic levels.
Neurological aspects of systemic lupus erythematosus in individuals with late ontogenetic debut
Authors: Один В.И. , Юркина Е.А. , Юркин А.К. , Топорков М.М. , Шварцман Г.И. , Первова Е.М.
Published: May 2022

В обзоре представлен анализ публикаций об особенностях манифестации системной красной волчанки (СКВ) у лиц старших возрастных групп. В статье отражены вероятные причины и механизмы развития неврологических проявлений заболевания. Подробно описывается клиническая картина у пожилых пациентов, отмечаются особенности иммунных показателей. В данной статье рассматриваются различные варианты поражений нервной системы при СКВ, которые отличаются широким спектром клинических проявлений. Нейропсихические нарушения при СКВ являются одними из наименее изученных аспектов и могут быть как проявлением основного заболевания, в том числе совпадающими с процессами иммуностарения, так и нежелательными явлениями на фоне лечения. В то же время, знания особенностей неврологических проявлений при СКВ с дебютом в позднем онтогенезе в сопоставлении с данными лабораторных и инструментальных методов обследования позволяют проводить раннюю диагностику и своевременно назначать адекватную терапию пожилым пациентам.

The review presents an analysis of publications on the features of the manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in the elderly. The article reflects the probable causes and mechanisms of the development of neurological manifestations of the disease. The clinical picture in elderly patients is described in detail, the features of immunological indicators are noted. This article discusses various variants of lesions of the nervous system in systemic lupus erythematosus, which differ in a wide range of clinical manifestations. Neuropsychic disorders of systemic lupus erythematosus are among the least studied aspects, and can be both a manifestation of the underlying disease, including those coinciding with the processes of immunosuppression, and undesirable phenomena against the background of ongoing treatment. At the same time, knowledge of the features of neurological manifestations in SLE with a debut in late ontogenesis in comparison with the data of laboratory and instrumental examination methods allows for early diagnosis and timely prescribing adequate therapy to elderly patients.
A multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of elderly and senile patients with complications of colon cancer
Authors: Глушков Н.И. , Беляев А.М. , Горшенин Т. Л. , Дулаева С.К.
Published: May 2022

В статье представлены результаты лечения больных пожилого и старческого возраста с осложнениями рака ободочной кишки, в периоперационном ведении которых использовали мультидисциплинарный подход. Особенность больных старших возрастных групп обусловлена полиморбидностью, феноменом взаимного отягощения. Это требует использования нестандартного подхода в лечении осложненного рака ободочной кишки. Проведен сравнительный анализ результатов лечения 289 больных пожилого и старческого возраста с осложненным раком ободочной кишки традиционным методом и с использованием мультидисциплинарного подхода. Больные были распределены на две группы - основную и контрольную. Помимо внедрения принципов мультидисциплинарного подхода, в основной группе применяли дополнительные методы диагностики для более конкретного определения вида, тяжести осложнения и функциональной операбельности. Больным основной группы с учетом реализации мультидисциплинарного подхода операции выполняли с помощью эндовидеохирургических технологий. В группе больных, где использовали мультидисциплинарный подход и современные методы диагностики и лечения, отмечено более благоприятное течение послеоперационного периода со снижением послеоперационных осложнений (с 44,9 до 27,8 %) и летальности (с 8,9 до 5,3 %).

The article presents the results of treatment of elderly and senile patients with complications of colon cancer, in whose perioperative management a multidisciplinary approach was used. The peculiarity of patients in older age groups, caused by polymorbidity, the phenomenon of mutual complication, requires the use of a non-standard approach in the treatment of complicated colon cancer, since the latter is accompanied by negative results. A comparative analysis of the results of treatment of 289 elderly and senile patients with complicated colon cancer by the traditional method and using a multidisciplinary approach was carried out. The patients were divided into two groups: study and control. In addition to the introduction of the principles of a multidisciplinary approach, additional diagnostic methods were used in the main group in order to more specifically determine the type, severity of complications, staging of the window process and determine functional operability. Patients of the main group, taking into account the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach, were operated using endovideosurgical technologies. In the group of patients where a multidisciplinary approach was used using additional diagnostic methods and minimally invasive treatment methods, a more favorable course of the postoperative period was noted with a decrease in postoperative complications (from 44,9 to 27,8 %) and mortality (from 8,9 to 5,3 %).
Random telegraph signals in nanoscale vertical junctionless transistors with gate-all-around
Authors: Grall Simon , Kumar Abhishek , Jalabert Laurent , Kim Soo-Hyeon , Larrieu Guilhem , Clement Nicolas
Published: May 2022

The role of a single defect on the performance of transistors must be better understood to improve the design and fabrication process of nanotransistors. Capacitive networks on 18 nm long gate junctionless (JL) vertical gate-all-around nanowire transistors are studied through random telegraph signals, with amplitudes as high as 60% for a single nanowire. Defect densities extracted from both JL and accumulation-mode transistors allows one to discuss number fluctuation-based noise models, questioning the significance of defect densities of less than one defect per nanodevice. It is shown that the consideration of an effective charge in the models solves this issue.
Se avallo una proposta la accetto, se la avvallo cerco di insabbiarla
Authors: De Santis Cristiana
Published: May 2022

Alcune richieste arrivate in redazione riguardano la distinzione e l’uso corretto dei verbi avallare e avvallare, che si differenziano foneticamente solo per la presenza di una consonante (la fricativa labiodentale v) breve (scempia nella grafia) o lunga (raddoppiata), ma hanno un significato distinto e quasi opposto.