bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Age Dependency of Compositional MR Biomarkers Quantifying the Health Status of Cartilage in Metacarpophalangeal Joints
Authors: Frenken Miriam , Radke Karl Ludger , Schäfer Emilia Louisa Ernestine , Valentin Birte , Wilms Lena Marie , Abrar Daniel Benjamin , Nebelung Sven , Martirosian Petros , Wittsack Hans-Jörg , Müller-Lutz Anja
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: We aim to investigate age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints using magnetic resonance (MR) biomarkers. (2) Methods: The cartilage tissue of 90 MCP joints from 30 volunteers without any signs of destruction or inflammation was examined using T1, T2, and T1ρ compositional MR imaging techniques on a 3 Tesla clinical scanner and correlated with age. (3) Results: The T1ρ and T2 relaxation times showed a significant correlation with age (T1ρ: Kendall-τ-b = 0.3, p < 0.001; T2: Kendall-τ-b = 0.2, p = 0.01). No significant correlation was observed for T1 as a function of age (T1: Kendall-τ-b = 0.12, p = 0.13). (4) Conclusions: Our data show an increase in T1ρ and T2 relaxation times with age. We hypothesize that this increase is due to age-related changes in cartilage structure and composition. In future examinations of cartilage using compositional MRI, especially T1ρ and T2 techniques, e.g., in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the age of the patients should be taken into account.
Model-Based Learning Analytics for a Partnership of Teachers and Intelligent Systems: A Bibliometric Systematic Review
Authors: Pishtari Gerti , Ley Tobias , Khalil Mohammad , Kasepalu Reet , Tuvi Iiris
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a bibliometric systematic review on model-based learning analytics (MbLA), which enable coupling between teachers and intelligent systems to support the learning process. This is achieved through systems that make their models of student learning and instruction transparent to teachers. We use bibliometric network analysis and topic modelling to explore the synergies between the related research groups and the main research topics considered in the 42 reviewed papers. Network analysis depicts an early stage community, made up of several research groups, mainly from the fields of learning analytics and intelligent tutoring systems, which have had little explicit and implicit collaboration but do share a common core literature. Th resulting topics from the topic modelling can be grouped into the ones related to teacher practices, such as awareness and reflection, learning orchestration, or assessment frameworks, and the ones related to the technology used to open up the models to teachers, such as dashboards or adaptive learning architectures. Moreover, results show that research in MbLA has taken an individualistic approach to student learning and instruction, neglecting social aspects and elements of collaborative learning. To advance research in MbLA, future research should focus on hybrid teacher–AI approaches that foster the partnership between teachers and technology to support the learning process, involve teachers in the development cycle from an early stage, and follow an interdisciplinary approach.
The Understanding of Effective Professional Development of Mathematics Teachers According to South Sudan School Context
Authors: Soforon Oduho George Ben , Sikko Svein Arne , Tesfamicael Solomon Abedom
Published: May 2023

This paper aims to provide an understanding of effective professional development (PD) for mathematics teachers according to the context of South Sudan schools. Hunsicker’s (2011) checklist of effective PD was taken as a framework. The framework has five characteristics—supportive, job-embedded, instructional focused, collaborative, and ongoing—and these five characteristics have been used for shaping the study. Interviews were designed and administered to educational officials, principals of two schools, and six sampled mathematics teachers, patterning their understanding about effective PD of mathematics teachers in the South Sudan school context. The analysis showed that the types of PD that exist in the South Sudan school context include the preparation of a lesson plan and the scheme of work for novice teachers, a weekly professional participation of teachers within their working hours, and informal dialog and guidance among peers. In addition, some unqualified teachers are sent to teacher training institutions during holiday times, which can be regarded as a kind of in-service and continuous PD. Our findings are that most of the participants do not have a clear view of what effective PD means. The participants mentioned aspects that can be seen as parts of effective PD according to the literature, but none of them had a holistic or explicit understanding. There is a need to engage those stakeholders to work deeply on aspects of effective PD if a meaningful improvement in student learning is to happen in classrooms.
A Multi-Level Attentive Context-Aware Trajectory Prediction Algorithm for Mobile Social Users
Authors: Xin Mingjun , Zang Chunjuan
Published: May 2023

The prediction of a user’s trajectory is a key problem in mobility prediction, which has been applied to a range of fields such as location-based service recommendations and traffic planning. The impact of users’ social contacts on mobility is not adequately considered in the current trajectory prediction research. Furthermore, the spatial–temporal dependence of long trajectories is difficult to characterize by conventional recurrent neural network models. A multi-level attentive context-aware trajectory prediction model (MACTP) for mobile social users is proposed in this research to address the above problems. Specifically, users’ social preferences are captured by friend-level attention, and different friends are allocated varying weights. The impact of other check-in points in the trajectory on the present check-in point is considered through check-in-level attention. Trajectory-level attention is used to obtain the representation of historical trajectories influenced by current trajectories, as well as the spatial–temporal dependencies of longer trajectories. Experimental results on two real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed model significantly improves trajectory prediction performance.
A Method for Predicting the Visual Attention Area in Real-Time Using Evolving Neuro-Fuzzy Models
Authors: Jadoon Rab Nawaz , Nadeem Aqsa , Shafi Jawad , Khan Muhammad Usman , ELAffendi Mohammed , Shah Sajid , Ali Gauhar
Published: May 2023

This research paper presents the prediction of the visual attention area on a visual display using an evolving rule-based fuzzy model: evolving Takagi–Sugeno (eTS). The evolving fuzzy model is feasible for predicting the visual attention area because of its non-iterative, recursive, online, and real-time nature. Visual attention area prediction through a web camera is a problem that requires online adaptive systems with higher accuracy and greater performance. The proposed approach using an evolving fuzzy model to predict the eye-gaze attention area on a visual display in an ambient environment (to provide further services) mimics the human cognitive process and its flexibility to generate fuzzy rules without any prior knowledge. The proposed Visual Attention Area Prediction using Evolving Neuro-Fuzzy Systems (VAAPeNFS) approach can quickly generate compact fuzzy rules from new data. Numerical experiments conducted in a simulated environment further validate the performance and accuracy of the proposed model. To validate the model, the forecasting results of the eTS model are compared with DeTS and ANFIS. The result shows high accuracy, transparency and flexibility achieved by applying the evolving online versions compared to other offline techniques. The proposed approach significantly reduces the computational overhead, which makes it suitable for any sort of AmI application. Thus, using this approach, we achieve reusability, robustness, and scalability with better performance with high accuracy.
Covert Channel Based on Quasi-Orthogonal Coding
Authors: Grzesiak Krystian , Piotrowski Zbigniew , Kelner Jan M.
Published: May 2023

The paper presents a method of creating a hidden channel using a signals’ superposition. According to this idea, a transmitter simultaneously sends overt and covert (secret) signals, whereby the overt signal is a carrier for the covert one. Due to the need to ensure a low probability of detection for covert communication, the covert signal should have low power. This implies a number of problems relating to its correct reception. This is similar to non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems, where the collective signal is a superposition of signals with different powers dedicated to different users. In this case, the successive interference cancellation (SIC) process is used in the receiver for the separation of the component signals. SIC requires accurate channel estimation. Even a small channel estimation error causes a significant increase in bit error rate (BER), performance degradation, or connection loss for covert transmission. This is due to the residual signal, i.e., the remnant of the cover signal after an imperfect SIC operation. The paper proposes a method of transforming (i.e., encoding) the applied hidden signal in such a way that the residual signal in the receiver is quasi-orthogonal to the hidden signal. The proposed model is based on appropriate sorting and, compared to methods with fixed constellation points, provides the covert channel with a low BER while maintaining high protection against detection as measured by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov distance. The proposed solution was tested using the USRP-2920 software-defined radio platform.
Evaluation of Ride Performance of Active Inerter-Based Vehicle Suspension System with Parameter Uncertainties and Input Constraint via Robust H∞ Control
Authors: Karim Afshar Keyvan , Korzeniowski Roman , Konieczny Jarosław
Published: May 2023

In this study, we investigate a robust H∞ controller for a quarter-car model of an active inerter-based suspension system under parameter uncertainties and road disturbance. Its main objective is to improve the inherent compromises between ride quality, handling performance, suspension stroke, and energy consumption. Inerters have been extensively used to suppress unwanted vibrations from various kinds of mechanical structures. The advantage of inerter is that the realized ratio of equivalent mass (inertance relative to the mass of the primary structure) is greater than its actual mass ratio, resulting in higher performance for the same effective mass. First, the dynamics and state space of the active inerter-based suspension system were achieved for the quarter-car model with parameter uncertainties. In order to attain the defined objectives, and ensure that the closed-loop system achieves the prescribed disturbance attenuation level, the Lyapunov stability function, and linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques have been utilized to satisfy the robust H∞ criterion. Furthermore, to limit the gain of the controller, some LMIs have been added. In the case of feasibility, sufficient LMI conditions by solving a convex optimization problem afford the stabilizing gain of the robust state-feedback controller. According to numerical simulations, the active inerter-based suspension system in the presence of parameter uncertainties and external disturbance performs much better than both a passive suspension with inerter and active suspension without inerter.
Development of a Scalable MMC Pulsed Power Supply through HIL Methodology
Authors: Terlizzi Cristina , Magnanimo Antonio , Santoro Francesco , Bifaretti Stefano
Published: May 2023

Nuclear fusion experiments are becoming one of the most interesting focuses of research, given the hope of generating programmable, safe, and green energy. Among them, ASDEX (axially symmetric divertor experiment) upgrade has been operating at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) research center since 1991. To ignite and confine the plasma, several coils must be supplied through controllable high-current pulsed power supplies. The toroidal field magnets are here considered and a modular multilevel converter (MMC)-like system was designed and tested thanks to a small-scale prototype in previous works. The MMC-like topology, consisting of full-bridge submodules (SMs) with IGBTs and supercapacitor and exploitable also for other industrial applications, was chosen because of its modularity, redundancy, fault tolerance, and large amount of stored energy. The prototype, made of four SMs, was necessary to highlight critical key points in the design process. However, its scalability must be further tested before building a full-scale power supply, meant to reach almost 2400 SMs to guarantee the energy required by the load. This paper aims at validating hardware-in-the-loop (a powerful, safe, and relatively inexpensive real-time simulation environment that enables testing with real control boards) as a useful technology for power supply scalability studies and not only for control strategy tests. The results obtained previously from the prototype will allow us to finally increase the number of SMs and test the MMC-like scalability.
Sustainability of the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Wind Turbine Control Strategy in On-Grid Operating Modes
Authors: Zishan Farhad , Tightiz Lilia , Yoo Joon , Shafaghatian Nima
Published: May 2023

Today, there are a variety of technologies for wind-generating systems, characterized by component complexity and control. Controllers are essential for the sustainability of the output voltage and the optimal speed of the generator. To overcome the problems, the system must use controllers that determine the controllers’ ability relative to each other and ultimately the controller that behaves better. This paper investigates the simulation of a PMSG wind turbine with PI, PID, neutral-point-clamped (NPC) and fuzzy controllers to study performance at different wind speeds as input. The wind energy is converted by the wind turbine and given to the PMSG generator. The PMSG output power is transferred to the power network; in this case, we have modeled the power network with a three-phase load. In order to confirm the performance of the proposed method, a PMSG wind turbine is simulated using MATLAB R2017. The simulation results show that the controllers can adjust the DC link voltage, the active power produced by the wind system.
Survey Study Reveals High Prevalence of Heterobasidion Root Rot Infection in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Stands Established on Seemingly Low-Risk Sites
Authors: Youssef Khaled , Dambrauskaite Milda , Witzell Johanna , Rönnberg Jonas
Published: May 2023

Heterobasidion spp. are among the most destructive root rot pathogens, causing severe economic losses to conifer forestry. High infection frequency has been observed in Scots pine stands growing on dry sandy soils with low organic matter or former agricultural soils. In this study, we investigated the incidence of Heterobasidion spp. infection in Scots pine forests established on low-risk sites where the trees looked healthy and unlikely to be infected. In total, 135 healthy-looking pine trees from nine different stands were examined for Heterobasidion spp. presence. Heterobasidion spp. was detected in six stands and infection frequency was 13%–33%. There was a significant correlation between site index and infection frequency, which was higher in pine stands established on more fertile soils. There was no correlation between disease incidence and defoliation level, diameter of tree at breast height, root diameter, tree volume, or stand age. Overall, our results showed that, regardless of the soil type, Scots pine can be intensively infected by Heterobasidion pathogens while showing no outward signs. Therefore, the risk of Heterobasidion disease should be taken into consideration in management of pine forests growing on both low- and high-risk sites for more productive and sustainable forests.
Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, and Osmotic Adjustment in Platycladus orientalis and Amorpha fruticosa Differ during Drought and Rewatering
Authors: Feng Shulin , Sultana Shirin , Sikdar Ashim , Roy Rana , Wang Jinxin , Huang You
Published: May 2023

Platycladus orientalis and Amorpha fruticosa are important pioneer species in arid and semi-arid regions, playing a crucial role in ecological restoration in water-limited areas. The purpose of this research was to examine how different watering and rewatering schedules influence the antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical responses of P. orientalis and A. fruticosa. Five different water regimes (100%, 88%, 70%, 52%, and 40% of soil relative water content) were applied to seedlings for 15, 30, 45, and 60 days, after which they were rewatered. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), and osmotic solutes (soluble sugar and proline) were assessed in the leaves of P. orientalis and A. fruticosa. Measurements were taken at various growth stages, namely the initial, fast, and late stages, both during the drought period and after 2, 24, 48, and 72 h of rewatering. The results revealed that the malondialdehyde content in the leaves of P. orientalis and A. fruticosa increased with the level of stress. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of osmotic solutes in the leaves of P. orientalis and A. fruticosa exhibited varying enhancements as the water stress intensified. During the recovery phase, the antioxidant enzymes and soluble sugar content returned to the control level 72 h after rewatering at different growth stages. However, the proline content remained slightly elevated compared to the control plants. Overall, these findings suggest that the two plant species displayed minor differences in their responses to drought stress and rewatering in terms of antioxidant enzymes and other biochemical responses. This indicates their remarkable adaptability to severe drought conditions and their potential for rapid recovery after rewatering. These observations are highly significant for irrigation management strategies when establishing plantations in arid and semi-arid regions.
Visualization Simulation of Branch Fractures Based on Internal Structure Reconstruction
Authors: Yang Meng , Zhang Yi , Xi Benye
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a visualization algorithm for wood fracture simulation based on wood science and wood internal structure reconstruction. The algorithm can simulate a reasonable and realistic wood fracture effect. First, the 3D point-cloud data of the bark structure are obtained using a laser scanner, and the cross-section of the branch is obtained by voxelization of the surface mesh model. Then, the outer contour of the cross-section is shrunk inward to reconstruct the annual rings and wood fiber bundles, and reasonable internal structures of branch 3D models are generated. The internal structure consists of a hierarchical model composed of several ring-like annual rings, and each annual ring is divided into a series of continuous fan rings. On the basis of the reconstruction results, the wood fracture surface model generated by the parameter control can be mapped to the irregularly shaped 3D branch model. In this research, the internal structure of branches and the shape of annual rings on the fracture surface of branches are analyzed to provide a reliable fracture model for different branch fractures of trees. In addition, the realistic fractured tree branch model generated by this algorithm can be widely applied in fields such as animation film special effects, game scene simulation, virtual reality scene construction, and mechanical research on broken tree branches.
Phytic Acid-Silica System for Imparting Fire Retardancy in Wood Composites
Authors: Lin Chia-Feng , Zhang Chi , Karlsson Olov , Martinka Jozef , Mantanis George I. , Rantuch Peter , Jones Dennis , Sandberg Dick
Published: May 2023

Fire-retardant (FR) treated wood-based panels, used commonly in furniture and construction, need to meet stringent fire safety regulations. This study presents a novel treatment for imparting fire resistance to wood composites by applying separate solutions of phytic acid and sodium silicate onto wood particles before the hot pressing at 160 °C. A scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analysis revealed that phytic acid and sodium silicate were uniformly distributed throughout the wood particles, and the formation of silica gel resulted in the aggregation of elemental silicon. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) displayed that phytic acid caused the thermal degradation of hemicelluloses, which led to a brownish outer appearance of the FR-treated composites. Fire performance was assessed using both limiting oxygen index (LOI) and a cone calorimeter. These techniques showed a higher LOI value and a significant reduction in heat-release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), smoke-production rate (SPR), and total smoke production (TSP). In addition, cone calorimeter and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses consistently showed increased char residue in treated wood composites. Moreover, internal bond strength (IB) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the wood composite were not significantly changed compared with those of the untreated composite. Surprisingly, in the FR-treated composite, the 24 h-thickness swelling, and the water uptake were slightly decreased. Consequently, this new treatment has the potential to increase the fire retardancy of wood composites, such as particleboard, without deteriorating the key mechanical properties.
Expression of Chitinase and shRNA Gene Exhibits Resistance to Fungi and Virus
Authors: Parveen Samia , Khan Anwar , Jahan Nusrat , Aaliya Khadija , Muzaffar Adnan , Tabassum Bushra , Inayatullah Syed , Moeezullah Syed , Tariq Muhammad , Rehmat Zainia , Ali Niaz , Hussain Abrar
Published: May 2023

With the increasing global population, saving crops from diseases caused by different kinds of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes is essential. Potato is affected by various diseases, destroying many crops in the field and storage. In this study, we developed potato lines resistant to fungi and viruses, Potato Virus X (PVX) and Potato Virus Y (PVY), by inoculating chitinase for fungi and shRNA designed against the mRNA of the coat protein of PVX and PVY, respectively. The construct was developed using the pCAMBIA2301 vector and transformed into AGB-R (red skin) potato cultivar using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The crude protein extract of the transgenic potato plant inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum from ~13 to 63%. The detached leaf assay of the transgenic line (SP-21) showed decreased necrotic spots compared to the non-transgenic control when challenged with Fusarium oxysporum. The transgenic line, SP-21, showed maximum knockdown when challenged with PVX and PVY, i.e., 89 and 86%, while transgenic line SP-148 showed 68 and 70% knockdown in the PVX- and PVY-challenged conditions, respectively. It is concluded from this study that the developed transgenic potato cultivar AGB-R showed resistance against fungi and viruses (PVX and PVY).
Systematic Large Fragment Deletions in the Genome of Synechococcus elongatus and the Consequent Changes in Transcriptomic Profiles
Authors: Hou Feifei , Ke Zhufang , Xu Yi , Wang Yali , Zhu Geqian , Gao Hong , Ji Shuiling , Xu Xudong
Published: May 2023

Genome streamlining, as a natural process in the evolution of microbes, has become a common approach for generating ideal chassis cells for synthetic biology studies and industrial applications. However, systematic genome reduction remains a bottleneck in the generation of such chassis cells with cyanobacteria, due to very time-consuming genetic manipulations. Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, a unicellular cyanobacterium, is a candidate for systematic genome reduction, as its essential and nonessential genes have been experimentally identified. Here, we report that at least 20 of the 23 over 10 kb nonessential gene regions could be deleted and that stepwise deletions of these regions could be achieved. A septuple-deletion mutant (genome reduced by 3.8%) was generated, and the effects of genome reduction on the growth and genome-wide transcription were investigated. In the ancestral triple to sextuple mutants (b, c, d, e1), an increasingly large number of genes (up to 998) were upregulated relative to the wild type, while slightly fewer genes (831) were upregulated in the septuple mutant (f). In a different sextuple mutant (e2) derived from the quintuple mutant d, much fewer genes (232) were upregulated. Under the standard conditions in this study, the mutant e2 showed a higher growth rate than the wild type, e1 and f. Our results indicate that it is feasible to extensively reduce the genomes of cyanobacteria for generation of chassis cells and for experimental evolutionary studies.
Micropaleontological and Isotopic Perspective of Surface Water Mass Variability in the NE Atlantic from MIS 6 to 5e (188 to 115 ka)
Authors: Rashid Harunur , Chen Jiaxin , Menke Mary , Zeng Min
Published: May 2023

The penultimate glaciation (marine isotope stage (MIS) 6) is considered regionally extreme compared to the last glacial maximum, in which the European ice sheets had a vast areal extent. In contrast to the last deglaciation (19–7 ka), the penultimate deglaciation (140–130 ka) hosts one of the most rapid oceanographic changes of the late Pleistocene. In this study, we reconstructed changes in the near-surface and thermocline in the central to northeast Atlantic by analyzing sediments from two Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 306 sites. Sites U1313 (41°00.6′ N, 32°57.4′ W) and U1314 (56°21.9′ N, 27°53.3′ W) were drilled on the eastern flank of the mid-Atlantic ridge and Gardar Drift of the eastern subpolar North Atlantic, respectively. We analyzed planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, ice-rafted debris (IRD), and oxygen isotopes in two planktonic foraminifers, Globigerina bulloides, and Globorotalia inflata, from MIS 6 to 5e (185–115 ka). Warmer and colder sea-surface conditions were marked by a change in the relative abundance of polar, subpolar, and transitional planktonic foraminifers. Oxygen isotopes in G. bulloides and G. inflata suggest that the thermocline deepened at the subtropical Site U1313 during MIS 6. The lack of Globorotalia inflata prevented us from profiling the mixed layer and thermocline at the subpolar Site U1314. In contrast to MIS 6, the mixed layer and thermocline were re-stratified during the last interglacial. The lack of major IRD events at both sites suggests the stability of the Laurentide ice sheet during MIS 6 compared to the subsequent glaciation. The presence of Heinrich event 11 indicates the discharge of freshwater that freshened the sea surface, resulting in mixing between the mixed layer and thermocline. Our results were placed into a broader context using published data that shed light on the sensitivity of freshwater discharge to the North Atlantic and the following changes with a transition from a penultimate glacial to an interglacial period in surface circulation.
The Greek Burnout Assessment Tool: Examining Its Adaptation and Validity
Authors: Androulakis George S. , Georgiou Dimitra Ap. , Lainidi Olga , Montgomery Anthony , Schaufeli Wilmar B.
Published: May 2023

Burnout is a significant challenge in the workplace. Its extent is global and its unfavourable consequences are diverse, affecting the individual, the organization, and society. The aim of the present study was to examine the adaptation and assess the validity of the Greek version of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). The adaptation process included the translation and back-translation of the BAT. Data were collected from 356 Greek employees from diverse sectors. Confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory were utilized to assess the validity of the Greek version of the BAT. According to the findings of the present research, the core symptoms scale and the secondary symptoms scale of BAT-23 and BAT-12 models demonstrated adequate structures for the analysis and measurement of burnout in the Greek context. Finally, the psychometric performance of the BAT-GR-12 compared to the BAT-GR-23 establishes it as a more optimum instrument for the assessment of burnout across Greek working adults.
Evaluation of Skinfold Techniques in People with Down Syndrome: Development of a New Equation
Authors: Nickerson Brett S. , Esco Michael R. , Schaefer George
Published: May 2023

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements for the estimation of %Fat when compared to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The secondary aim was to develop a new SFT-based body fat equation (SFTNICKERSON). SFT-based %Fat was estimated using a body fat equation from González-Agüero (SFTG-A) and body density conversion formulas from Siri (SFTSIRI) and Brozek (SFTBROZEK). Criterion %Fat was measured via DXA. SFTG-A, SFTSIRI, and SFTBROZEK were significantly lower than DXA (mean differences ranged from −7.59 to −13.51%; all p < 0.001). The SEE values ranged from 3.47% (SFTBROZEK) to 8.60% (SFTG-A). The 95% limits of agreement were greater than ±10% for all comparisons. Mid-axilla and suprailium were significant predictors of %Fat (both p < 0.05). %Fat SFTNICKERSON = 10.323 + (0.661 × mid-axilla) + (0.712 × suprailium). Age and all other skinfold sites were not statically significant in the regression model (all p > 0.05). Current findings indicate that SFTG-A, SFTSIRI, and SFTBROZEK erroneously place an individual with excessive adiposity in a normal healthy range. Accordingly, the current study developed a new equation (SFTNICKERSON) that can easily be administered in people with DS in a quick and efficient time frame. However, further research is warranted in this area.
The Role of Greenery in Stress Reduction among City Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mierzejewska Lidia , Sikorska-Podyma Kamila , Szejnfeld Marta , Wdowicka Magdalena , Modrzewski Bogusz , Lechowska Ewa
Published: May 2023

Cities, as places of social interactions and human relationships, face new challenges, problems, and threats, which are sources of stress for residents. An additional cause of stress in recent years has been the COVID-19 pandemic; it was urban dwellers who were most exposed to the virus and most affected by it. Chronic stress has led to the serious erosion of physical health and psychophysical well-being among urban dwellers, and so there is a need to seek new solutions in terms of building the resilience of cities and their residents to stress. This study aims to verify the hypothesis that greenery reduced the level of stress among urban dwellers during the pandemic. The verification of this hypothesis was achieved based on a literature analysis and the results of geo-questionnaire studies conducted involving 651 residents of Poznan—among the largest of Polish cities, where the share of green areas in the spatial structure is more than 30%. According to the analysis, the interviewees experienced above-average stress levels that went up during the pandemic, and the source was not so much the virus but the restrictions imposed. Green areas and outdoor activities helped in reducing this stress (being surrounded by and looking at greenery, garden work, or plant cultivation). Residents perceive a post-pandemic city as one that is more green, in which priority is given to unmanaged green areas. It has also been pointed out that a response to the reported need for urban re-construction towards stress resilience may be a biophilic city.
A Review on Cyclodextrins/Estrogens Inclusion Complexes
Authors: Araj Szymon Kamil , Szeleszczuk Łukasz
Published: May 2023

This review focuses on the methods of preparation and biological, physiochemical, and theoretical analysis of the inclusion complexes formed between estrogens and cyclodextrins (CDs). Because estrogens have a low polarity, they can interact with some cyclodextrins’ hydrophobic cavities to create inclusion complexes, if their geometric properties are compatible. For the last forty years, estrogen-CD complexes have been widely applied in several fields for various objectives. For example, CDs have been used as estrogen solubilizers and absorption boosters in pharmaceutical formulations, as well as in chromatographic and electrophoretic procedures for their separation and quantification. Other applications include the removal of the endocrine disruptors from environmental materials, the preparation of the samples for mass spectrometric analysis, or solid-phase extractions based on complex formation with CDs. The aim of this review is to gather the most important outcomes from the works related to this topic, presenting the results of synthesis, in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analysis.
Discovery of Chalcone-Based Hybrid Structures as High Affinity and Site-Specific Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Structural Analysis Based on Various Host-Based and Viral Targets
Authors: Valipour Mehdi , Di Giacomo Silvia , Di Sotto Antonella , Irannejad Hamid
Published: May 2023

Previous studies indicated that natural-based chalcones have significant inhibitory effects on the coronavirus enzymes 3CLpro and PLpro as well as modulation of some host-based antiviral targets (HBATs). In this study, a comprehensive computational and structural study was performed to investigate the affinity of our compound library consisting of 757 chalcone-based structures (CHA-1 to CHA-757) for inhibiting the 3CLpro and PLpro enzymes and against twelve selected host-based targets. Our results indicated that CHA-12 (VUF 4819) is the most potent and multi-target inhibitor in our chemical library over all viral and host-based targets. Correspondingly, CHA-384 and its congeners containing ureide moieties were found to be potent and selective 3CLpro inhibitors, and benzotriazole moiety in CHA-37 was found to be a main fragment for inhibiting the 3CLpro and PLpro. Surprisingly, our results indicate that the ureide and sulfonamide moieties are integral fragments for the optimum 3CLpro inhibition while occupying the S1 and S3 subsites, which is fully consistent with recent reports on the site-specific 3CLpro inhibitors. Finding the multi-target inhibitor CHA-12, previously reported as an LTD4 antagonist for the treatment of inflammatory pulmonary diseases, prompted us to suggest it as a concomitant agent for relieving respiratory symptoms and suppressing COVID-19 infection.
Forensic DNA Analysis of Mixed Mosquito Blood Meals: STR Profiling for Human Identification
Authors: Ahmed Ashraf Mohamed , Alotaibi Amani Mohammed , Al-Qahtani Wedad Saeed , Tripet Frederic , Amer Sayed Amin
Published: May 2023

Mosquito vectors captured at a crime scene are forensically valuable since they feed on human blood, and hence, human DNA can be recovered to help identify the victim and/or the suspect. This study investigated the validity of obtaining the human short tandem repeats (STRs) profile from mixed blood meals of the mosquito, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae). Thus, mosquitoes were membrane-feed on blood from six different sources: a human male, a human female, mixed human male-female blood, mixed human male-mouse blood, mixed human female-mouse blood, and mixed human male-female-mouse blood. DNA was extracted from mosquito blood meals at 2 h intervals up to 72 h post-feeding to amplify 24 human STRs. Data showed that full DNA profiles could be obtained for up to 12 h post-feeding, regardless of the type of blood meal. Complete and partial DNA profiles were obtained up to 24 h and 36 h post-feeding, respectively. The frequencies of STR loci decreased over time after feeding on mixed blood until they became weakly detectable at 48 h post-feeding. This may indicate that a blood meal of human blood mixed with animal blood would contribute to maximizing DNA degradation and thus affects STR identification beyond 36 h post-feeding. These results confirm the feasibility of human DNA identification from mosquito blood meals, even if it is mixed with other types of non-human blood, for up to 36 h post-feeding. Therefore, blood-fed mosquitoes found at the crime scene are forensically valuable, as it is possible to obtain intact genetic profiles from their blood meals to identify a victim, a potential offender, and/or exclude a suspect.
Cerebral Perfusion and Neuromonitoring during Complex Aortic Arch Surgery: A Narrative Review
Authors: Montisci Andrea , Maj Giulia , Cavozza Corrado , Audo Andrea , Benussi Stefano , Rosati Fabrizio , Cattaneo Sergio , Di Bacco Lorenzo , Pappalardo Federico
Published: May 2023

Complex ascending and aortic arch surgery requires the implementation of different cerebral protection strategies to avoid or limit the probability of intraoperative brain damage during circulatory arrest. The etiology of the damage is multifactorial, involving cerebral embolism, hypoperfusion, hypoxia and inflammatory response. These protective strategies include the use of deep or moderate hypothermia to reduce the cerebral oxygen consumption, allowing the toleration of a variable period of absence of cerebral blood flow, and the use of different cerebral perfusion techniques, both anterograde and retrograde, on top of hypothermia, to avoid any period of intraoperative brain ischemia. In this narrative review, the pathophysiology of cerebral damage during aortic surgery is described. The different options for brain protection, including hypothermia, anterograde or retrograde cerebral perfusion, are also analyzed, with a critical review of the advantages and limitations under a technical point of view. Finally, the current systems of intraoperative brain monitoring are also discussed.
Association between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Early Neurological Outcomes after Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Baixiang , Lei Hanhan , Ambler Gareth , Werring David J. , Fang Shuangfang , Li Hangfeng , Chen Ronghua , Wei Jin , Chen Guangliang , Liu Nan , Du Houwei
Published: May 2023

Background: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a novel biomarker of insulin resistance which might plausibly influence endogenous fibrinolysis and thus early neurological outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator. Methods: We included consecutive AIS patients within 4.5 h of symptom onset undergoing intravenous thrombolysis between January 2015 and June 2022 in this multi-center retrospective observational study. Our primary outcome was early neurological deterioration (END), defined as ≥2 (END2) or ≥ 4 (END4) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score worsening compared to the initial NIHSS score within 24 h of intravenous thrombolysis. Our secondary outcome was early neurological improvement (ENI), defined as a lower NIHSS score at discharge. TyG index was calculated using the log scale of fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2. We evaluated the association of END and ENI with TyG index using a logistic regression model. Results: A total of 676 patients with AIS were evaluated. The median age was 68 (Interquartile range, IQR (60–76) years old), and 432 (63.9%) were males. A total of 89 (13.2%) patients developed END2, 61 (9.0%) patients developed END4, and 492 (72.7%) experienced ENI. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for confounding factors, TyG index was significantly associated with increased risks of END2 (categorical variable, vs. lowest tertile, medium tertile odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.54–2.02, highest tertile OR 2.94, 95%CI 1.64–5.27, overall p < 0.001) and END4 (categorical variable, vs. lowest tertile, medium tertile OR 1.21, 95%CI 0.54–2.74, highest tertile OR 3.80, 95%CI 1.85–7.79, overall p < 0.001), and a lower probability of ENI (categorical variable, vs. lowest tertile, medium tertile OR 1.00, 95%CI 0.63–1.58, highest tertile OR 0.59, 95%CI 0.38–0.93, overall p = 0.022). Conclusions: Increasing TyG index was associated with a higher risk of END and a lower probability of ENI in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis.
Impact of Presumed Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy on Quality of Life at Different Ages
Authors: Pasioti Maria , Savva Maria , Lakoumentas John , Kompoti Evangelia , Makris Michael , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: May 2023

Tree nut and/or peanut allergy impairs patients’ quality of life, but data on the impact of age and the type of nut or peanut on the quality of life are lacking. To evaluate the impact at different ages, age-appropriate survey questionnaires accompanied by FAQLQ and FAIM were distributed to patients with suspected tree nut and/or peanut allergy who presented at the allergy departments of three hospitals in Athens. Out of 200 questionnaires distributed, 106 met the inclusion criteria (46 children, 26 teenagers, 34 adults). The median score of each age group for FAQLQ was 4.6 (3.3–5.1), 4.7 (3.9–5.5), and 3.9 (3.2–5.1) and for FAIM was 3.7 (3.0–4.0), 3.4 (2.8–4.0), and 3.2 (2.7–4.1), respectively. FAQLQ and FAIM scores were correlated with the reported probability of using the rescue anaphylaxis set upon reaction (15.4%, p = 0.04 and 17.8%, p = 0.02, respectively) and pistachio allergy (FAQLQ: 4.8 vs. 4.0, p = 0.04; FAIM: 3.5 vs. 3.2, p = 0.03). Patients with additional food allergies reported worse FAQLQ scores (4.6 vs. 3.8, p = 0.05). Worse FAIM scores were associated with younger age (−18.2%, p = 0.01) and the number of life-threatening allergic reactions (25.3%, p < 0.001). The overall impact of tree nut and/or peanut allergy on patients’ quality of life is moderate but differs with age, the type of nut, the use of adrenaline, and the number of previous reactions. The aspects of life affected and contributed factors also vary across age groups.
Assessment of Adherence to Insulin Injections among Diabetic Patients on Basal-Bolus Regimen in Primary and Secondary Healthcare Centers in Al-Jouf Region of Saudi Arabia; A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Alsaidan Aseel Awad , Alsaidan Omar Awad , Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Khan Yusra Habib , Alzarea Abdulaziz Ibrahim , Alanazi Abdullah Salah
Published: May 2023

Background: Patient adherence to insulin therapy is one of the major challenges during the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Considering the dearth of investigations, this study aimed to determine the adherence pattern and factors linked with nonadherence among diabetic patients using insulin in Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study included diabetic patients using basal-bolus regimens, whether they had type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This study’s objective was determined using a validated data collection form that included sections on demographics, reasons for missed insulin doses, list of barriers to therapy, difficulties during insulin administration, and factors that may improve insulin inaction adherence. Results: Of 415 diabetic patients, 169 (40.7%) were reported to forget doses of insulin every week. The majority of these patients (38.5%) forget one or two doses. Away from home (36,1%), inability to adhere to the diet (24.3%) and embarrassment to administer injections in public (23.7%) were frequently cited as reasons for missing insulin doses. The occurrence of hypoglycemia (31%), weight gain (26%), and needle phobia (22%) were frequently cited as obstacles to insulin injection use. Preparing injections (18.3%), using insulin at bedtime (18.3%), and storing insulin at a cold temperature (18.1%) were the most challenging aspects of insulin use for patients. Reduction in the number of injections (30.8%) and convenient timing for insulin administration (29.6%) were frequently cited as factors that may improve participant adherence. Conclusions: This study revealed that the majority of diabetic patients forget to inject insulin, primarily as a result of travel. By identifying potential obstacles faced by patients, these findings direct health authorities to design and implement initiatives to increase insulin adherence among patients.
Combined Porous-Monolithic TiNi Materials Surface-Modified with Electron Beam for New-Generation Rib Endoprostheses
Authors: Shabalina Anastasiia , Anikeev Sergey , Kulinich Sergei , Artyukhova Nadezhda , Vlasov Vitaly , Kaftaranova Maria , Hodorenko Valentina , Yakovlev Evgeny , Pesterev Evgeny , Lukyanenko Anna , Volochaev Mikhail , Pakholkina Sofiya , Mamazakirov Oibek , Stolyarov Victor , Mokshin Anatolii , Gunther Victor
Published: May 2023

TiNi alloys are very widely used materials in implant fabrication. When applied in rib replacement, they are required to be manufactured as combined porous-monolithic structures, ideally with a thin, porous part well-adhered to its monolithic substrate. Additionally, good biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance and mechanical durability are also highly demanded. So far, all these parameters have not been achieved in one material, which is why an active search in the field is still underway. In the present study, we prepared new porous-monolithic TiNi materials by sintering a TiNi powder (0–100 µm) on monolithic TiNi plates, followed by surface modification with a high-current pulsed electron beam. The obtained materials were evaluated by a set of surface and phase analysis methods, after which their corrosion resistance and biocompatibility (hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and cell viability) were evaluated. Finally, cell growth tests were conducted. In comparison with flat TiNi monoliths, the newly developed materials were found to have better corrosion resistance, also demonstrating good biocompatibility and potential for cell growth on their surface. Thus, the newly developed porous-on-monolith TiNi materials with different surface porosity and morphology showed promise as potential new-generation implants for use in rib endoprostheses.
Causes of Polyserositis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stoichitoiu Laura Elena , Ionescu Georgeta Daniela , Neatu Ingrid , Baicus Cristian
Published: May 2023

At present, polyserositis (PS) remains a challenging entity, which resides both in the fact that there is confusion regarding the terminology, and that it is still understudied. We aimed to identify the etiologies of PS, reported in adult patients. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature on PubMed(MEDLINE) database, using the following (MESH) terms: pleurisy/etiology, pleural effusion/etiology, pericarditis/etiology, pericardial effusion/etiology, pericardial effusion chronic, ascites/etiology, ascitic fluid/etiology, polyserositis, serositis, and serositides. Results: A total of 1979 articles were identified, dating from 1973 onwards. After screening the articles, we included 114 patients from 23 articles (one case series including 92 patients and 22 case reports) in the final report. The most common diagnosis was neoplasia (30; 26.3%), followed by autoimmune diseases (19, 16.7%) and infections (16, 12.3%). Still, in 35 cases, the etiology of PS remained unkown. Conclusion: PS is a challenging and understudied entity, which is associated with a wide range of diagnoses. However, prospective studies should be developed in order to have a clear understanding regarding its etiologies and their prevalences.