bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different factors on fly ash-based functional soil and its oat grass cultivation
Authors: Liu Tengteng , Han Fenglan , Xing Zhibing , Wang Jiaqi , Dong Xiongwei , An Changcong
Published: December 2022

Using fly ash as the main matrix for plant ecological restoration is effective for constructing a sustainable and ecological environment. The relevant properties of functional soil change due to different factors. Based on the orthogonal experiment of functional soil and the pot experiment of oat grass, fly ash was used as the matrix material for functional soil. Afterward, MX (large granules dispensing certain nutrients), SJJXWS (a water-retaining agent), and AF (a nutrient conditioner) additives were added to study the physical, chemical, and agronomic properties of functional soil, such as the emergence rate and weight of plants. The results showed the high pH and conductivity of functional soil, implying alkaline soils with high salinity. The contents of organic matter and available phosphorus and potassium were relatively high, indicating its high nutrient content. Further analysis revealed that the MX was the key factor affecting functional soil’s electrical conductivity and evaporation, and thus, the corresponding plant emergence rate, plant weight, and other related indicators. The influence of each factor on the corresponding plant emergence rate, plant weight, and other indicators of functional soil was arranged in the order of MX (large granules dispensing certain nutrients), SJJXWS (a water-retaining agent), and AF (a nutrient conditioner). The optimum additive ratio in functional soil was 0.45 t·hm-2 of MX, 0.12 t·hm-2 of SJJXWS, and 1.65 t·hm-2 of AF. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further development of functional soil for ecological cycle restoration purposes.
Responses of the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, endogenous hormones and antioxidant activity of Carpinus betulus L. seedlings to different light intensities
Authors: Zhou Qi , Zhao Feng , Zhang Huihui , Zhu Zunling
Published: December 2022

Light is an important ecological factor that affects plant growth, survival and distribution. Carpinus betulus L. is native to central Europe and is used as an ornamental plant with strong adaptability. It is an important tree species for landscaping and timber use. What’s more, the antioxidant- and anticancer-related properties of C. betulus leaf extracts are remarkable, that make it a possible raw material for medicine. Light intensity is an important environmental factor affecting the growth and physicochemical changes of C. betulus, but the mechanism of its effect on this species still remains unknown. In this study, the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, endogenous hormones and antioxidant activity responses of C. betulus seedlings to four light intensity gradients (T0: normal light; T1: 75%; T2: 50%; T3: 25% of normal light) were studied after 60 days of shading treatments. The results showed a significant effect of low light intensity on the values of the growth and physiological parameters of C. betulus. The low light intensity caused the inhibition of plant biomass accumulation and the degradation of photosynthetic capacity and stomatal behavior and aggravated the cell membrane lipid peroxidation. However, the plant height growth, leaf area, specific leaf area, photosynthetic pigment content, and contents of GA3 and ABA of C. betulus increased with decreasing light intensity. We found that C. betulus can tolerate mild (T1) and moderate (T2) shading stress by developing photoprotective mechanisms and maintaining relatively high concentrations of organic osmolytes and high antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase), but the ability of C. betulus to synthesize osmotic substances and enzymatic antioxidants was impaired under severe shading conditions (T3). Our results suggest that C. betulus can make effective use of low light resources by adjusting its morphology, material distribution, photosynthetic rate and antioxidant enzyme system in suitable low-light environments (50%~75% of normal light); however, light intensity levels that are too low (25% of normal light) will have adverse effects on plant growth. The results of this study provide not only new insights into the response mechanisms of C. betulus to light intensity but also a scientific basis for the cultivation and application of C. betulus in China.
Shifting sensitivity of septoria tritici blotch compromises field performance and yield of main fungicides in Europe
Authors: Jørgensen Lise Nistrup , Matzen Niels , Heick Thies Marten , O’Driscoll Aoife , Clark Bill , Waite Katherine , Blake Jonathan , Glazek Mariola , Maumene Claude , Couleaud Gilles , Rodemann Bernd , Weigand Stephan , Bataille Charlotte , R Bán , Hellin Pierre , Kildea Steven , Stammler Gerd
Published: December 2022

Septoria tritici blotch (STB; Zymoseptoria tritici) is a severe leaf disease on wheat in Northern Europe. Fungicide resistance in the populations of Z. tritici is increasingly challenging future control options. Twenty-five field trials were carried out in nine countries across Europe from 2019 to 2021 to investigate the efficacy of specific DMI and SDHI fungicides against STB. During the test period, two single DMIs (prothioconazole and mefentrifluconazole) and four different SDHIs (fluxapyroxad, bixafen, benzovindiflupyr and fluopyram) along with different co-formulations of DMIs and SDHIs applied at flag leaf emergence were tested. Across all countries, significant differences in azole performances against STB were seen; prothioconazole was outperformed in all countries by mefentrifluconazole. The effects also varied substantially between the SDHIs, with fluxapyroxad providing the best efficacy overall, while the performance of fluopyram was inferior to other SDHIs. In Ireland and the UK, the efficacy of SDHIs was significantly lower compared with results from continental Europe. This reduction in performances from both DMIs and SDHIs was reflected in yield responses and also linked to decreased sensitivity of Z. tritici isolates measured as EC50 values. A clear and significant gradient in EC50 values was seen across Europe. The lower sensitivity to SDHIs in Ireland and the UK was coincident with the prevalence of SDH-C-alterations T79N, N86S, and sporadically of H152R. The isolates’ sensitivity to SDHIs showed a clear cross-resistance between fluxapyroxad, bixafen, benzovindiflupyr and fluopyram, although the links with the latter were less apparent. Co-formulations of DMIs + SDHIs performed well in all trials conducted in 2021. Only minor differences were seen between fluxapyroxad + mefentrifluconazole and bixafen + fluopyram + prothioconazole; the combination of benzovindiflupyr + prothioconazole gave an inferior performance at some sites. Fenpicoxamid performed in line with the most effective co-formulations. This investigation shows a clear link between reduced field efficacy by solo SDHIs as a result of increasing problems with sensitivity shifting and the selection of several SDH-C mutations. The presented data stress the need to practice anti-resistance strategies to delay further erosion of fungicide efficacy.
The effect of intergenerational rearing on young children’s self-control: The intervention effect of sports games
Authors: Sun Boqian , Quan Haiying , Zhang Ye
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of different rearing arrangements on children’s self-control and verify the promoting effect sports games might have on children’s self-control in intergenerational rearing.

Methods

A total of 72 intergenerational rearing children and 66 non-intergenerational rearing children were included in Experiment 1, in which the delay-of-gratification task was used to examine the differences in self-control among children with different rearing arrangements. In experiment 2, 70 intergenerational rearing children were included as subjects, and sports games were used to improve their self-control.

Results

The results of experiment 1 showed that compared with non-intergenerational rearing children, the self-control ability of intergenerational rearing children was poor. In experiment 2, it was found that after the intervention with sports games, the self-control ability of the children in the intergenerational rearing group was effectively improved.

Conclusion

Although intergenerational rearing arrangements have a certain negative impact on the self-control ability of children, the sports game intervention can be used to effectively develop the self-control ability of intergenerational rearing children.
Communicating ocean and human health connections: An agenda for research and practice
Authors: Reamer Marcus B.
Published: December 2022

The emergence of ocean and human health (OHH) science as a distinct scholarly discipline has led to increased research outputs from experts in both the natural and social sciences. Formal research on communication strategies, messaging, and campaigns related to OHH science remains limited despite its importance as part of the social processes that can make knowledge actionable. When utilized to communicate visible, local issues for targeting audiences, OHH themes hold the potential to motivate action in pursuit of solutions to environmental challenges, supplementing efforts to address large-scale, abstract, or politicized issues such as ocean acidification or climate change. Probing peer-reviewed literature from relevant areas of study, this review article outlines and reveals associations between society and the quality of coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as key themes, concepts, and findings in OHH science and environmental communication. Recommendations for future work concerning effective ocean and human health science communication are provided, creating a platform for innovative scholarship, evidence-based practice, and novel collaboration across disciplines.
Research on express service defect evaluation based on semantic network diagram and SERVQUAL model
Authors: Gu Suishan , Wang Kangyu , Gao Lianyue , Liu Jun
Published: December 2022

This paper constructs a defect evaluation model of express service, uses the text mining methods of web crawler, SVM (Support Vector Machine) emotion analysis and LDA (Linear Discriminant Analysis) topic model to capture and clean up the online negative comment data of express service, establishes a semantic network diagram, and uses LDA topic model to extract the characteristic words of defect topic. Based on SERVQUAL model, it can classify the subject characteristic words of express service defects from the dimensions of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and economy, etc., calculate the degree value and attention value of express service defects, and establish IPA model for defect mapping and identify the improvement direction. The evaluation model constructed in this paper has reference value for evaluating the defects of service industry and improving service quality. It is found that the “responsiveness” defect is the primary improvement direction, and the reliability, assurance and economy are the secondary improvement defects. Among them, the “responsiveness” defect has five improvement detail defects. The evaluation model constructed in this paper has reference value for evaluating the defects of service industry and improving service quality.
Transport Properties of Critical Sulfur Hexafluoride From Multiscale Analysis of Density Fluctuations
Authors: Oprisan Ana , Morgado Dereck , Dorf David , Zoppelt Seth , Oprisan Sorinel A. , Hahn Inseob , Garrabos Yves , Lecoutre-Chabot Carole , Beysens Daniel
Published: December 2022

Density fluctuations near critical points have a wide range of sizes limited only by the boundaries of the enclosing container. How would a fluctuating image near the critical point look if we could break it into disjoint spatial scales, like decomposing white light into narrow-band, monochromatic waves? What are the scaling laws governing each spatial scale? How are the relaxation times of fluctuations at each spatial scale related to the dynamics of fluctuations in the original image? Fluctuations near the critical point of pure fluids lead to different patterns of phase separation, which has a significant influence on the materials’ properties. Due to the diverging compressibility of pure fluids near the critical temperature, the critical phase collapses under its weight on Earth. It limits both the spatial extent of fluctuations and their duration. In microgravity, the buoyancy and convection are suppressed, and the critical state can be observed much closer to the critical point for a more extended period. Local density fluctuations induce light intensity fluctuations (the so-called “critical opalescence”), which we recorded for a sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) sample near the critical point in microgravity using the ALI (Alice Like Instrumentation insert) of the DECLIC (Dispositif pour l’Etude de la Croissance et des Liquides Critiques) facility on the International Space Station (ISS). From the very short (approximately 173 s total recording) data set very near, within 200 μK, the critical temperature, we determined the effective diffusion coefficient for fluctuations of different sizes. For transient and non-stationary data recorded very near the critical point immediately after a thermal quench that steps through critical temperature, we separated fluctuations of various sizes from the original images using the Bidimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition (BEMD) technique. Orthogonal and stationary Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) images were analyzed using the Fourier-based Dynamic Differential Microscopy (DDM) method to extract the correlation time of fluctuations. We found that a single power-law exponent represented each IMF’s structure factor. Additionally, each Intermediate Scattering Function (ISF) was determined by fluctuations’ unique relaxation time constant. We found that the correlation time of fluctuations increases with IMF’s order, which shows that small size fluctuations have the shortest correlation time. Estimating thermophysical properties from short data sets affected by transient phenomena is possible within the BEMD framework
Examining cross-modal correspondence between ambient color and taste perception in virtual reality
Authors: Wu Zhen , Shi Rongkai , Li Ziming , Jiang Mengqi , Li Yue , Yu Lingyun , Liang Hai-Ning
Published: December 2022

This research explores the cross-modal correspondence effect of ambient color on people’s taste perception in virtual reality (VR). To this end, we designed and conducted two experiments to investigate whether and how taste-congruent ambient colors in VR influence taste perception measured by four aspects: 1) taste ratings of a neutral drink; 2) taste association with virtual environments; 3) associated scenarios when immersed in these virtual environments; and 4) participants’ liking of these environments. In Experiment 1, participants adjusted the ambient light with different cross-modal-related colors in the immersive environments and reported their scaling of the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ). Comfortable light intensity for each ambient color was obtained and color recognition problems were observed. In Experiment 2, participants tasted black tea (as the neutral drink), after being exposed to eight different virtual environments with different ambient colors. Results showed that the pink ambient color significantly increased the sweetness ratings. Differences in the color-taste association and environment liking were also observed in the ambient color conditions. Our results provide new insights into the cross-modal correspondence effect on ambient color and taste perception not found in prior work in VR scenarios.
Humpback Whales Have Super Feeding Events in Australian Waters
Authors: Brasier Madeleine J. , Pirotta Vanessa
Published: December 2022

Each year, the east Australian humpback whale population migrates between their Antarctic feeding grounds, where they spend the summer feeding, to their sub-tropical breeding grounds, where they give birth. Historically, this population was once hunted in both Antarctica and off Australia, however, since whaling ended in the early 1960s, this population has continued to recover. As the population continues to grow, we may now be witnessing “new” behaviors. For the first time, scientists have footage of humpback whales bubble-net feeding and feeding in “super-groups” of 20+ whales in Australian waters. This footage was collected by citizen scientists—regular citizens who help scientists monitor this whale population. These feeding observations are important for understanding how this whale population is changing—not just in numbers but also behaviors—and what we can do to protect whale populations into the future.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy effects on obesity comorbidities: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alghamdi Salah , Mirghani Hyder , Alhazmi Khalid , Alatawi Amirah M. , Brnawi Haneen , Alrasheed Tariq , Badoghaish Waleed
Published: December 2022

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are the most commonly used bariatric procedures. There is an increasing awareness about a comorbidity-based indication for bariatric surgery regardless of weight (metabolic surgery). The best operation to mitigate obesity-associated comorbidities is a matter of controversy. This review is aimed at comparing LRYGB and LSG for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for articles comparing these two commonly used bariatric approaches. We identified 2,457 studies, 1,468 of which stood after the removal of duplications; from them, 81 full texts were screened and only 16 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. LRYGB was equal weight to LSG for diabetes (P-value = 0.10, odd ratio, 1.24, 95% CI, 0.96–1.61, I2 for heterogeneity = 30%, P-value for heterogeneity, 0.14), and OSA (P-value = 0.38, odd ratio, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.47–1.33, I2 for heterogeneity = 0.0%, P-value for heterogeneity, 0.98). However, LRYGB was superior to LSG regarding hypertension (P-value = 0.009, odd ratio, 1.55, 95% CI, 1.20–2.0, I2 for heterogeneity = 0.0%, P-value for heterogeneity, 0.59), dyslipidemia (odd ratio, 2.18, 95% CI, 1.15–4.16, P-value for overall effect, 0.02), and GERD (P-value = 0.003, odd ratio, 3.16, 95% CI, 1.48–6.76). LRYGB was superior to LSG for gastroesophageal reflux, hypertension, and dyslipidemia remission. While the two procedures were equal regarding diabetes and obstructive sleep, further reviews comparing LSG, and one anastomosis gastric bypass are recommended.
The Phylogenetic Relationships of the Family Sciaenidae Based on Genome-Wide Data Analysis
Authors: Han Xiaolu , Jin Shihuai , Han Zhiqiang , Gao Tianxiang
Published: December 2022

Uncertainty and controversy exist in the phylogenetic status of the Sciaenidae family because of the limited genetic data availability. In this study, a data set of 69,098 bp, covering 309 shared orthologous genes, was extracted from 18 genomes and 5 transcriptomes of 12 species belonging to the Sciaenidae family and used for phylogenetic analysis. The maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian approach (BA) methods were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic trees. The resolved ML and BA trees showed similar topology, thus revealing two major evolutionary lineages within the Sciaenidae family, namely, Western Atlantic (WA) and Eastern Atlantic–Indo–West Pacific (EIP). The WA group included four species belonging to four genera: Cynoscion nebulosus, Equetus punctatus, Sciaenops ocellatus, and Micropogonias undulatus. Meanwhile, the EIP group formed one monophyletic clade, harboring eight species (Argyrosomus regius, A. japonicus, Pennahia anea, Nibea albiflora, Miichthys miiuy, Collichthys lucidus, Larimichthys polyactis, and L. crocea) from six genera. Our results indicated that the Western Atlantic (WA) group was more ancient in the studied species, while the Eastern Atlantic–Indo–West Pacific (EIP) group was a younger group. Within the studied species, the genera Collichthys and Larmichthys were the youngest lineages, and we do not suggest that Collichthys and Larmichthys should be considered as one genus. However, the origin of the Sciaenidae family and problems concerning the basal genus were not resolved because of the lack of genomes. Therefore, further sampling and sequencing efforts are needed.
Brown Seaweed (Padina australis) Extract can Promote Performance, Innate Immune Responses, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Intestinal Gene Expression and Resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Sheikhzadeh Najmeh , Ahmadifar Ehsan , Soltani Mehdi , Tayefi-Nasrabadi Hossein , Mousavi Shalaleh , Naiel Mohammed A. E.
Published: December 2022

Eight-week oral administration of Padina australis ethyl acetate extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg diets was assessed on the growth performance, tight junction proteins, intestinal immunity, and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 300 healthy common carp weighing around 14.8 ± 0.03 g were randomly assigned into four equal groups within 12 glass aquariums, each in three replicates (25 fish/tank), for the feeding trial experiment. The first group served as the control group and was fed an un-supplemented diet, whilst the other three groups were offered diets containing graded amounts of Padina australis ethyl acetate extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The growth indices, including final weight, length, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio, were meaningfully improved in fish fed with the algae at 200 and 400 mg/kg compared to the control fish (p < 0.05). Similarly, digestive enzyme activities and serum immune parameters were significantly higher in all treatments, especially 200 and 400 mg/kg fed groups, compared to the control (p < 0.05). In parallel, significant upregulation of genes related to integrity and the immune system was shown in the intestine of these treatment groups compared to control fish (p < 0.05). When fish were challenged with A. hydrophila, the cumulative survival percentages were 53.3% (p = 0.215), 70.0 % (p = 0.009), and 76.7% (p = 0.002) in fish fed 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg diets, respectively, compared to 36.7% survival in control fish (p = 0.134). These data show that the eight-week dietary administration of P. australis extract to common carp can enhance growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, immune response, and disease resistance to A. hydrophila infection.
Privacy-Preserved Image Protection Supporting Different Access Rights
Authors: Chang Ya-Fen , Tai Wei-Liang , Huang Yu-Tzu
Published: December 2022

The boom in cloud computing and social networking has led to a large number of online users in the networks. It is necessary to use appropriate privacy protection mechanisms to prevent personal privacy leakage. In general, image privacy protection techniques proceed with the whole image. However, the image may contain multiple users’ information, and different people’s data may require different privacy protection. In addition, cloud servers are semi-trusted instead of trusted service providers due to unknown security vulnerabilities and the possibility of grabbing sensitive data from the cloud server. In order to provide image protection with different privacy-preserved access rights and to prevent the cloud server from retrieving sensitive information from the image, we propose a privacy-preserved scheme that supports different privacy-preserved access rights in a single image based on the difficulty of solving the factorization problem and the discrete logarithm problem. The cloud server performed the image management method without knowing the privacy information contained in the protected images. By working out the proposed scheme in detail, we experimentally validate the scheme and discuss various options of access rights in practice.
Burden of Natural-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Associated with Long-Term Exposure to PM2.5: A Case Study in Attica Region, Greece
Authors: Begou Paraskevi , Kassomenos Pavlos
Published: December 2022

In this study, the AirQ+ software proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was applied in order to assess the health endpoints associated with the long-term exposure to PM2.5 in Attica Region, Greece. For this purpose, we analyzed the daily average concentrations of PM2.5 registered by the air quality monitoring stations in the region, from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2018. Although there was a decreasing trend in PM2.5 concentrations levels, the levels of PM2.5 exceeded the AQG (Air Quality Guidelines) limit value (annual value: 5 μg/m3) established by the WHO. The findings revealed that the burden of mortality (from all-natural causes) at people above 30 years old associated with PM2.5 exposure was 4752 [3179–6152] deaths in 2007 and 2424 [1598–3179] deaths in 2018. In general, the attributable mortality from specific causes of deaths (e.g., lung cancer, IHD (ischemic heart diseases) and stroke) in people above 25 years old decreased between the years, but the mortality from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) was stable at 146 [79–220] deaths in 2007 and 147 [63–244] deaths in 2018. We also found differences in mortality cases from IHD and stroke among the age groups and between the years 2007 and 2018.
Electroanalytical Enzyme Biosensor Based on Cordia superba Enzyme Extract for the Detection of Phytomarkers in Kombucha
Authors: Batista Erica A. , Pereira Marx O. A. , Macêdo Isaac Y. L. , Machado Fabio B. , Moreno Emily K. G. , Diniz Elgia P. , Frazzão Italo G. V. , Bernardes Lorrayne S. C. , Oliveira Severino C. B. , Gil Eric S.
Published: December 2022

Antioxidants are responsible for many beneficial health effects and are highly present in natural products, such as kombucha. Biosensors’ development targeting antioxidants and phytomarkers are an active research field. This work aimed to propose a voltammetric polyphenolxidase (Cordia superba) biosensor for catechin and total phenolic compounds quantification in kombucha samples. Optimizations were performed on the biosensor of Cordia superba to improve the accuracy and selectivity, such as enzyme–substrate interaction time, analytical responses for different patterns and signal differences with the carbon paste and modified carbon paste electrode. Kombucha probiotic drink samples were fermented for 7 to 14 days at a controlled temperature (28 ± 2 °C). A linear curve was made for catechin with a range of 10.00 to 60.00 µM, with a limit of detection of 0.13 µM and limit of quantification of 0.39 µM. The biosensor proposed in this work was efficient in determining the patterns of phenolic compounds in kombucha.
Beyond the Dorsal Column Medial Lemniscus in Proprioception and Stroke: A White Matter Investigation
Authors: Chilvers Matthew J. , Low Trevor A. , Dukelow Sean P.
Published: December 2022

Proprioceptive deficits are common following stroke, yet the white matter involved in proprioception is poorly understood. Evidence suggests that multiple cortical regions are involved in proprioception, each connected by major white matter tracts, namely: Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (branches I, II and III), Arcuate Fasciculus and Middle Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF I, SLF II, SLF III, AF and MdLF respectively). However, direct evidence on the involvement of these tracts in proprioception is lacking. Diffusion imaging was used to investigate the proprioceptive role of the SLF I, SLF II, SLF III, AF and MdLF in 26 participants with stroke, and seven control participants without stroke. Proprioception was assessed using a robotic Arm Position Matching (APM) task, performed in a Kinarm Exoskeleton robotic device. Lesions impacting each tract resulted in worse APM task performance. Lower Fractional Anisotropy (FA) was also associated with poorer APM task performance for the SLF II, III, AF and MdLF. Finally, connectivity data surrounding the cortical regions connected by each tract accurately predicted APM task impairments post-stroke. This study highlights the importance of major cortico–cortical white matter tracts, particularly the SLF III and AF, for accurate proprioception after stroke. It advances our understanding of the white matter tracts responsible for proprioception.
Home-Based Individualized Cognitive Stimulation (iCS) Therapy in Portuguese Psychiatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Justo-Henriques Susana I. , Pérez-Sáez Enrique , Carvalho Janessa O. , Cavallo Marco , Sargaço Paula
Published: December 2022

Cognitive difficulties are common in people with mental health issues, including psychotic disorders, although this population may have difficulty accessing treatments due to various challenges, including transportation, remembering appointments, or discomfort in crowded or unfamiliar places. Home-based services can be crucial and effective for reaching populations with accessibility issues; one home-based intervention technique is individual cognitive stimulation (iCS), which has been shown to be an effective strategy to target and improve cognitive functioning in various samples. Using a previously established Portuguese iCS protocol, based on an initial brief cognitive assessment and the subsequent administration of cognitive stimulation materials and reflection exercises, the current randomized controlled trial explored the effectiveness of the iCS intervention on participants in Portugal with psychotic disorders. Outcome tools included measures of cognition, depression, quality of life, and functional abilities at baseline, the completion of the intervention, and post-intervention follow-up. With two well-matched groups at baseline, the results revealed significant improvements in the intervention group on cognitive functioning, depression, quality of life, and, more modestly, functional activities. These results offer an important contribution to the field of iCS protocols, in an effort to enhance the lives and well-being of various clinical populations, including those with psychotic disorders.
Beyond Platinum, ICIs in Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maiorano Brigida Anna , Maiorano Mauro Francesco Pio , Ciardiello Davide , Maglione Annamaria , Orditura Michele , Lorusso Domenica , Maiello Evaristo
Published: December 2022

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) constitutes the fourth most common tumor among the female population. Therapeutic approaches to advanced CC are limited, with dismal results in terms of survival, mainly after progression to platinum-based regimens. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are remodeling the therapeutic scenario of many solid tumors. The role of ICIs in CC should be addressed. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the latest clinical trials employing ICIs in advanced CC to assess which ICIs have been employed and how ICIs might meet the need for new therapeutic options in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods: The review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The following efficacy outcomes were specifically collected: overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS); for safety: type, number, and grade of adverse events (AEs). Results: A total of 17 studies were analyzed. Anti-PD1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, cemiplimab, balstilimab, and tislelizumab), anti-PD-L1 (atezolizumab), and anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab, zalifrelimab) agents were employed both as single agents or combinations. Overall ORR ranged from 0% to 65.9%. ORR ranged from 5.9% to 69.6% in PD-L1-positive patients and from 0% to 50% in PD-L1-negative patients. DCR was 30.6–94.1%. mPFS ranged from 2 to 10.4 months. mOS ranged from 8 months to not reached. PD-L1 status did not impact survival. A total of 33.9% to 100% of patients experienced AEs. Conclusion: Immunotherapy represents an appealing strategy for patients with advanced CC, as 2 out of 3 patients seem to respond to ICIs. PD-L1 status might be an indicator of response without impacting survival.
Digital Quantification of Intratumoral CD8+ T-Cells Predicts Relapse and Unfavorable Outcome in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Hurdogan Ozge , De Logu Francesco , Galli Francesca , Tuncer Samuray , Ugolini Filippo , Simi Sara , Portelli Francesca , Nassini Romina , Massi Daniela , Buyukbabani Nesimi
Published: December 2022

Although it is a disease that occurs mainly in the Caucasian population, uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. Here, we used digital pathology and image analysis for the diagnosis of UM and the prediction of the prognosis. Our retrospective study included a total of 404 histopathological slides from 101 patients. A digital image acquisition and quantitative analysis of tissue immune biomarkers (CD4, CD8, CD68, CD163) were performed. A negative impact of the intratumoral CD8 positive cell density higher than 13.3 cells/mm2 was detected for both RFS (HR 2.08, 95% Cl 1.09 to 3.99, p = 0.027) and OS (HR 3.30, 95% CI 1.58 to 6.88, p = 0.001). Moreover, we confirmed that older age and stage III were independent negative prognostic factors for both RFS and OS. Our results suggest that a specific distribution profile of CD8 in UM might predict the risk of relapse and death, with potential implications for determining which subgroups of UMs are amenable to specific pharmacological treatment regimens.
Diagnostic Performance of ACR and Kwak TI-RADS for Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules: An Update Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kang Yun Jin , Stybayeya Gulnaz , Lee Ju Eun , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: To determine the optimal cut-off values of two risk stratification systems to discriminate malignant thyroid nodules and to compare the diagnostic performance; (2) Methods: True and false positive and negative data were collected, and methodological quality was assessed for forty-six studies involving 39,085 patients; (3) Results: The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of ACR and Kwak TI-RADS were 0.875 and 0.884. Based on the optimal sensitivity and specificity, the highest accuracy values of ROC curves or diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were taken as the cut-off values for TR4 (moderate suspicious) and 4B. The sensitivity, specificity, DOR, and AUC by ACR (TR4) and Kwak TI-RADS (4B) for malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules were 94.3% and 96.4%; 52.2% and 53.7%; 17.5185 and 31.8051; 0.786 and 0.884, respectively. There were no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy in any of the direction comparisons of the two systems; (4) Conclusions: ACR and Kwak TI-RADS had good diagnostic performances (AUCs > 85%). Although we determined the best cut-off values in individual risk stratification systems based on statistical assessment, clinicians can adjust the optimal cut-off value according to the clinical purpose of the ultrasonography because raising or lowering cut-points leads to reciprocal changes in sensitivity and specificity.
The Microtubule Destabilizer Eribulin Synergizes with STING Agonists to Promote Antitumor Efficacy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Takahashi-Ruiz Leila , Fermaintt Charles S. , Wilkinson Nancy J. , Chan Peter Y. W. , Mooberry Susan L. , Risinger April L.
Published: December 2022

Eribulin is a microtubule destabilizer used in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Eribulin and other microtubule targeted drugs, such as the taxanes, have shared antimitotic effects, but differ in their mechanism of microtubule disruption, leading to diverse effects on cellular signaling and trafficking. Herein, we demonstrate that eribulin is unique from paclitaxel in its ability to enhance expression of the immunogenic cytokine interferon beta (IFNβ) in combination with STING agonists in both immune cells and TNBC models, including profound synergism with ADU-S100 and E7766, which are currently undergoing clinical trials. The mechanism by which eribulin enhances STING signaling is downstream of microtubule disruption and independent of the eribulin-dependent release of mitochondrial DNA. Eribulin did not override the requirement of ER exit for STING activation and did not inhibit subsequent STING degradation; however, eribulin significantly enhanced IRF3 phosphorylation and IFNβ production downstream of the RNA sensing pathway that converges on this transcription factor. Additionally, we found that eribulin enhanced the population of activated CD4+ T-cells in vivo when combined with either a STING agonist or tumor, demonstrating the ability to function as an immune adjuvant. We further interrogated the combination of eribulin with ADU-S100 in the MMTV-PyVT spontaneous murine mammary tumor model where we observed significant antitumor efficacy with combination treatment. Together, our findings demonstrate that microtubule targeted chemotherapeutics have distinct immunological effects and that eribulin’s ability to enhance innate immune sensing pathways supports its use in combination with immunotherapies, such as STING agonists, for the more effective treatment of TNBC and other malignancies.
Tumor Cell Derived Exosomal GOT1 Suppresses Tumor Cell Ferroptosis to Accelerate Pancreatic Cancer Progression by Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Axis via Upregulating CCR2 Expression
Authors: Guo Yao , Chen Taoyu , Liang Xueyi , Gou Shanmiao , Xiong Jiongxin , Cui Jing , Peng Tao
Published: December 2022

Recently, evidence has shown that GOT1 expression is upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and promotes cancer development, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. We found that GOT1 expression was upregulated in pancreatic cancer cell-derived exosomes. When PANC-1 cells were incubated with exosomes alone or transfected together with si-GOT1, we found that exosomes enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and migration, promoted ferroptosis, and si-GOT1 reversed the effects of exosomes. The results of online bioinformatics database analysis indicated that CCR2 was a potential binding protein of GOT1 and is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. PANC-1 cells were transfected with pcDNA-CCR2 or si-CCR2, and it was found that pcDNA-CCR2 enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and migration, promoted ferroptosis, and si-CCR2 had an opposite effect. Next, exosome-treated cells were transfected with si-GOT1 alone or together with pcDNA-CCR2, and we found that exosomes promoted CCR2 expression, promoted cell proliferation and invasion, and inhibited ferroptosis, the transfection of si-GOT1 abolished the effect of exosomes, and the transfection of pcDNA-CCR2 again reversed the effect of si-GOT1. Furthermore, when exosome-treated cells were transfected with si-GOT1 alone or co-incubated with Nrf2 activator NK-252, we found that si-GOT1 reversed the promoting effect of exosomes on Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, as well as its inhibitory effect on ferroptosis, but this effect was abrogated by NK-252. In vivo studies showed that knockdown of GOT1 expression inhibited tumor formation compared with tumor tissues formed upon exosome induction, which was mediated by promoting ferroptosis via suppressing the protein expression of GOT1, CCR2, Nrf2 and HO-1 in tumor tissues.
Fabrication of Reaction-Bonded Boron Carbide-Based Composites by Binder Jetting 3D Printing
Authors: Wahl Larissa , Schmiedeke Samuel , Knorr Moritz , Schneider Ines , Travitzky Nahum
Published: December 2022

In this work, the binder jetting 3D printing of boron carbide was combined with a subsequent liquid silicon infiltration procedure to produce reaction-bonded boron carbide (RBBC)-based structures. After printing, the samples were isostatically pressed to obtain more homogeneous and denser microstructures while maintaining their complex shapes. The RBBC bodies were successfully fabricated, and the influence of the binder content on the amount of residual silicon was studied. By increasing the binder content from 10 to 22.5 vol.%, the Si content decreased from ~28 to ~12 vol.%. The mechanical properties dependent on the Si content were additionally investigated. The measured average values for the bending strength (~355 MPa), Young’s modulus (~348 GPa), and hardness (~20 GPa) are comparable to those reported in the literature for RBBC-based materials.
Influence of Multiple Firings on the Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Gingival Pink Feldspathic Ceramic
Authors: Alnassar Talal M.
Published: December 2022

The present study was aimed at analyzing the impact of repeated firings on the color stability and surface roughness (Ra) of gingival pink feldspathic porcelain. Twenty specimens (n = 20) were prepared, and repeated firings were carried out. These samples were equally and randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) to assess the color change (ΔE), using a spectrophotometer and Ra using a non-contact profilometer. The ΔE was calculated after the third, fifth, and seventh firings, whereas the Ra was assessed after the first, third, fifth, and seventh firings. The greatest ∆E was observed after the seventh firing (6.86), followed by the fifth firing (3.93). The lowest ∆E was seen after the third firing (2.61). All the inter-group comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The change in color of gingival pink feldspathic porcelain samples observed after multiple firings could be attributed to pigments in this material becoming unstable, and the possible change in the crystal orientation with increased firings. The highest Ra was observed for the samples after the first firing (1.130 μm), followed by the third firing (0.617 μm) and fifth firing (0.477 μm). The lowest Ra values were seen for the samples after the seventh firing (0.425 μm). All the inter-group comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.01), except when the Ra values of samples after the fifth and seventh firing were compared (p > 0.01). The decreased Ra could be attributed to the melting of glaze with increased firings, which could have filled the gaps on the porcelain’s surface making it less rough. The present study demonstrated that an increase in repeated firings resulted in an increase in the ∆E values and a decrease in the Ra values of gingival pink feldspathic porcelain samples. The greatest increase in ∆E and the highest reduction in Ra values were noticed after the seventh firing. Future studies, including other parameters (variable thickness of ceramic and firing temperatures), should be conducted to study the impact of repeated firings on the color stability and roughness of gingival pink feldspathic porcelain.
Research on the Interaction Capability and Microscopic Interfacial Mechanism between Asphalt-Binder and Steel Slag Aggregate-Filler
Authors: Chen Xiaobing , Wen Wei , Zhou Jianguang , Zhou Xiaolong , Ning Yunfeng , Liang Zhongshan , Ma Zhenyu
Published: December 2022

To explore the applicability of steel slag porous asphalt mixture, the interaction capability and microscopic interfacial mechanism between asphalt-binder and steel slag aggregate-filler were investigated in this laboratory study. These objectives were accomplished by comparing and analyzing the differences between steel slag and basalt aggregates in interacting with the asphalt-binder. The study methodology involved preparing basalt and steel slag asphalt mortar to evaluate the penetration, ductility, softening point, toughness, and tenacity. Thereafter, the interaction capability between the asphalt-binder and aggregates was characterized using the interaction parameters of the asphalt mortar obtained from dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) testing. For studying the functional groups and chemical bonding of the asphalt mortar, the Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer was used, whilst the interfacial bonding between the asphalt-binder and aggregates was analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The corresponding test results indicated that the physical and rheological properties of the two asphalt mortars were similar. However, whilst the FTIR analysis indicated domination through chemical reactions, the interaction capability and interfacial bonding between the asphalt-binder and steel slag aggregates exhibited superiority over that between the asphalt-binder and basalt aggregates, with pronounced adsorption peaks appearing in the steel slag asphalt mortar spectrum. On the other hand, the SEM test revealed that, compared with the basalt, the micro-interfacial phases between the steel slag and asphalt-binder were more continuous and uniform, which could potentially enhance the interfacial bond strength between the asphalt-binder and aggregates (filler).
A Fast, Low-Cost and Simple Method for Predicting Atomic/Inter-Atomic Properties by Combining a Low Dimensional Deep Learning Model with a Fragment Based Graph Convolutional Network
Authors: Gao Peng , Liu Zonghang , Zhang Jie , Wang Jia-Ao , Henkelman Graeme
Published: December 2022

Calculations with high accuracy for atomic and inter-atomic properties, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and bond dissociation energies (BDEs) are valuable for pharmaceutical molecule structural analysis, drug exploration, and screening. It is important that these calculations should include relativistic effects, which are computationally expensive to treat. Non-relativistic calculations are less expensive but their results are less accurate. In this study, we present a computational framework for predicting atomic and inter-atomic properties by using machine-learning in a non-relativistic but accurate and computationally inexpensive framework. The accurate atomic and inter-atomic properties are obtained with a low dimensional deep neural network (DNN) embedded in a fragment-based graph convolutional neural network (F-GCN). The F-GCN acts as an atomic fingerprint generator that converts the atomistic local environments into data for the DNN, which improves the learning ability, resulting in accurate results as compared to experiments. Using this framework, the 13C/1H NMR chemical shifts of Nevirapine and phenol O–H BDEs are predicted to be in good agreement with experimental measurement.
The Quality of Sequence Data Affects Biodiversity and Conservation Perspectives in the Neotropical Damselfly Megaloprepus caerulatus
Authors: Feindt Wiebke , Hadrys Heike
Published: December 2022

Ideally, the footprint of the evolutionary history of a species is drawn from integrative studies including quantitative and qualitative taxonomy, biogeography, ecology, and molecular genetics. In today’s research, species delimitations and identification of conservation units is often accompanied by a set of—at minimum—two sequence markers appropriate for the systematic level under investigation. Two such studies re-evaluated the species status in the world’s largest Odonata, the Neotropical damselfly Megaloprepus caerulatus. The species status of the genus Megaloprepus has long been debated. Despite applying a highly similar set of sequence markers, the two studies reached different conclusions concerning species status and population genetic relationships. In this study, we took the unique opportunity to compare the two datasets and analyzed the reasons for those incongruences. The two DNA sequence markers used (16S rDNA and CO1) were re-aligned using a strict conservative approach and the analyses used in both studies were repeated. Going step by step back to the first line of data handling, we show that a high number of unresolved characters in the sequence alignments as well as internal gaps are responsible for the different outcomes in terms of species delimitations and population genetic relationships. Overall, this study shows that high quality raw sequence data are an indispensable requirement, not only in odonate research.