bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and countermeasures of China’s research on “sports promoting adolescent socialization”–data mining based on Weibo and CNKI
Authors: Jiang Yueyan , Tao Baole , Lu Tianci , Yan Jun
Published: July 2023

Objective

Understand the public demand for Adolescent socialization, and compare the hot spots in the researches of “sports promoting Adolescent socialization,” so as to clarify the high-quality development direction of sports promoting Adolescent socialization in the new era.

Methods

Collected the Weibo texts about “Adolescent socialization” from April 13, 2017 to June 1, 2022 through python, and used LDA to understand the relevant hot spots. Used City space to collect CNKI studies related to “sports promote Adolescent socialization,” and used keyword co-occurrence network to understand hot spots.

Results

A total of 77,900 original Weibo texts were captured. The theme model identified five potential themes: “School and Family Education,” “Social Participation,” “Community Education,” “Ideological and Political Education” and “Media.” The semantic network showed that the public concerns of each theme include “Adolescent socialization education content,” “relevant policies and regulations,” “Adolescent socialization environment,” “traditional culture” and “publicity ways and examples”0.52 studies were finally retrieved. The keyword co-occurrence network showed that keywords such as “Adolescent,” “Socialization,” “Sports Games,” “School Sports” and “Family Sports” appeared more frequently and had higher intermediary centrality. Researches focused on Socialization, Internet Addiction, Coupling, School Sports, Sports Socialization Media.

Conclusion

The public’s attention to “Adolescent socialization” has three characteristics: subject linkage, object susceptibility, and media diversity. The researches on “Sports Promoting the socialization of Adolescents” has some problems, such as the imbalance of subject supply and demand, the inconsistent way of object supply and demand, and the different content of media supply and demand. The reason is that there is an information island between people and scholars. Existing research results can not meet the demands of the public.
Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels in borderline personality disorder before and after a 12-week group dialectical behavior therapy intervention
Authors: Dyson Tori , Thomas Susan J. , Townsend Michelle L. , Finch Adam , South Alexandra , Barkus Emma , Walter Emma , Mendonca Carley , Grenyer Brin F. S. , Pickard Judy A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic, debilitating, and difficult to treat condition. BPD has recently been linked to steroid hormone dysregulation and medical conditions characterized by disturbed androgen metabolism. This study aimed to investigate cortisol and testosterone levels in BPD, and changes in hormones following psychological treatment.

Methods

Participants with BPD (n = 33) completed a 12-week Dialectical Behavior Therapy group program. Pre and post salivary testosterone and cortisol were analyzed. Baseline hormones in the BPD group were compared to age-and-sex matched controls (n = 33). Non-parametric tests were utilized to investigate group differences, pre-post treatment hormone and symptom changes, and associations between symptoms and hormone levels.

Results

Participants with BPD had significantly higher testosterone levels than controls. Mean testosterone levels in females with BPD were double that of female controls. Testosterone and cortisol levels were related, and some BPD symptoms were associated with with hormone levels. BPD symptoms reduced significantly with treatment, however pre to post hormone levels did not change.

Conclusions

This study supports an association between BPD symptoms and neuroendocrine dysfunction at baseline, however we found no reduction in hormone dysfunction post treatment. Further research into relationships between stress signaling and neuroendocrine disturbances in BPD may inform aetiological and treatment models.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000477224. Registered on 3 April 2018.
Demonstrating environmental impacts on the sound structure of languages: challenges and solutions
Authors: Maddieson Ian , Benedict Karl
Published: July 2023

Recent research has suggested that there are significant associations between aspects of the phonological properties of languages and the locations in which they are spoken. In this paper we outline a strategy for assembling maximally reliable and well documented climatic and environmental data to place in juxtaposition with carefully curated linguistic information on both language location and structure. Problems with temperature records are specifically highlighted as an illustration of the use of the platform and considerations when selecting environmental data for analytic use. Preliminary analyses suggest that certain previously proposed language-environment relationships are statistically valid, but that these may be better placed in a broader framework of language types.
Neuropsychological correlates of ADHD: indicators of different attentional profiles among youth with sluggish cognitive tempo
Authors: Krone Beth , Bédard Anne-Claude V. , Schulz Kurt , Ivanov Iliyan , Stein Mark A. , Newcorn Jeffrey H.
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study examined the distinctiveness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—Inattentive (ADHD-I) and ADHD in context of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (ADHD + SCT) utilizing the Attention Network Test (ANT) and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) as external validators. Due to the SCT characteristics of being sluggish, spacey, and slow to arouse, we hypothesized that SCT behavioral descriptors would be uniquely related to alerting/arousal mechanisms that the ANT is uniquely designed to capture, and that ADHD symptoms would be more highly associated with cognitive control on the CPT.

Method

We examined associations between baseline ANT and CPT scores for N = 137 well-characterized, culturally and racially diverse youth with ADHD (n = 107) either medication naïve or washed out prior to testing and typically developing controls (n = 30) ages 6–17 years.

Results

Presence and severity of SCT were associated with ANT Alerting (r2 = −.291, p = .005), but not with ANT Orienting, ANT Executive Control, or any CPT measures. There was a distinct association between the presence and severity of ADHD inattention symptoms with CPT T-scores for Commission Errors (r2 = .282, p = .002), Omission Errors (r2 = .254, p = .005), Variability (r2 = .328, p < .001), and Hit Rate SE (r2 = .272, p = .002), but not with other CPT or any ANT domain measures. All associations remained significant after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

The small but enduring double dissociation, with ADHD-I symptom severity related to measures of cognitive and behavioral control measures on the CPT, and SCT symptom severity related to attentional processes underlying tonic arousal in preparation for cue detection on the ANT—provides the first objective evidence suggestive of partial neurocognitive independence of SCT from ADHD. Moreover, it points to possibly distinguishable neurobiological neurocognitive underpinnings of the two conditions.
Leaking Gas Source Tracking for Multiple Chemical Parks within An Urban City
Authors: Lang Junwei , Zeng Zhenjia , Ma Tengfei , He Sailing
Published: July 2023

Sudden air pollution accidents (explosions, fires, leaks, etc.) in chemical industry parks may result in great harm to people’s lives, property, and the ecological environment. A gas tracking network can monitor hazardous gas diffusion using traceability technology combined with sensors distributed within the scope of a chemical industry park. Such systems can automatically locate the source of pollutants in a timely manner and notify relevant departments to take major hazards into their control. However, tracing the source of the leak in a large area is still a tough problem, especially within an urban area. In this paper, the diffusion of 79 potential leaking sources with consideration of different weather conditions and complex urban terrain is simulated by AERMOD. Only 61 sensors are used to monitor the gas concentration within such a large scale. A fully connected network trained with a hybrid strategy is proposed to trace the leaking source effectively and robustly. Our proposed model reaches a final classification accuracy of 99.14%.
PM2.5 Characterization and Source Apportionment Using Positive Matrix Factorization at San Luis Potosi City, Mexico, during the Years 2017–2018
Authors: Barrera Valter , Contreras Carlos , Mugica-Alvarez Violeta , Galindo Guadalupe , Flores Rogelio , Miranda Javier
Published: July 2023

In growing Mexican cities, there are few studies on air pollution, especially on the topic of characterization for the chemical composition of Particulate Matter (PM). This work presents an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis and Total Carbon analysis of PM2.5 in a two-year monitoring campaign from 20 May 2017 to 30 July 2018, collecting 96 daily samples in the northeast area of San Luis Potosi city to reconstruct the gravimetric mass and perform a source apportionment study using the Positive Matrix Factorization model (PMF). Concentration differences were due to different yearly seasons. In the year 2017, there was a major influence on heavy metals (V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb), and for the year 2018, there was a major crustal elements concentration (Na, Al, Si, P). Heavy metal concentrations are higher than any worldwide regulation limit. After applying these methods to the 49 samples collected for the year 2017, the mass reconstruction was nearly 70% of the gravimetric mass. XRF analysis quantified 17 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) in addition to Total Carbon (Organic Carbon (OC) + Elemental Carbon (EC)). PMF receptor model was applied to identify possible contribution sources and resolved seven physically interpretable factors that contributed to the ambient particulate pollution at the sampling site: Urban Dust (24.2%), Mobile Sources (22.2%), Chemical industry (18.2%), Oil combustion (16.3%), Smelting Industry (12.4%), Fuel Oil + Ceramic Industry (4.4%), and Braking (2.3%). However, the brick kiln’s emissions may be present in at least four of the emission sources due to several types of combustible employed.
Correction: Samadi et al. Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Criteria Changes and Impacts on the Diagnostic Scales-Utility of the 2nd and 3rd Versions of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS). Brain Sci. 2022, 12, 537
Authors: Samadi Sayyed Ali , Biçak Cemal A. , Noori Hana , Abdalla Barez , Abdullah Amir , Ahmed Lizan
Published: July 2023

In the original publication [...]
NOXA Accentuates Apoptosis Induction by a Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor
Authors: Ashry Ramy , Mustafa Al-Hassan , Hausmann Kristin , Linnebacher Michael , Strand Susanne , Sippl Wolfgang , Wirth Matthias , Krämer Oliver
Published: July 2023

Epigenetic modifiers of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family are often dysregulated in cancer cells. Experiments with small molecule HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have proven that HDACs are a vulnerability of transformed cells. We evaluated a novel hydroxamic acid-based HDACi (KH16; termed yanostat) in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, short- and long-term cultured colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, and retinal pigment epithelial cells. We show that KH16 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, both time and dose dependently in PDAC and CRC cells. This is associated with altered expression of BCL2 family members controlling intrinsic apoptosis. Recent data illustrate that PDAC cells frequently have an altered expression of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein NOXA and that HDACi induce an accumulation of NOXA. Using PDAC cells with a deletion of NOXA by CRISPR-Cas9, we found that a lack of NOXA delayed apoptosis induction by KH16. These results suggest that KH16 is a new chemotype of hydroxamic acid HDACi with superior activity against solid tumor-derived cells. Thus, KH16 is a scaffold for future research on compounds with nanomolar activity against HDACs.
Differences in the Growth of Seedlings and the Selection of Fast-Growing Species in the Gleditsia Genus
Authors: Xiao Feng , Zhao Yang , Wang Xiurong , Jian Xueyan
Published: July 2023

The Gleditsia genus has various uses, including those for medicinal, edible, chemical, timber, and ornamental purposes, and the genus is widely distributed in China. However, there is still a lack of understanding about the phenotypic and growth differences seen among species within the Gleditsia genus. In this study, we compared and analyzed the various species of Gleditsia seedlings in terms of their genotypes, chromosome numbers, physiological growth, photosynthesis, hormone content, and gene expression. The results showed that the genome size of the Gleditsia genus ranges from 686.08 M to 1034.24 M and that all Gleditsia species are diploid. Among the species studied, G. fera can be divided into fast-growing genotype, exhibited several advantages in terms of leaf type and photosynthetic capacity, high levels of GA3, and fast stem growth, making it a species with the potential for promotion and application. G. delavayi exhibited high levels of auxin and cytokinin and strong photosynthetic capacity, with rapid growth in terms of plant height. G. microphylla had the lowest levels of IAA, IBA, and NAA in the apical, and showed slow growth in terms of plant height. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified the hub genes associated with traits. This study lays a material and theoretical foundation for the development of new resources for Gleditsia breeding and rootstock selection and provides a basis for the mechanism of rootstock–scion interaction.
Karyotype and Phylogenetic Relationship Analysis of Five Varieties and Cultivars of Zanthoxylum armatum based on Oligo-FISH
Authors: He Zhoujian , Lei Yuting , Gong Wei , Ye Meng , Luo Xiaomei
Published: July 2023

Green prickly ash (Zanthoxylum armatum) has edible and medicinal value and is an economically significant plant in many countries. Z. armatum has many cultivars and varieties with similar phenotypes that are difficult to distinguish via traditional methods. In this study, we utilized oligo-FISH to distinguish five varieties and cultivars of Z. armatum on the basis of three oligonucleotide probes of 5S rDNA, (AG3T3)3, and (GAA)6. Karyotype analysis of the five varieties and cultivars of Z. armatum showed that the Z. armatum ‘Tengjiao’ karyotype formula was 2n = 2x = 98m with karyotype type 1C and an arm ratio of 4.3237, including two pairs of 5S rDNA signals and five pairs of (GAA)6 signals. The karyotype formula of Z. armatum ‘Youkangtengjiao’ was 2n = 2x = 128m + 8sm with karyotype type 2B and an arm ratio of 3.5336, including three pairs of 5S rDNA signals and 17 pairs of (GAA)6 signals. The karyotype formula of Z. armatum var. novemfolius was 2n = 2x = 134m + 2sm with karyotype type 1C and an arm ratio of 5.5224, including two pairs of 5S rDNA signals and eight pairs of (GAA)6 signals. The karyotype formula of Z. armatum ‘YT-03’ was 2n = 2x = 2M + 128m + 4sm + 2st with karyotype type 2C and an arm ratio of 4.1829, including three pairs of 5S rDNA signals and nine pairs of (GAA)6 signals. The karyotype formula of Z. armatum ‘YT-06’ was 2n = 2x = 126m + 10sm with cytotype 2B and an arm ratio of 3.3011, including three pairs of 5S rDNA signals and two pairs of (GAA)6 signals. The five varieties and cultivars of Z. armatum had (AG3T3)3 signals on all chromosomes. The chromosomal symmetry of Z. armatum ‘Tengjiao’ was high, whereas the chromosomal symmetry of Z. armatum 'YT-03' was low, with the karyotypes of the five materials showing a trend toward polyploid evolution. The phylogenetic relationship between Z. armatum ‘Tengjiao’ and Z. armatum var. novemfolius was the closest, while that between Z. armatum ‘YT-03’ and Z. armatum ‘YT-06’ was closer than with Z. armatum ‘Youkangtengjiao’ according to oligo-FISH. The results provided a karyotype profile and a physical map that contributes to the distinction of varieties and cultivars of Z. armatum and provides strategies for distinguishing other cultivated species.
Predictors of Youth Accessibility for a Mobile Phone-Based Life Skills Training Program for Addiction Prevention
Authors: Haug Severin , Boumparis Nikolaos , Wenger Andreas , Schaub Michael Patrick , Kiselev Nikolai
Published: July 2023

Background: Digital interventions are an emerging and promising avenue for addiction prevention and mental health promotion, but their reach and use are often limited, and little is known about the factors associated with youth accessibility. SmartCoach is a life skills training program for addiction prevention where adolescents are proactively invited for program participation in secondary school classes. The mobile phone-based program provides individualized coaching for a period of 4 months and addresses self-management skills, social skills, and substance use resistance skills. This study examined sociodemographic and other predictors of program participation and program use. Methods: A total of 476 adolescents in 28 secondary and upper secondary school classes in the German-speaking part of Switzerland were proactively invited for participation in the SmartCoach program. Using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), we examined predictors of both program participation and program use at the individual and school class levels. Results: In total, 315 (66.2%) of the present 476 adolescents gave their active consent and provided the necessary information to be included in the program. None of the individual sociodemographic characteristics significantly predicted program participation, however, the participation rate was significantly higher in upper secondary school classes (84%) than secondary school classes (59%). The mean number of interactions with the program was 15.9, i.e., participants took part in almost half of the 34 possible interactions with the SmartCoach program. None of the baseline characteristics on the level of the school class significantly predicted program use. On the level of the individual, the univariate models showed that, compared to the reference category of 14-year-old students, program use was significantly lower for students who were 16 or older. Furthermore, participants with a migration background or an origin from a non-German-speaking country showed significantly lower program use. Finally, students with a medium level of perceived stress showed higher program use compared to those with a low level of stress. Within the final multivariate model for program use, only the variable “origin from a non-German-speaking country” remained significant. Conclusions: SmartCoach is an attractive offer for young people, in which two out of three young people who are invited in the classroom to participate do so. Among the program participants, the use of the program is acceptable, with an average of almost half of the content being worked on. There is potential for improvement in terms of recruitment, especially in school classes with a lower level of education. The most important starting point for improving program use lies in taking greater account of needs and wishes of students with non-German-speaking countries of origin.
The Effects of Subjective Wellbeing and Self-Rated Health on Lifetime Risk of Cardiovascular Conditions in Women
Authors: Whyne Erum Z. , Woo Jihun , Jeon-Slaughter Haekyung
Published: July 2023

Subjective wellbeing may predict future health conditions, and lower self-rated physical health (SRH) is associated with the presence of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines whether subjective wellbeing and SRH predict long-term CVD conditions for women using the Midlife in the United States study. The study cohort includes 1716 women participants who completed waves 1 (1995–1996), 2 (2004–2006), and 3 (2013–2014). Data on demographics, chronic conditions of diabetes and CVD, subjective wellbeing (life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect), and SRH were collected repeatedly at each wave. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to test whether subjective wellbeing was associated with a lifetime CVD risk. Greater life satisfaction was significantly associated with a lower risk of CVD at 10 years (odds ratio (OR): 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.95) and 19 years (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74–0.93), while positive and negative affects were not significantly associated. Additionally, better physical SRH significantly lowered odds of having cardiovascular conditions at both 10 years (OR: 0.79; 95% CI 0.68–0.92) and 19 years (OR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.64–0.86). Measures of life satisfaction and SRH can be used as additional CVD screening tools.
Unlocking the Potential of Stroke Blood Biomarkers: Early Diagnosis, Ischemic vs. Haemorrhagic Differentiation and Haemorrhagic Transformation Risk: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: di Biase Lazzaro , Bonura Adriano , Pecoraro Pasquale Maria , Carbone Simona Paola , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo
Published: July 2023

Stroke, a complex and heterogeneous disease, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The timely therapeutic intervention significantly impacts patient outcomes, but early stroke diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers. This review critically examines the literature for potential biomarkers that may aid in early diagnosis, differentiation between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke. After a thorough analysis, four promising biomarkers were identified: Antithrombin III (ATIII), fibrinogen, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) for diagnostic purposes; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), micro RNA 124-3p, and a panel of 11 metabolites for distinguishing between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke; and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), s100b, and interleukin 33 for predicting hemorrhagic transformation. We propose a biomarker panel integrating these markers, each reflecting different pathophysiological stages of stroke, that could significantly improve stroke patients’ early detection and treatment. Despite promising results, further research and validation are needed to demonstrate the clinical utility of this proposed panel for routine stroke treatment.
Biochemical and Anthropometric Parameters for the Early Recognition of the Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Preterm Neonates at Risk of Impaired Neurodevelopment
Authors: Aisa Maria Cristina , Cappuccini Benito , Favilli Alessandro , Datti Alessandro , Nardicchi Vincenza , Coata Giuliana , Gerli Sandro
Published: July 2023

Background: S100B and Tau are implicated with both brain growth and injury. Their urinary levels in 30-to-40-day-old full-term, preterm, IUGR, and preterm-IUGR subjects were measured to investigate their possible relationship with future delayed neurodevelopment. Methods: Values were related to the neuro-behavioral outcome at two years of age, as well as to brain volumes and urinary NGF assessed at the same postnatal time point. Results: Using the Griffiths III test, cognitive and motor performances were determined to establish subgroups characterized by either normal or impaired neuro-behavior. The latter included preterm, IUGR, and preterm-IUGR individuals who exhibited significantly higher and lower S100B and Tau levels, respectively, along with markedly reduced cerebral volumes and urinary NGF, as previously demonstrated. Contrary to NGF, however, Tau and S100B displayed a weak correlation with brain volumes. Conclusions: Delayed cognitive and motor performances observed in two-year-old preterm and IUGR-born individuals were also found to be associated with anomalous urinary levels of S100B and Tau, assessed at 30–40 days of the postnatal period, and their changes did not correlate with brain growth. Thus, our data suggests that, in addition to cerebral volumes and NGF, urinary S100B and Tau can also be considered as valuable parameters for the early detection of future neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
Insecticide Susceptibility and Detoxification Enzyme Activity of Frankliniella occidentalis under Three Habitat Conditions
Authors: Fan Rui , Fan Zongfang , Sun Zhongxiang , Chen Yaping , Gui Furong
Published: July 2023

Frankliniella occidentalis is a highly destructive and invasive agricultural pest that has developed resistance to a variety of insecticide classes. Different planting structures and insecticide use frequency can directly affect the resistance development of F. occidentalis. In this study, the susceptibility of three field strains of F. occidentalis, collected over one year (April to November) from three habitat conditions (facility agriculture area, FA; open field crop area, OF; agroforestry intersection area, AI), to spinetoram, spinosad, emamectin benzoate, chlorfenapyr, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid were monitored and compared. At the same time, the detoxification enzyme activity of F. occidentalis in different habitats was determined. The results showed that the susceptibility of the F. occidentalis population in FA was significantly lower than that of populations from OF and AI. Among them, the F. occidentalis population in FA had developed low levels of resistance to spinetoram (RR = 9.18-fold), emamectin benzoate (RR = 5.47-fold), chlorfenapyr (RR = 6.67-fold), and acetamiprid (RR = 7.49-fold), and had developed moderate level resistance to imidacloprid (RR = 11.67-fold), while still being relatively sensitive to spinosad. The population of F. occidentalis from OF had developed low level resistance to spinetoram (RR = 5.24-fold) but was still relatively sensitive to the other five insecticides. The resistance of F. occidentalis from AI to six insecticides was at relatively sensitive levels. The results of the enzyme activities of detoxification enzymes, including carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (CYP450), revealed that the activities of the FA population of F. occidentalis were significantly higher than those of the other two populations. The change of CarE activity in F. occidentalis was consistent with that of spinetoram resistance, indicating that CarE may be involved in the metabolic resistance of F. occidentalis to spinetoram. Among the three populations, the resistance and detoxification enzyme activities of F. occidentalis of the FA population to six insecticides were higher than those of the other two populations. Our findings, along with other strategies, are expected to help with the resistance management of F. occidentalis in different habitats.
Precision and Accuracy of Field Versus Laboratory Bioassay Insecticide Efficacy for the Control of Immature Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Cremonez Paulo S. G. , Perier Jermaine D. , Nagaoka Mirela M. , Simmons Alvin M. , Riley David G.
Published: July 2023

Ecotoxicological studies often result in reports on the limitation and sometime failures of biological assay data to predict field response to similar treatments. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that controlled bioassays can better quantify the specific mortality response of a target pest species to a specific toxin. To quantify the relationship between whitefly bioassay and field response data, we evaluated a controlled laboratory bioassay and a concurrent cucurbit field trial method to assess insecticide efficacy for controlling the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). This was based on oviposition and nymphal development. We specifically tested the assumptions that a maximum dose bioassay would more precisely measure insecticide efficacy as compared with a comparable field spray test evaluation, and the response would be equal between the bioassay and the field as a measure of control accuracy for both adult oviposition and development of nymphal stages. To make a direct comparison, we tested the same whitefly population subsamples from 352 plots in eight cucurbit field experiments in Georgia, USA, in 2021 and 2022. The bioassays provide significantly precision for estimating proportional whitefly response. As expected, treatment-specific nonequivalence in immature whitefly counts between the bioassay and field, i.e., a lack of accuracy, only occurred with insecticides that were not highly toxic to all growth stages of whiteflies.
Nano-Clay Platelet Integration for Enhanced Bending Performance of Concrete Beams Resting on Elastic Foundation: An Analytical Investigation
Authors: Chatbi Mohammed , Harrat Zouaoui , Benatta Mohammed , Krour Baghdad , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Işık Ercan , Czarnecki Slawomir , Bouiadjra Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Acknowledging the growing impact of nanotechnologies across various fields, this engaging research paper focuses on harnessing the potential of nano-sized materials as enhancers for concretes. The paper emphasizes the strategic integration of these entities to comprehensively improve the strength and performance of concrete matrixes. To achieve this, an analytical study is conducted to investigate the static behavior of concrete beams infused with different types of clay nano-platelets (NC’s), employing quasi-3D beam theory. The study leverages the effective Eshelby’s homogenization model to determine the equivalent elastic characteristics of the nanocomposite. The intricate interactions of the soil medium are captured through the use of a Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation. By employing virtual work principles, the study derives equations of motion and proposes analytical solutions based on Navier’s theory to unravel the equilibrium equations of simply supported concrete beams. The results shed light on influential factors, such as the clay nano-platelet type, volume percentage, geometric parameters, and soil medium, providing insights into the static behavior of the beams. Moreover, this research presents previously unreported referential results, highlighting the potential of clay nano-platelets as reinforcements for enhancing structural mechanical resistance.
Association between the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Asthma in Adults from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Serra Hellen Cristina Oliveira Amorim , Rudakoff Lívia Carolina Sobrinho , Muniz Alessandra Karla Oliveira Amorim , Magalhães Elma Izze da Silva , Bragança Maylla Luanna Barbosa Martins , Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da , Vianna Elcio dos Santos Oliveira , Bettiol Heloisa , Barbieri Marco Antonio
Published: July 2023

Background: Ultra-processed Food (UPF) consumption can play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the consumption of UPF and asthma. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1857 adults aged 23–25 years from the Ribeirão Preto-SP birth cohort (1978/1979). The exposure variable was the consumption of UPF (expressed as their percentage contribution to energy intake—% total caloric value [%TCV] and their percentage contribution to the amount of food ingested—%grams), which was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Asthma was the outcome and was defined based on a positive methacholine challenge test and the presence of wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath over the last 12 months. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the association between these variables. Unadjusted analyses and analyses adjusted for sex, age, household income, smoking, and physical activity level were performed. Results: The prevalence of asthma in the sample was 13.2%. The mean total consumption of UPF was 37.9 ± 11.2% TCV (corresponding to 35.1 ± 15.1% grams). There was no association between the consumption of UPF and asthma in adults. Conclusion: This study provides no evidence for an association between the consumption of UPF and asthma in young adults.
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) Based on Local Recipes Are as Efficacious and Have a Higher Acceptability than a Standard Peanut-Based RUTF: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Indonesia
Authors: Rachmadewi Asrinisa , Soekarjo Damayanti D. , Bait Blandina Rosalina , Suryantan Julia , Noor Rivani , Rah Jee Hyun , Wieringa Frank T.
Published: July 2023

To strengthen community-based treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Indonesia, locally produced ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) are needed, but data on their acceptability and effectiveness are lacking. We conducted an individually randomized controlled trial in 302 children (6–59 months old) with uncomplicated SAM receiving 8 weeks of a standard RUTF (CON) or one of four alternative RUTFs produced with locally available ingredients: soybean (SOY), mungbean (MUN1, MUN2) or peanuts (PEA). The main outcomes were weight gain and product acceptability. Children consumed on average 2.2 kg of standard RUTF, but up to 4.5 kg of the local products (MUN2, p < 0.05). Mean weight gain did not differ across the groups (p > 0.05). Controlled for consumption, children receiving either CON or SOY RUTF gained >2 g/kg body weight (BW)/day compared with 1.6 g/kg BW/day in children receiving the other RUTF products (p > 0.05). Overall drop-out was 29.1%, ranging from 21.3% (MUN2) to 38.3% (CON, p > 0.05). Mean time to drop out was 19 days in the CON group, significantly shorter than in the PEA group (33.6 days, p < 0.05). Thus, with no difference in weight gain and better acceptance, the development of locally produced RUTFs in Indonesia is warranted to strengthen the community-based treatment of SAM.
Low Muscle Mass Is Associated with Poorer Glycemic Control and Higher Oxidative Stress in Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Alabadi Blanca , Civera Miguel , De la Rosa Adrián , Martinez-Hervas Sergio , Gomez-Cabrera Mari Carmen , Real José T.
Published: July 2023

Body composition changes that occur during aging, such as loss of lean mass, are unfavorable at metabolic level and they can explain, in part, the appearance of certain age-associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Separately, T2D is associated with an increase in oxidative stress (OS) which negatively affects skeletal muscle. Our aim was to study the differences in clinical and nutritional parameters, disease control, and OS in a cohort of older patients with T2D classified according to the amount of lean mass they had. We included 100 adults older than 65 years with T2D. We found that women with low fat-free mass and muscle mass have worse T2D metabolic control. Moreover, the patients with a low percentile of muscle mass present a high value of OS. The study shows that the presence of low lean mass (LM) in the geriatric population diagnosed with T2D is associated with poorer glycemic control and greater OS.
Marine Meroterpenoids Isolated from Gongolaria abies-marina Induce Programmed Cell Death in Naegleria fowleri
Authors: Arberas-Jiménez Iñigo , Rodríguez-Expósito Rubén L. , San Nicolás-Hernández Desirée , Chao-Pellicer Javier , Sifaoui Ines , Díaz-Marrero Ana R. , Fernández José J. , Piñero José E. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: July 2023

Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of a central nervous system affecting disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is a fulminant disease with a rapid progression that affects mainly children and young adults who report previous water exposure. Current treatment options are not totally effective and involve several side effects. In this work, six meroterpenoids isolated from the brown algae Gongolaria abies-marina were evaluated against N. fowleri. Gongolarone B (1), 6Z-1′-methoxyamentadione (2), and 1′-methoxyamentadione (3) were the most active molecules against N. fowleri with IC50 values between 13.27 ± 0.96 µM and 21.92 ± 1.60 µM. However, cystomexicone B (6) was the molecule with the highest selectivity index (>8.5). Moreover, all these compounds induced different cellular events compatible with the apoptosis-like PCD process, such as chromatin condensation, damages at the mitochondrial level, cell membrane disruption, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, G. abies-marina could be considered as a promising source of active molecules to treat the N. fowleri infections.
How to Treat Today? Oral and Facial Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Janíčková Mária , Bolek Tomáš , Stančiaková Lucia , Nagy Norbert , Mokáň Marián , Samoš Matej
Published: July 2023

The exact incidence of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CA-VTE) in patients with oral and facial cancer (OFC) is not exactly known, and this risk is empirically considered to be low. However, this suggestion may result in disease underdiagnosis, prolong the initiation of adequate therapy, and consecutively increase CA-VTE-related morbidity and mortality. In addition, there might be specific clinical problems in the treatment of CA-VTE in patients with oral and facial cancer, such as swallowing difficulties, that might limit the possibilities of oral anticoagulation. Finally, there are limited data regarding the optimal treatment of CA-VTE in patients with oral and facial cancer, and this includes data on novel therapeutic strategies, including the use of direct oral anticoagulants. This article reviews current data on the optimal treatment strategy for CA-VTE in patients with OFC.
Exploring the Molecular Targets for the Antidepressant and Antisuicidal Effects of Ketamine Enantiomers by Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Altê Glorister A. , Rodrigues Ana Lúcia S.
Published: July 2023

Ketamine, a racemic mixture of esketamine (S-ketamine) and arketamine (R-ketamine), has received particular attention for its rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects. NMDA receptor inhibition has been indicated as one of the main mechanisms of action of the racemic mixture, but other pharmacological targets have also been proposed. This study aimed to explore the possible multiple targets of ketamine enantiomers related to their antidepressant and antisuicidal effects. To this end, targets were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction software for each ketamine enantiomer. Targets related to depression and suicide were collected by the Gene Cards database. The intersections of targets were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Network pharmacology analysis was performed using Gene Mania and Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was used to predict the main targets of the network. The results indicated that esketamine and arketamine share some biological targets, particularly NMDA receptor and phosphodiesterases 3A, 7A, and 5A but have specific molecular targets. While esketamine is predicted to interact with the GABAergic system, arketamine may interact with macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Both ketamine enantiomers activate neuroplasticity-related signaling pathways and show addiction potential. Our results identified novel, poorly explored molecular targets that may be related to the beneficial effects of esketamine and arketamine against depression and suicide.
Cancer Vaccines: From the State of the Art to the Most Promising Frontiers in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Martinis Eleonora , Ricci Carolina , Trevisan Caterina , Tomadini Gaia , Tonon Silvia
Published: July 2023

Colorectal cancer represents 10% of all new cancer cases each year and accounts for almost 10% of all cancer deaths. According to the WHO, by 2040 there will be a 60% increase in colorectal cancer cases. These data highlight the need to explore new therapeutic strategies. Classical interventions include surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are invasive strategies that have many side effects on the patients and greatly affect their quality of life. A great advance in the treatment of this cancer type, as well as of all the others, could be the development of a vaccination strategy preventing the onset, the progression or the relapse of the pathology. In this review, we summarize the main vaccination strategies that are being studied for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and finally explore the possibility of using B-cells for the development of a new type of vaccine.
Fabrication, Structural Properties, and Electrical Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials for Dielectric Applications
Authors: Atta Ali , Alotiby Mohammed F. , Al-Harbi Nuha , El-Aassar Mohamed R. , Uosif Mohamed A. M. , Rabia Mohamed
Published: July 2023

This research paper aims to fabricate flexible PVA/Cs/TiO2 nanocomposite films consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (Cs), and titanium oxide (TiO2) for application in energy storage devices. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The impact of TiO2 on the electrical impedance, conductivity, permittivity, and energy efficiency of the PVA/Cs was determined in a frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 GHz. The XRD, FTIR, and EDX results showed the successful fabrications of the PVA/Cs/TiO2. The SEM and AFM images illustrated that the TiO2 was loaded and distributed homogenously in PVA/Cs chains. In addition, the electrical conductivity was enhanced from 0.04 × 10−7 S.cm−1 of PVA/Cs to 0.25 × 10−7 S.cm−1 and 5.75 × 10−7 S.cm−1, respectively, for the composite PVA/Cs/0.01TiO2 and PVA/Cs/0.1TiO2, and the dielectric constant grew from 2.46 for PVA/Cs to 7.38 and 11.93, respectively. These results revealed that modifications were made to the produced films, paving the way for using the composite PVA/Cs/TiO2 films in different energy applications, such as electronic circuits and supercapacitors.
The Effects of the Deacetylation of Chitin Nanowhiskers on the Performance of PCL/PLA Bio-Nanocomposites
Authors: Kelnar Ivan , Kaprálková Ludmila , Němeček Pavel , Dybal Jiří , Abdel-Rahman Rasha M. , Vyroubalová Michaela , Nevoralová Martina , Abdel-Mohsen A. M.
Published: July 2023

The multiple roles of organic nanofillers in biodegradable nanocomposites (NC) with a blend-based matrix is not yet fully understood. This work highlights combination of reinforcing and structure-directing effects of chitin nanowhiskers (CNW) with different degrees of deacetylation (DA), i.e., content of primary or secondary amines on their surface, in the nanocomposite with the PCL/PLA 1:1 matrix. Of importance is the fact that aminolysis with CNW leading to chain scission of both polyesters, especially of PLA, is practically independent of DA. DA also does not influence thermal stability. At the same time, the more marked chain scission/CNW grafting for PLA in comparison to PCL, causing changes in rheological parameters of components and related structural alterations, has crucial effects on mechanical properties in systems with a bicontinuous structure. Favourable combinations of multiple effects of CNW leads to enhanced mechanical performance at low 1% content only, whereas negative effects of structural changes, particularly of changed continuity, may eliminate the reinforcing effects of CNW at higher contents. The explanation of both synergistic and antagonistic effects of structures formed is based on the correspondence of experimental results with respective basic model calculations.
An Experimental Study on Drilling Behavior of Silane-Treated Cotton/Bamboo Woven Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Polymer Composites
Authors: Aruchamy Karthik , Palaniappan Sathish Kumar , Lakshminarasimhan Rajeshkumar , Mylsamy Bhuvaneshwaran , Dharmalingam Satish Kumar , Ross Nimel Sworna , Pavayee Subramani Sampath
Published: July 2023

Machining is considered to be an important post-manufacturing process. Evaluation of machinability of natural-fiber-reinforced composites is important owing to its wide application spectrum. Current experiments focus on the drilling parameters of cotton/bamboo woven fabric reinforced epoxy composites laminates using a solid twist drill. Composites were manufactured with 45 wt.% cotton/bamboo woven fabric in epoxy resin using a compression molding method. Drilling experiments were carried out in pillar-type drilling machine and the drilling characteristics, such as thrust force, were analyzed using four process parameters like spindle speed, feed rate, drill diameter, and silane-treated fabric. Drilling experiments were carried out using the Box–Behnken Experimental Design, and the recommended drilling characteristics were analyzed using quadratic models based on response surface methodology. It was observed from the results that the thrust force is low with small drill-bit diameter, higher cutting speed, and lower feed rate, according to the response surface analysis. Surface morphology of the drilled hole suggested that a better quality of hole can be obtained at lower feed rates.
In Loving Memory? Indecent Forgetting of the Dead in Continental Sister-Books and Julian of Norwich’s Revelation of Love
Authors: Perk Godelinde Gertrude
Published: July 2023

Medieval nuns and anchorites (recluses) were spiritually and economically bound to pray for the dead, no matter their feelings towards the departed, who frequently appear to them in visions. This article charts medieval enclosed women’s attempts to intervene in this economy by forgetting souls. Staging a generative conversation between medieval women’s writings and Marcella Althaus-Reid’s (1952–2009) ‘indecent theology’ (queer liberation theology), this essay scrutinizes medieval female-authored texts for indecent forgetting (socially and economically disruptive forgetting). It juxtaposes a Middle English visionary text, A Revelation of Love by anchorite Julian of Norwich (1342/1343–c. 1416), with the mid-fourteenth-century Middle High German sister-book (compilation of nuns’ lives) of the Dominican convent of St Katharinental in Diessenhofen (in present-day Switzerland) and the early sixteenth-century Middle Dutch sister-book of Diepenveen (in the present-day Netherlands), originating from a Devotio Moderna convent of Augustinian canonesses regular. Heeding Althaus-Reid’s call, it dissects how forgetting unsettles systems of sanctioned spiritual and economic exchanges. I first examine how the sister-books forget certain souls and define their own terms for their participation in this system. I then turn to how Julian enlists all believers for her intercessory duties but also misplaces souls. Throughout, this article considers how these texts prise open space for medieval women within indecent theology. Ultimately, it illustrates how medieval women’s negotiations of their economic conditions supply a fertile ground for considering larger concerns of defiance, community, and the charity that binds together the living and the dead.