bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtuous organizations: Desire, consumption and human flourishing in an era of climate change
Authors: Moore Geoff
Published: November 2022

The notion of virtuous organizations has an established place in the business ethics/organization studies literature. But this conceptualization drew principally on Alasdair MacIntyre'sAfter Virtue. His more recent workEthics in the Conflicts of Modernity, with its focus on desire, consumption and human flourishing, demands a revisiting of the original concept. The first aim of this paper, therefore, is to provide an extended theory of the notion of the virtuous organization. An obvious application of this extended theory is to the issue of climate change. In exploring this, the paper has a further aim which is to respond to Banerjee et al.'s call for more theory building that articulates post-growth possibilities at the organization level in relation to the multiple challenges which society faces in response to the changing climate. The paper begins by summarizing the current conceptual framework of the virtuous organization while recognizing critiques of MacIntyre's work and its organizational application. It then turns to the issues of desire and consumption highlighted in MacIntyre's latest book, drawing also on an extended literature in these areas including insights from Girard's work, and concluding with MacIntyre's contentions in relation to human flourishing. This leads to the extended conceptual framework which is then applied to the issue of climate change. The particular theoretical contribution of the paper is to understand virtuous organizations as playing an important role in the redirection and re-education of desires, leading to the pursuit of goods that we have good reason to desire, and so tothegood for individuals and communities, and ultimately to human flourishing within ecological limits. The similarities with and differences from the degrowth/post-growth movement are explored to demonstrate the distinctive contribution a MacIntyrean approach makes. The practical implications of this theoretical contribution are then spelled out, including a consideration of the potential ubiquity or otherwise of this approach, before conclusions are drawn.
Nudging digital physical activity breaks for home studying of university students—A randomized controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic with daily activity measures
Authors: Teuber Monika , Leyhr Daniel , Moll Juliane , Sudeck Gorden
Published: November 2022

University students are of particular public health interest because they are at high risk for physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors. In conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic, sedentariness and physical inactivity were reinforced, as the pandemic led to an increase in home studying. Physical activity (PA) breaks have been identified as promoting factors for university students' physical and mental health. Therefore, the present study explored an approach to nudge students to take PA breaks at home while studying. The purpose was to test the effectiveness of digital nudging for PA breaks for 10 days using a randomized intervention design during the COVID-19 pandemic. It included an intervention group who received daily digital motivational prompts for PA break videos and a minimal intervention control group who got low-level access to PA break videos via a one-time link sent to the media library. Using a sample of university students in the southwest of Germany (n = 57), two-level binary logistic regression models were calculated to predict daily participation in PA breaks during the intervention period depending on the nudging intervention, as well as previous participation in PA breaks, the general PA level of the subjects before the intervention, the time spent on PA and on home studying in a day, the kind of day during the intervention (weekday vs. weekend), and the students' age. Results revealed that the digital nudging intervention did not show any significant effect on the likelihood to participate in PA breaks on a given day (0.69 ≤ β ≤ 0.75, p > 0.3). Instead, an individual-level effect revealed that the longer a student studied at home over the course of a day, the more likely he or she was to take a PA break (1.07 ≤ β ≤ 1.11, p < 0.001). Current findings show that individual characteristics such as daily time spent on home studying, which can change over the course of the intervention phase, are relevant considerations within nudging intervention in university setting. This provides initial insights especially for digital PA breaks for students during home studying.
Prioritization of VOCs Emitted from Co-Processing Cement Kiln Using a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Method
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Guoao , Wang Yaling , Wang Zhiping , Jiang Bao , Bai Huahua , Nie Lei , Chen Xue , Jing Xianglong , Li Guohao , Sun Chengyi
Published: November 2022

The violate organic compounds (VOCs) emission from co-processing cement kiln has not been comprehensively investigated and evaluated. In this study, we sampled and determined the VOCs emitted from a typical co-processing cement kiln in Beijing, China. VOCs characteristics, ozone formation potential (OFP), and main odor components for the emitted gas were analyzed. Additionally, a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) was innovatively applied to estimate the priority VOCs. The study shows that aromatic (36.6%) and oxygen contained VOCs (O-VOCs) (30.3%) were the most abundant VOCs, with a high average concentration of benzene (1622.0 μg/m3) and acrolein (1105.5 μg/m3). Acrolein, propene, benzene, 1-butane, and 1,3-butadiene were the dominate OFP compounds, with the corresponding average OFP concentration of 8325.6, 3768.2, 1167.9, 1065.9, and 1027.2 μg/m3, respectively. Acrolein was also found to be the dominate main odor component. Eleven VOCs, including one O-VOC, one halohydrocarbon, and nine alkenes, were screened out by F-AHP. Alkene was the priority VOCs category and acrolein was the most important VOC in the stack gas. The results of this study are helpful to systematically understand the VOCs’ characteristics, OFP, main odor components, and priority compounds of VOCs in the stack gas of co-processing cement kiln, and provide a new method for the screening of priority VOCs compounds.
Contributions of Multiple Water Vapor Sources to the Precipitation in Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River Based on Precipitation Recycle Ratio
Authors: Zhang Zeng-Ping , Wang Xi-Yu , Liu Min , Huang Bi-Cheng , Wu Yong-Ping , Feng Guo-Lin , Sun Gui-Quan
Published: November 2022

Global warming weakened the summer monsoon and increased the evaporation, leading to more contribution of local evaporation moisture to the local precipitation for the monsoon areas. However, the descriptions of the contribution of the local moisture to the total precipitation and its characteristics have not been known very well. In this paper, taking the middle and lower Reaches of the Yangtze River (MLRYR) as a case and using the precipitation recycling process model, we analyzed the characteristics of the contribution of the local moisture to the total precipitation and the possible reasons. The results show that: the seasonal difference in precipitation recycling rates is obvious, the precipitation recycling rates in spring and summer are small (18.30% and 19.30%), the maximum in autumn is 30.50%, and the precipitation recycling rates in all seasons except summer show a significant upward trend (about 1.70%/10a). Additionally, the water vapor input into MLRYR from four boundaries significantly reduced except for the eastern boundary, and the water vapor contribution from the South and East borders is in summer, and the water vapor contribution from the North and West borders is in autumn, winter and spring. We suggest that the model of the precipitation recycling rate is important to evaluate the contribution of different water vapor sources, and help to further improve the ability of river water prediction in flood season.
STN-DBS Induces Acute Changes in β-Band Cortical Functional Connectivity in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Conti Matteo , Stefani Alessandro , Bovenzi Roberta , Cerroni Rocco , Garasto Elena , Placidi Fabio , Liguori Claudio , Schirinzi Tommaso , Mercuri Nicola B. , Pierantozzi Mariangela
Published: November 2022

Subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN-DBS), in addition to a rapid improvement of Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms, can exert fast, local, neuromodulator activity, reducing β-synchronous oscillations between STN and the motor cortex with possible antikinetic features. However, STN-DBS modulation of β-band synchronization in extramotor cortical areas has been scarcely explored. For this aim, we investigated DBS-induced short-term effects on EEG-based cortical functional connectivity (FC) in β bands in six PD patients who underwent STN-DBS within the past year. A 10 min, 64-channel EEG recording was performed twice: in DBS-OFF and 60 min after DBS activation. Seven age-matched controls performed EEG recordings as the control group. A source-reconstruction method was used to identify brain-region activity. The FC was calculated using a weighted phase-lag index in β bands. Group comparisons were made using the Wilcoxon test. The PD patients showed a widespread cortical hyperconnectivity in β bands in both DBS-OFF and -ON states compared to the controls. Moreover, switching on STN-DBS determined an acute reduction in β FC, primarily involving corticocortical links of frontal, sensorimotor and limbic lobes. We hypothesize that an increase in β-band connectivity in PD is a widespread cortical phenomenon and that STN-DBS could quickly reduce it in the cortical regions primarily involved in basal ganglia–cortical circuits.
Insights on the Role of PGRMC1 in Mitotic and Meiotic Cell Division
Authors: Lodde Valentina , Garcia Barros Rodrigo , Terzaghi Laura , Franciosi Federica , Luciano Alberto Maria
Published: November 2022

During mitosis, chromosome missegregation and cytokinesis defects have been recognized as hallmarks of cancer cells. Cytoskeletal elements composing the spindle and the contractile ring and their associated proteins play crucial roles in the faithful progression of mitotic cell division. The hypothesis that PGRMC1, most likely as a part of a yet-to-be-defined complex, is involved in the regulation of spindle function and, more broadly, the cytoskeletal machinery driving cell division is particularly appealing. Nevertheless, more than ten years after the preliminary observation that PGRMC1 changes its localization dynamically during meiotic and mitotic cell division, this field of research has remained a niche and needs to be fully explored. To encourage research in this fascinating field, in this review, we will recap the current knowledge on PGRMC1 function during mitotic and meiotic cell division, critically highlighting the strengths and limitations of the experimental approaches used so far. We will focus on known interacting partners as well as new putative associated proteins that have recently arisen in the literature and that might support current as well as new hypotheses of a role for PGRMC1 in specific spindle subcompartments, such as the centrosome, kinetochores, and the midzone/midbody.
How Timely Is Diagnosis of Lung Cancer? Cohort Study of Individuals with Lung Cancer Presenting in Ambulatory Care in the United States
Authors: Zigman Suchsland Monica , Kowalski Lesleigh , Burkhardt Hannah A. , Prado Maria G. , Kessler Larry G. , Yetisgen Meliha , Au Maggie A. , Stephens Kari A. , Farjah Farhood , Schleyer Anneliese M. , Walter Fiona M. , Neal Richard D. , Lybarger Kevin , Thompson Caroline A. , Achkar Morhaf Al , Sarma Elizabeth A. , Turner Grace , Thompson Matthew
Published: November 2022

The diagnosis of lung cancer in ambulatory settings is often challenging due to non-specific clinical presentation, but there are currently no clinical quality measures (CQMs) in the United States used to identify areas for practice improvement in diagnosis. We describe the pre-diagnostic time intervals among a retrospective cohort of 711 patients identified with primary lung cancer from 2012–2019 from ambulatory care clinics in Seattle, Washington USA. Electronic health record data were extracted for two years prior to diagnosis, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) applied to identify symptoms/signs from free text clinical fields. Time points were defined for initial symptomatic presentation, chest imaging, specialist consultation, diagnostic confirmation, and treatment initiation. Median and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated for intervals spanning these time points. The mean age of the cohort was 67.3 years, 54.1% had Stage III or IV disease and the majority were diagnosed after clinical presentation (94.5%) rather than screening (5.5%). Median intervals from first recorded symptoms/signs to diagnosis was 570 days (IQR 273–691), from chest CT or chest X-ray imaging to diagnosis 43 days (IQR 11–240), specialist consultation to diagnosis 72 days (IQR 13–456), and from diagnosis to treatment initiation 7 days (IQR 0–36). Symptoms/signs associated with lung cancer can be identified over a year prior to diagnosis using NLP, highlighting the need for CQMs to improve timeliness of diagnosis.
Pyroptosis and Its Role in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Kangchen , Qiu Jialing , Pan Jun , Pan Jian-Ping
Published: November 2022

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death, is characterized by the caspase-mediated pore formation of plasma membranes and the release of large quantities of inflammatory mediators. In recent years, the morphological characteristics, induction mechanism and action process of pyroptosis have been gradually unraveled. As a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality, cervical cancer is seriously harmful to women’s health. It has been found that pyroptosis is closely related to the initiation and development of cervical cancer. In this review the mechanisms of pyroptosis and its role in the initiation, progression and treatment application of cervical cancer are summarized and discussed.
Seasonal Growth of Pine Tree Rings: Comparison of Direct Observations and Simulation
Authors: Babushkina Elena A. , Sitnikov Gleb A. , Upadhyay Keshav K. , Zhirnova Dina F. , Zelenov Grigory K. , Vaganov Eugene A. , Belokopytova Liliana V.
Published: November 2022

Repetitive observations (direct measurements) of seasonal kinetics of xylogenesis and simulations (proxy data) with tree growth models are the two main approaches available to assess tree-ring growth and development. Both have drawbacks: short cover period for observations; limited accuracy of simulations depending on input data for models. We proposed an implementation of both approaches on the same trees to find ways for compensation. Cell numbers at subsequent xylogenesis stages were observed for Pinus sylvestris L. over five seasons in moisture-deficient habitats of Southern Siberia. The Vaganov–Shashkin model was parameterized for species and soil-landscape conditions to fit local tree-ring width chronologies (R = 0.56–0.73). Seasonal kinetics variables were then compared among themselves and with the simulated environmentally driven growth rate. The number of cells in the cambial and cell enlargement zone closely followed the curve of the 15-day moving average of the simulated growth rate (R = 0.56–0.87 at one site and R = 0.78–0.89 after shifting rate curve forward by 17–20 days at another site). The maximum number of cambium cells, which occurred within three weeks of the summer solstice, was found to be positively related with the number of tracheids in the complete tree ring (R2 = 0.12–0.75 for individual seasons and 0.49 for total dataset), making it a promising short-term forecast variable for tree radial growth and productivity.
Co-Occurrence of a Pathogenic HSD3B2 Variant and a Duplication on 10q22.3-q23.2 Detected in Newborn Twins with Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Mellone Simona , Bertelli Enrica , Roviglione Barbara , Vurchio Denise , Ronzani Sara , Secco Andrea , Felici Enrico , Strozzi Mariachiara Martina , Schena Federico , Giordano Mara
Published: November 2022

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies required for cortisol biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex. The majority of CAH are due to the deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme, while 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency accounts for less than five percent of all CAH cases. We report two Moroccan twins from a spontaneous triplet pregnancy. The 46,XY newborn exhibited a disorder of sexual differentiation (DSD) with hypo virilization, while the 46,XX newborn had normal female external genitalia. In the first week of life, they showed hyponatremia and primary adrenal insufficiency with a slight 17OHP elevation and increased DHEAS and renin levels. The aCGH-SNP analysis disclosed a 8.36 Mb long contiguous stretch of homozygosity (LCSH) on chromosome 1p13.2-p11.2 including the candidate HSD3B2 gene, a LCSH of 7.3 Mb on 14q31.1-q32.11, and a 7 Mb duplication on 10q22.3-q23.2. Clinical exome sequencing revealed the biallelic c.969T > G (p.Asn323Lys) HSD3B2, likely pathogenic, variant in both of the affected twins. This case emphasizes the importance of a prompt molecular diagnosis performed through the combination of aCGH and clinical exome, both for establishment of correct therapy and for follow-up, as the newborns also carry a genomic rearrangement with possible clinical implications.
SLC26A4 Phenotypic Variability Influences Intra- and Inter-Familial Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Tawalbeh Mohamed , Aburizeg Dunia , Abu Alragheb Bayan O. , Alaqrabawi Wala Sami , Dardas Zain , Srour Luma , Altarayra Baraah Hatem , Zayed Ayman A. , El Omari Zaid , Azab Bilal
Published: November 2022

SLC26A4 is one of the most common genes causing autosomal recessive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). It has been reported to cause Pendred Syndrome (PDS) and DFNB4 which is deafness with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). However, mutated SLC26A4 is not conclusive for having either DFNB4 or PDS. Three unrelated Jordanian families consisting of eight affected individuals with congenital bilateral hearing loss (HL) participated in this study. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing were performed to investigate the underlying molecular etiology of HL. Further clinical investigations, including laboratory blood workup for the thyroid gland, CT scan for the temporal bone, and thyroid ultrasound were performed. Three disease-causing variants were identified in SLC26A4 in the three families, two of which were novel. Two families had a novel pathogenic homozygous splice-site accepter variant (c.165-1G>C), while the third family had compound heterozygous pathogenic variants (c.1446G>A; p.Trp482* and c.304G>A; p.Gly102Arg). Our approach helped in redirecting the diagnosis of several affected members of three different families from non-syndromic HL to syndromic HL. Two of the affected individuals had typical PDS, one had DFNB4, while the rest had atypical PDS. Our work emphasized the intra- and inter-familial variability of SLC26A4-related phenotypes. In addition, we highlighted the variable phenotypic impact of SLC26A4 on tailoring a personalized healthcare management.
Let Time Teach You: A Case Report of a Double Diagnosis of 17P Duplication and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Castronovo Paola , Aleo Sebastiano , Seresini Agostino , Grilli Federico , Brunati Emilio , Marchisio Paola , Guez Sophie , Milani Donatella
Published: November 2022

Kyphoscoliotic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and 17p13.3 microduplication share multiple clinical features such as muscle hypotonia, cleft palate, and growth impairment. This paper describes a patient who was first diagnosed with the duplication and a decade later also with FKBP14-kEDS. The latter was initially overlooked due to the pathogenic significance attributed to the duplication and to the fact that, at the time of the first diagnosis, this specific form of kEDS had yet to be discovered. The patient’s progressive kyphoscoliosis and severe joint laxity were the clinical features that prompted the patient’s physiatrist to reassess the genetic work-up. This extreme latency caused inaccurate management in the patient’s follow-up program, which ultimately may have resulted in preventable clinical complications. This report underlines the importance of remaining up-to-date with patient status, reviewing old cases, and relying on specialist advice to reach a correct diagnosis.
Prevalence and Predictors of Somatization in Peruvian Undergraduate Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zegarra-López Angel Christopher , Luna-Victoria Giancarlo , Romero-Montenegro Daniella , Florentino-Santisteban Brian , Prieto-Molinari Diego Eduardo , Montoya-Cuadrao Mitchell
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on mental health. Multiple studies report the alarming prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions due to the lockdown measures. Nevertheless, somatization has been an overlooked topic in current literature despite its strong relationship with most mental health conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of somatic symptoms and their associated factors in a sample of 3218 undergraduate students from Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional design was carried out. The prevalence of somatic symptoms was measured with the PHQ-15. As predictors of somatic symptom severity, we included psychopathological (depression, anxiety, and stress), psychological (perceived social support, resilience, satisfaction with life, and academic self-efficacy), and sociodemographic (e.g., age, sex, employment status, relationship status, daily hours of sleep) variables. A generalized linear model from a binomial family and a logit link function were applied based on a Factor Score Regression approach, with half of the sample presenting moderate-to-severe somatic symptoms. Anxiety was the strongest predictor of somatic symptom severity, followed by academic self-efficacy. Significant differences were found regarding sex, relationship status, daily hours of sleep and COVID-19 risk-related variables. In conclusion, interventions on reducing anxiety and promoting academic self-efficacy may have a stronger impact on somatic symptom severity and should focus on more vulnerable specific demographic groups such as females.
The Influence of Adolescent Sport Participation on Body Mass Index Tracking and the Association between Body Mass Index and Self-Esteem over a Three-Year Period
Authors: Noonan Robert J.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to (1) investigate gender-specific characteristics associated with low sport participation among UK adolescents, and (2) assess gender-specific BMI tracking, and gender-specific associations between BMI and self-esteem based on different levels of adolescent sport participation. Participants were 9046 (4523 female) UK adolescents. At 11- and 14 years self-esteem was self-reported and BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. At 11- years sport participation was parent-reported. Gender-specific sport participation quartile cut-off values categorised boys and girls separately into four graded groups. Gender-specific χ2 and independent samples t tests assessed differences in measured variables between the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q4) sport participation quartiles. Adjusted linear regression analyses examined BMI tracking and associations between BMI and self-esteem scores. Gender-specific analyses were conducted separately for sport participation quartiles. Compared to Q4 boys and girls, Q1 boys and girls were more likely to be non-White, low family income, have overweight/obesity at 11 years and report lower self-esteem at 11 years and 14 years. BMI at 11 years was positively associated with BMI at 14 years for boys and girls across sport participation quartiles. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 11 years for Q1 and Q2 boys, and Q1 and Q4 girls. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 14 years for Q1, Q3 and Q4 boys, and Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 girls. Gender and sport participation influence BMI tracking and the BMI and self-esteem association among adolescents.
Urban–Rural Differences in Mental and Physical Health among Primary Care Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bonnell Levi N. , Clifton Jessica , Rose Gail L. , Waddell Elizabeth N. , Littenberg Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Rural health disparities are largely attributable to access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and health behaviors. Little is known about the persistence of these disparities when differences in access to care are eliminated. We sought to investigate urban–rural differences in physical and mental health in primary care patients with demonstrated access to primary care. Methods: We obtained cross-sectional survey responses from a multicenter randomized controlled trial on 2726 adult primary care patients with multiple chronic medical or behavioral conditions from 42 primary care practices in 13 states. Study outcomes include measures of mental health including: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29®), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), as well as physical health including: the PROMIS-29® and the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). Urban–rural residence was indicated by census-tract Rural Urban Commuting Areas of the participant’s home address. Differences in mental and physical health outcomes attributable to rurality were assessed using multilevel models with a random intercept for census-tract. Results: After adjustment for demographic and neighborhood characteristics, urban residents had significantly worse generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) (ß = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.1, 1.3; p = 0.027), depression (PHQ-9) (ß = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.1, 1.4; p = 0.024), and functional capacity (DASI) (ß = −0.4; 95% CI = −0.5, −0.2; p < 0.001) compared to rural residents. Urban residents also had significantly worse anxiety and depression as measured by the PROMIS-29® compared to their rural counterparts. There were no urban–rural differences in the other PROMIS-29® subdomains. Conclusions: Among adults with demonstrated access to care and multiple diagnosed chronic conditions, rural residents had better mental health and functional capacity than their urban counterparts. This finding is not consistent with prior research documenting rural health disparities and should be confirmed.
Internet Addiction among Young Adult University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Peritraumatic Distress, Attachment, and Alexithymia
Authors: Marzilli Eleonora , Cerniglia Luca , Cimino Silvia , Tambelli Renata
Published: November 2022

The literature focused on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult university students’ mental health shows a significant increase in psychopathological symptoms and Internet Addiction (IA). The key role played by attachment and alexithymia has also been suggested, but no study has explored the possible dynamic relationship between these variables. We recruited a sample of n = 410 young adult university students online. We assessed the attachment to parents and peers (through IPPA), alexithymia (through TAS-20), peritraumatic distress symptoms due to COVID-19 (through CPDI), and IA (through IAT). The results showed that the relationship between the attachment to mothers and IA was partially mediated by alexithymia and by the serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress, whereas the influence of the attachment to fathers on IA was fully mediated by peritraumatic distress. The direct effects of the attachment to peers on alexithymia, peritraumatic distress, and IA were all significant, as were the indirect paths via the simple mediation of both alexithymia and peritraumatic distress and the multiple serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress. Our findings suggested that the relationship between attachment, alexithymia, and psychopathological risk is dynamic in predicting IA during the pandemic among young adult university students and that the different attachment figures exert a peculiar contribution to these processes.
Oral Health in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Qualified for Biologic Treatment
Authors: Nijakowski Kacper
Published: November 2022

Oral health is closely linked to general health status in the form of a bidirectional relationship [...]
Habitat Conditions of the Microbiota in Ballast Water of Ships Entering the Oder Estuary
Authors: Zatoń-Sieczka Kinga , Bogusławska-Wąs Elżbieta , Czerniejewski Przemysław , Brysiewicz Adam , Tański Adam
Published: November 2022

Ballast water is a vector for the transfer of microorganisms between ecospheres that can subsequently have a negative impact on native species of aquatic fauna. In this study, we determined the microbiota and selected physicochemical properties of ballast water from long- and short-range ships entering a southern Baltic port within a large estuary in autumn and winter (Police, Poland). Microbiological tests of the ballast water samples were carried out according to ISO 6887-1, and physicochemical tests were performed according to standard methods. Low amounts of oxygen (1.6–3.10 mg/dm3 in autumn and 0.60–2.10 mg/dm3 in winter) were recorded in all ship ballast water samples, with pH (above 7.90) and PSU (above 1.20) were higher than in the port waters. Yeast, mold, Pseudomonas bacteria (including Pseudomonas fluorescens), and halophilic bacteria as well as lipolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic bacteria were found in the ballast water samples. Heterotrophic bacteria and mold fungi (log. 2.45–3.26) dominated in the autumn period, while Pseudomonas bacteria (log. 3.32–4.40) dominated in the winter period. In addition, the ballast water samples taken during the autumn period were characterized by a statistically significantly higher (p < 0.1) abundance of microorganisms (log 1.97–2.55) than in the winter period (log 1.39–2.27).
Exposure to Crude Oil-Related Volatile Organic Compounds Associated with Lung Function Decline in a Longitudinal Panel of Children
Authors: Noh Su Ryeon , Kim Jung-Ah , Cheong Hae-Kwan , Ha Mina , Jee Young-Koo , Park Myung-Sook , Choi Kyung-Hwa , Kim Ho , Cho Sung-Il , Choi Kyungho , Paek Domyung
Published: November 2022

Background: Children in the affected area were exposed to large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the Hebei Spirit oil spill accident. Objectives: We investigated the lung function loss from the exposure to VOCs in a longitudinal panel of 224 children 1, 3, and 5 years after the VOC exposure event. Methods: Atmospheric estimated concentration of total VOCs (TVOCs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene for 4 days immediately after the accident were calculated for each village (n = 83) using a modeling technique. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) as an indicator of airway status was measured 1, 3, and 5 years after the exposure in 224 children 4~9 years of age at the exposure to the oil spill. Multiple linear regression and linear mixed models were used to evaluate the associations, with adjustment for smoking and second-hand smoke at home. Results: Among the TVOCs (geometric mean: 1319.5 mg/m3·4 d), xylene (9.4), toluene (8.5), ethylbenzene (5.2), and benzene (2.0) were dominant in the order of air concentration level. In 224 children, percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1), adjusted for smoking and second-hand smoke at home, was 100.7% after 1 year, 96.2% after 3 years, and 94.6% after 5 years, and the loss over the period was significant (p < 0.0001). After 1 and 3 years, TVOCs, xylene, toluene, and ethylbenzene were significantly associated with ppFEV1. After 5 years, the associations were not significant. Throughout the 5 years’ repeated measurements in the panel, TVOCs, xylene, toluene, and ethylbenzene were significantly associated with ppFEV1. Conclusions: Exposure to VOCs from the oil spill resulted in lung function loss among children, which remained significant up to 5 years after the exposure.
Repeat Transvenous Lead Extraction—Predictors, Effectiveness, Complications and Long-Term Prognostic Significance
Authors: Kutarski Andrzej , Jacheć Wojciech , Nowosielecka Dorota , Czajkowski Marek , Tułecki Łukasz , Polewczyk Anna
Published: November 2022

Background: Data regarding repeat transvenous lead extraction (TLE) are scarce. The aim of study was to explore the frequency of repeat TLE, its safety, predisposing factors, as well as effectiveness of repeat procedures. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a large single-center database of 3654 TLEs. Results: Repeat TLE was a rare occurrence (193, i.e., 5,28% among 3654 TLEs). Subsequent re-extractions occurred in 12.21% of the patients. Lead failure was the most common cause of re-extraction (51.16%). Cox regression analysis showed that patients who were older at first implantation [HR = 0.987; p = 0.003], had infection-related TLE [HR = 0.392; p < 0.001] and complete procedural success [HR = 0.544; p = 0.034] were less likely to undergo repeat TLE. Functional leads left in place for continuous use [HR = 1.405; p = 0.012] or superfluous leads left in place (abandoned) [HR = 2.370; p = 0.011] were associated with an increased risk of undergoing a repeat procedure. Overall mortality in patients with repeat TLE and subsequent re-extraction in the entire FU period was similar to that in patients without a history of re-extraction [HR = 0.949; p = 0.480]. Conclusions: Repeat TLE was a rare occurrence (5.28%) among TLEs. Left of both active and nonactive leads during TLE increased the risk of re-extraction. Re-extraction has no effect on the long-term mortality.
Antibiotic Resistance in Patients with Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Ardila Carlos M. , Vivares-Builes Annie Marcela
Published: November 2022

The implementation of adjunctive antibiotics has been recommended for the therapy of peri-implantitis (PI). In this review, antibiotic resistance patterns in PI patients were assessed. A systematic scoping review of observational studies and trials was established in conjunction with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. The SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCIELO, Web of Science, and LILACS databases were reviewed along with the gray literature. The primary electronic examination produced 139 investigations. Finally, four observational studies met the selection criteria. These studies evaluated 214 implants in 168 patients. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum mainly presented high resistance to tetracycline, metronidazole, and erythromycin in PI patients. Similarly, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was also highly resistant to clindamycin and doxycycline. Other microorganisms such as Tannerella forsythia, Parvimonas micra, and Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens also presented significant levels of resistance to other antibiotics including amoxicillin, azithromycin, and moxifloxacin. However, most microorganisms did not show resistance to the combination amoxicillin metronidazole. Although the management of adjunctive antimicrobials in the therapy of PI is controversial, in this review, the resistance of relevant microorganisms to antibiotics used to treat PI, and usually prescribed in dentistry, was observed. Clinicians should consider the antibiotic resistance demonstrated in the treatment of PI patients and its public health consequences.
Effect of Individualized Oral Health Care Training Provided to 6–16-Year-Old Psychiatric In-Patients—Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Bock Benedikt , Guentsch Arndt , Heinrich-Weltzien Roswitha , Filz Christina , Rudovsky Melanie , Schüler Ina M.
Published: November 2022

Background: To assess the effect of individualized oral health care training (IndOHCT) administered to 6–16-year-old psychiatric in-patients on dental plaque removal. Methods: 74 in-patients with mental health disorders (49 males) aged 6–16 years with a mean age of 10.4 ± 2.3 years, were randomly divided into two equal groups. At the start of hospitalization, one calibrated dentist assessed the oral health status in the hospital setting. In-patients of the intervention group (IG) received IndOHCT, while those of the control group (CG) got an information flyer. Dental plaque was assessed by the Turesky modified Quigley-Hein-Index (TI) at the start (t0) and at the end of hospitalization before (t1a) and after (t1b) autonomous tooth brushing. Results: During hospitalisation, the TI was reduced in both groups (t0→t1a: IG = −0.1; CG = −0.2, p = 0.71). However, in-patients receiving IndOHCT achieved significantly higher plaque reduction rates than the controls when plaque values before and after autonomous tooth brushing were compared (t1a→t1b: IG = −1.0; CG = −0.8; p = 0.02). The effect size (ES) demonstrates the efficacy of IndOHCT (ES = 0.53), especially in children with mixed dentition (ES = 0.89). Conclusions: IndOHCT enabled hospitalized children and adolescents with mental health disorders to achieve a better plaque reduction by tooth brushing but failed to improve self-controlled routine oral hygiene.
Transformation Capability Optimization and Product Application Potential of Proteatia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae) Larvae on Cotton Stalks
Authors: Zhang Guangjie , Xu Yeshan , Zhang Shuai , Xu Andong , Meng Zhuo , Ge Hao , Li Jing , Liu Yusheng , Ma Deying
Published: November 2022

Cotton stalks (CS) are a potential agricultural biomass resource. We investigated the use of CS as a feed for Proteatia brevitarsis Lewis larvae and the resulting frass (larvae dung-sand) as a fertilizer. Based on a three-factor experiment (decomposition inoculant, fermentation duration, and cattle manure ratio), the optimal parameters for the transformation of CS using P. brevitarsis larvae were determined as 40–50% of cattle manure, the use of VT inoculant and a fermentation duration of 25–30 days. Regarding the products of the transformation, the protein content of the larval body was as high as 52.49%, and the fat content was 11.7%, which is a suitable-quality insect protein source. The organic matter content of larvae dung-sand was 54.8%, and the content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (TNPK) was 9.04%, which is twice more than that of the organic fertilizer standard (NY525-2021, Beijing, China, TNPK ≥ 4.0%), and larvae dung-sand has the potential of fertilizer application. Therefore, CS as a feed and fertilizer based on the transformation of P. brevitarsis larvae is feasible, and it is a highly efficient way to promote the utilization of both CS and cattle manure.
Facile Synthesis of Two Dimensional (2D) V2O5 Nanosheets Film towards Photodetectors
Authors: Wang Shaotian , Wu Liangfei , Zhang Hui , Wang Zihan , Qin Qinggang , Wang Xi , Lu Yuan , Li Liang , Li Ming
Published: November 2022

Most of the studies focused on V2O5 have been devoted to obtaining specific morphology and microstructure for its intended applications. Two dimensional (2D) V2O5 has the most valuable structure because of its unique planar configuration that can offer more active sites. In this study, a bottom-up and low-cost method that is hydrothermal combined with spin-coating and subsequent annealing was developed to prepare 2D V2O5 nanosheets film on quartz substrate. First, VOOH nanosheets were prepared by the hydrothermal method using V2O5 powders and EG as raw materials. Further, V2O5 nanosheets with an average lateral size over 500 nm and thickness less than 10 nm can be prepared from the parent VOOH nanosheets by annealing at 350 °C for 15 min in air. The prepared V2O5 nanosheets film was assembled of multiple nanosheets. The structural, morphological, microstructural and optical properties of the films were respective investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and UV-Vis. The photodetector based on V2O5 nanosheets film shows good photoresponse with a response time of 2.4 s and a recovery time of 4.7 s.
Studies on the Processing of Fine Dusts from the Electric Smelting of Ilmenite Concentrates to Obtain Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Ultarakova Almagul , Karshyga Zaure , Lokhova Nina , Yessengaziyev Azamat , Kassymzhanov Kaisar , Mukangaliyeva Arailym
Published: November 2022

This article presents studies on the ammonium fluoride processing of dusts from the reduction smelting of ilmenite concentrate with separation of silicon to obtain titanium dioxide. Optimal conditions for pyrohydrolysis of titanium fluorides were determined. The effects of temperature and duration on the process were studied. The optimal conditions for pyrohydrolysis of titanium fluorides were a temperature of 600 °C and duration of 240–300 min. The degree of titanium fluoride conversion to titanium oxide was 99.5% at these conditions. Titanium dioxide obtained by pyrohydrolysis of titanium fluorides was purified from iron, chromium, and manganese impurities. The effect of hydrochloric acid solution concentration, S:L ratio, and the process duration on the purification degree of titanium fluoride pyrohydrolysis was studied. The following optimum purification conditions were determined: hydrochloric acid solution concentration 12.5–15 wt%, temperature 25–30 °C, S:L = 1:6÷8, duration 20–30 min. The purified titanium dioxide consisted mainly of anatase. The pigmented titanium dioxide of rutile modification with 99.8 wt% TiO2 was obtained after calcination at 900 °C for 120 min.
Synthesis of Nitro- and Acetyl Derivatives of 3,7,10-Trioxo-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaaza[3.3.3]propellane
Authors: Glukhacheva Vera S. , Il’yasov Sergey G. , Shestakova Elena O. , Zhukov Egor E. , Il’yasov Dmitri S. , Minakova Anastasia A. , Eltsov Ilia V. , Nefedov Andrey A. , Genaev Alexander M.
Published: November 2022

Here, we report the study results of the nitration of 3,7,10-trioxo-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaaza[3.3.3]propellane (THAP) by different nitrating agents such as nitric acid, mixed nitric/sulfuric acids, nitric anhydride, and mixed concentrated nitric acid/acetic anhydride to furnish 3,7,10-trioxo-2-nitro-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaaza[3.3.3]propellane and 3,7,10-trioxo-2,8-dinitro-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaaza[3.3.3]propellane, whereas a lactam–lactim rearrangement was found to take place upon vigorous cooling to give 10-hydroxy-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaazatricyclo[3.3.3.01,5]undec-9-ene-3,7-dione. The two competing reactions, lactam–lactim rearrangement, and nitration were found to take place. The acylation of 3,7,10-trioxo-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaaza[3.3.3]propellane was examined and the formation conditions of 2,6-di- and 2,6,9-triacetyl-substituted and 3,7,10-trioxo-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaacetyl-2,4,6,8,9,11-hexaaza[3.3.3]propellane were established. The acetyl derivatives were found to be instable in an acidic medium and to undergo deacylation. The obtained findings correlate well with the quantum-chemical calculations.
Three-Dimensional Metal-Insulator-Metal Decoupling Capacitors with Optimized ZrO2 ALD Properties for Improved Electrical and Reliability Parameters
Authors: Falidas Konstantinos Efstathios , Kühnel Kati , Rudolph Matthias , Everding Maximilian B. , Czernohorsky Malte , Heitmann Johannes
Published: November 2022

Embedded three-dimensional (3-D) metal-insulator-metal (MIM) decoupling capacitors with high-κ dielectric films of high capacitance and long-life time are increasingly needed on integrated chips. Towards achieving better electrical performance, there is a need for investigation into the influence of the variation in atomic layer deposition (ALD) parameters used for thin high-κ dielectric films (10 nm) made of Al2O3-doped ZrO2. This variation should always be related to the structural uniformity, the electrical characteristics, and the electrical reliability of the capacitors. This paper discusses the influence of different Zr precursor pulse times per ALD cycle and deposition temperatures (283 °C/556 K and 303 °C/576 K) with respect to the capacitance density (C-V), voltage linearity and leakage current density (I-V). Moreover, the dielectric breakdown and TDDB characteristics are evaluated under a wide range of temperatures (223–423 K).
DFT Insight into Conductive and Magnetic Properties of Heterostructures with BaTiO3 Overlayer
Authors: Zagidullina Alina , Piyanzina Irina , Jagličić Zvonko , Kabanov Viktor , Mamin Rinat
Published: November 2022

The ab initio calculations of a heterostructure based on the ferroelectric phase of barium titanate and dielectrics lanthanum manganese (LaMnO3) or silicon (Si) are presented. We analyze structures of BaTiO3/LaMnO3 and BaTiO3/Si interfaces, investigate magnetic properties and the impact of ferroelectric polarization. The use of ferroelectrics in the heterostructure plays a crucial role; in particular, ferroelectric polarization leads to the appearance of the conducting state at the interface and in the layers close to it. We show that defects (here, oxygen vacancies) incorporated into the system may change the electronic and magnetic properties of a system. Experimental results of magnetic susceptibility measurements for the Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3/LaMnO3 heterostructure are also presented. It is shown that a correlation between the behavior of the ferromagnetic ordering and the resistance takes place. In addition, the ferromagnetic ordering at the interface of the heterostructure can be associated with the exchange interaction through current carriers that appear in high carrier concentration regions.
Study on Effects of Refining Slag on Properties and Hydration of Cemented Solid Waste-Based Backfill
Authors: Tang Chang , Mu Xinli , Ni Wen , Xu Dong , Li Keqing
Published: November 2022

This study used refining slag (RS), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), steel slag (SS), and desulfurized gypsum (DG) to prepare a mine-filling cementitious material. The developed cementitious material and tailings sand were mixed to prepare a novel mine backfill material with better performance and a lower cost. The macroscopic properties and hydration mechanism of the cemented solid waste-based backfill were investigated when RS content was 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The results showed that introducing RS could reduce the bleeding rate and shorten the setting time of backfill slurry while significantly enhancing the 3-day compressive strength of backfill. Compared to JL-0, the bleeding rate decreased by 50.3% as the RS content was raised to 15%, while the setting time was shortened by 36.5%, and the 3-day compressive strength increased by 4.3 times. As the RS content did not exceed 20%, the 28-day compressive strength of the backfill was not lower than that of the cement backfill (4.3 MPa). The results of microanalysis (including XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TG-DSC, and heat of hydration) revealed that the hydration products of the RS-GGBS-SS-DG quaternary material are primarily C-(A)-S-H gels and AFt. The main effect of RS is to improve the content of aluminates, accelerating and increasing the production of AFt, thus leading to faster overall hydration. This research can provide data support for the application of RS in the mine-filling field. Applying quaternary solid waste-based cementitious materials in the mine-filling field has good economic benefits.