bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Paradox of Suicide Prevention
Authors: Turner Kathryn , Pisani Anthony , Sveticic Jerneja , O’Connor Nick , Woerwag-Mehta Sabine , Burke Kylie , Stapelberg Nicolas
Published: November 2022

The recognition that we cannot use risk stratification (high, medium, low) to predict suicide or to allocate resources has led to a paradigm shift in suicide prevention efforts. There are challenges in adapting to these new paradigms, including reluctance of clinicians and services to move away from traditional risk categorisations; and conversely, the risk of a pendulum swing in which the focus of care swings from one approach to determining service priority and focus (e.g., diagnosis, formulation, risk and clinical care) to a new focus (e.g., suicide specific and non-clinical care), potentially supplanting the previous approach. This paper argues that the Prevention Paradox provides a useful mental model to support a shift in paradigm, whilst maintaining a balanced approach that incorporates new paradigms within the effective aspects of existing ones. The Prevention Paradox highlights the seemingly paradoxical situation where the greatest burden of disease or death is caused by those at low to moderate risk due their larger numbers. Current planning frameworks and resources do not support successful or sustainable adoption of these new approaches, leading to missed opportunities to prevent suicidal behaviours in healthcare. Adopting systems approaches to suicide prevention, such as the Zero Suicide Framework, implemented in a large mental health service in Australia and presented in this paper as a case study, can support a balanced approach of population- and individual-based suicide prevention efforts. Results demonstrate significant reductions in re-presentations with suicide attempts for consumers receiving this model of care; however, the increasing numbers of placements compromise the capacity of clinical teams to complete all components of standardised pathway of care. This highlights the need for review of resource planning frameworks and ongoing evaluations of the critical aspects of the interventions.
The Influence of the Reduction in Clay Sediments in the Level of Metals Bioavailability—An Investigation in Liujiang River Basin after Wet Season
Authors: Miao Xiongyi , Liang Jianping , Hao Yupei , Zhang Wanjun , Xie Yincai , Zhang Hucai
Published: November 2022

The seasonal elevation of metals’ bioavailability can aggravate the threat of metal contamination in the aquatic environment. Nevertheless, their regulations have rarely been studied, particularly the connections between metals’ transformation and environmental variations. Therefore, the catchment area of Liujiang River was taken as an example in this study, their seasonal variations in metals’ bioavailability in sediments, especially during the wet season, was investigated to recover the processes associated with metals’ speciations and multiple environmental factors. The results revealed that the concentration of metals in sediments were high overall in the wet season, but low in the dry season. The significantly reduced ratio of metals in non-residual forms was largely related to the overall reduction in metals in oxidizable and reducible forms after the wet season. However, the elevated BI indexes of most metals suggested their increased bioavailability in the dry season, which should be closely related to their corresponding elevations in carbonate-bound and exchangeable forms after the wet season. The variations in metals’ bioavailability were primarily related to their predominance of exchangeable and carbonate-bound form. The higher correlation coefficients suggested the destabilization of the oxidizable form should be treated as a critical approach to the impact of metals’ bioavailability after the wet season. In view of that, sediments’ coarsening would pose the impacts on the destabilization of exogenous metals in sediments, the reduction in clay sediments should be responsible for the elevation of metals bioavailability after the wet season. Therefore, the monitoring of metals’ bioavailability in sediments should be indispensable to prevent metal contamination from enlarging the scope of their threat to the aquatic environment of the river, especially after the wet season.
Reexamining the Environmental Kuznets Curve in Chinese Cities: Does Intergovernmental Competition Matter?
Authors: Zhang Zhenbo , Yan Mengfan
Published: November 2022

Since China’s central authority began enforcing the environmental target responsibility system and introduced environmental indicators to the official ranking tournament in 2007, an ecological transformation has emerged in the intergovernmental competition (IGC) among localities. Because the extant literature on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) remains unclear regarding how that ecological IGC transformation changes the EKC economy–pollution correlation, this research investigates the degree to which the transformed IGC changes the form of the EKC, and how that altered EKC varies for different pollutants (i.e., SO2 and CO2) and in different regions (i.e., the eastern, central, and western regions). The results demonstrate a consistently inverted U-shaped relationship between income and SO2 emissions in all three regions, whereas when CO2 emissions are taken as the pollution indicator, the EKC hypothesis holds only in the eastern and central cities, and a positive linear income–CO2 nexus is found in the western region. Spatial analysis reveals that whereas the IGC flattens the inverted U-shaped curves between income and SO2 emissions, it has led to a higher economic cost, corresponding to the turning point of the EKC for CO2 emissions. The findings indicate that the ecological transformation of the IGC has facilitated a positive up–down yardstick competition in the strategic interactions of sustainable development across local Chinese governments, which can lead to a kind of balance between centralization and decentralization by inspiring local officials’ adaptability and activity in reducing pollutant emissions and strengthening the officials’ responsiveness to performance rankings. This study elucidates the environmental impacts of IGC in China and provides an institutional explanation for the strategic interactions among local governments when they are tackling the environment–economy nexus under multitask conditions.
Arterial Stiffness Response to Acute Combined Training with Different Volumes in Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Santos Vanessa , Massuça Luís Miguel , Angarten Vitor , Melo Xavier , Pinto Rita , Fernhall Bo , Santa-Clara Helena
Published: November 2022

Resistance training has been shown to acutely increase arterial stiffness (AS), while endurance training appears to decrease AS. However, the findings are from studies in apparently healthy subjects and have limited applicability to patients at low and high cardiovascular risk, for whom combined exercise is recommended. We compared the time course of changes in local and regional indices of AS in response to high-volume combined endurance training (CET) and high-volume combined resistance training (CRT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). We studied 20 men with CAD and HF (10 each) aged 68.3 ± 9.6 years. AS was measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), and brachial and central blood pressure (BP) were determined after 15 min of rest and 5 and 15 min after the exercise session. All patients completed two sessions on nonconsecutive days. A protocol by time interaction effect was observed for carotid (η2 = 0.21, p = 0.02), aortic (η2 = 0.60, p < 0.001), and femoral (η2 = 0.46, p = 0.01) PWV after CET and CRT, suggesting that PWV decreased after CET and increased after CRT. Decreases in the brachial and central variables of BP across time points were observed in both protocols. CET decreased whereas CRT increased carotid, aortic, and femoral PWV at 15 min after exercise in patients with CAD and HF.
Level of Trust of the Population in the Unified Health System in the Midst of the COVID-19 Crisis in Brazil
Authors: Araújo Juliana Soares Tenório de , Delpino Felipe Mendes , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Moura Heriederson Sávio Dias , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Nascimento Murilo César do , Alonso Jonas Bodini , Silva Ruan Víctor dos Santos , de Freitas Giselle Lima , Teibo Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi , Gonzales Roxana Isabel Cardozo , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: November 2022

Objective: to assess the level of trust in health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study, carried out between 2020 and 2021, among Brazilians over 18. Nonprobabilistic sampling was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, using the local bivariate Moran’s technique to verify the existence of spatial dependence between the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 and trust in health services. Furthermore, multinomial regression was also used to analyze the factors associated with the confidence level, with the calculation of the odds ratio and with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: A total of 50.6% reported trust in hospital services, while 41.4% did not trust primary health care services. With the application of the local bivariate Moran, both for the incidence and mortality of COVID-19, the trust in tertiary care and primary care services showed a statistically significant spatial association predominant in the Midwest (high–low) and North (low–high) regions of Brazil. The level of trust was associated with education, religion, region of the country and income. Conclusions: The level of trust in hospital services, more than primary health care services, may be related to the population’s culture of prioritizing the search for hospital care at the detriment of health promotion and disease prevention.
Family Health among Families with Primary School Children during the COVID Pandemic in Thailand, 2022
Authors: Pudpong Nareerut , Julchoo Sataporn , Sinam Pigunkaew , Uansri Sonvanee , Kunpeuk Watinee , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong
Published: November 2022

Despite evidence suggesting that the COVID pandemic has negatively affected the mental health and well-being of school aged children and parents, there are limited studies describing the state of family well-being. This study aimed to use the family health lens to assess the well-being of Thai families with primary school children and to identify its associated factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during January and March 2022, a period of school closure when onsite education was replaced by online education from time to time. The family health scale (FHS) questionnaire survey was carried out among 701 parents of Thai families with primary school children. The questionnaire comprised 10 questions regarding family belief, health, relationships, financial security, and housing environment. Independent variables included: (1) parental/household factors; (2) online learning related issues; (3) children’s mental health; and (4) parents’ health behaviors. Multinomial logistic regression was undertaken. Results showed that half of Thai families (54.6%) reported having moderate health status. Factors that were associated with lower levels of family health, such as poor or moderate levels, included families with a child that had mental health problems (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 5.0 [95% CI = 2.6–9.5] for poor v. excellent, and AOR = 2.7 [95% CI = 1.9–4.0] for moderate v. excellent), single parents (AOR = 2.5 [95% CI = 1.2–5.2] for poor v. excellent), a higher number (≥3) of children (AOR = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.0–4.0] for moderate v. excellent), and smoking parents (AOR = 6.5 [95% CI =1.2–34.8] for poor v. excellent). During health emergencies, health policy for providing adequate assistance to single parents, especially those that have a child with mental health problems, is of utmost importance. The design of health promotion activities and interventions should be targeted not only at single families, but also families with higher numbers of children and parents who smoke at home.
Useful Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Cho Younghye , Lee Sang Yeoup
Published: November 2022

The Special Issue call for papers on “Metabolic syndrome and its association with biomarkers” was proposed to present research on various markers for pathophysiology and the early detection of metabolic syndrome (MetS) [...]
Adolescent Pregnancy in South Asia: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Poudel Samikshya , Razee Husna , Dobbins Timothy , Akombi-Inyang Blessing
Published: November 2022

Adolescent pregnancy is a major health and social concern in South Asia. The aim of this study is to systematically review evidence on the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in South Asia. This study was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Four electronic databases: EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies on factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in South Asia published in English between January 2000 and July 2022. The quality of the included studies was assessed using 12 criteria from The National Institute of Health (NIH) Study Quality Assessment Tools for observational studies. Of the 166 articles retrieved, only 15 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. Consistent factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in South Asia were low maternal education, low socioeconomic status, rural residency, and ethnic minorities. To prevent adolescent pregnancy in South Asia, concerted effort towards promoting health equity by addressing the predisposing factors associated with adolescent pregnancy is essential. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42022340344].
The Use of Pb Isotope Ratios to Determine Environmental Sources of High Blood Pb Concentrations in Children: A Feasibility Study in Georgia
Authors: Laycock Adam , Chenery Simon , Marchant Elizabeth , Crabbe Helen , Saei Ayoub , Ruadze Ekaterine , Watts Michael , Leonardi Giovanni S. , Marczylo Tim
Published: November 2022

The incidence of lead (Pb) poisoning in children in Georgia has been identified as a major health concern, with a recent national survey identifying that 41% of children aged 2–7 years had blood lead concentrations (BLCs) greater than the blood lead reference value (BLRV) of ≥5 µg dL−1. This study collected samples of blood, spices, paint, soil, dust, flour, tea, toys, milk, and water from 36 households in Georgia where a child had previously been identified as having a BLC > BLRV. The Pb concentrations of these samples were determined and compared to Georgian reference values. Samples from 3 households were analysed for their Pb isotope composition. The Pb isotope composition of the environmental and blood samples were compared to identify the most likely source(s) of Pb exposure. This approach identified that some spice and dust samples were the likely sources of Pb in the blood in these cases. Importantly, some soil, paint, and dust sources with high Pb concentrations could be discounted as contributing to blood Pb based on their distinct isotope composition. The data presented demonstrate the significant contribution that Pb surveillance and Pb isotope ratio analyses can make to managing Pb exposure in regions where high BLCs are identified.
Physiotherapy as a Specific and Purposeful Form of Physical Activity in Children with Idiopathic Body Asymmetry
Authors: Wilczyński Jacek , Sowińska Anita , Mierzwa-Molenda Marta
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between idiopathic asymmetry in infants and body posture in children at an early school age. The study included 45 girls aged nine. The Diers Formetric III 4D device was used to assess body posture, which allows photogrammetric registration of the back surface using the raster stereography process. For the purposes of the re-search project, the examination was performed via DiCAM using the “Average measurement” mode. Despite physiotherapy, these children had more postural defects later on compared to the control group due to asymmetry. They mainly concerned pelvic skewness, scoliosis angle, deviation from the vertical line and lateral deviation, as well as surface rotation. Positive correlations were observed between direction of asymmetry and pelvic skewness (r = 0.40), and between the location of asymmetry and the location of curvature (r = 0.39). Significant negative correlations were also found between the age of treatment initiation and trunk length (r = −0.42). There was also a negative correlation between the number of physiotherapeutic appointments and deviation from the vertical line, which means that along with an increase in the number of physiotherapeutic visits, the value of deviation from the vertical line decreased (p = −0.40). For scoliosis angle, the most important predictor was the direction of asymmetry (p = 0.05). For the location of the curvature, the most important predictor was the direction of asymmetry (p = 0.04), as well as the number of physiotherapeutic appointments (p = 0.04). Additionally, regression analysis allowed us to show that the number of physiotherapeutic visits (p = 0.03) was the most important predictor of curvature direction. The applied physiotherapy probably contributed to the occurrence of a smaller number of postural defects in these children at a later age. Physiotherapy as a specific and targeted form of physical activity among infants with idiopathic asymmetry should play a very important role in the prevention of body posture defects.
Effects of 12-Week Progressive Sandbag Exercise Training on Glycemic Control and Muscle Strength in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Combined with Possible Sarcopenia
Authors: Chien Yu-Hsuan , Tsai Chia-Jen , Wang Dean-Chuan , Chuang Pin-Hung , Lin Hwai-Ting
Published: November 2022

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a three-fold increased risk of developing sarcopenia compared to those without diabetes. The objective of this study was to investigate whether an intervention involving progressive sandbag exercises is beneficial to patients with T2DM and possible sarcopenia in terms of enhancing muscle strength and controlling blood sugar levels. Forty patients with T2DM and possible sarcopenia (age > 50 years) were recruited and randomly divided into resistance training and control groups. Resistance exercises for the upper and lower extremities were performed using sandbags (0.5 kg at the beginning to 1 kg after 1 month). Patients in the control group were asked to maintain their usual daily lifestyle. After 12 weeks, the training group were significant better than the control group in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin, the five times sit-to-stand test, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference, and the physiological domain of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. In conclusion, these simple home exercises are beneficial to patients with T2DM combined with possible sarcopenia. This approach can assist patients in controlling their levels of glycosylated hemoglobin as well as improve physical fitness and quality of life.
Methyl Gallate Alleviates Acute Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Zhou Ping , Lai Jia , Li Yueyue , Deng Junzhu , Zhao Chunling , Huang Qianqian , Yang Fei , Yang Shuo , Wu Yuesong , Tang Xiaoqin , Huang Feihong , Wang Long , Huang Xinwu , Zou Wenjun , Wu Jianming
Published: November 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex immune-mediated inflammatory disease. In recent years, the incidence of UC has increased rapidly, however, its exact etiology and mechanism are still unclear. Based on the definite anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of Sanguisorba officinalis L., we studied its monomer, methyl gallate (MG). In this study, we employed flow cytometry and detected nitric oxide production, finding MG regulated macrophage polarization and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. MG also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity accompanying with ameliorating body weight loss, improving colon length and histological damage in dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC mice. Meanwhile, transcription sequencing and 16S rRNA sequencing analyzed the key signaling pathways and changes in the gut microbiota of MG for UC treatment, proving that MG could alleviate inflammation by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, MG altered the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota and changed the abundance of metabolic products. In conclusion, our results are the first to demonstrate that MG has obvious therapeutic effects against acute UC, which is related to macrophage polarization, improved intestinal flora dysbiosis and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and MG may be a promising therapeutic agent for UC treatment.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Related to Floral Bud Differentiation and Flowering Time in Three Populations of Lycoris radiata
Authors: Cheng Guanghao , Zhang Fengjiao , Shu Xiaochun , Wang Ning , Wang Tao , Zhuang Weibing , Wang Zhong
Published: November 2022

The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is important for controlling the flowering of Lycoris radiata. However, the genetic control of this complex developmental process remains unclear. In this study, 18 shoot apical meristem (SAM) samples were collected from early-, mid- and late-flowering populations during floral bud differentiation. The histological analysis of paraffin sections showed that the floral bud differentiation could be divided into six stages; the differentiation time of the early group was earlier than that of the middle and late groups, and the late group was the latest. In different populations, some important differential genes affecting the flowering time were identified by transcriptome profiles of floral bud differentiation samples. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to enrich the gene co-expression modules of diverse flowering time populations (FT) and floral bud differentiation stages (ST). In the MEyellow module, five core hub genes were identified, including CO14, GI, SPL8, SPL9, and SPL15. The correlation network of hub genes showed that they interact with SPLs, AP2, hormone response factors (auxin, gibberellin, ethylene, and abscisic acid), and several transcription factors (MADS-box transcription factor, bHLH, MYB, and NAC3). It suggests the important role of these genes and the complex molecular mechanism of floral bud differentiation and flowering time in L. radiata. These results can preliminarily explain the molecular mechanism of floral bud differentiation and provide new candidate genes for the flowering regulation of Lycoris.
Tiron Has Negative Effects on Osteogenic Differentiation via Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Periosteum-Derived Cells
Authors: Park Jin-Ho , Koh Eun-Byeol , Seo Young-Jin , Oh Hye-Seong , Won Ju-Yeong , Hwang Sun-Chul , Byun June-Ho
Published: November 2022

Tiron is a potent antioxidant that counters the pathological effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to oxidative stress in various cell types. We examined the effects of tiron on mitochondrial function and osteoblastic differentiation in human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs). Tiron increased mitochondrial activity and decreased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in hPDCs; however, it had a detrimental effect on osteoblastic differentiation by reducing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red-positive mineralization, regardless of H2O2 treatment. Osteoblast-differentiating hPDCs displayed increased ROS production compared with non-differentiating hPDCs, and treatment with tiron reduced ROS production in the differentiating cells. Antioxidants decreased the rates of oxygen consumption and ATP production, which are increased in hPDCs during osteoblastic differentiation. In addition, treatment with tiron reduced the levels of most mitochondrial proteins, which are increased in hPDCs during culture in osteogenic induction medium. These results suggest that tiron exerts negative effects on the osteoblastic differentiation of hPDCs by causing mitochondrial dysfunction.
The Protective Effect of Zebularine, an Inhibitor of DNA Methyltransferase, on Renal Tubulointerstitial Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: Koh Eun Sil , Kim Soojeong , Son Mina , Park Ji-Young , Pyo Jaehyuk , Kim Wan-Young , Kim Minyoung , Chung Sungjin , Park Cheol Whee , Kim Ho-Shik , Shin Seok Joon
Published: November 2022

Renal fibrosis, the final pathway of chronic kidney disease, is caused by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Although DNA methylation has drawn attention as a developing mechanism of renal fibrosis, its contribution to renal fibrosis has not been clarified. To address this issue, the effect of zebularine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, on renal inflammation and fibrosis in the murine unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was analyzed. Zebularine significantly attenuated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation. Zebularine decreased trichrome, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen IV, and transforming growth factor-β1 staining by 56.2%. 21.3%, 30.3%, and 29.9%, respectively, at 3 days, and by 54.6%, 41.9%, 45.9%, and 61.7%, respectively, at 7 days after UUO. Zebularine downregulated mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, fibronectin, and Snail1 by 48.6%. 71.4%, 31.8%, and 42.4%, respectively, at 7 days after UUO. Zebularine also suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, by 69.8%, 74.9%, and 69.6%, respectively, in obstructed kidneys. Furthermore, inhibiting DNA methyltransferase buttressed the nuclear expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like factor 2, which upregulated downstream effectors such as catalase (1.838-fold increase at 7 days, p < 0.01), superoxide dismutase 1 (1.494-fold increase at 7 days, p < 0.05), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreduate-1 (1.376-fold increase at 7 days, p < 0.05) in obstructed kidneys. Collectively, these findings suggest that inhibiting DNA methylation restores the disrupted balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways to alleviate renal inflammation and fibrosis. Therefore, these results highlight the possibility of DNA methyltransferases as therapeutic targets for treating renal inflammation and fibrosis.
Impact of Reactive Species on Amino Acids—Biological Relevance in Proteins and Induced Pathologies
Authors: Andrés Celia María Curieses , Pérez de la Lastra José Manuel , Andrés Juan Celia , Plou Francisco J. , Pérez-Lebeña Eduardo
Published: November 2022

This review examines the impact of reactive species RS (of oxygen ROS, nitrogen RNS and halogens RHS) on various amino acids, analyzed from a reactive point of view of how during these reactions, the molecules are hydroxylated, nitrated, or halogenated such that they can lose their capacity to form part of the proteins or peptides, and can lose their function. The reactions of the RS with several amino acids are described, and an attempt was made to review and explain the chemical mechanisms of the formation of the hydroxylated, nitrated, and halogenated derivatives. One aim of this work is to provide a theoretical analysis of the amino acids and derivatives compounds in the possible positions. Tyrosine, methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan can react with the harmful peroxynitrite or •OH and •NO2 radicals and glycine, serine, alanine, valine, arginine, lysine, tyrosine, histidine, cysteine, methionine, cystine, tryptophan, glutamine and asparagine can react with hypochlorous acid HOCl. These theoretical results may help to explain the loss of function of proteins subjected to these three types of reactive stresses. We hope that this work can help to assess the potential damage that reactive species can cause to free amino acids or the corresponding residues when they are part of peptides and proteins.
Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disrupts Vigilance-State-Dependent Metabolism
Authors: Schmidt Felix , Nowak Nora , Baumgartner Patrick , Gaisl Thomas , Malesevic Stefan , Streckenbach Bettina , Sievi Noriane A. , Schwarz Esther I. , Zenobi Renato , Brown Steven A. , Kohler Malcolm
Published: November 2022

The direct pathophysiological effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been well described. However, the systemic and metabolic consequences of OSA are less well understood. The aim of this secondary analysis was to translate recent findings in healthy subjects on vigilance-state-dependent metabolism into the context of OSA patients and answer the question of how symptomatic OSA influences metabolism and whether these changes might explain metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of OSA. Patients with suspected OSA were assigned according to their oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score into symptomatic OSA and controls. Vigilance-state-dependent breath metabolites assessed by high-resolution mass spectrometry were used to test for a difference in both groups. In total, 44 patients were eligible, of whom 18 (40.9%) were assigned to the symptomatic OSA group. Symptomatic OSA patients with a median [25%, 75% quartiles] ODI of 40.5 [35.0, 58.8] events/h and an ESS of 14.0 [11.2, 15.8] showed moderate to strong evidence for differences in 18 vigilance-state-dependent breath compounds compared to controls. These identified metabolites are part of major metabolic pathways in carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. Thus, beyond hypoxia per se, we hypothesize that disturbed sleep in OSA patients persists as disturbed sleep-dependent metabolite levels during daytime.
Study on Efficient Adsorption Mechanism of Pb2+ by Magnetic Coconut Biochar
Authors: Xu Yonghua , Qu Youpei , Yang Yujia , Qu Bin , Shan Rui , Yuan Haoran , Sun Yong
Published: November 2022

Lead ion (Pb2+) in wastewater cannot be biodegraded and destroyed. It can easily be enriched in living organisms, which causes serious harm to the environment and human health. Among the existing treatment technologies, adsorption is a green and efficient way to treat heavy metal contamination. Novel KMnO4-treated magnetic biochar (KFBC) was successfully synthesized by the addition of Fe(NO3)3 and KMnO4 treatment during carbonization following Pb2+ adsorption. SEM-EDS, XPS, and ICP-OES were used to evaluate the KFBC and magnetic biochar (FBC) on the surface morphology, surface chemistry characteristics, surface functional groups, and Pb2+ adsorption behavior. The effects of pH on the Pb2+ solution, initial concentration of Pb2+, adsorption time, and influencing ions on the adsorption amount of Pb2+ were examined, and the adsorption mechanisms of FBC and KFBC on Pb2+ were investigated. The results showed that pH had a strong influence on the adsorption of KFBC and the optimum adsorption pH was 5. The saturation adsorption capacity fitted by the model was 170.668 mg/g. The successful loading of manganese oxides and the enhanced oxygen functional groups, as evidenced by XPS and FTIR data, improved KFBC for heavy metal adsorption. Mineral precipitation, functional group complexation, and π-electron interactions were the primary adsorption processes.
NKp44-Derived Peptide Used in Combination Stimulates Antineoplastic Efficacy of Targeted Therapeutic Drugs
Authors: Iraqi Muhammed , Bolel Priyanka , Sarkar Rhitajit , Bhattacharya Baisali , Abu Ahmad Muhammad , Edri Avishay , Roisman Laila C. , Elkabets Moshe , Shalata Walid , Peled Nir , Porgador Angel
Published: November 2022

Lung cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment facilitate immune evasion that leads to failure of conventional chemotherapies, despite provisionally decided on the genetic diagnosis of patients in a clinical setup. The current study follows three lung cancer patients who underwent “personalized” chemotherapeutic intervention. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were subjected to tumor microarray and treatment screening with chemotherapies, either individually or in combination with the peptide R11-NLS-pep8; this peptide targets both membrane-associated and nuclear PCNA. Ex vivo, employing PDX-derived explants, it was found that combination with R11-NLS-pep8 stimulated antineoplastic effect of chemotherapies that were, although predicted based on the patient’s genetic mutation, inactive on their own. Furthermore, treatment in vivo of PDX-bearing mice showed an exactly similar trend in the result, corroborating the finding to be translated into clinical setup.
Probing the Efficiency of 13-Pyridylalkyl Berberine Derivatives to Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes Binding: Spectroscopic, Solid State and In Silico Analysis
Authors: Bazzicalupi Carla , Bonardi Alessandro , Biver Tarita , Ferraroni Marta , Papi Francesco , Savastano Matteo , Lombardi Paolo , Gratteri Paola
Published: November 2022

The interaction between the series of berberine derivatives 1–5 (NAX071, NAX120, NAX075, NAX077 and NAX079) and human telomeric G-quadruplexes (G4), which are able to inhibit the Telomerase enzyme’s activity in malignant cells, was investigated. The derivatives bear a pyridine moiety connected by a hydrocarbon linker of varying length (n = 1–5, with n number of aliphatic carbon atoms) to the C13 position of the parent berberine. As for the G4s, both bimolecular 5′-TAGGGTTAGGGT-3′ (Tel12) and monomolecular 5′-TAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG-3′ (Tel23) DNA oligonucleotides were considered. Spectrophotometric titrations, melting tests, X-ray diffraction solid state analysis and in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to describe the different systems. The results were compared in search of structure–activity relationships. The analysis pointed out the formation of 1:1 complexes between Tel12 and all ligands, whereas both 1:1 and 2:1 ligand/G4 stoichiometries were found for the adduct formed by NAX071 (n = 1). Tel12, with tetrads free from the hindrance by the loop, showed a higher affinity. The details of the different binding geometries were discussed, highlighting the importance of H-bonds given by the berberine benzodioxole group and a correlation between the strength of binding and the hydrocarbon linker length. Theoretical (MD) and experimental (X-ray) structural studies evidence the possibility for the berberine core to interact with one or both G4 strands, depending on the constraints given by the linker length, thus affecting the G4 stabilization effect.
Construction and Characterization of Novel Hydrophilic Nanospheres Loaded with Lambda-Cyhalothrin via Ultrasonic Emulsification–Solvent Evaporation
Authors: Wang Chunxin , Wang Mengjie , Wang Yan , Pan Junqian , Sun Changjiao , Zeng Zhanghua , Ren Shuaikai , Cui Haixin , Zhao Xiang
Published: November 2022

Safe and efficient pesticide formulations have attracted great attention for the prevention and control of diseases and pests. In recent years, improving the effectiveness and duration of pesticides through nanotechnology has become a research hotspot in the field of pesticide formulations. Here, we develop a novel hydrophilic lambda-cyhalothrin nanospheres encapsulated with poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA) via the ultrasonic emulsification–solvent evaporation method, which exhibited better particle size uniformity and dispersion in comparison with the traditional method. The effects of PSMA content, oil phase/water phase ratio and phacoemulsification time on the particle size and morphology of nanoparticles were investigated to optimize preparation process parameters. Meanwhile, the wettability and adhesion behavior on the leaf surface, the release properties, and the storage stability of nanoparticles were characterized to evaluate the performance of the novel nano-formulation. This work not only establishes a facile and promising method for the applicable of insoluble pesticides, but also develops an innovative nano-formulation with hydrophilicity and high leaf adhesion, which opens a new direction in plant protection and residue reduction.
Inconsistent Provider Testing Practices for Congenital Cytomegalovirus: Missed Diagnoses and Missed Opportunities
Authors: Wilson Kate L. , Shah Kimi , Pesch Megan H.
Published: November 2022

Newborn congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) screening programs have been found to increase the rates of early diagnosis and treatment. In North America, newborn cCMV screening programs have not been widely implemented, leaving healthcare providers to rely on clinical suspicion alone to prompt testing. This study sought to examine healthcare providers’ cCMV testing practices at a quaternary children’s hospital. A retrospective review of the electronic health record was completed for eligible infants over a six-year period. Bivariate calculations and analyses were performed. Between 2014 and 2019, a total of 40,091 infants were cared for at the study institution, of which 178 were tested for cCMV and 10 infants were diagnosed with cCMV. Isolated small-for-gestational age was the most common indication (53/178) to prompt testing. Overall, the cCMV testing rate was 4.5 tests per 1000 infants, with a resulting diagnostic prevalence of 0.2 cases per 1000 infants, which is 15-fold lower than the expected prevalence. Providers relying on clinical suspicion alone are infrequently testing infants for cCMV, resulting in missed diagnoses and missed opportunities for treatment. Systematic cCMV screening practices may improve diagnosis, treatment, and childhood outcomes.
A Roadmap for Potential Improvement of Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Diseases Following Recent Developments and Successful Applications of Bivariate Normal Limits for Pre-Symptomatic Detection of MPS I, Pompe Disease, and Krabbe Disease
Authors: Jalal Kabir , Carter Randy L. , Barczykowski Amy , Tomatsu Shunji , Langan Thomas J.
Published: November 2022

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), Pompe Disease (PD), and Krabbe disease (KD) are inherited conditions known as lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) The resulting enzyme deficiencies give rise to progressive symptoms. The United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) suggests LSDs for inclusion in state universal newborn screening (NBS) programs and has identified screening deficiencies in MPS I, KD, and PD NBS programs. MPS I NBS programs utilize newborn dried blood spots and assay alpha L-iduronidase (IDUA) enzyme to screen for potential cases. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) offer potential as a confirmatory test. KD NBS programs utilize galactocerebrosidase (GaLC) as an initial test, with psychosine (PSY) activity increasingly used as a confirmatory test for predicting onset of Krabbe disease, though with an excessive false positive rate. PD is marked by a deficiency in acid α-glucosidase (GAA), causing increased glycogen, creatine (CRE), and other biomarkers. Bivariate normal limit (BVNL) methods have been applied to GaLC and PSY activity to produce a NBS tool for KD, and more recently, to IDUA and GAG activity to develop a NBS tool for MPS I. A BVNL tool based on GAA and CRE is in development for infantile PD diagnosis. Early infantile KD, MPS I, and PD cases were pre-symptomatically identified by BVNL-based NBS tools. This article reviews these developments, discusses how they address screening deficiencies identified by the RUSP and may improve NBS more generally.
Dynamic Random Graph Protection Scheme Based on Chaos and Cryptographic Random Mapping
Authors: Fang Zhu , Xu Zhengquan
Published: November 2022

Advances in network technology have enhanced the concern for network security issues. In order to address the problem that hopping graph are vulnerable to external attacks (e.g., the changing rules of fixed graphs are more easily grasped by attackers) and the challenge of achieving both interactivity and randomness in a network environment, this paper proposed a scheme for a dynamic graph based on chaos and cryptographic random mapping. The scheme allows hopping nodes to compute and obtain dynamically random and uncorrelated graph of other nodes independently of each other without additional interaction after the computational process of synchronous mirroring. We first iterate through the chaos algorithm to generate random seed parameters, which are used as input parameters for the encryption algorithm; secondly, we execute the encryption algorithm to generate a ciphertext of a specified length, which is converted into a fixed point number; and finally, the fixed point number is mapped to the network parameters corresponding to each node. The hopping nodes are independently updated with the same hopping map at each hopping period, and the configuration of their own network parameters is updated, so that the updated graph can effectively prevent external attacks. Finally, we have carried out simulation experiments and related tests on the proposed scheme and demonstrated that the performance requirements of the random graphs can be satisfied in both general and extreme cases.
S.A.D.E.—A Standardized, Scenario-Based Method for the Real-Time Assessment of Driver Interaction with Partially Automated Driving Systems
Authors: Schömig Nadja , Wiedemann Katharina , Wiggerich André , Neukum Alexandra
Published: November 2022

Vehicles equipped with so-called partially automated driving functions are becoming more and more common nowadays. The special feature of this automation level is that the driver is relieved of the execution of the lateral and longitudinal driving task, although they must still monitor the driving environment and the automated system. The method presented in this paper should enable the assessment of the usability and safety of such systems in a standardized manner. It is designed to capture a driver’s interaction with a system via the human–machine interface in specific scenarios in user studies. It evaluates several observable aspects of this interaction in real time and codes inadequate behavior in the categories “system operation”, “driving behavior” and “monitoring behavior”. A generic rating regarding the overall handling of the scenario is derived from these criteria. The method can be used with the assistance of a tablet application called the S.A.D.E. app (Standardized Application for Automated Driving Evaluation). Initial studies using driving simulators show promising results regarding its ability to detect problems related to a system or HMI, with some future challenges remaining open.
Is Information Physical and Does It Have Mass?
Authors: Burgin Mark , Mikkilineni Rao
Published: November 2022

Some researchers suggest that information is a form of matter, calling it the fifth state of matter or the fifth element. Recent results from the general theory of information (GTI) contradict this. This paper aims to explain and prove that the claims of adherents of the physical nature of information are inaccurate due to the confusion between the definitions of information, the matter that represents information, and the matter that is a carrier of information. Our explanations and proofs are based on the GTI because it gives the most comprehensive definition of information, encompassing and clarifying many of the writings in the literature about information. GTI relates information, knowledge, matter, and energy, and unifies the theories of material and mental worlds using the world of structures. According to GTI, information is not physical by itself, although it can have physical and/or mental representations. Consequently, a bit of information does not have mass, but the physical structure that represents the bit indeed has mass. Moreover, the same bit can have multiple representations in the form of a physical substance (e.g., a symbol on a paper or a state of a flip-flop circuit, or an electrical voltage or current pulse.) Naturally, these different physical representations can have different masses, although the information is the same. Thus, our arguments are not against Landauer’s principle or the empirical results of Vopson and other adherents of the physical nature of the information. These arguments are aimed at the clarification of the theoretical and empirical interpretations of these results. As the references in this paper show, recently many publications in which it is claimed that information is a physical essence appeared. That is why it is so important to elucidate the true nature of information and its relation to the physical world eliminating the existing misconceptions in information studies.
Graphite Felt Electrode Modified by Quaternary Ammonium for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery with an Ultra-Long Cycle Life
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Hu Junping , Liu Jun , Liu Hongyi , Fu Sha , Wu Xiongwei , Wu Yuping
Published: November 2022

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are one of the most attractive devices for grid-scale energy storage due to their advantages of high safety, flexible assembly, and electrolyte-class recycling. However, the conventional graphite felt electrodes usually possess inferior electrocatalytic activity for vanadium ion redox reactions, vastly limiting the rate and lifespans of VRFBs. Herein, we demonstrate a high-rate and ultra-stable vanadium redox flow battery based on quaternary ammonium salt-modified graphite felt electrodes. At a high current density of 200 mA cm−2, the constructed VRFB exhibited a superior cycling life of up to 1000 cycles. This work affords a straightforward approach for developing efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-cost graphite felt electrodes for ultra-stable and high-rate VRFBs.
Income-Related Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment: A Nation-Wide Analysis from 2009–2018
Authors: Messiha Daniel , Petrikhovich Olga , Lortz Julia , Mahabadi Amir Abbas , Hering Ramona , Schulz Mandy , Rassaf Tienush , Rammos Christos
Published: November 2022

Economic status has a measurable and significant effect on cardiovascular health. Socioeconomic- and income-related disparities worsen cardiovascular risk factors. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Not all patients benefit equally from recent advances in outpatient healthcare. The implementation of guideline recommendations regarding treatment is inadequate. Income-related disparities for PAD treatment are unknown. We aimed to analyse income-stratified PAD prevalence, outpatient treatment and pharmacotherapy. Associations of statutory health insurance physicians at the regional level, income-stratified PAD prevalence and differences in outpatient care and pharmacotherapy were analysed in 70.1 million statutorily insured patients/year between 2009 and 2018. Analysis was based on claims data (§295 of the social code (SGB V)) and drug-prescription data (§300 SGB V). The diagnosis of PAD was defined by ICD I70.2-9. Regional income data were derived from the German Census Bureau. PAD prevalence was higher in low-income than in high-income areas. Low-income patients more often presented to angiology outpatient care and more frequently received guideline recommended pharmacotherapy. High-income patients more often presented to outpatient vascular surgery. This was true for statins, antiplatelets, intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia alike. These data indicate that PAD and income are associated. Regional income is related to insufficiencies in guideline-recommended treatment and contact to vascular specialists. Our results aim to encourage medical professionals to implement PAD guideline recommendations, especially in high-income areas. Further studies on associations between spatial-level income and healthcare in PAD are needed.