bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of New Sources of Bioactive Substances (Perilla frutescens L. and Tagetes erecta L.) in the Chosen Cookies Production
Authors: Moczkowska-Wyrwisz Małgorzata , Jastrzębska Dominika , Wyrwisz Jarosław
Published: September 2022

Today, one of the most important challenges of ensuring the society’s health is the prevention of civilization diseases. Most of them are associated with an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the human body. Due to the need to increase the intake of antioxidants, opportunities are being studied to increase their consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of plant extracts of marigold (Tagetes erecta spp.) (MEx) and perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) (PEx) on selected qualitative properties of muffins. We studied the effects of the extracts in amounts of 1% (1), 3% (3), and 5% (5) on selected muffin characteristics, i.e., crust and crumb color, cooking yield, specific volume, and water activity, and changes in textural properties as well as sensory acceptance analysis. The level of crust lightness (L*) of muffins was lower than that of the control sample only for the samples with the PEx. For the crumb, the muffins with MEx and PEx were darker than the control sample. Fortification of muffins resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant capacity. The PEx_3 and PEx_5 samples were rated highest in the sensory acceptance evaluation. The other quality attributes were similar to the control sample, indicating the validity of introducing extracts in the muffin recipe.
Optimal Care Pathways for People in Suicidal Crisis Who Interact with First Responders: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kerr Katelyn , Heffernan Ed , Hawgood Jacinta , Edwards Bronwen , Meurk Carla
Published: September 2022

Background: First responders play a vital role in attending to people in suicidal crisis and influencing their care. Aims: To examine existing care pathways and models of care that could be used for people in a suicidal crisis who have come to the attention of first responders. Methods: A scoping review of academic and grey literature published between 2009 and 2019 was conducted, supplemented by consultation with experts, service providers and people with lived experience. Results: The search identified 703 studies. Twenty-three peer reviewed and grey literature articles, as well as one personal communication, were considered eligible for inclusion. Six models, covering 22 programs, were identified. No studies were identified that described care pathways, per se. Co-responder and safe haven models were associated with reduced hospital use and police detentions. Aftercare models were associated with improved well-being and reduction in symptoms. Co-responder, safe haven, and aftercare models were all rated positively by service users. No studies measured the impact on longer term suicidality. Limitations: Inclusion criteria were broad resulting in heterogeneity of studies and designs, limiting comparisons. Few studies employed standardised measurement protocols, reducing the ability to draw sound conclusions. Conclusion: Several novel programs have the potential to support individuals in crisis who encounter first responders.
Spatial-Temporal Characteristics and Driving Factors of the Eco-Efficiency of Tourist Hotels in China
Authors: Ba Duoxun , Zhang Jing , Dong Suocheng , Xia Bing , Mu Lin
Published: September 2022

At present, COVID-19 is seriously affecting the economic development of the hotel industry, and at the same time, the world is vigorously calling for “carbon emission mitigation”. Under these two factors, tourist hotels are in urgent need of effective tools to balance economic and social contributions with ecological and environmental impacts. Therefore, this paper takes Chinese tourist hotels as the research object and constructs a research framework for Chinese tourist hotels by constructing a Super-SBM Non-Oriented model. We measured the economic efficiency and eco-efficiency of Chinese tourist hotels from 2000 to 2019; explored spatial-temporal evolution patterns of their income, carbon emissions, eco-efficiency, and economic efficiency through spatial hotspot analysis and center of gravity analysis; and identified the spatial agglomeration characteristics of such hotels through the econometric panel Tobit model to identify the different driving factors inside and outside the tourist hotel system. The following results were obtained: (1) the eco-efficiency of China’s tourist hotels is higher than the economic efficiency, which is in line with the overall Kuznets curve theory, but the income and carbon emissions have not yet been decoupled; (2) most of China’s tourist hotels are crudely developed with much room for improving the economic efficiency, and most of the provincial and regional tourist hotels are at a low-income level, but the carbon emissions are still on the increase; and (3) income, labor, carbon emissions, waste emissions, and water consumption are the internal drivers of China’s tourist hotels, while industrial structure, urbanization rate, energy efficiency, and information technology are the external drivers of China’s tourist hotels. The research results provide a clear path for the reduction in carbon emissions and the improvement of the eco-efficiency of Chinese tourist hotels. Under the backdrop of global climate change and the post-COVID-19 era, the research framework and conclusions provide references for countries with new economies similar to China and countries that need to quickly restore the hotel industry.
Recognition and Analysis of an Age-Friendly Intelligent Sofa Design Based on Skeletal Key-Points
Authors: Zhou Chengmin , Huang Ting , Luo Xin , Kaner Jake , Fu Xiaoman
Published: September 2022

The aging population has a higher level of consumption willingness, higher quality of life demands, and more diversified spiritual pursuits. In recent years, age-friendly industries have entered a ‘blue ocean of development’; intelligent recreation and age-friendly industries have become new growth points in the double-cycle situation; however, the current generalized design of the market is not enough to meet the needs of its elderly users. Through an extensive research and demand analysis focused on the highly-frequent use of sofas by elderly individuals, an AHP analysis showed that smart sofa design guidelines are among the most important functional indicators; user ‘pain points’ focused on low seat surfaces caused by the difficulty in getting up. To further refine this action behavior, a Kinect-based experimental device was used to capture the behavior of the elderly user during the sit-to-stand transition. The experimental data were collected from 25 key skeletal points in the human body and further investigated by converting the skeletal points into 12 key joint angles to refine the joint transition threshold risk during the sit-to-stand transition for the elderly user. The test results show that the most important joint angle affecting the sit-to-stand transition process is the trunk thigh angle was θ5-2, with an important value of 0.122. The two-dimensional body data of the elderly user was mapped to the joint angles under the three-dimensional activity threshold to build a comfort model of the elderly user’s sofa, providing a theoretical basis for the design parameters of the aging sofa. In response to the research results, an intelligent age-friendly sofa with three forms was designed and prototyped independently, meeting the universal size of elderly users in terms of dimensional parameters, and iterating leisure and assisted standing transformation in terms of function (to reduce the risk levels of the sitting and standing transformations of elderly users).
Individual and Work-Related Predictors of Exhaustion in East and West Germany
Authors: Braunheim Lisa , Otten Daniëlle , Kasinger Christoph , Brähler Elmar , Beutel Manfred E.
Published: September 2022

Chronic exhaustion is a consequence of detrimental working conditions and demands, as well as inadequate coping techniques, potentially resulting in burnout. Previous research has studied occupational environment and individual factors as predictors of exhaustion. Although these differ between former East and West German states, the regional distinction regarding exhaustion has been neglected. To fill this gap, we used the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory in a representative German sample from 2014 to assess the burnout symptom exhaustion. Estimating ordinary least squares regressions, important burnout predictors were compared between the former East and West German states. Regional differences concerning occupational environments were related to the associations between individual factors, situational aspects of technostress and exhaustion. Associations between individual factors (e.g., female sex, lower working hours, age, partnership status, and household income) and exhaustion were stronger in East Germany, whereas technostress (strain of internet use, number of e-mails during leisure time, and social pressure to be constantly available) was more strongly associated with exhaustion in West Germany. Despite lower financial gratification and a higher social pressure to be constantly available in the East, West Germans were more afflicted by exhaustion. Individual factors and technostress should thus be considered when focusing on job-related mental health issues.
Barriers and Facilitators of Re-Employment among Senior Workers: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thomassen Kristina , Sundstrup Emil , Vinstrup Jonas , Seeberg Karina Glies Vincents , Andersen Lars Louis
Published: September 2022

Re-entering the labour market after a period of unemployment can be challenging for seniors. This study investigates personal as well as circumstantial barriers and facilitators of re-employment. Unemployed seniors in Denmark (≥50 years, n = 1636) from the first wave (mid-2018) of the SeniorWorkingLife study were prospectively followed until March 2020 in national registers on labour market participation. Using weighted logistic-regression-modelled odds ratios (ORs), we estimated the association between personal and circumstantial factors at baseline and re-employment during follow-up. During follow-up, 28% re-entered paid employment. The desire to have a job (reference: not having the desire to have a job) increased the likelihood of re-employment (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.14–4.85). Contrastingly, a higher age (60–63 vs. 50–54 years; OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16–0.79) and poor health (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16–0.61) decreased the likelihood of re-employment. Sex, education and belief that age constitutes a barrier to re-employment were not associated with the likelihood of re-employment. Unemployed seniors desiring to have a job are more likely to get a job. However, a higher age and poor health are important barriers that should be taken into account, e.g., by ensuring employment opportunities for these groups in society.
Soft Integration of Geo-Tagged Data Sets in J-CO-QL+
Authors: Fosci Paolo , Psaila Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

The possibility offered by the current technology to collect and store data sets regarding public places located on the Earth globe is posing new challenges, as far as the integration of these data sets is concerned. Analysts usually need to perform such an integration from scratch, without performing complex and long preprocessing or data-cleaning tasks, as well as without performing training activities that require tedious and long labeling of data; furthermore, analysts now have to deal with the popular JSON format and with data sets stored within JSON document stores. This paper demonstrates that a methodology based on soft integration (i.e., data integration performed through soft computing and fuzzy sets) can now be effectively applied from scratch, through the J-CO Framework, which is a stand-alone tool devised to process JSON data sets stored within JSON document stores, possibly by performing soft querying on data sets. Specifically, the paper provides the following contributions: (1) It presents a soft-computing technique for integrating data sets describing public places, without any preliminary pre-processing, cleaning and training, which can be applied from scratch; (2) it presents current capabilities for soft integration of JSON data sets, provided by the J-CO Framework; (3) it demonstrates the effectiveness of the soft integration technique; (4) it shows how a stand-alone tool able to support soft computing (as the J-CO Framework) can be effective and efficient in performing data-integration tasks from scratch.
Recombinant Reg3α Prevents Islet β-Cell Apoptosis and Promotes β-Cell Regeneration
Authors: Yu Luting , Li Liang , Liu Junli , Sun Hao , Li Xiang , Xiao Hanyu , Alfred Martin Omondi , Wang Min , Wu Xuri , Gao Yan , Luo Chen
Published: September 2022

Progressive loss and dysfunction of islet β-cells has not yet been solved in the treatment of diabetes. Regenerating protein (Reg) has been identified as a trophic factor which is demonstrated to be associated with pancreatic tissue regeneration. We previously produced recombinant Reg3α protein (rReg3α) and proved that it protects against acute pancreatitis in mice. Whether rReg3α protects islet β-cells in diabetes has been elusive. In the present study, rReg3α stimulated MIN6 cell proliferation and resisted STZ-caused cell death. The protective effect of rReg3α was also found in mouse primary islets. In BALB/c mice, rReg3α administration largely alleviated STZ-induced diabetes by the preservation of β-cell mass. The protective mechanism could be attributed to Akt/Bcl-2/-xL activation and GRP78 upregulation. Scattered insulin-expressing cells and clusters with small size, low insulin density, and exocrine distribution were observed and considered to be neogenic. In isolated acinar cells with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) labeling, rReg3α treatment generated insulin-producing cells through Stat3/Ngn3 signaling, but these cells were not fully functional in response to glucose stimulation. Our results demonstrated that rReg3α resists STZ-induced β-cell death and promotes β-cell regeneration. rReg3α could serve as a potential drug for β-cell maintenance in anti-diabetic treatment.
Selective Fluorescent Probes for High-Throughput Functional Diagnostics of the Human Multidrug Transporter P-Glycoprotein (ABCB1)
Authors: Szabó Edit , Kulin Anna , Jezsó Bálint , Kucsma Nóra , Sarkadi Balázs , Várady György
Published: September 2022

The multidrug transporter ABCB1 (MDR1, Pgp) plays an important role in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of a wide range of pharmaceutical compounds. Functional investigation of the ABCB1 expression is also essential in many diseases, including drug-resistant cancer, inflammatory conditions, or Alzheimer disease. In this study, we examined the potential interaction of the ABCB1 multidrug transporter with a group of commercially available viability dyes that are generally considered not to penetrate into intact cells. Here, we demonstrate that the slow cellular accumulation of TO-PRO™-1 (TP1) or TO-PRO™-3 (TP3) was strongly inhibited by ABCB1-dependent dye extrusion. TP1/3 dye accumulation was not affected by the presence of ABCC1 or ABCG2, while this uptake was increased to the level in the ABCB1-negative cells by a specific P-glycoprotein inhibitor, Tariquidar. We suggest that TP compounds can be used as highly sensitive, selective, non-toxic, and stable dyes to examine the functional expression and properties of the ABCB1 multidrug transporter, especially in microplate-based high-throughput flow cytometry assays. In addition, we demonstrate the applicability of the TP dyes to efficiently select and separate even a very low number of Pgp-expressing intact cells.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Negatively Regulates the Inflammatory Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Infection by Inhibiting NF-κB and JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in IPEC-J2 Porcine Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yang Jiwen , Chen Daiwen , Tian Gang , Mao Xiangbing , He Jun , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Huang Zhiqing , Wu Aimin , Yan Hui , Yu Bing
Published: September 2022

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection causes watery diarrhea and vomiting in piglets. The pathogenesis of PEDV infection is related to intestinal inflammation. It is known that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has potent anti-inflammatory activity, but it is unknown whether 1,25(OH)2D3 can inhibit the PEDV-induced inflammatory response and the underlying mechanism. We used transcriptome analysis, gene and protein expression, RNA interference and overexpression, and other techniques to study the anti-inflammatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on PEDV infection in IPEC-J2 cells. The results showed that interleukin 19 (IL-19) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) gene expression were enhanced with the increase in PEDV infection time in IPEC-J2 cells. Interestingly, 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation obviously inhibited IL-19 and CCL20 expression induced by PEDV. Meanwhile, we also found that 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced p-NF-κB, p-STAT1, and p-STAT3 protein levels induced by PEDV at 24 h post-infection. IκBα and SOCS3, NF-κB, and STAT inhibitor respectively, were increased by 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation upon PEDV infection. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation inhibited ISG15 and MxA expression induced by PEDV. Although 1,25(OH)2D3 suppressed the JAK/STAT signal pathway and antiviral gene expression, it had no significant effects on PEDV replication and IFN-α-induced antiviral effects. In addition, when the vitamin D receptor (VDR) was silenced by siRNA, the anti-inflammatory effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 was inhibited. Meanwhile, the overexpression of VDR significantly downregulated IL-19 and CCL20 expression induced by PEDV infection. Together, our results provide powerful evidence that 1,25(OH)2D3 could alleviate PEDV-induced inflammation by regulating the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways through VDR. These results suggest that vitamin D could contribute to inhibiting intestinal inflammation and alleviating intestinal damage in PEDV-infected piglets, which offers new approaches for the development of nutritional strategies to prevent PEDV infection in piglets.
Identification of Functional Genetic Variations Underlying Flooding Tolerance in Brazilian Soybean Genotypes
Authors: Abruzzi de Oliveira-Busatto Luisa , Paz da Silva Giordano Cecilia , Ferreira da Silva Marília , Uhry Junior Darci , Guzman Frank , Wiebke-Strohm Beatriz , Li Zenglu , Bredemeier Christian , Bodanese-Zanettini Maria Helena
Published: September 2022

Flooding is a frequent environmental stress that reduces soybean (Glycine max) growth and grain yield in many producing areas in the world, such as, e.g., in the United States, Southeast Asia and Southern Brazil. In these regions, soybean is frequently cultivated in lowland areas by rotating with rice (Oryza sativa), which provides numerous technical, economic and environmental benefits. Given these realities, this work aimed to characterize physiological responses, identify genes differentially expressed under flooding stress in Brazilian soybean genotypes with contrasting flooding tolerance, and select SNPs with potential use for marker-assisted selection. Soybean cultivars TECIRGA 6070 (flooding tolerant) and FUNDACEP 62 (flooding sensitive) were grown up to the V6 growth stage and then flooding stress was imposed. Total RNA was extracted from leaves 24 h after the stress was imposed and sequenced. In total, 421 induced and 291 repressed genes were identified in both genotypes. TECIRGA 6070 presented 284 and 460 genes up- and down-regulated, respectively, under flooding conditions. Of those, 100 and 148 genes were exclusively up- and down-regulated, respectively, in the tolerant genotype. Based on the RNA sequencing data, SNPs in differentially expressed genes in response to flooding stress were identified. Finally, 38 SNPs, located in genes with functional annotation for response to abiotic stresses, were found in TECIRGA 6070 and absent in FUNDACEP 62. To validate them, 22 SNPs were selected for designing KASP assays that were used to genotype a panel of 11 contrasting genotypes with known phenotypes. In addition, the phenotypic and grain yield impacts were analyzed in four field experiments using a panel of 166 Brazilian soybean genotypes. Five SNPs possibly related to flooding tolerance in Brazilian soybean genotypes were identified. The information generated from this research will be useful to develop soybean genotypes adapted to poorly drained soils or areas subject to flooding.
Preventive Effect of Vitamin C on Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis via the Regulation of IL-22 and IL-6 Production in Gulo(−/−) Mice
Authors: Jo Hyejung , Lee Dahae , Go Cheolhyeon , Jang Yoojin , Chu Naghyung , Bae Suhyun , Kang Dongmin , Im Jong Pil , Kim Yejin , Kang Jae Seung
Published: September 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are exceptionally high in IBD lesions, are known to cause abnormal immune responses to inflammatory reactions in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) through damage to the intestinal mucosal linings. Moreover, they are theorized to be an agent of IBD development. Vitamin C is widely known to be an effective antioxidant for its ability to regulate inflammatory responses through its ROS scavenging effect. Therefore, we examined vitamin C’s influence on the development and progression of IBD in Gulo(−/−) mice, which cannot synthesize vitamin C like humans due to a defect in the expression of L-gulono-γ–lactone oxidase, an essential enzyme for vitamin C production. First, we found extensive oxidative stress and an inflammation increase in the colon of vitamin C-insufficient Gulo(−/−) mice. We also found decreased IL-22 production and NKp46(+) cell recruitment and the impaired activation of the p38MAPK pathway. Additionally, comparing vitamin C-insufficient Gulo(−/−) mice to vitamin C-sufficient Gulo(−/−) mice and wild-type mice, the insufficient group faced a decrease in mucin-1 expression, accompanied by an increase in IL-6 production, followed by the activation of the STAT3 and Akt pathways. The results suggest that vitamin C insufficiency induces severe colitis, meaning vitamin C could also take on a preventative role by regulating the production of cytokines and the induction of inflammation.
Abscisic Acid Improves Rice Thermo-Tolerance by Affecting Trehalose Metabolism
Authors: Zhu Aike , Li Juncai , Fu Weimeng , Wang Wenting , Tao Longxing , Fu Guanfu , Chen Tingting , Feng Baohua
Published: September 2022

Heat stress that occurs during the flowering stage severely decreases the rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed-setting rate. This damage can be reversed by abscisic acid (ABA), through effects on reactive oxygen species, carbohydrate metabolism, and heat shock proteins, but the exact role of trehalose and ATP in this process remains unclear. Two rice genotypes, namely, Zhefu802 (heat-resistant plant, a recurrent parent) and its near-isogenic line (faded green leaf, Fgl, heat-sensitive plant), were subjected to 38 °C heat stress after being sprayed with ABA or its biosynthetic inhibitor, fluridone (Flu), at the flowering stage. The results showed that exogenous ABA significantly increased the seed-setting rate of rice under heat stress, by 14.31 and 22.40% in Zhefu802 and Fgl, respectively, when compared with the H2O treatment. Similarly, exogenous ABA increased trehalose content, key enzyme activities of trehalose metabolism, ATP content, and F1Fo-ATPase activity. Importantly, the opposite results were observed in plants treated with Flu. Therefore, ABA may improve rice thermo-tolerance by affecting trehalose metabolism and ATP consumption.
GB83, an Agonist of PAR2 with a Unique Mechanism of Action Distinct from Trypsin and PAR2-AP
Authors: Heo Yunkyung , Yang Eunhee , Lee Yechan , Seo Yohan , Ryu Kunhi , Jeon Hyejin , Namkung Wan
Published: September 2022

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activated by proteolytic cleavage of its N-terminal domain. Once activated, PAR2 is rapidly desensitized and internalized by phosphorylation and β-arrestin recruitment. Due to its irreversible activation mechanism, some agonists that rapidly desensitized PAR2 have been misconceived as antagonists, and this has impeded a better understanding of the pathophysiological role of PAR2. In the present study, we found that GB83, initially identified as a PAR2 antagonist, is a bona fide agonist of PAR2 that induces unique cellular signaling, distinct from trypsin and PAR2-activating peptide (AP). Activation of PAR2 by GB83 markedly elicited an increase in intracellular calcium levels and phosphorylation of MAPKs, but in a delayed and sustained manner compared to the rapid and transient signals induced by trypsin and PAR2-AP. Interestingly, unlike PAR2-AP, GB83 and trypsin induced sustained receptor endocytosis and PAR2 colocalization with β-arrestin. Moreover, the recovery of the localization and function of PAR2 was significantly delayed after stimulation by GB83, which may be the reason why GB83 is recognized as an antagonist of PAR2. Our results revealed that GB83 is a bona fide agonist of PAR2 that uniquely modulates PAR2-mediated cellular signaling and is a useful pharmacological tool for studying the pathophysiological role of PAR2.
In Vivo Analysis of the Regeneration Capacity and Immune Response to Xenogeneic and Synthetic Bone Substitute Materials
Authors: Bielenstein James , Radenković Milena , Najman Stevo , Liu Luo , Ren Yanru , Cai Baoyi , Beuer Florian , Rimashevskiy Denis , Schnettler Reinhard , Alkildani Said , Jung Ole , Schmidt Franziska , Barbeck Mike
Published: September 2022

Although various studies have investigated differences in the tissue reaction pattern to synthetic and xenogeneic bone substitute materials (BSMs), a lack of knowledge exists regarding the classification of both materials based on the DIN ISO 10993-6 scoring system, as well as the histomorphometrical measurement of macrophage subtypes within their implantation beds. Thus, the present study was conducted to analyze in vivo responses to both xenogeneic and synthetic bone substitute granules. A standardized calvaria implantation model in Wistar rats, in combination with established scoring, histological, histopathological, and histomorphometrical methods, was conducted to analyze the influence of both biomaterials on bone regeneration and the immune response. The results showed that the application of the synthetic BSM maxresorb® induced a higher pro-inflammatory tissue response, while the xenogeneic BSM cerabone® induced a higher anti-inflammatory reaction. Additionally, comparable bone regeneration amounts were found in both study groups. Histopathological scoring revealed that the synthetic BSM exhibited non-irritant scores at all timepoints using the xenogeneic BSM as control. Overall, the results demonstrated the biocompatibility of synthetic BSM maxresorb® and support the conclusion that this material class is a suitable alternative to natural BSM, such as the analyzed xenogeneic material cerabone®, for a broad range of indications.
Role of the Guanidinium Groups in Ligand–Receptor Binding of Arginine-Containing Short Peptides to the Slow Sodium Channel: Quantitative Approach to Drug Design of Peptide Analgesics
Authors: Plakhova Vera B. , Samosvat Dmitriy M. , Zegrya Georgy G. , Penniyaynen Valentina A. , Kalinina Arina D. , Ke Ma , Podzorova Svetlana A. , Krylov Boris V. , Rogachevskii Ilya V.
Published: September 2022

Several arginine-containing short peptides have been shown by the patch-clamp method to effectively modulate the NaV1.8 channel activation gating system, which makes them promising candidates for the role of a novel analgesic medicinal substance. As demonstrated by the organotypic tissue culture method, all active and inactive peptides studied do not trigger the downstream signaling cascades controlling neurite outgrowth and should not be expected to evoke adverse side effects on the tissue level upon their medicinal administration. The conformational analysis of Ac-RAR-NH2, Ac-RER-NH2, Ac-RAAR-NH2, Ac-REAR-NH2, Ac-RERR-NH2, Ac-REAAR-NH2, Ac-PRERRA-NH2, and Ac-PRARRA-NH2 has made it possible to find the structural parameter, the value of which is correlated with the target physiological effect of arginine-containing short peptides. The distances between the positively charged guanidinium groups of the arginine side chains involved in intermolecular ligand–receptor ion–ion bonds between the attacking peptide molecules and the NaV1.8 channel molecule should fall within a certain range, the lower threshold of which is estimated to be around 9 Å. The distance values have been calculated to be below 9 Å in the inactive peptide molecules, except for Ac-RER-NH2, and in the range of 9–12 Å in the active peptide molecules.
Assessment of the Effects of Genotype, Location, and Planting Season on the Nutritional Composition and the Metabolizable Energy of Advanced Twenty-Five Maize Hybrids
Authors: Alamu Emmanuel Oladeji , Menkir Abebe , Adesokan Michael , Fawole Segun , Maziya-Dixon Busie
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the effects of genotype, location, and planting season on the proximate composition and metabolizable energy of advanced maize hybrids. Twenty-five hybrid maize and a local variety as control were harvested from five locations 100 days after planting for two seasons. The maize samples were sorted, cleaned, and pulverized using a laboratory mill and were analyzed for nutritional composition and metabolizable energy (ME) using standard laboratory methods. Moisture content, ash, fat, and protein had mean ± SD of 8.97 ± 0.40%, 1.48 ± 0.05%, 4.31 ± 0.19, and 8.88 ± 0.18%, respectively. ME had a mean ± SD of 379.77 ± 2.17 kJ, and total carbohydrates had values ranging from 74.68 and 77.20%, with an average of 76.68%. Results showed that most of the variations expressed in the proximate compositions of the maize hybrids were not significantly (p > 0.05) dependent on the genotypes. In contrast, locations significantly affected the maize hybrids’ proximate composition and metabolizable energy (p < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) of location by genotype interaction on the proximate composition and ME of the maize samples. The planting season also exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) difference for all the proximate parameters. Fourteen out of the twenty-five maize hybrids were similar to the local variety in terms of proximate composition and metabolizable energy. Therefore, they could be recommended for advancement in the breeding stages for release for household and industrial uses.
Correction: Hayat et al. Human Activity Recognition for Elderly People Using Machine and Deep Learning Approaches. Information 2022, 13, 275
Authors: Hayat Ahatsham , Morgado-Dias Fernando , Bhuyan Bikram Pratim , Tomar Ravi
Published: September 2022

In the original publication [...]
Digital Work and Urban Delivery: Profile, Activity and Mobility Practices of On-Demand Food Delivery Couriers in Paris (France)
Authors: Aguilera Anne , Dablanc Laetitia , Rallet Alain
Published: September 2022

Platform-based on-demand delivery services are rapidly developing in urban areas, especially in the food sector, raising new issues for urban planners, especially in the field of transport. Based on a survey of over 100 couriers conducted in 2018 in the municipality of Paris (France), this work aims at analyzing the profile, delivery activity and mobility practices of the couriers working for these platforms. The main objective is to show how mobility practices are shaped by the characteristics of digital work in the urban delivery sector, and to highlight new challenges for urban authorities and research. Compared to other studies, our work is based on quantitative data and distinguishes three categories of couriers, depending on whether they have another activity: students, people with another paid job, and people with no other paid or non-paid activity. Findings show that these three categories have different characteristics, regarding age, education, residential location, the intensity of delivery activity and the characteristics of mobility practices, especially regarding the transport modes used. The article ends with the discussion of a number of new challenges for both urban authorities and researchers regarding the sustainability of these new forms of digital work in urban delivery.
The Use of Virtual Reality Technology in the Treatment of Psychopathological Disorders
Authors: Gutiérrez-Maldonado José
Published: September 2022

Jaron Lanier proposed the name “Virtual Reality” to refer to interactive simulations produced through the use of computer technology, although the idea was formulated in the sixties by a pioneer of computer graphics, Ivan Sutherland [...]
Longitudinal Comparison of Constant Artifacts in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Patients with Posterior Uveitis Compared to Healthy Subjects
Authors: Pohlmann Dominika , Berlin Martin , Reidl Felix , Künzel Steffen Emil , Pleyer Uwe , Joussen Antonia M. , Winterhalter Sibylle
Published: September 2022

Background: Knowledge about artifacts in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is important to avoid misinterpretations. An overview of possible artifacts in posterior uveitis provides important information for interpretations. Methods: In this monocentric prospective study, OCTA images from a total of 102 eyes of 54 patients with posterior uveitis, and an age-matched control group including 34 healthy subjects (67 eyes), were evaluated (day 0, month 3, month 6). We assigned different artifacts to distinct layers. Various types of artifacts were examined in different retinal layers. The χ2 test for the comparison between the control and uveitis group and Cochran’s Q test for the longitudinal comparison within the uveitis group were used. Results: A total of 2238 images were evaluated; 1836 from uveitis patients and 402 from healthy subjects. A total of 2193 artifacts were revealed. Projection (812 [36.3%]), segmentation (579 [25.9%]), shadowing (404 [18.1%]), and blink artifacts (297 [13.3%]) were the most common artifact types. The uveitis group displayed significantly more segmentation artifacts and projection artifacts (p < 0.001). No segmentation artifacts were documented in healthy subjects. The consecutive examinations within the uveitis group revealed the same artifact types without significance (p > 0.1). Conclusions: The uveitis patients showed more segmentation and projection artifacts than the control group. Within the uveitis group, artifacts remained longitudinally constant in terms of artifact type and pattern. The artifacts therefore appear to be reproducible on an individual level.
From Structural to Functional Hypertension Mediated Target Organ Damage—A Long Way to Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mancusi Costantino , Lembo Maria , Manzi Maria Virginia , Basile Christian , Fucile Ilaria , Morisco Carmine
Published: September 2022

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF) which represents one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The chronic hemodynamic overload induced by AH is responsible for different types of functional and morphological adaptation of the cardiovascular system, defined as hypertensive mediated target organ damage (HMOD), whose identification is of fundamental importance for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Among HMODs, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD), and subclinical systolic dysfunction have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of HF and represent promising therapeutic targets. Furthermore, LVH represents a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients, influencing per se the development of CMVD and systolic dysfunction. Clinical evidence suggests considering LVH as a diagnostic marker for HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Several studies have also shown that microalbuminuria, a parameter of abnormal renal function, is implicated in the development of HFpEF and in predicting the prognosis of patients with HF. The present review highlights recent evidence on the main HMOD, focusing in particular on LVH, CMD, subclinical systolic dysfunction, and microalbuminuria leading to HFpEF.
Combining BeEAM with Brentuximab Vedotin for High-Dose Therapy in CD30 Positive Lymphomas before Autologous Transplantation—A Phase I Study
Authors: Rausch Christian , Bacher Ulrike , Rabaglio Manuela , Vorburger Corinne , Klingenberg Anke , Banz Yara , Daskalakis Michael , Pabst Thomas
Published: September 2022

The prognosis for patients with CD30+ lymphomas (Hodgkin lymphoma and various T-cell lymphomas) relapsing after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is critical. Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an ADC targeting CD30, is an obvious candidate for inclusion into high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) regimens to improve outcomes. This single center phase I trial investigated 12 patients with CD30+ lymphoma (AITL: n = 5; relapsed HL: n = 7; median of two previous treatment lines) undergoing ASCT. In a 3 + 3 dose escalation design, 12 patients received a single BV dose at three dose levels (DL) (0.9/1.2/1.8 mg/kg b.w.) prior to standard BeEAM. All patients were treated as planned; no dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurred at DL 1 and 2. At DL 3, one DLT (paralytic ileus, fully recovering) occurred. Grade III febrile neutropenia occurred in one patient, and two others had septic complications, all fully recovering. Median hospitalization was 23 days. Hematologic recovery was normal. Six of twelve (50%) patients achieved CR. PFS and OS at 1 year were 67% (n = 8/12) and 83% (n = 10/12), respectively. The addition of brentuximab to standard BeEAM HDCT seems to be safe. We observed a CR rate of 75% post-ASCT in a highly pretreated population. The efficacy of this novel HDCT combination with BV at a 1.8 mg/kg dose level needs to be explored in larger studies.
Total Burden of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease on MRI May Predict Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Ruihan , Li Yunjing , Chen Lina , Wang Yingqing , Cai Guoen , Chen Xiaochun , Ye Qinyong , Chen Ying
Published: September 2022

(1) Objective: to investigate the association between the total burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease (PD). (2) Methods: this retrospective study compared clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of 122 PD patients to determine the association between cognitive decline and total burden of CSVD in PD. All patients underwent brain MRI examinations, and their total CSVD burden scores were evaluated by silent lacunar infarction (SLI), cerebral microbleeds (CMB), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS). The cognitive function was assessed by administering Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were performed to quantify the accuracy of the total burden of CSVD and PVH in discriminating PD patients with or without cognitive impairment. (3) Results: the PD patients with cognitive impairment had a significantly higher SLI, CMB, periventricular hyperintensities (PVH), deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH), enlarged perivascular spaces of basal ganglia (BG-EPVS), and the total CSVD score compared with no cognitive impairment. Total CSVD score and MMSE had a significant negative correlation (r = −0. 483). Furthermore, total burden of CSVD and PVH were the independent risk factors of cognitive impairment in PD, and their good accuracy in discriminating PD patients with cognitive impairment from those with no cognitive impairment was confirmed by the results of ROC curves. (4) Conclusions: total burden of CSVD tightly linked to cognitive impairment in PD patients. The total burden of CSVD or PVH may predict the cognitive impairment in PD.
Static and Discrete Berth Allocation for Large-Scale Marine-Loading Problem by Using Iterative Variable Grouping Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yin Dong , Niu Yifeng , Yang Jian , Yu Shaobo
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study the static discrete berth allocation problems (BAPs) for large-scale time-critical marine-loading scenarios. The objective is to allocate the vessels to different types of berths so that all the vessels can be loaded within the minimum time under the tidal condition. The BAP is formalized as a min–max problem. This problem is rather complex as the vessels and berths are quite numerous in the large-scale marine-loading problem. We analyze this problem from a novel perspective, and find out that this problem has the characteristic of partially separable. Therefore, the iterative variable grouping genetic algorithm (IVGGA) is designed to search the near-optimal berth allocation plans. The vessels and berths are divided into subgroups, and the genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to generate the near-optimal berth allocation plans in each subgroup. To achieve the balance of loading tasks among subgroups, we propose reallocating some vessels among subgroups according to the berth allocation plans in subgroups. To guarantee the convergency of the algorithm, an iterative vessel reallocation policy is devised considering the loading tasks of different types of berths. We demonstrate the proposed algorithm in dealing with large-scale BAPs through numerical experiments. According to the results, we find that the proposed algorithm would have good performance when the number of vessels in each subgroup are kept in medium scale. Compared with the original GA, our algorithm shows the effectiveness of the iterative variable grouping strategy. The performance of our algorithm is almost not changed as the number of vessels and berths increases. The proposed algorithm could obtain efficient berth allocation plans for the large-scale marine-loading problem.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Ultra-Short Term HRV Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ha Seung-Su , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: September 2022

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the standard method for assessing autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and is considered a surrogate marker for sympathetic overactivity in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although HRV features are usually obtained from the short-term segment method, it is impossible to evaluate rapid dynamic changes in ANS activity. Herein, we propose the ultra-short-term analysis to detect the balance of ANS activity in patients with OSA. In 1021 OSA patients, 10 min HRV target datasets were extracted from polysomnographic data and analyzed by shifting the 2 min (ultra-short-term) and 5 min (short-term) segments. We detected frequency-domain parameters, including total power (Ln TP), very low frequency (Ln VLF), low frequency (Ln LF), and high frequency (Ln HF). We found that overall HRV feature alterations indicated sympathetic overactivity dependent on OSA severity, and that this was more pronounced in the ultra-short-term methodology. The apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and Epworth sleepiness scale correlated with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity, regardless of the methodology. The Bland-Altman plot analyses also showed a higher agreement of HRV features between the two methodologies. This study suggests that ultra-short-term HRV analysis may be a useful method for detecting alterations in ANS function in OSA patients.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Predict Risk of Recurrence of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mazo Claudia , Aura Claudia , Rahman Arman , Gallagher William M. , Mooney Catherine
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the most common disease among women, with over 2.1 million new diagnoses each year worldwide. About 30% of patients initially presenting with early stage disease have a recurrence of cancer within 10 years. Predicting who will have a recurrence and who will not remains challenging, with consequent implications for associated treatment. Artificial intelligence strategies that can predict the risk of recurrence of breast cancer could help breast cancer clinicians avoid ineffective overtreatment. Despite its significance, most breast cancer recurrence datasets are insufficiently large, not publicly available, or imbalanced, making these studies more difficult. This systematic review investigates the role of artificial intelligence in the prediction of breast cancer recurrence. We summarise common techniques, features, training and testing methodologies, metrics, and discuss current challenges relating to implementation in clinical practice. We systematically reviewed works published between 1 January 2011 and 1 November 2021 using the methodology of Kitchenham and Charter. We leveraged Springer, Google Scholar, PubMed, and IEEE search engines. This review found three areas that require further work. First, there is no agreement on artificial intelligence methodologies, feature predictors, or assessment metrics. Second, issues such as sampling strategies, missing data, and class imbalance problems are rarely addressed or discussed. Third, representative datasets for breast cancer recurrence are scarce, which hinders model validation and deployment. We conclude that predicting breast cancer recurrence remains an open problem despite the use of artificial intelligence.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Land Use/Cover and Its Driving Factor in Cambodia during 2000–2020
Authors: Niu Xiaoyu , Hu Yunfeng , Lei Zhongying , Wang Hao , Zhang Yu , Yan Huimin
Published: September 2022

Research on the spatial distribution and dynamic evolution of land use/cover (LUC) is the basis for land management and ecological protection. However, there is currently a lack of long-term analyses of the evolution of LUC at the national scale in Cambodia. Based on the GLC_FCS30 dataset, this paper analyzes the temporal and spatial evolution of LUC in Cambodia from 2000 to 2020, as well as its relationship with the country’s economic and social development and climate change using dynamic degree, flow direction diagram, principal component analysis, and multivariate stepwise regression. The main findings are as follows. (1) Cropland and forest are Cambodia’s most significant land cover types. In 2020, the proportions of cropland and forest accounted for 47.67% and 42.22% of the total land area. Among the cropland area, rainfed cropland accounted for 35.90%, irrigated cropland accounted for 7.26%, and other cropland accounted for 4.51%. (2) From 2000 to 2020, rainfed cropland areas increased significantly (+4.69 × 103 km2, +7.77%), while irrigated cropland areas increased less (+0.37 × 103 km2, 2.91%). The forest area continued to shrink (−7.71 × 103 km2, −9.16%), and the area of impervious surfaces expanded most significantly (+161.16%). (3) In 2000–2020, the integrated dynamic degree of land use presented a spatial differentiation pattern of high in the northeast, low in the middle, and lowest in the plain area. The most critical LUC change processes were the conversion of forest and shrubland to rainfed cropland and the transformation of rainfed cropland to impervious surfaces. (4) The change in LUC in Cambodia has mainly been affected by economic development and human activities, especially regarding the agricultural added value, agricultural raw material export value, urban population, and urbanization rate. This study will help the Cambodian government to strengthen national land management and planning in a targeted manner and may provide a reference for the analysis of land use change processes in similar areas.