bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Demonstration Study of the Quiet Time Transcendental Meditation Program
Authors: Conti Gabriella , Doyle Orla , Fearon Pasco , Oppedisano Veruska
Published: January 2022

This manuscript presents a demonstration study of Quiet Time (QT), a classroom-based Transcendental Meditation intervention. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of implementing and evaluating QT in two pilot settings in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This study contributes to the field by targeting middle childhood, testing efficiency in two settings operating under different educational systems, and including a large array of measures. First, teacher and pupil engagement with QT was assessed. Second, the feasibility of using a quasi-experimental design and a wide range of instruments to measure changes in pupil outcomes before and after the intervention was assessed. This allows us to obtain information about which instruments might be feasible to administer and most sensitive to change. The first setting included 89 students from a primary school in the United Kingdom: those in sixth grade received the QT intervention, while those in fifth grade practiced meditation using the Headspace application. The second setting included 100 fifth- and sixth-grade students from two schools in Ireland: one received the QT intervention, the other served as a control. Recruitment and retention rates were high in both settings, and the intervention was feasible and accepted by students, parents and teachers. Implementation fidelity was lower in the United Kingdom setting where delivery started later in the school year and the practice was affected by preparation for the Standard Assessment Tests. These results show that QT may be feasibly delivered in school settings, and suggest the use of a compact battery of tests to measure impact. We find suggestive evidence that the intervention affected executive function as children who practiced QT showed improved working memory in both settings. In the Irish setting, pupils in the QT group had improved ability to control responses. These results have implications for future studies by a) demonstrating that implementation fidelity is highly context dependent and b) providing suggestive evidence of the malleability of children’s skills in middle childhood. The results of this demonstration study will be used to inform a larger RCT of the QT intervention.
Error Types of and Strategies on Learning Chinese Connectives: A Study on Chinese as a Second Language Learners’ Writing
Authors: Zhang Lirui , Sun Shaobo , Yao Shuangyun
Published: January 2022

The correct use of connectives has great influence on language learners’ writing proficiency, while errors of connectives are common in foreign learners’ interlanguages. This study examines the types of errors that occur in native English-speaking learners’ Chinese writing, the possible causes for the errors, and the learners’ consequent learning strategies. The present research adopted corpora investigation, questionnaire survey, and focus-group interviews to examine the error types, causes of identified errors, and related learning strategies. Data analysis indicated that: (1) the main error types made by native English-speaking learners from high to low are misuse, overuse, mismatch, misplacement, and underuse of connectives; (2) causes related to intralingual transfer greatly contributes to the presence of errors; and (3) memory, social, and cognitive strategies were the most preferred, followed by metacognitive and compensation strategies, and then by effective strategies which were the least preferred. These findings showed that different strategies can be employed to cope with different errors in writing. The study further suggests that teachers and educators need to help native English-speaking learners find strategies that work best for them in terms of learning Chinese connectives.
Gamma Oscillations in the Temporal Pole Reflect the Contribution of Approach and Avoidance Motivational Systems to the Processing of Fear and Anger Words
Authors: Santaniello Gerardo , Ferré Pilar , Sanchez-Carmona Alberto , Huete-Pérez Daniel , Albert Jacobo , Hinojosa José A.
Published: January 2022

Prior reports suggest that affective effects in visual word processing cannot be fully explained by a dimensional perspective of emotions based on valence and arousal. In the current study, we focused on the contribution of approach and avoidance motivational systems that are related to different action components to the processing of emotional words. To this aim, we compared frontal alpha asymmetries and brain oscillations elicited by anger words associated with approach (fighting) motivational tendencies, and fear words that may trigger either avoidance (escaping), approach (fighting) or no (freezing) action tendencies. The participants’ task was to make decisions about approaching or distancing from the concepts represented by words. The results of cluster-based and beamforming analyses revealed increased gamma power band synchronization for fear words relative to anger words between 725 and 750 ms, with an estimated neural origin in the temporal pole. These findings were interpreted to reflect a conflict between different action tendencies underlying the representation of fear words in semantic and emotional memories, when trying to achieve task requirements. These results are in line with the predictions made by thefear-hinders-actionhypothesis. Additionally, current data highlights the contribution of motivational features to the representation and processing of emotional words.
Perceived Functions of Playfulness in Adult English as a Foreign Language Learners: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Barabadi Elyas , Elahi Shirvan Majid , Shahnama Mojdeh , Proyer René T.
Published: January 2022

Influenced by the flowering of positive psychology in the field of foreign language acquisition research in recent years, the present study aimed to explore the perceived functions of playfulness, as a personality construct, among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. To this aim, an initial sample of 38 EFL learners were selected randomly from the private language institutes of Mashhad, the second largest city in Iran. They were interviewed about any perceived functions of playfulness in the EFL learning context. A qualitative content analysis of the collected data led to the extraction of four categories: Fun and laughter, creativity, mastery orientation, and cultivating relationships. A further in-depth analysis of the categories and comparison with the functions of adult playfulness in psychology (primarily Proyer’s 2014 and 2017 works of research) revealed that these four categories can be subsumed under two of the four structural components of adult playfulness; namely, other-directed playfulness and intellectual playfulness. The ability of EFL learners to turn language learning situations, tasks, and environment into enjoyable ones via their playfulness can have implications for the quality of their interpersonal interactions in class and eventually their language proficiency. The findings of this study can pave the way for the translation of the adult playfulness construct from developmental and personality psychology and family relations into the second language acquisition (SLA) domain and its conceptualization in future research in this domain.
Early Clinical Effects of Novel Partial D3/D2 Agonist Cariprazine in Schizophrenia Patients With Predominantly Negative Symptoms (Open-Label, Non-controlled Study)
Authors: Ivanov Stanislav V. , Smulevich Anatoly B. , Voronova Evgeniya I. , Yakhin Kausar K. , Beybalaeva Tangyul Z. , Katok Alena A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Because of limited efficacy of antipsychotics against negative symptoms in schizophrenia new drugs with wider spectrums of clinical efficacy are very desirable. The newer 3rd generation antipsychotic cariprazine presents the unique mode of action acting as partial agonist predominantly for dopamine D3- and in lesser extent D2-receptors. Cariprazine is found to be effective in the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia comparing to second generation antipsychotic risperidone.

Objectives

To evaluate initial effects of cariprazine in schizophrenia patients with predominantly negative symptoms.

Design and Patients

Open-label, non-controlled study included 60 adult schizophrenia patients (F20 on ICD-10, 49% males) with predominantly negative symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, S factor score for negative and positive symptoms, PANSS-FSNS ≥ 15 and PANSS-FSPS <19) treated with cariprazine (starting daily dose 1.5 mg followed by upward titration by 1.5 mg weekly up to 6 mg if needed) were assessed with PANSS, CAINS (The Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms), CDSS (Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia), and SAS (Simpson-Angus Scale for Extrapyramidal Symptoms) scales at baseline and on week 1, 2, and 4.

Results

Most patients (75%) improved during 28 days of cariprazine treatment. At the end of assessment (day 28) mean starting total scores for negative symptoms on PANSS-NS and CAINS scales significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 4.3 and 4.9, respectively, with no significant changes in depression symptoms (CDSS). Cariprazine tolerability was very good, only four patients discontinued because of TEAEs (akathisia, insomnia).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest early effect of cariprazine on negative symptoms at least in some schizophrenia patients with predominantly negative symptoms starting from 1 to 2 weeks of treatment and could be useful for determination of early clinical predictors for efficacy. Considering limitations of open-label design with no control groups these data need to be confirmed.
The Sensory Abnormality Mediated Partially the Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Treating Comorbid Sleep Disorder in Autism Spectrum Disorder Children
Authors: Gao Lei , Wang Chen , Song Xiao-rong , Tian Li , Qu Zhi-yi , Han Yu , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2022

Sleep disorder emerges as a common comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the interaction between the core symptoms of ASD and its sleep disorder remains unclear. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was used on the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to investigate the efficacy of rTMS on the core symptoms of ASD and comorbid sleep problems as well as the mediation role of the ASD symptoms between rTMS intervention and sleep improvement. A total of 41 Chinese children with ASD and who met the criteria in the fifth edition of the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders were recruited, and 39 of them (mean age: 9.0 ± 4.4 years old; the male–female ratio was 3.9: 1) completed the study with the stimulating protocol of high frequency on the left DLPFC and low frequency on the right DLPFC. They were all assessed three times (before, at 4 weeks after, and at 8 weeks after the stimulation) by the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire-2, and Short Sensory Profile (SSP). The repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the main effect of “intervention time” of CSHQ (F = 25.103, P < 0.001), SSP (F = 6.345, P = 0.003), and SDQ (F = 9.975, P < 0.001) was statistically significant. By Bayesian mediation analysis, we only found that the total score of SSP mediated the treating efficacy of rTMS on CSHQ (αβ = 5.11 ± 1.51, 95% CI: 2.50–8.41). The percentage of mediation effect in total effect was 37.94%. Our results indicated the treating efficacy of rTMS modulation on bilateral DLPFC for both autistic symptoms and sleep disturbances. The sensory abnormality of ASD mediated the improvement of rTMS on sleep problems of ASD.
Utilization of a Mobile Multifunctional Workstation for Coronavirus Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal Specimen Collection
Authors: Lian Xiaojing , Zhang Lili , Zhao Yang , Li Yuhua , Jing Xuemin , Liu Xin , Han Jianing , Ma Jianhong , Zhang Yongyong , Guo Huimin , Huang Xiaojie
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the utilization of a mobile multifunctional workstation for COVID-19 sample collection.

Methods

Twenty-four nurses and 150 individuals who took nucleic acid tests using mobile multifunctional workstations in Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September to November 2020, were enrolled in the study as the observation group. As the control group, we included 36 nurses and 150 individuals who did not use the workstations from June to September 2020. We compared the two groups on (1) comfort of working environment, self-perceived security, the convenience of information system, operational process flexibility, pharyngeal acquisition visibility, and effectiveness of communication among nurses; and (2) self-perceived safety, waiting time, and overall satisfaction among individuals who took nucleic acid tests.

Results

The satisfaction score of nurses in the observation group of nurses were significantly higher than those of the control group (OR = 17.297 95% CI:4.294, 69.673), as well as the convenience of the information system (OR = 6.250 95% CI: 1.775, 22.008), and communication effectiveness (OR = 5.588 95% CI: 1.590, 19.646). Among individuals who took nucleic acid tests, the overall satisfaction (P < 0.05) and self-perceived security (P < 0.05) had statistical differences between the observation group and the control group.

Conclusions

The mobile multifunctional workstation for specimen collection could improve the comfort of the working environment, the convenience of information systems, and the effectiveness of communication among nurses.It can improve satisfaction and self-perceived security among people who took nucleic acid tests.
Key Technologies of New Type of Intravascular Ultrasound Image Processing
Authors: Xiao Youping
Published: January 2022

Since entering the 21st century, the application of ultrasound technology has developed rapidly. Intravascular ultrasound technology has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. With the help of computer image processing technology, it can provide clinicians with more accurate diagnosis. Based on the information to improve the success rate of clinical treatment. Based on this, this article combines the development history of intravascular ultrasound technology, explores the principles of new intravascular ultrasound technology, and analyzes the application of new intravascular ultrasound technology. On this basis, the preprocessing of intravascular ultrasound image data is discussed, involving the acquisition of intravascular ultrasound image data and image analysis. On this basis, explore the combined application of new intravascular ultrasound technology and other imaging examination methods, such as X-rays to use three-dimensional image technology to reconstruct new intravascular ultrasound image sequences, and provide doctors with clearer morphology and properties of tube wall lesions. In order to make a more accurate diagnosis of the lesion, a more detailed and accurate treatment plan can be given, which has extremely high clinical application value.
Effects of Dietary Choline Levels During Pregnancy on Reproductive Performance, Plasma Metabolome and Gut Microbiota of Sows
Authors: Zhong Wei , Hu Liang , Zhao Yang , Li Zhen , Zhuo Yong , Jiang Xuemei , Li Jian , Zhao Xilun , Che Lianqiang , Feng Bin , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Fang Zhengfeng , Wu De
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the effects of dietary choline levels during gestation on reproductive performance of sows. In addition, the plasma metabolome and gut microbiota of sows was studied. A total of 260 multiparous sows were allocated to five dietary treatment groups with increasing choline concentrations (1,050, 1,450, 1,850, 2,250, and 2,650 mg/kg) in a randomized complete block design. The sows were fed experimental diets from breeding until farrowing and a common lactating diet during lactation. The results showed that the backfat (BF) gain of sows during gestation, individual birth weight for total piglets born, piglets born alive, average piglet weight at weaning increased linearly (P < 0.05), whereas the within-litter birth weight variation coefficient (CV) of piglets born alive and suckling piglet mortality decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary choline level increased. A quadratic effect of dietary choline level was observed for the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows during lactation (P < 0.05). ADFI was maximized when the dietary choline concentration reached 1,910 mg/kg. Plasma H2O2 concentration at day 30 of gestation in the 1,050 mg/kg group was greater than that in the 1,850 and 2,650 mg/kg groups (P < 0.05). Plasma metabolomics identified 46 metabolites among the three groups. Specifically, plasma concentrations of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), dopamine, and L-proline increased while 1-methylhistidine concentration decreased as dietary choline levels increased. In addition, bacterial observed species and richness (Chao 1 and ACE) at day 110 of gestation decreased as dietary choline levels increased (P < 0.05). For the gut microbiota composition, the enhanced dietary choline level decreased the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria (P < 0.05) and increased the abundance of phylum Actinobacteria (P < 0.05) at day 30 of gestation. Compared with the 1,050 mg/kg group, the abundance of genus Terrisporobacter was less in the 1,850 mg/kg group, and genera Bacillus and Cellulomonas were greater in the 2,650 mg/kg group. In summary, increasing dietary choline levels improved the birth weight, uniformity of neonatal piglets and litter performance during lactation. This may be associated with better antioxidant capability, metabolic status, and gut microbiota of sows during gestation.
Content and Balance of Trace Elements (Co, Mn, Zn) in Agroecosystems of the Central Chernozemic Region of Russia
Authors: Lukin Sergei Victorovich , Zhuikov Denis Valerievich
Published: January 2022

This work is devoted to the study of the provision of arable soils with mobile forms of the most important trace elements (cobalt, manganese, and zinc). In modern Russian agriculture, the low provision of soils with trace elements is one of the reasons leading to lower yields and the deteriorating quality of most crops. The materials of the regional and local agroecological monitoring of soils in Belgorod region, which is part of the Central Black Earth region of Russia, were used in this work. The results of the local agroecological monitoring showed that the average gross contents of manganese, zinc, and cobalt in arable chernozems in the typical forest-steppe zone were respectively 345, 36.5, and 8.48 mg/kg, and in chernozems common in the steppe zone the contents were 397, 42.9, and 9.51 mg/kg. In the distribution of the gross contents of the studied trace elements in the profile of arable chernozems, a tendency of a gradual decrease in their concentrations with increasing depth was revealed. According to the results of the regional agroecological monitoring of arable soils in the Belgorod region for 2015–2018, it was found that the proportion of soils with a low content of mobile compounds of zinc (<2 mg/kg) was 90.3%; for cobalt (<0.2 mg/kg) and manganese (<10 mg/kg), the proportions were 99.3% and 38.6%, respectively. In these soils, it is advisable to introduce microfertilizers containing trace elements that are in deficit. The main sources of the manganese, zinc, and cobalt input to agroecosystems are organic fertilizers, which account for 79.3%, 86.3%, and 66.6% of the total amounts, respectively. Losses of manganese and cobalt from agroecosystems mainly occur as a result of the washing away of arable soils—82.8% and 96.8% of total losses, respectively—and 60.5% of zinc losses are due to alienation by the marketable part of the crop. A positive balance had been a feature of zinc, with an intensity of 106%, while manganese and cobalt had a negative balance, with intensities of 61.3% and 25.3%, respectively.
Combined Biostimulant Applications of Trichoderma spp. with Fatty Acid Mixtures Improve Biocontrol Activity, Horticultural Crop Yield and Nutritional Quality
Authors: Lanzuise Stefania , Manganiello Gelsomina , Guastaferro Valentino M. , Vincenzo Cono , Vitaglione Paola , Ferracane Rosalia , Vecchi Alfeo , Vinale Francesco , Kamau Solomon , Lorito Matteo , Woo Sheridan L.
Published: January 2022

The growing demand for safer foods reflects the public perception of the adverse consequences of chemicals used in agriculture. This research aimed at developing new biological formulations based on the combination of small microbial consortia containing two Trichoderma spp., with a medium–long chain fatty acids mixture (FAm). The bioactivity of these formulations was investigated on different vegetable crops in terms of biocontrol, growth promotion, yield and quality improvements. FAm application reduced Botrytis cinerea necrosis by up to 90% compared to the infected control plants and some of the assayed Trichoderma spp. + FAm combinations contained Rhizoctonia disease, reaching more than 90% reduction of tomato and lettuce plant mortality. An increasing yield, ranging to 25 and 90%, was recorded on treated tomato, lettuce and kohlrabi compared to untreated plants. A significant enrichment in carotenoids (+60%) and glucosinolates (+39%) was measured on biotreated plants compared to controls. Untargeted LC-MS analysis revealed a higher content of tomatine and dehydro-phytosphingosine, glycoalkaloids involved in defense responses, in Trichoderma spp. + FAm combination-treated plants. The combined biostimulant applications of Trichoderma spp. with FAm were able to improve the performances of different horticultural plant species, producing a premium quality marketable vegetable with higher antioxidant content.
Real Time Soil Moisture (RTSM) Based Irrigation Scheduling to Improve Yield and Water-Use Efficiency of Green Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Grown in North India
Authors: K. Arunadevi , M. Singh , Franco Denny , V. K. Prajapati , J. Ramachandran , G. R. Maruthi Sankar
Published: January 2022

A field experiment on green pea (Pisum Sativum L.) was conducted under drip irrigation to determine the irrigation schedule based on real-time soil moisture measurements with irrigation treatments (main plots) and fertilizer treatments (sub-plots) in a split-plot design with three replications. Main plots consisted of fourirrigation levels at different matric potential ranges (I1: −20 kPa; I2: −30 kPa; I3: −35 kPa; and I4: −40 kPa), while the sub-plots consisted of three fertigation levels (F1: 120%, F2: 100% and F3: 80%) of recommended dose of fertilizers (40:60:50 kg/ha of NPK). The tensiometer with digital pressure transducer transferred the soil matric potential data to the irrigation controller, which activated the solenoid valves for irrigation. Observations were collected on plant growth parameters, pod yield, and quality parameters. Descriptive statistics of different plant growth parameters were made. The higher SMP threshold (−20 kPa) and lower SMP threshold (−40 kPa) greatly reduced the yield and water-use efficiency. Considering the results, real-time soil moisture-based irrigation at the soil matric potential threshold level of −30 kPa with 120% of recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation was recommended for attaining maximum green pea pod yield and water-use efficiency under semi-arid Inceptisols.
Effect of Different Nitrogen Supply on Maize Emergence Dynamics, Evaluation of Yield Parameters of Different Hybrids in Long-Term Field Experiments
Authors: Szabó Atala , Széles Adrienn , Illés Árpád , Bojtor Csaba , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Nasir , Radócz László , Nagy János
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to examine the effect of various nitrogen (N) supply treatments on the date of emergence of maize hybrids classified in different age groups. The study site was at the University of Debrecen’s Látókép Experiment Station in Hungary. The date of emergence of the tested maize hybrids was monitored under control (0 kg N ha−1), 120 kg ha−1 N + PK, and 300 kg ha−1 N + PK nutrient levels in a long-term field experiment. In 2020, maize hybrids (H1 = FAO 490; H2: FAO 420–440; H3 = FAO 420; H4 = 490; H5 = 320–340; H6 = FAO 350–370) growing under natural precipitation supply conditions without irrigation were included in the study. During the days of emergence, different moisture, protein, oil, starch, and yield production levels were observed, according to the variance analysis. In diverse maize hybrids, increasing or decreasing fertilizer treatment resulted in diverse productivity metrics. Regression analysis revealed that the day of emergence had a greater impact on protein, moisture, starch, and oil content than N fertilizer; however, yield production was influenced by N fertilization, rather than day of emergence. Regarding productivity parameters, this study suggests that H1 has the best productivity until the fourth day of emergence.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) of Bacteria Isolated from Dogs with Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Infection: The Need for a Rational Use of Antibiotics in Companion Animal Health
Authors: Schirò Giorgia , Gambino Delia , Mira Francesco , Vitale Maria , Guercio Annalisa , Purpari Giuseppa , Antoci Francesco , Licitra Francesca , Chiaramonte Gabriele , La Giglia Maria , Randazzo Vincenzo , Vicari Domenico
Published: January 2022

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) represents a major viral threat to dogs. Considering the potential effects of pets on antimicrobial resistance, information on the CPV and associated bacterial co-infections is limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility and multidrug-resistance profiles of bacterial species from tissue samples of dogs with canine parvovirus infection. A set of PCR assays and sequence analyses was used for the detection and the molecular characterization of the CPV strains and other enteric viruses. Bacterial isolation, the determination of antimicrobial susceptibility via the disk diffusion method, and the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration were performed. The detection of β-lactamase genes and toxin genes for specific bacteria was also carried out. CPV infection was confirmed in 23 dogs. Forty-three bacterial strains were isolated and all showed phenotypic resistance. Seventeen multidrug-resistant bacteria and bacteria with high resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and metronidazole were detected. Almost 50% of the isolated Enterobacteriaceae were positive for at least one β-lactamase gene, with the majority carrying more genes as well. The evidence for multi-resistant bacteria with the potential for intra- or cross-species transmission should be further considered in a One Health approach.
Bioavailability Study of Isothiocyanates and Other Bioactive Compounds of Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica Boiled or Steamed: Functional Food or Dietary Supplement?
Authors: Orlando Patrick , Nartea Ancuta , Silvestri Sonia , Marcheggiani Fabio , Cirilli Ilenia , Dludla Phiwayinkosi V. , Fiorini Rosamaria , Pacetti Deborah , Loizzo Monica Rosa , Lucci Paolo , Tiano Luca
Published: January 2022

The levels of bioactive compounds in broccoli and their bioavailability following broccoli intake can be affected by the cooking procedures used for vegetable preparation. In the present pilot study, we compared the human plasma bioavailability of antioxidant compounds (β-carotene, lutein and isothiocyanate) and of phylloquinone (vitamin K) on seven volunteers before and after the administration of boiled and steamed broccoli. Moreover, plasma isothiocyanate (ITCs) levels were also evaluated after the administration of a single dose of BroccoMax®, a dietary supplement containing GLSs with active myrosinase. Steam-cooking has been demonstrated to promote higher plasma bioavailability in ITCs than boiling (AUCSTEAMED = 417.4; AUCBOILED = 175.3) and is comparable to that reached following the intake of BroccoMax®, a supplement containing glucoraphanin and active myrosinase (AUC = 450.1). However, the impact of boiling and steaming treatment on plasma bioavailability of lipophilic antioxidants (lutein and β-carotene) and of phylloquinone was comparable. The lutein and β-carotene plasma levels did not change after administration of steamed or boiled broccoli. Conversely, both treatments led to a similar increase of phylloquinone plasma levels. Considering the antioxidant action and the potential chemopreventive activity of ITCs, steaming treatments can be considered the most suitable cooking method to promote the health benefits of broccoli in the diet.
Is Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress a Viable Therapeutic Target in Preeclampsia?
Authors: Vaka Ramana , Deer Evangeline , LaMarca Babbette
Published: January 2022

Despite considerable research efforts over the past few decades, the pathology of preeclampsia (PE) remains poorly understood with no new FDA-approved treatments. There is a substantial amount of work being conducted by investigators around the world to identify targets to develop therapies for PE. Oxidative stress has been identified as one of the crucial players in pathogenesis of PE and has garnered a great deal of attention by several research groups including ours. While antioxidants have shown therapeutic benefit in preclinical models of PE, the clinical trials evaluating antioxidants (vitamin E and vitamin C) were found to be disappointing. Although the idea behind contribution of mitochondrial oxidative stress in PE is not new, recent years have seen an enormous interest in exploring mitochondrial oxidative stress as an important pathological mediator in PE. We and others using animals, cell models, and preeclamptic patient samples have shown the evidence for placental, renal, and endothelial cell mitochondrial oxidative stress, and its significance in PE. These studies offer promising results; however, the important and relevant question is can we translate these results into clinical efficacy in treating PE. Hence, the purpose of this review is to review the existing literature and offer our insights on the potential of mitochondrial antioxidants in treating PE.
Naturally Occurring Antioxidant Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Collins Andrila E. , Saleh Tarek M. , Kalisch Bettina E.
Published: January 2022

It is estimated that the prevalence rate of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will double by the year 2040. Although currently available treatments help with symptom management, they do not prevent, delay the progression of, or cure the disease. Interestingly, a shared characteristic of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases and disorders is oxidative stress. Despite profound evidence supporting the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and progression of AD, none of the currently available treatment options address oxidative stress. Recently, attention has been placed on the use of antioxidants to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress in the central nervous system. In preclinical studies utilizing cellular and animal models, natural antioxidants showed therapeutic promise when administered alone or in combination with other compounds. More recently, the concept of combination antioxidant therapy has been explored as a novel approach to preventing and treating neurodegenerative conditions that present with oxidative stress as a contributing factor. In this review, the relationship between oxidative stress and AD pathology and the neuroprotective role of natural antioxidants from natural sources are discussed. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of natural antioxidants as preventatives and/or treatment for AD is examined, with special attention paid to natural antioxidant combinations and conjugates that are currently being investigated in human clinical trials.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Key Components of a Standardized Centella asiatica Product in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults: A Phase 1, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wright Kirsten M. , Bollen Melissa , David Jason , Speers Alex B. , Brandes Mikah S. , Gray Nora E. , Alcázar Magaña Armando , McClure Christine , Stevens Jan F. , Maier Claudia S. , Quinn Joseph F. , Soumyanath Amala
Published: January 2022

Centella asiatica is reputed in Eastern medicine to improve cognitive function in humans. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that aqueous extracts of C. asiatica improve cognition in mouse models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through the modulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant response genes. This randomized, double-blind, crossover Phase I trial explored the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of key compounds from two doses (2 g and 4 g) of a standardized C. asiatica aqueous extract product (CAP), over 10 h, in four mildly demented older adults on cholinesterase inhibitor therapy. The analysis focused on triterpenes (TTs) and caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), which are known to contribute to C. asiatica’s neurological activity. The acute safety of CAP and the effects on NRF2 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated. Single administration of 2 g or 4 g of CAP was safe and well-tolerated. The TT aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid, were identified in plasma and urine, while the parent glycosides, asiaticoside and madecassoside, although abundant in CAP, were absent in plasma and had limited renal excretion. Similarly, mono- and di-CQAs showed delayed absorption and limited presence in plasma or urine, while the putative metabolites of these compounds showed detectable plasma pharmacokinetic profiles and urinary excretion. CAP elicited a temporal change in NRF2 gene expression, mirroring the TT aglycone’s pharmacokinetic curve in a paradoxical dose-dependent manner. The oral bioavailability of active compounds or their metabolites, NRF2 target engagement, and the acute safety and tolerability of CAP support the validity of using CAP in future clinical studies.
Reply to Janssen, H. Comment on “Cabrera et al. A User-Friendly Tool to Characterize the Moisture Transfer in Porous Building Materials: FLoW1D. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5090”
Authors: Cabrera Virginia , López-Vizcaíno Rubén , Yustres Ángel , Ruiz Miguel Ángel , Torrero Enrique , Navarro Vicente
Published: January 2022

A significant part of the critical comments by Prof. Janssen, in relation to the work presented in [...]
ERT and GPR Prospecting Applied to Unsaturated and Subwater Analogue Archaeological Site in a Full Scale Laboratory
Authors: Capozzoli Luigi , Giampaolo Valeria , De Martino Gregory , Perciante Felice , Lapenna Vincenzo , Rizzo Enzo
Published: January 2022

Geophysical techniques are widely applied in the archaeological field to highlight variations of the physical behaviour of the subsoil due to the presence of ancient and buried remains., Considerable efforts are required to understand the complexity of the relationship between archaeological features and their geophysical response where saturated conditions occur. In the case of lacustrine and wetland scenarios, geophysical contrasts or electromagnetic signal attenuation effects drastically reduce the capabilities of the geophysical methodologies for the detection of structures in such conditions. To identify the capability of the electrical and electromagnetic methods in different water-saturated scenarios, an experimental activity was performed at the Hydrogeosite CNR laboratory. The test allowed us to analyze the limits and potentialities of an innovative approach based on the combined use of the ground-penetrating radar and 2D and 3D electrical resistivity tomographies. Results showed the effectiveness of the ground-penetrating radar for detecting archaeological remains also in quasi-saturated and underwater scenarios despite the em signal attenuation phenomena; whilst the results obtained involving the resistivity tomographies offered a new perspective for the archaeological purposes due to the use of the loop–loop shaped array. Moreover, the radar signal attenuation, resolution and depth of investigation do not allow to fully characterize the archaeological site as in the case of the scenarios with a limited geophysical contrast (i.e., water-saturated and arid scenarios). The experimental tests show that these limits can be only partially mitigated through the integration of the geophysical methodologies and further efforts are necessary for improving the results obtainable with an integrated use of the adopted geophysical methodologies.
A Comparative Analysis between Battery- and Solar-Powered Wireless Sensors for Soil Water Monitoring
Authors: Tsiropoulos Zisis , Gravalos Ioannis , Skoubris Evangelos , Poulek Vladislav , Petrík Tomáš , Libra Martin
Published: January 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have found wide applications in many fields (such as agriculture) over last few years, and research interest is constantly increasing. However, power supply to the sensor nodes remains an issue to be resolved. Batteries are usually used to power the sensor nodes, but they have a limited lifetime, so solar energy harvesters are a good alternative solution. This study provides a comparative analysis between battery and solar energy harvesters for sensor nodes used for soil water monitoring. Experimental results show that small-sized solar panels with low-power energy harvester circuits and rechargeable batteries distinctly outperform secondary batteries in outdoor and continuous-operation applications. The power level of the energy storage device of sensor node 1, which was powered by a small PV panel, remained constantly close to 90% for all days. The power of the other three nodes, which were powered by a rechargeable battery, was initially at 100% of the charge and gradually started to reduce. Sensor node 1 performed a total of 1288 activations during the experimental period, while sensor nodes 2 and 4 behaved satisfactorily and performed a total of 781 and 803 activations, respectively. In contrast, sensor node 3 did not exhibit the same behavior throughout the experiments.
Comparative Analysis of Degree of Risk between the Frequency Aspect and Probability Aspect Using Integrated Uncertainty Method Considering Work Type and Accident Type in Construction Industry
Authors: Jeong Jaemin , Jeong Jaewook
Published: January 2022

Fatal incidents in the construction business are higher than in other industries. Previous studies concentrated on the frequency of fatal incidents based on safety management, however, the probability of fatal incidents might be more important than the frequency of fatal incidents. For instance, certain work types have low fatal incident cases but show a high probability of fatal incidents, which means they are riskier than others. The purpose of this study is to analyze the level of risk by comparing the frequency of fatal incidents and probability of fatal incidents for 27 types of work and 18 types of accidents using an uncertainty analysis. This study is carried out in five stages from the collection of data to conducting the statistical analysis. The result of the research shows the estimated rank of frequency and probability for work and accident type, respectively. For instance, ‘reinforced concrete construction work’ (66.5 fatal incidents) showed the highest frequency work type, and ‘scaffold and demolition work’ (28.65‱) showed the highest fatality rate. This research addressed the uncertainty problem using an integrated time series and estimation method to compare the degree of risk from the viewpoint of frequency and probability aspects in the construction business.
Processing RGB Color Sensors for Measuring the Circadian Stimulus of Artificial and Daylight Light Sources
Authors: Trinh Vinh Quang , Babilon Sebastian , Myland Paul , Khanh Tran Quoc
Published: January 2022

The three main tasks of modern lighting design are to support the visual performance, satisfy color emotion (color quality), and promote positive non-visual outcomes. In view of large-scale applications, the use of simple and inexpensive RGB color sensors to monitor related visual and non-visual illumination parameters seems to be of great promise for the future development of human-centered lighting control systems. In this context, the present work proposes a new methodology to assess the circadian effectiveness of the prevalent lighting conditions for daylight and artificial light sources in terms of the physiologically relevant circadian stimulus (CS) metric using such color sensors. In the case of daylight, the raw sensor readouts were processed in such a way that the CIE daylight model can be applied as an intermediate step to estimate its spectral composition, from which CS can eventually be calculated straightforwardly. Maximal CS prediction errors of less than 0.0025 were observed when tested on real data. For artificial light sources, on the other hand, the CS approximation method of Truong et al. was applied to estimate its circadian effectiveness from the sensor readouts. In this case, a maximal CS prediction error of 0.028 must be reported, which is considerably larger compared to daylight, but still in an acceptable range for typical indoor lighting applications. The use of RGB color sensors is thus shown to be suitable for estimating the circadian effectiveness of both types of illumination with sufficient accuracy for practical applications.
Driver Drowsiness Detection by Applying Deep Learning Techniques to Sequences of Images
Authors: Magán Elena , Sesmero M. Paz , Alonso-Weber Juan Manuel , Sanchis Araceli
Published: January 2022

This work presents the development of an ADAS (advanced driving assistance system) focused on driver drowsiness detection, whose objective is to alert drivers of their drowsy state to avoid road traffic accidents. In a driving environment, it is necessary that fatigue detection is performed in a non-intrusive way, and that the driver is not bothered with alarms when he or she is not drowsy. Our approach to this open problem uses sequences of images that are 60 s long and are recorded in such a way that the subject’s face is visible. To detect whether the driver shows symptoms of drowsiness or not, two alternative solutions are developed, focusing on the minimization of false positives. The first alternative uses a recurrent and convolutional neural network, while the second one uses deep learning techniques to extract numeric features from images, which are introduced into a fuzzy logic-based system afterwards. The accuracy obtained by both systems is similar: around 65% accuracy over training data, and 60% accuracy on test data. However, the fuzzy logic-based system stands out because it avoids raising false alarms and reaches a specificity (proportion of videos in which the driver is not drowsy that are correctly classified) of 93%. Although the obtained results do not achieve very satisfactory rates, the proposals presented in this work are promising and can be considered a solid baseline for future works.
Planning of Optical Connections in 5G Packet-Optical xHaul Access Network
Authors: Klinkowski Mirosław , Jaworski Marek
Published: January 2022

One of the main challenges in dense 5G radio access networks (RANs) is provisioning of low-cost connectivity between a large number of antennas, located at remote sites, and a central site (hub) in which baseband processing functions are performed. Packet-switched Ethernet and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) are two principal transport network technologies enabling the reduction of the demand for direct optical fiber connections between the antennas and the hub. Whereas Ethernet allows for statistical multiplexing of multiple xHaul (fronthaul/midhaul/backhaul) flows and their aggregation in a high-capacity transmission link, WDM makes it possible to establish a number of such links (using different wavelengths) in a single optical fiber. Additional savings in the amount of fibers required can be achieved by means of optical add-drop multiplexers (OADMs) that allow for obtaining access to unused wavelengths by intermediate remote nodes, whenever the capacity on the WDM system is not fully utilized by the end remote node. In this work, we focus on the problem of planning optimal fiber connections, including the placement of OADMs for a set of wavelength demands at remote sites, with the aim of minimizing the amount of fibers used in a packet-optical xHaul access network carrying 5G traffic. We consider a passive WDM system in which the maximum transmission distance, estimated using an optical power-budget model, depends on the number of OADMs that are present on the transmission path. To formulate and solve the optimization problem, we make use of integer linear programming (ILP). We apply the ILP model in network analysis. In particular, by means of numerical experiments performed for two different network topologies, we study the impact of traffic load (in terms of the number of requested wavelengths) and optical multiplexer loss on the number of transmission paths that have to be established in the network. Obtained results show that the savings in fiber connections of up to 65% can be achieved in a packet-optical xHaul network if OADMs are used when compared to the scenario without OADMs.
A New Electrode Design for Direct Bladder Wall Stimulation: A Pilot Minipig Study with Chronic Testing
Authors: Walter James , Hutu Ioan , Tomancok Berndt , Cumpanas Alin Adrian , Bardan Razvan , Latcu Silviu , Rusmir Andrei , Novacescu Dorin , Georgescu Ovidiu , Pentea Marius , Cumpanas Andrei Dragos , Madersbacher Helmut
Published: January 2022

(1) Aims: To test a newly designed helical-wire hook electrode implanted in the bladder wall to induce contraction and promote voiding. (2) Methods: In three minipigs with a created lesion of the sacral spinal cord, four electrodes were implanted in the bladder wall, ventral to the trigone. Stimulation tests were conducted initially in conscious pigs, and later after general anesthesia. (3) Results: Electrical stimulation in the conscious animals on postoperative days 4 and 7 at 40 Hz was limited to 10 mA, because of abdominal, leg, and anal contractions with animal discomfort; bladder contractions were not induced. Electrical stimulation on postoperative days 9 and 28 at 60 mA under anesthesia induced sustained vesical wall contractions with bladder pressure variations, but without voiding. Simultaneous abdominal contractions occurred, with strong leg and anal contractions. Subsequent stimulation with a single set of electrodes or at 20 Hz induced less vesical pressure response. At autopsy, the electrodes had not migrated, and extraction forces were high, at 7.9 ± 0.9 Newtons (n = 12). (4) Conclusions: Our 28-day study has confirmed the utility of the new electrode design, preventing migration from the bladder wall and making it suitable for long-term electrode implants.