bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semiempirical constitutive relationship for rocks under uniaxial compression considering the initial damage recovery
Authors: Xie Shijie , Han Zhenyu , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2023

A better understanding of the constitutive model and damage evolution law is the premise to ensure their feasibility and practicability in rock engineering projects. In this paper, a damage constitutive relationship, which can reflect the initial damage recovery, is established based on the generalized equivalent strain principle and the initial tangent modulus. A Weibull distribution‐based model is also established to represent the deformation after the compaction point. A piecewise expression of the complete stress–strain curve of rocks under uniaxial compression is thereby obtained by the combination of the above two constitutive models. Finally, the effectiveness of the piecewise constitutive relationship is verified using uniaxial compression test data of different types of rocks. The results show that the theoretical curves are in good agreement with the experimental curves. Parameters of the proposed relationship are relatively to be derived, making it convenient for engineering applications.
Unequal opportunities in accessing employability‐related programmes: South Asian graduates' experiences in Australia
Authors: Nachatar Singh Jasvir Kaur
Published: January 2023

Limited scholarly work has been conducted on obtaining equal opportunities to participate in employability‐related programmes by international students while studying in Australia. Drawing on a qualitative study, 20 South Asian postgraduates were interviewed to explore their experiences in accessing employability‐related programmes. Based on the findings, South Asian graduates have experienced unequal opportunities in accessing employability‐related programmes as postgraduate international students in Australia. They are disadvantaged by generic career advice and resume assistance offered by their university career office, and companies invited to university career fairs offer internships, placements or graduate programme opportunities mostly to domestic students. As a result, South Asian graduates were unable to gain employment in their field of studies. South Asian graduates have also offered several useful recommendations to facilitate more equal chances of developing employability and thereby gaining successful employment in Australia. These include partnerships with companies in providing employment opportunities, diversification of university career office roles, and establishing connections with alumni. The paper also discusses implications for Australian higher education institutions and higher education policy and practice in Australia.
The role of psychological flexibility in the relationships between burnout, job satisfaction, and mental health among nurses in combatting COVID‐19: A two‐region survey
Authors: Chong Yuen Yu , Frey Eveline , Chien Wai Tong , Cheng Ho Yu , Gloster Andrew T.
Published: January 2023

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that the COVID‐19 pandemic is adversely impacting the mental health and well‐being of frontline nurses worldwide. It is therefore important to understand how such impact can be mitigated, including by studying psychological capacities that could help the nurses regulate and minimize the impact.

Aim

To examine the role of psychological flexibility in mitigating the adverse impacts of burnout and low job satisfaction on mental health problems (i.e., anxiety, depression, and stress) and well‐being among the frontline nurses in Hong Kong and Switzerland during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Cross‐sectional, two‐region survey study.

Method

Four hundred fifty‐two nurses from Hong Kong (n = 158) and Switzerland (n = 294) completed an online survey. An adjusted structured equation model was used to examine the interrelationship of the constructs.

Results

Psychological flexibility was found to partially mediate the effects of job satisfaction on mental well‐being (β = 0.32, 95% CI [0.19, 0.57], p = 0.001) and mental health problems (β = −0.79, 95% CI [−1.57, −0.44], p = 0.001), respectively. Similarly, this partial mediation was found in the effects of burnout on mental well‐being (β = −0.35, 95% CI [−0.89, −0.15], p = 0.002) and mental health problems (β = 0.89, 95% CI [0.48, 3.65], p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Psychological flexibility could be a crucial psychological resilience factor against the adverse impact of nurses' burnout on their mental health problems and well‐being during COVID‐19.

Clinical Relevance

Organizational measures should focus on fostering psychological flexibility in nurses through highly accessible, brief psychotherapeutic interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to reduce the impact on mental health.
Diagnostic performance of CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH‐I in identifying primary ovarian cancer
Authors: Luo Hui‐Jing , Hu Zhi‐Dong , Cui Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Fang , Tian Wen‐Yan , Ma Chao‐Qun , Ren Ya‐Nv , Dong Zuo‐Liang
Published: January 2023

Aims

To evaluate the ability of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA), and Copenhagen Index (CPH‐I) to identify primary ovarian cancer (OC) from borderline and benign ovarian tumors (OTs) and explore ideal cutoff points.

Methods

A total of 684 OTs containing 276 OC patients, 116 ovarian borderline OTs and 292 benign OTs patients who underwent surgery in our hospital were included. We retrospectively searched the results of CA125 and HE4 before patients' surgery from the hospital's electronic medical records system. ROMA and CPH‐I were calculated according to their menopausal status and age, respectively. Diagnostic performance of these four were assessed by drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH‐I were all significantly higher in OC women compared with borderline OTs (p < 0.001), followed by benign OTs (p < 0.001). Area under the curves (AUCs) for distinguishing OC were 0.850 (0.818–0.882), 0.891 (0.865–0.916), 0.910 (0.888–0.933) and 0.906 (0.882–0.930), respectively, and the corresponding ideal cutoff values for CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH‐I were 132.5, 68.6, 23.8, and 6.4, respectively. The difference between ROMA and CPH‐I was not significant (p = 0.97), but both were higher than CA125 and HE4 (p < 0.05). HE4 showed a significantly higher AUC than CA125 (p < 0.05). For postmenopausal women, CA125 performed equivalently to ROMA (p = 0.73) and CPH‐I (p = 0.91).

Conclusions

In identifying patients with OC, ROMA and CPH‐I outperformed single tumor marker. The diagnostic performance of HE4 was significantly higher than that of CA125. CA125 was more suitable for postmenopausal women.
Association of poor oral health status and faecal incontinence in patients with dysphagia: A cross‐sectional analysis from the Sarcopenic Dysphagia Database
Authors: Shimizu Akio , Maki Hiroki , Ohno Tomohisa , Nomoto Akiko , Fujishima Ichiro , Kayashita Jun , Momosaki Ryo , Nishioka Shinta , Wakabayashi Hidetaka
Published: January 2023

Background

Poor oral health status may alter oral and gut microbiota. Previous studies have shown that poor oral health can exacerbate gut inflammation. Therefore, poor oral health status may be related to faecal incontinence via changes in the gut.

Objective

To investigate the association between poor oral health status and faecal incontinence in inpatients with dysphagia.

Methods

This multicentre cross‐sectional study included 423 patients (mean age 79.8 ± 11.5 years, 48.2% female) with dysphagia. Oral health status was assessed at each facility using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) or the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG). Poor oral health status was defined as an OHAT score of ≥3 or a ROAG score of ≥13. A multivariate logistic model was used to analyse the association between poor oral health status and faecal incontinence.

Results

A total of 351 (83.0%) patients had poor oral health and 97 (22.7%) had faecal incontinence. Patients with poor oral health status had a higher proportion of faecal incontinence than those with normal oral health status (25.4% vs. 11.1%, p = .009). A multivariate logistic model revealed an association between faecal incontinence and poor oral health status (adjusted odds ratio = 2.501, 95% confidence interval = 1.065–5.873, p = .035).

Conclusions

Poor oral health status assessed by OHAT or ROAG in inpatients with dysphagia may adversely affect faecal incontinence. Further studies are needed to determine the causal relationship between poor oral health status and faecal incontinence.
Effect of sintering on the translucency of CAD–CAM lithium disilicate restorations: A comparative in vitro study
Authors: Jurado Carlos A. , Afrashtehfar Kelvin I. , Hyer Jared , Alhotan Abdulaziz
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The available independent data on the translucency of novel pre and fully sintered chairside computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD–CAM) lithium disilicate are limited. This comparative in vitro study evaluated the translucency degree of pre and fully sintered chairside CAD–CAM lithium disilicate crowns after optional, required, and additional firing processes.

Materials and methods

One hundred and five maxillary left central incisor crowns manufactured by three different CAD–CAM lithium disilicate brands shade A1 were assigned into seven groups as follows (n = 15): (1) Straumann n!ce without sintering; (2) Straumann n!ce with one additional sintering process; (3) Straumann n!ce with two additional sintering processes; (4) Amber Mill with one sintering process; (5) Amber Mill with two sintering processes; (6) IPS e.max CAD with one sintering process; and (7) IPS e.max CAD with two sintering processes. The translucency of all crowns was evaluated with a color imaging spectrophotometer. All statistical analyses were performed using statistical software. A standard level of significance was set at α < 0.05.

Results

All the milled crowns presented different degrees of translucency, and additional sintering processes altered it. IPS e.max CAD with two (4.33 ± 0.26) and one (4.01 ± 0.15) sintering processes displayed the highest translucency, whereas Straumann n!ce with no sintering process provided the lowest value (2.82 ± 0.16).

Conclusions

The translucency of chairside lithium disilicate single‐unit full‐coverage restorations manufactured with subtractive technology was significantly influenced by the brand and the number of sintering processes. The traditional presintered IPS e.max CAD and the fully crystallized glass–ceramic Straumann n!ce considerably increased the translucency after one additional firing process, whereas Amber Mill decreased its translucency.
Continuities Between Peircean Realism and Critical Realism: On Causation, Ontology, and Truth
Authors: Ritz Bridget
Published: January 2023

In recent years, critical realists have increasingly engaged with the thought of Charles S. Peirce (1839‐1914), the founder of the American pragmatist tradition. But the engagement has been mostly narrow in focus and at times misinformed. This paper examines points of continuity between Peircean thought and critical realism with respect to causation, ontology, and truth. Its purpose is to lay the groundwork for further and more fruitful engagement between the traditions by bringing attention to some things critical realists may not have known, and to correct some inaccurate things they thought they knew, about Peirce's philosophy.
The MYB transcription factor Seed Shattering 11 controls seed shattering by repressing lignin synthesis in African rice
Authors: Ning Jing , He Wei , Wu Linhua , Chang Leqin , Hu Min , Fu Yongcai , Liu Fengxia , Sun Hongying , Gu Ping , Ndjiondjop Marie‐Noelle , Sun Chuanqing , Zhu Zuofeng
Published: January 2023

African cultivated rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) was domesticated from its wild progenitor species (Oryza barthii) about 3000 years ago. Seed shattering is one of the main constraints on grain production in African cultivated rice, which causes severe grain losses during harvest. By contrast, Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) displays greater resistance to seed shattering, allowing higher grain production. A better understanding in regulation of seed shattering would help to improve harvesting efficiency in African cultivated rice. Here, we report the map‐based cloning and characterization of OgSH11, a MYB transcription factor controlling seed shattering in O. glaberrima. OgSH11 represses the expression of lignin biosynthesis genes and lignin deposition by binding to the promoter of GH2. We successfully developed a new O. glaberrima material showing significantly reduced seed shattering by knockout of SH11 in O. glaberrima using CRISPR‐Cas9 mediated approach. Identification of SH11 not only supplies a new target for seed shattering improvement in African cultivated rice, but also provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of abscission layer development.
Two environmental signal‐driven RNA metabolic processes: Alternative splicing and translation
Authors: Wang Long , Xu Fan , Yu Feng
Published: January 2023

Plants live in fixed locations and have evolved adaptation mechanisms that integrate multiple responses to various environmental signals. Among the different components of these response pathways, receptors/sensors represent nodes that recognise environmental signals. Additionally, RNA metabolism plays an essential role in the regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis. With the development of RNA biotechnology, recent advances have been made in determining the roles of RNA metabolism in response to different environmental signals—especially the roles of alternative splicing and translation. In this review, we discuss recent progress in research on how the environmental adaptation mechanisms in plants are affected at the posttranscriptional level. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanism through which plants adapt to environmental changes by regulating the posttranscriptional level and are conducive for breeding stress‐tolerant plants to cope with dynamic and rapidly changing environments.
Organic acidurias in Egyptian children: The urge for high‐risk screening
Authors: Mehaney Dina A. , Seliem Zeinab S. , Selim Laila A. , Khalil Mona S. , Abou‐Youssef Hazem S. , Elsayed Elham M. , Abdou Doaa M. , Rizzo Cristiano , Dioniasi‐Vici Carlo , Abdelazim Aya M. , Elkady Sherihan H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Organic acidurias are a group of inborn errors of metabolism. They present a significant diagnostic challenge and are associated with serious morbidity and mortality. They are considered the most frequent inborn errors of metabolism among high‐risk children. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is a reliable diagnostic technique for organic acidurias.

This hospital‐based study aimed to quantify the frequency of organic acidurias among a group of high‐risk Egyptian pediatric patients and to highlight the importance of high‐risk screening for such disorders.

Methods

One hundred and fifty high‐risk children who presented to the inherited metabolic disease unit and the pediatric intensive care units of Cairo University Children Hospital were tested for urine organic acids using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

Thirty percent (45/150) of the patients were confirmed as having an altered organic acids profile. Neurological manifestations were the most common presentation. Glutaric aciduria type I and maple‐syrup urine disease were the most common disorders encountered among the group that was studied.

Conclusion

Organic acid detection by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is key to the diagnosis of many metabolic disorders. Until a national expanded newborn screening program is established, high‐risk screening is strongly encouraged for the early detection of, and proper intervention for such disorders among Egyptian children.
Recurrent inhibition contribution to corticomuscular coherence modulation between contraction types
Authors: Glories Dorian , Duclay Julien
Published: January 2023

Recent findings provided evidence that spinal regulatory mechanisms were involved in corticomuscular coherence (CMC) modulation between contraction types. Although their relative contributions could not be precisely identified, it was suggested that recurrent inhibition (RI) could modulate CMC by regulating the synchronization of spinal motoneuron activity. To confirm this hypothesis, concurrent modulations of RI and CMC for the soleus (SOL) were compared during submaximal isometric, shortening and lengthening plantar flexions. Submaximal contraction intensity was set at 50% of the maximal SOL EMG activity. CMC was computed in the time‐frequency domain between the Cz EEG electrode signal and the nonrectified SOL EMG signal. The RI was quantified through the paired Hoffmann (H) reflex technique by comparing the modulations of the test and conditioning H‐reflexes (H' and H1, respectively). Both beta‐band CMC and the ratio between H′ and H1 amplitudes were significantly lower in SOL during lengthening compared with isometric and shortening contractions. Furthermore, we observed a negative linear correlation between the RI and beta‐band CMC. Finally, a higher RI increase during lengthening contractions compared to either isometric or shortening ones was correlated with a larger decrease in CMC. Collectively, these novel findings provide robust evidence that the RI acts as a neural “filter” that contributes to the modulation of corticomuscular interactions between contraction types, possibly by disrupting the oscillatory muscle activation.
Increases in muscle temperature by hot water improve muscle contractile function and reduce motor unit discharge rates
Authors: Rodrigues Patrick , Orssatto Lucas B. R. , Trajano Gabriel Siqueira , Wharton Lee , Minett Geoffrey M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Examine the effects of 42°C hot‐water immersion on muscle contraction function and motor unit discharge rates. Voluntary and evoked contraction assessments were examined first with a concomitant increase in the core and muscle temperature, and thereafter with increased muscle temperature but cooled core temperature.

Methods

Fifteen participants (24.9 ± 5.6 years) performed neuromuscular assessments before, after, and ~15‐min after either 90‐min of 42°C (hot) or 36°C (control) water immersion. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) assessment of knee extension was performed along with surface electromyography (sEMG) (vastus lateralis and medialis [VL, VM]) and voluntary activation level (VAL). Resting evoked twitch was elicited for peak torque and time to peak torque analysis. In addition, the VL and VM motor unit discharge rates (MUDR) were measured.

Results

After hot‐water immersion (core temperature ↑1°C; muscle temperature ↑2.4°C), MVC torque and VAL decreased (p < 0.05). The sEMG (VL and VM) and peak twitch torque did not change (p > 0.05), while time to peak torque decreased (p = 0.007). The VL and VM MUDR decreased, showing a time effect, after both water immersion conditions (36 and 42°C) (p > 0.001). Fifteen minutes after the hot‐water immersion (core temperature at baseline; muscle temperature ↑1.4°C), MVC torque returned to baseline, but VAL remained lower. The sEMG (VL and VM) remained unchanged. Peak twitch torque increased (p < 0.002) and time to peak torque remained lower (p = 0.028). The MUDR remained lower after both water immersion conditions (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased core temperature evoked by 42°C hot‐water immersion decreases MVC torque and VAL. However, a passive increase in muscle temperature improved evoked muscle contractile function (i.e., time to peak torque [after] and peak twitch torque [~15 min after]). Moreover, a passive increase in muscle temperature reduced the required MUDR to attain the same torque.
Assessing the effect of cleansing products on artificially polluted human hairs and skin through in vivo and in vitro models
Authors: Galliano Anthony , Ye Chengda , Su Fengjie , Wang Chad , Rakshit Rima , Guerin Myriam , Flament Frédéric , Steel Andrew
Published: January 2023

Objective

Based on in vivo data, in vitro models and new methods are created to mimic the impact of aerial pollution onto the hair surface and assess the efficacy of different formulae prototypes.

Material and methods

Two protocols are developed to mimic the pollution effect, in vitro, on purchased swatches, and in vivo, on scalps and forearms. First, with an artificial sebum mixed with Carbon Black particles, named “sebollution,” we evaluated, through an instrumental color measurement, the cleansing efficacy of some shampoo on scalp and hair. The second protocol allowed to assess the interaction between hair care product deposit (shampoo, conditioner, mask, and leave‐on) on hair and carbon black particles spread on fiber. The quantification of particle coverage allowed to evaluate the efficiency of a formula to limit the aerial pollution deposit on hair fiber.

Results

To simplify and accelerate the evaluation of 42 shampoo formulae, an extrapolation of the scalp cleaning process was validated on forearm. The respective cleanabilities were calculated and covered a large range of efficacy, from 5%, for a basic bland shampoo generally used to reset swatches, to a strong deep cleansing efficacy of 100%. On hair swatches, cleanability efficiencies of five shampoo were also evaluated to eliminate the deposited of sebollution, in a range of 40%–80%. To quantify the efficacy of preventing the deposition of carbon particle on hair surface, the percentage of coverage of 45 different products was measured, from 2% to 16%. The performance depended of the product category (shampoo, conditioner, mask, and leave‐on), driven by the performance of the product deposit, and the capacity of this deposit to interact with aerial pollution.

Conclusion

Three new protocols and evaluation methods are proposed to evaluate and quantify the performance of hair care product, to remove/clean, limit, and protect the hair fibers against the aerial pollution that could interact with hair, scalp and sebum. The validation of these approaches was done through the testing of a large panel of hair care product leading to a complete and sincere evaluation of cleansing and anti‐deposit efficacy. Combining the knowledge acquired on pollution impact on hair and the development of specific way of evaluation, this work reinforced the rationale of using and developing new cosmetic products that reduced the impact of pollution upon some hair properties.
Truth‐value relations and logical relations
Authors: Humberstone Lloyd
Published: January 2023

After some generalities about connections between functions and relations in Sections 1 and 2 recalls the possibility of taking the semantic values of ‐ary Boolean connectives as ‐ary relations among truth‐values rather than as ‐ary truth functions. Section 3, the bulk of the paper, looks at correlates of these truth‐value relations as applied to formulas, and explores in a preliminary way how their properties are related to the properties of “logical relations” among formulas such as equivalence, implication (entailment) and contrariety (logical incompatibility), concentrating for illustrative purposes on binary logical relations such as those just listed. To avoid an excess of footnotes, some points have been deferred to an Appendix as “Longer Notes”.
Field study of the fire‐blight‐resistant cisgenic apple line C44.4.146
Authors: Schlathölter Ina , Broggini Giovanni A. L. , Streb Sebastian , Studer Bruno , Patocchi Andrea
Published: January 2023

Cisgenesis, the genetic modification of a plant with genes from a sexually compatible plant, was used to confer fire blight resistance to the cultivar ‘Gala Galaxy’ by amendment of the resistance gene FB_MR5, resulting in the line C44.4.146. To verify whether cisgenesis changed other tree‐, flower‐ or fruit‐related traits, a 5‐year field trial was conducted with trees of C44.4.146 and multiple control genotypes, including members of the ‘Gala’ sports group. None of the 44 investigated tree‐, flower‐ or fruit‐related traits significantly differed between C44.4.146 and at least one of the control genotypes in all observation years. However, fruits of C44.4.146 and its wild‐type ‘Gala Galaxy’ from tissue culture were paler in color than fruits of ‘Gala Galaxy’ that had not undergone tissue culture. There was no significant and consistently detected difference in the fruit flesh and peel metabolome of C44.4.146 compared with the control genotypes. Finally, the disease resistance of C44.4.146 was confirmed also when the fire blight pathogen was inoculated through the flowers. We conclude that the use of cisgenesis to confer fire blight resistance to ‘Gala Galaxy’ in C44.4.146 did not have unintended effects, and that the in vitro establishment of ‘Gala Galaxy’ had a greater effect on C44.4.146 properties than its generation applying cisgenesis.
Habitat quality–physicochemical water quality–littoral macroinvertebrate community nexus in Lugo Lake (Ethiopia): Priorities for sustainable water resources management
Authors: Woretaw Lebasie , Dagne Mengesha , Gizeyatu Adinew , Daba Chala , Atamo Amanuel , Sewunet Birhanu , Debela Sisay Abebe , Birara Amualaw , Gebrehiwot Mesfin
Published: January 2023

The integration of water quality characteristics with habplot‐based habitat quality assessment score (HabQA) has received little attention in ecological quality assessment studies. This study investigated the macroinvertebrate community structure in relation with lake habitat quality and physicochemical water quality variables in Lugo Lake (Ethiopia). Twelve sampling sites (eight agricultural and four recreational) were included. The variation among macroinvertebrates data was significantly explained by HabQA score and soluble reactive phosphorus. The study revealed the greater importance of habitat quality characteristics in comparison with the other conventional physicochemical characteristics on macroinvertebrate community structure. We strongly recommend the use of HabQA system while studying macroinvertebrate community structure for a deeper understanding of the environmental functioning of tropical lakes. The results suggested the need to apply integrated and sustainable protection and management of the lake catchment (including wetlands) to enhance the ecological integrity and hence biodiversity of lakes.
Palygorskite–TiO2 nanocatalysts for photocatalytic degradation of tebuconazole in water
Authors: Gianni Eleni , Panagiotaras Dionisios , Giannakis Ioannis , Papoulis Dimitrios , Bekiari Vlasoula , Panagopoulos Georgios , Petrounias Petros , Kalarakis Alexandros
Published: January 2023

Palygorskite–TiO2 nanoparticles are frequently used as nanocatalysts. In the present study, two different nanocatalysts were developed based on the use of different palygorskite–TiO2 ratios: 40–60 and 10–90. The nanocomposites were investigated for the photocatalytic degradation of the common fungicide tebuconazole (TEB), under aquatic conditions. The samples were extensively characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and N2 specific surface area (SSA) by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analytical techniques. The TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully dispersed on the mineral's surfaces and the photocatalytic activity reached 88.4% for the palygorskite–TiO2 ratio of 40:60, where the dispersion was better as proved by the total pore volume and BET parameters (0.49 cm3/g and 258 m2/g compared to 0.33 cm3/g and 220 m2/g of the 10:90 ratio). The photocatalytic efficiency of the proposed materials was significantly higher than Degussa P25 (33.2%), and that makes the palygorskite–TiO2 nanocomposites very promising for advanced application in fungicides' degradation in aquatic environments.
Presymplectic BV-AKSZ formulation of conformal gravity
Authors: Dneprov Ivan , Grigoriev Maxim
Published: January 2023

We elaborate on the presymplectic BV-AKSZ approach to local gauge theories and apply it to conformal gravity. More specifically, we identify a compatible presymplectic structure on the minimal model of the total BRST complex of this theory and show that together with the BRST differential it determines a full-scale BV formulation for a specific frame-like action which seems to be previously unknown. Remarkably, the underlying frame-like description requires no artificial off-shell constraints. Instead, the action becomes equivalent to the usual conformal gravity one, upon gauging away all the variables belonging to the kernel of the presymplectic structure. Finally, we show how the presymplectic BV-AKSZ approach extends to generic gauge theories.
Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Verification on Antiangiogenesis Mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd in Liver Cancer
Authors: Wu Hongyan , Zhang Lihu , Wang Chuntao , Li Fang , Qi Liang , Xiao Linxia , Zhang Mingguang , Zhang Hu , Zhang Guozhe , Qin Yiyu
Published: January 2023

Purpose. Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is one of the most well‐known herbs used in the therapy of cancer. However, the potential mechanisms of its antiangiogenic effects have not been fully explored. Here, we applied a network pharmacology approach to explore the potential mechanisms of HDW against liver cancer angiogenesis (LCA) and used a mouse orthotopic liver cancer model for experimental verification accordingly. Methods. The effective components, primary active compounds, and possible targets in the therapy of LCA were predicted using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. In vivo testing of the pharmacodynamic foundation of HDW in the treatment of LCA was performed. Hepa1‐6 cells were implanted in C57BL/6 mice to establish an orthotopic liver cancer model to evaluate the antitumor and antiangiogenesis effects of the drug. Furthermore, protein levels were evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Results. We firstly confirmed the therapeutic effect of HDW on LCA and subsequently screened 7 active compounds from HDW according to their pharmacokinetic properties. Network analysis and enrichment analysis indicated that these compounds exhibit antiangiogenic effect by acting on multiple targets and thereby regulating multiple pathways mainly involved in Akt1, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IL‐17, hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Importantly, we preliminarily verified the results of the network pharmacology analysis in vivo. Conclusion. Collectively, our work initially explored the therapeutic mechanism of HDW on tumor angiogenesis, which lays an experimental reference for further exploring its pharmacological action and its clinical application.
Leonurine Regulates Hippocampal Nerve Regeneration in Rats with Chronic and Unpredictable Mild Stress by Activating SHH/GLI Signaling Pathway and Restoring Gut Microbiota and Microbial Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Meng Pan , Zhang Xi , Li Dandan , Yang Hui , Lin Xiaoyuan , Zhao Hongqing , Li Ping , Wang Yuhong , Wang Xiaoye , Ge Jinwen
Published: January 2023

Depression is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous disorder that requires new strategies to overcome depression. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether leonurine modulated hippocampal nerve regeneration in chronic and unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats through the SHH/GLI signaling pathway and restoring gut microbiota and microbial metabolic homeostasis. The CUMS rat model was constructed and treated with leonurine. The body weight of rats was recorded, and a series of tests were performed. Western blot was utilized to measure the expression of BDNF and 5-HT in the hippocampus. Then the expression of SHH, GLI, PTCH, and SMO were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. The colocalization of BrdU+DCX and BrdU+NeuN was evaluated by IF. 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was applied to detect the composition and distribution of gut microbiota. The differential metabolites were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics. The correlation between gut microbiota and microbial metabolites was analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient. After CUMS modeling, the body weight of rats was decreased, and the expression of BDNF and 5-HT were decreased, while the body weight was recovered, and the expression of BDNF and 5-HT were increased after leonurine treatment. Leonurine reversed the reduction in the colocalization of BrdU+DCX and BrdU+NeuN and the reduction in the levels of SHH, GLI, PTCH, and SMO induced by CUMS modeling. Leonurine also restored gut microbiota and microbial metabolites homeostasis in CUMS rats. Furthermore, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group was negatively correlated with 3-Oxocholic acid, nutriacholic acid, and cholic acid. Collectively, leonurine regulated hippocampal nerve regeneration in CUMS rats by activating the SHH/GLI signaling pathway and restoring gut microbiota and microbial metabolic homeostasis.
Protective Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Barrier Function of Intestinal Injury in Endotoxemia through HO-1/PINK1 Pathway-Mediated Mitochondrial Dynamics Regulation
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Meng Zhenzhen , Wu Lina , Liu Xiuyun , Guo Chenxu , Yu Jianbo , Ming Dong , Dong Shuan , Cao Yingya , Jiang Xianhong
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims. Endotoxemia (ET) is a common critical illness in patients receiving intensive care and is associated with high mortality and prolonged hospital stay. The intestinal epithelial cell dysfunction is regarded as the “engine” of deteriorated ET. Although electroacupuncture (EA) can mitigate endotoxin-induced intestinal epithelial cell dysfunction in ET, the mechanism through which EA improves endotoxin-induced intestinal injury for preventing ET deterioration needs further investigation. Methods. An in vivo ET model was developed by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in wild-type and PINK1-knockout mice. An in vitro model was also established by incubating epithelial cells in the serum samples obtained from both groups of mice. Hemin and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) were applied to activate or inhibit heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) production. EA treatment was performed for 30 min consecutively for 5 days before LPS injection, and on the day of the experiment, EA was performed throughout the process. Samples were harvested at 6 h after LPS induction for analyzing tissue injury, oxidative stress, ATP production, activity of diamine oxidase (DAO), and changes in the levels of HO-1, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), mitochondrial fusion and fission marker gene, caspase-1, and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). Results. In the wild-type models (both in vivo and vitro), EA alleviated LPS-induced intestinal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction, as indicated by decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and reduced levels of mitochondrial fission proteins. EA treatment also boosted histopathological morphology, ATP levels, DAO activity, and levels of mitochondrial fusion proteins in vivo and vitro. The effect of EA was enhanced by hemin but suppressed by Znpp. However, EA + AP, Znpp, or hemin had no effects on the LPS-induced, PINK1-knocked out mouse models. Conclusion. EA may improve the HO-1/PINK1 pathway-mediated mitochondrial dynamic balance to protect the intestinal barrier in patients with ET.
Physical, Static, and Kinetic Analysis of the Electrochemical Deposition Process for the Recovery of Heavy Metal from Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Hamdi Ridha , Rached Amani , Al–Otaibi Amal L. , Massoudi Imen , Alkorbi Shouq , Saidi Ben Ali Amor
Published: January 2023

Through the electrodeposition technique, toxic metals in wastewater can be removed and deposited on a chosen substrate with excellent selectivity. In this work, we use this technique to extract lead cations from simulated wastewater by using fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate at various temperatures. In situ tracking of lead nucleation at advanced stages has been achieved by chronoamperometry. According to the experimental results, the theoretical models developed to study the kinetic growth of lead deposits in 2D and 3D are in good agreement. Nucleation rate and growth rate constants, for example, were found to be strongly influenced by temperature. Cottrell’s equation is used to calculate the diffusion coefficient. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersiveX-ray techniques were used to investigate and characterize the lead deposits. The reported results could provide insight into the optimization of electrodeposition processes for heavy metal recovery from wastewater and electronic wastes.
Sulforaphane Delays Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Alleviating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Nucleus Pulposus Cells via Activating Nrf-2/HO-1
Authors: Lu Xiao , Xu Guangyu , Lin Zhidi , Song Jian , Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Hongli , Lu Feizhou , Xia Xinlei , Ma Xiaosheng , Zou Fei , Jiang Jianyuan
Published: January 2023

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain, which brings heavy burdens to individuals and society. The mechanism of IVDD is complex and diverse. One of the important reasons is that the abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), which causes increased apoptosis of NPCs. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and its downstream antioxidant proteins are key molecular switches for sensing oxidative stress and regulating antioxidant responses in cells. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound derived from Brassicaceae plants, is a Nrf-2 agonist that displays potent antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. Here, we used advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to construct an in vitro degeneration model of NPCs, and we found that AGEs elevated ROS level in NPCs and caused severe ERS and apoptosis. While SFN can promote the entry of Nrf-2 into the nucleus and increase the expression level of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in vitro, thus clearing the accumulated ROS in cells and alleviating ERS and cell apoptosis. Moreover, the protection of SFN on NPCs was greatly attenuated after HO-1 was inhibited. We also used AGEs to construct a rat IVDD model. Consistent with the in vitro experiments, SFN could attenuate ERS in NPCs in vivo and delay disc degeneration in rats. This study found that SFN can be used as a new and promising agent for the treatment of IVDD.
Growth, Physiological, and Biochemical Responses of Ethiopian Red Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Cultivars to Drought Stress
Authors: Wassie Wubetie A. , Andualem Animut M. , Molla Abiyu E. , Tarekegn Zelalem G. , Aragaw Mersha W. , Ayana Misganaw T.
Published: January 2023

Red pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is an increasingly important economic crop in the world. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of red pepper cultivars under drought stress conditions. A pot culture experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications, four treatments, and three cultivars. Totally, 36 pots and six seeds per pot were used to grow the seeds. After five weeks, the cultivars were exposed to different drought stress conditions (100% FC or control, 80% FC or low stress, 60% FC or moderate stress, and 40% FC or severe stress). All the collected data were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Shoot length was reduced significantly (

p
<
0.05

) in the Hagerew cultivar under severe drought stress. The photosynthesis rate was reduced by 21.11% (

p
<
0.05

) in the Mitmita cultivar under severe drought stress. The highest percentage reduction of chlorophyll content (77.28%) was recorded in the Hagerew cultivar. Both Markofana and Mitmita responded to drought stress by increasing the accumulation of proline and phenolic compounds. The root-to-shoot ratio was increased significantly in both Markofana and Mitmita cultivars (27.91% and 50.92%), respectively, under drought-stress conditions. This study depicted that the cultivar Mitmita was the most drought-tolerant cultivar among the three cultivars.
High Prevalence of Hookworm Species and Associated Factors among Soil‐Transmitted Helminth‐Infected Household Contacts in Burie Zuria District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Assefa Gedefaye , Alemu Megbaru , Ayehu Animen
Published: January 2023

Background. Soil‐transmitted helminths (STHs) are parasitic worms that are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. In Ethiopia, one of the tropical countries, STH infections are high and cause a huge burden. Several STH species show a pattern of household clustering with regard to prevalence and intensity. However, there is a scarcity of data on the status of STH infection among family contacts of STH‐infected individuals in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. Objective. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of soil‐transmitted helminths and associated factors among STH‐infected household contacts in Burie Zuria district, northwest Ethiopia. Method. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 422 study participants from March to May 2021. Study participants were traced to their residences by following STH‐infected patients. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. The stool samples were processed using duplicate Kato‐Katz thick smears and a modified Ritchie’s technique. The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 26 of the software package. A P value <0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. Results. The overall prevalence of STHs was 36.5% (95% CI: 31.7%–41.5%). Two STHs, namely hookworm species (33.2%, 140/422) at (95% CI: 28.9%–37.8%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.3%, 18/422) at (95% CI: 2.7%–6.6%), were identified, with a double infection of 2.6% (4/154) at (95% CI: 1.0%–6.5%). Almost the majority (96.9%) of hookworm species and all Ascaris lumbricoides infections were categorized under a light intensity of infection. Family size >5 (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.15–2.60; P = 0.008) and lack of latrine facility (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.17–2.90; P = 0.02) were significantly associated with STH infections. Conclusion. A high prevalence of hookworms was found in the study area, where the majority of the study participants were adults. This finding may provide a basis for revising the school‐based deworming programs that exclude the adult population. Public health interventions like accessing latrines, health education, and deworming programs should be regularly implemented for all age groups in the areas.
eSports Participation among Hong Kong Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Leung Ka-Man , Chu William
Published: January 2023

The HK Special Administrative Region Government has been making efforts to promote active aging among older adults. This qualitative study is aimed at gaining an understanding of the perception of and experiences in eSports among middle-aged and older adults in HK, China, using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Thirty-nine adults aged >45 years were stratified by (a) whether they had experience of participating in eSports and (b) age (i.e., 45–64 years vs. ≥65 years). In addition, 10 administrators working in community centres for middle-aged and older adults were invited for a semistructured interview. The results revealed the pertinent themes of (a) behavioral beliefs (physical benefits (enhanced physical activity levels, body coordination, and cognition), social benefits (increased interactions and team communication and enlarged social circle), psychological benefits (stereotype breaking, sense of recognition, enjoyment, and improved mood), and adverse health effects (psychological intensity, frustration, obsession with winning, overuse strain, and sleep disturbance)), (b) normative beliefs (support and encouragement from family and nonfamily members), and (c) control beliefs (game content, program personnel attitude, resource availability (venue, equipment, and manpower), administrators’ perspectives, and support from the industry). The study results will be instrumental to the development of related interventions and instruments for middle-aged and older adults, will enable researchers to explore the benefits of eSports programs for the studied population, and will promote healthy and active aging in the long term.
Olive Leaves Extract and Oleuropein Improve Insulin Sensitivity in 3T3-L1 Cells and in High-Fat Diet-Treated Rats via PI3K/AkT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hadrich Fatma , Mahmoudi Asma , Chamkha Mohamed , Isoda Hiroko , Sayadi Sami
Published: January 2023

Olive leaves extracts are known to exert potential pharmacological activities especially, antidiabetic and antiobesity. This study explores the anti-insulin resistant effect of olive leaves extracts and oleuropein in 3 T3-L1 cells and in high-fat diet fed rats. Our results showed that ethanol extract (EE) suppressed significantly (

P
<
0.01

) triacylglycerol accumulation. In preadipocytes cells, EE 1/100 decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. Real-time PCR analysis showed that EE reduced the mRNA levels of adipogenesis (CEBP-α, PPARγ, SREBP-1c, and FAS) and proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-6) genes. Moreover, the cotreatment of EE 1/1000 or oleuropein with insulin increased considerably the expression of p-IRS, p85-pI3K, and p-AKT. In vivo model, the oral administration of oleuropein at 50 mg/kg in rats fed with high fat diet for 8 weeks reduced inflammation in liver and adipose tissues (WAT), improved glucose intolerance, and decreased hyperinsulinemia. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression level of p-Akt, IRS1, and Glut-4 were significantly enhanced in liver and WAT tissues after oleuropein supplementation comparing with that in HFD group. Additionally, the expression of IRS1 was markedly ameliorated in pancreas. Our obtained results can be adopted as an approach to used olive leaves as complement to prevent insulin-resistance disease.
Experimental Study on the Diffusion Radius of Modified Slurry Used in Longwall Overburden Isolated Grouting
Authors: Xuan Dayang , Zhang Mingwei , Li Jian , Dong Zebin , Alimu Aimaiti , Xu Jialin
Published: January 2023

The slurry diffusion radius is an important parameter in grouting engineering. In some cases, injection into partial overburden is needed in grouting engineering, and it is thus critical to control the slurry diffusion so as to reduce unnecessary grout take. In an effort to solve such issues in longwall overburden grouting, we proposed the addition of cement as a means of modifying fly ash slurry in order to reduce grout diffusion and grout take. The characteristics of the modified slurry were determined under different water-ash ratios and cement-blending ratios. The cement-blending ratio was found to have a small effect on the density of the slurry but a significant effect on the slurry’s precipitation rate and viscosity. The slurry diffusion experimental system was established to study the diffusion radius and consolidation. Results for both the fly ash slurry and the modified slurry revealed a circular diffusion pattern centered around the grouting borehole. The diffusion radius of the modified slurry made with 10% cement was 19.4% lower than that of the fly ash slurry, but its solidification thickness appeared to increase. The modified slurry diffusion had a two-stage effect: a “stability control stage” and a “consolidation control stage.” In the consolidation control stage, the diffusion radius of the modified slurry was smaller than that of the fly ash slurry, and this stage was the key to control the diffusion radius of the slurry. Field trials were conducted based on the results of the study, and grout take was reduced effectively. This research provides a theoretical basis for slurry diffusion radius control in longwall grouting.