bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Motor Costs of Physical Education with Eduball
Authors: Cichy Ireneusz , Kruszwicka Agnieszka , Przybyla Tomasz , Rochatka Weronika , Wawrzyniak Sara , Klichowski Michal , Rokita Andrzej
Published: November 2022

Numerous neuroscience studies demonstrate that when motor and cognitive tasks are performed simultaneously, there is dual-task interference. Experiments show that the cost is a temporal deterioration in motor functioning. However, there is no comprehensive research on the developmental costs of dual-task exercises incorporated into physical education (PE). Such an approach is called the interdisciplinary model of PE and is used to stimulate cognitive development. Therefore, there is a knowledge gap regarding the motor costs of methods based on this model, e.g., Eduball. The Eduball method integrates core academic subjects with PE using a set of educational balls printed with letters, numbers, and other signs. To fill this knowledge gap, we replicated the Eduball experiment, focusing on motor development. The half-year intervention occurred in one primary school class. The control group was a peer class participating in traditional PE, not based on dual tasks. We tested students’ space-time orientation and graphomotor, locomotor, and object control skills. We found no motor costs of the intervention. Eduball-based PE stimulated motor development as much as traditional PE. Our study suggests that methods based on the interdisciplinary model of PE are safe for motor development. As such, it is worth considering their use in children’s education.
Oxytocin Reactivity during a Wilderness Program without Parents in Adolescents
Authors: Morita Ayako , Shikano Akiko , Nakamura Kazuaki , Noi Shingo , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: November 2022

While wilderness programs are recognized as a feasible intervention to promote psychological independence in adolescence, little is known about physiological changes. The present study focused on oxytocin, a key hormone for social cognition and behavior, and investigated changes in OT concentrations during a wilderness program among adolescents. Twenty-one 4th–7th graders were separated from parents and immersed with adventures and challenges in the woodlands of Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan for 31 days, and dataset of 20 boys aged 9–13 years-old were used for analysis. OT concentrations in early morning saliva samples on days 2, 5, 8, 13, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 30 were determined using ELIZA. We performed multi-level regression analyses to compare the OT concentrations before and after solo and team-based survival challenges, and across the nine observational points, adjusting for potential covariates. We found that adolescents increased OT level in a situation where they needed others’ cooperation and support for survival (coefficient: 2.86, SE: 1.34, p = 0.033). Further, we found that adolescents gradually decreased their basal OT level during a long separation from parents (coefficient: −0.083, SE: 0.034, p = 0.016). A combination of these findings suggest the OT level may be a marker for psychological independence.
Problem Behaviors of Adolescents: The Role of Family Socioeconomic Status, Parental Educational Expectations, and Adolescents’ Confidence in the Future
Authors: Ouyang Yanwen , Ding Daoqun , Xu Xizheng
Published: November 2022

The comprehensive theoretical model of problem behaviors proposes that family socioeconomic status is one of the factors affecting adolescent problem behaviors. The purpose of this study is to further explore the mechanism of the influence of family socioeconomic status on adolescent problem behaviors based on the framework of the comprehensive theoretical model of problem behaviors. Further, it is to discover more protective or risk factors affecting adolescent problem behaviors, so as to provide theoretical guidance for the prevention of and intervention in adolescent problem behaviors. This study used data from the 2014–2015 academic year of the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) conducted by the China survey and data center at the Renmin University of China. A national representative sample of 6888 junior high school students was selected. Among them, 3342 (48.5%) were girls and 3546 (51.5%) were boys with an average age of 14.50 years (SD = 0.68 years). The results revealed that parental educational expectations and adolescents’ confidence in the future played a contributory mediating role in the association between family socioeconomic status and adolescents’ problem behaviors. Both parental educational expectations and adolescents’ confidence in the future are protective factors against adolescents’ problem behaviors and enhancing these factors can decrease the likelihood of adolescents’ engagement in problem behaviors.
Calling for Help—Peer-Based Psychosocial Support for Medical Staff by Telephone—A Best Practice Example from Germany
Authors: Hinzmann Dominik , Forster Andrea , Koll-Krüsmann Marion , Schießl Andreas , Schneider Frederick , Sigl-Erkel Tanja , Igl Andreas , Heininger Susanne Katharina
Published: November 2022

Background: A telephone support hotline (PSU-HELPLINE) was established at the beginning of the pandemic due to the burden on health professionals and the lack of support at the workplace. The aim of this study was to evaluate the telephone support service for health professionals in terms of its burden, benefits, and mechanisms of action. Methods: Data collection was conducted during and after calls by PSU-HELPLINE counsellors. In addition to the socio-demographic data evaluation, burdens of the callers and the benefits of the calls were collected. The content-analytical evaluation of the stresses as well as the effect factors were based on Mayring’s (2022). Results: Most of the callers were highly to very highly stressed. The usefulness of the conversation was rated as strong to very strong by both callers and counsellors. The PSU-HELPLINE was used primarily for processing serious events and in phases of overload. The support work was carried out through the following aspects of so-called effect factors, among others: psychoeducation, change of perspective, resource activation, problem actualization, connectedness, information, problem solving, self-efficacy, and preservation of resources. Conclusions: The expansion of local peer support structures and the possibility of a telephone helpline are recommended. Further research is needed.
The Effect of Daily Practice of Puzzle-Game Apps on Cognition in Two Groups of Older Adults: A Pre-Post Experimental Study
Authors: Givon Schaham Noa , Buckman Zvi , Rand Debbie
Published: November 2022

There is an urgent need for non-pharmacological cognitive interventions to delay the onset and modify the progression of the cognitive deterioration of older adults with early stages of cognitive decline. ‘Tablet Enhancement of Cognition and Health’ (TECH) is such an intervention. We aimed to assess the suitability of TECH for older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Specifically, we wanted to explore the feasibility and to determine the initial effectiveness of TECH for older adults with Pre-Mild Cognitive Impairment (pre-MCI) as well as with MCI. This is pre-post experimental design, including two groups of older adults. Feasibility included group session attendance (adherence), self-training time (compliance), and satisfaction from the TECH intervention. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) assessed global cognition and the WebNeuro computerized battery assessed specific cognitive components. Twenty-eight participants with MCI (8 women, aged 65–87), and ten participants with pre-MCI (5 women, aged 65–86) participated in TECH. High adherence, compliance, and satisfaction were reported by both groups. Memory recall improved for the MCI group (z = −2.7 p = 0.006). In addition, for the MoCA an intermediate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.52) and a small effect (Cohen’s d = 0.18) were found for the MCI and pre-MCI groups, respectively. Large to small effect size values for WebNeuro cognitive components were found for both groups. Both groups of older adults were motivated, performed daily self-training, which gave them enjoyment and a sense of control. TECH seems to have potential to preserve cognition over time. Additional research with a longer follow-up is needed to determine whether TECH can prevent cognitive decline in older adults with MCI but especially with pre-MCI.
Trends in Adolescent Substance Use: Analysis of HBSC Data for Four Eastern European Countries, 1994–2018
Authors: Vaičiūnas Tomas , Žemaitaitytė Monika , Lange Shannon , Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Oja Leila , Petkevičienė Janina , Kowalewska Anna , Pudule Iveta , Piksööt Jaanika , Šmigelskas Kastytis
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study was to analyze the trends of adolescent substance use in four eastern European countries over the time period from 1994 to 2018. The four countries in focus were selected based on their shared historical backgrounds and major economic and social transformations experienced. Methods: Two decades (1993/1994–2017/2018) of repeated cross-sectional data from the Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey were used. Data comprised 42,169 school children 15 years of age (9th grade). The following categories of substance use were included: regular alcohol consumption and drunkenness, tobacco smoking, electronic cigarette smoking, and cannabis use. Trends in substance use over time were tested using Jonckheere’s trend test. Results: Prevalence of substance use among adolescents over time revealed that the Baltic states and Poland have faced relatively different temporal trends. In the Baltic states, there was a general increase during the period of 1994–2002, which was followed by a period of peaking or stability between 2002–2010, and then decreasing trends of these risky behaviors from 2010 onwards. In Poland, the same period had less consistent patterns, with decreasing trends starting much earlier on. The prevalence of cannabis use, which had been measured since 2006, had its own unique pattern with many fluctuations within and between countries. Conclusions: The findings on the prevalence of substance use among adolescents from 1994 to 2018 revealed that the Baltic states and Poland have faced relatively different temporal trends. These countries might be facing new public health challenges in a near future, e.g., use of electronic cigarettes and cannabis use among adolescents.
Power of Digital Economy to Drive Urban-Rural Integration: Intrinsic Mechanism and Spatial Effect, from Perspective of Multidimensional Integration
Authors: Li Zhengxin , Liu Chengjun , Chen Xihui
Published: November 2022

The consensus that the digital economy drives urban-rural integration has been gradually reached both in practice and theory. Besides, the way by which the digital economy drives urban-rural integration remains updated iteratively. The coming period is an important opportunity to break down the dualistic urban-rural structure and improve the urban-rural integration development. It is also a critical stage for China to promote the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy. In this study, the intrinsic mechanism of the digital economy in driving the four dimensions of urban-rural integration was elaborated. An analysis was made of the spatial effects in 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) of China during 2011–2019 using Bivariate Global Moran’s I and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) models. As revealed by the results: (1) the digital economy and the four dimensions of urban-rural integration advance steadily, in which the convergence degree of urban and rural resident consumption is comparatively higher; (2) there is a significant spatial auto-correlation between the digital economy and the four dimensions of urban-rural integration, with the influence gradually strengthened with time; (3) the digital economy exerts mainly positive impacts on the equivalent allocation of urban and rural factors, integration of three industries in urban and rural areas, and convergence degree of urban and rural resident consumption, but inhibits the equalization of urban and rural public services in nearly half research areas; (4) both digital equipment basis and user basis play a vital role in promoting the four dimensions of urban-rural integration.
Therapeutic Efficacy and Outcomes of Remdesivir versus Remdesivir with Tocilizumab in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Vulturar Damiana-Maria , Neag Maria Adriana , Vesa Ștefan Cristian , Maierean Anca-Diana , Gherman Diana , Buzoianu Anca Dana , Orăsan Olga Hilda , Todea Doina-Adina
Published: November 2022

The infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) generated many challenges to find an effective drug combination for hospitalized patients with severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including 182 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia hospitalized between March and October 2021 in a Pneumology Hospital from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Among patients treated with standard of care, 100 patients received remdesivir (R group) and 82 patients received the combination of remdesivir plus tocilizumab (RT group). We compared the clinical outcomes, the inflammatory markers, superinfections, oxygen requirement, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality rate before drug administration and 7 days after in R group and RT group. Borg score and oxygen support showed an improvement in the R group (p < 0.005). Neutrophiles, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum ferritin levels decreased significantly in RT group but with a higher rate of superinfection in this group. ICU admission and death did not differ significantly between groups. The combination of remdesivir plus tocilizumab led to a significantly improvement in the inflammatory markers and a decrease in the oxygen requirement. Although the superinfection rate was higher in RT group than in R group, no significant difference was found in the ICU admission and mortality rate between the groups.
Derivatives of Trimethoxybenzoic Acid and Gallic Acid as Potential Efflux Pump Inhibitors: In Silico and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Neves Ana Rita , Durães Fernando , Freitas-Silva Joana , Szemerédi Nikoletta , Martins-da-Costa Paulo , Pinto Eugénia , Correia-da-Silva Marta , Spengler Gabriella , Sousa Emília
Published: November 2022

The overexpression of efflux pumps is one of the strategies used by bacteria to resist antibiotics and could be targeted to circumvent the antibiotic crisis. In this work, a series of trimethoxybenzoic acid derivatives previously described as antifouling compounds was explored for potential antimicrobial activity and efflux pump (EP) inhibition. First, docking studies on the acridine resistance proteins A and B coupled to the outer membrane channel TolC (AcrAB-TolC) efflux system and a homology model of the quinolone resistance protein NorA EP were performed on 11 potential bioactive trimethoxybenzoic acid and gallic acid derivatives. The synthesis of one new trimethoxybenzoic acid derivative (derivative 13) was accomplished. To investigate the potential of this series of 11 derivatives as antimicrobial agents, and in reverting drug resistance, the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined on several strains (bacteria and fungi), and synergy with antibiotics and EP inhibition were investigated. Derivative 10 showed antibacterial activity against the studied strains, derivatives 5 and 6 showed the ability to inhibit EPs in the acrA gene inactivated mutant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344, and 6 also inhibited EPs in Staphylococcus aureus 272123. Structure-activity relationships highlighted trimethoxybenzoic acid as important for EP inhibitory activity. Although further studies are necessary, these results show the potential of simple trimethoxybenzoic acid derivatives as a source of feasible EP inhibitors.
OsMKKK70 Negatively Regulates Cold Tolerance at Booting Stage in Rice
Authors: Mei Enyang , Tang Jiaqi , He Mingliang , Liu Zhiqi , Tian Xiaojie , Bu Qingyun
Published: November 2022

Cold stress at the booting stage leads to a lower seed setting rate and seriously threatens the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.), which has become a major yield-limiting factor in higher-altitude and -latitude regions. Because cold tolerance at the booting stage (CTB) is a complex trait and is controlled by multiple loci, only a few genes have been reported so far. In this study, a function of OsMKKK70 (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 70) in response to CTB was characterized. OsMKKK70 expression was rapidly induced by cold stress at the booting stage. OsMKKK70 overexpression (OsMKKK70-OE) plants were more sensitive to cold stress at the booting stage with a lower seed setting and pollen fertility, but there was no significant difference between the osmkkk70 mutant and WT. Considering the effect of functional redundancy, we further tested the CTB response of osmkkk62/70 and osmkkk55/62/70, the double and triple mutants of OsMKKK70 with its closest homologs OsMKKK62 and OsMKKK55, and found that osmkkk62/70 and osmkkk55/62/70 displayed significantly increased CTB with a higher seed setting and pollen fertility, indicating that OsMKKK70 negatively regulates rice CTB. Moreover, under the low-temperature (LT) condition, the osmkkk62/70 mutant had slightly higher Gibberellin (GA) contents, increased expression of GA biosynthesis genes, and lower protein level of OsSLR1 in anthers than those in WT. By contrast, OsMKKK70-OE anther had a lower GA biosynthesis than that of WT. Together, these findings suggest that OsMKKK70 negatively regulates rice CTB by fine-tuning GA levels in anthers.
Platelet–Neutrophil Association in NETs-Rich Areas in the Retrieved AIS Patient Thrombi
Authors: Pir Ghulam Jeelani , Parray Aijaz , Ayadathil Raheem , Pananchikkal Sajitha V. , Mir Fayaz Ahmad , Muhammad Islam , Abubakar Ahmed , Amir Nueman , Hussain Sohail , Haroon Khawaja H. , Muhammad Ahmad , Imam Yahya , Patro Satya Narayana , Akhtar Naveed , Zakaria Aymen , Kamran Saadat
Published: November 2022

Histological structure of thrombi is a strong determinant of the outcome of vascular recanalization therapy, the only treatment option for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. A total of 21 AIS patients from this study after undergoing non-enhanced CT scan and multimodal MRI were treated with mechanical stent-based and manual aspiration thrombectomy, and thromboembolic retrieved from a cerebral artery. Complementary histopathological and imaging analyses were performed to understand their composition with a specific focus on fibrin, von Willebrand factor, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Though distinct RBC-rich and platelet-rich areas were found, AIS patient thrombi were overwhelmingly platelet-rich, with 90% of thrombi containing <40% total RBC-rich contents (1.5 to 37%). Structurally, RBC-rich areas were simple, consisting of tightly packed RBCs in thin fibrin meshwork with sparsely populated nucleated cells and lacked any substantial von Willebrand factor (VWF). Platelet-rich areas were structurally more complex with thick fibrin meshwork associated with VWF. Plenty of leukocytes populated the platelet-rich areas, particularly in the periphery and border areas between platelet-rich and RBC-rich areas. Platelet-rich areas showed abundant activated neutrophils (myeloperoxidase+ and neutrophil-elastase+) containing citrullinated histone-decorated DNA. Citrullinated histone-decorated DNA also accumulated extracellularly, pointing to NETosis by the activated neutrophils. Notably, NETs-containing areas showed strong reactivity to VWF, platelets, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), signifying a close interplay between these components.
Nanostrategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0
Authors: Beretta Giovanni Luca
Published: November 2022

The attractiveness of the nanomaterials research field has persisted [...]
Immunological Roles of TmToll-2 in Response to Escherichia coli Systemic Infection in Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Ali Mohammadie Kojour Maryam , Jang Ho Am , Lee Yong Seok , Jo Yong Hun , Han Yeon Soo
Published: November 2022

The antimicrobial roles of Toll-like receptors have been mainly identified in mammalian models and Drosophila. However, its immunological function in other insects has yet to be fully clarified. Here, we determined the innate immune response involvement of TmToll-2 encountering Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal infection. Our data revealed that TmToll-2 expression could be induced by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans infections in the fat bodies, gut, Malpighian tubules, and hemolymph of Tenebrio molitor young larvae. However, TmToll-2 silencing via RNAi technology revealed that sole E. coli systemic infection caused mortality in the double-strand RNA TmToll-2-injected group compared with that in the control group. Further investigation indicated that in the absence of TmToll-2, the final effector of Toll signaling pathway, antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes and relevant transcription factors were significantly downregulated, mainly E. coli post-insult. We showed that the expression of all AMP genes was suppressed in the main immune organ of insects, namely, fat bodies, in silenced individuals, while the relevant expressions were not affected after fungal infection. Thus, our research revealed the immunological roles of TmToll-2 in different organs of T. molitor in response to pathogenic insults.
Protein Misfolding and Aggregation in the Brain: Common Pathogenetic Pathways in Neurodegenerative and Mental Disorders
Authors: Ochneva Aleksandra , Zorkina Yana , Abramova Olga , Pavlova Olga , Ushakova Valeriya , Morozova Anna , Zubkov Eugene , Pavlov Konstantin , Gurina Olga , Chekhonin Vladimir
Published: November 2022

Mental disorders represent common brain diseases characterized by substantial impairments of social and cognitive functions. The neurobiological causes and mechanisms of psychopathologies still have not been definitively determined. Various forms of brain proteinopathies, which include a disruption of protein conformations and the formation of protein aggregates in brain tissues, may be a possible cause behind the development of psychiatric disorders. Proteinopathies are known to be the main cause of neurodegeneration, but much less attention is given to the role of protein impairments in psychiatric disorders’ pathogenesis, such as depression and schizophrenia. For this reason, the aim of this review was to discuss the potential contribution of protein illnesses in the development of psychopathologies. The first part of the review describes the possible mechanisms of disruption to protein folding and aggregation in the cell: endoplasmic reticulum stress, dysfunction of chaperone proteins, altered mitochondrial function, and impaired autophagy processes. The second part of the review addresses the known proteins whose aggregation in brain tissue has been observed in psychiatric disorders (amyloid, tau protein, α-synuclein, DISC-1, disbindin-1, CRMP1, SNAP25, TRIOBP, NPAS3, GluA1, FABP, and ankyrin-G).
Behavioral Phenotyping of Bbs6 and Bbs8 Knockout Mice Reveals Major Alterations in Communication and Anxiety
Authors: Rödig Nathalie , Sellmann Kristin , dos Santos Guilherme Malena , Nguyen Vu Thu Thuy , Cleppien Dirk , Stroh Albrecht , May-Simera Helen Louise , Endres Kristina
Published: November 2022

The primary cilium is an organelle with a central role in cellular signal perception. Mutations in genes that encode cilia-associated proteins result in a collection of human syndromes collectively termed ciliopathies. Of these, the Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is considered one of the archetypical ciliopathies, as patients exhibit virtually all respective clinical phenotypes, such as pathological changes of the retina or the kidney. However, the behavioral phenotype associated with ciliary dysfunction has received little attention thus far. Here, we extensively characterized the behavior of two rodent models of BBS, Bbs6/Mkks, and Bbs8/Ttc8 knockout mice concerning social behavior, anxiety, and cognitive abilities. While learning tasks remained unaffected due to the genotype, we observed diminished social behavior and altered communication. Additionally, Bbs knockout mice displayed reduced anxiety. This was not due to altered adrenal gland function or corticosterone serum levels. However, hypothalamic expression of Lsamp, the limbic system associated protein, and Adam10, a protease acting on Lsamp, were reduced. This was accompanied by changes in characteristics of adult hypothalamic neurosphere cultures. In conclusion, we provide evidence that behavioral changes in Bbs knockout mice are mainly found in social and anxiety traits and might be based on an altered architecture of the hypothalamus.
The Citrus Laccase Gene CsLAC18 Contributes to Cold Tolerance
Authors: Xu Xiaoyong , Zhang Yueliang , Liang Mengge , Kong Weiwen , Liu Jihong
Published: November 2022

Plant laccases, as multicopper oxidases, play an important role in monolignol polymerization, and participate in the resistance response of plants to multiple biotic/abiotic stresses. However, little is currently known about the role of laccases in the cold stress response of plants. In this study, the laccase activity and lignin content of C. sinensis leaves increased after the low-temperature treatment, and cold treatment induced the differential regulation of 21 CsLACs, with 15 genes being upregulated and 6 genes being downregulated. Exceptionally, the relative expression level of CsLAC18 increased 130.17-fold after a 48-h treatment. The full-length coding sequence of CsLAC18 consists of 1743 nucleotides and encodes a protein of 580 amino acids, and is predominantly expressed in leaves and fruits. CsLAC18 was phylogenetically related to AtLAC17, and was localized in the cell membrane. Overexpression of CsLAC18 conferred enhanced cold tolerance on transgenic tobacco; however, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS)-mediated suppression of CsLAC18 in Poncirus trifoliata significantly impaired resistance to cold stress. As a whole, our findings revealed that CsLAC18 positively regulates a plant’s response to cold stress, providing a potential target for molecular breeding or gene editing.
EMD-57033 Augments the Contractility in Porcine Myocardium by Promoting the Activation of Myosin in Thick Filaments
Authors: Jani Vivek , Qian Wenjing , Yuan Shengyao , Irving Thomas , Ma Weikang
Published: November 2022

Sufficient cardiac contractility is necessary to ensure the sufficient cardiac output to provide an adequate end-organ perfusion. Inadequate cardiac output and the diminished perfusion of vital organs from depressed myocardium contractility is a hallmark end-stage of heart failure. There are no available therapeutics that directly target contractile proteins to improve the myocardium contractility and reduce mortality. The purpose of this study is to present a proof of concept to aid in the development of muscle activators (myotropes) for augmenting the contractility in clinical heart failure. Here we use a combination of cardiomyocyte mechanics, the biochemical quantification of the ATP turnover, and small angle X-ray diffraction on a permeabilized porcine myocardium to study the mechanisms of EMD-57033 (EMD) for activating myosin. We show that EMD increases the contractility in a porcine myocardium at submaximal and systolic calcium concentrations. Biochemical assays show that EMD decreases the proportion of myosin heads in the energy sparing super-relaxed (SRX) state under relaxing conditions, which are less likely to interact with actin during contraction. Structural assays show that EMD moves the myosin heads in relaxed muscles from a structurally ordered state close to the thick filament backbone, to a disordered state closer to the actin filament, while simultaneously inducing structural changes in the troponin complex on the actin filament. The dual effects of EMD on activating myosin heads and the troponin complex provides a proof of concept for the use of small molecule muscle activators for augmenting the contractility in heart failure.
Ultrastructure of Ejaculatory Ducts of Cerapanorpa nanwutaina and Furcatopanorpa longihypovalva (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)
Authors: Lyu Qi-Hui , Chen Qing-Xiao , Sun Ya-Lan , Dong Wen-Jie
Published: November 2022

The ultrastructure of the ejaculatory duct was investigated in the scorpionflies Cerapanorpa nanwutaina (Chou 1981) and Furcatopanorpa longihypovalva (Hua & Cai, 2009) (Mecoptera: Panorpidae) using light and transmission electron microscopy. The ejaculatory ducts of both species comprise a median duct and an accessory sac. The median duct consists of a basal lamina, a mono-layered epithelium, a subcuticular cavity, and an inner cuticle. The accessory sac contains a single layer of epithelium and a basal lamina. A muscular layer is present in the accessory sac of C. nanwutaina and in the median duct of F. longihypovalva. The epithelia in the median duct and the accessory sac are well developed, their cells containing numerous cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and microvilli. The secretions of the median duct are first extruded into the subcuticular cavity and then into the lumen through an inner cuticle, while the secretions of the accessory sac are discharged directly into the lumen. The ejaculatory duct of F. longihypovalva is longer and has thicker epithelium with more cell organelles and secretions than that of C. nanwutaina.
Hidden Dynamics Investigation, Fast Adaptive Synchronization, and Chaos-Based Secure Communication Scheme of a New 3D Fractional-Order Chaotic System
Authors: Rahman Zain-Aldeen S. A. , Jasim Basil H.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a new fractional-order chaotic system containing several nonlinearity terms is introduced. This new system can excite hidden chaotic attractors or self-excited chaotic attractors depending on the chosen system parameters or its fraction-order derivative value. Several dynamics of this new system, such as chaotic attractors, equilibrium points, Lyapunov exponents, and bifurcation diagrams, are analyzed analytically and numerically. Then, adaptive control laws are developed to achieve chaos synchronization in two identical new systems with uncertain parameters; one of these two new identical systems is the master, and the other is the slave. In addition, update laws for estimating the uncertain slave parameters are derived. Furthermore, in chaos application fields, these master and slave synchronized systems are applied in secure communication to act as the transmitter and receiver, respectively. Finally, the security analysis metric tests were analyzed using histograms and spectrograms to establish the communication system’s security strength. Numerical test results demonstrate the possibility of using this proposed fractional-order chaotic system in high-security communication systems. The employed communication system is also highly resistant to pirate attacks.
New Wound Management of Driveline Infections with Cold Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: Kremer Jamila , Meinert Étienne Fasolt Richard Corvin , Farag Mina , Mueller Florian , Soethoff Jasmin Penelope , Karck Matthias , Schmack Bastian , Meyer Anna Lassia , Warnecke Gregor
Published: November 2022

The use of ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy has increased. Wound complications increase morbidity in this cohort. Cold atmospheric plasma is a source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and can reduce the microbial load in skin wounds without negative effects on the surrounding tissue. We evaluated our cold atmospheric plasma treatment for LVAD driveline infections in a retrospective single-center study for peri- and postintervention outcome analysis. Between April 2019 and September 2019, 15 male patients were included (5 HVAD, 10 HeartMate III). The wounds were treated for a mean of 368.5 s with a reduction of bacterial load in treated wounds in 60% of patients, regardless of the pathogen. The most common pathogen was staphylococcus aureus (n = 8 patients). There was a significant reduction of the wound scale (scale 2.80 vs. 1.18; p < 0.001) plus a significant reduction in size (16.08 vs. 1.90 cm3; p = 0.047). Seven patients (46.6%) were free from any signs of local or systemic infection during 1-year follow-up. Five patients (33%) received a heart transplantation. Cold atmospheric plasma treatment is a potent, safe, and painless adjuvant technique for treating driveline infection without the need for repeating surgical interventions.
AGTR1rs5186 Polymorphism Is Associated with the Risk of Restenosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lv Feng , Jiang Yufeng , Wang Yebao , Zhang Ting , Zhou Yafeng
Published: November 2022

Background: Progress has been made in genetic investigations on restenosis for the past 20 years, many studies regarding AGTR1 rs5186 polymorphism and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been published, but the result remains controversial. The study aimed to explore the relationship between rs5186 polymorphism and the risk of restenosis after PCI. Methods: We performed a systematic search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases up to December 2021. Two authors individually extracted all useful data of each study involved in this meta-analysis and assessed the study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined in different genetic models for evaluation using a random-effects model or fixed-effect model. Results: There were eventually 8 studies of 1111 cases and 4097 controls eligible for this meta-analysis. Significant associations were found between rs5186 polymorphism and restenosis after PCI.allelic (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.17–1.47, p < 0.001), homozygous (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.50–2.44, p < 0.001), heterozygous (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.93–1.29, p = 0.27), recessive (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.37–2.36, p < 0.001), dominant genetic model (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.44, p = 0.006). Subgroup analyses indicated a significant association in Asians. Conclusions: The rs5186 polymorphism in the AGTR1 gene increases the risk of restenosis after PCI in Asians significantly.
CSR and Firm Risk: Is Shareholder Activism a Double-Edged Sword?
Authors: Bozos Konstantinos , King Timothy , Koutmos Dimitrios
Published: November 2022

Few can argue with the notion that corporations should at least consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) to better understand the impact of their operations on society. However, recent empirical tests suggest CSR has an ambiguous impact on firm performance. To shed new light on this debate, we examine the extent to which voting support for nonbinding shareholder-initiated CSR proposals is empirically linked to changes in firms’ underlying systematic risks. Using a rich dataset of proposals in the US from 1998 to 2011, we contribute several novel findings. First, we show that shareholder voting support is nonlinearly linked to changes in systematic risk. Specifically, proposals with low voting support increase risk while those with high support decrease risk. This nonlinearity is particularly pronounced for consumer-sensitive firms that cater primarily to individual consumers rather than for firms in non-consumer-sensitive industries that produce goods or services meant for industrial or governmental use. Second, the 2007–2009 financial crisis exacerbated increases in firms’ systematic risks for proposals with low voting support. Our results, which highlight asymmetry regarding firms’ CSR initiatives, remain robust when controlling for firm-specific factors as well as shifts in investor sentiment. From a risk management perspective, our findings suggest that CSR initiatives need strong shareholder support to realize benefits from the so-called ‘risk-reduction hypothesis’.
Numerical Simulation of the Impact of Water Vapour and Moisture Blockers in Energy Diagnostics of Ventilated Partitions
Authors: Ksit Barbara , Szymczak-Graczyk Anna , Pilch Roman
Published: November 2022

Current trends towards saving energy and designing sustainable buildings result in most designers focusing on achieving the best thermal parameters, thereby neglecting a careful moisture analysis. Excessive moisture content in building partitions degrades the mechanical properties of materials, reduces thermal insulation properties (which leads to an increase in the demand for thermal energy) and worsens the microclimate in rooms. Modern digital solutions help create appropriate models of partitions that work for many years in good environmental conditions. According to the analysis of air parameters, 1 m3 of air at 20 °C contains approx. 17.3 g of water. When the temperature of the air reaches the dew point temperature, water vapour condenses. The dew point depends on air temperature and relative air humidity; for instance, at the same air temperature of 20 °C, the dew point temperature at 40% relative air humidity is 6 °C, whereas at 90% relative humidity, it is over 18 °C. This means that the higher the value of relative humidity in the room at a certain temperature, the lower the temperature that will cause condensation. The article presents a numerical analysis of the insulation work of flexible materials within the layers of ventilated partitions in an 8-year simulated period of varying environmental conditions. The aim of the article is to analyze different models and variants of ventilated partition operation with respect to the advisability of using a vapour barrier to avoid the problem of destruction of thermal insulation and finishing layers of a ventilated roof.
Quantification of Microstructural Changes in the Dermis of Elderly Women Using Morphometric Indices of the Skin Surface
Authors: Bachy Manon , Bosser Catherine , Villain Benoît , Aurégan Jean-Charles
Published: November 2022

Objective: The main objective of this study was the development of a non-invasive mathematical marker of the skin surface, the characteristic length, to predict the microstructure of the dermis. This marker, at the individual level, is intended to provide the biological age of the patient in the context of personalised medicine for the elderly. Study design: To validate this hypothesis, a clinical study was conducted on 22 women over 60 years old from a population of osteoporotic subjects who sustained a femoral neck fracture: a morphological analysis of the skin surface was performed on the patient’s forearm and quantitatively compared with microarchitectural parameters of the dermis. Major results: The Elastin-to-Collagen ratio measured on dermis samples ranged between 0.007 and 0.084, with a mean of 0.035 ± 0.02. The surface characteristic length ranged between 0.90 and 2.621, with a mean of 0.64 ± 0.51. A very strong correlation was found between this characteristic length and the Elastin-to-Collagen ratio (r = 0.92). Conclusions: This study proposes an original diagnostic tool based on morphometric indices of the skin surface and shows a direct quantitative relationship with the dermis microarchitecture and its collagen and elastin content. The proposed method allows reliable and easy access to the intrinsic ageing of the dermis, which would be a strong biomarker in a personalised collagen treatment approach.
Selected Shear Models Based on the Analysis of the Critical Shear Crack for Slender Concrete Beams without Shear Reinforcement
Authors: Kaszubska Monika , Kotynia Renata
Published: November 2022

This paper is devoted to the shear of slender concrete beams flexurally reinforced with two types of reinforcement: steel and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) without transversal reinforcement. The paper presents four theoretical models for calculating the shear capacity of the collected test database and the authors’ own research program, which contained 29 single-span, simply supported T-section beams reinforced with steel and glass fiber-reinforcement polymer (GFRP) bars. The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the test results and modeling of design shear capacity in accordance with the selected theoretical models. The generalized assessment of computational analysis confirmed compatibility of the predicted and experimental results.
Metallic Glass-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites: Design, Interfaces and Properties
Authors: Georgarakis Konstantinos , Dudina Dina V. , Kvashnin Vyacheslav I.
Published: November 2022

When metals are modified by second-phase particles or fibers, metal matrix composites (MMCs) are formed. In general, for a given metallic matrix, reinforcements differing in their chemical nature and particle size/morphology can be suitable while providing different levels of strengthening. This article focuses on MMCs reinforced with metallic glasses and amorphous alloys, which are considered as alternatives to ceramic reinforcements. Early works on metallic glass (amorphous alloy)-reinforced MMCs were conducted in 1982–2005. In the following years, a large number of composites have been obtained and tested. Metallic glass (amorphous alloy)-reinforced MMCs have been obtained with matrices of Al and its alloys, Mg and its alloys, Ti alloys, W, Cu and its alloys, Ni, and Fe. Research has been extended to new compositions, new design approaches and fabrication methods, the chemical interaction of the metallic glass with the metal matrix, the influence of the reaction products on the properties of the composites, strengthening mechanisms, and the functional properties of the composites. These aspects are covered in the present review. Problems to be tackled in future research on metallic glass (amorphous alloy)-reinforced MMCs are also identified.
Phase Formation, Mechanical Strength, and Bioactive Properties of Lithium Disilicate Glass–Ceramics with Different Al2O3 Contents
Authors: Kraipok Arnon , Mamanee Teerapong , Ruangsuriya Jetsada , Nawarat Poomirat , Leenakul Wilaiwan
Published: November 2022

Owing to its excellent mechanical properties and aesthetic tooth-like appearance, lithium disilicate glass–ceramic is more attractive as a crown for dental restorations. In this study, lithium disilicate glass–ceramics were prepared from SiO2–Li2O–K2O–P2O5–CeO2 glass systems with various Al2O3 contents. The mixed glass was then heat-treated at 600 °C and 800 °C for 2 h to form glass–ceramic samples. Phase formation, microstructure, mechanical properties and bioactivity were investigated. The phase formation analysis confirmed the presence of Li2Si2O5 in all the samples. The glass–ceramic sample with an Al2O3 content of 1 wt% showed rod-like Li2Si2O5 crystals that could contribute to the delay in crack propagation and demonstrated the highest mechanical properties. Surface treatment with hydrofluoric acid followed by a silane-coupling agent provided the highest micro-shear bond strength for all ceramic conditions, with no significant difference between ceramic samples. The biocompatibility tests of the material showed that Al2O3-added lithium disilicate glass–ceramic sample was bioactive, thus activating protein production and stimulating the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblast-like cells.
SGD-Based Cascade Scheme for Higher Degrees Wiener Polynomial Approximation of Large Biomedical Datasets
Authors: Izonin Ivan , Tkachenko Roman , Holoven Rostyslav , Yemets Kyrylo , Havryliuk Myroslav , Shandilya Shishir Kumar
Published: November 2022

The modern development of the biomedical engineering area is accompanied by the availability of large volumes of data with a non-linear response surface. The effective analysis of such data requires the development of new, more productive machine learning methods. This paper proposes a cascade ensemble that combines the advantages of using a high-order Wiener polynomial and Stochastic Gradient Descent algorithm while eliminating their disadvantages to ensure a high accuracy of the approximation of such data with a satisfactory training time. The work presents flow charts of the learning algorithms and the application of the developed ensemble scheme, and all the steps are described in detail. The simulation was carried out based on a real-world dataset. Procedures for the proposed model tuning have been performed. The high accuracy of the approximation based on the developed ensemble scheme was established experimentally. The possibility of an implicit approximation by high orders of the Wiener polynomial with a slight increase in the number of its members is shown. It ensures a low training time for the proposed method during the analysis of large datasets, which provides the possibility of its practical use in the biomedical engineering area.
Effect of Echinochrome A on Submandibular Gland Dysfunction in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Kim Ji-Min , Shin Sung-Chan , Cheon Yong-Il , Kim Hyung-Sik , Park Gi-Cheol , Kim Hyoung-Kyu , Han Jin , Seol Jung-Eun , Vasileva Elena , Mishchenko Natalia , Fedoreyev Sergey , Stonik Valentin , Lee Byung-Joo
Published: November 2022

Post-menopausal dry mouth or xerostomia is caused by reduced salivary secretion. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of echinochrome A (Ech A) in alleviating submandibular gland dysfunctions in ovariectomized rats that mimic menopause. Female rats that were eight-weeks-old were randomly divided into SHAM-6, -12; OVX-6, -12; and ECH-6, -12 groups (consisting of 6- and 12-weeks post-sham-operated, ovariectomized, and Ech A-treated ovariectomized rats, respectively). The ECH groups had lower body weight than OVX but similar food intake and estradiol or estrogen receptor β expression. However, the ECH groups had lower mRNA expression of sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c (Srebp-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), cluster of differentiation 36 (Cd36), and lipid vacuole deposition than OVX mice. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron accumulation were lower in the ECH than in the OVX groups. Fibrosis markers, transforming growth factor β (Tgf-βI and Tgf-βII mRNA) increased in the OVX than SHAM groups but decreased in the ECH groups. Aquaporin (Aqp-1 and Aqp-5 mRNA) and mucin expressions were downregulated in the OVX groups but improved with Ech A. In addition, Ech A prevented post-menopausal salivary gland dysfunction by inhibiting lipogenesis and ferroptosis. These findings suggest Ech A as an effective remedy for treating menopausal dry mouth.