bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Accelerated Aging Test to Compare the Thermal Stability over Time between the Mint Lift® and the MEDI ROPE
Authors: Park Jung Heum , Wi Jeong Hwan , Kim Tae Seob , Kim Seung Soo , Jeong Cheol , Sohn Jeong Eun , Kim Robert
Published: February 2022

It is allegedly known that the thermal stability of the Mint Lift® (the Mint Lift® 17 and the Mint Lift® Fine; HansBiomed Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea) over time might be lower as compared with thread-lifts processed through ultrasonic molding technology, such as the MEDI ROPE (WSM 19-03; CNG Co., Ltd., Gyeonggi, Korea), because the Mint Lift® undergoes a thermal treatment during the manufacturing process. We conducted this accelerated aging test to compare the thermal stability over time between the Mint Lift® and the MEDI ROPE. Thus, we measured the degrees of strength of the MEDI ROPE, the Mint Lift® 17, and the Mint Lift® Fine at 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 17 weeks. Between 0 and 14 weeks, the Mint Lift® 17 and the Mint Lift® Fine had significantly higher degrees of strength as compared with the MEDI ROPE (p < 0.05). At 0, 5, and 10 weeks, the Mint Lift® 17 and the Mint Lift® Fine showed no notable differences in microscopic findings as compared with the MEDI ROPE. At 20 weeks, however, the integrities of the Mint Lift® 17 and the Mint Lift® Fine were better preserved as compared with the MEDI ROPE. In conclusion, our results indicate that the Mint Lift® 17 and the Mint Lift® Fine might be less vulnerable to degradation over time as compared with the MEDI ROPE under thermal conditions.
Motion Simulation and Human–Computer Interaction System for Lunar Exploration
Authors: Xie Yuzhen , Tang Zihan , Song Aiguo
Published: February 2022

When planning lunar rover missions, it is important to develop intuition and driving skills for unfamiliar environments before incurring the costs of reaching the moon. Simulators make it possible to operate in environments that have the physical characteristics of target locations without the expense of extensive physical tests. This paper proposes a motion simulation and human–computer interaction system based on a parallel mechanism to realize high-fidelity manned lunar rover simulations. The system consists of an interactive operating platform and a lunar surface simulation environment based on Unity3D. To make the 6-DOF platform simulate the posture changes of the rover, we improved the motion simulation algorithm. We designed a posture adjustment system and built virtual sensors to help astronauts perceive the lunar environment. Finally, this paper discusses the method for the realization of the multi-channel human–computer interaction system; astronauts can interactively control the rover through five channels. Experiments show that this system can realize high-fidelity rover simulation and improve the efficiency of human-computer interaction.
Effect of the Zirconia Particle Size on the Compressive Strength of Reticulated Porous Zirconia-Toughened Alumina
Authors: Lee Chae-Young , Lee Sujin , Ha Jang-Hoon , Lee Jongman , Song In-Hyuck , Moon Kyoung-Seok
Published: February 2022

Reticulated porous ceramics have attracted researchers owing to the separation and collection properties of porous materials and the combined high thermal resistance and chemical stability of ceramics. Among various kinds of reticulated porous ceramics, we investigated the feasibility of using reticulated porous Zirconia-toughened Alumina as applications such as dielectric barriers, insulators, and filters with acceptable properties. An acceptable range of the compressive strength for reticulated porous ZTA applications is approximately 1 MPa. However, when the pore density of the reticulated porous ZTA specimen prepared using coarse zirconia was 60, maximum compressive strength of 1.63 MPa was obtained. To enhance the compressive strength of reticulated porous ZTA specimens, rheological control of the ZTA slurry is most important by optimizing the viscosity of the ZTA slurry, and the composition (average particle size, solid loading, organic binder, and thickener) of the ZTA slurry was controlled. The optimized processing conditions to enhance the compressive strength of reticulated porous ZTA specimens were determined. Consequently, we enhanced the compressive strength of the reticulated porous ZTA specimens from 0.37 MPa to 3.11 MPa by optimizing the ZTA slurry when the solid loading content, the pore density, the sintering temperature, the amount of PVA, and the amount of thickener were 66 wt.%, 60 PPI, 1600 °C, 2 wt.%, and 0.15 wt.%, respectively.
A Method of Supplementing Reviews to Less-Known Tourist Spots Using Geotagged Tweets
Authors: Silaa Victor , Masui Fumito , Ptaszynski Michal
Published: February 2022

When planning a travel or an adventure, sightseers increasingly rely on opinions posted on the Internet tourism related websites, such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com or Expedia. Unfortunately, beautiful, yet less-known places and rarely visited sightspots often do not accumulate sufficient number of valuable opinions on such websites. On the other hand, users often post their opinions on casual social media services, such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Therefore, in this study, we develop a system for supplementing insufficient number of Internet opinions available for sightspots with tweets containing opinions of such sightspots, with a specific focus on wildlife sightspots. To do that, we develop an approach consisting of a system (PSRS) for wildlife sightspots and propose a method for verifying collected geotagged tweets and using them as on-spot reviews. Tweets that contain geolocation information are considered geotagged and therefore treated as possible tourist on-spot reviews. The main challenge, however, is to confirm the authenticity of the extracted tweets. Our method includes the use of location clustering and classification techniques. Specifically, extracted geotagged tweets are clustered by using location information and then annotated taking into consideration specific features applied to machine learning-based classification techniques. As for the machine learning (ML) algorithms, we adopt a fine-tuned transformer neural network-based BERT model which implements the information of token context orientation. The BERT model achieved a higher F-score of 0.936, suggesting that applying a state-of-the-art deep learning-based approach had a significant impact on solving this task. The extracted tweets and annotated scores are then mapped on the designed Park Supplementary Review System (PSRS) as supplementary reviews for travelers seeking additional information about the related sightseeing spots.
Evaluation of Bone Consolidation in External Fixation with an Electromechanical System
Authors: Paulino Maria F. , Roseiro Luis M. , Balacó Inês , Neto Maria A. , Amaro Ana M.
Published: February 2022

The monitoring of fracture or osteotomy healing is vital for orthopedists to help advise, if necessary, secondary treatments for improving healing outcomes and minimizing patient suffering. It has been decades since osteotomy stiffness has been identified as one main parameter to quantify and qualify the outcome of a regenerated callus. Still, radiographic imaging remains the current standard diagnostic technique of orthopedists. Hence, with recent technological advancements, engineers need to use the new branches of knowledge and improve or innovate diagnostic technologies. An electromechanical system was developed to help diagnose changes in osteotomy stiffness treated with the external fixator LRS Orthofix®. The concept was evaluated experimentally and numerically during fracture healing simulation using two different models: a simplified model of a human tibia, consisting of a nylon bar with a diameter of 30 mm, and a synthetic tibia with the anatomical model from fourth-generation Sawbones®. Moreover, Sawbones® blocks with different densities simulated the mechanical characteristics of the regenerated bone in many stages of bone callus growth. The experimental measurements using the developed diagnostic were compared to the numerically simulated results. For this external fixator, it was possible to show that the displacement in osteotomy was always lower than the displacement prescribed in the elongator. Nevertheless, a relationship was established between the energy consumption by the electromechanical system used to perform callus stimulus and the degree of osteotomy consolidation. Hence, this technology may lead to methodologies of mechanical stimulation for regenerating bone, which will play a relevant role for bedridden individuals with mobility limitations.
Faster MDNet for Visual Object Tracking
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Fan Keqi , Wang Yiyang , Zheng Yuhui
Published: February 2022

With the rapid development of deep learning techniques, new breakthroughs have been made in deep learning-based object tracking methods. Although many approaches have achieved state-of-the-art results, existing methods still cannot fully satisfy practical needs. A robust tracker should perform well in three aspects: tracking accuracy, speed, and resource consumption. Considering this notion, we propose a novel model, Faster MDNet, to strike a better balance among these factors. To improve the tracking accuracy, a channel attention module is introduced to our method. We also design domain adaptation components to obtain more generic features. Simultaneously, we implement an adaptive, spatial pyramid pooling layer for reducing model complexity and accelerating the tracking speed. The experiments illustrate the promising performance of our tracker on OTB100, VOT2018, TrackingNet, UAV123, and NfS.
Designing of Machine Backups in Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Vavrík Vladimír , Fusko Miroslav , Bučková Monika , Gašo Martin , Furmannová Beáta , Štaffenová Katarína
Published: February 2022

The article presents the results of machine backup designing in reconfigurable industrial processes. The development of manufacturing systems is moving towards intelligent, automated, autonomous, and reconfigurable manufacturing systems. Factories that want to ensure long-term sustainable and competitive manufacturing processes must be designing their processes to respond flexibly to changing changes in customer requirements. The article’s introduction characterizes concepts such as cold backup and warm backup machines and indicators relationship as the time between faults and repairs. The materials and methods describes prerequisites as the creation of the product family creation and resource availability with many formulas, simulation models, and its verification for the creation of the family products in the results of this article. The results describes the results from the calculations of the backups and family products of their use in reconfigurable manufacturing systems. The developed methodology for line design uses the principles of reconfiguration in designing configurations regarding advanced approaches in factories. A significant milestone will be the rapid integration of disruptive technologies and approaches into manufacturing systems. The complexity of future manufacturing systems in the Factories of the Future will only be possible with new innovative factory technologies using the digital twin.
Spatio-Temporal Variation and Influencing Factors of Ozone Pollution in Beijing
Authors: Chen Bo , Yang Xinbing , Xu Jingjing
Published: February 2022

The temporal and spatial distribution and variation characteristics of ozone (O3) in Beijing, China, are investigated using hourly monitoring data from 2020. Kriging interpolation analysis and correlation analysis are applied to describe the spatial-temporal distribution and to identify associated influencing factors. The average concentration of O3 was found to be 59.58 μg·m−3. The daily maximum sliding 8 h average ozone concentration values exceeded the primary standard (100 μg·m−3) for 129 days and exceeded the secondary standard (160 μg·m−3) for 48 days. Temporally, the general pattern of daily maximum 8 h average O3 concentration was high in spring and summer and low in autumn and winter. Monthly average values showed a maximum in June. The highest daily concentrations appeared between 13:00 and 18:00 local time, and O3 concentrations had a distinct weekly pattern of variability with daily average concentrations at weekends higher than those during working days. Spatially, annual average O3 concentrations were highest in the northeast and lowest in the southeast of the city, and the seasonal variation of O3 was most significant in the southwest of the city. In relation to city districts and counties, the annual average O3 concentrations in the Miyun District were the highest, while those in the Haidian District were the lowest. On the whole, annual average O3 concentrations in Beijing were higher in the suburbs than in central areas. Based on daily average values, there was no significant correlation between O3 concentrations and rainfall (p > 0.05), but there were significant correlations between O3 concentration and sunshine hours, wind speed, maximum temperature and minimum temperature (p < 0.05), with correlation coefficients of 0.158, 0.267, 0.724 and 0.703, respectively. O3 concentrations increased with an increasing number of sunshine hours, first increased and then decreased with increasing wind speed and increased with increasing temperature. O3 concentrations were correlated with SO2 concentrations (0.05 < p > 0.001), CO concentrations (p < 0.001) and NO2 concentrations (p < 0.001), the latter having the highest correlation coefficient of −0.553 and exhibiting opposite trends in daily and monthly variations to O3 variations. Analysis of ozone pollution sources showed that automobile exhaust, coal and oil combustion and volatile organic compounds released by industrial plants were the main sources. Terrain affected the distribution of ozone, as well as human activities and industry.
Influence Mechanism of a Bridge Wind Barrier on the Stability of a Van-Body Truck under Crosswind
Authors: Yuan Zhiqun , Xia Dandan , Lin Xiaobo , Lin Li , Liu Yufeng , Li Yuehan
Published: February 2022

Understanding the crosswind stability of cars under strong wind loads and research on wind resistance methods is important for improving the safety performance of wind-induced driving on bridges. Taking van-body trucks as the research object, numerical calculation methods and wind tunnel test methods are used to conduct the wind-induced driving safety analyses of van trucks on a cross-sea bridge. The influence of the structural parameters of the barrier-type wind barrier on the aerodynamic characteristics and straight-line driving stability of the trucks on the bridge is studied and analyzed quantitatively. The results show that the decrease in the porosity of the wind barrier can effectively reduce the average wind speed of the bridge deck, and increasing the height of the wind barrier can effectively reduce the wind speed and increase the occlusion height of the bridge deck. The lateral acceleration, yaw rate, and lateral displacement of trucks decrease with the decrease in the porosity of the wind barrier and decrease with the increase in the height of the wind barrier. The research conclusions can not only provide data support for wind-induced driving safety analysis and the wind-resistant design of bridges but also provide a new method to balance the requirements of bridge wind-induced driving safety and bridge wind-induced structure safety.
Modification of the Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights (LMAW) by a Triangular Fuzzy Number and Its Application in Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Božanić Darko , Pamučar Dragan , Milić Aleksandar , Marinković Dragan , Komazec Nenad
Published: February 2022

The Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights (LMAW) method is a very young method and in its basic form is defined for crisp values. In this paper, the LMAW method was improved by being modified with triangular fuzzy numbers. The modification significantly improved the capacity of the LMAW method to consider uncertainty in decision making. The special importance of the method is reflected in a relatively simple mathematical apparatus due to which it is possible to define, with high quality, weight coefficients of criteria and rank alternative solutions in uncertain environments. The method was tested in solving the problem of the location selection for a landing operations point (LOP) in combat operations of the army. The validation of the obtained results was performed: (1) by means of comparison with the Fuzzy Simple Additive Weighting (FSAW) Method, the Fuzzy Multi-Attributive Border Approximation area Comparison (FMABAC), the fuzzy Višekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (FVIKOR), the fuzzy COmpressed PRoportional ASsessment (FCOPRAS), and the fuzzy Multi Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis (FMAIRCA); (2) by means of sensitivity analysis by changing the weight coefficients of criteria; and (3) using simulation software. In comparison with other methods, the quality of the ranking of alternative solutions was confirmed, which highlighted the special importance of the fuzzy LMAW method relative to that of certain standard methods, respectively, the ones that are often used and confirmed in practice. On the other hand, the sensitivity analysis, including the changing of the weight coefficients of criteria, showed that the model could tolerate smaller errors in defining the weight coefficients of criteria, and it provided stable results. Finally, the validation of results achieved with the use of simulation software confirmed the obtained output results. The output results confirmed the quality of the modified method.
Analysis of the Use and Applicability of Different Variables for the Prescription of Relative Intensity in Bench Press Exercise
Authors: Maté-Muñoz José Luis , Garnacho-Castaño Manuel Vicente , Hernández-Lougedo Juan , Maicas-Pérez Luis , Notario-Alonso Raúl , Da Silva-Grigoletto Marzo Edir , García-Fernández Pablo , Heredia-Elvar Juan Ramón
Published: February 2022

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the use of variables such as % of one-repetition maximum (1RM) and number of maximal repetitions (xRM) with execution velocity to define and control the intensity of resistance training in bench press exercise. Hence, exercise professionals will achieve better control of training through a greater understanding of its variables. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, fifty male physical education students were divided into four groups according to their relative strength ratio (RSR) and performed a 1RM bench press test (T1). In the second test, participants performed repetitions to exhaustion (T2), using a relative load corresponding to 70% 1RM determined through the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) obtained from the individual load–velocity relationship. This same test was repeated a week later (T3). Tests were monitored according to the MPV of each repetition and blood lactate values (LACT). Results: Regarding MPV, the best (fastest) repetition of the set (MPVrep Best) values were similar between groups (0.62 m·s−1–0.64 m·s−1), with significant differences in relation to the high RSR group (p < 0.001). The average maximum number of repetitions (MNR) was 12.38 ± 2.51, with no significant differences between the RSR groups. Nonetheless, significant variation existed between groups with regards to MNR (CV: 13–29%), with greater variability in the group corresponding to the lowest RSR values (CV: 29%). The loss of velocity in the MNR test in the different groups was similar (p > 0.05). Average LACT values (5.72 mmol·L−1) showed significant differences between the Medium RSR and Very Low RSR groups. No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) between T2 and T3 with regards to MNR, MPVrep Best, or MPVrep Last, with little variability seen between participants. Conclusions: The use of variables such as the 1RM, estimated using an absolute load value, or an MNR do not allow an adequate degree of precision to prescribe and control the relative intensity of resistance training. Besides, execution velocity control can offer an adequate alternative to guarantee an accurate prescription of intensity with regard to resistance training.
A Probabilistic Structural Equation Model to Evaluate Links between Gut Microbiota and Body Weights of Chicken Fed or Not Fed Insect Larvae
Authors: Detilleux Johann , Moula Nassim , Dawans Edwin , Taminiau Bernard , Daube Georges , Leroy Pascal
Published: February 2022

Feeding chicken with black soldier fly larvae (BSF) may influence their rates of growth via effects on the composition of their gut microbiota. To verify this hypothesis, we aim to evaluate a probabilistic structural equation model because it can unravel the complex web of relationships that exist between the bacteria involved in digestion and evaluate whether these influence bird growth. We followed 90 chickens fed diets supplemented with 0%, 5% or 10% BSF and measured the strength of the relationship between their weight and the relative abundance of bacteria (OTU) present in their cecum or cloaca at 16, 28, 39, 67 or 73 days of age, while adjusting for potential confounding effects of their age and sex. Results showed that OTUs (62 genera) could be combined into ten latent constructs with distinctive metabolic attributes. Links were discovered between these constructs that suggest nutritional relationships. Age directly influenced weights and microbiotal composition, and three constructs indirectly influenced weights via their dependencies on age. The proposed methodology was able to simplify dependencies among OTUs into knowledgeable constructs and to highlight links potentially important to understand the role of insect feed and of microbiota in chicken growth.
Are Cell-Based Therapies Safe and Effective in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Van den Bos Jasper , Ouaamari Yousra El , Wouters Kristien , Cools Nathalie , Wens Inez
Published: February 2022

Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the field of regenerative medicine. However, despite being of the utmost clinical urgency, there remains a paucity of therapeutic strategies for conditions with substantial neurodegeneration such as (progressive) multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Different cell types, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), neuronal stem cells (NSC), olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC), neurons and a variety of others, already demonstrated safety and regenerative or neuroprotective properties in the central nervous system during the preclinical phase. As a result of these promising findings, in recent years, these necessary types of cell therapies have been intensively tested in clinical trials to establish whether these results could be confirmed in patients. However, extensive research is still needed regarding elucidating the exact mechanism of action, possible immune rejection, functionality and survival of the administered cells, dose, frequency and administration route. To summarize the current state of knowledge, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. A total of 27,043 records were reviewed by two independent assessors and 71 records were included in the final quantitative analysis. These results show that the overall frequency of serious adverse events was low: 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01–0.08). In addition, several trials in MS and SCI reported efficacy data, demonstrating some promising results on clinical outcomes. All randomized controlled studies were at a low risk of bias due to appropriate blinding of the treatment, including assessors and patients. In conclusion, cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative disease are safe and feasible while showing promising clinical improvements. Nevertheless, given their high heterogeneity, the results require a cautious approach. We advocate for the harmonization of study protocols of trials investigating cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative diseases, adverse event reporting and investigation of clinical outcomes.
Pheromone Receptor Knock-Out Affects Pheromone Detection and Brain Structure in a Moth
Authors: Koutroumpa Fotini , Monsempès Christelle , Anton Sylvia , François Marie-Christine , Montagné Nicolas , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle
Published: February 2022

Sex pheromone receptors are crucial in insects for mate finding and contribute to species premating isolation. Many pheromone receptors have been functionally characterized, especially in moths, but loss of function studies are rare. Notably, the potential role of pheromone receptors in the development of the macroglomeruli in the antennal lobe (the brain structures processing pheromone signals) is not known. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to knock-out the receptor for the major component of the sex pheromone of the noctuid moth Spodoptera littoralis, and investigated the resulting effects on electrophysiological responses of peripheral pheromone-sensitive neurons and on the structure of the macroglomeruli. We show that the inactivation of the receptor specifically affected the responses of the corresponding antennal neurons did not impact the number of macroglomeruli in the antennal lobe but reduced the size of the macroglomerulus processing input from neurons tuned to the main pheromone component. We suggest that this mutant neuroanatomical phenotype results from a lack of neuronal activity due to the absence of the pheromone receptor and potentially reduced neural connectivity between peripheral and antennal lobe neurons. This is the first evidence of the role of a moth pheromone receptor in macroglomerulus development and extends our knowledge of the different functions odorant receptors can have in insect neurodevelopment.
Population Dynamics of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Heterogeneity in Cancer Cells
Authors: Jain Paras , Bhatia Sugandha , Thompson Erik W. , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: February 2022

Phenotypic heterogeneity is a hallmark of aggressive cancer behaviour and a clinical challenge. Despite much characterisation of this heterogeneity at a multi-omics level in many cancers, we have a limited understanding of how this heterogeneity emerges spontaneously in an isogenic cell population. Some longitudinal observations of dynamics in epithelial-mesenchymal heterogeneity, a canonical example of phenotypic heterogeneity, have offered us opportunities to quantify the rates of phenotypic switching that may drive such heterogeneity. Here, we offer a mathematical modeling framework that explains the salient features of population dynamics noted in PMC42-LA cells: (a) predominance of EpCAMhigh subpopulation, (b) re-establishment of parental distributions from the EpCAMhigh and EpCAMlow subpopulations, and (c) enhanced heterogeneity in clonal populations established from individual cells. Our framework proposes that fluctuations or noise in content duplication and partitioning of SNAIL—an EMT-inducing transcription factor—during cell division can explain spontaneous phenotypic switching and consequent dynamic heterogeneity in PMC42-LA cells observed experimentally at both single-cell and bulk level analysis. Together, we propose that asymmetric cell division can be a potential mechanism for phenotypic heterogeneity.
Selenium, TGF-Beta and Infectious Endemic Cardiopathy: Lessons from Benchwork to Clinical Application in Chagas Disease
Authors: Araujo-Jorge Tania C. , Rivera Maria Teresa , Vanderpas Jean , Garzoni Luciana R. , Carvalho Anna Cristina C. , Waghabi Mariana C. , Holanda Marcelo T. , Mediano Mauro F. F. , Hasslocher-Moreno Alejandro M. , Bonecini-Almeida Maria da Gloria , Saraiva Roberto M. , Ferreira Roberto R.
Published: February 2022

For over 60 years, selenium (Se) has been known as an essential microelement to many biological functions, including cardiovascular homeostasis. This review presents a compilation of studies conducted in the past 20 years related to chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, a neglected disease that represents a global burden, especially in Latin America. Experimental and clinical data indicate that Se may be used as a complementary therapy to prevent heart failure and improve heart function. Starting from the main questions “Is Se deficiency related to heart inflammation and arrhythmogenesis in CCC?” and “Could Se be recommended as a therapeutic strategy for CCC?”, we show evidence implicating the complex and multidetermined CCC physiopathology, discussing its possible interplays with the multifunctional cytokine TGF-β as regulators of immune response and fibrosis. We present two new proposals to face this global public health challenge in vulnerable populations affected by this parasitic disease: fibrosis modulation mediated by TGF-β pathways and the possible use of selenoproteins as antioxidants regulating the increased reactive oxygen stress present in CCC inflammatory environments. We assess the opportunity to consider the beneficial effects of Se in preventing heart failure as a concept to be applied for CCC patients.
Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Neurologic Injury
Authors: Panther Eric J. , Dodd William , Clark Alec , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: February 2022

Communication between the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system (CNS) is vital for maintaining systemic homeostasis. Intrinsic and extrinsic neurological inputs of the gut regulate blood flow, peristalsis, hormone release, and immunological function. The health of the gut microbiome plays a vital role in regulating the overall function and well-being of the individual. Microbes release short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that regulate G-protein-coupled receptors to mediate hormone release, neurotransmitter release (i.e., serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine, and histamine), and regulate inflammation and mood. Further gaseous factors (i.e., nitric oxide) are important in regulating inflammation and have a response in injury. Neurologic injuries such as ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular lesions can all lead to gut dysbiosis. Additionally, unfavorable alterations in the composition of the microbiota may be associated with increased risk for these neurologic injuries due to increased proinflammatory molecules and clotting factors. Interventions such as probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and oral SCFAs have been shown to stabilize and improve the composition of the microbiome. However, the effect this has on neurologic injury prevention and recovery has not been studied extensively. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on the complex relationship between the nervous system and the microbiome and to report how neurologic injury modulates the status of the microbiome. Finally, we will propose various interventions that may be beneficial in the recovery from neurologic injury.
Age and Intrinsic Fitness Affect the Female Rotator Cuff Tendon Tissue
Authors: Thierbach Manuela , Heyne Estelle , Schwarzer Michael , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Wildemann Britt
Published: February 2022

The risk of the development of tendon disorders or ruptures increases with age, but it is unclear whether intrinsic fitness during lifetime might also affect tendon properties. To investigate this, a contrasting rat model of high-capacity runners (HCR with high intrinsic fitness) and low-capacity runners (LCR with low intrinsic fitness) was employed. Histological and molecular changes in rotator cuff (RC) tendons from 10 weeks old (young; HCR-10 and LCR-10) and 100 weeks old (old; HCR-100 and LCR-100) female rats were investigated. Age-dependent changes of RC tendons observed in HCR and LCR were increase of weight, decrease of tenocytes and RNA content, reduction of the wavy pattern of collagen and elastic fibers, repressed expression of Col1a1, Eln, Postn, Tnmd, Tgfb3 and Egr1 and reduction of the Col1:Col3 and Col1:Eln ratio. The LCR rats showed less physical activity, increased body weight, signs of metabolic disease and a reduced life expectancy. Their RC tendons revealed increased weight (more than age-dependent) and enlargement of the tenocyte nuclei (consistent with degenerative tendons). Low intrinsic fitness led to repressed expression of a further nine genes (Col3a1, Fbn1, Dcn, Tnc, Scx, Mkx, Bmp1, Tgfb1, Esr1) as well as the rise of the Col1:Col3 and Col1:Eln ratios (related to the lesser expression of Col3a1 and Eln). The intrinsic fitness influences the female RC tendons at least as much as age. Lower intrinsic fitness accelerates aging of RC tendons and leads to further impairment; this could result in decreased healing potential and elasticity and increased stiffness.
Comparative Study of the Aftereffect of CO2 Inhalation or Tiletamine–Zolazepam–Xylazine Anesthesia on Laboratory Outbred Rats and Mice
Authors: Khokhlova Oksana N. , Borozdina Natalya A. , Sadovnikova Elena S. , Pakhomova Irina A. , Rudenko Pavel A. , Korolkova Yuliya V. , Kozlov Sergey A. , Dyachenko Igor A.
Published: February 2022

CO2 inhalation is currently the most common method of euthanasia for laboratory rats and mice, and it is often used for further terminal blood sampling for clinical biochemical assays. Lately, this method has been criticized due to animal welfare issues associated with some processes that develop after CO2 inhalation. The stress reaction and the value of the clinical laboratory parameters significantly depend on the used anesthetics, method, and the site of blood sampling. Especially in small rodents, an acute terminal state followed by a cascade of metabolic reactions that can affect the studied biochemical profile may develop and cause unnecessary suffering of animals. The aim of this study was to compare the stability of biochemical parameters of outbred Sprague Dawley rats and CD-1 mice serum collected after CO2 inhalation or the intramuscular injection of tiletamine–zolazepam–xylazine (TZX). The serum content of total protein and albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotr ansferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and creatinine was decreased by the injection of TZX in comparison with CO2 inhalation. In addition, the levels of calcium, phosphates, chlorides and potassium were lowered by TZX vs. CO2 administration, while the level of sodium increased. Finally, the level of the majority of serum clinical biochemical parameters in rats and mice tend to be overestimated after CO2 inhalation, which may lead to masking the possible effect of anti-inflammatory drugs in animal tests. Injection anesthesia for small rodents with TZX is a more feasible method for terminal blood sampling, which also reduces the suffering of animals.
Colorimetric Biosensor Based on Magnetic Enzyme and Gold Nanorods for Visual Detection of Fish Freshness
Authors: Xu Xia , Wu Xiaotian , Zhuang Shunqian , Zhang Yucong , Ding Yuting , Zhou Xuxia
Published: February 2022

Histamine, an important safety index for aquatic products, can also be used as a freshness indicator for red-fleshed fish. In this work, magnetic graphene oxide (Fe3O4@GO, MGO) was applied to immobilize diamine oxidase (DAO) through a method of adsorption and covalent bonding. Under the optimized conditions, magnetic DAO prepared by adsorption immobilization had a higher enzyme activity than that of free enzyme, which was selected for the sensor construction. A colorimetric biosensor based on magnetic DAO induced etching of gold nanorods (AuNRs) was developed for the detection of histamine in fish. The developed biosensor showed an excellent response toward histamine with a low detection limit of 1.23 μM and had negligible interference from other diamines. With increasing the histamine concentration, the AuNRs after the reaction exhibited colors ranging from dark green to blue-green, blue, purple, red, and colorless. The etching induced multicolor change of AuNRs indicated the presence of different contents of histamine in mackerel during storage, and was consistent with the overall change in the content of the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N). Thus, it was indicated that the proposed colorimetric biosensor with a naked-eye-detectable readout has a great potential to evaluate the freshness of red-fleshed fish high in histamine.
Deciding on Optical Illusions: Reduced Alpha Power in Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Authors: Giannopoulos Anastasios E. , Zioga Ioanna , Kontoangelos Konstantinos , Papageorgiou Panos , Kapsali Fotini , Capsalis Christos N. , Papageorgiou Charalabos
Published: February 2022

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation with imagined defects in appearance. Optical illusions induce illusory effects that distort the presented stimulus, thus leading to ambiguous percepts. Using electroencephalography (EEG), we investigated whether BDD is related to differentiated perception during illusory percepts. Methods: A total of 18 BDD patients and 18 controls were presented with 39 optical illusions together with a statement testing whether or not they perceived the illusion. After a delay period, they were prompted to answer whether the statement was right/wrong and their degree of confidence in their answer. We investigated differences of BDD patients on task performance and self-reported confidence and analyzed the brain oscillations during decision-making using nonparametric cluster statistics. Results: Behaviorally, the BDD group exhibited reduced confidence when responding incorrectly, potentially attributed to higher levels of doubt. Electrophysiologically, the BDD group showed significantly reduced alpha power at the fronto-central and parietal scalp areas, suggesting impaired allocation of attention. Interestingly, the lower the alpha power of the identified cluster, the higher the BDD severity, as assessed by BDD psychometrics. Conclusions: Results evidenced that alpha power during illusory processing might serve as a quantitative EEG biomarker of BDD, potentially associated with reduced inhibition of task-irrelevant areas.
Effects of Tongue Pressure on Cerebral Blood Volume Dynamics: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Miyata Hidemasa , Tani Ryouji , Toratani Shigeaki , Okamoto Tetsuji
Published: February 2022

Tongue pressure measurement (TPM) is an indicator of oral function. However, the association between tongue pressure and cerebral activation remains unclear. We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to examine the correlation between cerebral cortex activation and tongue pressure stimulation against the anterior palatal mucosa. We measured voluntary maximum tongue pressure (MTP) using a TPM device; a pressure value of approximately 60% of the MTP was used for the experimental tongue pressure (MTP60%). We examined the effect of oral functional tongue pressure stimulation against the anterior palatal mucosa on cerebral activation using NIRS in 13 adults. Tongue pressure stimulation caused significant changes in cerebral blood flow in some areas compared with controls (p < 0.05). We performed a correlation analysis (p < 0.05) between MTP60% and changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in all 47 NIRS channels. MTP60% triggered activation of the right somatosensory motor area and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and deactivation of the anterior prefrontal cortex (APFC). TPM balloon-probe insertion in the oral cavity activated the bilateral somatosensory motor area and deactivated the wide area of the APFC. Moreover, MTP60% via the TPM balloon probe activated the bilateral somatosensory and motor cortex areas. Tongue pressure stimulation changes cerebral blood flow, and NIRS is useful in investigating the relationship between oral stimulation and brain function.
Accessing Neuromarketing Scientific Performance: Research Gaps and Emerging Topics
Authors: Cardoso Lucília , Chen Meng-Mei , Araújo Arthur , de Almeida Giovana Goretti Feijó , Dias Francisco , Moutinho Luiz
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Using neuroscience to understand and influence consumer behavior often leads to ethical controversy. Thus, it is necessary to demystify the use of neuroscience for marketing purposes; the present paper, by accessing the worldwide academic performance in this domain, fulfills this objective. (2) Methods: All extant literature on neuromarketing indexed to the Scopus database—318 articles—was subjected to a bibliometric analysis through a mixed-method approach. (3) Results: The results show that Spain leads the ranks of the most productive countries, while Italian researchers clearly dominate in terms of collaboration. Regarding the most prominent topics, the connection between “Neuroscience” and “Advertising” is highlighted. The findings provide a better understanding of the state-of-the-art in neuromarketing studies, research gaps, and emerging research topics, and additionally provide a new methodological contribution by including SciVal topic prominence in the bibliometric analysis. (4) Conclusions: As practical implications, this study provides useful insights for neuromarketing researchers seeking funding opportunities, which are normally associated with topics within the top prominence percentile or emerging topics. In terms of originality, this study is the first to apply SciVal topic prominence to a bibliometric analysis of neuromarketing, and provides a new bibliometric indicator for neuromarketing research.
A Longitudinal Examination of Real-World Sedentary Behavior in Adults with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders in a Clinical Trial of Combined Oxytocin and Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training
Authors: Browne Julia , Harvey Philip , Buchanan Robert , Kelly Deanna , Strauss Gregory , Gold James , Holden Jason , Granholm Eric
Published: February 2022

Sedentary behavior contributes to a shortened life expectancy in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSDs), highlighting the need for effective interventions to improve health. This study examined whether reduced ecological momentary assessment (EMA) measures of sedentary activities were observed in individuals with SSDs who participated in a 24-week randomized trial of cognitive behavioral social skills training (CBSST) and either intranasal oxytocin or placebo (NCT01752712). Participants (n = 57) were prompted with EMA surveys seven times per day for seven days during the baseline, 12-week, and 24-week timepoints to sample sedentary behavior ratings, positive and negative affect, interpersonal interactions, and interpersonal interaction appraisals. Results revealed that sedentary behavior and social interactions did not significantly change over the 24-week clinical trial; however, positive and negative affect and defeatist interaction appraisals improved with treatment, and oxytocin produced modest additional improvements in these EMA outcomes. Greater momentary positive affect was significantly associated with greater activity and greater frequency of interactions. Overall, CBSST was effective at improving functioning, momentary affect, and defeatist interaction appraisals, although it did not reduce sedentary behavior; therefore, targeting these factors is not sufficient to reduce sedentary behavior, and adjunct interventions are needed.
The Current State of the Finnish Cottage Phenomenon: Perspectives of Experts
Authors: Häkkänen Lotta , Ilgın Hüseyin Emre , Karjalainen Markku
Published: February 2022

To date, studies that provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the cottage in Finland are lacking in the literature. This paper explored this phenomenon, which has great cultural and economic importance for Finland, through interviews from the perspective of experts. Key findings based on main themes including cottage buyers, characteristics of the dream cottage, diversified cottages, the regulation of cottages in municipalities, and challenges in the regulation of cottages, highlighted that: (1) cottage buyers were reported to be mostly in their 50s and wealthy; (2) buyers were in high demand for easy solutions and cottages with a similar level of equipment to a primary home; (3) environmental issues were considered interesting, but buyers primarily paid attention to the cleanliness of the nature and especially the body of water surrounding their cottage; (4) distance to the cottage and closest services were deciding factors, and there was greater demand for waterfront cottages; (5) popular cottage sizes varied widely, and the diversification was among the highlights; (6) while changes in use were possible under certain circumstances, sewage and wastewater regulation, and sizing of beach construction were considered challenging. It is believed that this paper will contribute to the balanced territorial development of cottages in Finland and the vitality of cottage-rich municipalities.
The Usefulness of Prognostic Tools in Breast Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases
Authors: Kufel-Grabowska Joanna , Niwińska Anna , Radecka Barbara S. , Ali Shan , Mandat Tomasz , Duchnowska Renata
Published: February 2022

Background: Determining the proper therapy is challenging in breast cancer (BC) patients with brain metastases (BM) due to the variability of an individual’s prognosis and the variety of treatment options available. Several prognostic tools for BC patients with BM have been proposed. Our review summarizes the current knowledge on this topic. Methods: We searched PubMed for prognostic tools concerning BC patients with BM, published from January 1997 (since the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group developed) to December 2021. Our criteria were limited to adults with newly diagnosed BM regardless of the presence or absence of any leptomeningeal metastases. Results: 31 prognostic tools were selected: 13 analyzed mixed cohorts with some BC cases and 18 exclusively analyzed BC prognostic tools. The majority of prognostic tools in BC patients with BM included: the performance status, the age at BM diagnosis, the number of BM (rarely the volume), the primary tumor phenotype/genotype and the extracranial metastasis status as a result of systemic therapy. The prognostic tools differed in their specific cut-off values. Conclusion: Prognostic tools have variable precision in determining the survival of BC patients with BM. Advances in local and systemic treatment significantly affect survival, therefore, it is necessary to update the survival indices used depending on the type and period of treatment.
Are Transcription Factors Plausible Oncotargets for Triple Negative Breast Cancers?
Authors: Marqués Marta , Sorolla Maria Alba , Urdanibia Izaskun , Parisi Eva , Hidalgo Iván , Morales Serafín , Salud Antonieta , Sorolla Anabel
Published: February 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and one of the main causes of cancer deaths. BC is a heterogeneous disease composed of different BC intrinsic subtypes such as triple-negative BC (TNBC), which is one of the most aggressive subtypes and which lacks a targeted therapy. Recent comprehensive analyses across cell types and cancer types have outlined a vast network of protein–protein associations between transcription factors (TFs). Not surprisingly, protein–protein networks central to oncogenesis and disease progression are highly altered during TNBC pathogenesis and are responsible for the activation of oncogenic programs, such as uncontrollable proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. From the therapeutic viewpoint, inhibiting the interactions between TFs represents a very significant challenge, as the contact surfaces of TFs are relatively large and featureless. However, promising tools have emerged to offer a solution to the targeting problem. At the clinical level, some TF possess diagnostic and prognostic value in TNBC. In this review, we outline the recent advances in TFs relevant to TNBC growth and progression. Moreover, we highlight different targeting approaches to inhibit these TFs. Furthermore, the validity of such TFs as clinical biomarkers has been explored. Finally, we discuss how research is likely to evolve in the field.