bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD147 Promotes Tumorigenesis via Exosome-Mediated Signaling in Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Fahs Assil , Hussein Nader , Zalzali Hasan , Ramadan Farah , Ghamloush Farah , Tamim Hani , El Homsi Mahmoud , Badran Bassam , Boulos Fouad , Tawil Ayman , Ghayad Sandra E. , Saab Raya
Published: July 2022

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive childhood soft-tissue tumor, with propensity for local invasion and distant metastasis. Exosomes are secreted vesicles that mediate paracrine signaling by delivering functional proteins and miRNA to recipient cells. The transmembrane protein CD147, also known as Basigin or EMMPRIN, is enriched in various tumor cells, as well as in tumor-derived exosomes, and has been correlated with poor prognosis in several types of cancer, but has not been previously investigated in RMS. We investigated the effects of CD147 on RMS cell biology and paracrine signaling, specifically its contribution to invasion and metastatic phenotype. CD147 downregulation diminishes RMS cell invasion and inhibits anchorage-independent growth in vitro. While treatment of normal fibroblasts with RMS-derived exosomes results in a significant increase in proliferation, migration, and invasion, these effects are reversed when using exosomes from CD147-downregulated RMS cells. In human RMS tissue, CD147 was expressed exclusively in metastatic tumors. Altogether, our results demonstrate that CD147 contributes to RMS tumor cell aggressiveness, and is involved in modulating the microenvironment through RMS-secreted exosomes. Targeted inhibition of CD147 reduces its expression levels within the isolated exosomes and reduces the capacity of these exosomes to enhance cellular invasive properties.
Editorial for Special Issue: iPS Cells (iPSCs) for Modelling and Treatment of Human Diseases
Authors: Graffmann Nina , Adjaye James
Published: July 2022

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have evolved as a powerful tool to model diseases and study treatment possibilities [...]
Regulation of N6-Methyladenosine after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Vausort Mélanie , Niedolistek Magdalena , Lumley Andrew I. , Oknińska Marta , Paterek Aleksandra , Mączewski Michał , Dong Xiangyi , Jäger Christian , Linster Carole L. , Leszek Przemyslaw , Devaux Yvan
Published: July 2022

Development of heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI) is responsible for premature death. Complex cellular and molecular mechanisms are involved in this process. A number of studies have linked the epitranscriptomic RNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) with HF, but it remains unknown how m6A affects the risk of developing HF after MI. We addressed the regulation of m6A and its demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) after MI and their association with HF. Using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, we observed an increase of m6A content in the infarcted area of rat hearts subjected to coronary ligation and a decrease in blood. FTO expression measured by quantitative PCR was downregulated in the infarcted hearts. In whole blood samples collected at the time of reperfusion in MI patients, m6A content was lower in patients who developed HF as attested by a 4-month ejection fraction (EF) of ≤40% as compared to patients who did not develop HF (EF > 50%). M6A content was higher in females. These results show that m6A measured in blood is associated with HF development after MI and motivate further investigation of the potential role of m6A as a novel epitranscriptomics biomarker and therapeutic target of HF.
Neglected Monteggia Fractures in Children—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zivanovic Dragoljub , Marjanovic Zoran , Bojovic Nikola , Djordjevic Ivona , Zecevic Maja , Budic Ivana
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: A Monteggia fracture is an infrequent injury in children. It can be missed during an initial consultation in 20–50% of patients. Chronic radial head dislocation may lead to several complications. Thus, surgical reconstruction of chronic Monteggia injuries is justified. The aim of this study is to analyze the single tertiary center experience in the treatment of neglected Monteggia fractures. (2) Methods: A retrospective study of patients treated for missed Monteggia fractures was conducted. Hospital records, operative charts, follow-up records and a set of X-rays were analyzed for each patient. Radiographic results were graded as good, moderate or poor. The functional status of elbows was estimated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index. (3) Results: A total of 13 patients (8 boys and 5 girls) aged 4–12 years (mean 7.15) were treated during the study period. An angulation osteotomy of the ulna was performed in ten patients and a radial shortening osteotomy in three patients. A Bell–Tawse annular ligament reconstruction was performed in five patients, and a direct repair was performed in two patients. Eight patients had radiocapitellar trans-fixation. There were nine good radiographic results, three moderate and one poor. The functional result was excellent in nine patients, good in three and poor in one. (4) Conclusions: Our work has many limitations (only 13 patients and different types of operations), and conclusions should be drawn very carefully from such a small and diverse group. The surgical reconstruction of neglected Monteggia fractures in children should be attempted in all patients. Angulation and elongation osteotomies of the ulna are suitable for most patients. If there is a marked overgrowth of the radius, gradual ulnar lengthening and radial head reduction using the Ilizarov method may be a better option. Annular ligament reconstruction is not mandatory.
Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Topical Anhydrous Formulation with 15% Pure Ascorbic Acid and Ginger as a Potent Antioxidant
Authors: Martínez-Valverde Tamara , Crespo Nuria , Suñer Elisa
Published: July 2022

Vitamin C is one of the naturally occurring antioxidants capable of reducing or preventing skin photoaging. Achieving a stable formulation with the optimal dose of ascorbic acid to ensure a biologically significant antioxidant effect is a challenge when developing cosmetic formulations. The objective of this study was to develop a stable formula in a non-aqueous media with 15% pure vitamin C supplemented with ginger and to study its efficacy, skin tolerance, and cosmetic assessment in 33 women. Vitamin C stability over time was determined via a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique versus an aqueous option. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination was quantified to provide antioxidant effect. A 56-day in vivo study was performed to evaluate skin luminosity and hyperpigmentation reduction. Skin acceptability was verified by a dermatologist. The HPLC studies demonstrated a high stability of the anhydrous formula compared to an aqueous option. The in vitro studies showed a reduction in ROS of 93% (p-value < 0.0001). In vivo, luminosity increased by 17% (p-value < 0.0001) and skin tone became 10% more uniform (p-value < 0.007). Moreover, very good skin tolerance was determined as the dermatologist did not determine any clinical signs, and the subjects did not report any feelings of discomfort. We were able to develop an anhydrous formula of pure vitamin C that combines very good stability, consumer acceptance, and skin tolerance with a high level of efficacy.
Novel Harmonization Method for Multi-Centric Radiomic Studies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bertolini Marco , Trojani Valeria , Botti Andrea , Cucurachi Noemi , Galaverni Marco , Cozzi Salvatore , Borghetti Paolo , La Mattina Salvatore , Pastorello Edoardo , Avanzo Michele , Revelant Alberto , Sepulcri Matteo , Paronetto Chiara , Ursino Stefano , Malfatti Giulia , Giaj-Levra Niccolò , Falcinelli Lorenzo , Iotti Cinzia , Iori Mauro , Ciammella Patrizia
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this multi-centric work was to investigate the relationship between radiomic features extracted from pre-treatment computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and clinical outcomes for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One-hundred and seventeen patients who received SBRT for early-stage NSCLC were retrospectively identified from seven Italian centers. The tumor was identified on pre-treatment free-breathing CT and PET images, from which we extracted 3004 quantitative radiomic features. The primary outcome was 24-month progression-free-survival (PFS) based on cancer recurrence (local/non-local) following SBRT. A harmonization technique was proposed for CT features considering lesion and contralateral healthy lung tissues using the LASSO algorithm as a feature selector. Models with harmonized CT features (B models) demonstrated better performances compared to the ones using only original CT features (C models). A linear support vector machine (SVM) with harmonized CT and PET features (A1 model) showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (0.63–0.85) for predicting the primary outcome in an external validation cohort. The addition of clinical features did not enhance the model performance. This study provided the basis for validating our novel CT data harmonization strategy, involving delta radiomics. The harmonized radiomic models demonstrated the capability to properly predict patient prognosis.
Access to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Canada for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Morakinyo Oluwatobiloba , Bucher Oliver , Paulson Kristjan
Published: July 2022

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a complicated intervention only offered in specialized centers. Access to transplants may vary based on the location of primary residence, income levels, age, and reported race or ethnicity. Using data from the Canadian Institute of Health (CIH) Discharge abstract database (DAD), all non-Quebec Canadians under the age of 65 with a diagnosis of AML between 2004 and 2015 were included in this study. Descriptive statistics were produced for the variables of interest: time period, age, sex, rurality, transplant status, proportion of visible minorities, proportion identifying as indigenous, and proportion of low-income families. Transplant rates were compared and reported using univariable and multivariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, time period, province of residence, gender, and age were significantly associated with the receipt of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. However, differences in transplant rates observed in indigenous patients, low-income families, and visible minorities were not found to be statistically significant. In non-Quebec Canada, transplant rates vary significantly with province of residence, with the highest rates recorded in Alberta. Contrary to findings previously reported in studies exploring access to transplant in the United States, a low-income level was not associated with lower rates of transplants. This might suggest that Canada’s universal health care insurance program is protective against socioeconomic barriers that impact access to health care services.
Study of Brain Circadian Rhythms in Patients with Chronic Disorders of Consciousness and Healthy Individuals Using Microwave Radiometry
Authors: Shevelev Oleg A. , Petrova Marina V. , Yuriev Mikhail Yu. , Mengistu Elias M. , Kostenkova Inna Z. , Zhdanova Maria A. , Vesnin Sergey G. , Goryanin Igor
Published: July 2022

The study of circadian rhythms in the human body using temperature measurements is the most informative way to assess the viability of the body’s rhythm-organizing systems. Pathological processes can affect circadian rhythm dynamics in damaged organs. Severe brain damage that caused the development of disorders of consciousness (DOC) (strokes, traumatic brain injury) disrupts the activity of central oscillators, by directly damaging or destroying the periphery links, and the level of preservation of circadian rhythms and the dynamics of their recovery can be informative diagnostic criteria for patient’s condition assessment. This study examined 23 patients with DOC by using a non-invasive method for obtaining body and cerebral cortex temperature to compare with healthy controls. Measurements were made with a 4 h interval for 52 h beginning at 08:00 on day 1 and ending at 08:00 on day 3. The profile of patients with DOC showed complete disruption compared to healthy controls with rhythmic patterns. The results indicate that the mechanisms for maintaining brain circadian rhythms are different from general homeostasis regulation of the body. Use of microwave radio thermometry for the identification of rehabilitation potential in patients with DOC is a promising area of investigation.
Tracking an Elusive Killer: State of the Art of Molecular-Genetic Knowledge and Laboratory Role in Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection
Authors: De Cario Rosina , Giannini Marco , Cassioli Giulia , Kura Ada , Gori Anna Maria , Marcucci Rossella , Nistri Stefano , Pepe Guglielmina , Giusti Betti , Sticchi Elena
Published: July 2022

The main challenge in diagnosing and managing thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAA/D) is represented by the early detection of a disease that is both deadly and “elusive”, as it generally grows asymptomatically prior to rupture, leading to death in the majority of cases. Gender differences exist in aortic dissection in terms of incidence and treatment options. Efforts have been made to identify biomarkers that may help in early diagnosis and in detecting those patients at a higher risk of developing life-threatening complications. As soon as the hereditability of the TAA/D was demonstrated, several genetic factors were found to be associated with both the syndromic and non-syndromic forms of the disease, and they currently play a role in patient diagnosis/prognosis and management-guidance purposes. Likewise, circulating biomarker could represent a valuable resource in assisting the diagnosis, and several studies have attempted to identify specific molecules that may help with risk stratification outside the emergency department. Even if promising, those data lack specificity/sensitivity, and, in most cases, they need more testing before entering the “clinical arena”. This review summarizes the state of the art of the laboratory in TAA/D diagnostics, with particular reference to the current and future role of molecular-genetic testing.
Creating Inclusive Classrooms for Highly Dysregulated Students: What Can We Learn from Existing Literature?
Authors: Goodall Emma , Brownlow Charlotte , Fein Erich C. , Candeloro Sarah
Published: July 2022

The ability to self-regulate is a key focus for educators, especially for neurodivergent students, such as those with ADHD, fetal alcohol syndrome, mental health difficulties, autism, and/or anxiety. Students not being able to self-regulate frequently results in their behaviours being labelled as “naughty” or “challenging” by teachers. Continued dysregulation can lead to periods of suspension and exclusion, impacting both attendance rates for students and their broader families. Previous research has shown that the impacts of poor self-regulation can be wide-ranging, spanning both social and academic outcomes. The broad negative impact of poor self-regulation means that it is important to support families and classroom teachers to effectively improve children’s self-regulation. However, to support families and educators, there is a need to develop and deploy a theoretical framework to suggest why self-regulation may be under-developed and, conversely, how self-regulation may be effectively developed across a wide range of contexts. This paper considers current literature exploring the links between individual experiences of emotions and connections with core abilities of interoception, self-regulation, emotional intelligence, and metacognition. It outlines a hypothesised model of how these abilities intertwine and how supporting core building blocks within educational settings can enable supportive and inclusive educational contexts, providing positive experiences for students and teachers alike.
Regional Lean Soft Tissue and Intracellular Water Are Associated with Changes in Lower-Body Neuromuscular Performance: A Pilot Study in Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Bongiovanni Tindaro , Tinsley Grant , Martera Giulia , Orlandi Carmine , Genovesi Federico , Puleo Giuseppe , Rossi Alessio , Trecroci Athos
Published: July 2022

The assessment of body composition over a competitive season provides valuable information that can help sports professionals to evaluate the efficacy of training and nutritional strategies, as well as monitoring athletes’ health status. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of changes in body composition and hydration status with changes in lower-body neuromuscular performance in soccer. Twenty-two male professional soccer players (mean ± SD; age: 26.4 ± 4.8 years; height: 184.3 ± 5.7 cm; body mass: 81.1 ± 6.5 kg; body fat: 11.6 ± 1.5%) took part in the study, for which they were tested at the initial and final stage of the competitive season. Total (whole body) and regional (arms and legs) lean soft tissue (LST) were estimated to obtain the body composition profile. Total body water (TBW) content, including extracellular (ECW) and intracellular (ICW) water, was obtained to monitor players’ hydration status. Countermovement jump (CMJ) height, power, and strength were used to derive players’ lower-body neuromuscular performance. The results showed that changes in legs LST and ICW significantly (p < 0.01) explained (r2 = 0.39) the improvements in CMJ height, power, and strength from the initial to the final stage of the season. Given the high demand imposed on the lower limbs during a soccer season, being more susceptible to change compared to whole-body LST, assessing regional LST and ICW would be more appropriate to provide extended information on players’ readiness.
Environmental Sound Classification Based on Transfer-Learning Techniques with Multiple Optimizers
Authors: Ashurov Asadulla , Zhou Yi , Shi Liming , Zhao Yu , Liu Hongqing
Published: July 2022

The last decade has seen increased interest in environmental sound classification (ESC) due to the increased complexity and rich information of ambient sounds. The state-of-the-art methods for ESC are based on transfer learning paradigms that often utilize learned representations from common image-classification problems. This paper aims to determine the effectiveness of employing pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for audio categorization and the feasibility of retraining. This study investigated various hyper-parameters and optimizers, such as optimal learning rate, epochs, and Adam, Adamax, and RMSprop optimizers for several pre-trained models, such as Inception, and VGG, ResNet, etc. Firstly, the raw sound signals were transferred into an image format (log-Mel spectrogram). Then, the selected pre-trained models were applied to the obtained spectrogram data. In addition, the effect of essential retraining factors on classification accuracy and processing time was investigated during CNN training. Various optimizers (such as Adam, Adamax, and RMSprop) and hyperparameters were utilized for evaluating the proposed method on the publicly accessible sound dataset UrbanSound8K. The proposed method achieves 97.25% and 95.5% accuracy on the provided dataset using the pre-trained DenseNet201 and the ResNet50V2 CNN models, respectively.
Trends and Perspectives of Romanian E-Commerce Sector Based on Mathematical Simulation
Authors: Florea Nicoleta Valentina , Ionescu Constantin Aurelian , Duică Mircea Constantin , Căpușneanu Sorinel , Paschia Liliana , Stanescu Sorina Geanina , Coman Mihaela Denisa
Published: July 2022

The current economic environment characterized by the implementation of new ICT technologies, globalization, and the pandemic period has determined the growth of online communication, the development of the e-commerce sector, and the change in online consumer behavior. The research aims to analyze online Romanian consumer behavior trends and perspectives. In order to observe the current position of Romanian online commerce, a comparison was made between the Romanian e-commerce market and three other e-commerce groups: the average for EU-27 countries, the group of four countries with the highest e-commerce values (called 4gc—Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway) and the country with the lowest values in e-commerce. A comparison was made using mathematical simulation to predict the potential of e-commerce in the future and identify possible risks. Based on the simulation, the results show that the Romanian e-commerce market can continue to grow, becoming mature, and will provide opportunities for sustainable growth. In order to observe and analyze a possible future for 2021–2026, the regression function, correlation matrix, time series analysis, variable maximization, and QM for the Windows program have been implemented. The graphical representation indicates a positive and growing forecasted future trend for Romanian e-commerce.
Uncertain Network DEA Models with Imprecise Data for Sustainable Efficiency Evaluation of Decentralized Marine Supply Chain
Authors: Chi Enxin , Jiang Bao , Peng Luyao , Zhong Yu
Published: July 2022

With the expansion of global trade and the deterioration of the marine environment, research on the sustainability of marine transport has drawn increasing scientific attention. This study takes the marine supply chain composed of Maersk and ports in 17 coastal cities in China as decision-making units (DMUs). It then chooses indicators from the three dimensions of economy, environment and society to evaluate the sustainable efficiency of the marine supply chain, Maersk and ports. In order to deal with the uncertain variables of the sustainability evaluation index, this study develops an uncertain network DEA model based on the uncertainty theory, and the computable equivalent form and proof are also provided. In addition, this study divides the decentralized marine supply chain into two modes, i.e., Maersk as leader and the port as leader, and it calculates their sustainable efficiency, respectively. These results suggest that the sustainable performance of ports is superior to that of Maersk, and the sustainable performance of the marine supply chain is better under the lead of ports, but most of the sustainable efficiencies of marine supply chains are inefficient. Therefore, ports should act as a catalyst for the development of the marine supply chain, and the management implications and suggestions for the economic, environmental, and social dimensions are also outlined at the conclusion.
Life Cycle Prediction Assessment of Battery Electrical Vehicles with Special Focus on Different Lithium-Ion Power Batteries in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Lan Libo , Hao Zhuo , Zhao Jianyou , Luo Geng , Fu Pei , Chen Yisong
Published: July 2022

The incentive policies of new energy vehicles substantially promoted the development of the electrical vehicles technology and industry in China. However, the environmental impact of the key technology parameters progress on the battery electrical vehicles (BEV) is uncertain, and the BEV matching different lithium-ion power batteries shows different environmental burdens. This study conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a BEV matching four different power batteries of lithium-ion phosphate (LFP), lithium-ion nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries. In addition, the 2025 and 2030 prediction analyses of the batteries production and life cycle BEV are conducted with the specially considered change and progress of the power battery energy density, battery manufacturing energy consumption, electricity structure, battery charge efficiency, and vehicle lightweight level. In addition, sensitivity analyses of power battery energy density, battery manufacturing energy consumption, electricity structure, and battery charge efficiency are conducted. The results show that the LFP battery is more environmentally friendly in the global warming potential (GWP) and acidification potential (AP), and the NCM battery is more environmentally friendly in abiotic depletion (fossil) (ADP(f)) and human toxicity potential (HTP). However, the LTO battery shows the highest environmental impact among the four environmental impact categories due to the lower energy density. For life cycle BEV, GWP and ADP(f) of BEV based on LFP, NCM, and LMO are lower than those of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), while AP and HTP of BEV based on the four batteries are higher than those of ICEV. The grave-to-cradle (GTC) phase of vehicle has substantial environmental benefit to reduce the human toxicity emission. With the improvement of the battery density, battery charge efficiency, electricity structure, and glider lightweight level, life cycle BEVs based on the four different batteries show substantial environmental benefits for four environmental impact categories.
Optimization of Power and Thermal Management System of Hypersonic Vehicle with Finite Heat Sink of Fuel
Authors: Guo Liang , Pang Liping , Zhao Jingquan , Yang Xiaodong
Published: July 2022

The scramjet of hypersonic vehicles faces severe high-temperature challenges, but the heat sink available for scramjet cooling is extremely finite. It is necessary to optimize its power and thermal management system (PTMS) with a finite heat sink of hydrocarbon fuel. This paper proposes a two-level optimization method for the PTMS of hypersonic vehicles at Mach 6. The PTMS is based on a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) closed Brayton cycle, and its heat sink is airborne hydrocarbon fuel. System-level optimization aims to obtain the optimal system parameters for the PTMS. The minimum fuel weight penalty and the minimum heat sink consumption of fuel are the optimization objectives. The segmental (SEG) method is used to analyze the internal temperature distribution of fuel–SCO2 heat exchangers in the system-level optimal solution set. This ensures the selected optimal solutions meet the requirement of a pinch temperature difference greater than or equal to 10 °C. Further, the component-level optimization for the fuel–SCO2 heat exchanger is carried out based on the selected optimal solutions. The lightest weight of the heat exchanger and the minimum entropy production are the optimization objectives in this step. Finally, the optimal system parameters and the optimal key component parameters can be searched using this presented two-level optimization method.
Effects of Microplastics on Reproduction and Growth of Freshwater Live Feeds Daphnia magna
Authors: Huang Chih-Hsiung , Chu Tah-Wei , Kuo Chiu-Hui , Hong Ming-Chang , Chen Yu-Yun , Chen Bonien
Published: July 2022

In recent years, much research has focused on studying the damage caused by microplastics to the ecological environment and human health. Indeed, MPs are often consumed by shellfishes and zooplanktons due to their similarity in size to POM (particular organic matter). Especially in zooplankton, the accumulation of MPs in the body affects the reproductive system and the growth rate of juveniles. Moreover, toxins derived from MPs are continuously accumulated in predators of zooplankton and impact the whole ecosystem across the food chain. In this work, we found that even though MPs were internalized by and adherent around Daphnia magna, there were no significant differences in the survival rate of their adults and offspring. However, the population of ovigerous adults under high MPs exposure for 7 days decreased significantly, suggesting an extension of the days of sexual maturity in D. magna. The removal of MPs after 7 days’ MPs treatment resulted in an increase in D. magna juveniles and neonates which indicated their growth was reduced or inhibited in the MPs environment. Overall, the uptake of MPs led to negative effects on population reproduction and the growth of offspring in D. magna.
Population Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Mitten Crab, Genus Eriocheir, Based on Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Wang Shihui , Luo Liang , Zhang Rui , Guo Kun , Xu Wei , Zhao Zhigang
Published: July 2022

Mitten crab, Eriocheir sensu stricto, is an important indigenous aquatic species and food source in Eastern Asia. Genetic diversity is an important prerequisite for the conservation and utilization of germplasm resources. However, the genetic diversity and differentiation of Eriocheir s. s. remains unclear. This study evaluated population genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of three Eriocheir s. s. populations from Suifenhe (SFH), Liaohe (LH), and Nanliujiang (NLJ), China, based on 19 microsatellite markers. The mean observed number of alleles (Na) was 22.84 alleles, and the mean polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.86, which demonstrated high genetic diversity. The allele frequency distribution showed an “L” shape, ranging from 0.01 to 0.74. The genetic diversity parameter values of the LH population were higher than those of the other two populations. All pairwise FST values showed significant differences among the three Eriocheir s. s. populations (p < 0.01). The value of Nei’s genetic distance (DS) varied from 0.31 (between SFH and NLJ populations) to 0.33 (between SFH and LH populations). Overall, The results illustrate that the three wild Eriocheir s. s. populations have high genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation. This study provides the basis for Eriocheir s. s. utilization in China.
A Numerical Analysis on the Unsteady Flow of a Thermomagnetic Reactive Maxwell Nanofluid over a Stretching/Shrinking Sheet with Ohmic Dissipation and Brownian Motion
Authors: Shateyi Stanford , Muzara Hillary
Published: July 2022

The major objective of this current investigation is to examine the unsteady flow of a thermomagnetic reactive Maxwell nanofluid flow over a stretching/shrinking sheet with Ohmic dissipation and Brownian motion. Suitable similarity transformations were used to reduce the governing non-linear partial differential equations of momentum, energy and species conservation into a set of coupled ordinary differential equations. The reduced similarity ordinary differential equations were solved numerically using the Spectral Quasi-Linearization Method. The influence of some pertinent physical parameters on the velocity, temperature and concentration distributions was studied and analysed graphically. Further investigations were made on the impact of the Eckert number, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, thermal radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter and chemical reaction parameter on the skin friction coefficient, surface heat and mass transfer rates. The results were displayed in a tabular form. Obtained results reveal that the Maxwell parameter and the unsteadiness parameter reduce the Maxwell nanofluid velocity and the fluid temperature is increased with an increase in the Eckert number and thermal radiation parameter.
Total Flavonoids from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. Leaves Ameliorate HFD-Induced NAFLD by Regulating the Gut–Liver Axis in Mice
Authors: Meng Wenya , Zhao Zitong , Chen Lingli , Lin Suyun , Zhang Yang , He Jing , Ouyang Kehui , Wang Wenjun
Published: July 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the chronic liver diseases with high incidence in the world. This study aimed to investigate whether total flavonoids from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. leaves (TFC) can ameliorate NAFLD. Herein, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice model was established, and TFC was administered orally. The results showed that TFC reduced the body weight and liver index and decreased the serum and hepatic levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). TFC significantly reduced the activity of liver functional transaminase. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased by 34.61% and 39.57% in serum and 22.46% and 40.86% in the liver, respectively. TFC regulated the activities of oxidative-stress-related enzymes and upregulated the protein expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO-1) pathway in NAFLD mice, and the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in serum were increased by 89.76% and 141.77%, respectively. In addition, TFC reduced the levels of free fatty acids (FFA), endotoxin (ET), and related inflammatory factors in mouse liver tissue and downregulated the expression of proteins associated with inflammatory pathways. After TFC treatment, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in the liver tissues of NAFLD mice were downregulated by 67.10%, 66.56%, and 61.45%, respectively. Finally, TFC reduced liver fat deposition, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response to repair liver damage and alleviate NAFLD. Further studies showed that TFC regulated the expression of intestinal-barrier-related genes and improved the composition of gut microbiota. Therefore, TFC reduced liver inflammation and restored intestinal homeostasis by regulating the gut–liver axis. Overall, our findings revealed a novel function of TFC as a promising prophylactic for the treatment of NAFLD.
Conceptualization of Rice with Low Glycaemic Index: Perspectives from the Major European Consumers
Authors: Cabral Diva , Fonseca Susana Caldas , Moura Ana Pinto , Oliveira Jorge C. , Cunha Luís Miguel
Published: July 2022

Rice and cereal consumption has become a concern for consumers due to usually high glycaemic indexes (GI), which is a critical issue for a balanced and healthy diet. Therefore, the development of new products with low GI is an important target of the industry, particularly in countries with high consumption. This study assesses consumers’ perceptions about “rice” and “rice with low GI” and evaluates the effect of consumers’ rice consumption profiles through the application of a free word association technique in a structured self-administered electronic questionnaire with 256 Portuguese consumers (the European market with the highest per capita consumption of rice by far). The frequency of rice consumption was evaluated, and the consumption profile was determined through a hierarchical cluster analysis, with 9% identified as daily consumers. The response words were categorized by the triangulation technique, and the association between the word categories and dimensions, sociodemographic characteristics, and consumption profile were determined. Respondents most frequently associated “rice” with rice dishes, its sensory attributes, and nutrition, highlighting the satisfaction of nutritional and hedonic needs. Consumers revealed positive expectations in relation to the functionality of “rice with low GI”. The consumers’ rice consumption profiles, sex, age, and educational levels influenced their perception towards “rice“ and “rice with low GI”. This study provides important insights for the industry to develop a consumer-oriented, low GI rice product.
Effect of Different Degrees of Deep Freezing on the Quality of Snowflake Beef during Storage
Authors: Chang Yawei , Liu Yan , Bai Yun , Teng Shuang , Guo Yiping , Dou Han , Ye Keping
Published: July 2022

In order to elucidate whether deep freezing could maintain the quality of snowflake beef, three different deep freezing temperatures (−18 °C, −40 °C, and −60 °C) were used in order to evaluate the changes in tissue structures, quality characteristics and spoilage indexes, and their comparative effects on the quality of snowflake beef. Compared to samples frozen at −18 °C, those stored at −40 °C and −60 °C took a shorter time to exceed the maximum ice crystallization zone (significantly reduced by 2–6 h). In terms of short-term storage, samples frozen at −40 °C and −60 °C had better tissue structure and lower drip loss rate than those frozen at −18 °C; significant differences between groups in drip loss were observed between −18 °C and −60 °C. Moreover, a better bright red color and lower shear force were maintained at −40 °C and −60 °C, with significant differences in shear force between the −18 °C group and the other two groups on day 60. Although there were significant effects on the inhibition of lipid and protein oxidation at −40 °C and −60 °C; no significant variation was observed between these two groups throughout storage. A similar phenomenon was found in flavor, with 1-pentanol identified as an important potential indicator of flavor change in snowflake beef during storage. This study demonstrated that −40 °C and −60 °C had favorable impacts on the quality maintenance of snowflake beef compared to −18 °C. These findings provide a theoretical basis for effective stability of snowflake beef quality during frozen storage.
Editorial for the Special Issue, “Chemistry of Essential Oils and Food Flavours”
Authors: Southwell Ian , Núñez Oscar
Published: July 2022

Essential oils have important functions in nature [...]
Examining Factors That Affect Movie Gross Using Gaussian Copula Marginal Regression
Authors: Eklund Joshua , Kim Jong-Min
Published: July 2022

In this research, we investigate the relationship between a movie’s gross and its budget, year of release, season of release, genre, and rating. The movie data used in this research are severely skewed to the right, resulting in the problems of nonlinearity, non-normal distribution, and non-constant variance of the error terms. To overcome these difficulties, we employ a Gaussian copula marginal regression (GCMR) model after adjusting the gross and budget variables for inflation using a consumer price index. An analysis of the data found that year of release, budget, season of release, genre, and rating were all statistically significant predictors of movie gross. Specifically, one unit increases in budget and year were associated with an increase in movie gross. G movies were found to gross more than all other kinds of movies (PG, PG-13, R, and Other). Movies released in the fall were found to gross the least compared to the other three seasons. Finally, action movies were found to gross more than biography, comedy, crime, and other movie genres, but gross less than adventure, animation, drama, fantasy, horror, and mystery movies.
Synthesis and Properties of Hydrogels on Medical Titanium Alloy Surface by Modified Dopamine Adhesion
Authors: Fu Yu , Wu Qingrong , Yang Wanying , Liu Shouxin
Published: July 2022

Medical titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) is an ideal surgical implant material for human tissue repair and replacement. TC4 implantation will be in close contact with human soft tissue and has mechanical compatibility problems. In order to solve this problem, the hydrogel was formed on the surface of TC4 by utilizing the adhesion of dopamine, and the storage modulus of the formed hydrogel matched that of human soft tissue. In this paper, the surface of TC4 was first modified with dopamine (DA) and 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BIBB). 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA), oligo (ethylene oxide) methacrylate (OEGMA) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) are used as monomers, and methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) is used as cross-linking agent. Thermosensitive hydrogels were formed on the surface of modified TC4 by the ATRP technique. The successful synthesis of initiator and hydrogels on TC4 was demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the hydrogel was observed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the water absorption and temperature sensitivity were investigated by the swelling property. The thermal and mechanical properties of these gels were measured using thermal analysis system (TAS) and dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The results show that the hydrogel on TC4 has good thermal stability and storage modulus that matches human soft tissue.
United by Contagion: How Can China Improve Its Capabilities of Port Infectious Disease Prevention and Control?
Authors: Liao Danzi , Lyu Tianyue , Li Jia
Published: July 2022

The rapid development of the social economy and science and technology has led to more frequent transnational movements of people, goods and vehicles. At the same time, various cross-border risks have significantly increased. The rapid global spread and continuous mutation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have again exposed the international community’s extreme vulnerability to major transnational public health emergencies. China started a “war against the epidemic” with tight quarantine regulations and border restrictions on people, vehicles and international goods. However, it also revealed the weaknesses in and incapacity for disease prevention and control at ports in terms of obstructed performance of the whole chain of public agencies, incompatible laws and regulations, lack of key technologies, and difficulties in international cooperation. Combined with persuasive data, this paper systematically illustrates how transnational infectious diseases lead humans to be “united by contagion”. On this basis, this paper makes a targeted analysis of the deficiencies of port epidemic prevention and control in China’s fight against COVID-19 and suggests corresponding countermeasures and reflections.
Evaluation of the Relationship between the Weight and Height Percentiles and the Sequence and Chronology of Eruption in Permanent Dentition
Authors: Diéguez-Pérez Montserrat , Paz-Cortés Marta M. , Muñoz-Cano Laura
Published: July 2022

The standard eruption of the permanent dentition in growing patients is influenced by multiple environmental factors. The objective of this research was to study the relationship between height and weight percentiles and the eruption of the permanent dentition. The design of the study was transversal based on the review of the clinical history, visual dental inspection, weight and height indicators, and their respective percentiles in patients in the mixed and definitive dentition stage. The descriptive and comparative analysis of the data was carried out with the statistical software R version 4.1.1. The sample size was 725 participants. The mean age of eruption of the first tooth was 8.0. The eruption sequence in the upper arch was first molar, central and lateral incisor, first premolar, canine, second premolar, and second molar. In the lower arch, the eruption sequence was: central incisor, first molar, lateral incisor, canine, first and second premolar, and second molar. The most frequent weight percentile was P50-97 (50.34%) and height P3-50 (53.38%). Weight (0.0129; 0.0426; 0.0495; 0.000166) and height (0.00768; 0.00473; 0.00927; 10−5) variables significantly influenced dental eruption. The factor that most influences the eruption of the permanent dentition is the height percentile.
Asymptotic Dependence Modelling of the BRICS Stock Markets
Authors: Sigauke Caston , Mukhodobwane Rosinah , Chagwiza Wilbert , Garira Winston
Published: July 2022

With the use of empirical data, this paper focuses on solving financial and investment issues involving extremal dependence of 10 pairwise combinations of the 5 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) stock markets. Daily closing equity indices from 5 January 2010 to 6 August 2018 are used in the study. Unlike previous literature, we use bivariate point process and conditional multivariate extreme value models to investigate the extremal dependence of the stock market returns. However, it is observed that the point process was able to model many more extreme observations or exceedances that contribute to the likelihood estimation. It gives more information than the threshold excess method of the CMEV model. This study shows varying levels of low extremal dependence structure whose outcomes are highly beneficial to investors, portfolio managers and other market participants interested in maximising investment returns and financial gains.
Evaluation of Spatial Thinking Ability Based on Exposure to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Concepts in the Context of Higher Education
Authors: Duarte Lia , Teodoro Ana Cláudia , Gonçalves Hernâni
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: spatial thinking is indirectly applied in numerous daily activities (e.g., when defining the route when going to school/work) or in scientific areas (e.g., predicting the spatial–temporal spread of contagious diseases), and its ability might be improved using geographical information systems (GIS). The main objective of this study was to perform an analysis of the spatial thinking of students in two curricular units (CUs) that had come from different background areas; (2) Methods: to that end, the Spatial Thinking Ability Test (STAT), composed of 15 multiple choice questions to measure spatial thinking, was given to 83 students before and after exposure to GIS concepts and software. Students’ answers were analyzed question-by-question and as total scores. The statistical analysis was performed using the paired samples t-test, the independent samples t-test or the Mann–Whitney statistical test and the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test; (3) Results: an overall significant improvement was observed from the pre- to the post-test. Additionally, total scores were not significantly different between students of different CUs, courses, or genders; (4) Conclusions: this exploratory study can be considered as a support methodology for pedagogical didactics that have been implemented in the CUs and may be readily applied in other academic environments, namely with students from different backgrounds, countries, and teaching strategies, thus promoting the discussion of all such experiences and consequent improvement in geographical education.
Ceramide/Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Axis as a Key Target for Diagnosis and Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Custodia Antía , Romaus-Sanjurjo Daniel , Aramburu-Núñez Marta , Álvarez-Rafael Diego , Vázquez-Vázquez Laura , Camino-Castiñeiras Javier , Leira Yago , Pías-Peleteiro Juan Manuel , Aldrey José Manuel , Sobrino Tomás , Ouro Alberto
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Sphingolipids, such as ceramide or sphingosine 1-phosphate, are bioactive molecules implicated in structural and signaling functions. Metabolic dysfunction in the highly conserved pathways to produce sphingolipids may lead to or be a consequence of an underlying disease. Recent studies on transcriptomics and sphingolipidomics have observed alterations in sphingolipid metabolism of both enzymes and metabolites involved in their synthesis in several neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. In this review, we highlight the most relevant findings related to ceramide and neurodegeneration, with a special focus on AD.