bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 antibody response after BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccination in cancer patients: A case-control study
Authors: Safarnezhad Tameshkel Fahimeh , Abedin Dargoush Shabnam , Amirkalali Bahareh , Javadi Saeedeh , Ghiaseddin Ali , Alimohamadi Yousef , Basi Ali , Jamshidi Makiani Mahin , Zamani Farhad , Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi
Published: January 2023

Background

Long-term safety and efficacy of BBIBP-CorV vaccine especially in individuals with chronic diseases, like cancer, is under investigation. In the present prospective study, we aimed to evaluate severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody response with BBIBP-CorV vaccine in Iranian cancer patients.

Methods

All the patients registered to receive BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccine were divided into two groups of with (cases = 107) and without (controls = 45) history of cancer. Serum levels of SARS-CoV anti-spike recombinant receptor binding domain (anti-sRBD) and anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) IgG serum levels were measured on days 0 (phase 0), 28–32 (phase I), and 56–64 (phase II) of vaccination. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.

Results

Totally, 152 individuals (67.1% females) with the mean age of 46.71 ± 15.36 years were included. Solid cancers included 87.8% of the cancer cases (46.7% gynecological and 31.8% gastrointestinal cancer). At Phases I and II, positive anti-sRBD IgG and anti-N IgG were significantly lower among the cases in total analysis. Side effects were not significantly different between the cases and controls. The lowest positive anti-sRBD IgG test was observed among the cancer patients who were simultaneously receiving chemotherapy (35.3%). Anti-sRBD IgG and anti-N IgG serum levels significantly increased at phases I and II in total analysis and in each group. In addition, serum anti-sRBD IgG increased during the three phases and it was significantly higher in the control group.

Conclusion

Full vaccination of COVID-19 by BBIBP-CorV in immunocompromised patients such as cancer patients is safe and effective and could induce antibody response but in lower levels compared to healthy people. Probable causes to have minor antibody response found in males, older ages, individuals with BMI ≥ 25, those without past history of COVID-19 and with hematologic cancers. No significant side effects after vaccination were seen.
Changes in the Ixodes ricinus microbiome associated with artificial tick feeding
Authors: Militzer Nina , Pinecki Socias Sophia , Nijhof Ard M.
Published: January 2023

Artificial tick feeding systems (ATFS) can be used to study tick biology and tick-pathogen interactions. Due to the long feeding duration of hard ticks, antibiotics are commonly added to the in vitro blood meal to prevent the blood from decaying. This may affect the ticks’ microbiome, including mutualistic bacteria that play an important role in tick biology. This effect was examined by the consecutive feeding of Ixodes ricinus larvae, nymphs, and adults in vitro with and without the supplementation of gentamicin and in parallel on calves. DNA extracted from unfed females was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The abundance of Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii, Rickettsia helvetica and Spiroplasma spp. was measured by qPCR in unfed larvae, nymphs, and adults. Larvae and nymphs fed on calves performed significantly better compared to both in vitro groups. Adults fed on blood supplemented with gentamicin and B vitamins had a higher detachment proportion and weight compared to the group fed with B vitamins but without gentamicin. The detachment proportion and weights of females did not differ significantly between ticks fed on calves and in vitro with gentamicin, but the fecundity was significantly higher in ticks fed on calves. 16S rRNA sequencing showed a higher microbiome species richness in ticks fed on calves compared to ticks fed in vitro. A shift in microbiome composition, with Ca. Midichloria mitochondrii as dominant species in females fed as juveniles on calves and R. helvetica as the most abundant species in females previously fed in vitro was observed. Females fed in vitro without gentamicin showed significant lower loads of Ca. M. mitochondrii compared to females fed in vitro with gentamicin and ticks fed on calves. Spiroplasma spp. were exclusively detected in female ticks fed on cattle by qPCR, but 16S rRNA sequencing results also showed a low abundance in in vitro females exposed to gentamicin. In conclusion, the employed feeding method and gentamicin supplementation affected the ticks’ microbiome composition and fecundity. Since these changes may have an impact on tick biology and vector competence, they should be taken into account in studies employing ATFS.
Antiviral effects of Atractyloside A on the influenza B virus (Victoria strain) infection
Authors: Han Jicheng , Zhu Xiangyu , Gao Zihan , Xiao Yan , Zhang Jinxin , Wang Peng , Fang Jinbo , Li Yiquan , Zhu Yilong , Li Yue , Jin Ningyi , Lu Huijun , Lin Dazhuan , Liu Wenshen
Published: January 2023

Influenza viruses pose a serious threat to human health, infecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide each year, resulting in a significant increase in global morbidity and mortality. Influenza activity has declined at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the genetic diversity of B/Victoria lineage viruses has increased significantly during this period. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of the influenza B Victoria strain virus should continue to attract research attention. In this study, we found that Atractyloside A (AA), one of the effective components in Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC shows potential antiviral properties. This study shows that AA not only possesses anti-influenza B virus infection effects in vivo and in vitro but also can regulate macrophage polarization to the M2 type, which can effectively attenuate the damage caused by influenza B virus infection. Therefore, Atractyloside A may be an effective natural drug against B/Victoria influenza infection.
Risk factors and complications associated with intra-operative or post-operative identification of a PFO in cardiac surgery patients: A cohort study
Authors: Laghlam Driss , Coroyer Lucas , Martial Paul-Jun , Estagnasie Philippe , Squara Pierre , Nguyen Lee S.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

It is unknown whether patent foramen ovale (PFO) reopening in the peri-operative setting of cardiac surgery affects the risk for stroke and post-operative outcomes.

Methods

We performed a single-center, retrospective study based on a prospectively collected database in a tertiary cardiac surgery center. Using logistic regression, we assessed risk factors of PFO finding around surgery and subsequent clinical complications.

Results

Between January 2007 and July 2019, 11034 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in our center were included. A total of 233 patients (2.1%) presented a finding of PFO including 138 per-operative disclosures and 95 post-operative finding for hypoxemia. In the whole cohort, the mean age was 68.4 ± 11.5 years including 73.9% of men. Post-operative PFO finding was associated with more ischemic strokes compared with per-operative finding and control group [7(7.4%) vs. 3(2.2%) vs. 236(2.2), respectively; p = 0.003]. Moreover, patients with post-operative PFO reopening experienced a higher rate of pneumonia, reintubation, and longer length of stay in the ICU. Post-operative reopening of PFO, but not per-operative finding, was independently associated with ischemic strokes {adjusted odds-ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.6–7.8]; p = 0.002}. Other variables associated with stroke incidence included age, mitral valve surgery, and ascending aorta surgery. Per- or post-operative PFO closure was associated with reduced adverse respiratory outcomes and a trend of the lower cerebral ischemic event.

Conclusion

Patent foramen ovale finding incidence in peri-operative cardiac surgery care was rare (2%) but post-operative finding of PFO was associated with a increased risk of ischemic strokes, worsened respiratory outcomes, and prolonged hospitalization.
The effect of musicality on language recovery after awake glioma surgery
Authors: Kappen Pablo R. , van den Brink Jan , Jeekel Johannes , Dirven Clemens M. F. , Klimek Markus , Donders-Kamphuis Marike , Docter-Kerkhof Christa S. , Mooijman Saskia A. , Collee Ellen , Nandoe Tewarie Rishi D. S. , Broekman Marike L. D. , Smits Marion , Vincent Arnaud J. P. E. , Satoer Djaina
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Awake craniotomy is increasingly used to resect intrinsic brain tumors while preserving language. The level of musical training might affect the speed and extend of postoperative language recovery, as increased white matter connectivity in the corpus callosum is described in musicians compared to non-musicians.

Methods

In this cohort study, we included adult patients undergoing treatment for glioma with an awake resection procedure at two neurosurgical centers and assessed language preoperatively (T1) and postoperatively at three months (T2) and one year (T3) with the Diagnostic Instrument for Mild Aphasia (DIMA), transferred to z-scores. Moreover, patients’ musicality was divided into three groups based on the Musical Expertise Criterion (MEC) and automated volumetric measures of the corpus callosum were conducted.

Results

We enrolled forty-six patients, between June 2015 and September 2021, and divided in: group A (non-musicians, n = 19, 41.3%), group B (amateur musicians, n = 17, 36.9%) and group C (trained musicians, n = 10, 21.7%). No significant differences on postoperative language course between the three musicality groups were observed in the main analyses. However, a trend towards less deterioration of language (mean/SD z-scores) was observed within the first three months on the phonological domain (A: −0.425/0.951 vs. B: −0.00100/1.14 vs. C: 0.0289/0.566, p-value = 0.19) with a significant effect between non-musicians vs. instrumentalists (A: −0.425/0.951 vs. B + C: 0.201/0.699, p = 0.04). Moreover, a non-significant trend towards a larger volume (mean/SD cm3) of the corpus callosum was observed between the three musicality groups (A: 6.67/1.35 vs. B: 7.09/1.07 vs. C: 8.30/2.30, p = 0.13), with the largest difference of size in the anterior corpus callosum in non-musicians compared to trained musicians (A: 3.28/0.621 vs. C: 4.90/1.41, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

With first study on this topic, we support that musicality contributes to language recovery after awake glioma surgery, possibly attributed to a higher white matter connectivity at the anterior part of the corpus callosum. Our conclusion should be handled with caution and interpreted as hypothesis generating only, as most of our results were not significant. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our hypothesis.
Empirical comparison of deep learning methods for EEG decoding
Authors: de Oliveira Iago Henrique , Rodrigues Abner Cardoso
Published: January 2023

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technique that can be used in non-invasive brain-machine interface (BMI) systems to register brain electrical activity. The EEG signals are non-linear and non-stationary, making the decoding procedure a complex task. Deep learning techniques have been successfully applied in several research fields, often improving the results compared with traditional approaches. Therefore, it is believed that these techniques can also improve the process of decoding brain signals in BMI systems. In this work, we present the implementation of two deep learning-based decoders and we compared the results with other state of art deep learning methods. The first decoder uses long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network and the second, entitled EEGNet-LSTM, combines a well-known neural decoder based on convolutional neural networks, called EEGNet, with some LSTM layers. The decoders have been tested using data set 2a from BCI Competition IV, and the results showed that the EEGNet-LSTM decoder has been approximately 23% better than the competition-winning decoder. A Wilcoxon t-test showed a significant difference between the two decoders (Z = 2.524, p = 0.012). The LSTM-based decoder has been approximately 9% higher than the best decoder from the same competition. However, there was no significant difference (Z = 1.540, p = 0.123). In order to verify the replication of the EEGNet-LSTM decoder on another data, we performed a test with PhysioNet's Physiobank EEG Motor Movement/Imagery dataset. The EEGNet-LSTM presented a higher performance (0.85 accuracy) than the EEGNet (0.82 accuracy). The results of this work can be important for the development of new research, as well as EEG-based BMI systems, which can benefit from the high precision of neural decoders.
Inhibitory and excitatory responses in the dorso-medial prefrontal cortex during threat processing
Authors: Chirumamilla Venkata C. , Gonzalez-Escamilla Gabriel , Meyer Benjamin , Anwar Abdul Rauf , Ding Hao , Radetz Angela , Bonertz Tamara , Groppa Sergiu , Muthuraman Muthuraman
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate cortical excitability during instructed threat processing.

Methods

Single and paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses were applied to the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) during high-density electroencephalography (EEG) recording in young healthy participants (n = 17) performing an instructed threat paradigm in which one of two conditioned stimuli (CS+ but not CS-) was paired with an electric shock (unconditioned stimulus [US]). We assessed TMS-induced EEG responses with spectral power (both at electrode and source level) and information flow (effective connectivity) using Time-resolved Partial Directed Coherence (TPDC). Support vector regression (SVR) was used to predict behavioral fear ratings for CS+ based on TMS impact on excitability.

Results

During intracortical facilitation (ICF), frontal lobe theta power was enhanced for CS+ compared to single pulse TMS for the time window 0–0.5 s after TMS pulse onset (t(16) = 3.9, p < 0.05). At source level, ICF led to an increase and short intracortical inhibition (SICI) to a decrease of theta power in the bilateral dmPFC, relative to single pulse TMS during 0–0.5 s. Compared to single pulse TMS, ICF increased information flows, whereas SICI reduced the information flows in theta band between dmPFC, amygdala, and hippocampus (all at p < 0.05). The magnitude of information flows between dmPFC to amygdala and dmPFC to hippocampus during ICF (0–0.5 s), predicted individual behavioral fear ratings (CS+; coefficient above 0.75).

Conclusion

Distinct excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms take place in the dmPFC. These findings may facilitate future research attempting to investigate inhibitory/facilitatory mechanisms alterations in psychiatric disorders and their behavioral correlates.
Low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumors: Tumor spectrum and diagnosis based on genetic alterations
Authors: Xie Mingguo , Wang Xiongfei , Duan Zejun , Luan Guoming
Published: January 2023

Brain tumors can always result in seizures when involving the cortical neurons or their circuits, and they were found to be one of the most common etiologies of intractable focal seizures. The low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumors (LEAT), as a special group of brain tumors associated with seizures, share common clinicopathological features, such as seizure onsets at a young age, a predilection for involving the temporal lobe, and an almost benign course, including a rather slow growth pattern and thus a long-term history of seizures. Ganglioglioma (GG) and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) are the typical representatives of LEATs. Surgical treatments with complete resection of tumors and related epileptogenic zones are deemed the optimal way to achieve postoperative seizure control and lifetime recurrence-free survival in patients with LEATs. Although the term LEAT was originally introduced in 2003, debates on the tumor spectrum and the diagnosis or classification of LEAT entities are still confusing among epileptologists and neuropathologists. In this review, we would further discuss these questions, especially based on the updated classification of central nervous system tumors in the WHO fifth edition and the latest molecular genetic findings of tumor entities in LEAT entities.
Potential dynamic regional brain biomarkers for early discrimination of autism and language development delay in toddlers
Authors: Wu Shengjuan , Wen Zhi , Yang Wenzhong , Jiang Chengcheng , Zhou Yurong , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhou Aiqin , Liu Xinglian , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Yue , Wang Hong , Lin Fuchun
Published: January 2023

Background

The early diagnosis of autism in children is particularly important. However, there is no obvious objective indices for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially in toddlers aged 1–3 years with language development delay (LDD). The early differential diagnosis of ASD is challenging.

Objective

To examine differences in the dynamic characteristics of regional neural activity in toddlers with ASD and LDD, and whether the differences can be used as an imaging biomarker for the early differential diagnosis of ASD and LDD.

Methods

Dynamic regional homogeneity (dReHo) and dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (dALFF) in 55 children with ASD and 31 with LDD, aged 1–3 years, were compared. The correlations between ASD symptoms and the values of dReHo/dALFF within regions showing significant between-group differences were analyzed in ASD group. We further assessed the accuracy of dynamic regional neural activity alterations to distinguish ASD from LDD using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Compared with the LDD group, the ASD group showed increased dReHo in the left cerebellum_8/Crust2 and right cerebellum_Crust2, and decreased dReHo in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and post-central gyrus. Patients with ASD also exhibited decreased dALFF in the right middle temporal gyrus (MFG) and right precuneus. Moreover, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale score was negatively correlated with the dReHo of the left cerebellum_8/crust2 and right cerebellum_crust2. The dReHo value of the right MFG was negatively correlated with social self-help of the Autism Behavior Checklist score.

Conclusion

The pattern of resting-state regional neural activity variability was different between toddlers with ASD and those with LDD. Dynamic regional indices might be novel neuroimaging biomarkers that allow differentiation of ASD from LDD in toddlers.
Dragon fruit-kiwi fermented beverage: In vitro digestion, untargeted metabolome analysis and anti-aging activity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tang Zizhong , Zhao Zhiqiao , Chen Siyi , Lin Wenjie , Wang Qing , Shen Nayu , Qin Yihan , Xiao Yirong , Chen Hong , Chen Hui , Bu Tongliang , Li Qingfeng , Yao Huipeng , Yuan Ming
Published: January 2023

The research on the development of dragon fruit and kiwi fruit through LAB-yeast compound fermentation is very limited, and there are few related fermentation products on the market. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of the antioxidant capacity of fermented beverages (FB) through in vitro simulated digestion, to evaluate the changes in metabolites of juice after fermentation through untargeted metabolomics, and used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to evaluate its anti-aging activity. The results showed that FB not only has good in vitro antioxidant activity, but also the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ABTS scavenging ability, and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of FB were significantly increased during gastric digestion and intestinal digestion. Metabolomics showed that the contents of phenols and flavonoids related to antioxidant increased after fermentation, and fermentation had a significant effect on organic acids and amino acids in FB. Finally, compared with the control group, although the original concentration of FB has a side-toxic effect on nematodes, the mean lifespan of C. elegans fed with 1.56% FB increased by 18.01%, SOD activity significantly increased by 96.16% and MDA content significantly decreased by 40.62%. FB has good antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo, and the antioxidant activity is stable during the simulated digestion process.
Birth growth curves of neonates in high-altitude areas: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Bo , Yao Yan-Li , Kang Jing , Li Cun-Gui , Zhang Guo-Fei , Yu Zhang-Bin
Published: January 2023

Background

Since the current commonly used birth growth curves are unsuitable for neonates in high-altitude areas; this study aimed to establish birth growth curves for full-term neonates residing at 2,000–3,000 m.

Methods

This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed the physical measurement data of 1,546 full-term neonates delivered at the Red Cross Hospital of Qinghai province, China, from July 2021 to April 2022. The percentile curves of birth weight, length, and head circumference of neonates of different gestational ages and genders were developed using curve fitting. The newly developed birth-weight percentile reference was compared with the INTERGROWTH-21st Neonatal Growth Curve (International Standard) and the Chinese Neonate Growth Curve (Chinese Standard).

Results

The median birth weight, length, and head circumference of the study population were 3,200 g, 52.0 cm, and 32.8 cm, respectively, except for the group with a gestational age of 37 weeks. The growth indicators of male infants in all groups were higher than those of the female infants (P < 0.05). We found differences between the newly developed birth-weight percentile curves in the high-altitude areas and the International and Chinese Standards.

Conclusion

Establishing birth growth curves corresponding to altitude may be more suitable than the existing standards for local medical staff to conduct health assessments of neonates.
Association between subjective degree of influence in class and thinness among adolescents in Japan
Authors: Ishikawa Nanako , Koyama Yuna , Doi Satomi , Isumi Aya , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: January 2023

Social status in school, measured by subjective degree of influence in class (DOI), may influence thinness among adolescents. This study examined the association between subjective degree of influence in class and thinness among Japanese adolescents. Data were obtained from the Kochi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (K-CHILD) study in 2016, which Was a population-based study targeting 5th, 8th and 11th grade adolescents living in Kochi Prefecture, Japan (N = 9,998). DOI was assessed by adolescents via questionnaire. Weight and height were given by caregivers for 5th grade adolescents, whilst they were self-reported for 8th and 11th grade adolescents. Collected data on weight and height were used to calculate body mass index z-scores of WHO standards. Models included grade, gender, number of friends, household income, location of school and depressive symptoms as covariates. The results showed that both high and low DOI were positively associated with thinness after adjustment for other individual covariates (high DOI, OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.05–2.43; low DOI, OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.36–3.06). Further stratification by gender revealed that low DOI was positively associated with thinness (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.34–3.44) among boys, but there was no association among girls. Both high and low DOI were associated with the risk of being thin in adolescents. Focusing on DOI for adolescents may be important to address thinness among adolescents. Further studies are needed to examine the causality between DOI and thinness in adolescents.
Activity of the genus Zanthoxylum against diseases caused by protozoa: A systematic review
Authors: Correa-Barbosa Juliana , Sodré Daniele Ferreira , Nascimento Pedro Henrique Costa , Dolabela Maria Fâni
Published: January 2023

Neglected diseases (NDs) are treated with a less varied range of drugs, with high cost and toxicity, which makes the search for therapeutic alternatives important. In this context, plants, such as those from the genus Zanthoxylum, can be promising due to active substances in their composition. This study evaluates the potential of species from this genus to treat NDs. Initially, a protocol was developed to carry out a systematic review approved by Prospero (CRD42020200438). The databases PubMed, BVS, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science were used with the following keywords: “zanthoxylum,” “xanthoxylums,” “fagaras,” “leishmaniasis,” “chagas disease,” “malaria,” and “African trypanosomiasis.” Two independent evaluators analyzed the title and abstract of 166 articles, and 122 were excluded due to duplicity or for not meeting the inclusion criteria. From the 44 selected articles, results of in vitro/in vivo tests were extracted. In vitro studies showed that Z. rhoifolium, through the alkaloid nitidine, was active against Plasmodium (IC50 <1 μg/ml) and Leishmania (IC50 <8 μg/ml), and selective for both (>10 and >30, respectively). For Chagas disease, the promising species (IC50 <2 μg/ml) were Z. naranjillo and Z. minutiflorum, and for sleeping sickness, the species Z. zanthoxyloides (IC50 <4 μg/ml) stood out. In the in vivo analysis, the most promising species were Z. rhoifolium and Z. chiloperone. In summary, the species Z. rhoifolium, Z. naranjillo, Z. minutiflorum, Z. zanthoxyloides, and Z. chiloperone are promising sources of active molecules for the treatment of NDs.
Brief research report: Repurposing pentoxifylline to treat intense acute swimming–Induced delayed-onset muscle soreness in mice: Targeting peripheral and spinal cord nociceptive mechanisms
Authors: Borghi Sergio M. , Zaninelli Tiago H. , Saraiva-Santos Telma , Bertozzi Mariana M. , Cardoso Renato D. R. , Carvalho Thacyana T. , Ferraz Camila R. , Camilios-Neto Doumit , Cunha Fernando Q. , Cunha Thiago M. , Pinho-Ribeiro Felipe A. , Casagrande Rubia , Verri Waldiceu A.
Published: January 2023

In this study, we pursue determining the effect of pentoxifylline (Ptx) in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) triggered by exposing untrained mice to intense acute swimming exercise (120 min), which, to our knowledge, has not been investigated. Ptx treatment (1.5, 4.5, and 13.5 mg/kg; i.p., 30 min before and 12 h after the session) reduced intense acute swimming–induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. The selected dose of Ptx (4.5 mg/kg) inhibited recruitment of neutrophils to the muscle tissue, oxidative stress, and both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production in the soleus muscle and spinal cord. Furthermore, Ptx treatment also reduced spinal cord glial cell activation. In conclusion, Ptx reduces pain by targeting peripheral and spinal cord mechanisms of DOMS.
Influence of curvature radius on the axial crack signal of the magnetic flux leakage detection for tapered roller bearing rings
Authors: Yang Yun , Peng Guang , Qiu Shaoxiong , Chen Cuili , Liang Zhenyu
Published: January 2023

Tapered roller bearings are widely used in heavy machinery, railway transportation, aviation, and other fields. Their quality and reliability are related to the operational safety of mechanical equipment. In the axial crack magnetic flux leakage (MFL) detection of the bearing ring, the MFL signals obtained by the sensor from different curvature radius of the surface are inconsistent, affecting the detection accuracy of cracks and subsequent quantitative analysis. In order to address the above problems, the finite element simulation is performed to analyze the influence of the surface curvature radius of the bearing ring on the magnetic field distribution inside the workpiece and the MFL signal in the circumferential magnetization. Through the parallel magnetic circuit, the difference in curvature radius is identified as the basic reason for non-uniform magnetization. On this basis, the compensation method based on the normalization of surface magnetization is proposed. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the compensation method is verified by experiments. The relative change in the amplitude of the crack MFL signal is reduced from 30% to 5%.
Highly efficient Ho: YAP laser with 202 W of linearly polarized output power at 2118 nm
Authors: Ren Chuanyong , Ma Ke , Wang Fei , Shen Deyuan , Zhu Heyuan
Published: January 2023

We report on high power and efficient operation of a compact Ho: YAP laser in-band pumped at 1931 and 1943 nm with a high-power and narrow-linewidth Tm-doped fiber laser. Using a 0.5at. % Ho3+ doped Ho: YAP cut along the b-axis and a simple two-mirror resonator, up to 202 W of output power has been generated at ∼2118 nm for 336 W of absorbed pump power at 1931 nm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 61.2% with respect to the absorbed pump power. The laser output is linearly polarized along the c-axis with a polarization extinction ratio (PER) of ∼20.0 dB. Results presented in this work verify the superior power scaling capability of Ho: YAP at ∼2.1 μm with high lasing efficiency.
The effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on cardiorespiratory fitness capacity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Yong , Qin Di , Wang Yudi , Xue Lian , Qin YaXuan , Xu Xin
Published: January 2023

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sodium–glucose transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on various parameters of exercise capacity and provide an evidence-based basis for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with heart failure (HF) patients or HF patients without T2DM who use SGLT-2 inhibitors to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Methods: According to the participant, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) elements, the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitor administration on VO2 or VO2peak were researched in this study. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated (random-effects model). Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 test.

Results: Six studies were included according to the eligibility criteria: four were RCTs, and two were non-RCTs. Compared with the control group, the merge results of RCTs showed that SGLT-2 inhibitors could significantly increase the VO2peak (WMD, 2.02 ml kg−1 min−1, 95% CI: 0.68–3.37, and p = 0.03; I2 = 0% and p = 0.40) and VAT (WMD, 1.57 ml kg−1 min−1, 95% CI: 0.06–3.07, and p = 0.04; I2 = 0% and p = 0.52) of the obese population, patients with T2DM, and chronic HF patients with or without T2DM. Subgroup analysis showed that SGLT-2 inhibitors improved the VO2peak in non-HF patients (WMD, 3.57 ml kg−1 min−1, 95% CI: 0.87–6.26, and p = 0.009; I2 = 4% and p = 0.31) more than in HF patients (WMD, 1.46 ml kg−1 min−1, 95% CI: −0.13–3.04, and p = 0.07; I2 = 0% and p = 0.81). Moreover, the merge of single-arm studies also indicated that empagliflozin could improve VO2peak (MD, 1.11 ml kg−1 min−1, 95% CI: 0.93–1.30, and p = 0.827, Δ p = 0.000 and I2 = 0%) of T2DM patients with chronic HF.

Conclusion: Despite the limited number of studies and samples involved, the meta-analysis preliminarily demonstrated that SGLT-2 inhibitors could improve some parameters of exercise capacity (VO2peak, VAT) in chronic HF patients with or without T2DM and obese individuals, which had a positive effect on promoting cardiopulmonary fitness to help these populations improve their prognosis.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails], identifier [CRD42020202788].
Modeling sepsis, with a special focus on large animal models of porcine peritonitis and bacteremia
Authors: Vintrych Pavel , Al-Obeidallah Mahmoud , Horák Jan , Chvojka Jiří , Valešová Lenka , Nalos Lukáš , Jarkovská Dagmar , Matějovič Martin , Štengl Milan
Published: January 2023

Infectious diseases, which often result in deadly sepsis or septic shock, represent a major global health problem. For understanding the pathophysiology of sepsis and developing new treatment strategies, reliable and clinically relevant animal models of the disease are necessary. In this review, two large animal (porcine) models of sepsis induced by either peritonitis or bacteremia are introduced and their strong and weak points are discussed in the context of clinical relevance and other animal models of sepsis, with a special focus on cardiovascular and immune systems, experimental design, and monitoring. Especially for testing new therapeutic strategies, the large animal (porcine) models represent a more clinically relevant alternative to small animal models, and the findings obtained in small animal (transgenic) models should be verified in these clinically relevant large animal models before translation to the clinical level.
Potential mechanisms involved in regulating muscle protein turnover after acute exercise: A brief review
Authors: Hajj-Boutros Guy , Karelis Antony D. , Cefis Marina , Morais José A. , Casgrain Juliette , Gouspillou Gilles , Sonjak Vita
Published: January 2023

It is well established that resistance training increases muscle mass. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that a single session of resistance training is associated with an increase in muscle protein synthesis in young adults. However, the fundamental mechanisms that are involved in regulating muscle protein turnover rates after an acute bout of physical exercise are unclear. Therefore, this review will briefly focus on summarizing the potential mechanisms behind the growth of skeletal muscle after physical exercise. We also present mechanistic differences that may exist between young and older individuals during muscle protein synthesis and breakdown after physical exercise. Pathways leading to the activation of AKT/mTOR signals after resistance exercise and the activation of AMPK signaling pathway following a HIIT (High intensity interval training) are discussed.
The effects of velocity-based versus percentage-based resistance training on athletic performances in sport-collegiate female basketball players
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Liang Xingyue , Huang Weifeng , Ding Shicong , Li Guoxing , Zhang Wei , Li Chao , Zhou Yanfeng , Sun Jian , Li Duanying
Published: January 2023

Introduction:The study compared the effects of 6-week (2 sessions/week) velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) and percentage-based resistance training (PBRT) on athletic performance in Sport-College female basketball players.

Methods:Fifteen participants were assigned to the VBRT (n= 8) or PBRT (n= 7) groups. The load in VBRT group were determined through the sessional target velocity and velocity loss monitoring, whereas PBRT group used a fixed-load based on percentage of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Both groups completed intervention that involved the free weight back squat and bench press using the same relative load (linear periodization from 65% to 95% 1RM). Training loads data was continuously recorded. Measurements at baseline (T0) and post-training (T2) included 1RM, countermovement-jump (CMJ), squat-jump (SJ), eccentric-utilization-ratio (EUR), drop-jump height and reactive-strength-index (DJ, DJ-RSI), plyometric-push-up (PPU), 505 change-of-direction (COD), 10-m、20-m sprint (T-10、T-20), 17 × 15 m drill-lines (17-drill), Hexagon agility, and functional movement screen (FMS). A mid-term (T1) assessment was included to investigate the short-term effects of both methods and the fluctuation of personalized 1RM.

Results:No between-group differences were observed at T0 for descriptive variables (p> 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in strength gains for back squat and bench press, but VBRT showedlikelyto very likelyfavorable improvements in CMJ, SJ, EUR, DJ-RSI, Hexagon and COD among athletic performance. The VBRT showedlikelytovery likelyimprovements in 17-drill and DJ, while PBRT showeduncleareffects. The lifted weights adjusted by VBRT method were higher than prescribed by PBRT (p< 0.05) for the same subjects.

Conclusion:Compared with fixed-load PBRT, VBRT enhanced power and athletic performance despite similar strength gains. VBRT can be regarded as a more functional resistance-training method under linear periodization.
QTL analysis of important agronomic traits and metabolites in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) by RIL population and widely targeted metabolome
Authors: Wei Wei , Li Shuangdong , Li Peiyu , Yu Kuohai , Fan Guangyu , Wang Yixiang , Zhao Fang , Zhang Xiaolei , Feng Xiaolei , Shi Gaolei , Zhang Weiqin , Song Guoliang , Dan Wenhan , Wang Feng , Zhang Yali , Li Xinru , Wang Dequan , Zhang Wenying , Pei Jingjing , Wang Xiaoming , Zhao Zhihai
Published: January 2023

As a bridge between genome and phenotype, metabolome is closely related to plant growth and development. However, the research on the combination of genome, metabolome and multiple agronomic traits in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is insufficient. Here, based on the linkage analysis of 3,452 metabolitesviawith high-quality genetic linkage maps, we detected a total of 1,049 metabolic quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) distributed in 11 hotspots, and 28 metabolite-related candidate genes were mined from 14 mQTLs. In addition, 136 single-environment phenotypic QTL (pQTLs) related to 63 phenotypes were identified by linkage analysis, and there were 12 hotspots on these pQTLs. We futher dissected 39 candidate genes related to agronomic traits through metabolite-phenotype correlation and gene function analysis, includingSd1semidwarf gene, which can affect plant height by regulating GA synthesis. Combined correlation network and QTL analysis, we found that flavonoid-lignin pathway maybe closely related to plant architecture and yield in foxtail millet. For example, the correlation coefficient between apigenin 7-rutinoside and stem diameter reached 0.98, and they were co-located at 41.33-44.15 Mb of chromosome 5, further gene function analysis revealed that 5 flavonoid pathway genes, as well asSd1, were located in this interval . Therefore, the correlation and co-localization between flavonoid-lignins and plant architecture may be due to the close linkage of their regulatory genes in millet. Besides, we also found that a combination of genomic and metabolomic for BLUP analysis can better predict plant agronomic traits than genomic or metabolomic data, independently. In conclusion, the combined analysis of mQTL and pQTL in millet have linked genetic, metabolic and agronomic traits, and is of great significance for metabolite-related molecular assisted breeding.
Effect of caregiver burden on anticipatory grief among caregivers of elderly cancer patients: Chain mediation role of family functioning and resilience
Authors: Li Caiyue , Tang Nan , Yang Lili , Zeng Qing , Yu Tana , Pu Xiaojin , Wang Juan , Zhang Hongchen
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to explore the relationship between caregiver burden and anticipatory grief among caregivers of elderly cancer patients, and to examine the chain mediation effects of family functioning and resilience. A total of 624 valid questionnaires were collected. The Structural Equation Model was established to test the mediating effects of family functioning and resilience. Results showed that caregiver burden has a direct positive effect on anticipatory grief, both family functioning and resilience have negative effects on caregiver burden and anticipatory grief, and that resilience moderates the mediating effect of family functioning. Our findings suggest that reducing the caregiver burden among caregivers of elderly cancer patients, improving family functioning, and enhancing resilience have important effects in alleviating the anticipatory grief of caregivers. Our findings provide some references for further research. Medical staff should better understand the grief experience of caregivers and implement interventions to enable caregivers to better cope with anticipatory grief and psychological stress, so as to promote the quality of care for elderly cancer patients.
Relationship between subjective well-being and depressive disorders: Novel findings of cohort variations and demographic heterogeneities
Authors: Li Chao , Xia Yuxin , Zhang Yuhan
Published: January 2023

This paper uses a large-scale nationally representative dataset, the Chinese General Social Survey, to examine the relationship between subjective well-being and depressive disorders. Statistical results indicate that higher levels of subjective well-being help decrease perceived depression. Robustness checks are carried out using different types of explanatory and dependent variables, various regression models, penalized machine learning methods, instrumental variable approaches, and placebo tests, all of which lend further credence to the above findings. Based on it, heterogeneities in the relationship between subjective well-being and self-rated mental disorders are explored. In respect of variations in age cohorts, it is found that the absolute values of happiness’s estimated coefficients are smaller in the 20–30 and 30–40 age groups, while that in the 40–50 age group increase substantially. In older cohorts, the estimates remain at higher levels while fluctuating to some degree. Furthermore, the significantly negative interaction between happiness and age proves that age amplifies subjective well-being’s effect on perceived depressive disorders. With age increasing, the impact of happiness on reducing perceived depression tends to be stronger. Therefore, for older people, subjective well-being plays a more important role in suppressing self-rated depression. Heterogeneities of the relationship between happiness and perceived depressive disorders in subgroups with different demographic characteristics are also investigated. It is found that the negative correlation between subjective well-being and self-rated depression is stronger among those with higher educational levels, living in urban areas, being members of the Communist Party of China, having pensions, and owning more housing assets. However, gender, ethnic identity, religious belief, and marital status exert no significant moderating effects.
Influences of (in)congruences in psychological entitlement and felt obligation on ethical behavior
Authors: Chen Qin , Shen Yifei , Zhang Li , Zhang Zhenduo , Zheng Junwei , Xiu Jing
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Psychological entitlement and felt obligation are two correlated but distinctive conceptions. Prior studies have mainly explored their influences on employees' (un)ethical behavior, respectively. Recently, several studies suggest the interactive impacts of psychological entitlement with felt obligation on individual behavioral choices. In consistency with these studies, the present study focuses on the influences of (in)congruences in psychological entitlement and felt obligation on employees' (un)ethical behavior.

Methods

A two-wave multi-source questionnaire survey is conducted to collect 202 matched questionnaires from full-time Chinese workers. The polynomial regression with response surface analysis is employed to test hypotheses.

Results

The results indicate that: (1) employees have higher levels of work engagement and helping behavior but lower levels of unethical behavior when their psychological entitlement and felt obligation are balanced at higher levels rather than lower levels; (2) employees have higher levels of work engagement and helping behavior but lower levels of unethical behavior when they have higher levels of felt obligation but lower levels of psychological entitlement compared to those having lower levels of felt obligation but higher levels of psychological entitlement; and (3) work engagement mediates the relationship between (in)congruences in psychological entitlement and felt obligation and employees' helping behavior and unethical behavior.

Discussion

This study provides a novel insight into the interactive influences of (in)congruence in psychological entitlement and felt obligation on employees' ethical behavioral choices.
Assessment of barriers for people with disability to enjoy national parks
Authors: Aguilar-Carrasco Maria José , Gielen Eric , Vallés-Planells Maria , Galiana Francisco , Riutort-Mayol Gabriel
Published: January 2023

There is increasing awareness of the importance of nature-based recreation to human wellbeing. Given its significant benefits, natural-protected area management has not always provided equitable access to all potential users. Limited research till now has been focused on how the outdoor barriers impact the equal enjoyment of people with mobility/motor disabilities (PwMDs) of nature when promoting sustainable nature-based tourism. This study intends to shed light on those aspects which constrain the PwMD’s enjoyment of the great outdoors at national parks (NPs). The study was carried out in Canada and Spain through an online survey on amenities needed and accessibility barriers for PwMDs in parks. It was analyzed through log-linear models for cross-frequency tables, which allow us to estimate the associations between questions/variables and, thus, ultimately, obtain insights into how the needs of amenities and accessibility barriers can affect and limit PwMDs’ enjoyment of natural parks. The results show a predisposition on the part of participants to enjoy parks more frequently than they usually do, as well as a preference for forests and mountain landscapes. Information and communication technologies are the tools most chosen to prepare for their trip and visit to the park. PwMD finds barriers in NPs as impediments to benefit from nature-based recreation and adding to their wellbeing. NP managers should take into consideration that PwMD’s visits to parks are related to the main obstacles they perceive such as slopes and pavement and that they require amenities such as recreation and signposting. They would also like to enjoy parks more often, with footpaths suitable for walkability/wheelability, e.g., compact pavement, low inclines, and adequate signposting. In addition to the physical barriers, managers should also consider intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints to provide outdoor activities in parks focused on PwMDs’ needs.
The effects of genre on the lexical richness of argumentative and expository writing by Chinese EFL learners
Authors: Heng Renquan , Pu Liping , Liu Xing
Published: January 2023

Lexical richness, a crucial aspect of L2 writing research, has been shown to make a difference in L2 writing performance. Nonetheless, the majority of empirical studies have focused either on a single text type or on the comparison between narrative and non-narrative writing (mostly argumentative writing) in academic contexts, whereas there has been a dearth of research regarding the lexical features pertaining to varied non-narrative writing genres. Considering the cognitive demands intrinsic in different writing task types, this study examined the development of lexical richness, which includes lexical density, lexical variation, and lexical sophistication, in Chinese EFL students’ argumentative and expository compositions over the course of one academic year. Fifty-four participants were asked to write eight compositions (in two alternating genres)—four argumentative and four expository—which were parsed using two computational tools. The results indicated a significant increase in all three subconstructs of lexical richness in argumentative compositions over the year, while in expository compositions, only lexical density and lexical sophistication demonstrated an increasing trend. As time went on, the participants in both genres tended to use more high-frequency words with more senses, more academic words, more high-frequency bigrams, and words that are less familiar and more precise. Moreover, the argumentative compositions displayed higher lexical density than the expository ones, while the expository compositions manifested greater lexical variation and lexical sophistication than the argumentative ones. The findings of the study suggest some implications for L2 writing teaching and research.