bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process Evaluation of the Child and Youth Healthcare Intervention ‘Medical Advice for Sick-Reported Students in Primary School’ (MASS-PS)
Authors: Pijl Esther Karen , Vanneste Yvonne T. M. , Mathijssen Jolanda J. P. , Feron Frans J. M. , de Rijk Angelique E.
Published: April 2022

School attendance is crucial for the development of a child. Sickness absence is the most common type of absenteeism and can be a red flag for underlying problems. To address sickness absence, the intervention Medical Advice for Sick-reported Students for Primary School (MASS-PS) was recently developed. It targets children at risk and is a school-based child and youth health care intervention. The present study is a process evaluation of the intervention. MASS-PS was implemented and evaluated in 29 schools in the West-Brabant region of the Netherlands, during three school years (2017–2020). Attendance coordinators (ACs) from the different schools were interviewed in six focus group interviews as well as in over 200 individual conversations, of which logbooks were kept. Content analysis was used based on a framework of implementation elements. During the first year of the study, the uptake was low. Changes were made by the project group to improve the uptake. The ACs generally considered the MASS-PS as compatible and relevant, but suggested improvements by adding a medical consultation function with a child and youth healthcare physician and increasing the threshold for selecting children at risk. They saw several personal benefits, although time was necessary to learn to use the intervention. An organisational barrier was the lack of teaching staff. A strength in the organisational structure was the appointment of ACs. A major event in the sociological structure was the COVID-19 pandemic. ACs felt that the intervention helped them keep track of sickness absence during the pandemic. The Medical Advice for Sick-reported Students for Primary School intervention was implemented successfully, and the process evaluation gave insight into possible improvements.
Impact of Rural Tourism Development on Residents’ Satisfaction with the Local Environment, Socio-Economy and Quality of Life in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hassan Thowayeb H. , Salem Amany E. , Abdelmoaty Mostafa A.
Published: April 2022

Tourism has a significant role in destination development, particularly in rural regions. However, within the context of the highly sensitive nature of rural areas to the ecological, economic, and socio-cultural effects of tourism development, it is important to assess the levels of satisfaction among the residents of rural destinations. The current study aimed to assess the impact of rural tourism development in the Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia on the overall resident satisfaction and three relevant subdomains. The findings revealed that the three tourism development impacts under investigation, including the social, economic and environmental effects, were positively associated with resident overall satisfaction. The three influential developmental categories were also independent predictors of the satisfaction with the quality of life and environment subdomains. National policy makers are required to implement adequate rural tourism development measures and regulations to improve tourism services and activities, which would eventually be reflected in the quality of life of local residents.
Volatile Organic Compounds in Finnish Office Environments in 2010–2019 and Their Relevance to Adverse Health Effects
Authors: Wallenius Kaisa , Hovi Hanna , Remes Jouko , Mahiout Selma , Liukkonen Tuula
Published: April 2022

We gathered recent (2010–2019) data on the VOC and formaldehyde levels in Finnish non-industrial indoor work environments. The data comprised 9789 VOC and 1711 formaldehyde samples collected from the indoor air of offices, schools, kindergartens, and healthcare offices. We assessed the health risks by comparing the measured concentrations to the health-based RW I/II and EU-LCI reference values. The concentrations of individual VOCs and formaldehyde in these work environments were generally very low and posed no health risks. Total VOC concentration (TVOC) as well as concentrations of several individual compounds, including aromatic compounds, alkanes, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, and formaldehyde, showed clearly decreasing trends. In contrast, several aldehydes, acids, and a few other compounds showed increasing trends. However, the increasing trends did not seem to affect the higher ends of the distributions, as the 95th percentile values remained fairly stable or decreased over the years. The VOC patterns in the environments of the offices, schools, kindergartens, and healthcare offices varied, probably reflecting the differences in typical activities and the use of materials. However, we do not expect these differences to be relevant to health outcomes.
Resilience-Building for Mental Health among Early Childhood Educators: A Systematic Review and Pilot-Study towards an EEG-VR Resilience Building Intervention
Authors: Abu Hasan Rumaisa , Yusoff Muhamad Saiful Bahri , Tang Tong Boon , Hafeez Yasir , Mustafa Mazlina Che , Dzainudin Masayu , Bacotang Juppri , Al-Saggaf Ubaid M. , Ali Syed Saad Azhar
Published: April 2022

Resilience is a key factor that reflects a teacher’s ability to utilize their emotional resources and working skills to provide high-quality teaching to children. Resilience-building interventions aim to promote positive psychological functioning and well-being. However, there is lack of evidence on whether these interventions improve the well-being or mental health of teachers in early childhood education (ECE) settings. This review examined the overall effectiveness of resilience-building interventions conducted on teachers working in the ECE field. A systematic approach is used to identify relevant studies that focus on resilience-building in countering work stress among early childhood educators. Findings from this review observed a preference of group approaches and varying durations of interventions. This review highlights the challenges of the group approach which can lead to lengthy interventions and attrition amongst participants. In addition to the concerns regarding response bias from self-report questionnaires, there is also a lack of physiological measures used to evaluate effects on mental health. The large efforts by 11 studies to integrate multiple centres into their intervention and the centre-based assessment performed by four studies highlight the need for a centre-focused approach to build resilience among teachers from various ECE centres. A pilot study is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of an integrated electroencephalography–virtual reality (EEG-VR) approach in building resilience in teachers, where the frontal brain activity can be monitored during a virtual classroom task. Overall, the findings of this review propose the integration of physiological measures to monitor changes in mental health throughout the resilience-building intervention and the use of VR as a tool to design a unique virtual environment.
Translation and Validation of the Malay Version of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index: Reliability and Validity Evidence from a Sample of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Suhaimi Aida Farhana , Makki Shahidah Mohamed , Tan Kit-Aun , Silim Umi Adzlin , Ibrahim Normala
Published: April 2022

The translation and validation process of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) into Malay is still not yet available. This study is the first psychometric evaluation of the Malay version of the WHO-5 in a sample of 127 primary care patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We evaluated the internal consistency and 5-week test–retest reliability of the WHO-5 Malay, and three aspects of its validity—first, the factorial validity in relation to the factor structure of the WHO-5 Malay; second, the concurrent validity in relation to depression and diabetes-related distress; and third, the convergent validity in relation to diabetes management self-efficacy and diabetes self-care behaviors. This study had two phases. Phase 1 involved the translation of the WHO-5 into Malay language following established procedures, whereas Phase 2 involved the validation of the WHO-5 Malay. Excellent internal consistency and 5-week test–retest reliability estimates were obtained. The factorial validity of the WHO-5 was found to be unidimensional. As for concurrent validity, the WHO-5 Malay was found to be negatively correlated with depression and diabetes-related distress. The WHO-5 was found to be correlated with diabetes management self-efficacy and diabetes self-care behaviors, thereby establishing convergent validity. The WHO-5 Malay has reliable and valid psychometric properties and represents a promising tool that informs healthcare providers in making effective and holistic diabetes management.
A Comparison of the Validities of Traditional Chinese Versions of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health and the World Health Organization’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire
Authors: Ta-Thi Kim-Ngan , Chuang Kai-Jen
Published: April 2022

There is a lack of valid instruments for measuring productivity loss due to illness. This study aimed to compare the validities of traditional Chinese versions of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: General Health (C-WPAI:GH) and the World Health Organization’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (C-WHO-HPQ), and to define the factors associated with productivity loss. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 165 Taiwanese employees in technology companies. Spearman’s correlation coefficients and ANOVAs were used to test the validities of the C-WPAI:GH and C-WHO-HPQ. Bayesian model averaging was used for multiple linear regression to define the factors related to productivity loss. The C-WPAI:GH had acceptable validities for assessing the productivity loss of Taiwanese employees. The C-WHO-HPQ had acceptable content validity and concurrent criterion validity. However, the construct validity of the C-WHO-HPQ was insufficient (less than 75% of results were consistent with our hypotheses). Absenteeism in the C-WPAI:GH was associated with education, physical functioning and job satisfaction. There were significant associations of bodily pain, social functioning and general health with presenteeism, overall work impairment and activity impairment in the C-WPAI:GH. A linear correlation was found between education and activity impairment in the C-WPAI:GH. The C-WPAI:GH can be used to evaluate productivity loss due to illness.
Multi-Elemental Analysis of Human Optic Chiasm—A New Perspective to Reveal the Pathomechanism of Nerve Fibers’ Degeneration
Authors: Baj Jacek , Forma Alicja , Kowalska Beata , Teresiński Grzegorz , Buszewicz Grzegorz , Majerek Dariusz , Flieger Wojciech , Maciejewski Ryszard , Karakuła Kaja , Flieger Michał , Czeczelewski Marcin , Kędzierawski Paweł , Flieger Jolanta
Published: April 2022

The effect of metals on the functioning of the human eye is multifactorial and includes enzyme activity modulation, trace metal metabolic pathways changes, and cytotoxic activity. Functional dysfunctions appear mostly as a result of the accumulation of toxic xenobiotic metals or disturbances of micronutrients’ homeostasis. So far, the affinity of selected metals to eye tissues, i.e., the cornea, choroid, lens, and anterior chamber fluid, has been most studied. However, it is known that many eye symptoms are related to damage to the optic nerve. In order to fill this gap, the aim of the study is to perform a multi-element analysis of tissue collected postmortem from optic chiasm and optic nerves. A total of 178 samples from 107 subjects were tested. The concentrations of 51 elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after the wet-mineralization step. In terms of elemental composition, the optic chiasm is dominated by two trace elements, i.e., iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), besides macro-elements Ca, K, Na, P, and Mg. The subjects formed a homogeneous cluster (over 70% subjects) with the highest accumulation of aluminum (Al). The remaining two departing clusters were characterized by an increased content of most of the elements, including toxic elements such as bismuth (Bi), uranium (U), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd). Changes in elemental composition with age were analyzed statistically for the selected groups, i.e., females, males, and subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and without AUD. A tendency of women to lose Se, Cu, Zn, Fe with age was observed, and a disturbed Ca/Mg, Na/K ratio in subjects with AUD. Although the observed trends were not statistically significant, they shed new light on the risks and possible pathologies associated with metal neurotoxicity in the visual tract.
The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide Regulation of Autophagy in Liver Disorders
Authors: Lu Xueqin , Ding Yueming , Liu Huiyang , Sun Mengyao , Chen Chaoran , Yang Yihan , Wang Honggang
Published: April 2022

Autophagy is a complex process of degradation of senescent or dysfunctional organelles in cells. Dysfunctional autophagy is associated with many diseases such as cancers, immune dysfunction, and aging. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered to be the third gas signal molecule after nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide. In recent years, H2S has been found to have a variety of important biological functions, and plays an important role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we review the recent role and mechanism of H2S in regulating autophagy in liver disorders, in order to provide a basis for further research in the future.
Metabolic Syndrome and β-Oxidation of Long-Chain Fatty Acids in the Brain, Heart, and Kidney Mitochondria
Authors: Panov Alexander , Mayorov Vladimir I. , Dikalov Sergey
Published: April 2022

We present evidence that metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents the postreproductive stage of the human postembryonic ontogenesis. Accordingly, the genes governing this stage experience relatively weak evolutionary selection pressure, thus representing the metabolic phenotype of distant ancestors with β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids (FAs) as the primary energy source. Mitochondria oxidize at high-rate FAs only when succinate, glutamate, or pyruvate are present. The heart and brain mitochondria work at a wide range of functional loads and possess an intrinsic inhibition of complex II to prevent oxidative stress at periods of low functional activity. Kidney mitochondria constantly work at a high rate and lack inhibition of complex II. We suggest that in people with MetS, oxidative stress is the central mechanism of the heart and brain pathologies. Oxidative stress is a secondary pathogenetic mechanism in the kidney, while the primary mechanisms are kidney hypoxia caused by persistent hyperglycemia and hypertension. Current evidence suggests that most of the nongenetic pathologies associated with MetS originate from the inconsistencies between the metabolic phenotype acquired after the transition to the postreproductive stage and excessive consumption of food rich in carbohydrates and a sedentary lifestyle.
Validation and Data-Integration of Yeast-Based Assays for Functional Classification of BRCA1 Missense Variants
Authors: Bellè Francesca , Mercatanti Alberto , Lodovichi Samuele , Congregati Caterina , Guglielmi Chiara , Tancredi Mariella , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Cervelli Tiziana , Galli Alvaro
Published: April 2022

Germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene have been reported to increase the lifetime risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer (BOC). By new sequencing technologies, numerous variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are identified. It is mandatory to develop new tools to evaluate their functional impact and pathogenicity. As the expression of pathogenic BRCA1 variants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increases the frequency of intra- and inter-chromosomal homologous recombination (HR), and gene reversion (GR), we validated the two HR and the GR assays by testing 23 benign and 23 pathogenic variants and compared the results with those that were obtained in the small colony phenotype (SCP) assay, an additional yeast-based assay, that was validated previously. We demonstrated that they scored high accuracy, sensitivity, and sensibility. By using a classifier that was based on majority of voting, we have integrated data from HR, GR, and SCP assays and developed a reliable method, named yBRCA1, with high sensitivity to obtain an accurate VUS functional classification (benign or pathogenic). The classification of BRCA1 variants, important for assessing the risk of developing BOC, is often difficult to establish with genetic methods because they occur rarely in the population. This study provides a new tool to get insights on the functional impact of the BRCA1 variants.
1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-d-glucose Interrupts the Early Adipocyte Lifecycle and Attenuates Adiposity and Hepatic Steatosis in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Sathyanarayana Ashish Rao , Lu Chung-Kuang , Liaw Chih-Chuang , Chang Chia-Chuan , Han Hsin-Ying , Green Brian D. , Huang Wei-Jan , Huang Cheng , He Wen-Di , Lee Lin-Chien , Liu Hui-Kang
Published: April 2022

Phytochemicals that interrupt adipocyte lifecycle can provide anti-obesity effects. 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-d-glucose (PGG) is a tannin with two isomers that occurs widely in plants and exhibits various pharmacological activities. The aim of the investigation is to comprehensively examine effects of PGG isomer(s) on adipocyte lifecycle and diet-induced obesity. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, and H4IIE hepatoma cells were used to determine the effects of PGG isomers on cell viability and adipogenesis. Mice with diet-induced obesity were generated from male C57/BL6 mice fed with a 45% high fat diet. Oral administration of β-PGG (0.1 and 5 mg/kg) lasted for 14 weeks. Viability was reduced by repeated PGG treatment in hMSC, preadipocytes, and cells under differentiation. PGG mainly induces apoptosis, and this effect is independent of its insulin mimetic action. In vivo, administration of β-PGG attenuated shortening of the colon, hyperlipidaemia, fat cells and islet hypertrophy in DIO mice. Hepatic steatosis and related gene expression were improved along with glucose intolerance. Increased serum adiponectin, leptin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 levels were also observed. In conclusion, repeated PGG treatment interrupts the adipocyte lifecycle. PGG administration reduces adiposity and fatty liver development in DIO mice, and therefore, PGG could aid in clinical management of obesity.
The Effects of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Hinge Domain Post-Translational Modifications on CAR-T Cell Activity
Authors: Hirobe Sachiko , Imaeda Keisuke , Tachibana Masashi , Okada Naoki
Published: April 2022

To improve the efficacy and safety of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cell therapeutics through enhanced CAR design, we analysed CAR structural factors that affect CAR-T cell function. We studied the effects of disulphide bonding at cysteine residues and glycosylation in the HD on CAR-T function. We used first-generation CAR[V/28/28/3z] and CAR[V/8a/8a/3z], consisting of a mouse vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-specific single-chain variable fragment tandemly linked to CD28- or CD8α-derived HD, transmembrane domain (TMD) and a CD3ζ-derived signal transduction domain (STD). We constructed structural variants by substituting cysteine with alanine and asparagine (putative N-linked glycosylation sites) with aspartate. CAR[V/28/28/3z] and CAR[V/8a/8a/3z] formed homodimers, the former through a single HD cysteine residue and the latter through the more TMD-proximal of the two cysteine residues. The absence of disulphide bonds did not affect membrane CAR expression but reduced antigen-specific cytokine production and cytotoxic activity. CAR[V/28/28/3z] and CAR[V/8a/8a/3z] harboured one N-linked glycosylation site, and CAR[V/8a/8a/3z] underwent considerable O-linked glycosylation at an unknown site. Thus, N-linked glycosylation of CAR[V/28/28/3z] promotes stable membrane CAR expression, while having no effect on the expression or CAR-T cell activity of CAR[V/8a/8a/3z]. Our findings demonstrate that post-translational modifications of the CAR HD influence CAR-T cell activity, establishing a basis for future CAR design.
Antinociceptive and Antiallodynic Activity of Some 3-(3-Methylthiophen-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione Derivatives in Mouse Models of Tonic and Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Dziubina Anna , Rapacz Anna , Czopek Anna , Góra Małgorzata , Obniska Jolanta , Kamiński Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

Antiseizure drugs (ASDs) are commonly used to treat a wide range of nonepileptic conditions, including pain. In this context, the analgesic effect of four pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives (compounds 3, 4, 6, and 9), with previously confirmed anticonvulsant and preliminary antinociceptive activity, was assessed in established pain models. Consequently, antinociceptive activity was examined in a mouse model of tonic pain (the formalin test). In turn, antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic activity were examined in the oxaliplatin-induced model of peripheral neuropathy as well as in the streptozotocin-induced model of painful diabetic neuropathy in mice. In order to assess potential sedative properties (drug safety evaluation), the influence on locomotor activity was also investigated. As a result, three compounds, namely 3, 6, and 9, demonstrated a significant antinociceptive effect in the formalin-induced model of tonic pain. Furthermore, these substances also revealed antiallodynic properties in the model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, while compound 3 attenuated tactile allodynia in the model of diabetic streptozotocin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Apart from favorable analgesic properties, the most active compound 3 did not induce any sedative effects at the active dose of 30 mg/kg after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection.
Direct Reprogramming and Induction of Human Dermal Fibroblasts to Differentiate into iPS-Derived Nucleus Pulposus-like Cells in 3D Culture
Authors: Seki Shoji , Iwasaki Mami , Makino Hiroto , Yahara Yasuhito , Miyazaki Yoshitaka , Kamei Katsuhiko , Futakawa Hayato , Nogami Makiko , Tran Canh Tung Nguyen , Hirokawa Tatsuro , Tsuji Mamiko , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu
Published: April 2022

Intervertebral disc (IVD) diseases are common spinal disorders that cause neck or back pain in the presence or absence of an underlying neurological disorder. IVD diseases develop on the basis of degeneration, and there are no established treatments for degeneration. IVD diseases may therefore represent a candidate for the application of regenerative medicine, potentially employing normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) induced to differentiate into nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Here, we used a three-dimensional culture system to demonstrate that ectopic expression of MYC, KLF4, NOTO, SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 in NHDFs generated NP-like cells, detected using Safranin-O staining. Quantitative PCR, microarray analysis, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting revealed that the induced NP cells exhibited a fully differentiated phenotype. These findings may significantly contribute to the development of effective strategies for treating IVD diseases.
Time- and Spectrally-Resolved Photoluminescence Study of Alloyed CdxZn1−xSeyS1−y/ZnS Quantum Dots and Their Nanocomposites with SPIONs in Living Cells
Authors: Matiushkina Anna , Litvinov Ilia , Bazhenova Anastasia , Belyaeva Tatiana , Dubavik Aliaksei , Veniaminov Andrei , Maslov Vladimir , Kornilova Elena , Orlova Anna
Published: April 2022

Magnetic-luminescent composites based on semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can serve as a platform combining visualization and therapy. Here, we report the construction of QD-SPION nanocomposites based on synthesized SPIONs and alloyed QDs (CdxZn1−xSeyS1−y)/ZnS solubilized with L-cysteine molecules. The study of the spectral-luminescence characteristics, the kinetics of luminescence decay show the composite’s stability in a solution. After incubation with HeLa cells, QDs, SPIONs, and their composites form clusters on the cell surface and associate with endosomes inside the cells. Component-wise analysis of the photoluminescence decay of cell-associated QDs/SPIONs provides information about their localization and aggregate status.
Drug-Free Nasal Spray as a Barrier against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Delta Variant: In Vitro Study of Safety and Efficacy in Human Nasal Airway Epithelia
Authors: Fais Fabio , Juskeviciene Reda , Francardo Veronica , Mateos Stéphanie , Guyard Manuela , Viollet Cécile , Constant Samuel , Borelli Massimo , Hohenfeld Ilja P.
Published: April 2022

The nasal epithelium is a key portal for infection by respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and represents an important target for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. In the present study, we test the safety and efficacy of a newly developed nasal spray (AM-301, marketed as Bentrio) against infection by SARS-CoV-2 and its Delta variant on an in vitro 3D-model of the primary human nasal airway epithelium. Safety was assessed in assays for tight junction integrity, cytotoxicity and cilia beating frequency. Efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection was evaluated in pre-viral load and post-viral load application on airway epithelium. No toxic effects of AM-301 on the nasal epithelium were found. Prophylactic treatment with AM-301 significantly reduced viral titer vs. controls over 4 days, reaching a maximum reduction of 99% in case of infection from the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 variant and more than 83% in case of the Delta variant. When AM-301 administration was started 24 h after infection, viral titer was reduced by about 12-folds and 3-folds on Day 4. The results suggest that AM-301 is safe and significantly decelerates SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell culture inhibition assays of prophylaxis (pre-viral load application) and mitigation (post-viral load application). Its physical (non-pharmaceutical) mechanism of action, safety and efficacy warrant additional investigations both in vitro and in vivo for safety and efficacy against a broad spectrum of airborne viruses and allergens.
The Use of Autologous Chondrocyte and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implants for the Treatment of Focal Chondral Defects in Human Knee Joints—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Epanomeritakis Ilias Ektor , Lee Ernest , Lu Victor , Khan Wasim
Published: April 2022

Focal chondral defects of the knee occur commonly in the young, active population due to trauma. Damage can insidiously spread and lead to osteoarthritis with significant functional and socioeconomic consequences. Implants consisting of autologous chondrocytes or mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) seeded onto scaffolds have been suggested as promising therapies to restore these defects. However, the degree of integration between the implant and native cartilage still requires optimization. A PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL) to identify studies that used autologous chondrocyte implants (ACI) or MSC implant therapies to repair chondral defects of the tibiofemoral joint. Data on the integration of the implant-cartilage interface, as well as outcomes of clinical scoring systems, were extracted. Most eligible studies investigated the use of ACI only. Our meta-analysis showed that, across a total of 200 patients, 64% (95% CI (51%, 75%)) achieved complete integration with native cartilage. In addition, a pooled improvement in the mean MOCART integration score was observed during post-operative follow-up (standardized mean difference: 1.16; 95% CI (0.07, 2.24), p = 0.04). All studies showed an improvement in the clinical scores. The use of a collagen-based scaffold was associated with better integration and clinical outcomes. This review demonstrated that cell-seeded scaffolds can achieve good quality integration in most patients, which improves over time and is associated with clinical improvements. A greater number of studies comparing these techniques to traditional cartilage repair methods, with more inclusion of MSC-seeded scaffolds, should allow for a standardized approach to cartilage regeneration to develop.
Luteolin Causes 5′CpG Demethylation of the Promoters of TSGs and Modulates the Aberrant Histone Modifications, Restoring the Expression of TSGs in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Pramodh Sreepoorna , Raina Ritu , Hussain Arif , Bagabir Sali Abubaker , Haque Shafiul , Raza Syed Tasleem , Ajmal Mohammad Rehan , Behl Shalini , Bhagavatula Deepika
Published: April 2022

Cancer progression is linked to abnormal epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. Since epigenetic alterations, unlike genetic changes, are heritable and reversible, they have been considered as interesting targets for cancer prevention and therapy by dietary compounds such as luteolin. In this study, epigenetic modulatory behaviour of luteolin was analysed on HeLa cells. Various assays including colony forming and migration assays, followed by biochemical assays of epigenetic enzymes including DNA methyltransferase, histone methyl transferase, histone acetyl transferase, and histone deacetylases assays were performed. Furthermore, global DNA methylation and methylation-specific PCR for examining the methylation status of CpG promoters of various tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) and the expression of these TSGs at transcript and protein level were performed. It was observed that luteolin inhibited migration and colony formation in HeLa cells. It also modulated DNA methylation at promoters of TSGs and the enzymatic activity of DNMT, HDAC, HMT, and HAT and reduced the global DNA methylation. Decrease in methylation resulted in the reactivation of silenced tumour suppressor genes including FHIT, DAPK1, PTEN, CDH1, SOCS1, TIMPS, VHL, TP53, TP73, etc. Hence, luteolin-targeted epigenetic alterations provide a promising approach for cancer prevention and intervention.
A Personalized Compression Method for Steady-State Visual Evoked Potential EEG Signals
Authors: Zhang Sitao , Ma Kainan , Yin Yibo , Ren Binbin , Liu Ming
Published: April 2022

As an informative electroencephalogram (EEG) signal, steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) stands out from many paradigms for application in wireless wearable devices. However, its data are usually enormous, occupy too many bandwidth sources and require immense power when transmitted in the raw data form, so it is necessary to compress the signal. This paper proposes a personalized EEG compression and reconstruction algorithm for the SSVEP application. In the algorithm, to realize personalization, a primary artificial neural network (ANN) model is first pre-trained with the open benchmark database towards BCI application (BETA). Then, an adaptive ANN model is generated with incremental learning for each subject to compress their individual data. Additionally, a personalized, non-uniform quantization method is proposed to reduce the errors caused by compression. The recognition accuracy only decreases by 3.79% when the compression rate is 12.7 times, and is tested on BETA. The proposed algorithm can reduce signal loss by from 50.43% to 81.08% in the accuracy test compared to the case without ANN and uniform quantization.
Macrostructural Evolution of the Mitogenome of Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Authors: Liu Di , Basso Andrea , Babbucci Massimiliano , Patarnello Tomaso , Negrisolo Enrico
Published: April 2022

The mitogenome of the species belonging to the Papilionodea (Lepidoptera) is a double stranded circular molecule containing the 37 genes shared by Metazoa. Eight mitochondrial gene orders are known in the Papilionoidea. MIQGO is the plesiomorphic gene order for this superfamily, while other mitochondrial arrangements have a very limited distribution. 2S1GO gene order is an exception and is present in several Lycaenidae and one species of Hesperiidae. We studied the macrostructural changes generating the gene orders of butterflies by analysing a large data set (611 taxa) containing 5 new mitochondrial sequences/assemblies and 87 de novo annotated mitogenomes. Our analysis supports a possible origin of the intergenic spacer trnQ-nad2, characterising MIQGO, from trnM. We showed that the homoplasious gene order IMQGO, shared by butterflies, species of ants, beetles and aphids, evolved through different transformational pathways. We identify a complicated evolutionary scenario for 2S1GO in Lycaenidae, characterised by multiple events of duplication/loss and change in anticodon of trnS1. We show that the gene orders ES1GO and S1NGO originated through a tandem duplication random loss mechanism. We describe two novel gene orders. Ampittia subvittatus (Hesperiidae) exhibits the gene order 2FFGO, characterised by two copies of trnF, one located in the canonical position and a second placed in the opposite strand between trnR and trnN. Bhutanitis thaidina (Papilionidae) exhibits the gene order 4QGO, characterised by the quadruplication of trnQ.
Should Neurosurgeons Try to Preserve Non-Traditional Brain Networks? A Systematic Review of the Neuroscientific Evidence
Authors: Dadario Nicholas B. , Sughrue Michael E.
Published: April 2022

The importance of large-scale brain networks in higher-order human functioning is well established in neuroscience, but has yet to deeply penetrate neurosurgical thinking due to concerns of clinical relevance. Here, we conducted the first systematic review examining the clinical importance of non-traditional, large-scale brain networks, including the default mode (DMN), central executive (CEN), salience (SN), dorsal attention (DAN), and ventral attention (VAN) networks. Studies which reported evidence of neurologic, cognitive, or emotional deficits in relation to damage or dysfunction in these networks were included. We screened 22,697 articles on PubMed, and 551 full-text articles were included and examined. Cognitive deficits were the most common symptom of network disturbances in varying amounts (36–56%), most frequently related to disruption of the DMN (n = 213) or some combination of DMN, CEN, and SN networks (n = 182). An increased proportion of motor symptoms was seen with CEN disruption (12%), and emotional (35%) or language/speech deficits (24%) with SN disruption. Disruption of the attention networks (VAN/DAN) with each other or the other networks mostly led to cognitive deficits (56%). A large body of evidence is available demonstrating the clinical importance of non-traditional, large-scale brain networks and suggests the need to preserve these networks is relevant for neurosurgical patients.
A Late-Insertion-Based Exoskeletal Approach to the Hybrid Nature of Functional Features in Creole Languages
Authors: Sugimoto Yushi , Baptista Marlyse
Published: April 2022

The goal of this paper is to further our understanding of the nature of functional features in Creoles while focusing on how the functional exponent is morphologically realized, assuming a late-insertion-based exoskeletal model in the language mixing scholarly literature. In language mixing, it is observed that words are mixed within a certain syntactic domain (e.g., DP-NP, VoiceP/vP-TP, etc.). For example, in the nominal domain, a determiner D may be from one language, and N (or a stem, e.g., root + categorizer) may originate from another language. Grimstad and Riksem propose that the functional projection FP intervenes between D and N, and both D and F are from one language and N from another language. The phonological exponent of the functional features (e.g., D and F) are assumed to be language-specific (i.e., from one language), subject to the subset principle. Closer to the case that concerns us, Åfarli and Subbarao show that through long-term language contact, functional features can be reconstituted, and the functional exponent can be genuinely innovative. In our study, we propose that functional features can be themselves recombined and that Creole languages can provide evidence for feature recombination either by virtue of their hybrid grammar or through the congruent functional categories they display, using a late-insertion-based exoskeletal model. That is, functional features are not individually inherited from one language or another but can be recombined to form new functional features, allowing a novel functional exponent. To show this, we use synchronic empirical data focusing on the anterior marker -ba from Cabo Verdean Creole (CVC), Manjako (one of CVC Mande substrates), and Portuguese (CVC lexifier) to show how the recombination may operate, as CVC -ba recombines the features it inherited from its source languages while innovating. In sum, the purpose of this study is to show that feature recombination targeting the functional categories of Creole source languages can lead to innovation and that a late-insertion exoskeletal model can best account for the novel functional exponents that result from feature recombination in Creole formation.
Analysis of the Usability of Iron Ore Ultra-Fines for Hydrogen-Based Fluidized Bed Direct Reduction—A Review
Authors: Wolfinger Thomas , Spreitzer Daniel , Schenk Johannes
Published: April 2022

This review focuses on the usability of iron ore ultra-fines for hydrogen-based direct reduction. Such technology is driven by the need to lower CO2 emissions and energy consumption for the iron and steel industry. In addition, low operational and capital expenditures and a high oxide yield because of the direct use of ultra-fines can be highlighted. The classification of powders for a fluidized bed are reviewed. Fluid dynamics, such as minimum fluidization velocity, entrainment velocity and fluidized state diagrams are summarized and discussed regarding the processing of iron ore ultra-fines in a fluidized bed. The influence of the reduction process, especially the agglomeration phenomenon sticking, is evaluated. Thus, the sticking determining factors and the solutions to avoid sticking are reviewed and discussed. The essential theoretical considerations and process-relevant issues are provided for the usability of iron ore ultra-fines for hydrogen-based fluidized bed direct reduction.
Reliability Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Structure with Shock Absorber Damper under Pseudo-Dynamic Loads
Authors: Yip Chun-Chieh , Wong Jing-Ying , Amran Mugahed , Fediuk Roman , Vatin Nikolai
Published: April 2022

Past historical earthquake events from neighbouring countries have been proven to be disastrous. Building in the aftermath of an earthquake may reduce structural reliability, posing risk upon re-occupation of the building. Shock absorber viscous dampers were installed on a specific structure storey that could reduce the spectral acceleration and storey-drift caused by an earthquake. The research object is a low-rise, three-storey, reinforced concrete (RC) structure. This study aims to identify the dynamic response of the scaled RC structure with and without attached dampers and performs structural reliability of the tested model under the excitation of Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) of 0.1 g to 1.0 g with a unidirectional shaking table. APIDO viscous dampers were installed parallel to the movement direction of the dynamic load test. The findings show the scaled model with attached viscous dampers reduces spectral acceleration and storey drift by 9.66% and 4.85%, respectively. Findings also show the change of the structural behaviour from single curvature to double curvature due to the increase in seismic structural resistance by viscous dampers. The breakthrough of this research shows that structural reliability analysis performed by the Weibull distribution function has a base shear capacity increment of 1.29% and 6.90% in seismic performance level Life Safety (LS) and Collapse Prevention (CP), respectively. The novelty of this case study building with dampers managed to increase the building’s base shear and roof shear capacity by 6.90% and 16% compared to the building without dampers under dynamic load excitation.
In Situ Testing of Polymers Immersed in Aging Fluids at Elevated Temperature and Pressure
Authors: Xu Bo , Redmond Mark , Hammami Ahmed , Mertiny Pierre
Published: April 2022

A novel elevated-temperature and high-pressure in situ punch-shear-test cell was developed to qualify materials for reliable service in harsh environments representative of those typically encountered in oil and gas operations. The proposed modular and compact test device is an extension of the ASTM D 732 punch-shear method. Conventionally, materials are first exposed to harsh environments, then removed from the aging environment for mechanical testing. This practice can lead to the generation of unrealistic (often optimistic) mechanical properties. This is especially true in the case of materials for which fluid ingress is reversible. The present contribution elaborates on the developed in situ punch-shear device that has been successfully used to realistically assess the tensile yield strength and modulus properties of in-service polymer materials based on experimentally established correlations between shear and tensile tests.
Organo-Nanocups Assist the Formation of Ultra-Small Palladium Nanoparticle Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Biehler Erik , Quach Qui , Huff Clay , Abdel-Fattah Tarek M.
Published: April 2022

Ultra-small palladium nanoparticles were synthesized and applied as catalysts for a hydrogen evolution reaction. The palladium metal precursor was produced via beta-cyclodextrin as organo-nanocup (ONC) capping agent to produce ultra-small nanoparticles used in this study. The produced ~3 nm nanoparticle catalyst was then characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the successful synthesis of ~3 nm palladium nanoparticles. The nanoparticles’ catalytic ability was explored via the hydrolysis reaction of sodium borohydride. The palladium nanoparticle catalyst performed best at 303 K at a pH of 7 with 925 μmol of sodium borohydride having an H2 generation rate of 1.431 mL min−1 mLcat−1. The activation energy of the palladium catalyst was calculated to be 58.9 kJ/mol.
Wettability, Corrosion Resistance, and Osteoblast Response to Reduced Graphene Oxide on CoCr Functionalized with Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Chico Belén , Pérez-Maceda Blanca , San-José Sara , Escudero María , García-Alonso María , Lozano Rosa
Published: April 2022

The durability of metal–metal prostheses depends on achieving a higher degree of lubrication. The beneficial effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the friction and wear of both natural and artificial joints has been reported. For this purpose, graphene oxide layers have been electrochemically reduced on CoCr surfaces (CoCrErGO) and subsequently functionalized with HA (CoCrErGOHA). These layers have been evaluated from the point of view of wettability and corrosion resistance in a physiological medium containing HA. The wettability was analyzed by contact angle measurements in phosphate buffer saline-hyaluronic acid (PBS-HA) solution. The corrosion behavior of functionalized CoCr surfaces was studied with electrochemical measurements. Biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and expression of proteins related to wound healing and repair were studied in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell cultures. All of the reported results suggest that HA-functionalized CoCr surfaces, through ErGO layers in HA-containing media, exhibit higher hydrophilicity and better corrosion resistance. Related to this increase in wettability was the increase in the expressions of vimentin and ICAM-1, which favored the growth and adhesion of osteoblasts. Therefore, it is a promising material for consideration in trauma applications, with improved properties in terms of wettability for promoting the adhesion and growth of osteoblasts, which is desirable in implanted materials used for bone repair.
Effectiveness of Curing Compounds for Concrete
Authors: Chyliński Filip , Michalik Agnieszka , Kozicki Mateusz
Published: April 2022

Curing compounds are widely used materials that are used in place of other methods of curing fresh concrete. The article presents an overview of the effectiveness of the concrete curing compounds widely used in Europe. Eleven different products have been tested. FTIR spectroscopy identification tests showed that all tested products might be divided into two main groups, depending on the type of their active substance. The water retention efficiency of each curing compound was examined, and the tensile strength of the cured samples was tested using the pull-off method. The dry mass content of the tested products was examined to check for a correlation between their effectiveness and active substance content. The microstructure of mortars treated with the most effective compounds and the reference mortar were examined using SEM techniques. Significant differences in microstructure were found between cured samples with different curing compounds, and also with uncured samples.
Designing Carbon-Enriched Alumina Films Possessing Visible Light Absorption
Authors: Jagminas Arunas , Klimas Vaclovas , Chernyakova Katsiaryna , Jasulaitiene Vitalija
Published: April 2022

Aluminum anodization in an aqueous solution of formic acid and sodium vanadate leads to the formation of alumina/carbon composite films. This process was optimized by varying the concentrations of formic acid and sodium vanadate, the pH, and the processing time in constant-voltage (60–100 V) or constant-current mode. As estimated, in this electrolyte, the anodizing conditions played a critical role in forming thick, nanoporous anodic films with surprisingly high carbon content up to 17 at.%. The morphology and composition of these films were examined by scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometry, EDS mapping, and thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry. For the analysis of incorporated carbon species, X-ray photoelectron and Auger spectroscopies were applied, indicating the presence of carbon in both the sp2 and the sp3 states. For these films, the Tauc plots derived from the experimental diffuse reflectance spectra revealed an unprecedentedly low bandgap (Eg) of 1.78 eV compared with the characteristic Eg values of alumina films formed in solutions of other carboxylic acids under conventional anodization conditions and visible-light absorption.
Influence of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on the Mechanical Properties of Highly Rubberised Asphalt Mixtures Made with Warm and Cold Asphalt Binders
Authors: Makoundou Christina , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: April 2022

The present study has been developed to investigate the effect of freeze and thaw (F–T) cycles on the characteristics of highly rubberised asphalt materials to be used as impact-absorbing pavement (IAP) in urban road infrastructures. The tested samples were produced in the laboratory following the dry process incorporation. Two main types of crumb rubber particles in the range of 0–4 mm were used. Moreover, two types of binders, one warm and one cold, were utilised to prove the feasibility of cold-produced admixtures. The temperature range of the F–T procedure was comprised between −18 ± 2 °C (dry freezing), and 4 ± 2 °C (in water), and the cycles were repeated, on the samples, 10 times. At 0, 1, 5, and 10 cycles, the samples were tested with non-destructive and destructive testing methods, including air voids content, ITSM, ITS, and Cantabro loss. The waters of the thawing period were collected, and the pH, electric conductivity, and particle loss were measured. A consequent change in mechanical behaviour has been recorded between warm and cold produced samples. However, the tests found that the F–T cycles had limited influence on the deterioration of the highly rubberised samples. The loss of particles in the thaw waters were identified as being potentially caused by the temperature stresses. The research suggested various ways to optimise the material to enhance the cold-produced layer mechanical performances, aiming at a fume and smell-free industrialised solution and reducing the potential leaching and particle losses.