bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria Suitable for the Fermentation of Shenheling Slimming Beverages Based on the Activity Inhibition of Energy Digestive Enzymes and a Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Yan Xiantao , Zhang Ziqi , Lv Tian , Wang Jiating , Yin Xun , Lian Xinyue , Chen Dawei , Wang Wenqiong , Wang Yubao , Gu Ruixia
Published: September 2022

Obesity is a prevalent chronic disease worldwide. In this study, we screened lactic acid bacteria (LAB) suitable for fermenting Shenheling extract (SHLE) to enhance its anti-obesity efficacy and improve flavor. Using SHLE as the medium, a single strain was inoculated and the lactic acid bacteria suitable for growth in SHLE were preliminarily screened through a growth curve. The growth of the initially screened LAB was characterized in detail by the pH value, titration acidity and viable bacteria count. At the same time, appropriate LAB were selected with the lipase activity inhibition rate, α-glucosidase activity inhibition rate and a sensory evaluation as the response indicators. As a result, 6 of the 12 strains of lactic acid bacteria grew well in SHLE. The fermentation of five representative LAB could significantly improve the inhibition rate of the lipase activity of SHLE and maintain the inhibition rate of the α-glucosidase activity at a high level. In addition, fermentation removed the original flavors of SHLE such as grass, bitterness and cassia and added a sour taste, fruity aroma and cool taste. Among them, Lactobacillus fermentum grx08 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus hsryfm1301 gave SHLE a soft sour taste after fermentation. L. fermentum grx08, L. rhamnosus grx10 and hsryfm1301 imparted a moderately fruity aroma to SHLE after fermentation. In summary, L. fermentum grx08 and L. rhamnosus hsryfm1301 were the candidate strains for fermenting SHLE to produce good-flavored slimming functional drinks.
Adaptive Network Fuzzy Inference System and Particle Swarm Optimization of Biohydrogen Production Process
Authors: Salameh Tareq , Sayed Enas Taha , Olabi A. G. , Hdaib Ismail I. , Allan Yazeed , Alkasrawi Malek , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2022

Green hydrogen is considered to be one of the best candidates for fossil fuels in the near future. Bio-hydrogen production from the dark fermentation of organic materials, including organic wastes, is one of the most cost-effective and promising methods for hydrogen production. One of the main challenges posed by this method is the low production rate. Therefore, optimizing the operating parameters, such as the initial pH value, operating temperature, N/C ratio, and organic concentration (xylose), plays a significant role in determining the hydrogen production rate. The experimental optimization of such parameters is complex, expensive, and lengthy. The present research used an experimental data asset, adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) modeling, and particle swarm optimization to model and optimize hydrogen production. The coupling between ANFIS and PSO demonstrated a robust effect, which was evident through the improvement in the hydrogen production based on the four input parameters. The results were compared with the experimental and RSM optimization models. The proposed method demonstrated an increase in the biohydrogen production of 100 mL/L compared to the experimental results and a 200 mL/L increase compared to the results obtained using ANOVA.
Measuring Cross-Correlations, Contagion and Long-Range Behavior between Fires in Brazil and Some Time Series Related to Its Economic Growth
Authors: Inacio Claudio Marcio Cassela , Nogueira Vinicius V. , Lopes António M. , David Sergio Adriani
Published: September 2022

Fires bring up the debate about their impact on Brazil’s economic growth. Some processing tools such as cointegration and, especially, the correlation have been applied for identifying possible transmission or contagion mechanisms between distinct time series. This paper adopts the detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) and rolling window approach to investigate the dynamic coupling between fires and the evolution of some key variables related to Brazil’s economic growth (e.g., agricultural planted area, ethanol production, rainfall in the midwest region and gross domestic product) covering two periods, namely from January 2012 to August 2016 (before the Brazilian presidential impeachment occurred in 2016) and from September 2016 to April 2021, covering the post-impeachment scenario, with the new government policies in the environmental sector. The results show a positive cross-correlation between the level of fires versus planted area of all cereals, leguminous and oleaginous in Brazil (mostly Soybean and Corn) and versus ethanol production (a renewable energy generation). It is also possible to verify some impact level on the Brazilian gross domestic product. Furthermore, we observed quantitatively, by means of the adopted methods that fires in Brazil have the potential to damage economic growth and some activities addressed in this study can also harm the environment in both mid and long-term.
Calibration and Verification of Operation Parameters for an Array of Vectrino Profilers Configured for Turbulent Flow Field Measurement around Bridge Piers—Part I
Authors: Gilja Gordon , Fliszar Robert , Harasti Antonija , Valyrakis Manousos
Published: September 2022

Flow mapping around bridge piers is crucial in estimating scour development potential under different flow conditions. The reliable measurement of turbulence and the estimation of Reynolds stress can be achieved on scaled models under controlled laboratory experiments using high-frequency Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter Profilers (ADVP) for flow measurement. The aim of this paper was to obtain operation parameters for an array of Vectrino Profilers for turbulent flow field measurement to reliably measure the flow field around bridge piers. Laboratory experiments were conducted on a scaled river model set up in an open channel hydraulic flume. Flow field data were measured on three characteristic profiles, each containing five measurement points collected by ADVPs configured as an array of two instruments. The determination of the operation parameters was done as a two-step process—calibration through the flume’s pump flow rate and verification with Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler RioGrande field data. Based on the results, the following setup for ADVPs’ operation parameters can be used to obtain reliable flow data in the scour hole next to the bridge pier: adaptive Ping Algorithm, Transmit Pulse Size of 4 mm and Cell Size of 1 mm.
Impact of the Russian–Ukrainian Conflict on Global Food Crops
Authors: Nasir Muh Amat , Nugroho Agus Dwi , Lakner Zoltan
Published: September 2022

The Russian–Ukrainian conflict has been proven to cause significant losses of life and goods on both sides. This may have potentially impacted the agricultural sector. This study examines the impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the global food situation. We performed a descriptive analysis and literature review to answer this objective. Russia and Ukraine play essential roles in world food production and trade. However, the war has disrupted food production in Ukraine. Estimated Ukrainian wheat, soybean, and maize production in 2022–2023 fell precipitously. On the other hand, Russian production of these three food products shows positive growth during the same period. Furthermore, the global supply chain and food trade are hampered, causing an increase in the world’s food prices. From March to May 2022, the average global price of wheat, soybeans, and maize increased dramatically compared to during and before the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, this poses a danger to global food security, particularly for low-income countries that depend heavily on food imports from both countries. Therefore, all countries must be prepared for the possibility that the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved.
Effects of Germinated Lentil Flour on Dough Rheological Behavior and Bread Quality
Authors: Atudorei Denisa , Mironeasa Silvia , Codină Georgiana Gabriela
Published: September 2022

The present study analyzed the effects of germinated lentil flour (LGF) addition at different levels in wheat flour (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%), on dough rheological behavior, dough microstructure, and bread quality. Creep-recovery tests showed that the dough samples with high levels of LGF addition presented a higher resistance to flow deformability of the dough. Dough microstructure as analyzed using EFLM showed an increase in the protein area (red color) and a decrease in the starch (green color) amount with the increased level of LGF addition in the wheat flour. It was found that the LGF addition led to the improvement of the porosity, specific volume, and elasticity of the bread samples. The breads with LGF addition were darker and had a slightly reddish and yellowish tint. The bread textural parameters highlighted significant (p < 0.05) higher values for firmness and gumminess and significant (p < 0.05) lower ones for cohesiveness and resilience for the bread with LGF addition when compared with the control. The bread samples with a 2.5% and 5% addition had a more dense structure of the crumb pores. Regarding sensory evaluation, the bread samples with LGF addition in the wheat flour were well appreciated by the consumers. The addition also was desirable due to the fact that it supplemented bread with a greater amount of protein and minerals due to the composition of lentil grains. Therefore, LGF could be successfully used as an ingredient for bread making in order to obtain bread with an improved quality.
Modifications of Thermal-Induced Northern Pike (Esox lucius) Liver Ferritin on Structural and Self-Assembly Properties
Authors: Zhang Siying , Guo Xin , Deng Xiaorong , Zhao Yunfeng , Zhu Xinrong , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2022

Ferritin, as an iron storage protein, regulates iron metabolism and delivers bioactive substances. It has been regarded as a safe, new type of natural iron supplement, with high bioavailability. In this paper, we extracted and purified ferritin from northern pike liver (NPLF). The aggregation stabilities, assemble properties, and structural changes in NPLF were investigated using electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), circular dichroism (CD), UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) under various thermal treatments. The solubility, iron concentration, and monodispersity of NPLF all decreased as the temperature increased, and macromolecular aggregates developed. At 60 °C and 70 °C, the α-helix content of ferritin was greater. The content of α-helix were reduced to 8.10% and 1.90% at 90 °C and 100 °C, respectively, indicating the protein structure became loose and lost its self-assembly ability. Furthermore, when treated below 80 °C, NPLF maintained a complete cage-like shape, according to the microstructure. Partially unfolded structures reassembled into tiny aggregates at 80 °C. These findings suggest that mild thermal treatment (80 °C) might inhibit ferritin aggregation while leaving its self-assembly capacity unaffected. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the processing and use of NPLF.
Big Data and Predictive Analytics for Business Intelligence: A Bibliographic Study (2000–2021)
Authors: Chen Yili , Li Congdong , Wang Han
Published: September 2022

Big data technology and predictive analytics exhibit advanced potential for business intelligence (BI), especially for decision-making. This study aimed to explore current research studies, historic developing trends, and the future direction. A bibliographic study based on CiteSpace is implemented in this paper, 681 non-duplicate publications are retrieved from databases of Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus from 2000 to 2021. The countries, institutions, cited authors, cited journals, and cited references with the most academic contributions were identified. Social networks and collaborations between countries, institutions, and scholars are explored. The cross degree of disciplinaries is measured. The hotspot distribution and burst keyword historic trend are explored, where research methods, BI-based applications, and challenges are separately discussed. Reasons for hotspots bursting in 2021 are explored. Finally, the research direction is predicted, and the advice is delivered to future researchers. Findings show that big data and AI-based methods for BI are one of the most popular research topics in the next few years, especially when it applies to topics of COVID-19, healthcare, hospitality, and 5G. Thus, this study contributes reference value for future research, especially for direct selection and method application.
Global Bifurcation Behaviors and Control in a Class of Bilateral MEMS Resonators
Authors: Zhu Yijun , Shang Huilin
Published: September 2022

The investigation of global bifurcation behaviors the vibrating structures of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) has received substantial attention. This paper considers the vibrating system of a typical bilateral MEMS resonator containing fractional functions and multiple potential wells. By introducing new variations, the Melnikov method is applied to derive the critical conditions for global bifurcations. By engaging in the fractal erosion of safe basin to depict the phenomenon pull-in instability intuitively, the point-mapping approach is used to present numerical simulations which are in close agreement with the analytical prediction, showing the validity of the analysis. It is found that chaos and pull-in instability, two initial-sensitive phenomena of MEMS resonators, can be due to homoclinic bifurcation and heteroclinic bifurcation, respectively. On this basis, two types of delayed feedback are proposed to control the complex dynamics successively. Their control mechanisms and effect are then studied. It follows that under a positive gain coefficient, delayed position feedback and delayed velocity feedback can both reduce pull-in instability; nevertheless, to suppress chaos, only the former can be effective. The results may have some potential value in broadening the application fields of global bifurcation theory and improving the performance reliability of capacitive MEMS devices.
Analytic Resolving Families for Equations with the Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan Fractional Derivative
Authors: Fedorov Vladimir E. , Plekhanova Marina V. , Izhberdeeva Elizaveta M.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a criterion for generating an analytic family of operators, which resolves a linear equation solved with respect to the Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan fractional derivative, via a linear closed operator is obtained. The properties of the resolving families are investigated and applied to prove the existence of a unique solution for the corresponding initial value problem of the inhomogeneous equation with the Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan fractional derivative. A solution is presented explicitly using resolving families of operators. A theorem on perturbations of operators from the found class of generators of resolving families is proved. The obtained results are used for a study of an initial-boundary value problem to a model of the viscoelastic Oldroyd fluid dynamics. Thus, the Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan initial value problem is investigated in the essentially infinite-dimensional case. The use of the proved abstract results to study initial-boundary value problems for a system of partial differential equations is demonstrated.
Effects and Progress of Photo-Crosslinking Hydrogels in Wound Healing Improvement
Authors: Ma Hao , Peng Yuan , Zhang Shunuo , Zhang Yixin , Min Peiru
Published: September 2022

Wound healing is a dynamic physiological process, including three stages: inflammation, tissue formation, and remodeling. The quality of wound healing is affected by many topical and systemic factors, while any small factor may affect the process. Therefore, improving the quality of wound healing is a complex and arduous challenge. Photo-crosslinking reaction using visible light irradiation is a novel method for hydrogel preparation. Photo-crosslinking hydrogels can be controlled in time and space, and are not interfered by temperature conditions, which have been widely used in the fields of medicine and engineering. This review aims to summarize the application of photo-crosslinking hydrogels in improving the quality of wound healing, mainly including the material design, application mechanism, and effect of photo-crosslinking hydrogels applied in wound healing, followed by the applicable animal models for experimental research. Finally, this review analyzes the clinical application prospects of photo-crosslinking hydrogels in the field of wound healing.
Bioprinting of 3D Adipose Tissue Models Using a GelMA-Bioink with Human Mature Adipocytes or Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Albrecht Franziska B. , Schmidt Freia F. , Volz Ann-Cathrin , Kluger Petra J.
Published: September 2022

Adipose tissue is related to the development and manifestation of multiple diseases, demonstrating the importance of suitable in vitro models for research purposes. In this study, adipose tissue lobuli were explanted, cultured, and used as an adipose tissue control to evaluate in vitro generated adipose tissue models. During culture, lobule exhibited a stable weight, lactate dehydrogenase, and glycerol release over 15 days. For building up in vitro adipose tissue models, we adapted the biomaterial gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) composition and handling to homogeneously mix and bioprint human primary mature adipocytes (MA) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), respectively. Accelerated cooling of the bioink turned out to be essential for the homogeneous distribution of lipid-filled MAs in the hydrogel. Last, we compared manual and bioprinted GelMA hydrogels with MA or ASCs and the explanted lobules to evaluate the impact of the printing process and rate the models concerning the physiological reference. The viability analyses demonstrated no significant difference between the groups due to additive manufacturing. The staining of intracellular lipids and perilipin A suggest that GelMA is well suited for ASCs and MA. Therefore, we successfully constructed physiological in vitro models by bioprinting MA-containing GelMA bioinks.
Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Potassium Gel in Sports Injuries with and without Phonophoresis
Authors: Bukhari Komal Ammar , Khan Imran Ahmad , Ishaq Shahid , Iqbal Muhammad Omer , Alqahtani Ali M. , Alqahtani Taha , Menaa Farid
Published: September 2022

Background: Pain remains a global public heath priority. Phonophoresis, also known as sonophoresis or ultrasonophoresis, is when an ultrasound is used to maximize the effects of a topical drug. Purpose: The objective of this study was to test, in patients injured in sports or accidents (N = 200), the efficacy of diclofenac potassium (DK) 6%, 4%, and 2% formulated gels with and without phonophoresis in comparison with market available standard diclofenac sodium (DS or DN) gel. Methods: The patients were enrolled after informed consent. By using the lottery method, 100 patients were randomly segregated into five groups without phonophoresis and repeated similarly with phonophoresis at a frequency of 0.8 MHz, an intensity of about 1.5 W/cm2, and at continuous mode (2:1). Group-1 was treated with 6% DK gel, group-2 was treated with 4% DK gel, group-3 was treated with 2% DK gel, group-4 was treated with 4% DS gel and group-5 was given control gel three to four times a week for 4 weeks. The patients were screened by using NPRS and WOMAC scales. They were assessed on the baseline, 4th session, 8th session, 12th session, and 16th session. Results: Significant dose-dependently relief was observed in NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and the WOMAC (Western Ontario McMaster Osteo-Arthritis) index for pain in disability and stiffness for each group treated with DK gel compared to DS gel. Phonophoresis increased these benefits significantly when used after topical application of DK gel or DS gel, and the dose-dependent effects of DK gel plus phonophoresis were stronger than the dose-dependent effects of DS gel plus phonophoresis. The faster and profounder relief was due to phonophoresis, which allows more penetration of the DK gel into the skin as compared to the direct application of DK gel in acute, uncomplicated soft tissue injury, such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis stress injuries, and tendinitis. In addition, DK gel with phonophoresis was well tolerated. Thus, in this personalized clinical setting, according to the degree of inflammation or injured-induced pain, disability, and stiffness, DK gel 6% with phonophoresis appeared more effective and thus more recommendable than DS gel 6% alone or DS gel 6% combined to phonophoresis.
MicroRNA of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Fuchs’ Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Stunf Pukl Spela
Published: September 2022

Aim: a review of miRNA expression connected to epithelial mesenchymal transition studies in Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Methods: literature search strategy—PubMed central database, using “miRNA” or “microRNA” and “epithelial mesenchymal transition” or “EMT” and “Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy” or “FECD” as keywords. Experimental or clinical studies on humans published in English regarding miRNA profiles of epithelial mesenchymal transition in Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy published between 2009 and 2022 were included. Conclusion: The publications regarding the miRNA profiles of epithelial mesenchymal transition in Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy are scarce but provide some valuable information about the potential biomarkers differentiating aging changes from early disease stages characterized by epithelial mesenchymal transition. In the corneal tissue of FECD patients, miRNA-184 seed-region mutation as well as unidirectional downregulation of total miRNA expression led by the miRNA-29 were demonstrated. For early diagnostics the miRNA of epithelial mesenchymal transition in aqueous humor should be analyzed and used as biomarkers.
Risk Analysis of Thyroid Cancer in China: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Wenhui , Li Peng , Qi Xin , Hu Wenbiao
Published: September 2022

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the fastest growing cancer in China and has lots of influencing factors which can be intervened to reduce its incidence. In this article, we aimed to identify the risk factors of TC. The regional TC data in 2016 were obtained from the China Cancer Registry Annual Report published by the National Cancer Center (NCC). Univariate correlation analysis and generalized linear Poisson regression analysis were used to determine risk factors for morbidity of TC from the provincial and prefecture levels. High urbanization rate (UR) (RR = 1.109, 95%CI: 1.084, 1.135), high GDP per capita (PGDP) (RR = 1.013, 95%CI: 1.007, 1.018), high aquatic products (RR = 1.047, 95%CI: 1.020, 1.075) and dry and fresh fruit consumption (RR = 1.024, 95%CI: 1.007, 1.040) can increase TC incidence. Therefore, high PGDP, high UR, high aquatic products and dry and fresh fruit consumption were all risk factors for TC incidence. Our results may be helpful for providing analytical ideas and methodological references for the regionalized prevention and control of TC in a targeted manner.
Comprehensive Analysis of Ocean Current and Sea Surface Temperature Trend under Global Warming Hiatus of Kuroshio Extent Delineated Using a Combination of Spatial Domain Filters
Authors: AS Mohammed Abdul Athick , Lee Shih-Yu
Published: September 2022

The effect of climate prevails on a diverse time scale from days to seasons and decades. Between 1993 and 2013, global warming appeared to have paused even though there was an increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases. The variations in oceanographic variables, like current speed and sea surface temperature (SST), under the influence of the global warming hiatus (1993–2013), have drawn the attention of the global research community. However, the magnitude of ocean current and SST characteristics oscillates and varies with their geographic locations. Consequently, investigating the spatio-temporal changing aspects of oceanographic parameters in the backdrop of climate change is essential, specifically in coastal regions along Kuroshio current (KC), where fisheries are predominant. This study analyzes the trend of ocean current and SST induced mainly during the global warming hiatus, before and till the recent time based on the daily ocean current data from 1993 to 2020 and SST between 1982 and 2020. The Kuroshio extent is delineated from its surrounding water masses using an aggregation of raster classification, stretching, equalization, and spatial filters such as edge detection, convolution, and Laplacian. Finally, on the extracted Kuroshio extent, analyses such as time series decomposition (additive) and statistical trend computation methods (Yue and Wang trend test and Theil–Sen’s slope estimator) were applied to dissect and investigate the situations. An interesting downward trend is observed in the KC between the East coast of Taiwan and Tokara Strait (Tau = −0.05, S = −2430, Sen’s slope = −5.19 × 10−5, and Z = −2.61), whereas an upward trend from Tokara Strait to Nagoya (Tau = 0.89, S = 4344, Sen’s slope = 8.4 × 10−5, and Z = 2.56). In contrast, a consistent increasing SST in trend is visualized in the southern and mid-KC sections but with varying magnitude.
How Has COVID-19 Changed the Way We Do Virtual Care? A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Catallo Cristina , Chung-Lee Leinic
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic created worldwide interest and use of virtual care to support public health measures and reduce the spread of infection. While some forms of virtual care have been used prior to COVID-19 such as telemedicine, little is known about other virtual modalities such as video conferencing, wearables and other digital technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an opportunity to question the efficacy and safety of virtual care, especially in terms of patient outcomes among those self-isolating. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the safety of virtual care among active COVID-19 patients in the community and examine the types and dose of virtual care. Finally, this review will examine what patient outcomes are identified from interventions delivered virtually to treat COVID-19. We followed a systematic process guided by the PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews with a comprehensive search strategy across four bibliographic databases and handsearching reference lists. We undertook a blinded, two-stage screening process with eligibility criteria. All citations and screening were managed using the DistillerSR software. Data were extracted using a data extraction tool developed for this project. The conclusions from this review will offer greater understanding for how virtual care can be used among community-based COVID-19 patients.
Bayesian Network Analysis for Prediction of Unplanned Hospital Readmissions of Cancer Patients with Breakthrough Cancer Pain and Complex Care Needs
Authors: Cascella Marco , Racca Emanuela , Nappi Anna , Coluccia Sergio , Maione Sabatino , Luongo Livio , Guida Francesca , Avallone Antonio , Cuomo Arturo
Published: September 2022

Background: Unplanned hospital readmissions (HRAs) are very common in cancer patients. These events can potentially impair the patients’ health-related quality of life and increase cancer care costs. In this study, data-driven prediction models were developed for identifying patients at a higher risk for HRA. Methods: A large dataset on cancer pain and additional data from clinical registries were used for conducting a Bayesian network analysis. A cohort of gastrointestinal cancer patients was selected. Logical and clinical relationships were a priori established to define and associate the considered variables including cancer type, body mass index (BMI), bone metastasis, serum albumin, nutritional support, breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP), and radiotherapy. Results: The best model (Bayesian Information Criterion) demonstrated that, in the investigated setting, unplanned HRAs are directly related to nutritional support (p = 0.05) and radiotherapy. On the contrary, BTcP did not significantly affect HRAs. Nevertheless, the correlation between variables showed that when BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, the spontaneous BTcP is more predictive for HRAs. Conclusions: Whilst not without limitations, a Bayesian model, combined with a careful selection of clinical variables, can represent a valid strategy for predicting unexpected HRA events in cancer patients. These findings could be useful for calibrating care interventions and implementing processes of resource allocation.
Pregnancy, Mental Well-Being and Lockdown: A Nationwide Online Survey in France
Authors: Gaucher Laurent , Barasinski Chloé , Dupont Corinne , Razurel Chantal , Pichon Swann , Leavy Emma , Viaux-Savelon Sylvie , Cortet Marion , Franck Nicolas , Haesebaert Frédéric , Haesebaert Julie
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the mental well-being of French women who were and were not pregnant during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We performed a nationwide online quantitative survey including all women between 18 and 45 years of age during the second and third weeks of global lockdown (25 March–7 April 2020). The main outcome measure was mental well-being measured by the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). This study analysed 275 responses from pregnant women and compared them with those from a propensity score–matched sample of 825 non-pregnant women. In this French sample, the median WEMWBS score was 49.0 and did not differ by pregnancy status. Women living in urban areas reported better well-being, while those with sleep disorders or who spent more than an hour a day watching the news reported poorer well-being. During the first lockdown in France, women had relatively low mental well-being scores, with no significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women. More than ever, health-care workers need to find a way to maintain their support for women’s well-being. Minor daily annoyances of pregnancy, such as insomnia, should not be trivialised because they are a potential sign of poor well-being.
Attitudes of Critical Care Nurses towards Teamwork and Patient Safety in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Assessment
Authors: Moussa Fatchima L. , Moussa Mahaman , Sofyani Hussain Ahmed , Alblowi Bander Hammad , Oqdi Yahia Ahmad , Khallaf Saleh , Alharbi Hamad S. , Albarqi Ahmed
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to assess the teamwork and safety attitudes among the critical care unit (CCU) nurses in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in public tertiary hospitals in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia. All participants answered a three-part questionnaire that included demographic data, a teamwork attitude questionnaire (T-TAQ), and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). The analysis revealed that the majority of the nurses were female, n = 52 (76.5%), and almost half of the nurses were aged from 29 to 39 years, n = 29 (42.6%). Teamwork attitude values are found to be relatively stable in all subscales, ranging from 1.63 (SD = 1.23) to higher at 2.92 (SD = 1.32). Of the six dimensions of SAQ, job satisfaction (M = 70, SD 21.46) had the highest positive rate and was approached with a positive attitude, followed by teamwork (M = 66.09, SD 15.12) and safety climate (M = 67.11, SD 17.70). The analysis also shows work experience was the influencing factor of teamwork attitude and safety attitude of nurses, recording beta values of 0.24, p < 0.05 and 0.10, p < 0.001, respectively. The results also identified an association between teamwork and safety attitudes. The study reflected the positive attitudes towards teamwork and less positive attitudes toward patient safety among critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia. Collaborative team performance among nurses improves the medical care quality and patients’ safety, decreasing the occurrence rate of adverse events.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health, Lifestyle, and Anxiety in Japanese Nursing Students by Year of College
Authors: Kobayashi Kisaki , Tadaka Etsuko
Published: September 2022

For students in nursing colleges to develop necessary competencies as health care professionals and prevent post-graduation “reality shock” deterioration in the quality of care they provide, appropriate measures are needed in response to changes that occur as college years progress. In this study, mental health status, lifestyle, and various types of anxiety were investigated in 448 nursing college students during a four-year program in Japan. Students from each year of the program were surveyed with the K10 scale to measure mental health, and the Student Life Questionnaire to assess dietary habits, sleep duration, and exercise. Mean K10 scores for first-year students was 13.1, with 30% having anxiety about college life. Similarly, for second-year students the K10 score was 13.7, and compared to first-year students, rates of meal skipping and sleeping less increased. For third-year students, the K10 score (15.9) was higher than for other groups, as were their percentages of all items. Fourth-year students had a mean K10 score of 14.6, with a higher rate of meal skipping and feeling anxious about the future than other groups. These results suggest the need for support tailored to the characteristics of each year in the bachelor’s program in nursing.
Application of Hydrological and Sediment Modeling with Limited Data in the Abbay (Upper Blue Nile) Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Banteamlak Kase , Zimale Fasikaw Atanaw , Gelaye Kidia Kessie , Gashaw Temesgen , Dagnaw Endalkachew Goshe , Adem Anwar Assefa
Published: September 2022

In most developing countries, biophysical data are scarce, which hinders evidence-based watershed planning and management. To use the scarce data for resource development applications, special techniques are required. Thus, the primary goal of this study was to estimate sediment yield and identify erosion hotspot areas of the Andasa watershed with limited sediment concentration records. The hydrological simulation used meteorological, hydrological, suspended sediment concentration, 12.5 m Digital Elevation Model (DEM), 250 m resolution African Soil Information Service (AfSIS) soil, and 30 m resolution land-cover data. Using the limited sediment concentration data, a sediment rating curve was developed to estimate the sediment yield from discharge. The physical-based Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was employed to simulate streamflow and sediment yield in a monthly time step. The result shows that SWAT predicted streamflow with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.88 and 0.81, Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.88 and 0.80, and percent of bias (PBIAS) of 6.4 and 9.9 during calibration and validation periods, respectively. Similarly, during calibration and validation, the model predicted the sediment yield with R2 of 0.79 and 0.71, NSE of 0.72 and 0.66, and PBIAS of 2.7 and −8.6, respectively. According to the calibrated model result in the period 1992–2020, the mean annual sediment yield of the watershed was estimated as 17.9 t ha−1yr−1. Spatially, around 22% of the Andassa watershed was severely eroded, and more than half of the watershed (55%) was moderately eroded. The remaining 23% of the watershed was free of erosion risk. Therefore, the findings suggests that applying the sediment rating curve equation, in conjunction with hydrological and sediment modeling, can be used to estimate sediment yield and identify erosion hotspot areas in data-scarce regions of the Upper Blue Nile Basin in particular, and the Ethiopian highlands in general with similar environmental settings.
Role of the Ghrelin System in Colitis and Hepatitis as Risk Factors for Inflammatory-Related Cancers
Authors: Kasprzak Aldona , Adamek Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

It is not known exactly what leads to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there are specific risk factors that increase the probability of their occurrence. The unclear pathogenesis, too-late diagnosis, poor prognosis as a result of high recurrence and metastasis rates, and repeatedly ineffective therapy of both cancers continue to challenge both basic science and practical medicine. The ghrelin system, which is comprised of ghrelin and alternative peptides (e.g., obestatin), growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-Rs), and ghrelin-O-acyl-transferase (GOAT), plays an important role in the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It promotes various physiological effects, including energy metabolism and amelioration of inflammation. The ghrelin system plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which are well known risk factors for the development of CRC, as well as inflammatory liver diseases which can trigger the development of HCC. Colitis-associated cancer serves as a prototype of inflammation-associated cancers. Little is known about the role of the ghrelin system in the mechanisms of transformation of chronic inflammation to low- and high-grade dysplasia, and, finally, to CRC. HCC is also associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis arising from different etiologies, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), and/or hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. However, the exact role of ghrelin in the progression of the chronic inflammatory lesions into HCC is still unknown. The aim of this review is to summarize findings on the role of the ghrelin system in inflammatory bowel and liver diseases in order to better understand the impact of this system on the development of inflammatory-related cancers, namely CRC and HCC.
Identification of a Novel Renal Metastasis Associated CpG-Based DNA Methylation Signature (RMAMS)
Authors: Serth Jürgen , Peters Inga , Katzendorn Olga , Dang Tu N. , Moog Joana , Balli Zarife , Reese Christel , Hennenlotter Jörg , Grote Alexander , Lafos Marcel , Tezval Hossein , Kuczyk Markus A.
Published: September 2022

Approximately 21% of patients with renal cell cancer (RCC) present with synchronous metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, and metachronous metastatic disease occurs in 20–50% of cases within 5 years. Recent advances in adjuvant treatment of aggressive RCC following surgery suggest that biomarker-based prediction of risk for distant metastasis could improve patient selection. Biometrical analysis of TCGA-KIRC data identified candidate loci in the NK6 homeobox 2 gene (NKX6-2) that are hypermethylated in primary metastatic RCC. Analyses of NKX6-2 DNA methylation in three gene regions including a total of 16 CpG sites in 154 tumor-adjacent normal tissue, 189 RCC, and 194 metastatic tissue samples from 95 metastasized RCC patients revealed highly significant tumor-specific, primary metastatic-specific, and metastatic tissue-specific hypermethylation of NKX6-2. Combined CpG site methylation data for NKX6-2 and metastasis-associated genes (INA, NHLH2, and THBS4) demonstrated similarity between metastatic tissues and metastatic primary RCC tissues. The random forest method and evaluation of an unknown test cohort of tissues using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis revealed that metastatic tissues can be differentiated by a median area under the curve of 0.86 (p = 1.7 × 10−8–7.5 × 10−3) in 1000 random runs. Analysis of variable importance demonstrated an above median contribution for decision-making of at least one CpG site in each of the genes, suggesting superior informativity for sites annotated to NHLH2 and NKX6-2. Thus, DNA methylation of NKX6-2 is associated with the metastatic state of RCC tissues and contributes to a four-gene-based statistical predictor of tumoral and metastatic renal tissues.
Neuro-Inflammation Modulation and Post-Traumatic Brain Injury Lesions: From Bench to Bed-Side
Authors: Jacquens Alice , Needham Edward J. , Zanier Elisa R. , Degos Vincent , Gressens Pierre , Menon David
Published: September 2022

Head trauma is the most common cause of disability in young adults. Known as a silent epidemic, it can cause a mosaic of symptoms, whether neurological (sensory–motor deficits), psychiatric (depressive and anxiety symptoms), or somatic (vertigo, tinnitus, phosphenes). Furthermore, cranial trauma (CT) in children presents several particularities in terms of epidemiology, mechanism, and physiopathology—notably linked to the attack of an immature organ. As in adults, head trauma in children can have lifelong repercussions and can cause social and family isolation, difficulties at school, and, later, socio-professional adversity. Improving management of the pre-hospital and rehabilitation course of these patients reduces secondary morbidity and mortality, but often not without long-term disability. One hypothesized contributor to this process is chronic neuroinflammation, which could accompany primary lesions and facilitate their development into tertiary lesions. Neuroinflammation is a complex process involving different actors such as glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), the permeability of the blood–brain barrier, excitotoxicity, production of oxygen derivatives, cytokine release, tissue damage, and neuronal death. Several studies have investigated the effect of various treatments on the neuroinflammatory response in traumatic brain injury in vitro and in animal and human models. The aim of this review is to examine the various anti-inflammatory therapies that have been implemented.
Identification and Characterization of Circular RNAs Involved in the Flower Development and Senescence of Rhododendron delavayi Franch
Authors: Xu Xiaorong , Xiao Yufeng , Zhang Ximin , Tang Ming , Tang Jing
Published: September 2022

Floral development and senescence are a crucial determinant for economic and ornamental value. CircRNAs play an essential role in regulating plant growth and development; however, there is no systematic identification of circRNAs during the lifespan of flowers. This study aims to explore the expression profile and functional role of circRNAs in the full flowering stages of Rhododendron delavayi Franch. We carried out transcriptome sequencing of the six stages of Rhododendron delavayi Franch flowers to identify the circular RNA expression profile. In addition, using bioinformatics methods, we explored the functions of circRNAs, including analysis of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, short time-series expression miner (STEM), and so on. We identified 146 circRNAs, of which 79 were differentially expressed from the budding to fading stages. Furthermore, using STEM analysis, one of the 42 circRNA expression model profiles was significantly upregulated during the senescence stage, including 16 circRNAs. Additionally, 7 circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed with 10 differentially expressed circRNAs, in which some target mRNA may regulate the development and senescence of the Rhododendron flowers. Finally, by analyzing the correlation between circRNAs and mRNA, combined with existing reports, we proposed that circRNAs play a regulatory role during flower development and senescence by mediating the jasmonate signaling pathway. Overall, these results provide new clues to the potential mechanism of circRNAs acting as novel post-transcriptional regulators in the development and senescence process of flowers.
Anticoagulation Monitoring with Activated Partial ThromboPlastin Time and Anti-Xa Activity in Intensive Care Unit Patients: Interest of Thrombin Generation Assay
Authors: Billoir Paul , Elie Thomas , Levy Jerrold H. , Besnier Emmanuel , Dureuil Bertrand , Veber Benoit , Le Cam-Duchez Véronique , Clavier Thomas
Published: September 2022

Current guidelines recommend monitoring the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH) by measuring anti-Xa activity rather than activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of aPTT, anti-Xa activity, and thrombin generation in UFH-treated ICU patients. A prospective observational pilot study was conducted in adult surgical ICU patients treated with UFH. aPTT and anti-Xa activity were monitored daily. The therapeutic target was aPTT between 50 s and 84 s, and/or anti-Xa between 0.3 and 0.7 U/mL. Correlation among aPTT, anti-Xa activity, and thrombin generation was determined by measuring endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), with the inflammatory response evaluated. C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as a marker of inflammatory response. The plasma of 107 samples from 30 ICU patients was analyzed. The correlation between aPTT and anti-Xa activity was 0.66, CI95% [0.54;0.76] (p < 0.0001). Although thrombin generation, aPTT, and anti-Xa were correlated with inflammatory responses, the correlation was higher with thrombin generation and anti-Xa activity compared to aPTT. When aPTT was in a therapeutic range, a low thrombin generation was observed but was 50% inhibited when anti-Xa was in a therapeutic range. Coagulation testing with aPTT, anti-Xa correlated with thrombin generation. A 50% decrease in thrombin generation was observed when anti-Xa was within a therapeutic range. Further work is needed to evaluate coagulation biomarker responses and clinical outcomes in specific ICU populations.
Sequence Analysis of Novel Staphylococcus aureus Lineages from Wild and Captive Macaques
Authors: Monecke Stefan , Roberts Marilyn C. , Braun Sascha D. , Diezel Celia , Müller Elke , Reinicke Martin , Linde Jörg , Joshi Prabhu Raj , Paudel Saroj , Acharya Mahesh , Chalise Mukesh K. , Feßler Andrea T. , Hotzel Helmut , Khanal Laxman , Koju Narayan P. , Schwarz Stefan , Kyes Randall C. , Ehricht Ralf
Published: September 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is a widespread and common opportunistic bacterium that can colonise or infect humans as well as a wide range of animals. There are a few studies of both methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolated from monkeys, apes, and lemurs, indicating a presence of a number of poorly or unknown lineages of the pathogen. In order to obtain insight into staphylococcal diversity, we sequenced strains from wild and captive individuals of three macaque species (Macaca mulatta, M. assamensis, and M. sylvanus) using Nanopore and Illumina technologies. These strains were previously identified by microarray as poorly or unknown strains. Isolates of novel lineages ST4168, ST7687, ST7688, ST7689, ST7690, ST7691, ST7692, ST7693, ST7694, ST7695, ST7745, ST7746, ST7747, ST7748, ST7749, ST7750, ST7751, ST7752, ST7753, and ST7754 were sequenced and characterised for the first time. In addition, isolates belonging to ST2990, a lineage also observed in humans, and ST3268, a MRSA strain already known from macaques, were also included into the study. Mobile genetic elements, genomic islands, and carriage of prophages were analysed. There was no evidence for novel host-specific virulence factors. However, a conspicuously high rate of carriage of a pathogenicity island harbouring edinB and etD2/etE as well as a higher number of repeat units within the gene sasG (encoding an adhesion factor) than in human isolates were observed. None of the strains harboured the genes encoding Panton–Valentine leukocidin. In conclusion, wildlife including macaques may harbour an unappreciated diversity of S. aureus lineages that may be of clinical relevance for humans, livestock, or for wildlife conservation, given the declining state of many wildlife populations.