bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure Ulcers—A Longstanding Problem: A 7-Year Neurorehabilitation Unit Experience of Management, Care, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Alito Angelo , Portaro Simona , Leonardi Giulia , Ventimiglia Carlotta , Bonanno Francesco , Fenga Domenico , Sconza Cristiano , Tisano Adriana
Published: October 2023

Background: Neurological disease patients present an increased risk of developing pressure ulcers. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers and their impact on length of stay and functional recovery. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a neurorehabilitation unit over a seven-year period. Data collected include demographic data, length of stay, functional evaluation, risk of pressure ulcers development, nutritional status, and skin. Pressure ulcers were classified according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel System. Results: Data from 816 patients were analyzed. On admission, the authors found 236 pressure ulcers in 131 patients (about 16%), divided into stage I (25%), stage II (50%), and stage III–IV (25%). The most common sites were the heel (36%) and sacrum (29%). Among the risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers, malnutrition played a significant role, with approximately 76% of patients with pressure ulcers having mild to moderate malnutrition. Conclusion: The presence of pressure ulcers seems to have a negative impact on the functional recovery of patients, as shown by the outcome scales and the average length of stay: 51 days versus 36 days (p < 0.01).
Information-Theoretic Models for Physical Observables
Authors: Bernal-Casas D. , Oller J. M.
Published: October 2023

This work addresses J.A. Wheeler’s critical idea that all things physical are information-theoretic in origin. In this paper, we introduce a novel mathematical framework based on information geometry, using the Fisher information metric as a particular Riemannian metric, defined in the parameter space of a smooth statistical manifold of normal probability distributions. Following this approach, we study the stationary states with the time-independent Schrödinger’s equation to discover that the information could be represented and distributed over a set of quantum harmonic oscillators, one for each independent source of data, whose coordinate for each oscillator is a parameter of the smooth statistical manifold to estimate. We observe that the estimator’s variance equals the energy levels of the quantum harmonic oscillator, proving that the estimator’s variance is definitively quantized, being the minimum variance at the minimum energy level of the oscillator. Interestingly, we demonstrate that quantum harmonic oscillators reach the Cramér–Rao lower bound on the estimator’s variance at the lowest energy level. In parallel, we find that the global probability density function of the collective mode of a set of quantum harmonic oscillators at the lowest energy level equals the posterior probability distribution calculated using Bayes’ theorem from the sources of information for all data values, taking as a prior the Riemannian volume of the informative metric. Interestingly, the opposite is also true, as the prior is constant. Altogether, these results suggest that we can break the sources of information into little elements: quantum harmonic oscillators, with the square modulus of the collective mode at the lowest energy representing the most likely reality, supporting A. Zeilinger’s recent statement that the world is not broken into physical but informational parts.
Nutrition Considerations for Burn Patients: Optimizing Recovery and Healing
Authors: Shields Beth A. , Nakakura Asia M.
Published: October 2023

The hypermetabolic and hypercatabolic responses to severe burns put nutrition support at the forefront of treatments. When left untreated, severe weight loss, increased infection, and wound healing failure can occur. Enteral nutrition is the primary method of nutrition support in such patients. Meeting caloric needs and a positive nitrogen balance are short-term goals of nutrition support, with long-term goals of minimizing lean body mass loss and maximizing wound healing. High-carbohydrate and low-fat nutrition received evidence from randomized controlled trials of aiding in decreasing pneumonia rates and was found to promote positive nitrogen balance, which lipids do not do. We go through the macronutrient and micronutrient needs of the burn patient as well as techniques for meeting these needs in the modern intensive care unit, with some discussion of alterations in these techniques that are required in the austere environment.
Factors in Immigrant Children’s Use of Physician and Dentist Visits, Hospital Care, and Prescribed Medication in the United States
Authors: Cheng Tyrone C. , Lo Celia C.
Published: October 2023

Applying the behavioral model of health services utilization to data from the United States, this study examined immigrant children’s use of physician and dentist visits, hospital care, and prescribed medication. We employed data describing 9759 immigrant parents and children who participated in 2021’s National Survey of Children’s Health. Logistic regression results negatively linked physician visits to child health, child age, Asian children, fathers, lower parent education, lower family income, uninsured children, and parent’s U.S. residence under 5 years. Dentist visits were positively associated with child age, girls, Hispanic children, parent education, family income, public/private health insurance coverage, and U.S.-born children, but such use was associated negatively with Asian children. Hospital use was positively associated with poor child health, Black children, children of “other” race/ethnicity, younger parent age, enrolled in health insurance, and parent’s U.S. residence under 5 years. The use of prescribed medication was negatively associated with Asian children, younger child age, lower parent education, uninsured child, and lack of English proficiency. The paper’s conclusion suggests policymakers expand Medicaid and CHIP eligibility among immigrant children and suggests community education to foster awareness of children’s physical and oral health needs and of Medicaid, CHIP, and prescription assistance programs. The conclusion calls for healthcare providers and social workers to accommodate and respect immigrants’ traditional health-related beliefs, showing cultural competence.
ComEdge: Cloud-Native Platform for Integrated Computing and Communication in Satellite–Terrestrial Network
Authors: Shi Haoyang , Zhang Xing , Wu Peixuan , Chen Jingkai , Zhang Yufei
Published: October 2023

Leveraging technological advancements such as containers, microservices, and service mesh, cloud-native edge computing (CNEC) has become extensively discussed and applied in both academia and industry. The integration of mobile edge computing and communication is crucial for the future communication architecture in order to fully utilize distributed and fragmented communication resources and computing power. The potential for cloud-native integration can help merge mobile edge computing and communication, enhancing network flexibility and resource utilization. This paper investigates the implementation plan for extending cloud-native capabilities to integrated computing and communication (INCCOM) in the satellite–terrestrial network. We construct an experimental verification platform called ComEdge in a real-world setting. Subsequently, we analyze the architecture, functional characteristics, and deployment of the platform in a real-world environment. Furthermore, we explore the solution of deep reinforcement learning in the deployment of cloud-native core network and conduct a preliminary verification of the platform’s potential to enable artificial intelligence in a real production environment, which will provide guidance to both academic and industry sectors. Finally, we conduct an analysis on the challenges and opportunities encountered by the cloud-native INCCOM network system.
Real-Time AI-Driven Fall Detection Method for Occupational Health and Safety
Authors: Danilenka Anastasiya , Sowiński Piotr , Rachwał Kajetan , Bogacka Karolina , Dąbrowska Anna , Kobus Monika , Baszczyński Krzysztof , Okrasa Małgorzata , Olczak Witold , Dymarski Piotr , Lacalle Ignacio , Ganzha Maria , Paprzycki Marcin
Published: October 2023

Fall accidents in industrial and construction environments require an immediate reaction, to provide first aid. Shortening the time between the fall and the relevant personnel being notified can significantly improve the safety and health of workers. Therefore, in this work, an IoT system for real-time fall detection is proposed, using the ASSIST-IoT reference architecture. Empowered with a machine learning model, the system can detect fall accidents and swiftly notify the occupational health and safety manager. To train the model, a novel multimodal fall detection dataset was collected from ten human participants and an anthropomorphic dummy, covering multiple types of fall, including falls from a height. The dataset includes absolute location and acceleration measurements from several IoT devices. Furthermore, a lightweight long short-term memory model is proposed for fall detection, capable of operating in an IoT environment with limited network bandwidth and hardware resources. The accuracy and F1-score of the model on the collected dataset were shown to exceed 0.95 and 0.9, respectively. The collected multimodal dataset was published under an open license, to facilitate future research on fall detection methods in occupational health and safety.
Health Prognostics Classification with Autoencoders for Predictive Maintenance of HVAC Systems
Authors: Tian Ruiqi , Gomez-Rosero Santiago , Capretz Miriam A. M.
Published: October 2023

Buildings’ heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems account for significant global energy use. Proper maintenance can minimize their environmental footprint and enhance the quality of the indoor environment. The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors integrated into HVAC systems has paved the way for predictive maintenance (PdM) grounded in real-time operational metrics. However, HVAC systems without such sensors cannot leverage the advantages of current data-driven PdM techniques. This work introduces a novel data-driven framework, the health prognostics classification with autoencoders (HPC-AE), designed specifically for PdM. It utilizes solely HVAC power consumption and outside temperature readings for its operations, both of which are readily obtainable. The primary objective of the HPC-AE framework is to facilitate PdM through a health prognostic approach. The HPC-AE framework utilizes an autoencoder for feature enrichment and then applies an artificial neural network to classify the daily health condition of an HVAC system. A multi-objective evaluation metric is employed to ensure optimal performance of the autoencoder within this framework. This metric evaluates the autoencoder’s proficiency in reducing reconstruction discrepancies in standard data conditions and its capability to differentiate between standard and degraded data scenarios. The HPC-AE framework is validated in two HVAC fault scenarios, including a clogged air filter and air duct leakage. The experimental results show that compared to methods used in similar studies, HPC-AE exhibits a 5.7% and 2.1% increase in the F1 score for the clogged air filter and duct leakage scenarios.
Simultaneous Estimation of Current and Speed of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Based on an Improved Dual Second-Order Observer
Authors: Zhu Guorong , Zheng Yihong , Deng Xiangtian , Lu Jianghua
Published: October 2023

The third-order state observer implements the decoupled control and the accurate estimation of the d-axis current, q-axis current, and rotor speed of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Its complex calculation, however, is a challenge for most digital controllers in practical applications. The authors proposed an improved dual second-order observer based on the Kalman filter. A 0.88 Nm, 1500 rpm prototype was built. The simulation and experimental results prove the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.
Priority of Wind Energy in West Coast of Southern Thailand for Installing the Water Pumping Windmill System with Combining of Entropy Weight Method and TOPSIS
Authors: Klongboonjit Sakon , Kiatcharoenpol Tossapol
Published: October 2023

Wind energy potential or quality serve as the primary determinants influencing the decisions of Thai farmers regarding the installation of water-pumping windmills with heights ranging from 9 to 15 m and a cut-in wind speed requirement of 4 m/s, aimed at reducing their fuel costs. To introduce a simplified calculation method as one of their decision-making tools, the combined approach of the entropy weight method with TOPSIS has been introduced to assist them in prioritizing and assessing the wind quality in their respective areas. This study focuses on the western region of Southern Thailand, known for its high agricultural productivity. Initially, only 18 out of the 227 sub-districts with a minimum monthly wind speed exceeding 4 m/s were selected for thorough investigation. Subsequently, the entropy weight method was applied to the monthly wind speed data of these 18 chosen sub-districts to calculate their monthly weight values. These monthly weight values provide a quantifiable characterization of the wind quality in these specific sub-districts, revealing variations in wind quality between seasons, with superior quality during the summer season compared to the rainy season. Following the calculation of monthly weight values, the TOPSIS technique was applied to the wind data in conjunction with these monthly weight values, resulting in the determination of performance scores (Pi) for each of the 18 sub-districts. Pi values were found to vary from 0.0641 to 0.9006. In the final step of the analysis, these 18 sub-districts were ranked based on their respective Pi values, with the implication that sub-districts exhibiting higher Pi values are more suitable for the installation of water-pumping windmills with heights ranging from 9 to 15 m compared to those with lower Pi values.
Study on Spontaneous Combustion Characteristics and Early Warning of Coal in a Deep Mine
Authors: Wang Caiping , Du Yuxin , Deng Yin , Zhang Yu , Deng Jun , Zhao Xiaoyong , Duan Xiadan
Published: October 2023

Due to high stress, high ground temperature, high moisture, and other factors in deep mines, the risk of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is enhanced, seriously affecting the safety of coal mining. To achieve early prediction of spontaneous combustion in the No. 3 coal seam at the Juye coalfield in the deep mine, this paper employs a temperature-programmed device to analyze the changing pattern of single-index gases and composite gas indices with temperature derived from the gas produced during csc. It also optimizes the index gas of coal sample spontaneous combustion. Simultaneously, the characteristics of coal temperature and a four-level warning indicator system for CSC are determined based on the analysis of indicator gas growth rate method, carbon-to-oxygen ratio, and the characteristics of the indicator gas. The composite index gases of the No. 3 coal seam in Juye coalfield are selected in the initial oxidation stage (Rco), accelerated oxidation stage (R1, G1), intense oxidation stage (R2, G1, G3), and oxidative decomposition stage (G3). This leads to the construction of a six-level warning system consisting of initial warning value, blue, yellow, orange, red, and black levels. Meanwhile, warning thresholds are also established.
Editorial for the Special Issue “NMR- and MS-Based Metabolomics Approaches for Local and Traditional Foods’ Characterization”
Authors: Girelli Chiara Roberta , Angilè Federica
Published: October 2023

Metabolomics is a powerful tool in food sciences, widely used in food analysis for authenticity and traceability assessment and regulatory compliance, processing, quality, and safety [...]
Effects of Agricultural Intensification on Mediterranean Diets: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hasanaliyeva Gultekin , Sufar Enas Khalid , Wang Juan , Rempelos Leonidas , Volakakis Nikolaos , Iversen Per Ole , Leifert Carlo
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Mediterranean diets (MedDiets) are linked to substantial health benefits. However, there is also growing evidence that the intensification of food production over the last 60 years has resulted in nutritionally relevant changes in the composition of foods that may augment the health benefits of MedDiets. Objective: To synthesize, summarize, and critically evaluate the currently available evidence for changes in food composition resulting from agricultural intensification practices and their potential impact on the health benefits of MedDiets. Methods: We summarized/synthesized information from (i) systematic literature reviews/meta-analyses and more recently published articles on composition differences between conventional and organic foods, (ii) desk studies which compared food composition data from before and after agricultural intensification, (iii) recent retail and farm surveys and/or factorial field experiments that identified specific agronomic practices responsible for nutritionally relevant changes in food composition, and (iv) a recent systematic literature review and a small number of subsequently published observational and dietary intervention studies that investigated the potential health impacts of changes in food composition resulting from agricultural intensification. Results and Discussion: There has been growing evidence that the intensification of food production has resulted in (i) lower concentrations of nutritionally desirable compounds (e.g., phenolics, certain vitamins, mineral micronutrients including Se, Zn, and omega-3 fatty acids, α-tocopherol) and/or (ii) higher concentrations of nutritionally undesirable or toxic compounds (pesticide residues, cadmium, omega-6 fatty acids) in many of the foods (including wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, dairy products and meat from small ruminants, and fish) that are thought to contribute to the health benefits associated with MedDiets. The evidence for negative health impacts of consuming foods from intensified conventional production systems has also increased but is still limited and based primarily on evidence from observational studies. Limitations and gaps in the current evidence base are discussed. Conclusions: There is now substantial evidence that the intensification of agricultural food production has resulted in a decline in the nutritional quality of many of the foods that are recognized to contribute to the positive health impacts associated with adhering to traditional MedDiets. Further research is needed to quantify to what extent this decline augments the positive health impacts of adhering to a traditional MedDiet.
Lamotrigine-Loaded Poloxamer-Based Thermo-Responsive Sol–Gel: Formulation, In Vitro Assessment, Ex Vivo Permeation, and Toxicology Study
Authors: Riaz Maria , Zaman Muhammad , Hameed Huma , Sarwar Hafiz Shoaib , Khan Mahtab Ahmad , Irfan Ali , Shazly Gamal A. , Paiva-Santos Ana Cláudia , Jardan Yousef A. Bin
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to prepare, characterize, and evaluate a thermo-responsive sol–gel for intranasal delivery of lamotrigine (LTG), which was designed for sustained drug delivery to treat epilepsy. LTG sol–gel was prepared using the cold method by changing the concentrations of poloxamer 407 and poloxamer 188, which were used as thermo-reversible polymers. The optimized formulations of sol–gel were analyzed for clarity, pH, viscosity, gelation temperature, gelation time, spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release studies, ex vivo permeation studies, and in vivo toxicological studies. FTIR, XRD, and DSC were performed to determine the thermal stability of the drug and polymers. The prepared formulations had a clear appearance in sol form; they were liquid at room temperature and became gel at temperatures between 31 °C and 36 °C. The pH was within the range of the nasal pH, between 6.2 and 6.4. The drug content was found to be between 92% and 94%. In vitro drug release studies indicated that the formulations released up to 92% of the drug within 24 h. The FTIR, DSC, and XRD analyses showed no interaction between the drug and the polymer. A short-term stability study indicated that the formulation was stable at room temperature and at 4–8 °C. There was a slight increase in viscosity at room temperature, which may be due to the evaporation of the vehicle. A histological study indicated that there were no signs of toxicity seen in vital organs, such as the brain, kidney, liver, heart, and spleen. It can be concluded from the above results that the prepared intranasal sol–gel for the delivery of LTG is safe for direct nose-to-brain delivery to overcome the first-pass effect and thus enhance bioavailability. It can be considered an effective alternative to conventional drug delivery for the treatment of epilepsy.
The Mitochondrial Genome of Linichthys laticeps (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae): Characterization and Phylogeny
Authors: Zhang Renyi , Zhu Tingting , Li Hongmei , Deng Lei
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been widely used in phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary biology. The Labeoninae is the largest subfamily of Cypriniformes and has great economic importance and ecological value. In this study, we sequenced, annotated, and characterized the complete mitogenome of Linichthys laticeps and then constructed the phylogenetic tree with previously published Labeoninae mitogenomes. The mitogenome of L. laticeps was 16,593 bp in length, with an A + T content of 57.1%. The mitogenome contained a standard set of 37 genes and a control region with the same order and orientation of genes as most fish mitogenomes. Each protein-coding gene (PCG) was initiated by an initial ATG codon, excluding COI, that began with a GTG codon. Furthermore, most of the PCGs were terminated by a conventional stop codon (TAA/TAG), while an incomplete termination codon (TA/T) was detected in 7 of the 13 PCGs. Most tRNA genes in L. laticeps were predicted to fold into the typical cloverleaf secondary structures. The Ka/Ks (ω) values for all PCGs were below one. The phylogenetic relationships of 96 Labeoninae mitogenomes indicated that Labeoninae was not a monophyletic group and L. laticeps was closely related to the genera Discogobio and Discocheilus. Overall, our study provided the first complete annotated mitogenome of L. laticeps, which filled a knowledge gap in Labeoninae and extended the understanding of the taxonomy and mitogenomic phylogeny of the subfamily Labeoninae.
An Experimental Investigation on Dike Stabilization against Floods
Authors: Iqbal Sohail , Tanaka Norio
Published: October 2023

A flood protection dike blends seamlessly with natural surroundings. These dikes stand as vital shields, mitigating the catastrophic effects of floods and preserving both communities and ecosystems. Their design not only aids in controlling water flow but also ensures minimal disruption to the local environment and its biodiversity. The present study used a uniform cohesionless sand with d50 = 0.9 mm to investigate the local scour process near a single combined dike (permeable and impermeable), replicating a flooding scenario. The experiments revealed that the maximum scour depth is likely to occur at the upstream edge of the dike, resembling a local scour observed around a scaled-down emerged dike in an open channel. The scour hole downstream of the dike gets shallower as it gets smaller, as do the horseshoe vortices that surround it. Additionally, by combining different pile shapes, the flow surrounding the dike was changed to reduce horseshoe vortices, resulting in scour length and depth reductions of 48% at the nose and 45% and 65% at the upstream and downstream dike–wall junction, respectively. Contrarily, the deposition height downstream of the dike had a reciprocal effect on permeability, which can severely harm the riverbank defense system. The combined dike demonstrates their ability to mitigate scour by reducing the flow swirls formed around the dike. The suggested solutions can slow down the rapid deterioration and shield the dike and other river training infrastructure from scour-caused failures.
Exploring Radiographers’ Engagement in Research: Motivation and Barriers in Five Arab Countries
Authors: Abuzaid Mohamed M. , Tamam Nissren , Elshami Wiam , Ibham Manal , Aljamal Mohammed , Khayal Simaa , Abdullah Ahmed , Hamd Zuhal Y. , Pedersen Malene Roland Vils
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: This study aims to comprehensively understand the motivations driving radiographers in five Arab countries to engage in research. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study employing an anonymous online survey was conducted for 12 weeks from May to July 2023. The study sample consisted of 250 radiographers, with equal representation from Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates. (3) Results: Overall, the participants showed limited involvement in research-related activities in all five countries, particularly in presenting at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Most participants believed research positively impacts their professional development (34.8%) and patient care and outcomes (40%). The participants perceived professional development (36.4%) as a key motivator for research engagement. A significant majority (81.6%) expressed motivation to start research in clinical practice. A total of 66.8% found research opportunities available during clinical practice. Barriers included time constraints (56%), limited resources (47.2%), and lack of support and skills (33.2% and 32%, respectively). (4) Conclusion: This study emphasises the need for targeted strategies to enhance research engagement among radiographers in the Arab region. Addressing barriers, such as time constraints and resource limitations, while leveraging intrinsic motivators, such as professional development, is crucial for fostering a culture of research-driven excellence in radiography.
Financial Knowledge and Private Health Insurance: Does Age Matter?
Authors: Aguiar-Díaz Inmaculada , Ruiz-Mallorquí María Victoria
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: The paper focuses on the relationship between financial knowledge (FK) and holding private health insurance (PHI), and also focuses on the effect of age on the aforementioned relationship. (2) Method: The study was carried out on a sample of 8055 individuals taken from the 2016 Financial Competences Survey (the only one available), prepared by the Bank of Spain. Unlike previous studies that limited themselves to considering numeracy as a proxy for FK, in this study, two levels of FK—basic and advanced—are considered. (3) Results: The results indicate that a higher level of FK, specifically advanced FK, increases the probability of an individual holding PHI. Regarding age, it has been observed that the relationship between FK and PHI is only relevant in middle and older age, but not in younger and adults. Therefore, it is appropriate to differentiate between basic and advanced FK, and we confirm that age exerts a moderating effect on the influence of FK on PHI. (4) Conclusion: We conclude that FK—specifically, advanced FK for middle-aged and older people—is relevant to the likelihood of an individual holding PHI, which can improve health and financial wellbeing.
Can Chitosan Applications in Pre- and Post-Harvest Affect the Quality and Antioxidant Contents of Red Raspberries?
Authors: Lo Piccolo Ermes , Quattrocelli Piera , Becagli Michelangelo , Cardelli Roberto , El Horri Hafsa , Guidi Lucia , Landi Marco , Pecchia Susanna
Published: October 2023

Red raspberry fruit production is increasing worldwide due to the growing consumer interest in foods with high antioxidant properties. However, raspberries are very perishable fruit with a short shelf life. Chitosan applications have shown promising results in promoting the storage of different berry fruit. This work aimed at analysing the effects of chitosan applied in pre- and/or post-harvest on the quality and antioxidant properties of raspberry fruit during cold storage and room temperature conditions (i.e., 6 d at 4 °C and 3 d at 20 °C, respectively). Pre-harvest chitosan applications reduced fruit weight loss during cold storage and room temperature conditions but also reduced fruit decay at room temperature conditions. At the end of the whole storage conditions, chitosan-coated raspberries at pre-harvest were brighter than those of the uncoated control fruit. Furthermore, pre-harvest treatments with chitosan increased the total phenol and anthocyanin contents and promoted the highest total antioxidant activity compared with other treatments. After cold storage, post-harvest chitosan application drastically reduced the development of fungi that cause fruit decay, thus minimizing the potential risk of mycotoxin production. Overall, this study demonstrates that applications of chitosan in pre-harvest are sufficient to ensure the goal of maintaining and/or increasing fruit quality and antioxidant properties during cold storage and room temperature conditions.
The Impact of Service-Learning on the Prosocial and Professional Competencies in Undergraduate Physical Education Students and Its Effect on Fitness in Recipients
Authors: García-Taibo Olalla , Martín-López Isabel María , Baena-Morales Salvador , Rodríguez-Fernández José Eugenio
Published: October 2023

Education is a key component of the student’s transformation towards the creation of a more sustainable future. Among the methodological adaptations in teaching–learning processes, Service-Learning (SL) stands out as a meaningful academic experience to respond to social needs by developing committed citizens to transform society. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of this SL program on prosocial competence and satisfaction levels in university students, enhance physical fitness and analyze the reflections of the recipients. Moreover, the reflections on SL of the students and the migrants were analyzed. A mixed-methods design was performed. Forty-five students of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences provided a service to a migrant group that consisted of physical fitness training. The instruments implemented were the Prosocial and Civic Competence, the Impact of Service-Learning During Initial Training of Physical Activity and Sports and the reflective diary. The recipients participated in a physical fitness assessment and in a group discussion. The results show that SL in PAH contributes to pedagogical, communication, wellbeing and intercultural competences and also improves their prosocial and civic attitudes. Moreover, the recipients could enhance their physical fitness and their social interaction.
Understanding ART Adherence among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Western Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study of Barriers and Facilitators
Authors: Altamirano Jonathan , Odero Isdorah A. , Omollo Mevis , Awuonda Eucabeth , Ondeng’e Ken , Kang Jennifer L. , Behl Rasika , Ndivo Richard , Baiocchi Michael , Barsosio Hellen C. , Sarnquist Clea C.
Published: October 2023

Background: HIV remains a leading cause of death for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. This population has a high incidence of HIV and other comorbidities, such as experiencing violence, and low antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. To reach global HIV goals, data are needed on the specific adherence barriers for AGYW living with HIV, so interventions can be targeted effectively. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected at urban and rural health facilities in and around Kisumu County, western Kenya, from January to June 2022, from AGYW 15–24 years of age who were living with HIV. Surveys included questions on intimate partner violence, mental health issues, food security, and orphanhood. Adherence was categorized using viral load testing where available and the Center for Adherence Support Evaluation (CASE) adherence index otherwise. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential explanatory variables and adherence. Findings: In total, 309 AGYW participated. AGYW with experiences of emotional violence (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.03–3.66), moderate or severe depression (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.47–6.94), and/or substance use (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.24–5.92) had significantly higher odds of poor adherence when compared to AGYW without these respective experiences. Physical and sexual violence, food insecurity, and orphanhood were not associated with poor adherence in this cohort. Interpretation: Elucidating the risk factors associated with poor adherence among AGYW living with HIV allows us to identify potential targets for future interventions to improve ART adherence and HIV care outcomes. Mental health and violence prevention interventions, including combination interventions, may prove to be promising approaches.
Identifying Barriers to Basic Needs, Academic Success, and the Vaccination Pattern among College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gandhi Subi , Glaman Ryan , Jordan Alexandra , DiChristofaro Dylan , Clark Katelyn , Gandhi Viraj , Smith Jade
Published: October 2023

College students face significant challenges during large-scale disease outbreaks that potentially compromise their basic needs, vaccine confidence, and academic success. Using a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling, we examined the impact of COVID-19 among college students (N = 828). The survey was administered using the Qualtrics survey platform to collect data on multiple demographic and health behaviors of students in the summer semester (2021). Our study demonstrated that the most common financial shock experienced by the study participants was job loss, with less remarkable changes in food and housing insecurities. Academically, students had the most difficulty learning online compared to other modalities (face-to-face, Hyflex, etc.) and struggled with staying motivated. They also struggled with group work and finding appropriate learning spaces. However, many did not use university support systems such as career and tutoring services. Exploring the COVID-19 vaccination attitudes, we found that only age, ethnicity, classification, and health insurance status were associated with getting vaccinated (p < 0.05). When the learning environment was assessed for various modalities, only college attendance was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the accessible platforms (online, Hyflex, face-to-face, and others); however, nearly 40% of students reported difficulty learning on an online learning platform compared other categories that had much lower proportions. Our findings underscore an immediate need for universities to take measures to improve their preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the negative effects of future large-scale public health emergencies among students.
Current and Novel Therapies for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Marasco Giovanni , Visaggi Pierfrancesco , Vassallo Mariagiulia , Fiocca Miriam , Cremon Cesare , Barbaro Maria Raffaella , De Bortoli Nicola , Bellini Massimo , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Barbara Giovanni
Published: October 2023

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are an emerging group of pathological entities characterized by an eosinophil-predominant infiltration of different tracts of the gut in the absence of secondary causes of eosinophilia. According to the specific tract of the gut involved, EGIDs can be classified into eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), eosinophilic gastritis (EoG), eosinophilic enteritis (EoN), and eosinophilic colitis (EoC). The epidemiology of EGIDs is evolving rapidly. EoE, once considered a rare disease, now has an incidence and prevalence of 7.7 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per years and 34.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year, respectively. Fewer data are available regarding non-EoE EGIDs, whose prevalence are estimated to range between 2.1 and 17.6 in 100,000 individuals, depending on age, sex, and ethnicity. Diagnosis requires the presence of suggestive symptoms, endoscopic biopsies showing abnormal values of eosinophils infiltrating the gut, and exclusion of secondary causes of eosinophilia. EoE typically presents with dysphagia and episodes of food bolus impactions, while EoG, EoN, and EoC may all present with abdominal pain and diarrhea, with or without other non-specific symptoms. In addition, although different EGIDs are currently classified as different entities, there may be overlap between different diseases in the same patient. Despite EGIDs being relatively novel pathological entities, the research on possible treatments is rapidly growing. In this regard, several randomized controlled trials are currently ongoing to investigate novel molecules, including ad-hoc steroid formulations, immunosuppressants, and mostly monoclonal antibodies that target the specific molecular mediators of EGIDs. This narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of available and investigational drugs for different EGIDs.
QTLs and Candidate Loci Associated with Drought Tolerance Traits of Kaybonnet x ZHE733 Recombinant Inbred Lines Rice Population
Authors: Dwiningsih Yheni , Thomas Julie , Kumar Anuj , Gupta Chirag , Gill Navdeep , Ruiz Charles , Alkahtani Jawaher , Baisakh Niranjan , Pereira Andy
Published: October 2023

Rice is the most important staple crop for the sustenance of the world’s population, and drought is a major factor limiting rice production. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of drought-resistance-related traits was conducted on a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the self-fed progeny of a cross between the drought-resistant tropical japonica U.S. adapted cultivar Kaybonnet and the drought-sensitive indica cultivar ZHE733. K/Z RIL population of 198 lines was screened in the field at Fayetteville (AR) for three consecutive years under controlled drought stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) treatment during the reproductive stage. The effects of DS were quantified by measuring morphological traits, grain yield components, and root architectural traits. A QTL analysis using a set of 4133 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and the QTL IciMapping identified 41 QTLs and 184 candidate genes for drought-related traits within the DR-QTL regions. RT-qPCR in parental lines was used to confirm the putative candidate genes. The comparison between the drought-resistant parent (Kaybonnet) and the drought-sensitive parent (ZHE733) under DS conditions revealed that the gene expression of 15 candidate DR genes with known annotations and two candidate DR genes with unknown annotations within the DR-QTL regions was up-regulated in the drought-resistant parent (Kaybonnet). The outcomes of this research provide essential information that can be utilized in developing drought-resistant rice cultivars that have higher productivity when DS conditions are prevalent.
Macromolecular Design and Engineering of New Amphiphilic N-Vinylpyrrolidone Terpolymers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kurmaz Svetlana V. , Perepelitsina Evgenia O. , Vasiliev Sergey G. , Avilova Irina A. , Khodos Igor I. , Kurmaz Vladimir A. , Chernyaev Dmitry A. , Soldatova Yuliya V. , Filatova Natalia V. , Faingold Irina I.
Published: October 2023

New amphiphilic VP-(di)methacrylate terpolymers of different monomer compositions and topologies have been synthesized by radical polymerization in toluene without any growth regulator of polymer chains. Their structures and properties in solid state and water solution were studied by double-detector size-exclusion chromatography; IR-, 1H, and 13C NMR-spectroscopy; DLS, TEM, TG, and DSC methods. The composition of the VP-AlkMA-TEGDM monomer mixture has been established to regulate the topology of the resulting macromolecules. The studied terpolymers presented on TEM images as individual low-contrast particles and their conglomerates of various sizes with highly ordered regions; in general, they are amorphous structures. None of the terpolymers demonstrated cytotoxic effects for noncancerous Vero and tumor HeLa cells. Hydrophobic D-α-tocopherol (TP) was encapsulated in terpolymer nanoparticles (NPs), and its antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS (radical monocation 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) or DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) methods. The reaction efficiency depends on the TP-NP type. The IC50 values for the decolorization reaction of ABTS•+ and DPPH inhibition in the presence of initial and encapsulated TP were obtained.
EWS/FLI1 Characterization, Activation, Repression, Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Park Jinyoung , Chun Wanjoo
Published: October 2023

Despite their clonal origins, tumors eventually develop into complex communities made up of phenotypically different cell subpopulations, according to mounting evidence. Tumor cell-intrinsic programming and signals from geographically and temporally changing microenvironments both contribute to this variability. Furthermore, the mutational load is typically lacking in childhood malignancies of adult cancers, and they still exhibit high cellular heterogeneity levels largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas represent highly aggressive malignancies affecting both bone and soft tissue, primarily afflicting adolescents. Unfortunately, the outlook for patients facing relapsed or metastatic disease is grim. These tumors are primarily fueled by a distinctive fusion event involving an FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, with the most prevalent fusion being EWS/FLI1. Despite originating from a common driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells display significant variations in transcriptional activity, both within and among tumors. Recent research has pinpointed distinct fusion protein activities as a principal source of this heterogeneity, resulting in markedly diverse cellular phenotypes. In this review, we aim to characterize the role of the EWS/FLI fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma by exploring its general mechanism of activation and elucidating its implications for tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we delve into potential therapeutic opportunities to target this aberrant fusion protein in the context of Ewing sarcoma treatment.
Suppressors of lapC Mutation Identify New Regulators of LpxC, Which Mediates the First Committed Step in Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis
Authors: Maniyeri Akshay , Wieczorek Alicja , Ayyolath Aravind , Sugalska Weronika , Klein Gracjana , Raina Satish
Published: October 2023

Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, are characterized by an asymmetric outer membrane (OM) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) located in the outer leaflet and phospholipids facing the inner leaflet. E. coli recruits LPS assembly proteins LapB, LapC and LapD in concert with FtsH protease to ensure a balanced biosynthesis of LPS and phospholipids. We recently reported that bacteria either lacking the periplasmic domain of the essential LapC protein (lapC190) or in the absence of LapD exhibit an elevated degradation of LpxC, which catalyzes the first committed step in LPS biosynthesis. To further understand the functions of LapC and LapD in regulating LPS biosynthesis, we show that the overproduction of the intact LapD suppresses the temperature sensitivity (Ts) of lapC190, but not when either its N-terminal transmembrane anchor or specific conserved amino acids in the C-terminal domain are mutated. Moreover, overexpression of srrA, marA, yceJ and yfgM genes can rescue the Ts phenotype of lapC190 bacteria by restoring LpxC amounts. We further show that MarA-mediated suppression requires the expression of mla genes, whose products participate in the maintenance of OM asymmetry, and the SrrA-mediated suppression requires the presence of cardiolipin synthase A.
Study on the Antioxidant Effect of Shikonin-Loaded β-Cyclodextrin Forming Host–Guest Complexes That Prevent Skin from Photoaging
Authors: Yue Yan , Fang Yuqing , Jia Ruoyang , Cao Keang , Chen Xue , Xia Hongmei , Cheng Zhiqing
Published: October 2023

When the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet rays, free radicals will accumulate in the skin, causing lipid damage and even inducing photoaging of the skin. Combination therapy with antioxidant drugs is a good choice for topical treatment of skin photoaging due to its special physiological structure. In this paper, shikonin was encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin (SH-β-CD) by the precipitation crystallization method, which delayed the release of the drug and increased drug solubility. The average diameter of SH-β-CD was 203.0 ± 21.27 nm with a zeta potential of −14.4 ± 0.5 mV. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) was 65.9 ± 7.13%. The results of the in vitro permeation across the dialysis membrane and ex vivo transdermal release rates were 52.98 ± 1.21% and 88.25 ± 3.26%, respectively. In vitro antioxidant and antilipid peroxidation model assay revealed the antioxidant potential of SH and SH-β-CD. In the mice model of skin photoaging, SH and SH-β-CD had a recovery effect on the skin damage of mice, which could significantly increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the skin. Briefly, SH-β-CD had an obvious therapeutic effect on the skin photoaging of mice caused by UV, and it is promising in skin disease treatment and skin care.
Exosome-Laden Scaffolds for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Cartilage Injury and Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xavier Jorden , Jerome William , Zaslav Kenneth , Grande Daniel
Published: October 2023

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based exosomes have garnered attention as a viable therapeutic for post-traumatic cartilage injury and osteoarthritis of the knee; however, efforts for application have been limited due to issues with variable dosing and rapid clearance in vivo. Scaffolds laden with MSC-based exosomes have recently been investigated as a solution to these issues. Here, we review in vivo studies and highlight key strengths and potential clinical uses of exosome–scaffold therapeutics for treatment of post-traumatic cartilage injury and osteoarthritis. In vivo animal studies were gathered using keywords related to the topic, revealing 466 studies after removal of duplicate papers. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for abstract screening and full-text review. Thirteen relevant studies were identified for analysis and extraction. Three predominant scaffold subtypes were identified: hydrogels, acellular extracellular matrices, and hyaluronic acid. Each scaffold–exosome design showcased unique properties with relation to gross findings, tissue histology, biomechanics, and gene expression. All designs demonstrated a reduction in inflammation and induction of tissue regeneration. The results of our review show that current exosome–scaffold therapeutics demonstrate the capability to halt and even reverse the course of post-traumatic cartilage injury and osteoarthritis. While this treatment modality shows incredible promise, future research should aim to characterize long-term biocompatibility and optimize scaffold designs for human treatment.