bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating effects of sex, age, and education on the outcome of combined cognitive training and transcranial electrical stimulation in older adults
Authors: Krebs Christine , Peter Jessica , Brill Esther , Klöppel Stefan , Brem Anna-Katharine
Published: September 2023

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has been shown to improve cognition in older adults via targeted exercises for single or multiple cognitive domains. Combining CCT with non-invasive brain stimulation is thought to be even more effective due to synergistic effects in the targeted brain areas and networks. However, little is known about the moderating effects of sex, age, and education on cognitive outcomes. Here, we investigated these factors in a randomized, double-blind study in which we administered CCT either combined with transcranial direct (tDCS), alternating (tACS) current stimulation or sham stimulation. 59 healthy older participants (mean age 71.7 ± 6.1) received either tDCS (2 mA), tACS (5 Hz), or sham stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during the first 20 min of a CCT (10 sessions, 50 min, twice weekly). Before and after the complete cognitive intervention, a neuropsychological assessment was performed, and the test scores were summarized in a composite score. Our results showed a significant three-way interaction between age, years of education, and stimulation technique (F(6,52) = 5.53, p = 0.007), indicating that the oldest participants with more years of education particularly benefitted from tDCS compared to the sham group, while in the tACS group the youngest participants with less years of education benefit more from the stimulation. These results emphasize the importance of further investigating and taking into account sex, age, and education as moderating factors in the development of individualized stimulation protocols.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03475446.
Mediating effect of symptom severity on the relationship between aggression, impulsivity and quality of life outcomes among patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses
Authors: Sagayadevan Vathsala , Satghare Pratika , Jeyagurunathan Anitha , Koh Yen Sin , Shafie Saleha , Chang Sherilyn , Samari Ellaisha , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: September 2023

Aims

Aggression and impulsivity among individuals with schizophrenia have been associated with poor clinical outcomes including worsening of symptoms and substance abuse which have been linked to a lower quality of life (QoL). The current study aimed to look at the mediating effect of symptom severity on the relationship between aggression, impulsivity and QoL among outpatients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in a multi-ethnic Asian population.

Methods

Data (n = 397) were collected from outpatients seeking treatment at the Institute of Mental Health. The World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale, the symptoms checklist-90 revised (SCL-90-R), Buss Perry aggression questionnaire (BPAQ), and the Barratt impulsiveness scales (BIS) were used to assess subjective well-being, symptom severity, aggression, and impulsivity, respectively. Mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro to understand the mediating effect of symptom severity.

Results

Motor impulsivity (MI) was indirectly associated with both the physical and psychological health domains of QoL while self-control was indirectly associated with the physical, psychological, and environmental health QoL domains through increased symptom severity.

Conclusion

The significant indirect effect of symptom severity in our study highlights one potential pathway through which impulsivity impacts the QoL of individuals with schizophrenia and related psychoses. Elucidating other factors besides symptom severity that have an indirect effect on the QoL of individuals provides alternative approaches for treatment through which better clinical outcomes can be achieved.
Early-onset catatonia associated with SHANK3 mutations: looking at the autism spectrum through the prism of psychomotor phenomena
Authors: Dhossche Dirk , de Billy Clément , Laurent-Levinson Claudine , Le Normand Marie T. , Recasens Christophe , Robel Laurence , Philippe Anne
Published: September 2023

Background

Individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) present with a wide range of diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or schizophrenia. Differences in the genetic background could explain these different neurodevelopmental trajectories. However, a more parsimonious hypothesis is to consider that they may be the same phenotypic entity. Catatonic disturbances occasionally reported from adolescence onwards in PMS prompts exploration of the hypothesis that this clinical entity may be an early-onset form of catatonia. The largest cohort of children with childhood catatonia was studied by the Wernicke-Kleist-Leonhard school (WKL school), which regards catatonia as a collection of qualitative abnormalities of psychomotricity that predominantly affecting involuntary motricity (reactive and expressive). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of psychomotor signs in three young adults carrying a mutation or intragenic deletion of the SHANK3 gene through the prism of the WKL school conception of catatonia.

Methods

This study was designed as an exploratory case study. Current and childhood psychomotor phenomena were investigated through semi-structured interviews with the parents, direct interaction with the participants, and the study of documents reporting observations of the participants at school or by other healthcare professionals.

Results

The findings show catatonic manifestations from childhood that evolved into a chronic form, with possible phases of sub-acute exacerbations starting from adolescence.

Conclusion

The presence of catatonic symptoms from childhood associated with autistic traits leads us to consider that this singular entity fundamentally related to SHANK3 mutations could be a form of early-onset catatonia. Further case studies are needed to confirm our observations.
Cardiovascular adverse reactions associated with escitalopram in patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kimura Kenichi , Narita Hisashi , Imai Hissei , Akiyama Hisashi , Ishikawa Shuhei , Sawagashira Ryo , Isoyama Tomoyuki , Nohara Mariko , Kawamura Michiyo , Kono Yukari , Saito Takuya , Kusumi Ichiro
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite the anticipated efficacy of escitalopram in treating depression and anxiety in individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, persistent concerns regarding its adverse effects have emerged. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular safety profile of escitalopram compared with that of placebo in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We used a predefined search strategy in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify studies evaluating adverse cardiovascular reactions to escitalopram in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided results on cardiovascular safety outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts and full texts of the individual studies. The risk of bias was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results

The primary outcomes were the frequency of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), QTc prolongation, and discontinuation of study medication. We identified 5 RCTs with 773 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Escitalopram was not associated with significantly increased risk of MACE (risk ratio [RR] = 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80 to 4.26; I2 0%; 5 RCTs; n = 773, moderate certainty of evidence), discontinuation of study medication (RR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.84–1.26; I2 0%; 5 RCTs; n = 773, low certainty of evidence), and QTc prolongation (RR = 1.20; 95% CI 0.76–1.90; I2 0%; 4 RCTs; n = 646, low certainty of evidence).

Conclusion

Escitalopram does not significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse reactions compared with placebo in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. However, the presence of wide CIs and the limited number of included studies highlight the need for further studies with larger sample sizes to enhance the precision and reliability of these findings.

Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [CRD42022298181].
Sex difference in alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a scoping review of clinical studies
Authors: Unlu Hayrunnisa , Macaron Marie Michele , Ayraler Taner Hande , Kaba Duygu , Akin Sari Burcu , Schneekloth Terry D. , Leggio Lorenzo , Abulseoud Osama A.
Published: September 2023

Background

We conducted a review of all studies comparing clinical aspects of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) between men and women.

Methods

Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scopus and Clinical Trials) were searched for clinical studies using the keywords “alcohol withdrawal syndrome” or “delirium tremens” limited to “sex” or “gender” or “sex difference” or “gender difference.” The search was conducted on May 19, 2023. Two reviewers selected studies including both male and female patients with AWS, and they compared males and females in type of AWS symptoms, clinical course, complications, and treatment outcome.

Results

Thirty-five observational studies were included with a total of 318,730 participants of which 75,346 had AWS. In twenty of the studies, the number of patients presenting with or developing AWS was separated by sex, resulting in a total of 8,159 (12.5%) female patients and a total of 56,928 (87.5%) male patients. Despite inconsistent results, males were more likely than females to develop complicated AWS [delirium tremens (DT) and AW seizures, collective DT in Males vs. females: 1,792 (85.4%) vs. 307 (14.6%), and collective seizures in males vs. females: 294 (78%) vs. 82 (22%)]. The rates of ICU admissions and hospital length of stay did not show sex differences. Although variable across studies, compared to females, males received benzodiazepine treatment at higher frequency and dose. One study reported that the time from first hospitalization for AWS to death was approximately 1.5 years shorter for males and males had higher mortality rate [19.5% (197/1,016)] compared to females [16% (26/163)].

Conclusion

Despite the significant heterogeneity of the studies selected and the lack of a focus on investigating potential sex differences, this review of clinical studies on AWS suggests that men and women exhibit different AWS manifestations. Large-scale studies focusing specifically on investigating sex difference in AWS are needed.
Trends and predictions in the physical shape of Chinese preschool children from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Tu Chunjing , Pan Qi , Jiang Chongmin , Tu Yuxuan , Zhang Sanhua
Published: September 2023

Objective

To explore physical shape changes in preschool children from 2000 to 2020, and forecast development trends over the next 10 years.

Method

The grey GM (1,1) prediction model was used to fit the physical shape indicators of preschool children in China from 2000 to 2020, and then the longitudinal change trend of physical shape was compared and analyzed. Finally, the development trend of physical shape in China in 2025 and 2030 was predicted.

Results

(1) During the period from 2000 to 2020, the height, weight and chest circumference of Chinese preschool children all increased rapidly. Specifically, the weight of male and female children increased by 1.8 kg and 1.6 kg, their chest circumference increased by 1.6 cm and 1.5 cm, respectively, and both their heights increased by 3.6 cm. Among these indicators, the older the age, the greater the growth rate. It is expected that all the indicators will continue to grow rapidly over the next 10 years, but the growth rate will slow. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the growth rate of weight was higher than that of height, and BMI showed an increasing trend. The obesity detection rates in boys and girls increased by 5.6 and 2.8%, respectively. Over the next 10 years, the incidence of obesity is expected to increase by 3.8% in boys and 2.8% in girls. (3) Improvement in the growth and development of preschool children in China has a certain correlation with the rapid growth of China’s economy,less physical activity, education and other factors.

Conclusion

Over the past 20 years, the growth and nutritional status of Chinese preschoolers have improved dramatically, but overweight and obesity remain. Overweight and obesity rates are expected to continue to increase rapidly over the next 10 years, particularly among boys, and effective measures should be taken to control the obesity epidemic.
Exploring self-determined solutions to service and system challenges to promote social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a qualitative study
Authors: Dawson Anna P. , Warrior Eugene , Pearson Odette , Boyd Mark A. , Dwyer Judith , Morey Kim , Brodie Tina , Towers Kurt , Waters Sonia , Avila Cynthia , Hammond Courtney , Lake Katherine J. , Lampard ‘Uncle’ Frank , Wanganeen ‘Uncle’ Frank , Bennell Olive , Bromley Darrien , Shearing Toni , Rigney Nathan , Czygan Schania , Clinch Nikki , Pitson Andrea , Brown Alex , Howard Natasha J.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Kaurna Country in northern Adelaide experience adverse health and social circumstances. The Taingiwilta Pirku Kawantila study sought to understand challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and identify solutions for the health and social service system to promote social and emotional wellbeing.

Methods

This qualitative study applied Indigenous methodologies undertaken with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance and leadership. A respected local Aboriginal person engaged with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and service providers through semi-structured interviews and yarning circles that explored community needs and challenges, service gaps, access barriers, success stories, proposed strategies to address service and system challenges, and principles and values for service design. A content analysis identified the breadth of challenges in addition to describing key targets to empower and connect communities and optimize health and social services to strengthen individual and collective social and emotional wellbeing.

Results

Eighty-three participants contributed to interviews and yarning circles including 17 Aboriginal community members, 38 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers, and 28 non-Indigenous service providers. They expressed the need for codesigned, strengths-based, accessible and flexible services delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers with lived experience employed in organisations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and governance. Community hubs and cultural events in addition to one-stop-shop service centres and pre-crisis mental health, drug and alcohol and homelessness services were among many strategies identified.

Conclusion

Holistic approaches to the promotion of social and emotional wellbeing are critical. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are calling for places in the community to connect and practice culture. They seek culturally safe systems that enable equitable access to and navigation of health and social services. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce leading engagement with clients is seen to safeguard against judgement and discrimination, rebuild community trust in the service system and promote streamlined access to crucial services.
Is overall and timing-specific physical activity associated with depression in older adults?
Authors: Chen Jiaren , Lai Ting-Fu , Lin Li-Jung , Park Jong-Hwan , Liao Yung
Published: September 2023

Objective

Regarding the circadian rhythm regulating an individual’s response to external stimulation, it remains unclear whether older adults engaged in physical activity at different times of day may be differently related to depression symptoms. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between overall and timing-specific physical activity and depressive symptoms in older Taiwanese adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical center in Taipei City, Taiwan, between September 2020 and December 2021. The participants were community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 who could walk independently and were not at high risk of cognitive dysfunction. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer (GT3X+, ActiGraph) and categorized into timing-specific periods (morning: 06:01–12:00; afternoon: 12:01–18:00; evening: 18:01–24:00) as well as overall physical activity, which included both light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was utilized to assess and measure depressive symptoms. Multivariate linear regression models were estimated for data analysis.

Results

A total of 180 older adults (55.0% female; 80.5 ± 7.1 years old; 18.3% at risk of depression) were included. On average, the participants spent 237.3 (± 85.7) minutes in LPA per day and 12.8 (± 17.0) minutes in MVPA per day. The results showed that overall MVPA engagement was associated with lower depressive-symptom scores [B = −1.357, 95% CI (−2.561, −0.153)] in older adults. However, no significant associations were observed between overall LPA, timing-specific MVPA and LPA, and depression in older adults.

Conclusion

To prevent depression in older adults, it is advisable to accumulate a higher amount of MVPA throughout the entire day rather than engage in LPA. Further studies employing a prospective design are necessary to validate and strengthen our findings.
Statistical explanation of the protective effect of four COVID-19 vaccine doses in the general population
Authors: Reyes Humberto , Méndez Constanza , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of four doses of the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in the general population and the impact of this on the severity of the disease by age group.

Methods

By using data from the health authority public data base, we build statistical models using R and the GAMLSS library to explain the behavior of new SARS-CoV-2 infections, active COVID-19 cases, ICU bed requirement total and by age group, and deaths at the national level.

Results

The four doses of vaccine and at least the interaction between the first and second doses were important explanatory factors for the protective effect against COVID-19. The R2 for new cases per day was 0.5644 and for occupied ICU beds the R2 is 0.9487. For occupied ICU beds for >70 years R2 is 0.9195 and with the interaction between 4 doses as the main factor.

Conclusions

Although the increase in the number of vaccine doses did not adequately explain the decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases, it explained the decrease in ICU admissions and deaths nationwide and by age group.
Racialised capitalism, decoloniality and the university: an exploration of the colour line and colonial unreason in higher education
Authors: Tegama Natalie
Published: September 2023

Over the last decade, there has been an increase in calls to address important questions on race and decolonisation within the university, administratively, pedagogically, and socially. This study investigates the relationship between the university, the coloniser, and the colonised during the colonial era and the afterlife. It aims to demonstrate that the university has made the act of abstraction and theorisation central across disciplines in a way that shears theoretical principles from the historical contexts they emerge from, distancing them from the purposes, people, and interests they were meant to serve, as well as the populations they were meant to dispossess and disempower. The study provides a conceptual framework for deconstructive analysis of the university’s pedagogical operations and societal function with the view to elucidate the university’s colonial and racial blind spots, notably, with a reliance on disciplinary narratives from development, international relations, and international law to offer tentative answers to the questions of decolonial praxis, the decolonial scholar, and coloniality in the contemporary university.
Use of ergogenic aids among Brazilian athletes: a cross-sectional study exploring competitive level, sex and sports
Authors: de Oliveira Géssyca T. , de Souza Hiago L. R. , Meireles Anderson , dos Santos Marcelo P. , Leite Laura H. R. , Ferreira Renato M. , Marocolo Moacir
Published: September 2023

Was investigated ergogenic aids (EAs) used by Brazilian athletes and their association with performance, sex, sports classification, and modality. It identified the main purposes of EAs and their prescription.

Methods

239 athletes of 15 modalities, ranging from regional to international level, answered a survey online.

Results

Highly competitive athletes consumed nutritional and mechanical aids more (OR = 1.96 CI 95% [1.28–2.9]; OR = 1.79 CI 95% [1.29–2.47]), while the use of psychological EAs decreased [OR = 1.66 95% CI (1.18–2.94); p = 0.001]. Male athletes [OR = 1.44 CI 95% (1.11–2.88)] and individual sports practitioners [OR = 1.78 CI 95% (1.02–3.11)] used nutritional aids more. Triathlon athletes had higher nutritional EA use, while soccer athletes had lower. Combat sports athletes had higher pharmacological EA use.

Conclusion

Athletes use nutritional and pharmacological aids more to improve performance and gain lean body mass. Mechanical aids were used for recovery and psychological aids for motivation. Self-prescription is common, especially for pharmacological aids.
Flow Field Reconstruction of 2D Hypersonic Inlets Based on a Variational Autoencoder
Authors: Tan Zuwei , Li Runze , Zhang Yufei
Published: September 2023

The inlet is one of the most important components of a hypersonic vehicle. The design and optimization of the hypersonic inlet is of great significance to the research and development of hypersonic vehicles. In recent years, artificial intelligence techniques have been used to improve the efficiency of aerodynamic optimization. Deep generative models, such as variational autoencoder (VAE) and generative adversarial network (GAN), have been used in a variety of flow problems in the last two years, making fast reconstruction and prediction of the full flow field possible. In this study, a hybrid multilayer perceptron (MLP) combined with a VAE network is used to reconstruct and predict the flow field of a two-dimensional multiwedge hypersonic inlet. The obtained results show that the VAE network can reconstruct the overall flow structure of the hypersonic flow field with high accuracy. The reconstruction accuracy of complex flow structures, such as shockwaves, boundary layers, and separation bubbles, is satisfactory. The flow field prediction model based on the MLP-VAE hybrid model has a strong generalization and generation ability, achieving relatively accurate flow field prediction for inlets with geometric configurations outside the training set.
Research on the CO2 Emission Characteristics of a Light-Vehicle Real Driving Emission Experiment Based on Vehicle-Specific Power Distribution
Authors: Xu Hualong , Lei Yi , Liu Ming , Ge Yunshan , Hao Lijun , Wang Xin , Tan Jianwei
Published: September 2023

China implemented the China VI emission standard in 2020. The China VI emission standard has added requirements for the RDE (real-world driving emission) test. To evaluate vehicle CO2 emission for different vehicles, 10 conventional gasoline vehicles were tested under the RDE procedure using the PEMS (portable emission testing system) method. All vehicles tested meet the sixth emission regulation with a displacement of 1.4 L~2.0 L. Among the vehicles tested, the highest CO2 emission factor was 281 g/km and the lowest was 189 g/km, while the acceleration of RDE gets a wider distribution, varying from −2.5 m/s2 to 2.5 m/s2. The instantaneous mass emission rate could reach around 16 g/s. The amounts of total CO2 emission in the positive region and the negative region make up 82~89% and 11~18% of the overall CO2 emission during the entire RDE driving period, respectively. The same vehicle has a wide range of CO2 emission factors at different VSP (vehicle specific power) intervals. Different RDE test conditions can lead to large differences in CO2 emissions.
Joint Image Reconstruction and Super-Resolution for Accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Xu Wei , Jia Sen , Cui Zhuo-Xu , Zhu Qingyong , Liu Xin , Liang Dong , Cheng Jing
Published: September 2023

Magnetic resonance (MR) image reconstruction and super-resolution are two prominent techniques to restore high-quality images from undersampled or low-resolution k-space data to accelerate MR imaging. Combining undersampled and low-resolution acquisition can further improve the acceleration factor. Existing methods often treat the techniques of image reconstruction and super-resolution separately or combine them sequentially for image recovery, which can result in error propagation and suboptimal results. In this work, we propose a novel framework for joint image reconstruction and super-resolution, aiming to efficiently image recovery and enable fast imaging. Specifically, we designed a framework with a reconstruction module and a super-resolution module to formulate multi-task learning. The reconstruction module utilizes a model-based optimization approach, ensuring data fidelity with the acquired k-space data. Moreover, a deep spatial feature transform is employed to enhance the information transition between the two modules, facilitating better integration of image reconstruction and super-resolution. Experimental evaluations on two datasets demonstrate that our proposed method can provide superior performance both quantitatively and qualitatively.
The Effects of Adiponectin on the Behavior of B-Cell Leukemia Cells: Insights from an In Vitro Study
Authors: Mallardo Marta , Scalia Giulia , Raia Maddalena , Daniele Aurora , Nigro Ersilia
Published: September 2023

Background: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), the most frequent hematological neoplasm worldwide, represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies. The etiology of NHL remains to be fully elucidated, but the role of adipose tissue (AT) in immune function via the secretion of adipokines was recently recognized. Among adipokines, adiponectin has garnered attention for its beneficial properties. This study aimed to explore the in vitro effects of AdipoRon, an adiponectin agonist, on JVM-2, a lymphoblast cell line used as a representative disease model. Methods: JVM-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of AdipoRon to evaluate its effects on viability (via an MTT test), cell cycle distribution (via an FACS analysis), invasiveness (via a Matrigel assay) and colony-forming ability; protein expression was assessed via a real-time PCR (qPCR) and/or Western blotting (WB). Results: We found that the prolonged exposure of JVM-2 cells to AdipoRon led to a reduction in their viability due to a cytostatic effect. Additionally, AdipoRon stimulated both the formation of cell colonies and the expression of E-cadherin. Interestingly, the administration of AdipoRon increased the invasive potential of JVM-2 cells. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that adiponectin is involved in the regulation of different cellular processes of JVM-2 cells, supporting its potential association with a pro-tumorigenic phenotype and indicating that it might contribute to the increased aggressiveness and metastatic potential of B lymphoma cells. However, additional studies are required to fully understand the molecular mechanisms of adiponectin’s actions on lymphoblasts and whether it may represent a marker of disease.
Active Vision in Binocular Depth Estimation: A Top-Down Perspective
Authors: Priorelli Matteo , Pezzulo Giovanni , Stoianov Ivilin Peev
Published: September 2023

Depth estimation is an ill-posed problem; objects of different shapes or dimensions, even if at different distances, may project to the same image on the retina. Our brain uses several cues for depth estimation, including monocular cues such as motion parallax and binocular cues such as diplopia. However, it remains unclear how the computations required for depth estimation are implemented in biologically plausible ways. State-of-the-art approaches to depth estimation based on deep neural networks implicitly describe the brain as a hierarchical feature detector. Instead, in this paper we propose an alternative approach that casts depth estimation as a problem of active inference. We show that depth can be inferred by inverting a hierarchical generative model that simultaneously predicts the eyes’ projections from a 2D belief over an object. Model inversion consists of a series of biologically plausible homogeneous transformations based on Predictive Coding principles. Under the plausible assumption of a nonuniform fovea resolution, depth estimation favors an active vision strategy that fixates the object with the eyes, rendering the depth belief more accurate. This strategy is not realized by first fixating on a target and then estimating the depth; instead, it combines the two processes through action–perception cycles, with a similar mechanism of the saccades during object recognition. The proposed approach requires only local (top-down and bottom-up) message passing, which can be implemented in biologically plausible neural circuits.
A New Concept of Sustainable Wind Turbine Blades: Bio-Inspired Design with Engineered Adhesives
Authors: Mishnaevsky Leon , Jafarpour Mohsen , Krüger Johanna , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a new concept of extra-durable and sustainable wind turbine blades is presented. The two critical materials science challenges of the development of wind energy now are the necessity to prevent the degradation of wind turbine blades for several decades, and, on the other side, to provide a solution for the recyclability and sustainability of blades. In preliminary studies by DTU Wind, it was demonstrated that practically all typical wind turbine blade degradation mechanisms (e.g., coating detachment, buckling, spar cap/shell adhesive joint degradation, trailing edge failure, etc.) have their roots in interface degradation. The concept presented in this work includes the development of bio-inspired dual-mechanism-based interface adhesives (combining mechanical interlocking of fibers and chemical adhesion), which ensures, on the one side, extra-strong attachment during the operation time, and on the other side, possible adhesive joint separation for re-use of the blade parts. The general approach and physical mechanisms of adhesive strengthening and separation are described.
Frontal Alpha Asymmetry Argues for the Heterogeneity of Psychological Resilience
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Evans Ian D. , Bitsika Vicki , Arnold Wayne M. , Jesulola Emmanuel , Agnew Linda L.
Published: September 2023

Depression is associated with frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) and Psychological Resilience (PR), although in different ways. Only cursory attention has been given to how these three constructs interact despite the possible clinical and research implications of those associations. One limitation of recent research into these associations has been conceptualising PR as a unitary construct, whereas it has been shown to be multi-component. This study investigated the underlying components of PR, their correlations with FAA, and the effect that participants’ depressive status had upon those correlations in a community sample of 54 males and 46 females aged between 18 yr and 75 years. Results confirmed the overall inverse association between total PR and depression for four of the original five PR components and for one of the two components found in this sample. Similarly, there were differences between the ways that FAA and PR components were associated, depending upon the depressive status of participants. Source localisation data indicated that the PR components were not uniformly correlated with alpha activity in the same brain regions. These findings of content, efficacy, and neurophysiological differences between the five components of PR and their associations with FAA argue against consideration of PR as a unitary construct.
Variability Analysis of the Hysteretic Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Confined Concrete Columns Based on a Secondary Development Model
Authors: Wang Yuanfeng , Pan Lei , Niu Weitao , Li Kai , Guo Kun
Published: September 2023

A reasonable material hysteretic constitutive model has a significant influence on the seismic simulation results of structures. To better describe the hysteresis seismic performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-constrained concrete, a new modified hysteresis constitutive model is proposed based on the existing model and with sufficient consideration of the drop section of the skeleton curve. The validity of the proposed model is verified by comparing with quasi-static experimental data of FRP-confined reinforced concrete (FRP-C RC) columns in the literature. Subsequently, the compressive strength of concrete is selected as a major variable, and a quasi-Monte Carlo method is utilized to generate random samples, which are substituted into the proposed modified model and some comparison models. Finally, the hysteretic behavior of FRP-C RC columns is analyzed from the perspective of the material strength variability. The results demonstrate that (1) The proposed hysteretic constitutive model is able to provide rational predictions of the hysteretic behavior of FRP-C RC columns, and the mean relative error of each specimen is less than 6%. It can be applied to carbon FRPs (CFRPs) and glass FRPs (GFRPs), as well as different cross-sectional forms such as cylindrical and square columns. (2) A large number of hysteretic behavior cases of FRP-C RC columns can be successfully analyzed from the perspective of concrete material variability combined with finite element software. The average and variation coefficient of the maximum horizontal force of FRP-C reinforced C30 concrete columns are 76.77 kN and 0.0488, respectively, while the average and variation coefficient of the maximum horizontal force of FRP-C reinforced C50 concrete columns are 91.14 kN and 0.0454, respectively. (3) The average value and variation coefficient of the maximum horizontal force and equivalent damping ratio of FRP-C RC columns are affected by the compressive strength, axial compression ratio and reinforcement ratio, which show a certain regularity.
Unified Model for Axial Bearing Capacity of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Circular Columns Based on Hoek–Brown Failure Criterion
Authors: Zhou Ziao
Published: September 2023

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) composite columns can overcome the brittleness of concrete and improve the plastic deformation ability of concrete, thus improving its strength and deformation ability. At present, most of the published models for predicting the axial bearing capacity of CFST columns are empirical models based on the nonlinear fitting of experimental data, which has some limitations on the application of the models. Therefore, to establish a new unified theoretical model, a new ultimate compressive strength of core concrete was established by the Hoek–Brown failure criterion, and the conversion formula between the cube and cylinder compressive strength was also established in this paper. At the same time, the strength-reduction coefficient influenced by the slenderness ratio was also established. The newly established unified model can predict the axial bearing capacity of CFST columns with different steel types, concrete types, slenderness ratios, diameter-to-thickness ratios, and cross-sectional dimensions. At the same time, the newly established unified model can be applied to a wider range of test parameters. To determine the parameters in the proposed model and assess the models, a total of 798 test data were collected. Based on the test database, the existing models and the proposed model were evaluated. The results show that the proposed model has very high accuracy in predicting the test results of CFST short and long columns, and the average value (AV) and integral absolute error (IAE) are 1.012 and 0.094, respectively. In addition, the model proposed in this paper also has high accuracy in predicting the axial bearing capacity of CFST columns under high temperatures.
Polo-like Kinase 4: A Multifaceted Marker Linking Tumor Aggressiveness and Unfavorable Prognosis, and Insights into Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Kim Youngtaek , Hwang Joon Yeon , Kim Dong Kwon , Na Kwangmin , Lee Seul , Baek Sujeong , Kang Seong-san , Yang Seung Min , Kim Mi Hyun , Han Heekyung , Lee Chai Young , Han Yu Jin , Hong Min Hee , Lee Jii Bum , Lim Sun Min , Cho Byoung Chul , Park Youngjoon , Pyo Kyoung-Ho
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: This study investigated whether polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) is a suitable therapeutic target or biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). (2) Methods: We acquired LUAD data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database through the UCSC Xena data portal. Gene expression, clinical, survival, and mutation data from multiple samples were analyzed. Gene enrichment analysis, unsupervised clustering of PLK4-related pathways, and differential gene expression analyses were performed. Additionally, correlations, t-tests, survival analyses, and statistical analyses were performed. (3) Results: PLK4 expression was higher in LUAD tissues than in normal tissues and was associated with poor prognosis for both overall and progression-free survival in LUAD. PLK4 was highly correlated with cell-proliferation-related pathways using Gene Ontology (GO) biological process terms. PLK4 expression and pathways that were highly correlated with PLK4 expression levels were upregulated in patients with LUAD with the TP53 mutation. (4) Conclusions: PLK4 expression affects the survival of patients with LUAD and is a potential therapeutic target for LUAD with TP53 mutations.
Outcomes of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy in Patients with Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL): A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Trando Aaron , Ter-Zakarian Anna , Yeung Phillip , Goodman Aaron M. , Hamdan Ayad , Hurley Michael , Jeong Ah-Reum , Tzachanis Dimitrios
Published: September 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). We describe the real-world baseline characteristics, efficacy, safety, and post-relapse outcomes of adult patients with R/R LBCL who received CAR T-cell therapy at the University of California San Diego. A total of 66 patients with LBCL were treated with tisagenlecleucel or axicabtagene ciloleucel. The median age was 59.5, and 21% were over 70 years old. Additionally, 20% of the patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score of ≥2. Cytokine release syndrome incidence was 88%; immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome incidence was 56%. All-grade infection occurred in 48% of patients and in 79% of patients > 70 years old. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 53% and partial response in 14%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.3 months; median overall survival (OS) was 28.4 months. Patients who relapsed post-CAR T-cell therapy had poor outcomes, with a median OS2 of 4.8 months. Upon multivariate analysis, both ECOG (HR 2.65, 95% CI: 1.30–5.41; p = 0.007) and ≥2 sites of extranodal involvement (HR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.15–4.31; p = 0.018) were significant predictors of PFS. Twenty-six patients were R/R to CAR T-cell therapy; six patients were in remission at the time of data cut off, one of whom received allogeneic transplant. Overall, older patients can safely undergo CAR T-cell therapy, despite the increased risk of all-grade infection. In our cohort, ECOG performance score and ≥2 sites of extranodal disease are significant predictors of PFS.
Surface Modification of Metallic Nanoparticles for Targeting Drugs
Authors: Abdelkawi Abdullah , Slim Aliyah , Zinoune Zaineb , Pathak Yashwant
Published: September 2023

This review focuses on the surface modification of metallic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Metallic nanoparticles, owing to their unique size, stability, and payload capacity, have emerged as promising drug carriers. However, their application necessitates surface modification to enable precise targeting. Various strategies, such as polymer coating methods, the use of functional groups, and bio-conjugation with targeting ligands, are explored. The review also discusses the selection of ligands based on target receptors, active and passive targeting approaches, and stimuli-responsive targeting. It further delves into the challenges of translating these strategies to clinical settings, including scalability, toxicity, and regulatory hurdles. The surface modification of metallic nanoparticles is a promising avenue for targeted drug delivery. Various strategies, including polymer coating, functionalization with specific groups, and bioconjugation with targeting ligands, have been explored to enhance the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles. The challenges in clinical translation, continuous advancements in nanoparticle synthesis, and surface modification techniques offer a positive outlook for the future of targeted metallic nanoparticle systems. Despite the promising potential of metallic nanoparticles in drug delivery, there are several challenges that need to be addressed for their successful clinical translation. These include scalable fabrication and functionalization of nanoparticles, toxicity concerns, and regulatory hurdles. However, continuous advancements in nanoparticle synthesis and surface modification techniques are expected to overcome these challenges in the near future.
Development and Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Facial Toner Containing Houttuynia cordata Thunb
Authors: Anurukvorakun Oraphan , Numnim Sarunpat
Published: September 2023

The goal of this research was to develop a reliable oil-controlling toner for facial skin with a natural product, Houttuynia cordata Thunb extract (HCE). The developed HCE facial toner showed high stability and had a high satisfaction level. Clinical studies revealed that the sebum value of the skin after using the developed HCE toner for eight weeks decreased (4.6-times lower), which was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) when compared to the HCE-free toner. The sebum amount on the facial skin after using the HCE toner decreased by approximately two-times compared to the HCE-free toner. In addition, the skin moisture content increased statistically significantly (p-value < 0.05) from the eighth week of treatment compared to the HCE-free toner and was 1.5- and 1.4-times higher for the left and right cheeks, respectively. The average moisture content of the facial skin treated with the HCE toner increased by 2- and 1.4-times compared to the treatment with the HCE-free toner for the left and right cheeks, respectively. Consequently, the HCE toner had anti-sebum and moisturizing efficacy, and the increased reliability of the natural product meant that it could soon be a premium commercial product.
A New Idea for RSA Backdoors
Authors: Cesati Marco
Published: September 2023

This article proposes a new method to inject backdoors in RSA (the public-key cryptosystem invented by Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman) and other cryptographic primitives based on the integer factorization problem for balanced semi-primes. The method relies on mathematical congruences among the factors of the semi-primes based on a large prime number, which acts as a “designer key” or “escrow key”. In particular, two different backdoors are proposed, one targeting a single semi-prime and the other one a pair of semi-primes. This article also describes the results of tests performed on a SageMath implementation of the backdoors.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical Properties of Mononuclear Eu(III) and Tb(III) Complexes Containing a Chalcone Ligand
Authors: Virgil Valentin L. , Hanganu Anamaria , Mădălan Augustin M.
Published: September 2023

Chalcones are α,β-unsaturated ketones with great structural diversity and various applications. A chalcone produced by condensation of 2-acetylpyridine with 2-naphthaldehyde (L) was employed for synthesis of two mononuclear complexes: [Eu(L)(hfac)3(H2O)]·0.5CHCl3 and [Tb(L)(hfac)3], where hfac is the hexafluoroacetylacetonate anion. The chalcone and complexes were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The chalcone acts as a chelating bidentate ligand. Luminescent properties of the ligand L and the complexes were investigated in the solid state. For these heteroleptic mononuclear complexes, the emission of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions was influenced by the excitation wavelength.
Naturally Occurring Simple Oxygenated Benzophenones: Structural Diversity, Distribution, and Biological Properties
Authors: Marinov Teodor , Kokanova-Nedialkova Zlatina , Nedialkov Paraskev T.
Published: September 2023

Naturally occurring benzophenones represent a relatively small group of plant metabolites with narrow distribution, mainly in members of Clusiaceae, Gentianaceae, Hypericaceae, Polygalaceae, Myrtaceae, etc.; however, there were reports of several compounds derived from microorganisms belonging to the Aspergillaceae and Valsaceae families and propolis. Benzophenones exhibit many biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, etc. Few reviews on benzophenones that have appeared in the literature were focused on their prenylated derivatives. Summarized information on structural diversity, distribution, and biological activities of simple oxygenated naturally occurring benzophenones and their glycosides has not been found in the literature. Until 2000, only benzophenone C-glycosides were known to occur in nature. Since then, many O-glycosides have been isolated, structurally, and biologically characterized. This review covers the years from 1850 to 2023 and was compiled using databases such as Chemical Abstracts, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate. Based on their degree of oxidation, 210 chemical structures of benzophenone derivatives and glycosides were grouped into six categories. In addition, in one group of 40 miscellaneous benzophenones, where one or several protons are replaced by a methyl, alcohol, carboxyl, or acyl group, glycosidic forms with such an aglycone and dimeric compounds with xanthone was included. Simple oxygenated benzophenones and their glycosides were found in 77 plant genera belonging to 44 families. The allergy-associated bezophenone-1, benzophenone-2 and benzophenone-3 have limited distribution across natural sources. A wide range of biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antitumor, cytoprotective, antimicrobial, MAO-A, antiarthritic, anticholinesterase, anti-atherosclerotic, laxative, etc.) of simple oxygenated benzophenones and their glycosides that appeared in the literature were discussed.