bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Methylation Signatures Predict Cytogenetic Subtype and Outcome in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Authors: Krali Olga , Palle Josefine , Bäcklin Christofer L. , Abrahamsson Jonas , Norén-Nyström Ulrika , Hasle Henrik , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Jónsson Ólafur Gísli , Hovland Randi , Lausen Birgitte , Larsson Rolf , Palmqvist Lars , Staffas Anna , Zeller Bernward , Nordlund Jessica
Published: June 2021

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease composed of clinically relevant subtypes defined by recurrent cytogenetic aberrations. The majority of the aberrations used in risk grouping for treatment decisions are extensively studied, but still a large proportion of pediatric AML patients remain cytogenetically undefined and would therefore benefit from additional molecular investigation. As aberrant epigenetic regulation has been widely observed during leukemogenesis, we hypothesized that DNA methylation signatures could be used to predict molecular subtypes and identify signatures with prognostic impact in AML. To study genome-wide DNA methylation, we analyzed 123 diagnostic and 19 relapse AML samples on Illumina 450k DNA methylation arrays. We designed and validated DNA methylation-based classifiers for AML cytogenetic subtype, resulting in an overall test accuracy of 91%. Furthermore, we identified methylation signatures associated with outcome in t(8;21)/RUNX1-RUNX1T1, normal karyotype, and MLL/KMT2A-rearranged subgroups (p < 0.01). Overall, these results further underscore the clinical value of DNA methylation analysis in AML.
Primary Chicken and Duck Endothelial Cells Display a Differential Response to Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Tong Zhen Wei Marcus , Karawita Anjana C. , Kern Colin , Zhou Huaijun , Sinclair Jane E. , Yan Limin , Chew Keng Yih , Lowther Sue , Trinidad Lee , Challagulla Arjun , Schat Karel A. , Baker Michelle L. , Short Kirsty R.
Published: June 2021

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in gallinaceous poultry are associated with viral infection of the endothelium, the induction of a ‘cytokine storm, and severe disease. In contrast, in Pekin ducks, HPAIVs are rarely endothelial tropic, and a cytokine storm is not observed. To date, understanding these species-dependent differences in pathogenesis has been hampered by the absence of a pure culture of duck and chicken endothelial cells. Here, we use our recently established in vitro cultures of duck and chicken aortic endothelial cells to investigate species-dependent differences in the response of endothelial cells to HPAIV H5N1 infection. We demonstrate that chicken and duck endothelial cells display a different transcriptional response to HPAI H5N1 infection in vitro—with chickens displaying a more pro-inflammatory response to infection. As similar observations were recorded following in vitro stimulation with the viral mimetic polyI:C, these findings were not specific to an HPAIV H5N1 infection. However, similar species-dependent differences in the transcriptional response to polyI:C were not observed in avian fibroblasts. Taken together, these data demonstrate that chicken and duck endothelial cells display a different response to HPAIV H5N1 infection, and this may help account for the species-dependent differences observed in inflammation in vivo.
Complex Exercise Improves Anti-Inflammatory and Anabolic Effects in Osteoarthritis-Induced Sarcopenia in Elderly Women
Authors: Park Jaeyong , Bae Jongjin , Lee Jungchul
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effects of a 15-week complex exercise program on osteoarthritis and sarcopenia by analyzing anabolic effects and the impact on the activities of daily living (ADLs). Nineteen women aged ≥60 years with sarcopenia (SEG, n = 9) or diagnosed with osteoarthritis with sarcopenia (OSEG, n = 10) were enrolled and underwent an exercise program. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), irisin, myostatin, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) levels were analyzed pre- and post-intervention. Thigh cross-sectional area (TCSA) was measured pre- and post-intervention via computed tomography. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPBB) were assessed pre- and post-interventions to assess ADL. There was a significant interaction effect between SEG and OSEG at the IGF-1 level post-intervention. Irisin increased and myostatin decreased post-intervention in both groups. IL-10 increased and TNF-α decreased post-intervention with a significant interaction effect in the OSEG group. TCSAs increased post-intervention in both groups. There was a significant interaction between the two groups. OSEG showed a greater WOMAC decrease and SPPB increase post-intervention, and there was a significant interaction effect. Combined exercise may be effective in improving biochemical factors, anabolic effects, and ADL in elderly women with osteoarthritis and sarcopenia.
Investigating Producers’ Preferences for Crapemyrtle and Their Perceptions Regarding Crapemyrtle Bark Scale
Authors: Marwah Pulkit , Zhang Yu Yvette , Gu Mengmeng
Published: June 2021

Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) is the most popular summer flowering tree in the U.S. Its total value sold has almost doubled since 1998. Consumers prize crapemyrtles for their beauty and being relatively pest free. However, current crapemyrtle production and use might be affected by crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), which has been confirmed in at least 14 U.S. states after its first sighting in Texas in 2004. In this study, we conducted interviews of business representatives. Our survey results indicate that producers anticipate a significant decrease in the value of crapemyrtle if infested with CMBS, and suggest industry demand for CMBS control. An important finding of our research is that a majority of businesses support science-based CMBS control research. Another important finding from our study is that most producers believed that benefits of CMBS control outweigh the costs. We used a relative importance index to illustrate the ranking of different attributes of crapemyrtles that producers consider while making decisions about growing/purchasing the plants. Flower color was found to be the most important attribute, followed by disease resistance. The most popular landscape plants that can potentially serve as alternatives to crapemyrtle, in the opinion of producers we surveyed, are Vitex agnus-castus (Texas lilac), Magnolia spp., and Hibiscus spp.
Remobilization of Storage Nitrogen in Young Pear Trees Grafted onto Vigorous Rootstocks (Pyrus betulifolia)
Authors: Wu Yang , Sun Mingde , Qi Yuanyong , Liu Songzhong
Published: June 2021

The remobilization of storage nitrogen (N) is affected by growth characteristics of young pear trees. Aboveground parts of young pear trees grafted on P. betulifolia grew more vigorously than that on dwarfing rootstocks. Therefore, the remobilization of storage N within young pear trees on vigorous rootstocks may be different from that on dwarfing rootstocks. A 15N tracing experiment, including six groups of one-year-old pear trees grafted on vigorous rootstocks in 2016, was conducted to investigate the mobilization of storage N from 2016 to 2018. Results indicated that about 44%, 31.4% and 24.6% of storage N remobilized in new growth was derived from the trunk, shoots and roots, respectively. Most of storage N remobilized in new organs were supplied by trunks and shoots. About 82.2% of storage N withdrawn from senescent leaves were recovered in the trunk and shoots during autumn. The aboveground parts played a more important role than roots in the cycling process of storage N in young pear trees. However, as compared with young pear trees on dwarfing rootstocks, more storage N recovered in new organs were supplied by roots of that on vigorous rootstocks, due to vigorous growth and more nutrient requirement of aboveground parts.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Hsf and Hsp Gene Families and Gene Expression Analysis under Heat Stress in Eggplant (Solanum melongema L.)
Authors: Gong Chao , Pang Qiangqiang , Li Zhiliang , Li Zhenxing , Chen Riyuan , Sun Guangwen , Sun Baojuan
Published: June 2021

Under high temperature stress, a large number of proteins in plant cells will be denatured and inactivated. Meanwhile Hsfs and Hsps will be quickly induced to remove denatured proteins, so as to avoid programmed cell death, thus enhancing the thermotolerance of plants. Here, a comprehensive identification and analysis of the Hsf and Hsp gene families in eggplant under heat stress was performed. A total of 24 Hsf-like genes and 117 Hsp-like genes were identified from the eggplant genome using the interolog from Arabidopsis. The gene structure and motif composition of Hsf and Hsp genes were relatively conserved in each subfamily in eggplant. RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expressions of most eggplant Hsf and Hsp genes were increased upon exposure to heat stress, especially in thermotolerant line. The comprehensive analysis indicated that different sets of SmHsps genes were involved downstream of particular SmHsfs genes. These results provided a basis for revealing the roles of SmHsps and SmHsp for thermotolerance in eggplant, which may potentially be useful for understanding the thermotolerance mechanism involving SmHsps and SmHsp in eggplant.
Long-Term Exposure to PM2.5, Facemask Mandates, Stay Home Orders and COVID-19 Incidence in the United States
Authors: Fang Fang , Mu Lina , Zhu Yifang , Rao Jianyu , Heymann Jody , Zhang Zuo-Feng
Published: June 2021

Long-term PM2.5 exposure might predispose populations to SARS-CoV-2 infection and intervention policies might interrupt SARS-CoV-2 transmission and reduce the risk of COVID-19. We conducted an ecologic study across the United States, using county-level COVID-19 incidence up to 12 September 2020, to represent the first two surges in the U.S., annual average of PM2.5 between 2000 and 2016 and state-level facemask mandates and stay home orders. We fit negative binomial models to assess COVID-19 incidence in association with PM2.5 and policies. Stratified analyses by facemask policy and stay home policy were also performed. Each 1-µg/m3 increase in annual average concentration of PM2.5 exposure was associated with 7.56% (95% CI: 3.76%, 11.49%) increase in COVID-19 risk. Facemask mandates and stay home policies were inversely associated with COVID-19 with adjusted RRs of 0.8466 (95% CI: 0.7598, 0.9432) and 0.9193 (95% CI: 0.8021, 1.0537), respectively. The associations between PM2.5 and COVID-19 were consistent among counties with or without preventive policies. Our study added evidence that long-term PM2.5 exposure increased the risk of COVID-19 during each surge and cumulatively as of 12 September 2020, in the United States. Although both state-level implementation of facemask mandates and stay home orders were effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, no clear effect modification was observed regarding long-term exposure to PM2.5 on the risk of COVID-19.
The Economic Burden of Influenza-Like Illness among Children, Chronic Disease Patients, and the Elderly in China: A National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Lai Xiaozhen , Rong Hongguo , Ma Xiaochen , Hou Zhiyuan , Li Shunping , Jing Rize , Zhang Haijun , Lyu Yun , Wang Jiahao , Feng Huangyufei , Peng Zhibin , Feng Luzhao , Fang Hai
Published: June 2021

Background: The disease burden of seasonal influenza is substantial in China, while there is still a lack of nationwide economic burden estimates. This study aims to examine influenza-like illness (ILI) prevalence, healthcare-seeking behaviors, economic impact of ILI, and its influencing factors among three priority groups during the 2018–19 influenza season. Methods: From August to October 2019, 6668 children’s caregivers, 1735 chronic disease patients, and 3849 elderly people were recruited from 10 provinces in China to participate in an on-site survey. The economic burden of ILI consisted of direct (medical or non-medical) and indirect burdens, and a two-part model was adopted to predict the influencing factors of total economic burden. Results: There were 45.73% children, 16.77% chronic disease patients, and 12.70% elderly people reporting ILI, and most participants chose outpatient service or over-the-counter (OTC) medication after ILI. The average economic burden was CNY 1647 (USD 237.2) for children, CNY 951 (USD 136.9) for chronic disease patients, and CNY 1796 (USD 258.6) for the elderly. Two-part regression showed that age, gender, whether the only child in the family, region, and household income were important predictors of ILI economic burden among children, while age, region, place of residence, basic health insurance, and household income were significant predictors of ILI economic burden among chronic disease patients and the elderly. Conclusions: A large economic burden of ILI was highlighted, especially among the elderly with less income and larger medical burdens, as well as children, with higher prevalence and higher self-payment ratio. It is important to adopt targeted interventions for high-risk groups, and this study can help national-level decision-making on the introduction of influenza vaccination as a public health project.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil for Mastalgia Treatment
Authors: Ahmad Adni Lina Liana , Norhayati Mohd Noor , Mohd Rosli Ritzzaleena Rosli , Muhammad Juliawati
Published: June 2021

Mastalgia, or breast pain, is common among women which can lead to significant impairment in daily living. Hence, finding an effective treatment that can alleviate the symptom is very important. Thus, we carry out this study to determine the efficacy of evening primrose oil (EPO) for mastalgia treatment in women. The review included published randomised clinical trials that evaluated EPO used for treating mastalgia against a placebo or other treatments, irrespective of the blinding procedure, publication status, or sample size. Two independent authors screened the titles and abstracts of the identified trials; full texts of relevant trials were evaluated for eligibility. Two reviewers independently extracted data on the methods, interventions, outcomes, and risk of bias. The random-effects model was used for estimating the risk ratios and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Thirteen trials with 1752 randomised patients were included. The results showed that EPO has no difference to reduce breast pain compared to topical NSAIDS, danazol, or vitamin E. The number of patients who achieved pain relief was no different compared to the placebo or other treatments. The EPO does not increase adverse events, such as nausea, abdominal bloating, headache or giddiness, increase weight gain, and altered taste compared to a placebo or other treatments. EPO is a safe medication with similar efficacy for pain control in women with mastalgia compared to a placebo, topical NSAIDS, danazol, or vitamin E.
Preventive Effects of Sustainable and Developmental Perioperative Oral Management Using the “Oral Triage” System on Postoperative Pneumonia after Cancer Surgery
Authors: Sekiya Hideki , Kurasawa Yasuhiro , Kaneko Kosuke , Takahashi Ken-ichiro , Maruoka Yutaka , Michiwaki Yukihiro , Takeda Yoshimasa , Ochiai Ryoichi
Published: June 2021

Perioperative oral management is widely recognized in the healthcare system of Japan. Conventionally, the surgeon refers patients with oral problems to a dental or oral surgery clinic in the hospital. However, frequent in-house referrals were found to increase the number of incoming patients resulting in unsustainable situations due to an insufficient workforce. In 2011, the Center for Perioperative Medicine was established at our hospital to function as a management gateway for patients scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia. The “oral triage” system, wherein a dental hygienist conducts an oral screening to select patients who need preoperative oral hygiene and functional management, was established in 2012. A total of 37,557 patients who underwent surgery at our hospital from April 2010 to March 2019 (two years before and seven years after introducing the system) were evaluated in this study. The sustainability and effectiveness of introducing the system were examined in 7715 cancer surgery patients. An oral management intervention rate of 20% and a significant decrease in the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (aOR = 0.50, p = 0.03) indicated that this system could be useful as a sustainable and developmental oral management strategy to manage surgical patients with minimal human resources.
Boredom Makes Me Sick: Adolescents’ Boredom Trajectories and Their Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Schwartze Manuel M. , Frenzel Anne C. , Goetz Thomas , Pekrun Reinhard , Reck Corinna , Marx Anton K.G. , Fiedler Daniel
Published: June 2021

Existing research shows consistent links between boredom and depression, somatic complaints, substance abuse, or obesity and eating disorders. However, comparatively little is known about potential psychological and physical health-related correlates of academic boredom. Evidence for such a relationship can be derived from the literature, as boredom has adverse consequences in both work and achievement-related settings. The present study investigates latent correlations of 1.484 adolescents’ (Mage = 13.23) mathematics boredom scores at three time points during a semester in 2018/19 and their Rasch scaled health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Moreover, we applied latent growth curve modeling to estimate boredom trajectories across the semester and determined the relationship between the latent growth parameters of student boredom and HRQoL in bivariate correlation analyses. Our results show that boredom is significantly negatively linked with all HRQoL dimensions (physical well-being, psychological well-being, autonomy and parent relation, social support and peers, school environment [SCH], and general HRQoL [GH]). Furthermore, stronger increases in boredom across the semester were negatively associated with SCH scores and GH. In conclusion, given that boredom is negatively linked with HRQoL and that stronger boredom growth is linked with more severe health-related problems, signs of academic boredom could be an early warning signal for adolescents’ potentially severe problems.
Development of the Adult Pandemic Attitude Scale (A-PAS)
Authors: Seong Mihyeon , Park Juyoung , Chung Soojin , Sok Sohyune
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to develop an instrument for measuring the attitudes that reflect the characteristics of the pandemic (Adult Pandemic Attitude Scale (A-PAS)) and verifying its validity and reliability. This study used a methodological research design and was conducted with a development step and an evaluation step. The development step included development of preliminary items, content validity, face validity, and preliminary investigation. The evaluation step included item analysis, construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, factor naming, reliability, and completion of the final instrument. The A-PAS developed in this study consisted of a total of 20 items in five dimensions. The internal consistency of 20 items of the A-PAS, Cronbach’s α was 0.92 for 20 items, Cronbach’s α for each factor, a subscale of instrument, was 0.61~0.87 and Raykov’s p coefficient of each factor, which is a subscale of the tool, was found to be 0.60 to 0.88. Analysis of construct validity showed the results as follows: χ2 (p) = 134.05 (p < 0.001), RMSEA = 0.02, RMR = 0.02, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99. The study findings suggest that the developed instrument can be utilized to measure the attitudes of adults toward pandemics, and reflect the reality of the pandemic situation. The outcomes can be used as valuable data for intervention, prevention activities, and policy preparation. The instrument will be applied in the event of a pandemic, such as COVID-19, and will be helpful in promoting the health of the people.
An Integrated Approach to Hygiene, Sanitation, and Storage Practices for Improving Microbial Quality of Drinking Water Treated at Point of Use: A Case Study in Makwane Village, South Africa
Authors: Moropeng Resoketswe Charlotte , Budeli Phumudzo , Momba Maggy Ndombo Benteke
Published: June 2021

This study assessed the impact of sanitation practices, hygienic and storage conditions on the quality of drinking water treated at point-of-use in Makwane Village. Subsequent to implementation of low-cost Household Water Treatment Devices which are the biosand filter with zeolite-silver (BSZ-SICG) and silver-impregnated porous pot (SIPP) filters in Makwane village, a structured questionnaire was designed to collect the following information: age of caretakers, number of children under the age of five, water storage conditions, sanitation amenities, and hygiene practices. Water quality from the sources to household level was assessed using culture-based and molecular techniques. The results revealed a significant association between the presence of Escherichia coli in treated drinking water with the age group of caregivers and the number of children ofless than the age of five [OR (95% CI) = 8.4737 (0.147–3.3497), p = 0.0141923 and OR (95% CI) = 9.1667 (0.1848–3.0159); p = 0.0165830, respectively]. Moreover, significant association was noted between hygiene practices (washing of hands with/without soap) and water quality in storage containers [OR (95% CI) = 16.000 (0.6763–3.9495), p = 0.0000125]. These findings further prove that there is still a dire need for reconsidering hygiene education in rural areas as the health benefits of water treated at point of use (POU) coupled with safe-storage condition interventions might not be guaranteed without proper hygiene. The results further highlighted the importance of washing hands in improving microbial quality of drinking water, which is the key factor for fighting against infectious diseases.
Selective Extraction of Piceatannol from Passiflora edulis by-Products: Application of HSPs Strategy and Inhibition of Neurodegenerative Enzymes
Authors: dos Santos Luana Cristina , Mendiola Jose Antonio , Sánchez-Camargo Andrea del Pilar , Álvarez-Rivera Gerardo , Viganó Juliane , Cifuentes Alejandro , Ibáñez Elena , Martínez Julian
Published: June 2021

Passiflora edulis by-products (PFBP) are a rich source of polyphenols, of which piceatannol has gained special attention recently. However, there are few studies involving environmentally safe methods for obtaining extracts rich in piceatannol. This work aimed to concentrate piceatannol from defatted PFBP (d-PFBP) by means of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and conventional extraction, using the bio-based solvents selected with the Hansen solubility parameters approach. The relative energy distance (Ra) between solvent and solute was: Benzyl Alcohol (BnOH) < Ethyl Acetate (EtOAc) < Ethanol (EtOH) < EtOH:H2O. Nonetheless, EtOH presented the best selectivity for piceatannol. Multi-cycle PLE at 110 °C was able to concentrate piceatannol 2.4 times more than conventional extraction. PLE exhibited a dependence on kinetic parameters and temperature, which could be associated with hydrogen bonding forces and the dielectric constant of the solvents. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipoxygenase (LOX) IC50 were 29.420 μg/mL and 27.682 μg/mL, respectively. The results reinforce the demand for processes to concentrate natural extracts from food by-products.
Homocysteine and Age-Related Central Nervous System Diseases: Role of Inflammation
Authors: Tawfik Amany , Elsherbiny Nehal M. , Zaidi Yusra , Rajpurohit Pragya
Published: June 2021

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is remarkably common among the aging population. The relation between HHcy and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and eye diseases, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in elderly people, has been established. Disruption of the blood barrier function of the brain and retina is one of the most important underlying mechanisms associated with HHcy-induced neurodegenerative and retinal disorders. Impairment of the barrier function triggers inflammatory events that worsen disease pathology. Studies have shown that AD patients also suffer from visual impairments. As an extension of the central nervous system, the retina has been suggested as a prominent site of AD pathology. This review highlights inflammation as a possible underlying mechanism of HHcy-induced barrier dysfunction and neurovascular injury in aging diseases accompanied by HHcy, focusing on AD.
Active Surveillance in Prostate Cancer: Role of Available Biomarkers in Daily Practice
Authors: Pastor-Navarro Belén , Rubio-Briones José , Borque-Fernando Ángel , Esteban Luis M. , Dominguez-Escrig Jose Luis , López-Guerrero José Antonio
Published: June 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The diagnosis is currently based on PSA levels, which are associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Moreover, most PCas are localized tumours; hence, many patients with low-/very low-risk PCa could benefit from active surveillance (AS) programs instead of more aggressive, active treatments. Heterogeneity within inclusion criteria and follow-up strategies are the main controversial issues that AS presently faces. Many biomarkers are currently under investigation in this setting; however, none has yet demonstrated enough diagnostic ability as an independent predictor of pathological or clinical progression. This work aims to review the currently available literature on tissue, blood and urine biomarkers validated in clinical practice for the management of AS patients.
Developing a Virtual Museum: Experience from the Design and Creation Process
Authors: Besoain Felipe , Jego Liza , Gallardo Ismael
Published: June 2021

Virtual reality technology has grown significantly in recent years. The arrival of Head Mounted Displays (HDM) on the market for end-users has positioned these technologies as a new channel to promote new simulated or contextualized experiences. We have used the design and creation strategy to develop a virtual reality experience for the Oculus GO and Quest HDM. We digitized 30 pieces from nine local museums to provide an experience guided by a character that represents the main artisan work of the local region. A usability test was performed, showing that participants felt a high degree of immersion and realism. They were able to complete the assigned tasks, and results suggest that the software meets the main objective. Furthermore, the creation of this virtual reality (VR) experience has shown how important it is to make users a part of the creation process, as well as to develop a process to make the software useful to them and other users. Some recommendations are made based on the experience of the development, and comments are given on each step of the design and creation strategy.
A Literature Review of Biological and Bio-Rational Control Strategies for Slugs: Current Research and Future Prospects
Authors: Barua Archita , Williams Christopher D. , Ross Jenna L.
Published: June 2021

Terrestrial gastropod molluscs (slugs and snails) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) cause significant crop damage around the world. There is no formal approach for differentiating between slugs and snails; however, an organism is usually considered a slug when there is no external shell, or when the shell is small in comparison to the body, and a snail when there is a large external shell. Although snails are an important pest of many crops, this review focuses on slug pests and their nonchemical control measures. A recent study by the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board concluded that the failure to control slugs could cost the UK agriculture industry over GBP 100 million annually, with similar figures reported around the world. Whilst slugs are mostly controlled using chemical molluscicide products, some actives have come under scrutiny due to their detrimental environmental effects and impact on nontarget organisms. This has resulted in the ban of actives such as methiocarb in the UK and EU, and, more recently, the ban of metaldehyde in the UK. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find alternative and effective nontoxic solutions in the interest of global food security. In this paper, we have integrated extant literature on the three main biological control agents of slugs, namely nematodes, carabid beetles and sciomyzid flies, and various promising bio-rational slug control strategies. The review also highlights current research gaps and indicates some relevant potential future directions towards developing environmentally benign slug control solutions.
Historical Changes in Honey Bee Wing Venation in Romania
Authors: Tofilski Adam , Căuia Eliza , Siceanu Adrian , Vișan Gabriela Oana , Căuia Dumitru
Published: June 2021

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an ecologically and economically important species that provides pollination services to natural and agricultural systems. The biodiversity of the honey bee is being endangered by the mass import of non-native queens. In many locations, it is not clear how the local populations have been affected by hybridisation between native and non-native bees. There is especially little information about temporal changes in hybridisation. In Romania, A. m. carpatica naturally occurs, and earlier studies show that there are two subpopulations separated by the Carpathian Mountains. In this study, we investigated how the arrangement of veins in bees’ wings (venation) has changed in Romanian honey bees in the last four decades. We found that in the contemporary population of Romanian bees, there are still clear differences between the intra- and extra-Carpathian subpopulations, which indicates that natural variation among honey bees is still being preserved. We also found significant differences between bees collected before and after 2000. The observed temporal changes in wing venation are most likely caused by hybridisation between native bees and non-native bees sporadically introduced by beekeepers. In order to facilitate conservation and the monitoring of native Romanian bees, we developed a method facilitating their identification.
Association between Visceral Adipose Tissue and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Histology in Patients with Known or Suspected Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Idilman Ilkay S. , Low Hsien Min , Gidener Tolga , Philbrick Kenneth , Mounajjed Taofic , Li Jiahui , Allen Alina M. , Yin Meng , Venkatesh Sudhakar K.
Published: June 2021

(1) Purpose: To determine the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hepatic steatosis (HS), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic fibrosis (HF) in patients with known or suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). (2) Methods: 135 subjects that had a liver biopsy performed within 3 months (bariatric cohort) or 1 month (NAFLD cohort) of an MRI exam formed the study group. VAT volume was quantified at L2-L3 level on opposed-phase images with signal intensity-based painting using a semi-quantitative software. Liver PDFF and pancreas PDFF were calculated on fat fraction maps. Liver volume (Lvol) and spleen volume (Svol) were also calculated using a semi-automated 3D volume tool available on PACS. A histological analysis was performed by an expert hepatopathologist blinded to imaging findings. (3) Results: The mean Lvol, Svol, liver PDFF, pancreas PDFF and VAT of the study population were 2492.2 mL, 381.6 mL, 13.2%, 12.7% and 120.6 mL, respectively. VAT showed moderate correlation with liver PDFF (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and weak correlation with Lvol (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), Svol (r = 0.20, p = 0.025) and pancreas PDFF (rs = 0.29, p = 0.001). VAT, Lvol and liver PDFF were significantly higher in patients with HS (p < 0.001), NASH (p < 0.05) and HF (p < 0.05). VAT was also significantly higher in the presence of lobular inflammation (p = 0.019) and hepatocyte ballooning (p = 0.001). The cut-off VAT volumes for predicting HS, NASH and HF were 101.8 mL (AUC, 0.7), 111.8 mL (AUC, 0.64) and 111.6 mL (AUC, 0.66), respectively. (4) Conclusion: The MRI determined VAT can be used for predicting the presence of HS, NASH and HF in patients with known or suspected NAFLD.
Comparison of Performance between ARC-HBR Criteria and PRECISE-DAPT Score in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Choi Sun Young , Kim Moo-Hyun , Lee Kwang-Min , Ko Yeo-Gyeong , Yoon Chan-Ho , Jo Min-Kyeong , Yun Sung-Cheol
Published: June 2021

The proper management of bleeding risk in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is critical. Recently, the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) criteria have been proposed as a standardized tool for predicting bleeding risk. We sought to compare the predictive performance of ARC-HBR criteria and the PRECISE-DAPT score for bleeding in Korean patients undergoing PCI. We recruited 1418 consecutive patients undergoing PCI from January 2012 through December 2018 (Dong-A University Medical Center, Busan, Korea). The ARC-HBR and PRECISE-DAPT scores showed a high AUC for three bleeding definitions (AUC 0.75 and 0.77 for BARC 3 to 5; AUC 0.68 and 0.71 for TIMI minor to major; AUC 0.81 and 0.82 for GUSTO moderate to severe, respectively) and all-cause death (AUC 0.82 and 0.82, respectively). When compared with the ARC-HBR score, the discriminant ability of the PRECISE-DAPT score was not significantly different for bleeding events and all-cause death. The ARC-HBR criteria and PRECISE-DAPT scores demonstrated reasonably good discriminatory capacity with respect to 1-year bleeding events in Korean patients treated with DAPT, regardless of the bleeding definition. Our findings also suggest that the simple PRECISE-DAPT score is as useful as ARC-HBR criteria in predicting bleeding and all-cause death after PCI.
A Narrative Review on Perioperative Pain Management Strategies in Enhanced Recovery Pathways—The Past, Present and Future
Authors: Chen Qiliang , Chen Erdong , Qian Xiang
Published: June 2021

Effective pain management is a key component in the continuum of perioperative care to ensure optimal outcomes for surgical patients. The overutilization of opioids in the past few decades for postoperative pain control has been a major contributor to the current opioid epidemic. Multimodal analgesia (MMA) and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been repeatedly shown to significantly improve postoperative outcomes such as pain, function and satisfaction. The current review aims to examine the history of perioperative MMA strategies in ERAS and provide an update with recent evidence. Furthermore, this review details recent advancements in personalized pain medicine. We speculate that the next important step for improving perioperative pain management could be through incorporating these personalized metrics, such as clinical pharmacogenomic testing and patient-reported outcome measurements, into ERAS program.
Outcome Predictors and Safety of Home Dobutamine Intravenous Infusion in End Stage Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Jobbé-Duval Antoine , Bochaton Thomas , Baudry Guillaume , Bonnefoy-Cudraz Eric , Hugon-Vallet Elisabeth , Pozzi Matteo , Obadia Jean-Francois , Tomasevic Danka , Amaz Camille , Mewton Nathan , Sebbag Laurent
Published: June 2021

Patients in end-stage heart failure can experiment cardiogenic shock and may not be weanable from dobutamine. The fate of these patients is a challenge for doctors, patients, family, and the institution. Dobutamine use at home can be a solution. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome, biological predictors, and safety of dobutamine use at home in dobutamine-dependent patients. All consecutive dobutamine-dependent patients discharged with continuous home intravenous dobutamine, from a single tertiary center between February 2014 and November 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 19 patients (age 65 ± 10 years) were followed for one year. At one-year, the survival rate was 32%, (6/19). Five (26%) patients had an adverse event related to the intravenous catheter. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the combination of a glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min and a brain natriuretic peptide level <1000 ng/L, were highly predictive of one-year survival (HR = 10.87, IC95% (5.78–36.44), p < 0.001). Management of dobutamine-unweanable patients after cardiogenic shock may involve dobutamine at home to permit a home return. This strategy allows a significant survival and few readmissions, and, if eligible, access to surgical strategies, such as heart transplantation. Simple biological markers at discharge can identify severe patients to refer to palliative care and good responders.
Impact of Cluster B Personality Disorders in Drugs Therapeutic Community Treatment Outcomes: A Study Based on Real World Data
Authors: Dacosta-Sánchez Daniel , Díaz-Batanero Carmen , Fernandez-Calderon Fermin , Lozano Óscar M.
Published: June 2021

Background: The impact of dual pathology on treatment outcomes is unclear, with the literature reporting both favorable and unfavorable evidence. The main aim of this study was to determine how dual pathology affects treatment outcomes using real world data obtained from inpatients that began treatment in therapeutic communities. Method: The data of 2458 inpatients were used. Clinical information was obtained from electronic medical records. Reliability of diagnosis was checked and revealed a mean kappa value of 0.88. Results: Of the sample, 41.8% were discharged after achieving the therapeutic objectives. Patients diagnosed with Cluster B personality disorders were found to have a higher risk of dropping out of treatment (HR = 1.320; z = 2.61; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Personality traits exhibited by Cluster B patients can interfere with treatment in therapeutic communities. There is a need to develop specific interventions for these inpatient groups, which could be implemented in therapeutic communities.
Development of a Novel Dorsal Incision Only Invagination Type Pancreatogastrostomy (Charité-PG) Following Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy—A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Timmermann Lea , Bahra Marcus , Pratschke Johann , Malinka Thomas
Published: June 2021

The implementation of a pancreatico-enteric anastomosis following open single stage pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still associated with the most threatening complications in modern pancreatic surgery, such as postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), intraabdominal abscesses and related mortality. With this study, we introduce Charité-PG, a new dorsal incision only invagination type pancreatogastrostomy (dioPG) for the restoration of the pancreatic remnant following PD, and compare it to a PG requiring ventral gastrotomy (vgPG). A total of 49 consecutive patients, who underwent reconstruction via dioPG, and 92 consecutive patients, who underwent restoration via vgPG, were identified from our prospective database and further reviewed for perioperative parameters, complication rates, mortality and follow-up. The percentage of overall complications (p = 0.301), as well as the 30-day mortality rate (p = 0.725) and survival (p = 0.543), were comparable in both groups. The operation time in the dioPG group was significantly shorter (p = 0.04), and patients in this group developed substantially fewer rates of DGE (p = 0.036). We provide a feasible and safe technique for restoration following PD via our novel dioPG, causing fewer cases of DGE. Nevertheless, pancreatico-enteric anastomoses require expertise and experience.
Optic Disc Vascular Density in Normal-Tension Glaucoma Eyes with or without Branch Retinal Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Baek Jiwon , Jeon Soo-Ji , Kim Jin-Ho , Park Chan-Kee , Park Hae-Young L.
Published: June 2021

We analyzed the vascular densities (VDs) of the optic disc areas in eyes with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) according to their branch retinal vessel occlusion (BRVO) status. The VDs of the optic discs and peripapillary areas of 68 NTG patients with BRVO (BRVO group; BRVO eyes and fellow eyes) and 37 patients with NTG alone (control eyes) were measured on angiographic images obtained via swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography. VDs were compared among groups and correlations were assessed. The VD of the optic disc large vessel was the highest in BRVO eyes, followed by the fellow eyes and controls (all P < 0.05). Conversely, small and medium vessel VD was in the opposite order (all P < 0.05). Large vessel VD was negatively correlated with small and medium vessel VD (r = −0.697, P < 0.001). Peripapillary VD was lower in the BRVO eyes than in the control and fellow eyes (P < 0.001 and P = 0.861, respectively). In conclusion, significant changes in the distribution of VDs for optic disc larger vessel and small and medium vessels were observed in both eyes of NTG patients with BRVO, compared to NTG patients without BRVO.
Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Is Useful for Predicting Mortality in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Duda Izabela , Krzych Łukasz
Published: June 2021

Elevated neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) occurs in a wide range of systemic diseases. This study examined the clinical utility of plasma NGAL to predict intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients. A total of 62 patients hospitalized in a mixed ICU were included; pNGAL, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assayed on four consecutive days (D1-D4) following ICU admission. APACHE II score (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) was calculated 24 h post-admission. ICU mortality reached 35% and in-hospital mortality was 39%. The median pNGAL at admission was 142.5 (65.6–298.3) ng/mL. pNGAL was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors. The highest accuracy for ICU mortality prediction was achieved at the pNGAL cutoff of 93.91 ng/mL on D4 area under the curve (AUC) = 0.89; 95%CI 0.69–0.98 and for in-hospital mortality prediction was achieved at the pNGAL cutoff of 176.64 ng/mL on D3 (AUC = 0.86; 95%CI 0.69–0.96). The APACHE II score on ICU admission predicted ICU mortality with AUC = 0.89 (95%CI 0.79–0.96) and in-hospital mortality with AUC = 0.86 (95%CI 0.75–0.94). Although pNGAL on D1 poorly correlated with APACHE II (R = 0.3; p = 0.01), the combination of APACHE II and pNGAL on D1 predicted ICU mortality with AUC = 0.90 (95%CI 0.79–0.96) and in-hospital mortality with AUC = 0.95 (95%CI 0.78–0.99). Maximal CRP during study observation failed to predict ICU mortality (AUC = 0.62; 95%CI 0.49–0.74), but helped to predict in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.67; 95%CI 0.54–0.79). Plasma NGAL with combination with the indices of critical illness is a useful biomarker for predicting mortality in heterogeneous population of ICU patients.
Spatial Variability and Trends of Marine Heat Waves in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea over 39 Years
Authors: Ibrahim Omneya , Mohamed Bayoumy , Nagy Hazem
Published: June 2021

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) can cause devastating impacts on marine life. The frequency of MHWs, gauged with respect to historical temperatures, is expected to rise significantly as the climate continues to warm. The MHWs intensity and count are pronounced with many parts of the oceans and semi enclosed seas, such as Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMED). This paper investigates the descriptive spatial variability and trends of MHW events and their main characteristics of the EMED from 1982 to 2020 using Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Optimum Interpolation ([NOAA] OI SST V2.1). Over the last two decades, we find that the mean MHW frequency and duration increased by 40% and 15%, respectively. In the last decade, the shortest significant MHW mean duration is 10 days, found in the southern Aegean Sea, while it exceeds 27 days off the Israeli coast. The results demonstrate that the MHW frequency trend increased by 1.2 events per decade between 1982 and 2020, while the MHW cumulative intensity (icum) trend increased by 5.4 °C days per decade. During the study period, we discovered that the maximum significant MHW SST event was 6.35 °C above the 90th SST climatology threshold, lasted 7 days, and occurred in the year 2020. It was linked to a decrease in wind stress, an increase in air temperature, and an increase in mean sea level pressure.
Source Levels of 20 Hz Fin Whale Notes Measured as Sound Pressure and Particle Velocity from Ocean-Bottom Seismometers in the North Atlantic
Authors: Pereira Andreia , Romagosa Miriam , Corela Carlos , Silva Mónica A. , Matias Luis
Published: June 2021

Source level is one factor that determines the effectiveness of animal signal transmissions and their acoustic communication active space. Ocean-bottom seismometers (OBS) are platforms of opportunity to monitor marine species because they record data as pressure fluctuations in the water using a hydrophone and/or as particle velocity of the seabed using a seismometer. This study estimates source levels of 20 Hz fin whale notes recorded simultaneously in these two OBS channels and in two areas of the North Atlantic (Azores and southwest Portugal). It also discusses factors contributing to the variability of the estimates, namely geographical (deployment areas), instrumental (recording channels and sample size), and temporal factors (month of detected notes, inter-note interval, and diving duration). The average source level was 196.9 dB re 1 µPa m for the seismometer (derived from particle velocity measurements) and 186.7 dB re 1 µPa m for the hydrophone. Variability was associated with sample size, instrumental characteristics, acoustic propagation, and month of recordings. Source level estimates were very consistent throughout sequences, and there was no indication of geographical differences. Understanding what causes variation in animal sound source levels provides insights into the function of sounds and helps to assess the potential effects of increasing anthropogenic noise.
Ingredients, Functionality, and Safety of the Japanese Traditional Sweet Drink Amazake
Authors: Kurahashi Atsushi
Published: June 2021

The sweet drink amazake is a fermented food made from Aspergillus oryzae and related koji molds in Japan. There are two types of drinks called amazake, one made from koji (koji amazake) and the other made from sake lees, a by-product of sake (sakekasu amazake). The sweetness of koji amazake is from glucose, derived from starch broken down by A. oryzae amylase. The other, sakekasu amazake, depends on added sugar. The main components are glucose and sucrose, but they also contain more than 300 other ingredients. Koji amazake contains oligosaccharides and ergothioneine, and sakekasu amazake has a resistant protein and α-ethyl glucoside, which are characteristic ingredients of each amazake. However, there are also common ingredients such as glycosylceramide. Functionality is known to include anti-fatigue, bowel movement, skin barrier, and other effects on human health. In particular, the bowel movement-improving effects have been well studied for both amazakes. These functions result from ingesting approximately 100 mL per day, but human clinical trials have clarified that this amount has no effect on blood glucose levels and weight gain. In the future, the identification of substances associated with each function is required.