bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction of Asymmetric Bowtie Corneal Astigmatism with a Toric Intraocular Lens: Outcomes and Accuracy of Measurement Modes
Authors: Li Hao , He Wenwen , Guo Donglin , Fang Yanwen , Meng Jiaqi , Zhang Keke , Zhu Xiangjia , Lu Yi
Published: February 2023

The outcomes of toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in correcting asymmetric bowtie corneal astigmatism remain uncertain. The accurate measurement of corneal astigmatism is essential for surgical planning. In this prospective cohort study, patients with asymmetric or symmetric bowtie corneal astigmatism who underwent toric IOL implantation were recruited. Preoperative corneal astigmatism was measured with an IOLMaster and Pentacam (including the simulated keratometry (SimK), total corneal refractive power (TCRP), and wavefront aberration (WFA) modes). At 3 months after surgery, the refractive outcomes and residual astigmatic refractive errors were compared with patients with symmetric bowtie astigmatism. The prediction errors (the differences between the calculated actual corneal astigmatism and the measured corneal astigmatism) were compared among the different measurement modes in the asymmetric group. There were no differences in residual astigmatism between the asymmetric and symmetric groups. However, the mean absolute residual astigmatic refractive error was greater in the asymmetric group than in the symmetric group (0.72 ± 0.42 D vs. 0.53 ± 0.24 D, p = 0.043). In the asymmetric group, the mean absolute prediction errors for the IOLMaster, SimK, TCRP and WFA modes were 0.53 ± 0.40, 0.56 ± 0.47, 0.68 ± 0.52, and 0.43 ± 0.40 D, respectively. The Pentacam WFA mode was the most accurate mode (p < 0.05). The absolute prediction error of the WFA mode was positively correlated with the total corneal irregular astigmatism higher-order aberrations and coma (r = 0.416 and r = 0.473, respectively; both p < 0.05). Our study suggests toric IOL implantation effectively corrected asymmetric bowtie corneal astigmatism. The Pentacam WFA mode may be the most accurate measurement mode, although its accuracy decreased as asymmetry increased.
Treatment of Calcific Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: Knotless Internal Brace versus Knot-Tying Suture Bridge
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Yang Xiaolei , Hao Yifan , Yang Fujun , Zhang Zhenping , Qian Qirong , Fu Peiliang , Zhou Qi
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to compare the knotless internal brace technique and the knot-tying suture bridge technique via the medial approach in the treatment of calcific Achilles tendinopathy. Methods: The clinical data of 25 cases of calcific Achilles tendinopathy in which nonoperative treatments had failed were retrospectively collected. All the patients received Achilles tendon debridement and Haglund deformity excision through a medial approach, followed by repair using the knotless internal brace technique or the knot-tying suture bridge technique. Pain was evaluated by using the visual analog scale (VAS). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) questionnaire was administered preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: The mean follow-up time was 2.6 (range 2–3.5) years. There were no wound complications and no Achilles tendon ruptures. At 1 year postoperatively, the internal brace group was superior to the suture bridge group in terms of the VAS scores (p = 0.003). However, no differences were noticed between the two groups in either the VAS or the AOFAS scores at 2 years postoperatively. Conclusions: The medial approach in combination with the suture bridge technique was effective in treating calcific Achilles tendinopathy. The knotless internal brace technique involved less pain compared to the knot-tying suture bridge technique only at the early postoperative stage.
Clinical Evolution of Acute Vestibular Syndrome: Longitudinal Retrospective Analysis of Epidemiological Data and Prognostic Factors for Recovery
Authors: Picciotti Pasqualina M. , Anzivino Roberta , Galli Jacopo , Franceschi Francesco , Conti Guido , Simeoni Benedetta , Covino Marcello
Published: February 2023

We evaluated the clinical features of patients admitted to the ED with acute vertigo, verifying symptoms after one month and one year to establish epidemiological factors and predictors of resolution. We reviewed 233 records of patients admitted to ED for acute vertigo (125 F and 85 M, mean age 56.12 years). We analyzed the correlation between time of resolution (at one month and one year) and symptoms duration (subjective and/or objective vertigo, instability, cervical pain, audiological, neurological, and neurovegetative symptoms), comorbidities, and therapies, the result of the clinical and instrumental vestibular examination. Resolution of acute vertigo occurred in 81.1%, while persistence of vertigo one year after ED access was reported in 18.8%. There were 135 patients who recovered in one month. The presence of instability, auditory and neurovegetative symptoms, and neck pain represents a significant factor for recovery within one year. Age over 65 and a history of hypertension are associated with a worst recovery. Patients with spontaneous Nystagmus or positive HIT showed a significant difference in symptoms recovery within one month and one year. Presence of positional Nystagmus represents a positive prognostic factor. Our findings emphasize the importance of clinical evaluation of the acute vertigo, helping the clinicians to define central or peripheral diagnosis and predict the resolution of vertigo.
Expanding Family Health History to Include Family Medication History
Authors: Haga Susanne B. , Orlando Lori A.
Published: February 2023

The collection of family health history (FHH) is an essential component of clinical practice and an important piece of data for patient risk assessment. However, family history data have generally been limited to diseases and have not included medication history. Family history was a key component of early pharmacogenetic research, confirming the role of genes in drug response. With the substantial number of known pharmacogenes, many affecting response to commonly prescribed medications, and the availability of clinical pharmacogenetic (PGx) tests and guidelines for interpretation, the collection of family medication history can inform testing decisions. This paper explores the roots of family-based pharmacogenetic studies to confirm the role of genes in these complex phenotypes and the benefits and challenges of collecting family medication history as part of family health history intake.
Recent Advances in Psychopharmacology: From Bench to Bedside Novel Trends in Schizophrenia
Authors: Shah Asim A. , Iqbal Syed Z.
Published: February 2023

Research in the field of psychopharmacology is ongoing to develop novel compounds which can revolutionize the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The concept of bench-to-bedside is a tedious process, transforming the initial research performed in the laboratories into novel treatment options. Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic psychiatric illness with significant morbidity and mortality. SCZ not only presents with psychotic symptoms including hallucinations and delusions but also with negative and cognitive symptoms. The negative symptoms include the diminished ability to express emotions, loss of pleasure, and motivation with minimal social interactions. Conventional antipsychotics primarily target positive symptoms with minimal therapeutic benefits for negative and cognitive symptoms along with metabolic side effects. Researchers have explored novel targets to develop new compounds to overcome the above limitations. The glutamatergic system has provided new hope in treating schizophrenia by targeting negative and cognitive symptoms. Other receptor modulators, including serotonergic, phosphodiesterase, trans-amine-associated receptors, etc., are novel targets for developing new compounds. Future research is required in this field to explore novel compounds and establish their efficacy and safety for the treatment of schizophrenia. Last but not least, pharmacogenomics has effectively utilized genetic information to develop novel compounds by minimizing the risk of failure of the clinical trials and enhancing efficacy and safety.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Secondary Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Patients with Multiple Myeloma during Long-Term Thalidomide Maintenance
Authors: Liu Junru , Huang Beihui , Gu Jingli , Li Juan
Published: February 2023

Background: Secondary primary malignancies (SPM) have attracted increasing attention with the application of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and novel agents in multiple myeloma (MM). Secondary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (sALL) has rarely been reported, and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of sALL have not been described in detail. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 179 consecutive newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients undergoing bortezomib-based induction regimens followed by upfront ASCT and maintenance therapy from December 2006 to April 2018 in our center. Results: The median follow-up interval was 69.1 months, and 12 patients (6.7%) developed sALL during maintenance therapy. The median time from the diagnosis of MM to the occurrence of sALL was 51.1 (31.7–91.5) months. All sALL patients received thalidomide as maintenance therapy before the onset of sALL, and the median duration of thalidomide maintenance was 39.5 (24–74) months. The cumulative incidence of sALL was 6.6% and 11.2% at 5 and 10 years after the diagnosis of MM, respectively. All sALL patients presented with a B-cell immunophenotype accompanied by myeloid antigen expression according to flow cytometry analysis, and the BCR/ABL fusion gene was all negative. Only one patient had evidence of active MM, and the other patients were in stable status at the time of the diagnosis of sALL. The prognosis of most sALL patients was very poor, and the median overall survival time was 11.9 (1.1–51.2) months since the diagnosis of sALL. Conclusions: sALL should be considered for MM patients who developed unexplained persistent cytopenia while on long-term thalidomide maintenance treatment, particularly if it has been more than 3 years. With the increasing availability of new drugs for MM, thalidomide may be recommended for no more than 3 years. Sequential allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was considered as soon as possible after achieving remission in order to achieve a longer survival.
Does Electrical Stimulation through Nerve Conduits Improve Peripheral Nerve Regeneration?—A Systematic Review
Authors: Hasiba-Pappas Sophie , Kamolz Lars-P. , Luze Hanna , Nischwitz Sebastian P. , Holzer-Geissler Judith C. J. , Tuca Alexandru Cristian , Rienmüller Theresa , Polz Mathias , Ziesel Daniel , Winter Raimund
Published: February 2023

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries affect over 2% of trauma patients and can lead to severe functional impairment and permanent disability. Autologous nerve transplantation is still the gold standard in the reconstruction of nerve defects. For small defects, conduits can be considered for bridging. Lately, the combined use of conduits and electrical stimulation has gained attention in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. This review aimed to present the currently available data on this topic. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on electrical stimulation through nerve conduits for nerve defects in in vivo studies. Results: Fifteen studies fit the inclusion criteria. All of them reported on the application of nerve conduits combined with stimulation for sciatic nerve gaps in rats. Functional, electrophysiological and histological evaluations showed improved nerve regeneration after electrical stimulation. High variation was observed in the treatment protocols. Conclusion: Electrically stimulated conduits could improve peripheral nerve regeneration in rat models. The combined application of nerve guidance conduits and electrical stimulation shows promising results and should be further evaluated under standardized conditions.
Pituitary Enlargement and Hypopituitarism in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
Authors: Chiloiro Sabrina , Giampietro Antonella , Bianchi Antonio , Menotti Sara , Angelini Flavia , Tartaglione Tommaso , Antonini Cappellini Gian , De Galitiis Federica , Rossi Ernesto , Schinzari Giovanni , Scoppola Alessandro , Pontecorvi Alfredo , De Marinis Laura , Fleseriu Maria
Published: February 2023

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor hypophysitis (IIHs) is an emerging problem in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to describe the clinical and molecular features of a multicenter series of IIHs. Methods: Demographic and clinical features were retrospectively collected for all cases. Anti-pituitary and anti-hypothalamus autoantibodies were also measured. Results: Nine patients were included. Six patients were treated with nivolumab and three with ipilimumab. Secondary hypoadrenalism was diagnosed in all patients. Pituitary MRI showed pituitary enlargement in two cases and no abnormalities in the other seven. Anti-pituitary antibodies were positive in 57.1% of cases and anti-hypothalamus antibodies in 85.7% of cases. Multidisciplinary treatments were established by a neuroendocrinologist and oncologists: all patients were treated with hydrocortisone replacement; ICI was withdrawn in two cases. At follow-up, hypoadrenalism persisted in all cases. Pituitary enlargement on MRI spontaneously recovered in the two affected patients. We found that the typical features of hypophysitis involved more frequently females and patients treated with ipilimumab. Conclusions: Although this study did not clarify if autoimmune secondary hypoadrenalism and ICI hypophysitis on brain imaging are two sides of the same disease, our preliminary data underline the need for molecular studies of IIHs and of autoimmune ICIs-related hypopituitarism.
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Rehabilitation Protocol in the Perioperative Period of Orthopedics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tao Jiasheng , Yan Zijian , Bai Guowen , Zhang Hua , Li Jie
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a surgical rehabilitation protocol of increasing interest to clinicians in recent years, with the aim of faster and better recovery of patients after surgery. Our main focus in this review is to analyze the effectiveness of ERAS rehabilitation protocols in orthopedic surgery. By comparing the post-operative recovery of patients receiving the ERAS rehabilitation program with that of patients receiving the conventional rehabilitation program, we observed whether the patients who have received the ERAS rehabilitation program could recover better and faster, thereby achieving the aim of a shorter hospital stay and reducing the incidence of complications. Methods: We conducted the literature searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Reviews, EMBASE and other databases on clinical studies related to orthopedic surgery regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation using ERAS rehabilitation protocols compared with conventional rehabilitation protocols. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. If there was variability in the rehabilitation data of the patients between the two subgroups, it was considered that there was a difference in the rehabilitation effect of the ERAS rehabilitation protocol and the conventional rehabilitation protocol on the patients. Conclusion: The application of ERAS rehabilitation protocols can shorten patients’ hospital stay and reduce their expenses. In addition, patients with ERAS rehabilitation protocols will have fewer postoperative complications, while patients will have less postoperative pain than those with conventional rehabilitation, facilitating better postoperative recovery.
Targeting mTOR Pathway in PTEN Deleted Newly Isolated Chordoma Cell Line
Authors: Pagani Francesca , Gryzik Magdalena , Somenza Elena , Cominelli Manuela , Balzarini Piera , Schreiber Alberto , Mattavelli Davide , Nicolai Piero , Doglietto Francesco , Poliani Pietro Luigi
Published: February 2023

Chordomas are rare primary malignant tumours of notochordal origin usually arising along the axial skeleton with particular predilection of the skull base and sacrococcygeal region. Albeit usually slow-growing, chordomas can be aggressive mostly depending on their invasive behaviour and according to different histotypes and molecular alterations, including TBXT duplication and SMARCB1 homozygous deletion. Partial or complete PTEN deficiency has also been observed. PTEN is a negative regulator of the Akt/mTOR pathway and hyperactivation of Akt/mTOR in cells lacking PTEN expression contributes to cell proliferation and invasiveness. This pathway is targeted by mTOR inhibitors and the availability of in vitro models of chordoma cells will aid in further investigating this issue. However, isolation and maintenance of chordoma cell lines are challenging and PTEN-deleted chordoma cell lines are exceedingly rare. Hereby, we established and characterized a novel human PTEN-deleted chordoma cell line (CH3) from a primary skull base chordoma. Cells exhibited morphological and molecular features of the parent tumour, including PTEN loss and expression of Brachyury and EMA. Moreover, we investigated the activation of the mTOR pathway and cell response to mTOR inhibitors. CH3 cells were sensitive to Rapamycin treatment suggesting that mTOR inhibitors may represent a valuable option for patients suffering from PTEN-deleted chordomas.
Patient Specific Instruments and Patient Individual Implants—A Narrative Review
Authors: Benignus Christian , Buschner Peter , Meier Malin Kristin , Wilken Frauke , Rieger Johannes , Beckmann Johannes
Published: February 2023

Joint arthroplasties are one of the most frequently performed standard operations worldwide. Patient individual instruments and patient individual implants represent an innovation that must prove its usefulness in further studies. However, promising results are emerging. Those implants seem to be a benefit especially in revision situations. Most experience is available in the field of knee and hip arthroplasty. Patient-specific instruments for the shoulder and upper ankle are much less common. Patient individual implants combine individual cutting blocks and implants, while patient individual instruments solely use individual cutting blocks in combination with off-the-shelf implants. This review summarizes the current data regarding the implantation of individual implants and the use of individual instruments.
Fenugreek and Its Effects on Muscle Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Albaker Waleed I.
Published: February 2023

Fenugreek extracts possess promising physiological and pharmacological properties in human and animal models. This review aims to provide a scientific and comprehensive analysis of the literature on the effects of fenugreek extracts on muscle performance. An extensive online search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. The main medical and scientific engines were searched for articles from May 1981 to May 2021 to capture all scientific studies focused on the effect of fenugreek on muscle and exercise or sport. Out of 81 studies acquired, six eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the qualitative analysis. Four RCTs observed that fenugreek supplementation had significantly improved muscle strength, repetitions to failure (muscle endurance), submaximal performance index, lean body mass, and reduced body fat. Among the remaining two trials, one reported the significant effect of fenugreek extracts on the rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis during post-exercise recovery; however, the other failed to do so. Those two trials were weak, with a minimal sample size (<10). Further, fenugreek glycoside supplementation with sapogenins and saponins reported substantial anabolic and androgenic activity, influencing testosterone levels and muscle performance. It was useful during eight weeks of resistance training without any clinical side effects. Fenugreek with creatine supplementation improved creatine uptake without the necessity of high carbohydrate intake. Hence, fenugreek extracts can be a helpful natural supplement and ergogenic aid for athletes. However, it is better to be aware of doping and liver and kidney damage before using the fenugreek supplement.
Role of Governance in Developing Disaster Resiliency and Its Impact on Economic Sustainability
Authors: Kalogiannidis Stavros , Kalfas Dimitrios , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios , Lekkas Efthymios
Published: February 2023

This study explores the role played by governance in developing disaster resiliency and its impact on economic sustainability in Greece. Descriptive research was undertaken, and data were collected from 180 local governance leaders in Western Macedonia, Greece, to gain a deeper understanding of the role of governance in developing disaster resiliency and economic sustainability. The study confirmed the hypothesis that the focus of governance in developing disaster resiliency positively affects economic sustainability. The ability of governance to develop disaster resiliency and economic sustainability is mostly through leadership, engaging civil society, and international cooperation. These roles played by governance are also influenced by different political, economic, cultural, and social aspects, which all have an impact on the risk governance systems that cut across levels of resource assurance, technical support, and disaster risk management. Governance may have a significant impact on the overall design of rules and systems, including legislation, different decision-making procedures, and policy-implementation mechanisms, via political leadership. In terms of economics, the primary responsibility of governance is to support disaster risk-reduction systems. Governance must encourage risk awareness on a national basis through intensive disaster risk research, technological development, disaster-reduction education, and emergency response skills practice.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution, Spillover Effects of Land Resource Use Efficiency in Urban Built-Up Area: A Further Analysis Based on Economic Agglomeration
Authors: Yu Naifu , Tang Yingkai , Ma Ying
Published: February 2023

The Chinese “New Normal” economic model is a national strategy for adapting to sustainable development and offers important implications for the development of new economies. The “New Normal” economic model aims at improving the use efficiency of land resources in the framework of sustainable development. A discussion of the spatio-temporal evolution of land resource use efficiency (LRUE) in urban built-up areas can help in better assessing LRUE. In this paper, the super-efficiency slack-based measure (Super-SBM) method and spatial econometric models are used to study 281 prefecture-level cities in China between 2004 and 2020. Further, this paper explores the relationship between economic agglomeration and LRUE, which is of great value in managing land resources. The results show that there is a spatial spillover in LRUE and a U-shaped relationship between it and economic agglomeration.
Spatial Coupling Characteristics and Factors Influencing Soil–Vegetation Relationships in the Lower Part of the Shiyang River Basin
Authors: Yang Jianxia , Zhao Jun , Zhu Guofeng , Wen Yuanyuan , Liu Jialiang
Published: February 2023

The relationship between soil and vegetation is an essential scientific issue in surface environment change. (1) Background: Since the implementation of the Shiyang River Basin governance plan, it has become necessary to quantitatively evaluate the impact of ecological restoration on soil–vegetation spatial coupling. (2) Methods: A coupled model and a coupled coordination model are adopted in order to investigate the spatial coupling characteristics of soil–vegetation systems. Additionally, we explore the influences of climate factors and soil properties on the level of spatial coupling and coordination. (3) Results: From 2015 to 2020, the soil–vegetation spatial coupling coordination in the lower reaches of the Shiyang River Basin was poor, and the average annual proportion of areas with medium and low degrees of uncoordination reached 79.3%. The level of spatial coupling coordination is differed under different vegetation coverage scenarios, and the bare land mainly showed low and moderate imbalances, accounting for 90.3% of the annual average area. The annual average proportions of short coverage and canopy coverage coordinated areas were 53.4% and 49.3%, respectively. In particular, vegetation in the Minqin hinterland is highly sensitive to environmental changes. With the implementation of ecological water conveyance, the spatial coupling coordination between soil and vegetation has improved slightly; however, the effect is not obvious. (4) Conclusions: Precipitation, temperature, and potential evaporation affect the level of coupling coordination between soil and vegetation, with the former having a positive effect and the latter two having negative effects. In addition, soil enriched with sulfate and sand contributed to the disharmony of soil–vegetation relationships in the study area.
A Review of Agricultural Land Functions: Analysis and Visualization Based on Bibliometrics
Authors: Li Xiao , Wu Kening , Liang Yabo
Published: February 2023

Achieving the goals of global food security and sustainable agricultural land use requires research that understands the processes and mechanisms of change in agricultural land systems. Agricultural land function is a suitable research area. Therefore, this paper collected 1643 papers on agricultural land function from the Web of Science Core Collection as research materials. HistCite, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer were used as the bibliometrics analysis tools to study basic information, research progress, hotspots, and frontiers in agricultural land function. The results showed that over the past 30 years, publications on agricultural land function have increased, and the dominant authors and institutions were located in the United States, China, Europe, etc. Land use, agriculture, and multifunctionality were research hotspots in this field. The research frontier included the interaction analysis between land use pattern and function, the evaluation and valuation of agricultural land function, the interaction and driving factors between agricultural land functions, and the relationship between agricultural land function and sustainability. This study could help researchers further understand the research status on agricultural land function, playing a fundamental role in the sustainable utilization of the agricultural land system and the realization of global food security goals.
Evaluating Differences between Ground-Based and Satellite-Derived Measurements of Urban Heat: The Role of Land Cover Classes in Portland, Oregon and Washington, D.C.
Authors: Shandas Vivek , Makido Yasuyo , Upraity Aakash Nath
Published: February 2023

The distinction between satellite-based land surface temperature (LST) and air temperature has become an increasingly important part of managing urban heat islands. While the preponderance of urban heat research relies on LST, the emergence of a growing infrastructure of publicly available consumer oriented, ground-based sensor networks has offered an alternative for characterizing microscale differences in temperatures. Recent evidence suggests large differences between LST and air temperatures, yet discerning the reason for these differences between satellite-derived measurements of urban heat islands (UHI) and ground-based measurements of air temperature remains largely unresolved. In this study, we draw on an unusually robust and spatially exhaustive dataset of air temperature in two distinct bioclimates—Portland, Oregon, USA and Washington, D.C., USA—to evaluate the role of land cover on temperature. Our findings suggest that LST in highly built environments is consistently higher than recorded air temperatures, at times varying upwards of 15-degree Celsius, while forested areas contain between 2.5 and 3.5-degree Celsius lower temperatures than LST would otherwise indicate. Furthermore, our analyses points to the effects of land use and land cover features and other geophysical processes may have in determining differences in heat measurements across the two locations. The strength of the present analyses also highlights the importance of hyperlocal scales of data used in conjunction with coarser grain satellite derived data to inform urban heat assessments. Our results suggest a consistent pattern in both study areas, which can further our capacity to develop predictive models of air temperature using freely available descriptions of LST.
Field-Layer Vegetation and Water Table Level as a Proxy of CO2 Exchange in the West Siberian Boreal Bog
Authors: Ilyasov Danil V. , Meshcheryakova Anastasia V. , Glagolev Mikhail V. , Kupriianova Iuliia V. , Kaverin Alexandr A. , Sabrekov Alexandr F. , Kulyabin Mikhail F. , Lapshina Elena D.
Published: February 2023

The Mukhrino field station has participated in the national project on the inventory of carbon fluxes and pools in the terrestrial ecosystems of Russia since 2022. The development of a network of measurements of CO2 fluxes and phytomass covered six types of bog ecosystems typical to Western Siberia. The gross ecosystem exchange (GEE) of the field-layer vegetation (medians for the period from the end of May to the end of July, mgC m−2 h−1; see errors in Results section) decreased in series: Sphagnum bog with sparse low pine trees (“Open bog”), ridges in ridge-hollow patterned bogs (“Ridge”), pine-dwarf shrub-Sphagnum bog (“Tall ryam”), hollows in patterned bogs (“S.hollow”, “E.hollow”) and pine-dwarf shrub-Sphagnum bog (“Ryam”): −220, −200, −125, −120, −109 and −86, respectively. Ecosystem respiration (Reco) here was 106, 106, 182, 55, 97 and 136. The aboveground and belowground phytomass of mosses in this series varied between 368 ± 106–472 ± 184 and 2484 ± 517–6041 ± 2079 g/m2, respectively: the aboveground phytomass of vascular plants and plant litter—15 ± 7–128 ± 95 and 10 ± 6–128 ± 43, respectively. According to the results of mathematical modeling, the best proxy for GEE, in addition to photosynthetically active radiation and soil surface temperature, was the aboveground phytomass of vascular plants (PhV), and for Reco—PhV and the mass of the plant litter of vascular plants.
Quantify the Contribution of Nature-Based Solutions in Reducing the Impacts of Hydro-Meteorological Hazards in the Urban Environment: A Case Study in Naples, Italy
Authors: Clemente Maria Fabrizia , D’Ambrosio Valeria , Di Martino Ferdinando , Miraglia Vittorio
Published: February 2023

Urban areas are vulnerable to multiple risks associated with hydro-meteorological hazards (HMHs). The assessment of the climate benefits of implementing nature-based solutions (NBSs) in urban areas, especially in open spaces, is widely recognised and discussed within the scientific literature; however, the quantification of these benefits, in terms of the HMHs reduction, human safety and human well-being, is still a subject of debate. In this context, this contribution proposes a methodological approach that, starting from the analysis of the impacts of coastal flooding and in terms of the potential direct and tangible economic damages, heatwave events and vulnerability of open spaces, proposes the application and assessment of NBSs in terms of the reduction in these impacts. The process was developed in the GIS environment based on the processing of open-source data. The test was conducted in the case study of Naples’ waterfront to identify the potentialities and limitations of the approach. The results showed the contribution of NBSs in reducing the economic damages due to coastal flooding and the improved vulnerability conditions to heatwave events.
Community-Based Approaches in the Construction and Management of Water Infrastructures among the Chagga, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Silayo Valence M. , Pikirayi Innocent
Published: February 2023

Water management among the Chagga people of Kilimanjaro has involved community collaboration in the construction, ownership and management of water infrastructures. Since the second half of the second millennium AD, the Chagga settlement on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro significantly transformed the landscape to reflect an agrarian society characterised by decentralised forms of socio-political and economic organisation. Such organisation involved conception, construction, and post-construction management of water distribution systems, synonymous with high levels of socio-political complexity. The study employs ethnography and archaeological surveys to document the construction of water infrastructures on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. An ethnographic survey among Chagga elders generated primary data on water furrow construction. This information was then used to aid archaeological surveys in mapping irrigation furrows (mfongo) in the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. The ethnography also provided data on how Chagga chiefs and clan leaders governed the construction, use and maintenance of water infrastructures in the past. Such approaches highlighted Chagga lived experiences of traditional irrigation technologies and infrastructures and how these developed a complex agrarian society. Results show that community collaboration was key in the management of water infrastructure vital for their home gardens, and this sustained Chagga society for centuries.
Political Circles and Land Supply for the Service and Industrial Sectors: Evidence from 284 Cities in China
Authors: Zhao Ya , Choy Lennon H. T. , Chau Kwong Wing
Published: February 2023

This study examines how political career incentives drive city leaders to strategically lease land to the service and industrial sectors within their terms of office and trigger political circles in land supply. Drawing on a comprehensive panel dataset covering 284 cities in China from 2006 to 2020, the results of panel regressions reveal a U-shaped correlation between mayors’ tenure in office and the quantity and proportion of land leased to the service sector for the 2006–2013 period, when economic growth was the overwhelming indicator of political performance. Newly appointed mayors are more motivated to stimulate long-term economic growth and supply more land to the industrial sector. As their tenure in office increases, mayors become less concerned with maximizing long-term economic growth and opt to lease more land to the service sector for immediate one-off proceeds. However, the U-shaped relationship has disappeared since 2013, when the cadre evaluation system was amended to prohibit using GDP growth as the primary criterion for evaluating local officials’ performance.
Exploring the Implications of Input Variability for Unfamiliar Accented Speech Perception: A Focused Review and New Hypotheses
Authors: Cowan Tiana M. , Olmstead Anne J.
Published: February 2023

Children with and without communication disorders have difficulty understanding words and sentences produced by talkers with unfamiliar characteristics, such as unfamiliar accents. To date, few studies have investigated how this difficulty manifests in linguistically diverse children. Studies of monolingual children have found that lexical and phonological skills predict accurate perception. For linguistically diverse children, there are differences in the structure of their linguistic input relative to their monolingual peers. These differences in their linguistic input influence their lexical and phonological development, suggesting that they may also differ in how they perceive unfamiliar accented speech. In this paper we present different hypotheses for how input variability might affect unfamiliar accented speech perception. Then, we conduct a focused review of the literature on how input variability affects early linguistic development for bilingual and bidialectal children. We link this information to the literature on how children with and without language disorders understand unfamiliar accented speech to identify important areas for future inquiry. Determining how input variability interacts with linguistic skills to predict unfamiliar speech perception is a crucial area for future inquiry. Effective clinical recommendations and educational accommodations require understanding of the linguistic skills and experience that support accurate variable speech perception for diverse populations.
Characterization of Two Transposable Elements and an Ultra-Conserved Element Isolated in the Genome of Zootoca vivipara (Squamata, Lacertidae)
Authors: Mezzasalma Marcello , Capriglione Teresa , Kupriyanova Larissa , Odierna Gaetano , Pallotta Maria Michela , Petraccioli Agnese , Picariello Orfeo , Guarino Fabio M.
Published: February 2023

Transposable elements (TEs) constitute a considerable fraction of eukaryote genomes representing a major source of genetic variability. We describe two DNA sequences isolated in the lizard Zootoca vivipara, here named Zv516 and Zv817. Both sequences are single-copy nuclear sequences, including a truncation of two transposable elements (TEs), SINE Squam1 in Zv516 and a Tc1/Mariner-like DNA transposon in Zv817. FISH analyses with Zv516 showed the occurrence of interspersed signals of the SINE Squam1 sequence on all chromosomes of Z. vivipara and quantitative dot blot indicated that this TE is present with about 4700 copies in the Z. vivipara genome. FISH and dot blot with Zv817 did not produce clear hybridization signals. Bioinformatic analysis showed the presence of active SINE Squam 1 copies in the genome of different lacertids, in different mRNAs, and intronic and coding regions of various genes. The Tc1/Mariner-like DNA transposon occurs in all reptiles, excluding Sphenodon and Archosauria. Zv817 includes a trait of 284 bp, representing an amniote ultra-conserved element (UCE). Using amniote UCE homologous sequences from available whole genome sequences of major amniote taxonomic groups, we performed a phylogenetic analysis which retrieved Prototheria as the sister group of Metatheria and Eutheria. Within diapsids, Testudines are the sister group to Aves + Crocodylia (Archosauria), and Sphenodon is the sister group to Squamata. Furthermore, large trait regions flanking the UCE are conserved at family level.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella and Campylobacter Isolates from Raw Chicken Breasts in Retail Markets in the United States and Comparison to Data from the Plant Level
Authors: Mujahid Sana , Hansen Michael , Miranda Robyn , Newsom-Stewart Keith , Rogers James E.
Published: February 2023

Chicken is the most popular meat in the United States, and consumers may be exposed to multidrug resistant Salmonella and Campylobacter through consumption of retail chicken breasts. This study aimed to (i) determine the percentage of raw, packaged, retail chicken breasts from 27 metro areas that tested positive for Salmonella and Campylobacter; (ii) investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of a subset of the isolates; and (iii) compare the Salmonella prevalence data to establishment level Salmonella categorization data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) methodology was used to isolate and identify Salmonella (n = 672), Campylobacter (n = 499) from 400 g samples. National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) methodology was followed for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Salmonella (n = 52) and Campylobacter (n = 16) isolates. Salmonella was found in 8.6% of samples and Campylobacter in 4.2%. Having a 3 rating in USDA’s Salmonella Categorization of Individual Establishments for chicken parts was predictive of having a higher Salmonella percent positive in our data set (p ≤ 0.05). A total of 73.1% of Salmonella isolates, and 62.5% of Campylobacter isolates were resistant to ≥one class of antibiotics, with 48.1% of Salmonella isolates resistant to ≥three classes. Current results support interventions that take a ‘farm-to-fork’ approach with distinction by poultry types and parts as well as serovars, to lower antibiotic resistant Salmonella infections in humans due to poultry. Highlights: Salmonella was found in 8.6% and Campylobacter in 4.2% of chicken breasts tested; A 3 rating by USDA was predictive of a higher Salmonella percent positive; 48.1% of Salmonella isolates were resistant to 3 or more classes of antibiotics.
In Vitro Anticancer and Antibacterial Activities of the Essential Oil of Forsskal’s Basil Growing in Extreme Environmental Conditions
Authors: Bader Ammar , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Obaid Najla A. , Youssef Lamees , Naffadi Hind M. , Elzubier Mohamed E. , Almaimani Riyad A. , Flamini Guido , Pieracci Ylenia , El-Readi Mahmoud Zaki
Published: February 2023

Many species belonging to the genus Ocimum are used for aromatic, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. The essential oil (OFEO) obtained by hydrodistillation of the flowering aerial parts of Forsskal’s Basil “Ocimum forskolei Benth” growing in extreme environmental conditions in Mecca Region, Saudi Arabia was analyzed by GC-MS. The main constituents were phenylpropanoids (methyl eugenol 55.65% and eugenol 11.66%), monoterpene (linalool 9.75%), and sesquiterpenes (germacrene D 3.72% and β-caryophyllene 2.57%). The OFEO was tested against MCF7, HT29, and HCT116 cancer cells and compared with normal fibroblast cells (MRC5). The MTT assay showed that HCT116 was more sensitive to OFEO (IC50 5.34 μg/mL), which reduced the number of HCT116 colonies at 6 μg/mL, while causing complete colony death at 12 and 24 μg/mL. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the level change of different proteins with respect to GAPDH. OFEO upregulated the apoptotic protein (caspase 3), and downregulated the cell proliferation proteins (AKT and pAKT), cell cycle arrest (PCNA, Cyclin D1), and the anti-apoptotic Bcl2 proteins. OFEO was also tested against reference strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus by using the well-diffusion and assessing their MICs, which ranged from 250 to 500 μg/mL.
Machinability Investigations Based on Tool Wear, Surface Roughness, Cutting Temperature, Chip Morphology and Material Removal Rate during Dry and MQL-Assisted Milling of Nimax Mold Steel
Authors: Binali Rüstem , Demirpolat Havva , Kuntoğlu Mustafa , Sağlam Hacı
Published: February 2023

Using cutting fluids is considered in industrial applications and academia due to their increased influence over many aspects such as machinability, sustainability and manufacturing costs. This paper addresses the machinability perspective by examining indicators such as roughness, cutting temperature, tool wear and chip morphology during the milling of mold steel. A special type of steel is Nimaxm which is a difficult-to-cut material because of its high strength, toughness, hardness and wear resistance. Since mold steels have the reverse geometry of the components produced by this technology, their surface quality and dimensional accuracy are highly important. Therefore, two different strategies, i.e., dry and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), were chosen to conduct an in-depth analysis of the milling performance during cutting at different cutting speeds, feed rates and cutting depths. Without exception, MQL technology showed a better performance than the dry condition in obtaining better surface roughnesses under different cutting parameters. Despite that only a small improvement was achieved in terms of cutting temperature, MQL was found to be successful in protecting the cutting tool from excessive amounts of wear and chips. This paper is anticipated to be a guide for manufacturers and researchers in the area of mold steels by presenting an analysis of the capabilities of sustainable machining methods.
Application of an Oleophobic Coating to Improve Formability in the Deep-Drawing Process
Authors: Thipprakmas Sutasn , Sriborwornmongkol Juksawat , Jankree Rudeemas , Phanitwong Wiriyakorn
Published: February 2023

The competition among sheet-metal-forming manufacturers in recent years has become more severe. Many manufacturers have survived by cutting their production costs. Increasing the formability, which could reduce the production costs, is the focus of many manufacturers and engineers. In the present research, to increase the formability over the limiting drawing ratio (LDR) in the cylindrical deep-drawing process, the application of oleophobic coating is proposed. An SUS304 (JIS standard)-stainless-steel cylindrical deep-drawn component was used as the investigated model. First, we applied the oleophobic coating in the sheet-metal-forming process, and tribology tests were carried out to examine the friction coefficients, which were reduced by approximately 60% compared with those of standard lubricant use (Iloform TDN81). Next, deep-drawing tests were performed to investigate the drawing ratio (DR). The LDR recommended in the past could be overcome, and it increased by approximately 12% with the oleophobic coating use. Finally, the deep-drawing mechanism using an extremely low friction coefficient was clarified as well. Based on these results, an oleophobic coating could be applied in the cylindrical deep-drawing process to increase the LDR. The results also clearly expose the multidisciplinary approach that combines an oleophobic coating application and the sheet-metal-forming process.
Application of Silsesquioxanes in the Preparation of Polyolefin-Based Materials
Authors: Białek Marzena , Czaja Krystyna
Published: February 2023

This paper is a review of studies on the use of the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) of various structures in the synthesis of polyolefins and the modification of their properties, namely: (1) components of organometallic catalytic systems for the polymerization of olefins, (2) comonomers in the copolymerization with ethylene, and (3) fillers in composites based on polyolefins. In addition, studies on the use of new silicon compounds, i.e., siloxane–silsesquioxane resins, as fillers for composites based on polyolefins are presented. The authors dedicate this paper to Professor Bogdan Marciniec on the occasion of his jubilee.