bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytomolecular Organisation of the Nuclear Genome
Authors: Hasterok Robert , Borowska-Zuchowska Natalia , Robaszkiewicz Ewa
Published: October 2022

Modern molecular cytogenetics allows many aspects of the nuclear genome structure, function, and evolution to be analysed within the topographic context of mitotic and meiotic chromosomes and interphase nuclei [...]
Enriched Environment Attenuates Enhanced Trait Anxiety in Association with Normalization of Aberrant Neuro-Inflammatory Events
Authors: Sah Anupam , Rooney Sinead , Kharitonova Maria , Sartori Simone B. , Wolf Susanne A. , Singewald Nicolas
Published: October 2022

Neuroinflammation is discussed to play a role in specific subgroups of different psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders. We have previously shown that a mouse model of trait anxiety (HAB) displays enhanced microglial density and phagocytic activity in key regions of anxiety circuits compared to normal-anxiety controls (NAB). Using minocycline, we provided causal evidence that reducing microglial activation within the dentate gyrus (DG) attenuated enhanced anxiety in HABs. Besides pharmacological intervention, “positive environmental stimuli”, which have the advantage of exerting no side-effects, have been shown to modulate inflammation-related markers in human beings. Therefore, we now investigated whether environmental enrichment (EE) would be sufficient to modulate upregulated neuroinflammation in high-anxiety HABs. We show for the first time that EE can indeed attenuate enhanced trait anxiety, even when presented as late as adulthood. We further found that EE-induced anxiolysis was associated with the attenuation of enhanced microglial density (using Iba-1 as the marker) in the DG and medial prefrontal cortex. Additionally, EE reduced Iba1 + CD68+ microglia density within the anterior DG. Hence, the successful attenuation of trait anxiety by EE was associated in part with the normalization of neuro-inflammatory imbalances. These results suggest that pharmacological and/or positive behavioral therapies triggering microglia-targeted anti-inflammatory effects could be promising as novel alternatives or complimentary anxiolytic therapeutic approaches in specific subgroups of individuals predisposed to trait anxiety.
An Introduction to the Special Issue “Protein Glycation in Food, Nutrition, Health and Disease”
Authors: Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul J.
Published: October 2022

On 20–24 September 2021, leading researchers in the field of glycation met online at the 14th International Symposium on the Maillard Reaction (IMARS-14), hosted by the authors of this introductory editorial, who are from Doha, Qatar [...]
Perinatal Outcome and Its Association with Blood Pressure Levels in Women with Preeclampsia
Authors: Willy Daniela , Schmitz Ralf , Klockenbusch Walter , Köster Helen Ann , Willy Kevin , Braun Janina , Möllers Mareike , Oelmeier Kathrin
Published: October 2022

Background: Timing and mode of delivery in women with preeclampsia remains challenging, often balancing the risk of severe maternal complications and preterm delivery with its risks for the newborn. It is known that women with very high blood pressure levels in pregnancy have more unfavourable outcomes, but there is little data on neonatal outcome in these cases and the effect of the delivery mode. Methods: We included 158 preeclamptic women in our single-centre retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into three subgroups depending on blood pressure levels, and delivery mode as well as neonatal outcomes were analysed. Furthermore, the effect of gestational age at delivery was assessed. Results: Maternal blood pressure levels correlated negatively with gestational age at delivery (p = 0.007) and positively with delivery via caesarean section (p = 0.003). Induction of labour was more frequent in women with lower blood pressure levels (p = 0.008) and higher gestational age (p < 0.001). If labour was induced, vaginal delivery was achieved equally often in all gestational ages. Neonatal outcome appears to be more favourable after vaginal delivery compared to planned caesarean section (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Induction of labour should be discussed generously in preeclamptic women, even if blood pressure levels are high and/or gestational age is young, as success rates seem to be adequate and neonatal outcome is more favourable after vaginal delivery. Large prospective trials are needed to better evaluate success rates, risks and complications of induced labour and the effects of delivery mode on neonatal outcome in preeclampsia.
Design and Implementation of Airway Response Teams to Improve the Practice of Emergency Airway Management
Authors: Tankard Kelly A. , Sharifpour Milad , Chang Marvin G. , Bittner Edward A.
Published: October 2022

Emergency airway management (EAM) is a commonly performed procedure in the critical care setting. Despite clinical advances that help practitioners identify patients at risk for having a difficult airway, improved airway management tools, and algorithms that guide clinical decision-making, the practice of EAM is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that a dedicated airway response team (ART) can help mitigate the risks associated with EAM and provide a framework for airway management in acute settings. We review the risks and challenges related to EAM and describe strategies to improve patient care and outcomes via implementation of an ART.
Risk Factors and Treatment Strategy for Retinal Vascular Occlusive Diseases
Authors: Terao Ryo , Fujino Ryosuke , Ahmed Tazbir
Published: October 2022

Retinal occlusive diseases are common diseases that can lead to visual impairment. Retinal artery occlusion and retinal vein occlusion are included in the clinical entity, but they have quite different pathophysiologies. Retinal artery occlusion is an emergent eye disorder. Retinal artery occlusion is mainly caused by thromboembolism, which frequently occurs in conjunction with life-threatening stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, prompt examinations and interventions for systemic vascular diseases are often necessary for these patients. Retinal vein occlusion is characterized by retinal hemorrhage and ischemia, which may impair visual function via several complications such as macular edema, macular ischemia, vitreous hemorrhage, and neovascular glaucoma. Even though anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy is the current established first-line of treatment for retinal vein occlusion, several clinical studies have been performed to identify better treatment protocols and new therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize the current findings and advances in knowledge regarding retinal occlusive diseases, particularly focusing on recent studies, in order to provide an update for a better understanding of its pathogenesis.
Endovascular Management of Vascular Complications in Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Type IV
Authors: Alqahtani Mubarak , Claudinot Amandine , Gaudry Marine , Bartoli Axel , Barral Pierre Antoine , Vidal Vincent , Boyer Louis , Busa Tiffany , Cadour Farah , Jacquier Alexis , De Masi Mariangela , Bal Laurence
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The vascular type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the COL3A1 gene that result in arterial and organ fragility and premature death. We present five cases of vEDS that highlight the diagnosis and treatment challenges encountered by clinicians with these patients. (2) Case presentations: we present the cases of five patients with vascular complications of vEDS who were successfully managed using endovascular interventions or hybrid techniques at our institution from 2005 to 2022. (3) Conclusions: These data emphasize that a multidisciplinary approach is needed for vEDS patients and that when endovascular or hybrid treatment is performed in a timely manner by a skilled team of interventional radiologists, good results can be achieved. Our report also demonstrates that the prognosis of vEDS patients has improved over the past 20 years with a new prevention program including celiprolol therapy, physical activity adaptation and limitation, and scheduled monitoring by expert clinicians.
Psychological Profile in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Authors: Magariños López Mónica , Lobato Rodríguez María José , Menéndez García Ángela , García-Cid Sophie , Royuela Ana , Pereira Augusto
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is a prevalent medical condition with a complex treatment due to different variables that influence its clinical course. (2) Methods: Psychological variables such as depression, anxiety, catastrophizing or neuroticism have been described as influencing CPP. This is a cross-sectional study of 63 patients with CPP sent for a psychological evaluation due to participation in group therapy for CPP. The main purpose of this study was to characterize the baseline psychological characteristics of women with CPP. The NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) were performed. (3) Results: The personality profile of patients (NEO FFI) shows high neuroticism, low extraversion and low conscientiousness. The 25.4% of patients had moderate or severe depression according to BDI-FS results, almost half of the patients had high levels of anxiety trait (>P75, 49.2%) and more than half the patients had high levels of anxiety state (>P75, 59.5%). Punctuations of PCS and CPAQ are similar to patients with fibromyalgia. (4) Conclusions: CPP is associated with high levels of depression, anxiety, neuroticism, catastrophizing and low pain acceptance. It is important to develop interventions that can modify these psychological factors in order to improve the clinical course of CPP.
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo among Iranian Children and Adolescents: A Validation Study of the Farsi Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI)–Parent Version
Authors: Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena , Mohammadian Youkhabeh , Ghasemi Mohammad , Bahmani Laleh Sadeghi , Piri Nahid , Brühl Annette Beatrix , Becker Stephen P. , Burns G. Leonard , Brand Serge
Published: October 2022

Background: Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), recently renamed cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), is a set of behavioral symptoms that includes excessive daydreaming, mental confusion and fogginess, being lost in one’s thoughts, and slowed behavior and thinking. Symptoms of SCT show overlap with a broad range of other symptoms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder inattention, anxiety, and depression, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). To measure SCT, one of the optimal measures is the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI). Here, we report the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the CABI Parent Version, including the CABI SCT scale and its subscales. Methods: The participants were the parents of 209 children and adolescents (53.9% girls; ages 8–19 years; Mage = 14.23, SDage = 2.72). Parents completed the SCT, ADHD inattention (ADHD-IN), ADHD-hyperactivity/impulsivity (ADHD-HI), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), limited prosocial emotions (callous-unemotional (CU) traits), anxiety, depression, social impairment, and academic impairment scales of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI). Parents also completed four dimensions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ: emotional problems; conduct problems; peer problems; prosocial behavior), and five dimensions of the Kidscreen questionnaire (physical health; psychological well-being; autonomy and parental well-being; peers and social support; school environment). Results: SCT symptoms demonstrated strong discriminant validity from the ADHD-IN symptoms. SCT showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with anxiety, depression, and ODD, whereas ADHD-IN showed stronger first-order and unique associations than SCT with ADHD-HI, CU, and social and academic impairment. Further, SCT showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with more emotional problems, peer problems, and with lower prosocial behavior, as assessed with the SDQ. Higher scores for SCT were associated with lower psychological well-being, autonomy and parental relations, and lower peer and social support, as assessed with the Kidscreen. Higher ADHD-IN scores were associated with lower peer and social support, and a lower school environment. Conclusions: The Farsi version of the CABI–Parent Version has very good psychometric properties for assessing SCT and other dimensions of psychopathology/impairment and replicates the findings from similar studies with children and adolescents from South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Accordingly, the present study provides further support of the transcultural validity of the sluggish cognitive tempo construct.
Reduced Risk of Progression from Non-Severe to Severe COVID-19 in Hospitalized Dialysis Patients by Full COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Ichii Mitsuru , Kurajoh Masafumi , Okute Yujiro , Ihara Yasutaka , Imai Takumi , Morioka Tomoaki , Mori Katsuhito , Shoji Tetsuo , Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Ubai Takanobu , Emoto Masanori
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination reduces the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in the general population. To examine that preventive effect in dialysis patients, the association of vaccination status with severe COVID-19 progression was investigated in this retrospective observational study conducted from December 2020 to May 2022 of 100 such patients hospitalized for non-severe COVID-19 at Inoue Hospital (Suita, Japan). Fifty-seven were fully vaccinated, defined as receiving a COVID-19 vaccine second dose at least 14 days prior to the onset of COVID-19, while 43 were not. Among all patients, 13 (13.0%) progressed to severe COVID-19 with a median (interquartile range) time of 6 (2.5–9.5) days, while 87 (87.0%) were discharged after 11 (8–16) days. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that fully vaccinated patients had a significantly lower rate of progression to severe COVID-19 (p = 0.001, log-rank test). Cox proportional hazard analysis also indicated that full COVID-19 vaccination was significantly associated with reduced instances of progression to severe COVID-19 (hazard ratio 0.104, 95% confidence interval 0.022 to 0.483; p = 0.004) after balancing patient background characteristics using an inverse probability of treatment weight method. These results suggest that full vaccination status contributes to reducing the risk of progression from non-severe to severe COVID-19 in dialysis patients.
Prevention of Bradycardia during Spinal Anesthesia under Dexmedetomidine Sedation in Older Adults
Authors: Kang Seyoon , Chae Yun Jeong , Park Sun Kyung , Kim Taek Geun , Joe Han Bum
Published: October 2022

Older adults exhibit reduced physiological responses to beta-adrenergic stimulation and parasympathetic inhibition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of reducing the incidence of bradycardia in the atropine and ephedrine pretreatment group compared to the control group in older adults who received spinal anesthesia with intravenous dexmedetomidine. Overall, 102 older adults aged over 65 years were randomly divided into three groups, and saline (control group), atropine at 0.5 mg (atropine group), and ephedrine at 8 mg (ephedrine group) were administered intravenously to each group as pretreatment. Immediately after spinal anesthesia, dexmedetomidine loading and study drug injections were commenced. The primary outcome was the incidence of bradycardia (<50 beats per min) within 60 min following dexmedetomidine loading. The incidence of bradycardia requiring atropine treatment was significantly higher in the control group than in the atropine and ephedrine groups (27.3% vs. 6.1% and 8.8%, respectively; p = 0.035), and no difference was noted between the atropine and ephedrine groups. Therefore, if ephedrine or atropine is selected and used according to the patient’s condition and clinical situation, it may be helpful in preventing bradycardia during spinal anesthesia using dexmedetomidine in older patients.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Eye Screening: Diabetic Patients Standpoint, Their Practice, and Barriers; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alali Naif Mamdouh , Albazei Alanuad , Alotaibi Horia Mohammed , Almohammadi Ahad Massd , Alsirhani Eilaf Khaled , Alanazi Turki Saleh , Alshammri Badriah Jariad , Alqahtani Mohammed Qasem , Magliyah Moustafa , Alreshidi Shaker , Albalawi Hani B.
Published: October 2022

Diabetes mellites (DM) is one of the most common systemic disorders in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a potentially blinding ophthalmic consequence of uncontrolled DM. The early detection of DR leads to an earlier intervention, which might be sight-saving. Our aim in this cross-sectional study is to assess patients’ knowledge and practices regarding DR, and to detect the barriers for eye screening and receiving a check-up from an ophthalmologist. The study included 386 diabetic patients. One hundred and thirty-one patients (33.9%) had T1DM and 188 (48.7%) had T2DM. Most of the diabetic patients (73.3%) know that they must have an eye check-up regardless of their blood sugar level. DM was agreed to affect the retina in 80.3% of the patients, 56% of patients agree that DM complications are always symptomatic, and 84.5% know that DM could affect their eyes. The fact that blindness is a complication of diabetic retinopathy was known by 65% of the diabetic patients. A better knowledge was detected among patients older than 50 years of age (54.9%) compared to those aged less than 35 years (40.9%), which was statistically significant (p = 0.030). Additionally, 61.2% of diabetic patients who were university graduates had a significantly better knowledge in comparison to 33.3% of illiterate patients (p = 0.006). Considering the barriers to not getting one’s eyes screened earlier, a lack of knowledge was reported by 38.3% of the patients, followed by lack of access to eye care (24.4%). In conclusion, there is a remarkable increase in the awareness of DR among the Saudi population. This awareness might lead to an earlier detection and management of DR.
Serum Inflammatory Markers and Their Associations with the Integrity of the Cingulum Bundle in Schizophrenia, from Prodromal Stages to Chronic Psychosis
Authors: Michalczyk Anna , Tyburski Ernest , Podwalski Piotr , Waszczuk Katarzyna , Rudkowski Krzysztof , Kucharska-Mazur Jolanta , Mak Monika , Rek-Owodziń Katarzyna , Plichta Piotr , Bielecki Maksymilian , Andrusewicz Wojciech , Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Samochowiec Agnieszka , Misiak Błażej , Sagan Leszek , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: October 2022

Peripheral cytokines may affect the brain through chronic activation of microglia and, as a result, can potentially lead to decreased integrity of white matter of cingulum bundle (CB). Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the relationships between peripheral inflammatory markers and the integrity of the CB in various states: from healthy controls, through prodromal states and first-episode psychosis, to long-term schizophrenia. The integrity of the CB was measured using diffusion tensor imaging. We analyzed six parameters: CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. We found that levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ differed significantly between groups. Initial analysis showed some correlations between the inflammatory markers and CB integrity, in particular a correlation with IL-6 that was present in several groups. However, none of the analyzed parameters were associated with the integrity of the CB after correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: Our results supported our hypothesis that there are increased levels of inflammatory markers in psychotic disorders, but did not allow to confirm our hypothesis that there is a link between increased peripheral inflammatory markers and decreased integrity of the CB. However, we found some interesting trend levels that need to be verified in larger studies.
Endoscopic Transluminal Stent Placement for Malignant Afferent Loop Obstruction
Authors: Yonekura Chinatsu , Sasaki Takashi , Mie Takafumi , Okamoto Takeshi , Takeda Tsuyoshi , Furukawa Takaaki , Yamada Yuto , Kasuga Akiyoshi , Matsuyama Masato , Ozaka Masato , Sasahira Naoki
Published: October 2022

Background: Malignant afferent loop obstruction (ALO) is rare condition and is difficult to manage. Endoscopic transluminal treatment has become easier with the advent of balloon-assisted enteroscopes with a large working channels and self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) with a 9 Fr delivery system. Methods: From July 2016 to March 2022, 22 patients with symptomatic malignant ALO who underwent endoscopic transluminal treatment (Initial cohort), of which 18 patients received endoscopic transluminal SEMS placement (SEMS cohort), were retrospectively evaluated. We evaluated outcomes of endoscopic transluminal treatment and long-term outcomes of SEMS placement for malignant ALO. Results: In the Initial cohort, technical and clinical success rates were both 95.5%. The median procedural time was 28.0 min. One case of guidewire-induced micro-perforation occurred as an early complication (4.5%). In the SEMS cohort, and no early complication was observed. Recurrent obstruction occurred in two cases (11.1%) during the follow-up period (median: 102 days). One was managed by additional SEMS placement and the other was treated conservatively. Conclusions: High technical and clinical success was achieved by endoscopic transluminal treatment with short procedural time for malignant ALO. Endoscopic SEMS placement also appears to be safe and effective, and additional SEMS placement can be considered in cases of re-obstruction.
Twin Pregnancies—More to Be Done
Authors: Anteby Matan , Hiersch Liran
Published: October 2022

Over the past few decades, we have been experiencing an increase in the incidence of multiple gestations, mostly due to the widespread use of assisted reproduction technologies [...]
Effects of Intraoperative Magnesium and Ketorolac on Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort after Transurethral Bladder Tumor Resection: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Shim Jung-Woo , Cha Seunghee , Moon Hyong Woo , Moon Young Eun
Published: October 2022

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is a standard treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) often occurs due to bladder irritation caused by indwelling large-diameter urinary catheters and delays patient recovery. We investigated the efficacy of the intraoperative administration of magnesium and ketorolac in preventing early CRBD after TURBT. One hundred patients scheduled for TURBT were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study from December 2021 to June 2022. During surgery, the experimental group (n = 48) received intravenous magnesium and ketorolac, and the control group (n = 50) received only intravenous ketorolac. The primary outcome was CRBD incidence immediately after surgery. CRBD severity and the postoperative recovery profiles were also evaluated. Compared to the control group, the experimental group had significantly less CRBD until 1 h after surgery (0 h: 31.3% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.037; 1 h: 54.2% vs. 74.0%, p = 0.041). However, the two groups did not differ in other postoperative findings, including CRBD severity. Co-administration of magnesium and ketorolac during surgery significantly decreased the incidence of early CRBD after TURBT compared to the single use of ketorolac.
The Concentration of Fibronectin and MMP-1 in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease in Relation to the Selected Antioxidant Elements and Eating Habits
Authors: Bogdan Sylwia , Puścion-Jakubik Anna , Klimiuk Katarzyna , Socha Katarzyna , Kochanowicz Jan , Gorodkiewicz Ewa
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the most common form of dementia in the elderly. In recent years, markers of this disease have been researched, with an emphasis on prophylaxis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the concentration of fibronectin and MMP-1 in serums in relation to levels of antioxidant elements, as well as eating habits in the group of patients with AD (n = 110). The control group consisted of 60 healthy people. The conducted studies showed that patients with AD are characterized by a significantly higher median concentration of fibronectin compared to healthy subjects (652.06 vs. 268.31 µg/mL), but a significantly lower median of MMP-1 (4.62 vs. 18.09 ng/mL). Significant inverse correlations between MMP-1 and the concentration of antioxidant elements, as well as positive correlations between MMP-1 vs. Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and MMSE, were observed. Multiple regressions showed that the concentration of fibronectin can be explained in 28% cases by eating habits, and by MMP-1 in 25%. Nutritional modifications to reduce the consumption of fruit, meat and processed products can be part of AD prevention.
Randomly Testing an Autonomous Collision Avoidance System with Real-World Ship Encounter Scenario from AIS Data
Authors: Zhu Feixiang , Zhou Zhengyu , Lu Hongrui
Published: October 2022

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) is promoted as the future of intelligent shipping. While autonomy technologies offer a solution for MASS, they have also resulted in new challenges for performance validation. To address this, a scenario-based validation method to test the autonomous collision avoidance system is proposed in this paper, including mining ship encounter scenarios from massive historical AIS data and randomly generated virtual test scenarios according to the parameter probability distributions from the collected real scenarios, as well as the final experiments: a total of 2900 generated scenarios including single ship and multi-ship encounter situations are created and applied to conduct testing experiments on the further assessment of our collision avoidance algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed method has the ability to quickly create appropriate testing scenarios according to AIS records, which are helpful to catch potential defects in a collision avoidance algorithm of MASS and to further analyze its navigating features. As a result, the research forms a systematic set of validation procedures from data gathering to practical experiments conduction, incorporating both the real statistics and the random generation method.
CFD-FEM Simulation of Slamming Loads on Wedge Structure with Stiffeners Considering Hydroelasticity Effects
Authors: Chen Zhenwei , Jiao Jialong , Wang Qiang , Wang Shan
Published: October 2022

In this paper, both numerical and experimental methods are adopted to study the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problem of a wedge structure with stiffeners impacted with water during the free-falling water entry process. In the numerical model, a partitioned two-way couple of CFD and FEM solvers is applied to deal with the FSI problem, where the external fluid pressure exported from the CFD simulation is used to derive the structural responses in the FEM solver, and the structural deformations are fed back into the CFD solver to deform the mesh. Moreover, a tank experiment using a steel wedge model that has the same structural properties is also conducted to compare with the numerical results. Verification and validation of the numerical results indicate that the CFD-FEM coupled method is feasible and reliable. The slamming response results by numerical simulation and experiments, including displacement, velocity, acceleration, slamming pressure, deformation, structural stresses and total forces on the wedge, accounting for hydroelasticity effects in different free falling height conditions are comprehensively analyzed and discussed.
Morphology, Molecular Identification, and Pathogenicity of Two Novel Fusarium Species Associated with Postharvest Fruit Rot of Cucurbits in Northern Thailand
Authors: Khuna Surapong , Kumla Jaturong , Thitla Tanapol , Nuangmek Wipornpan , Lumyong Saisamorn , Suwannarach Nakarin
Published: October 2022

Fruit rot of cucurbits caused by several pathogenic fungi has become an important postharvest disease worldwide. In 2022, fruit rot on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and muskmelon (Cucumis melo) was observed during the postharvest storage phase in the Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok Provinces of northern Thailand. These diseases can lead to significant economic losses. This present study was conducted to isolate the causal agent of fungi in lesions of fruit rot. A total of four fungal isolates were obtained, of which two isolates (SDBR-CMU422 and SDBR-CMU423) were obtained from rot lesions of watermelons, while the remaining isolates (SDBR-CMU424 and SDBR-CMU425) were obtained from rot lesions of muskmelons. All fungal isolates were identified using both morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Morphologically, all isolated fungal isolates were classified into the genus Fusarium. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1), calmodulin (cam), and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2) genes reveled that four fungal isolates belonged to the Fusarium incarnatum–equiseti species complex and were distinct from all other known species. Thus, we have described them as two new species, namely F. citrullicola (SDBR-CMU422 and SDBR-CMU423) and F. melonis (SDBR-CMU424 and SDBR-CMU425). A full description, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree indicating the position of both new species have been provided. Moreover, pathogenicity tests were subsequently performed and the results showed that F. citrullicola and F. melonis caused symptoms of fruit rot on inoculated watermelon and muskmelon fruits, respectively. Notably, this outcome was indicative of the symptoms that appeared during the postharvest storage phase. To our knowledge, two new pathogenic fungi, F. citrullicola and F. melonis, are new causal agents of watermelon and muskmelon fruit rot, respectively. Importantly, these findings provide valuable information for the development of effective strategies for the monitoring and prevention of these diseases.
Evolutionary Mechanisms of Ecological Agriculture Innovation Systems: Evidence from Chongming Eco-Island, China
Authors: Yang Yang , Ge Shishuai , Cao Xianzhong , Zeng Gang
Published: October 2022

Constructing an ecological–agricultural innovation system (EAIS) and exploring its evolution patterns are effective ways to overcome the current bottleneck in the world’s agricultural development, which is also an important area of concern for economic geography scholars. Based on innovation system and agricultural innovation system (AIS) theories and relevant research literature, this study constructed an analytical framework for the evolution of the EAIS and analyses the characteristics and mechanisms of the EAIS evolution at three levels. With the help of in-depth research data on the ecological agriculture of Chongming’s eco-island, this study analysed the structural composition, evolutionary paths, and mechanisms of Chongming’s ecological–agricultural innovation system (EAIS). The main findings are that the evolutionary structure of the EAIS can be divided into three levels. At the micro level, ecological–agricultural producers and operators are continuously spun off along with the expansion of industry scale under the role of market orientation, technology promotion, and regulatory management. At the meso level, all actors actively seek specialised associations to obtain innovation resources, forming an innovation network. At the macro level, ecological–agricultural regulatory actors incorporate all actors into the ecological regulatory system so that the evolutionary path of the EAIS can be regulated for cleaner production. EAIS is the evolution of innovation systems in synergy between the three levels of ‘actor’ + ‘network’ + ‘institution’.
The Effect of Artificial Field Margins on Epigeic Arthropod Functional Groups within Adjacent Arable Land of Northeast China
Authors: Wang Chuqiao , Bian Zhenxing , Wang Shuai , Liu Xiaochen , Zhang Yufei
Published: October 2022

Providing food security to meet the growing human demand while improving the biodiversity of arable land is a global challenge. Although semi-natural field margins are known to enhance biodiversity in arable land systems globally, the role that abundant artificial field margins play in maintaining epigeic arthropod diversity within arable land remains unclear. Here, we compared epigeic arthropods within adjacent arable land with an artificial field margin (paved and dirt roads) and a semi-natural field margin (ditch, woodland, or grassland), as well as vegetation community characteristics at a field scale for identifying the ecological effects of different field margin types. Our results indicated the following: (i) Compared with semi-natural field margins, there is less epigeic arthropod diversity and less stable ecological networks within adjacent arable land with artificial field margins, with more herbivores within adjacent arable land with artificial field margins and more natural enemies within adjacent arable land with semi-natural field margins. (ii) Arable land adjacent to a dirt road (DR) maintained more resilient ecological networks than that adjacent to a paved road (PR), and there are more flowering plants at DRs, which attracts natural enemies, whereas Orthoptera is more active at PRs with abundant weeds. (iii) The main factors affecting epigeic arthropod functional groups were the tree layer cover (TC), herb layer abundance (HA), and herb layer height (HH) of the artificial and semi-natural field margins. We concluded that increasing the number of flowering plants and removing noxious weeds can eliminate negative effects on epigeic arthropod functional groups within adjacent arable land with artificial field margins. Delineating a certain percentage of vegetation strips to be a buffer zone in artificial field margins or creating a suitable vegetation community in semi-natural field margins can maintain and protect natural enemies and strengthen the ecological network stability between functional groups.
Assessing Integrated Effectiveness of Rural Socio-Economic Development and Environmental Protection of Wenchuan County in Southwestern China: An Approach Using Game Theory and VIKOR
Authors: Zhang Jifei , Zhang Shuai
Published: October 2022

A scientific and comprehensive effectiveness evaluation is a prerequisite for clarifying the guiding direction of rural socio-economic development and environmental protection. By using the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method and weight combination based on game theory, this paper systematically assessed the integrated effectiveness of rural socio-economic development and environmental protection (IERSE) of Wenchuan County in 2018 from the administrative village scale perspective. Results showed that: (1) VIKOR with combined weight and Jenks Natural Breaks Classification is both comprehensive and feasible for large-sample-size evaluation, such as IERSE assessment. (2) The general IERSE of Wenchuan demonstrated considerable positive outcomes. The villages with favorable scores were located along the northwest-central-southeast, whereas unfavorable ones were principally distributed in the northeast and south-central regions. Local spatial agglomeration of favorable IERSE was found in Miansi, Wolong, and Sanjiang Town, whereas the agglomeration of unfavorable IERSE was seen in Yingxiu and Xuankou Town. (3) The IERSE of Wenchuan is mainly constrained by ecological conservation and villagers’ autonomy from the village-scale perspective. Villages with favorable IERSE are chiefly constrained by the education level of the village heads or Party secretaries, while villages with unfavorable IERSE are restricted by ecological conservation. To improve the IERSE in rural Wenchuan, thoroughly taking into account the restrictive factors of local IERSE is an essential step for putting forward differentiated and targeted recommendations connected with ecological environment management, as well as social development initiatives.
Three-Country Snapshot of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency
Authors: Seker Yilmaz Berna , Baruteau Julien , Arslan Nur , Aydin Halil Ibrahim , Barth Magalie , Bozaci Ayse Ergul , Brassier Anais , Canda Ebru , Cano Aline , Chronopoulou Efstathia , Connolly Grainne M. , Damaj Lena , Dawson Charlotte , Dobbelaere Dries , Douillard Claire , Eminoglu Fatma Tuba , Erdol Sahin , Ersoy Melike , Fang Sherry , Feillet François , Gokcay Gulden , Goksoy Emine , Gorce Magali , Inci Asli , Kadioglu Banu , Kardas Fatih , Kasapkara Cigdem Seher , Kilic Yildirim Gonca , Kor Deniz , Kose Melis , Marelli Cecilia , Mundy Helen , O’Sullivan Siobhan , Ozturk Hismi Burcu , Ramachandran Radha , Roubertie Agathe , Sanlilar Mehtap , Schiff Manuel , Sreekantam Srividya , Stepien Karolina M. , Uzun Unal Ozlem , Yildiz Yilmaz , Zubarioglu Tanyel , Gissen Paul
Published: October 2022

X-linked ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common urea cycle defect. The disease severity ranges from asymptomatic carrier state to severe neonatal presentation with hyperammonaemic encephalopathy. We audited the diagnosis and management of OTCD, using an online 12-question-survey that was sent to 75 metabolic centres in Turkey, France and the UK. Thirty-nine centres responded and 495 patients were reported in total. A total of 208 French patients were reported, including 71 (34%) males, 86 (41%) symptomatic and 51 (25%) asymptomatic females. Eighty-five Turkish patients included 32 (38%) males, 39 (46%) symptomatic and 14 (16%) asymptomatic females. Out of the 202 UK patients, 66 (33%) were male, 83 (41%) asymptomatic and 53 (26%) symptomatic females. A total of 19%, 12% and 7% of the patients presented with a neonatal-onset phenotype in France, Turkey and the UK, respectively. Vomiting, altered mental status and encephalopathy were the most common initial symptoms in all three countries. While 69% in France and 79% in Turkey were receiving protein restriction, 42% were on a protein-restricted diet in the UK. A total of 76%, 47% and 33% of patients were treated with ammonia scavengers in Turkey, France and the UK, respectively. The findings of our audit emphasize the differences and similarities in manifestations and management practices in three countries.
Dynamic Characteristics of Metal Seals in Roller Cone Bits
Authors: Ma Yi , Xu Yixiao , Chen Yutao , Meng Xiangkai , Peng Xudong
Published: October 2022

During the drilling process, the sealing performance of the roller cone bits is severely challenged by the complex downhole environment and frequent vibrations. In this paper, a comprehensive thermal–fluid–solid–dynamic multi-field coupling numerical model of new-generation single energizer metal seals (SEMS2) is developed. The instantaneous sealing performance of SEMS2 is studied under periodic vibration, instantaneous shock, and random vibration. Time-domain and frequency-domain changes in the sealing parameters with environmental pressures and rotational speeds under different vibrations are analyzed and compared. The results show that the liquid film distribution and lubrication state on the sealing end faces change constantly as the drill bit vibrates, which in turn affects the sealing performance of the SEMS2. The instantaneous leak rate fluctuates alternately between positive and negative under the three kinds of vibrations, aggravating the tendency of lubricant oil leakage and drilling mud invasion. With increasing environmental pressure and rotational speed, the fluctuation amplitudes of the maximum temperature increase, leakage rate, and friction torque under random vibration and instantaneous shock are significantly larger than those under periodic vibration. Our model and results have important theoretical significance for improving the design system of metal seals for drill bits.
Influence of Surface Modification of Titanium and Its Alloys for Medical Implants on Their Corrosion Behavior
Authors: Pawłowski Łukasz , Rościszewska Magda , Majkowska-Marzec Beata , Jażdżewska Magdalena , Bartmański Michał , Zieliński Andrzej , Tybuszewska Natalia , Samsel Pamela
Published: October 2022

Titanium and its alloys are often used for long-term implants after their surface treatment. Such surface modification is usually performed to improve biological properties but seldom to increase corrosion resistance. This paper presents research results performed on such metallic materials modified by a variety of techniques: direct voltage anodic oxidation in the presence of fluorides, micro-arc oxidation (MAO), pulse laser treatment, deposition of chitosan, biodegradable Eudragit 100 and poly(4-vinylpyridine (P4VP), carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles of TiO2, and chitosan with Pt (nano Pt) and polymeric dispersant. The open circuit potential, corrosion current density, and potential values were determined by potentiodynamic technique, and microstructures of the surface layers and coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that despite the applied modifications, the corrosion current density still appears in the region of very low values of some nA/cm2. However, almost all surface modifications, designed principally for the improvement of biological properties, negatively influence corrosion resistance. The reasons for observed effects can vary, such as imperfections and permeability of some coatings or accelerated degradation of biodegradable deposits in simulated body fluids during electrochemical testing. Despite that, all coatings can be accepted for biological applications, and such corrosion testing results are presumed not to be of major importance for their applications in medicine.
Stepwise Removal Process Analysis Based on Layered Corrosion Oxides
Authors: Ren Yuan , Wang Liming , Ma Mingliang , Cheng Wei , Li Baoli , Lou Yuxin , Li Jianfeng , Ma Xinqiang
Published: October 2022

The parts of engineering machinery quickly generate rusty oxides in the working process, which seriously affects their service life and safety. How to remove oxides efficiently without damaging the surface of the matrix is a crucial problem. This paper analyzes the critical laser parameters that affect the distribution of material temperature field, which determines the ablation depth of different oxides, by using the central composite experimental design method and taking the surface-ablation depth of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 before and after laser cleaning as response variables to establish the prediction model of single removal volume with the help of Comsol Multiphysics software. The results show a positive correlation between ablation depth and peak power density and a negative correlation with scanning speed. In this process, the experimental results show that the prediction model is natural and effective. A flow chart of laser stepwise cleaning of layered corroded oxides can provide theoretical guidance for the laser cleaning of engineering machinery.
Actionable Explainable AI (AxAI): A Practical Example with Aggregation Functions for Adaptive Classification and Textual Explanations for Interpretable Machine Learning
Authors: Saranti Anna , Hudec Miroslav , Mináriková Erika , Takáč Zdenko , Großschedl Udo , Koch Christoph , Pfeifer Bastian , Angerschmid Alessa , Holzinger Andreas
Published: October 2022

In many domains of our daily life (e.g., agriculture, forestry, health, etc.), both laymen and experts need to classify entities into two binary classes (yes/no, good/bad, sufficient/insufficient, benign/malign, etc.). For many entities, this decision is difficult and we need another class called “maybe”, which contains a corresponding quantifiable tendency toward one of these two opposites. Human domain experts are often able to mark any entity, place it in a different class and adjust the position of the slope in the class. Moreover, they can often explain the classification space linguistically—depending on their individual domain experience and previous knowledge. We consider this human-in-the-loop extremely important and call our approach actionable explainable AI. Consequently, the parameters of the functions are adapted to these requirements and the solution is explained to the domain experts accordingly. Specifically, this paper contains three novelties going beyond the state-of-the-art: (1) A novel method for detecting the appropriate parameter range for the averaging function to treat the slope in the “maybe” class, along with a proposal for a better generalisation than the existing solution. (2) the insight that for a given problem, the family of t-norms and t-conorms covering the whole range of nilpotency is suitable because we need a clear “no” or “yes” not only for the borderline cases. Consequently, we adopted the Schweizer–Sklar family of t-norms or t-conorms in ordinal sums. (3) A new fuzzy quasi-dissimilarity function for classification into three classes: Main difference, irrelevant difference and partial difference. We conducted all of our experiments with real-world datasets.
Data-Driven Event-Triggered Platoon Control under Denial-of-Service Attacks
Authors: Li Zengwei , Zhu Lin , Wang Zhenling , Che Weiwei
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes an event-triggered model-free adaptive platoon control (MFAPC) solution for non-linear vehicle systems under denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. First, the non-linear vehicle system is transformed into an equivalent linear data model using the dynamic linearization technique. Second, to save limited communication resources and reduce the influence of cyber attacks, a novel event-triggered mechanism and attack compensation method are designed. Then, based on the equivalent linear data model, a new resilient event-triggered MFAPC algorithm is developed to achieve the vehicle platoon control objective under DoS attacks. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified using an example.
Design of an Exchange Protocol for the Quantum Blockchain
Authors: Tudorache Alexandru-Gabriel
Published: October 2022

This paper explores the idea of a quantum exchange protocol between two entities, validated by (at least) a third one. Two entities, part of a greater system, decide they want to trade quantum goods: their exchange is configurable, and allows them to select the type of good, from a selected preset, and the desired quantity, up to a maximum value (one of the quantum goods can be interpreted as quantum money/a form of quantum currency). Certain qubits should also be used as a way of storing the details of the transfer, after it has been validated (acting in a similar way to a quantum ledger). The quantum circuits of the proposed design are implemented using the Python programming language with the help of Qiskit, IBM’s open-source quantum framework.