bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of the Quality of Particulate and Filtered Mandibular Bone Chips for Oral Implants: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Babczyk Patrick , Winter Martin , Kleinfeld Claudia , Pansky Andreas , Oligschleger Christina , Tobiasch Edda
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Autologous bone is supposed to contain vital cells that might improve the osseointegration of dental implants. The aim of this study was to investigate particulate and filtered bone chips collected during oral surgery intervention with respect to their osteogenic potential and the extent of microbial contamination to evaluate its usefulness for jawbone reconstruction prior to implant placement. (2) Methods: Cortical and cortical-cancellous bone chip samples of 84 patients were collected. The stem cell character of outgrowing cells was characterized by expression of CD73, CD90 and CD105, followed by osteogenic differentiation. The degree of bacterial contamination was determined by Gram staining, catalase and oxidase tests and tests to evaluate the genera of the found bacteria (3) Results: Pre-surgical antibiotic treatment of the patients significantly increased viability of the collected bone chip cells. No significant difference in plasticity was observed between cells isolated from the cortical and cortical-cancellous bone chip samples. Thus, both types of bone tissue can be used for jawbone reconstruction. The osteogenic differentiation was independent of the quantity and quality of the detected microorganisms, which comprise the most common bacteria in the oral cavity. (4) Discussion: This study shows that the quality of bone chip-derived stem cells is independent of the donor site and the extent of present common microorganisms, highlighting autologous bone tissue, assessable without additional surgical intervention for the patient, as a useful material for dental implantology.
Design for Adaptability (DfA)—Frameworks and Assessment Models for Enhanced Circularity in Buildings
Authors: Askar Rand , Bragança Luís , Gervásio Helena
Published: February 2022

A growing interest has been expressed in the issue of building adaptability over the past decade, perceiving it as an intrinsic criterion for sustainability. In light of the circular economy (CE) and its application in the construction sector, more attention has been paid to buildings’ design for adaptability (DfA) towards the realization of circular buildings. DfA is considered a key enabler for other circular design strategies such as design for disassembly (DfD), multi-functionality, spatial transformability, and design reversibility. However, implementation and assessment frameworks, and design-support tools for the circular building, are still in development as the characterization of circular buildings continues with endeavors to draw a defined shape by identifying the prerequisites for circularity where the design takes an important place. For the sake of objectifying the role of DfA in circularity frameworks in buildings, this paper carries out an analytical review and discussion on two types of assessment and design-support frameworks; the first addresses adaptability criteria and considerations in assessment frameworks that handle the concept individually while the second classifies existing circularity assessment endeavors into four main categories under which multiple tools are reviewed. A reflection on the scope and objectives for both types is later performed, illustrating the state of adaptability evaluation and criteria as well as its role in circularity frameworks. Results show that the concept of building adaptability lacks quantitative methods that quantify a building’s capacity to adapt as well as empirical data that prioritize the most valuable criteria facilitating adaptations. Moreover, many circularity assessment frameworks fail to consider adaptability criteria at all hierarchal levels of a building composition. To address this shortcoming, a series of conceptual considerations and requirements is proposed towards a potential establishment of an inclusive framework of a circularity design-support tool in buildings. The study is concluded by identifying gaps and recommendations for further developments in the field.
PCA-MRM Model to Forecast TEC at Middle Latitudes
Authors: Morozova Anna L. , Barata Teresa , Barlyaeva Tatiana
Published: February 2022

The total electron content (TEC) over the Iberian Peninsula was modelled using PCA-MRM models based on decomposition of the observed TEC series using the principal component analysis (PCA) and reconstruction of the daily modes’ amplitudes by a multiple linear regression model (MRM) using space weather parameters as regressors. The following space weather parameters are used: proxies for the solar UV and XR fluxes, number of the solar flares of different classes, parameters of the solar wind and of the interplanetary magnetic field, and geomagnetic indices. Time lags of 1 and 2 days between the TEC and space weather parameters are used. The performance of the PCA-MRM model is tested using data for 2015, both geomagnetically quiet and disturbed periods. The model performs well for quiet days and days with solar flares but without geomagnetic disturbances. The MAE and RMSE metrics are of the order of 3–5 TECu for daytime and ~2 TECu for night-time. During geomagnetically disturbed periods, the performance of the model deteriorates but only for daytime: MAE and RMSE are of the order of 4–6 TECu and can rise to ~13 TECu for the strongest geomagnetic storms.
An Unconventional Ligand for Scribble PDZ-4 Domain Mediates Its Interaction with Dusp26
Authors: Gallo Raffaella , De Sensi Erika , Storino Francesca , Panni Simona
Published: February 2022

PDZ domains are involved in many cellular processes and are key regulators of the cell physiology. A huge number of studies have investigated the binding specificity of PDZ domains to the carboxyl-terminal sequence of target proteins, while the molecular mechanisms that mediate the recognition of internal binding regions are largely unexplored. In the present study, we describe a ligand motif located in the catalytic domain of the phosphatase Dusp26 which mediates its binding to the PDZ-4 of Scribble. Site-directed mutagenesis identified a conserved tyrosine residue as relevant for the binding. The interaction with the PDZ domain could help the phosphatase to recruit its specific targets.
PMMA-Cement-PLIF Is Safe and Effective as a Single-Stage Posterior Procedure in Treating Pyogenic Erosive Lumbar Spondylodiscitis—A Single-Center Retrospective Study of 73 Cases
Authors: Deml Moritz Caspar , Cattaneo Emmanuelle N. , Bigdon Sebastian Frederick , Sebald Hans-Jörg , Hoppe Sven , Heini Paul , Benneker Lorin Michael , Albers Christoph Emanuel
Published: February 2022

Background: Surgical treatment for erosive pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the lumbar spine is challenging as, following debridement of the intervertebral and bony abscess, a large and irregular defect is created. Sufficient defect reconstruction with conventional implants using a posterior approach is often impossible. Therefore, we developed the “Cement-PLIF”, a single-stage posterior lumbar procedure, combining posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with defect-filling using antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This study first describes and evaluates the procedure’s efficacy, safety, and infection eradication rate. Radiological implant stability, bone-regeneration, sagittal profile reconstruction, procedure-related complications, and pre-existing comorbidities were further analyzed. Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzing 73 consecutive patients with a minimum of a one-year follow-up from 2000–2017. Patient-reported pain levels and improvement in infectious serological parameters evaluated the clinical outcome. Sagittal profile reconstruction, anterior bone-regeneration, and posterior fusion were analyzed in a.p. and lateral radiographs. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to determine the impact of pre-existing comorbidities on mortality. Pre-existing comorbidities were quantified using the Charlson-Comorbidity Index (CCI). Results: Mean follow-up was 3.3 (range: 1–16; ±3.2) years. There was no evidence of infection persistence in all patients at the one-year follow-up. One patient underwent revision surgery for early local infection recurrence (1.4%). Five (6.9%) patients required an early secondary intervention at the same level due to minor complications. Radiological follow-up revealed implant stability in 70/73 (95.9%) cases. Successful sagittal reconstruction was demonstrated in all patients (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between Kaplan–Meier survival and the number of pre-existing comorbidities (24-months-survival: CCI ≤ 3: 100%; CCI ≥ 3: 84.6%; p = 0.005). Conclusions: The Cement-PLIF procedure for pyogenic erosive spondylodiscitis is an effective and safe treatment as evaluated by infection elimination, clinical outcome, restoration, and maintenance of stability and sagittal alignment.
Highly Sensitive and Quantitative Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Using a Gold/Platinum Particle-Based Lateral Flow Assay and a Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Kawasaki Hideya , Suzuki Hiromi , Furuhashi Kazuki , Yamashita Keita , Ishikawa Jinko , Nagura Osanori , Maekawa Masato , Miwa Takafumi , Tandou Takumi , Hariyama Takahiko
Published: February 2022

The gold standard test for identifying SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Despite their limited sensitivity, SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic tests are vital tools in the fight against viral spread. Owing to its simplicity and low cost, the lateral flow assay (LFA) is the most extensively used point-of-care diagnostic test. Here, we report a newly designed LFA-NanoSuit method (LNSM) that works in conjunction with desktop scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to detect SARS-CoV-2. LNSM requires no standard SEM treatment, avoids cellulose and residual buffer deformation, and enables the capture of high-resolution images of antibody-labeled gold/platinum particles reacting with SARS-CoV-2 antigens. To assess its applicability, we compared clinical SARS-CoV-2 samples via visual detection of LFA, LSNM detection of LFA, and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Compared to qRT-PCR, LNSM showed 86.7% sensitivity (26/30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 69.28–96.24%) and 93.3% specificity (14/15; 95% CI: 68.05–99.83%) for SARS-CoV-2. In samples with a relatively low SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy number (30 < Ct ≤ 40), the sensitivity of LNSM was greater (73.3%) than that of visual detection (0%). A simple, sensitive, and quantitative LNSM can be used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2.
An In Vitro Investigation into Cryoablation and Adjunctive Cryoablation/Chemotherapy Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer Using the PANC-1 Cell Line
Authors: Baust John M. , Santucci Kimberly L. , Van Buskirk Robert G. , Raijman Isaac , Fisher William E. , Baust John G. , Snyder Kristi K.
Published: February 2022

As the incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to grow, so does the need for new strategies for treatment. One such area being evaluated is cryoablation. While promising, studies remain limited and questions surrounding basic dosing (minimal lethal temperature) coupled with technological issues associated with accessing PDAC tumors and tumor proximity to vasculature and bile ducts, among others, have limited the use of cryoablation. Additionally, as chemotherapy remains the first-line of attack for PDAC, there is limited information on the impact of combining freezing with chemotherapy. As such, this study investigated the in vitro response of a PDAC cell line to freezing, chemotherapy, and the combination of chemotherapy pre-treatment and freezing. PANC-1 cells and PANC-1 tumor models were exposed to cryoablation (freezing insult) and compared to non-frozen controls. Additionally, PANC-1 cells were exposed to varying sub-clinical doses of gemcitabine or oxaliplatin alone and in combination with freezing. The results show that freezing to −10 °C did not affect viability, whereas −15 °C and −20 °C resulted in a reduction in 1 day post-freeze viability to 85% and 20%, respectively, though both recovered to controls by day 7. A complete cell loss was found following a single freeze below −25 °C. The combination of 100 nM gemcitabine (1.1 mg/m2) pre-treatment and a single freeze at −15 °C resulted in near-complete cell death (<5% survival) over the 7-day assessment interval. The combination of 8.8 µM oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2) pre-treatment and a single −15 °C freeze resulted in a similar trend of increased PANC-1 cell death. In summary, these in vitro results suggest that freezing alone to temperatures in the range of −25 °C results in a high degree of PDAC destruction. Further, the data support a potential combinatorial chemo/cryo-therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PDAC. These results suggest that a reduction in chemotherapeutic dose may be possible when offered in combination with freezing for the treatment of PDAC.
The Concept of Indeterminable NASH Inducted by Preoperative Diet and Metabolic Surgery: Analyses of Histopathological and Clinical Features
Authors: Sasaki Akira , Umemura Akira , Ishida Kazuyuki , Takahashi Naoto , Nikai Haruka , Nitta Hiroyuki , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Kakisaka Keisuke , Abe Tamami , Nishiya Masao , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: February 2022

Practitioners routinely perform intraoperative liver biopsies during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) to evaluate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In some patients, hepatocyte ballooning, inflammation, and fibrosis without steatosis are observed, even in the absence of other etiologies. We call this finding indeterminable nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (Ind-NASH). In this study, we clarified the prevalence, as well as histopathological and clinical features, of Ind-NASH through intraoperative liver biopsy in Japanese patients presenting with severe obesity. We enrolled 63 patients who had undergone LSG and intraoperative liver biopsy. In patients diagnosed with histopathological NASH, we performed protocol liver biopsies at 6 and 12 months after LSG. We statistically analyzed these histopathological findings and clinical parameters and found the prevalence rate of Ind-NASH discovered through intraoperative biopsy to be 15.9%. Protocol liver biopsy also revealed that Ind-NASH was an intermediate condition between NASH and normal liver. The clinical features of patients with Ind-NASH are a higher body weight compared to NASH (134.9 kg vs. 114.7 kg; p = 0.0245), stronger insulin resistance compared to nonalcoholic fatty liver (homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance: 7.1 vs. 4.9; p = 0.0188), and mild liver dysfunction compared to NASH. Patients with Ind-NASH observed positive weight-loss effects from a preoperative diet compared to the postoperative course (percentage total weight loss: 32.0% vs. 26.7%; p < 0.0001). Patients with Ind-NASH may also be good candidates for metabolic surgery owing to their good treatment response; therefore, efforts should be made by specialists in the near future to deeply discuss and define Ind-NASH.
ICOnnecta’t: Development and Initial Results of a Stepped Psychosocial eHealth Ecosystem to Facilitate Risk Assessment and Prevention of Early Emotional Distress in Breast Cancer Survivors’ Journey
Authors: Medina Joan C. , Flix-Valle Aida , Rodríguez-Ortega Ana , Hernández-Ribas Rosa , Lleras de Frutos María , Ochoa-Arnedo Cristian
Published: February 2022

Psychosocial interventions prevent emotional distress and facilitate adaptation in breast cancer (BC). However, conventional care presents accessibility barriers that eHealth has the potential to overcome. ICOnnecta’t is a stepped digital ecosystem designed to build wellbeing and reduce psychosocial risks during the cancer journey through a European-funded project. Women recently diagnosed with BC in a comprehensive cancer center were offered the ecosystem. ICOnnecta’t consists of four care levels, provided according to users’ distress: screening and monitoring, psychoeducation campus, peer-support community, and online-group psychotherapy. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the platform’s implementation, while multilevel linear models were used to study users’ psychosocial course after diagnosis. ICOnnecta’t showed acceptance, use and attrition rates of 57.62, 74.60, and 29.66%, respectively. Up to 76.19% of users reported being satisfied with the platform and 75.95% informed that it was easy to use. A total of 443 patients’ needs were detected and responsively managed, leading 94.33% of users to remain in the preventive steps. In general, strong social support led to a better psychosocial course. ICOnnecta’t has been successfully implemented. The results showed that it supported the development of a digital relation with healthcare services and opened new early support pathways.
Fibrosis in Mesothelioma: Potential Role of Lysyl Oxidases
Authors: Perryman Lara , Gray Steven G.
Published: February 2022

Immunotherapies (such as checkpoint inhibitors) and standard chemotherapies (such as cisplatin) have limitations in the successful treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Fibrosis is the accumulation of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues, making them denser than that of healthy tissues and thereby affecting drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Moreover, fibrosis severely affects the patient’s breathing and quality of life. The production of collagen and its assembly is highly regulated by various enzymes such as lysyl oxidases. Many solid tumors aberrantly express the family of lysyl oxidases (LOX/LOXL). This review examines how LOX/LOXLs were found to be dysregulated in noncancerous and cancerous settings, discusses their roles in solid tumor fibrosis and pathogenesis and explores the role of fibrosis in the development and poor clinical outcomes of patients with MPM. We examine the current preclinical status of drugs targeting LOX/LOXLs and how the incorporation of such drugs may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment and management of patients with MPM.
Chemotherapy-Free Targeted Anti-BCR-ABL+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy May Benefit the Heart
Authors: Kirchhoff Hanna , Ricke-Hoch Melanie , Wohlan Katharina , Pietzsch Stefan , Karsli Ümran , Erschow Sergej , Zweigerdt Robert , Ganser Arnold , Eder Matthias , Scherr Michaela , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise
Published: February 2022

Targeted therapies are currently considered the best cost–benefit anti-cancer treatment. In hematological malignancies, however, relapse rates and non-hematopoietic side effects including cardiotoxicity remain high. Here, we describe significant heart damage due to advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with t(9;22) encoding the bcr-abl oncogene (BCR-ABL+ ALL) in murine xenotransplantation models. Echocardiography reveals severe cardiac dysfunction with impaired left ventricular function and reduced heart and cardiomyocyte dimensions associated with increased apoptosis. This cardiac damage is fully reversible, but cardiac recovery depends on the therapy used to induce ALL remission. Chemotherapy-free combination therapy with dasatinib (DAS), venetoclax (VEN) (targeting the BCR-ABL oncoprotein and mitochondrial B-cell CLL/Lymphoma 2 (BCL2), respectively), and dexamethasone (DEX) can fully revert cardiac defects, whereas the depletion of otherwise identical ALL in a genetic model using herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) cannot. Mechanistically, dexamethasone induces a pro-apoptotic BCL2-interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) expression and apoptosis in ALL cells but enhances pro-survival B-cell lymphoma extra-large (BCLXL) expression in cardiomyocytes and clinical recovery with the reversion of cardiac atrophy. These data demonstrate that therapies designed to optimize apoptosis induction in ALL may circumvent cardiac on-target side effects and may even activate cardiac recovery. In the future, combining the careful clinical monitoring of cardiotoxicity in leukemic patients with the further characterization of organ-specific side effects and signaling pathways activated by malignancy and/or anti-tumor therapies seems reasonable.
Circulating Mitochondrial DNA and Inter-Organelle Contact Sites in Aging and Associated Conditions
Authors: Picca Anna , Guerra Flora , Calvani Riccardo , Romano Roberta , Coelho-Junior Hélio José , Damiano Francesco P. , Bucci Cecilia , Marzetti Emanuele
Published: February 2022

Mitochondria are primarily involved in cell bioenergetics, regulation of redox homeostasis, and cell death/survival signaling. An immunostimulatory property of mitochondria has also been recognized which is deployed through the extracellular release of entire or portioned organelle and/or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) unloading. Dynamic homo- and heterotypic interactions involving mitochondria have been described. Each type of connection has functional implications that eventually optimize mitochondrial activity according to the bioenergetic demands of a specific cell/tissue. Inter-organelle communications may also serve as molecular platforms for the extracellular release of mitochondrial components and subsequent ignition of systemic inflammation. Age-related chronic inflammation (inflamm-aging) has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased extracellular release of mitochondrial components—in particular, cell-free mtDNA. The close relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence further supports the central role of mitochondria in the aging process and its related conditions. Here, we provide an overview of (1) the mitochondrial genetic system and the potential routes for generating and releasing mtDNA intermediates; (2) the pro-inflammatory pathways elicited by circulating mtDNA; (3) the participation of inter-organelle contacts to mtDNA homeostasis; and (4) the link of these processes with senescence and age-associated conditions.
PU.1 Expression Defines Distinct Functional Activities in the Phenotypic HSC Compartment of a Murine Inflammatory Stress Model
Authors: Chavez James S. , Rabe Jennifer L. , Hernandez Giovanny , Mills Taylor S. , Niño Katia E. , Davizon-Castillo Pavel , Pietras Eric M.
Published: February 2022

The transcription factor PU.1 is a critical regulator of lineage fate in blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). In response to pro-inflammatory signals, such as the cytokine IL-1β, PU.1 expression is increased in HSC and is associated with myeloid lineage expansion. To address potential functional heterogeneities arising in the phenotypic HSC compartment due to changes in PU.1 expression, here, we fractionated phenotypic HSC in mice using the SLAM surface marker code in conjunction with PU.1 expression levels, using the PU.1-EYFP reporter mouse strain. While PU.1lo SLAM cells contain extensive long-term repopulating activity and a molecular signature corresponding to HSC activity at steady state, following IL-1β treatment, HSCLT induce PU.1 expression and are replaced in the PU.1lo SLAM fraction by CD41+ HSC-like megakaryocytic progenitors (SL-MkP) with limited long-term engraftment capacity. On the other hand, the PU.1hi SLAM fraction exhibits extensive myeloid lineage priming and clonogenic activity and expands rapidly in response to IL-1β. Furthermore, we show that EPCR expression, but not CD150 expression, can distinguish HSCLT and SL-MkP under inflammatory conditions. Altogether, our data provide insights into the dynamic regulation of PU.1 and identify how PU.1 levels are linked to HSC fate in steady state and inflammatory stress conditions.
BAG Family Members as Mitophagy Regulators in Mammals
Authors: Pattingre Sophie , Turtoi Andrei
Published: February 2022

The BCL-2-associated athanogene (BAG) family is a multifunctional group of co-chaperones that are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. In addition to their common BAG domain, these proteins contain, in their sequences, many specific domains/motifs required for their various functions in cellular quality control, such as autophagy, apoptosis, and proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins. The BAG family includes six members (BAG1 to BAG6). Recent studies reported their roles in autophagy and/or mitophagy through interaction with the autophagic machinery (LC3, Beclin 1, P62) or with the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. This review describes the mechanisms underlying BAG family member functions in autophagy and mitophagy and the consequences in physiopathology.
Nonenzymatic Lactic Acid Detection Using Cobalt Polyphthalocyanine/Carboxylated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites Modified Sensor
Authors: Shao Wenqing , Mai Jiayu , Wei Zhenbo
Published: February 2022

In this study, a novel cobalt polyphthalocyanine/carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite (CoPPc/MWCNTs-COOH) to detect lactic acid was successfully fabricated. The nanocomposite was systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nanocomposite provided excellent conductivity for effective charge transfer and avoided the agglomeration of MWCNTs-COOH. The electrochemical surface area, diffusion coefficient and electron transfer resistance of the CoPPc/MWCNTs-COOH glassy carbon electrode (CoPPc/MWCNTs-COOH/GCE) were calculated as A = 0.49 cm2, D = 9.22 × 10−5 cm2/s, and Rct = 200 Ω, respectively. The lactic acid sensing performance of the CoPPc/MWCNTs-COOH was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M PBS (pH 4). The results demonstrated that the novel electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance toward lactic acid reduction over a wide concentration range (10 to 240 μM), with a low detection limit (2 μM (S/N = 3)), and a reasonable selectivity against various interferents (ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, sodium chloride, glucose, and hydrogen peroxide). Additionally, the electrode was also successfully applied to quantify lactic acid in rice wine samples, showing great promise for rapid monitoring applications.
The Mental Health of Black Youth Affected by Community Violence: Family and School Context as Pathways to Resilience
Authors: Boyd Donte T. , Jones Kristian V. , Quinn Camille R. , Gale Adrian , Williams Ed-Dee G. , Lateef Husain
Published: February 2022

Black youth who experience community violence occupy multiple environments with varying levels of influence on how they display resiliency to prevent adverse mental health outcomes. Considering the recent rise of mental health concerns (i.e., increase in suicidal outcomes) among Black youth, along with the abundance of research illustrating the detrimental impact of community violence, more research is needed to examine how different environmental factors (e.g., family and school) shape how youth protect their mental health while displaying resiliency navigating community violence. The purpose of this study was to examine how family and school contexts predict Black youths’ ability to display resiliency to navigate community violence and prevent adverse mental health outcomes. This study utilized a path analysis to examine the associations between parent relationships, parent bonding, school climate, resilience to adverse community experiences, community violence, and mental health among 548 Black adolescents in Chicago. Findings highlight that parent relationships, parent bonding, and school climate influence the association between resilience to community violence and mental health outcomes among Black youth. Implications for mental health practice and policy among Black youth are discussed.
Back-Carrying in Children Is Related to Lower Limb Development
Authors: van Aswegen Mariaan , Czyż Stanisław H. , Moss Sarah J. , Steffens Francois
Published: February 2022

Back-carrying of children is a culturally accepted method of transport and safekeeping of babies in many cultures. Developmental consequences related to back-carrying practices have not been directly investigated. This study determined the relationship between frontal and transverse plane lower limb (LL) development, and back-carrying practices, in black Setswana-speaking children. In 691 2- to 9-year-old Setswana-speaking children, the tibiofemoral angle, intermalleolar distance, femoral anteversion angle (AVA) and tibial torsion angle (TTA), were measured to determine LL development. Back-carrying practices were recorded with a questionnaire and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) was used for the analyses. Significant (p < 0.001) relationships, between back-carrying practices and LL development, were discovered. Statistically significant greater genu valgum (F(5, 690) = 7.2, p < 0.001), greater internal TTAs (F(9, 684) = 17.8, p < 0.001), and smaller AVAs (F(13, 685) = 5.1, p < 0.001) were observed in children back-carried more frequently than children back-carried less frequently. There are relationships between back-carrying practices and LL development in both the frontal and transverse plane. However, the genu valgum, internal TTA and smaller AVA noted in more frequently back-carried children is still within normal limits, thus no educational intervention in back-carrying methods or durations is required. Further research should determine the exact back-carrying practice factors (age until which the child is back-carried) impacting lower limb development the greatest.
Hormone Targets for the Treatment of Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women with Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review
Authors: González-Rodríguez Alexandre , Haba-Rubio José , Usall Judith , Natividad Mentxu , Soria Virginia , Labad Javier , Monreal José A.
Published: February 2022

While the early identification of insomnia in patients with schizophrenia is of clinical relevance, the use of specific compounds to treat insomnia has been studied less in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. We aimed to explore the effects of melatonin, sex hormones, and raloxifene for the treatment of insomnia in these populations. Although melatonin treatment improved the quality and efficiency of the sleep of patients with schizophrenia, few studies have explored its use in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. The estrogen and progesterone pathways are dysregulated in major psychiatric disorders, such as in schizophrenia. While, in the context of menopause, a high testosterone-to-estradiol ratio is associated with higher frequencies of depressive symptoms, the effects of estradiol and other sex hormones on sleep disorders in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia has not been sufficiently investigated. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has shown positive effects on sleep disorders in postmenopausal women. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of hormonal compounds on insomnia in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia.
Plasma Carburizing of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Manufactured 316 L Steel for Enhancing the Surface Hardness
Authors: Montanari Roberto , Lanzutti Alex , Richetta Maria , Tursunbaev Javokhir , Vaglio Emanuele , Varone Alessandra , Verona Claudio
Published: February 2022

Austenitic stainless steels produced by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) are quite interesting materials owing to their specific microstructure consisting of dendrite walls built of dislocations pinned by many nano-oxides that involves significant strengthening without loss of ductility. In this work, different plasma treatments were performed to harden the surface of 316 L steel manufactured by L-PBF. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), light microscopy (LM) and micro-hardness tests. The experimental results show that all the plasma treatments enhance the hardness of the surface because a C-enriched layer of austenite (S-phase) forms with a thickness up to 25 μm. The plasma gas mixture, consisting of 2.5% (CH4) + 97.5% (H2), resulted in being the most effective and produced a surface hardness (547 ± 27 HV) more than double with respect to that of the untreated material. The treatment temperature was 475 °C, which represents a good compromise between the necessity to avoid the precipitation of M23C6 carbides and the compatibility of treatment time with the industrial practice. Moreover, it has been observed that a 2 μm-thick over-layer of amorphous C forms on the sample surface. The hardness of such over-layer, which depends on the specific treatment and is related to the degree of topological disorder, is generally greater than that of S-phase. The work demonstrates that plasma carburizing is quite effective in hardening the surface of 316 L steel manufactured by L-PBF and further improves its mechanical properties, which are basically superior to those of the same material prepared by conventional processes.
Effects of Electrolytes on the Dediazoniation of Aryldiazonium Ions in Acidic MeOH/H2O Mixtures
Authors: Losada-Barreiro Sonia , Bravo-Díaz Carlos
Published: February 2022

Aryldiazonium, ArN2+, ions decompose spontaneously through the formation of highly reactive aryl cations that undergo preferential solvation by water, showing a low selectivity towards the nucleophiles present in their solvation shell. In this work, we investigate the effects of electrolytes (NaCl, LiCl, and LiClO4) on the dediazoniation of 2-, 3-, and 4-methylbenzenediazonium ions in acidic MeOH/H2O mixtures. In the absence of electrolytes, the rates of dediazoniation, kobs, increase modestly upon increasing the MeOH content of the reaction mixture. At any solvent composition, the rate of ArN2+ loss is the same as that for product formation. The main dediazoniation products are cresols (ArOH) and methyl phenyl ethers (ArOMe). Only small amounts (less than 5%) of the reduction product toluene (ArH), which are detected at high percentages of MeOH. Quantitative yields of are obtained at any solvent composition. The addition of LiCl or NaCl ([MCl] = 0–1.5 M) to the reaction mixtures has a negligible effect on kobs but leads to the formation, in low yields (<10%), of the ArCl derivative. The addition of LiClO4 (0–1.5 M) to 20% MeOH/H2O mixtures has a negligible effect on both kobs and on the product distribution. However, at 99.5% MeOH, the addition of the same amounts of LiClO4 leads to a modest decrease in kobs but to a significant decrease in the yields of ArOMe. Results are interpreted in terms of the preferential solvation of perchlorate ions by the aryl cations, removing MeOH molecules from the solvation shell.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People with Lived Experience of Mental Illness Integrated into Community-Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation Structures in Portugal
Authors: Costa Ana , Santos Marta , Simões de Almeida Raquel , Monteiro Fátima , Marques António
Published: February 2022

Background: To analyze the prevalence and impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in people with lived experience of mental illness integrated into community-based psychosocial rehabilitation structures in Portugal. Methods: One hundred and thirty-nine people with lived experience of mental illness integrated into community-based psychosocial rehabilitation structures in Portugal answered an online survey that included dimensions related to COVID-19 pandemic prevalence, routine/lifestyle, social support, access to health care, mental health and well-being during the pandemic and confinement, and life satisfaction and postpandemic future expectations. Results: The results point to a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in this sample. High levels of resilience and mental well-being were identified in the individuals. We also found that participants were satisfied with the social support during this phase and their routine/lifestyle. Conclusions: The study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic seems not to have had a significant negative impact on people with experience of mental illness integrated into community-based psychosocial rehabilitation structures in Portugal. However, more research in this field should be done in the future.
Biological Interaction as a Possible Ultimate Driver in the Local Extinction of Cedrus atlantica in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: González-Hernández Antonio , Nieto-Lugilde Diego , Alba-Sánchez Francisca , Peñas Julio
Published: February 2022

The presence of Cedrus atlantica on the European continent, including, especially, the determination of the time of its disappearance from the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the most controversial issues in recent decades regarding the successive extinction of conifers in the Western Mediterranean. This work propounds the possibility that C. atlantica and Pinus nigra could have co-habited in the past, mutually excluding each other in the areas with suitable conditions for both species, where, ultimately, the one that was the most competitive would have remained. The niche overlap in the two-dimensional ecological space was analyzed. In addition, the potential distribution of both species in the Western Mediterranean today and two past periods (Last Glacial Maximum and Mid-Holocene) was modeled to identify their common geographic area of distribution. The species showed very well differentiated niches and a distribution of their habitats virtually segregated by continents since the Mid-Holocene (P. nigra in Europe and C. atlantica in Africa), which responds to differences in climatic affinities. However, the contact of the bordering areas of their distributions in the Baetic mountain range suggests that C. atlantica could have maintained its presence in the Iberian Peninsula until recent times. P. nigra would have displace it in later stages due to its greater prevalence on the continent, so it would have had greater opportunities to occupy the available space.
Prioritized User Association for Sum-Rate Maximization in UAV-Assisted Emergency Communication: A Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Siddiqui Abdul Basit , Aqeel Iraj , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Javed Umer , Kaleem Zeeshan
Published: February 2022

Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) used as aerial base stations (ABSs) can provide communication services in areas where cellular network is not functional due to a calamity. ABSs provide high coverage and high data rates to the user because of the advantage of a high altitude. ABSs can be static or mobile; they can adjust their position according to real-time location of ground user and maintain a good line-of-sight link with ground users. In this paper, a reinforcement learning framework is proposed to maximize the number of served users by optimizing the ABS 3D location and power. We also design a reward function that prioritize the emergency users to establish a connection with the ABS using Q-learning. Simulation results reveal that the proposed scheme clearly outperforms the baseline schemes.
Relations among Stigma, Quality of Life, Resilience, and Life Satisfaction in Individuals with Burn Injuries
Authors: Watson Jack D. , Perrin Paul B.
Published: February 2022

This study examined the relations among burn stigma, quality of life, resilience, and life satisfaction, hypothesizing that higher stigma and lower burn-related quality of life would lead to lower life satisfaction; however, resilience would moderate this relation. A sample of 89 participants was recruited from an outpatient clinic of a burn center in a critical care hospital. Participants completed a battery of measures assessing these constructs. Results suggested that burn stigma was associated with reduced life satisfaction after accounting for other variables. Multiple regression models found that burn stigma predicted both affect and body image but not interpersonal relationship quality or sexuality. Interpersonal relationship quality, sexuality, affect, and body image all predicted life satisfaction. Both affect and body image partially accounted for the relation between stigma and life satisfaction, and resilience accounted for the relation between stigma and affect. Findings reinforce previous literature that has shown a relationship between stigma and life satisfaction but also emphasizes the role of resilience and burn-related quality of life. Individuals who experience a burn injury may have innate resilience abilities, which allow them to bounce back from stressors; thus, resilience can be a targeted strength to bootstrap in order to improve adjustment outcomes.
Novel Insights in the Leadership in Business and Economics: A Post-Coronavirus Update
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim , Firsova Irina , Azarova Svetlana , Shatskaya Irina
Published: February 2022

Our world is evolving at an incredibly enormous speed and what was impossible three years ago is now a reality. The concept of leadership and leaders has also undergone profound transformations. Moreover, the recent COVID-19 pandemic caused a digital surge in the ways economic life, business, or education are perceived or conducted. The pandemic proved that small and large businesses, industries, and the whole economies can be suddenly upended by massive technological shifts. Hence, there is a need for a theoretical research update in leadership in business and economics that would bring new insights into this topic and define its place within the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our paper presents the novel insights for the leaders and the leadership concept in business and economics from various approaches and angles of view in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on sustainable leadership and organizational resilience. It aims at outlying the theoretical background of leadership in business and economics after the pandemic and bringing up interesting and recent leadership case studies from all around of the world. Moreover, this paper aims as sharing the valuable insights into what it means to be a sustainable leader in business and economics, why leaders are needed, and how to become one. The main criteria of this research and its instrumentation include both the theoretical discussion based on the literature review and analysis and the empirical analysis that supports these theoretical provisions. The paper features an empirical model that assesses how business and economic leaders are searching for new ways of work and personal development during and after the COVID-19 pandemic using the own data from the 400 respondents collected in the Czech Republic and Russia. We found that the pandemic enhanced the emotional creativity of business and economic leaders and made them to invest and engage more into using new digital technologies and fundamentally altering the old ways of managing and governing their respective companies and institutions. Our results might provide valuable food for thought both for academics working on various angles of leadership, as well as for entrepreneurs and businesspeople who want to receive recent updates on the topic of leadership to use them in their daily work.
The Development of Indigofera spp. as a Source of Natural Dyes to Increase Community Incomes on Timor Island, Indonesia
Authors: Agustarini Retno , Heryati Yetti , Adalina Yelin , Adinugroho Wahyu Catur , Yuniati Dhany , Fambayun Rizki Ary , Sabastian Gerhard Eli , Hidayat Asep , Tata Hesti Lestari , Ingram William , Perdana Aulia
Published: February 2022

A strategy that has the potential to contribute to the achievement of the targets established under SDG 8 (“Decent Work and Economic Growth”) involves the development of sustainable tourism to create productive job and livelihood opportunities and to promote local culture and products. In the province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, ikat weaving is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the region, with ikat characterized by unique design motives and the use of natural dyes. Unfortunately, in some areas, the use of natural dyes is diminishing as a result of competition with synthetic dyes and the limited availability of raw materials, particularly for the production of blue dye. The development of Indigofera spp. to produce natural, plant-based blue dye has significant potential to contribute to community incomes and employment. This study outlines a strategy for developing the use of Indigofera spp. as a natural dye and describes its potential for contributing to community incomes, especially on Timor Island, NTT. The study shows that weavers currently use indigo plants that grow naturally in gardens and yards. Although the community has a tradition of using these plants, informed by local wisdom, to develop the cultivation and processing of this plant through the application of the appropriate techniques, including innovative approaches to producing indigo paste, could enable the development of Indigofera spp. cultivation on a larger scale. The study shows that the availability of suitable land is high (±370 thousand ha), with 80% of the suitable land being categorized as critical. The study proposes a development based on the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to assess the manner in which these opportunities could be leveraged with the support and participation of local communities and other stakeholders by leveraging the culture and wisdom of the community regarding the use of Indigofera spp.
Predictive Analysis of COVID-19 Symptoms in Social Networks through Machine Learning
Authors: Silva Clístenes Fernandes da , Junior Arnaldo Candido , Lopes Rui Pedro
Published: February 2022

Social media is a great source of data for analyses, since they provide ways for people to share emotions, feelings, ideas, and even symptoms of diseases. By the end of 2019, a global pandemic alert was raised, relative to a virus that had a high contamination rate and could cause respiratory complications. To help identify those who may have the symptoms of this disease or to detect who is already infected, this paper analyzed the performance of eight machine learning algorithms (KNN, Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, Random Forest, SVM, simple Multilayer Perceptron, Convolutional Neural Networks and BERT) in the search and classification of tweets that mention self-report of COVID-19 symptoms. The dataset was labeled using a set of disease symptom keywords provided by the World Health Organization. The tests showed that Random Forest algorithm had the best results, closely followed by BERT and Convolution Neural Network, although traditional machine learning algorithms also have can also provide good results. This work could also aid in the selection of algorithms in the identification of diseases symptoms in social media content.
A Hierarchical Machine Learning Solution for the Non-Invasive Diagnostic of Autonomic Dysreflexia
Authors: Sagastibeltza Nagore , Salazar-Ramirez Asier , Yera Ainhoa , Martinez Raquel , Muguerza Javier , Civicos Sanchez Nora , Acera Gil Maria Angeles
Published: February 2022

More than half of patients with high spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from episodes of autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a condition that can lead to lethal situations, such as cerebral haemorrhage, if not treated correctly. Clinicians assess AD using clinical variables obtained from the patient’s history and physiological variables obtained invasively and non-invasively. This work aims to design a machine learning-based system to assist in the initial diagnosis of AD. For this purpose, 29 patients with SCI participated in a test at Cruces University Hospital in which data were collected using both invasive and non-invasive methods. The system proposed in this article is based on a two-level hierarchical classification to diagnose AD and only uses 35 features extracted from the non-invasive stages of the experiment (clinical and physiological features). The system achieved a 93.10% accuracy with a zero false negative rate for the class of having the disease, an essential condition for treating patients according to medical criteria.