bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Sensitivity of Wild-Type, Mutant and Genetic Sexing Strains of Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Sollazzo Germano , Gouvi Georgia , Nikolouli Katerina , Cancio Martinez Elena I. Cancio , Schetelig Marc F. , Bourtzis Kostas
Published: October 2022

Area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes with a sterile insect technique component (SIT) are used to control populations of insect pests worldwide, including the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. SIT consists of the mass rearing, radiation-induced sterilization, handling, and release of sterile insects over the target area. Although SIT can be performed by using both sterile males and females, male-only releases significantly increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SIT applications. Male-only releases can be achieved by using genetic sexing strains (GSS). The medfly VIENNA 8 GSS is based on two selectable markers, the white pupae (wp) gene, and the temperature-sensitive lethal (tsl) genes. The latter allows the elimination of females by exposing embryos to elevated temperatures. This study assessed the temperature sensitivity of twenty-seven medfly strains through a TSLT. Our results indicated significant differences among the strains regarding egg hatching as well as pupal and adult recovery rates due to the presence or absence of the tsl mutation and/or the genetic background of the strains. Our findings are discussed in the context of SIT applications, the importance of the tsl gene for developing genetic sexing strains, and climate change.
Special Issue: Selected Papers from the 1st International Electronic Conference on Entomology
Authors: Kavallieratos Nickolas
Published: October 2022

The 1st International Electronic Conference on Entomology (1IECE) was held between 1 and 15 July 2021 on the MDPI Sciforum platform organized and funded by the international journal Insects [...]
New Pamphiliids with Varying Venations from Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Northeast China (Hymenoptera, Pamphiliidae)
Authors: Zhuang Jialiang , Rasnitsyn Alexandr P. , Shih Chungkun , Ren Dong , Wang Mei
Published: October 2022

One new genus and three new species of Pamphiliidae, Dolicholyda obtusata gen. et sp. nov., Dolicholyda confluens sp. nov., and Dolicholyda angusta sp. nov. are described and illustrated. All of them were collected from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China. The new genus is established based on the following characters: body surface without punctations; forewing with pterostigma lanceolate and sclerotized around the margins; angle between 1-M and 1-Cu nearly 90°; cell 1mcu long and obviously longer than length of pterostigma. In most cases, the ap-Cu is present, and its length varied. Additionally, we revise the diagnostic characteristics of Juralydinae based on the new specimens. New findings enhance our understanding of the wing venation characteristics of fossil pamphiliids and expand the diversity of Pamphiliidae in the Mesozoic.
Spatio-Temporal Modelling Informing Wolbachia Replacement Releases in a Low Rainfall Climate
Authors: Pagendam Dan , Elfekih Samia , Nassar Majed S. , Nelson Samuel , Almalik Abdulaziz M. , Tawfik Essam A. , Al-Fageeh Mohamed B. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: October 2022

Releases of Aedes aegypti carrying Wolbachia bacteria are known to suppress arbovirus transmission and reduce the incidence of vector-borne diseases. In planning for Wolbachia releases in the arid environment of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, we collected entomological data with ovitraps across a 7-month period in four locations. Herein, we show that mosquito presence in basements does not differ from that of non-basement areas of buildings. In modelling mosquito presence across the study sites, we found the spatial structure to be statistically significant in one of the four sites, while a significant spatial structure was found for egg production data across three of the four sites. The length scales of the spatial covariance functions fitted to the egg production data ranged from 143 m to 574 m, indicating that high productivity regions can be extensive in size. Rank-correlation analyses indicated that mosquito presence tended to persist from the dry to wet season, but that egg production ranks at locations could reverse. The data suggest that, in Jeddah, the quality of the local environment for breeding can vary over time. The data support the feasibility of dry season releases but with release numbers needing to be flexible depending on local rates of invasion.
Towards a Large Calorimeter Based on Lyso Crystals for Future High Energy Physics
Authors: Schwendimann Patrick , Gurgone Andrea , Papa Angela
Published: October 2022

The state-of-the-art research at the intensity frontier of particle physics aims to find evidence for new physics beyond the Standard Model by searching for faint signals in a vast amount of background. To this end, detectors with excellent resolution in all kinematic variables are required. For future calorimeters, a very promising material is LYSO, due to its short radiation length, fast decay time and good light yield. In this article, the simulation of a calorimeter assembled from multiple large LYSO crystals is presented. Although there is still a long way to go before crystals of that size can be produced, the results suggest an energy resolution of 1%, a position resolution around 5 mm and a time resolution of about 30 ps for photons and positrons with an energy of 55 MeV. These results would put such a calorimeter at the technology forefront in precision particle physics.
Analysis of Secondary Particles as a Complement to Muon Scattering Measurements
Authors: Pérez Prada Maximilian , Barnes Sarah , Stephan Maurice
Published: October 2022

Cosmic ray tomography is an emerging imaging technique utilizing an ambient source of radiation. One common tomography method is based on the measurement of muons scattered by the examined objects, which allows the reconstruction and discrimination of materials with different properties. From the interaction of air shower particles induced through cosmic rays with the material to be scanned, secondary particles, predominantly photons, neutrons and electrons, can be produced, which carry complementary information about the objects and their materials. However, this information is currently not fully exploited or only studied in coincidence with the incoming air shower particles. Therefore, this work presents a novel approach utilizing only the information from secondary particles to reconstruct and discriminate objects made out of a variety of materials. It also includes a detailed analysis of the kinematics of secondary particles and their dependency on material characteristics. In addition, a reconstruction algorithm to produce 3D maps of the examined volume from the measurement of secondary particles is introduced. This results in a successful reconstruction and differentiation of objects in various geometrical compositions.
Novel Ultrafast Lu2O3:Yb Ceramics for Future HEP Applications
Authors: Hu Chen , Zhang Liyuan , Zhu Ren-Yuan , Pandian Lakshmi Soundara , Wang Yimin , Glodo Jarek
Published: October 2022

Inorganic scintillators activated by charge transfer luminescence Yb3+ are considered promising ultrafast material to break the ps timing barrier for future high energy physics applications. Inorganic scintillators in ceramic form are potentially more cost-effective than crystals because of their lower fabrication temperature and no need for aftergrowth mechanical processing. This paper reports an investigation on Lu2O3:Yb and Lu2xY2(1−x)O3:Yb scintillating ceramic samples fabricated by Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc. All samples show X-ray excited luminescence peaked at 370 nm. Ultrafast decay time of 1.1 ns was observed by using a microchannel plate-photomultiplier tube-based test bench at Caltech. Considering its intrinsic high density (9.4 g/cm3), Lu2O3:Yb ceramics are promising for future time of fight application for high energy physics experiments.
Biosorption of Eriochrome Black T Using Exserohilum rostratum NMS1.5 Mycelia Biomass
Authors: Hidayat Endar , Khaekhum Saranya , Yonemura Seiichiro , Mitoma Yoshiharu , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

The presence of eriochrome black T (EBT) dye in waste water causes a significant hazard to human health and ecology. In the current study, biosorption was employed to eliminate EBT from water. Thus, we utilized endophytic fungi strain Exserohilum rostratum NMS1.5 mycelia biomass as biosorbent agent. The process was carried out at room temperature by magnetic stirring. The results indicated that an increase in pH would decrease adsorption capacity and removal percentage. In addition, an increased EBT concentration would decrease the removal percentage and increase biosorption capacity. The equilibrium time indicated that after 300 min of mixing, the percentage removal and biosorption capacity were 80.5% and 100.61 mg/g, respectively. The biosorption isotherms and kinetics were compatible with the Freundlich model and the pseudo-second-order. This research indicates that E. rostratum NMS1.5 may be utilized as an environmentally friendly and affordable alternative biosorbent material for EBT removal.
Risk Factors for Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Rodriguez-Merchan Emerito Carlos , Delgado-Martinez Alberto D.
Published: October 2022

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major adverse event of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from the patient’s perspective, and it is also costly for health care systems. In 2010, the reported incidence of PJI in the first 2 years after TKA was 1.55%, with an incidence of 0.46% between the second and tenth year. In 2022, it has been published that 1.41% of individuals require revision TKA for PJI. The following risk factors have been related to an increased risk of PJI: male sex, younger age, type II diabetes, obesity class II, hypertension, hypoalbuminemia, preoperative nutritional status as indicated by prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and body mass index, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, intra-articular injections prior to TKA, previous multi-ligament knee surgery, previous steroid therapy, current tobacco use, procedure type (bilateral), length of stay over 35 days, patellar resurfacing, prolonged operative time, use of blood transfusions, higher glucose variability in the postoperative phase, and discharge to convalescent care. Other reported independent risk factors for PJI (in diminishing order of importance) are congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary illness, preoperative anemia, depression, renal illness, pulmonary circulation disorders, psychoses, metastatic tumor, peripheral vascular illness, and valvular illness. Preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid has been reported to diminish the risk of delayed PJI. Knowing the risk factors for PJI after TKA, especially those that are avoidable or controllable, is critical to minimizing (ideally preventing) this complication. These risk factors are outlined in this article.
Impact of Dexamethasone and Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Severe Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Bobot Mickaël , Tonon David , Peres Noémie , Guervilly Christophe , Lefèvre Flora , Max Howard , Bommel Youri , Volff Maxime , Leone Marc , Lopez Alexandre , Simeone Pierre , Carvelli Julien , Chopinet Sophie , Hraiech Sami , Papazian Laurent , Velly Lionel , Bourenne Jérémy , Forel Jean-Marie
Published: October 2022

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the second most frequent condition after acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 and is strongly associated with mortality. The aim of this multicentric study was to assess the impact of the specific treatments of COVID-19 and ARDS on the risk of severe AKI in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this cohort study, data from consecutive patients older than 18 years admitted to 6 ICUs for COVID-19-related ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were included. The incidence and severity of AKI, defined according to the 2012 KDIGO definition, were monitored during the entire ICU stay until day 90. Patients older than 18 years admitted to the ICU for COVID-19-related ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were included. Results: 164 patients were included in the final analysis; 97 (59.1%) displayed AKI, of which 39 (23.8%) had severe stage 3 AKI, and 21 (12.8%) required renal replacement therapy (RRT). In univariate analysis, severe AKI was associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) exposure (p = 0.016), arterial hypertension (p = 0.029), APACHE-II score (p = 0.004) and mortality at D28 (p = 0.008), D60 (p < 0.001) and D90 (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the onset of stage 3 AKI were: exposure to ACEI (OR: 4.238 (1.307–13.736), p = 0.016), APACHE II score (without age) (OR: 1.138 (1.044–1.241), p = 0.003) and iNO (OR: 5.694 (1.953–16.606), p = 0.001). Prone positioning (OR: 0.234 (0.057–0.967), p = 0.045) and dexamethasone (OR: 0.194 (0.053–0.713), p = 0.014) were associated with a decreased risk of severe AKI. Conclusions: Dexamethasone was associated with the prevention of the risk of severe AKI and RRT, and iNO was associated with severe AKI and RRT in critically ill patients with COVID-19. iNO should be used with caution in COVID-19-related ARDS.
A Case Series of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Authors: Ikawa Haruki , Osawa Ryota , Sato Akiko , Mizuno Hoshimi , Noda Yoshihiro
Published: October 2022

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic illness in which patients do not achieve remission sufficiently with conventional medication. Deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) for OCD neuromodulates the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which are known to be impaired in OCD. While dTMS treatment for OCD has shown effective results overseas, TMS treatment for OCD has rarely been implemented in Japan, and its effectiveness is unknown. We conducted an FDA-approved dTMS protocol to 26 patients with OCD. In addition, individual exposure stimulation that elicited each patient’s obsessive thoughts was also combined during dTMS treatment. Before and after 30 sessions of TMS treatment, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess changes in the severity of each patient’s obsessive-compulsive disorder. Response to dTMS treatment in patients with OCD was determined by whether the total score on the Y-BOCS after a course of treatment was reduced by 30% or more compared with the score at baseline. The percentage of responders in this case series following the 30 sessions of dTMS treatment was 53.9%. In addition, total Y-BOCS scores and scores on each item were significantly improved. The percent changes in total Y-BOCS scores did not differ between the sexes or between on- and off-medication patients. No obvious adverse events were observed in this case series. In line with the results of TMS studies for OCD patients reported overseas, dTMS treatment for Japanese patients with OCD may have a favorable therapeutic effect.
Cannabis Use Is Inversely Associated with Metabolic Disorders in Hepatitis C-Infected Patients (ANRS CO22 Hepather Cohort)
Authors: Barré Tangui , Bourlière Marc , Ramier Clémence , Carrat Fabrice , Di Beo Vincent , Protopopescu Camelia , Marcellin Fabienne , Bureau Morgane , Cagnot Carole , Dorival Céline , Zoulim Fabien , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Duclos-Vallée Jean-Charles , Fontaine Hélène , Carrieri Patrizia ,   the ANRS/AFEF Hepather Study Group
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the onset of metabolic disorders which constitute risk factors for liver disease progression. Their impact may persist after the HCV infection has been cured. Cannabis use is associated with a lower risk of obesity and diabetes in both general and HCV populations. The associations between cannabis use and both dyslipidemia and hypertension have not yet been studied in persons with chronic HCV infection. Methods. Using cross-sectional data from the French ANRS CO22 Hepather cohort, we used regression models to test for an inverse relationship between cannabis use and (i) dyslipidemia, (ii) hypertension, and (iii) the total number of metabolic disorders. Results. Among the 6364 participants in the study population, both former and current cannabis use were associated with a lower risk of hypertension and fewer metabolic disorders. These results were independent of central obesity. Cannabis use was not associated with dyslipidemia. Conclusions. In people chronically infected with HCV, cannabis use was associated with a lower risk of hypertension and a lower number of metabolic disorders. Post-HCV cure studies are needed to confirm these findings using longitudinal data and to test whether they translate into reduced mortality in this population.
Resource Consumption and Remuneration Aspects in Navigated Screw Fixation Procedures with or without Additional Sacroplasty for Fragility Fractures of the Sacrum—A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Balling Horst , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Böcker Wolfgang , Arnholdt Joerg
Published: October 2022

Surgical treatment for sacral fragility fractures using navigation-assisted screw fixation (NSF) is a modern, technically demanding procedure. Additional sacroplasty (ASP) has been shown to provide only insignificant clinical benefits for patients. This investigation highlights procedural economic aspects and evaluates results with regard to resource scarcity in order to be able to decide, whether ASP has a justification in NSF procedures beyond clinical aspects. From February 2011 to May 2017, all individuals with sacral fragility fractures surgically treated using 3D-fluoroscopy for NSF (n = 26) or NSF + ASP (n = 26) were enrolled. Outcome parameters were operative time, 3D-/2D-radiation dose, 2D-fluoroscopy time, material costs and reimbursement. In the two groups, a total of 52 individuals with 124 fragility fracture sites in sacral vertebrae I and II were surgically treated with similar numbers of screws inserted (p ≈ 0.679) requiring similar 3D- (p ≈ 0.546) and 2D-fluoroscopy radiation doses (p ≈ 0.236). In procedures with ASP, average 2D-fluoroscopy time (46.6 s vs. 32.7 s, p ≈ 0.004), and mean surgical duration (119 min vs. 96 min, p ≈ 0.011) were significantly longer. Mean implant costs (EUR 668.68 vs. EUR 204.34, p < 0.001), and reimbursement (EUR 8416.01 vs. EUR 6584.49, p ≈ 0.006) were significantly higher. Although comparison of costs and reimbursements indicated a positive financial balance, profitability was not confirmed, because financial expense for extended operative time prevented an economic advantage of procedures with ASP in this investigation. A formula was developed based on presented study data to allow similar economical decisions in other health care systems or institutions with differing resource costs.
Early Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis of 392 Cases in Italy
Authors: Cosentino Marco , Vernocchi Veronica , Martini Stefano , Marino Franca , Allasino Barbara , Bàlzola Maria Antonietta , Burigana Fabio , Dallari Alberto , Pagano Carlo Servo Florio , Palma Antonio , Rango Mauro ,   on behalf of IppocrateOrg Association Working Group for the Early Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19
Published: October 2022

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. The knowledge of COVID-19 pathophysiology soon provided a strong rationale for the early use of both anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic drugs; however, its evidence was slowly and partially incorporated into institutional guidelines. The unmet needs of COVID-19 outpatients were taken care of by networks of physicians and researchers. We analyse the characteristics, management and outcomes in COVID-19 outpatients who were taken care of by physicians within the IppocrateOrg Association. In this observational retrospective study, volunteering doctors provided data on 392 COVID-19 patients. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years (range: 0.5–97), and patients were taken care of in COVID-19 stage 0 (15.6%), stage 1 (50.0%), stage 2a (28.8%) and stage 2b (5.6%). Many patients were overweight (26%) or obese (11.5%), with chronic comorbidities (34.9%), mainly cardiovascular (23%) and metabolic (13.3%). The most frequently prescribed drugs included: vitamins and supplements (98.7%), aspirin (66.1%), antibiotics (62%), glucocorticoids (41.8%), hydroxychloroquine (29.6%), enoxaparin (28.6%), colchicine (8.9%), oxygen therapy (6.9%), and ivermectin (2.8%). Hospitalization occurred in 5.8% of cases, mainly in stage 2b (27.3%). A total of 390 patients (99.6%) recovered; one patient was lost at follow up, and one patient died after hospitalization. This is the first real-world study describing the behaviours of physicians caring for COVID-19 outpatients, and the outcomes of COVID-19 early treatment. The lethality in this cohort was 0.2%, while overall, and over the same period, the COVID-19 lethality in Italy was over 3%. The drug use described in this study appears effective and safe. The present evidence should be carefully considered by physicians and political decision makers.
Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures in Adults—A Scoping Review
Authors: Baker Hayden P. , Gutbrod Joseph , Strelzow Jason A. , Maassen Nicholas H. , Shi Lewis
Published: October 2022

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fracture type in adults, with their incidence increasing over time. There are varied approaches to both the classification and treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Optimal treatments for this fracture type are still widely open to debate. This review summarizes the current and historical treatment modalities for proximal humerus fractures. In this paper, we provide updates on the advances and trends in the epidemiology, classification, and operative and nonoperative treatments of proximal humerus fractures.
The Prediction Accuracy of Digital Orthodontic Setups for the Orthodontic Phase before Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: de Waard Olivier , Baan Frank , Bruggink Robin , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie , Ongkosuwito Edwin M.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to verify whether pre-treatment digital setups can accurately predict the tooth positions after presurgical orthodontic treatment has been performed in a 3-dimensional way. Twenty-six patients who underwent a combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment were included. Pre-treatment digital dental models were merged with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. One operator fabricated virtual setups to simulate the tooth movements of the presurgical orthodontic treatment. Prior to surgery, digital dental models were merged with the CBCT scans. Differences between de virtual setups and the presurgical dental models were calculated using linear mixed model analyses. Differences in tooth displacements exceeding the boundaries of clinical acceptance (>2 degrees for rotations and >0.6 mm for translations) were found in 75% of the rotational and 52% of translational mean differences in the maxilla and in 74% of the rotational mean differences and 44% of the translational mean differences in the mandible. Significant differences were found for all tooth types and in all tooth displacement directions with significant effects of extractions and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) procedures. The accuracy of the digital setup is still too limited to correctly simulate the presurgical orthodontic treatment.
Effects of Meditation on Cardiovascular and Muscular Responses in Patients during Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Rudlof Maximilian E. , Šimunić Boštjan , Steuber Bianca , Bartel Till O. , Neshev Ruslan , Mächler Petra , Dorr Andreas , Picha Rainer , Schmid-Zalaudek Karin , Goswami Nandu
Published: October 2022

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s number one cause of death, with exceeding psychosocial stress load being considered a major risk factor. A stress management technique that has repeatedly shown positive effects on the cardiovascular system is the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the potential effect of TM on the recovery of cardiac patients. Objectives: We hypothesized that practicing TM in patients undergoing a 4-week cardiac rehabilitation program augments the recovery of cardiovascular parameters and reduces skeletal muscle tone after rehabilitation. Methods: Twenty cardiac patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either the control or the TM group. Cardiovascular parameters were assessed with the Task Force Monitor (TFM) and skeletal muscle contractile properties by Tensiomyography during a sit-stand test, performed at the beginning and end of a 4-week in-patient rehabilitation program. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly lower after 4 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, while the RR-interval (RRI) significantly increased. At the skeletal muscle level, the contraction time and maximal displacement increased, though only in the gastrocnemius medialis and biceps femoris muscles and not in vastus lateralis. Group interactions were not observed for hemodynamic parameters nor for muscle contractile properties. Discussion: Although significant improvements in hemodynamic and muscular parameters were observed after 4 weeks of rehabilitation, we could not provide evidence that TM improved rehabilitation after 4 weeks. TM may unfold its effects on the cardiovascular system in the longer term. Hence, future studies should comprise a long-term follow-up.
Impact of Confinement by COVID-19 in Awake and Sleep Bruxism Reported by Portuguese Dental Students
Authors: Dias Ricardo , Lima Rui , Prado Ivana , Colonna Anna , Ferrari Marco , Serra-Negra Júnia , Manfredini Daniele
Published: October 2022

Confinement by COVID-19 was a stressful period that could potentially trigger awake bruxism (AB) and/or sleep bruxism (SB) behaviors. This study aims to characterize the AB and SB behaviors reported by Portuguese dental students before the pandemic and during the first period of mandatory confinement by COVID-19. Dental students were included in this longitudinal study. They answered the Portuguese validated version of the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged (T1) and one month after mandatory confinement started in Portugal (T2). Descriptive statistics and the linear-by-linear association test were performed to assess changes over time (p ≤ 0.05). Sixty-four dental students (mean age 22.5 ± 2.8 years; 81.5% females) completed the study protocol. Considering AB, there was a general increase of the behavior from T1 to T2. The percentage of participants who reported to “grind their teeth when waking up” just few times decreased (p < 0.001) and the percentage of participants who reported “feeling discomfort/tension in the facial muscles when waking up just few times” increased (p = 0.019). Considering SB, there was a significant decrease of the behavior in all samples. The number of “None” report to grinding teeth during sleep or when waking up increased (p = 0.012). An increase in the self-reporting of feeling discomfort in masticatory muscles when awake or sleeping was observed (p = 0.028). The percentage of participants who did “not remember” any AB or SB activity decreased (p < 0.050). The confinement due to COVID-19 resulted in a forced change in dental students’ lifestyles that resulted in an increase of reported AB and a decrease of reported SB. Clinical Significance: In case of confinement periods, students should be encouraged to try normalizing their daily life by creating healthy routines and, by doing so, reducing the possible predisposition to bruxism and its consequences.
Utilizing of Magnetized Water in Enhancing of Volcanic Concrete Characteristics
Authors: Keshta Mostafa M. , Elshikh Mohamed M. Yousry , Abd Elrahman Mohamed , Youssf Osama
Published: October 2022

Volcanic concrete is an eco-friendly concrete type in that it contains coarse and fine aggregates that all extracted from the igneous volcanic rock. However, utilizing of volcanic ash (VA) as partial/full replacement of concrete cement significantly affects the concrete workability, especially at high cement replacement ratios. This has also some adverse effects on concrete strength. Utilizing magnetized water (MW) in concrete as a partial/full replacement of ordinary tap water (TW) has a notable effect on enhancing the fresh and hardened concrete properties. This research aims to study the effect of using MW prepared in a magnetic field of 1.4 Tesla on the workability and hardened properties (compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths) of volcanic concrete. In this study, VA partially replaced volcanic concrete cement with ratios of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Ten volcanic concrete mixes were prepared in two groups. The first one was prepared with VA (0–20%) and mixed with TW. The other group was prepared with the same VA contents like group one, but mixed with MW. Microstructure imaging for volcanic concrete was also conducted in this study. Results of water tests showed 17% and 15% increase in total dissolved solids (TDS) and pH, respectively, of MW compared with those of TW. In addition, the water magnetization decreased the water surface tension by 7% compared with that of TW. Results of hardened concrete tests showed that the best ratio of VA in volcanic concrete was 5% with and without using magnetized water. The volcanic concrete slump decreased when using TW; however, using MW enhanced the volcanic concrete slump by up to 8%. The compressive strength was improved by 35%, 23%, and 20% at 7 days, 28 days, and 120 days, respectively, with no VA and with the presence of MW. The compressive strength was improved by 11%, 12%, and 11% after 7 days, 28 days, and 120 days, respectively, with using 5% VA and with the presence of MW. Both splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of volcanic concrete with and without VA or MW behaved similar to that of the corresponding compressive strength.
Antimicrobial Biomaterials for the Healing of Infected Bone Tissue: A Systematic Review of Microtomographic Data on Experimental Animal Models
Authors: Mariano Lorena Castro , Fernandes Maria Helena Raposo , Gomes Pedro Sousa
Published: October 2022

Bone tissue infection is a major clinical challenge with high morbidity and a significant healthcare burden. Therapeutic approaches are usually based on systemic antibacterial therapies, despite the potential adverse effects associated with antibiotic resistance, persistent and opportunistic infections, hypersensitivity, and toxicity issues. Most recently, tissue engineering strategies, embracing local delivery systems and antibacterial biomaterials, have emerged as a promising alternative to systemic treatments. Despite the reported efficacy in managing bacterial infection, little is known regarding the outcomes of these devices on the bone healing process. Accordingly, this systematic review aims, for the first time, to characterize the efficacy of antibacterial biomaterials/tissue engineering constructs on the healing process of the infected bone within experimental animal models and upon microtomographic characterization. Briefly, a systematic evaluation of pre-clinical studies was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, further complemented with bias analysis and methodological quality assessments. Data reported a significant improvement in the healing of the infected bone when an antibacterial construct was implanted, compared with the control—construct devoid of antibacterial activity, particularly at longer time points. Furthermore, considering the assessment of bias, most included studies revealed an inadequate reporting methodology, which may lead to an unclear or high risk of bias and directly hinder future studies.
Submarine Stratigraphy of the Eastern Bay of Naples: New Seismo-Stratigraphic Data and Implications for the Somma-Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei Volcanic Activity
Authors: Aiello Gemma
Published: October 2022

The submarine stratigraphy of the eastern Bay of Naples is studied through seismo-stratigraphic data correlated with borehole data. Multichannel seismic profiles are interpreted in order to reconstruct the stratigraphic relationships between the Quaternary marine seismic units and the volcanic acoustic substratum. Seven seismic units are recognized based on the geological interpretation of seismic profiles and using seismo-stratigraphic criteria. The top of the lowest seismic unit was correlated with the Campanian Ignimbrite (Southern Campania Volcanic Zone). The stratigraphic setting of the eastern Bay of Naples is characterized by NE-SW trending seismic structures, probably corresponding with tuff rings. These tuff rings can be compared with the Porto Miseno, the Archiaverno and Averno, and the Astroni tuff rings (Campi Flegrei). Offshore, the Somma-Vesuvius a seismic unit was interpreted as the fallout deposits representing the base of the AD 79 eruption. However, since a branch of the isopach of 5 m of the “Pomici di Avellino” pyroclastic deposits is very close to the Tyrrhenian coastline and near our GRNA01 and GRNA03 seismic profiles, we cannot exclude that the seismic unit could be also correlated with the deposits of this eruption.
Sensitivity-Analysis-Driven Surrogate Model for Molten Salt Reactors Control
Authors: Cervi Eric , Lu Xuefei , Cammi Antonio , Di Maio Francesco , Zio Enrico
Published: October 2022

The numerical analysis for the controllability assessment of a new design nuclear reactor is typically carried out by means of complex multiphysics codes, solving high fidelity partial differential equations governing the system neutronics as well as the fluid dynamics. Multiphysics codes deliver very accurate solutions at the expense of high computational times, which could be of several hours depending on the specific case study. In this work, to efficiently reduce runtimes, a sensitivity analysis (SA) is carried out to identify the most important input parameters affecting the solution of a multiphysics model developed for the controllability assessment of molten salt reactors (MSRs). The numerical modeling of these innovative systems is fundamental to allow for a safer and more sustainable power production (e.g., due to the lower radiotoxicity of the actinide inventory in MSRs and to the possibility of operation at atmospheric pressure). In this paper, four global sensitivity measures are calculated first, including the Pearson correlation coefficient, δ, Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Kuiper indices, whose results are aggregated by an ensemble strategy and confirmed by the CUmulative SUm of NOrmalized Reordered Output (CUSUNORO) plot. The results of the SA point out that the fuel density is the most important parameter yielding the largest variations in the system reactivity, fundamental for guaranteeing the MSR controllability. In light of this result, a simplified, surrogate model is then developed, which uses density as the only input parameter to determine reactivity, guaranteeing runtime reductions from several hours to a few seconds and, at the same time, a comparable level of accuracy of the multiphysics model. This result demonstrates the capability of global sensitivity analysis approaches to effectively identify the most relevant parameters in MSR systems, supporting the development of simplified, control-oriented models for these innovative reactors.
Analysis of Psychosomatic Disorders According to Age and Sex in a Rural Area: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Torrubia-Pérez Elisabet , Reverté-Villarroya Silvia , Fernández-Sáez José , Martorell-Poveda Maria-Antonia
Published: October 2022

Psychosomatic disorders can develop unevenly depending on certain health determinants; therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of psychosomatic disorders and the differences by age and sex in a rural area. We conducted an observational descriptive retrospective population study to determine the prevalence of 201 diagnoses of psychosomatic nature grouped into 25 diagnostic categories by sex and age groups. A total of 33,680 participants with a diagnosis of psychosomatic disorder were identified (64.6% women, 35.4% men). We found statistically significant differences based on sex in 13 of the 25 diagnostic categories previously defined. When we analyzed these categories by age, we found that women showed a higher probability, between 1.23 and 10.85 times, of suffering from most of these health issues. We also observed that the older the age group, the most often they had a diagnosis. Notably, more women seem to suffer from psychosomatic disorders when compared to men in the same situation. In most of these disorders, being of the female sex was a risk factor, and the older the participants, the greater the probability of developing a disorder.
Clinical Application of Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound
Authors: Russo Anna , Reginelli Alfonso , Lacasella Giorgia Viola , Grassi Enrico , Karaboue Michele Ahmed Antonio , Quarto Tiziana , Busetto Gian Maria , Aliprandi Alberto , Grassi Roberta , Berritto Daniela
Published: October 2022

Musculoskeletal ultrasound involves the study of many superficial targets, especially in the hands, wrists, and feet. Many of these areas are within the first 3 cm of the skin surface and are ideal targets for ultra-high-frequency ultrasound. The high spatial resolution and the superb image quality achievable allow foreseeing a wider use of this novel technique, which has the potential to bring innovation to diagnostic imaging.
Proposal for a Structured Outpatient Clinic for Dupilumab Treatment in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in the First Year of Treatment
Authors: Torretta Sara , De Corso Eugenio , Nava Nicolò , Fraccaroli Francesca , Ferrucci Silvia Mariel , Settimi Stefano , Montuori Claudio , Porru Davide Paolo , Spanu Camilla , D’Agostino Giuseppe , Marzano Angelo Valerio , Pignataro Lorenzo
Published: October 2022

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a common disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses with important economic and sanitary burdens, as well as having a great impact on patients’ quality of life. In this field, a new therapeutic approach for those patients who have been described as affected by severe uncontrolled CRSwNP, resistant to medical and best surgical treatment, is represented by subcutaneous human monoclonal antibodies (including dupilumab) that block specific targets involved in the type 2 inflammatory pathway which most commonly drives CRSwNP pathophysiology. This paper aims to report our experience in the management of severe uncontrolled CRSwNP and, in particular, describe our diagnostic workup including baseline evaluation and follow-up visits in the first year of treatment. We also describe into detail our multidisciplinary approach to the disease. We finally report the outcomes of treatment in a real-life setting. In this outpatient real-life setting, our results confirmed the effectiveness of dupilumab in reducing the volume of nasal polyps and restoring nasal obstruction and sense of smell, as well as improving patients’ quality of life. The adherence to the dupilumab treatment was very high. The dose of administration was never modified in patients in the first year of treatment. All the patients respected the plan of the visits at proposed time points. We believe that the structural organization of our outpatient clinic appears to be functional: it allows us to study patients thoroughly before starting treatment and to make a proper follow-up after it starts. We believe that sharing both our strict clinical flowchart and growing experience with dupilumab with the medical community can lead to more standardized and effective pathways of care for CRSwNP patients.
A New Mini-Invasive Approach for a Catastrophic Disease: Staged Endovascular and Endoscopic Treatment of Aorto-Esophageal Fistulas
Authors: Donato Federica , Boskoski Ivo , Vincenzoni Claudio , Montanari Francesca , Tinelli Giovanni , Donati Tommaso , Tshomba Yamume
Published: October 2022

Aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) is an uncommon but usually fatal disorder. Surgery with resection of an aneurysm and esophagus, in situ reconstruction of the descending aorta and omental flap installation offers the gold standard for the reduction of infections, but it is burdened by high intraoperative and perioperative mortality rates. We report our experience with a combined minimally invasive approach for the multi-stage treatment of three cases of aorto-esophageal fistula caused by thoracic aneurysm rupture. In all of the patients, the aneurysm was treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair and the esophageal lesion was treated with esophageal endoprosthesis placement. According to our experience, the combined strategy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and esophageal less invasive endoscopic treatments represents an alternative solution in frail patients with high surgical risk.
Attitude towards Online Shopping during Pandemics: Do Gender, Social Factors and Platform Quality Matter?
Authors: Boustani Nada Mallah , Sayegh May Merhej , Boustany Zaher
Published: October 2022

Because of the advancement of electronic commerce, online shopping has emerged, merging commercial and social activities and enhancing the social presence and value of the online environment. To improve the understanding of the changes in the consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study proposes a set of characteristics connected to the social side of online shopping and their influence on client purchasing attitude in addition to the quality of the platforms that are being used (service quality, system quality and information quality). For this matter, a survey of 289 Lebanese people was circulated in 2021 and a quantitative method was used to answer three research questions. Types of goods purchased and frequency of buying on-line were tested to check the presence of any gender differences, in addition to the relationship between the variables studied in the model. According to the research, social presence, social value, and tendency to compare products on different shopping platforms all have a significant correlation with the attitude towards online shopping, where the system quality was the least significant. When it comes to purchasing frequency and product types, the data gathered imply that gender disparities are considerable. This study does not consider the consumer’s living environment or whether there are any age differences between the generations shopping online.
The Interplay between COVID-19 and the Economy in Canada
Authors: Albani Vinicius , Grasselli Matheus , Pang Weijie , Zubelli Jorge
Published: October 2022

We propose a generalized susceptible-exposed-infected-removed (SEIR) model to track COVID-19 in Canadian provinces, taking into account the impact of the pandemics on unemployment. The model is based on a network representing provinces, where the contact between individuals from different locations is defined by a data-driven mixing matrix. Moreover, we use time-dependent parameters to account for the dynamical evolution of the disease incidence, as well as changes in the rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death. Unemployment is accounted for as a reduction in the social interaction, which translates into smaller transmission parameters. Conversely, the model assumes that higher proportions of infected individuals reduce overall economic activity and therefore increase unemployment. We tested the model using publicly available sources and found that it is able to reproduce the reported data with remarkable in-sample accuracy. We also tested the model’s ability to make short-term out-of-sample forecasts and found it very satisfactory, except in periods of rapid changes in behavior. Finally, we present long-term predictions for both epidemiological and economic variables under several future vaccination scenarios.
Extreme Connectedness between Green Bonds, Government Bonds, Corporate Bonds and Other Asset Classes: Insights for Portfolio Investors
Authors: Abakah Emmanuel Joel Aikins , Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Sharma Aarzoo , Mwamtambulo Dorika Jeremiah
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to examine the connectedness between green and conventional assets, particularly during the period of economic downturn. Specifically, we examine quantile-based time-varying connectedness between the green bond market and other financial assets using quantile vector autoregression (QVAR) from 9 March 2018 to 10 March 2021. We use daily prices of S&P U.S. Treasury Bond Index, S&P US Aggregate Bond Index, S&P US Treasury Bond Current 10Y Index, S&P 500 Bond Index, S&P 500 Financials index, S&P 500 Energy Bond Index and S&P 500, giving a total of 784 observations, and using Composite Index as a representative of conventional assets classes and S&P Green Bond Index to denote the green bond market. Results shows the connectedness between green bonds and the conventional asset classes intensified during the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) as investors shifted their investment towards fixed income assets due to the plunge in the prices of stocks and commodities. The results also shows that green bonds are strongly connected with treasury bonds, aggregate bonds and bond index, as they share similarities with respect to issuance, risk and governance. Connectedness is weak in the case of composite index and energy bond index, as their prices do not have substantial influence on the green bond market. The study highlights the hedging and diversification benefits of green bonds. We have several implications for portfolio managers, policy makers and researchers.
Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN): A Survey on Architecture, Technologies, Energy Consumption, and Security Challenges
Authors: Yaghoubi Mohammad , Ahmed Khandakar , Miao Yuan
Published: October 2022

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) are a new advance utilized in recent years to increase the quality of human life by monitoring the conditions of patients inside and outside hospitals, the activities of athletes, military applications, and multimedia. WBANs consist of intelligent micro- or nano-sensors capable of processing and sending information to the base station (BS). Sensors embedded in the bodies of individuals can enable vital information exchange over wireless communication. Network forming of these sensors envisages long-term medical care without restricting patients’ normal daily activities as part of diagnosing or caring for a patient with a chronic illness or monitoring the patient after surgery to manage emergencies. This paper reviews WBAN, its security challenges, body sensor network architecture and functions, and communication technologies. The work reported in this paper investigates a significant security-level challenge existing in WBAN. Lastly, it highlights various mechanisms for increasing security and decreasing energy consumption.