bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Genetic Architecture of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Hungary: Analysis of 242 Patients with a Panel of 98 Genes
Authors: Sepp Róbert , Hategan Lidia , Csányi Beáta , Borbás János , Tringer Annamária , Pálinkás Eszter , Nagy Viktória , Takács Hedvig , Latinovics Dóra , Nyolczas Noémi , Pálinkás Attila , Faludi Réka , Rábai Miklós , Szabó Gábor , Czuriga Dániel , Balogh László , Halmosi Róbert , Borbély Attila , Habon Tamás , Hegedűs Zoltán , Nagy István
Published: May 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary disease of the myocardium most commonly caused by mutations in sarcomeric genes. We aimed to perform a nationwide large-scale genetic analysis of a previously unreported, representative HCM cohort in Hungary. A total of 242 consecutive HCM index patients (127 men, 44 ± 11 years) were studied with next generation sequencing using a custom-designed gene-panel comprising 98 cardiomyopathy-related genes. A total of 90 patients (37%) carried pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants. The percentage of patients with P/LP variants in genes with definitive evidence for HCM association was 93%. Most of the patients with P/LP variants had mutations in MYBPC3 (55 pts, 61%) and in MYH7 (21 pts, 23%). Double P/LP variants were present in four patients (1.7%). P/LP variants in other genes could be detected in ≤3% of patients. Of the patients without P/LP variants, 46 patients (19%) carried a variant of unknown significance. Non-HCM P/LP variants were identified in six patients (2.5%), with two in RAF1 (p.Leu633Val, p.Ser257Leu) and one in DES (p.Arg406Trp), FHL1 (p.Glu96Ter), TTN (p.Lys23480fs), and in the mitochondrial genome (m.3243A>G). Frameshift, nonsense, and splice-variants made up 82% of all P/LP MYBPC3 variants. In all the other genes, missense mutations were the dominant form of variants. The MYBPC3 p.Gln1233Ter, the MYBPC3 p.Pro955ArgfsTer95, and the MYBPC3 p.Ser593ProfsTer11 variants were identified in 12, 7, and 13 patients, respectively. These three variants made up 36% of all patients with identified P/LP variants, raising the possibility of a possible founder effect for these mutations. Similar to other HCM populations, the MYBPC3 and the MYH7 genes seemed to be the most frequently affected genes in Hungarian HCM patients. The high prevalence of three MYBPC3 mutations raises the possibility of a founder effect in our HCM cohort.
AR Technologies in Engineering Education: Applications, Potential, and Limitations
Authors: Takrouri Khaled , Causton Edward , Simpson Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Over the past decade, the use of AR has significantly increased over a wide range of applications. Although there are many good examples of AR technology being used in engineering, retail, and for entertainment, the technology has not been widely adopted for teaching in university engineering departments. It is generally accepted that the use of AR can complement the students’ learning experience by improving engagement and by helping to visualise complex engineering physics; however, several key challenges still have to be addressed to fully integrate the use of AR into a broader engineering curriculum. The presented paper reviews the uses of AR in engineering education, highlights the benefits of AR integration in engineering curriculums, as well as the barriers that are preventing its wider adoption.
Do Investment Strategies Matter for Trading Global Clean Energy and Global Energy ETFs?
Authors: Day Min-Yuh , Ni Yensen , Hsu Chinning , Huang Paoyu
Published: May 2022

Based on technological innovation and climate change, clean energy has been paid increasing attention to by worldwide investors, thereby increasing their interest in investing in firms that specialize in clean energy. However, traditional energy still plays an important role nowadays, because extreme weather has often occurred in the winters of recent years. We thus explore whether investing the strategies adopted by diverse technical trading rules would matter for investing in energy-related ETFs. By employing two representative global ETFs with more than 10 years of data, iShares Global Clean Energy ETF as the proxy of clean energy performance and iShares Global Energy ETF as that of traditional energy performance, we then revealed that momentum strategies would be proper for buying the green energy ETF, but contrarian strategies would be appropriate for buying the energy ETF. Furthermore, based on investment strategies adopted by diverse technical trading rules, we showed that the performance of clean energy outperforms that of energy, indicating that green energy does matter for the economy. Moreover, while observing the price trend of these two ETFs, we found that such two ETFs may have opposite share price performances, implying that, while the green energy ETF reached a relatively high price, investors following the contrarian strategies suggested in this study may reap profits by investing the energy ETF.
Comparison of Real-Time PCR and Droplet Digital PCR for the Quantitative Detection of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum
Authors: Choi Chang-Hun , Kim Eiseul , Yang Seung-Min , Kim Da-Som , Suh Seung-Man , Lee Ga-Young , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: May 2022

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is one of the newest and most promising tools providing absolute quantification of target DNA molecules. Despite its emerging applications in microorganisms, few studies reported its use for detecting lactic acid bacteria. This study evaluated the applicability of a ddPCR assay targeting molecular genes obtained from in silico analysis for detecting Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, a bacterium mainly used as a starter or responsible for fermentation in food. The performance characteristics of a ddPCR were compared to those of a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). To compare the linearity and sensitivity of a qPCR and ddPCR, the calibration curve for a qPCR and the regression curve for a ddPCR were obtained using genomic DNA [102–108 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL] extracted from a pure culture and spiked food sample. Both the qPCR and ddPCR assays exhibited good linearity with a high coefficient of determination in the pure culture and spiked food sample (R2 ≥ 0.996). The ddPCR showed a 10-fold lower limit of detection, suggesting that a ddPCR is more sensitive than a qPCR. However, a ddPCR has limitations in the absolute quantitation of high bacterial concentrations (>106 CFU/mL). In conclusion, a ddPCR can be a reliable method for detecting and quantifying lactic acid bacteria in food.
LncR-133a Suppresses Myoblast Differentiation by Sponging miR-133a-3p to Activate the FGFR1/ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway in Goats
Authors: Zhan Siyuan , Zhang Yang , Yang Cuiting , Li Dandan , Zhong Tao , Wang Linjie , Li Li , Zhang Hongping
Published: May 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a variety of biological processes and illnesses. While a considerable number of lncRNAs have been discovered in skeletal muscle to far, their role and underlying processes during myogenesis remain mostly unclear. In this study, we described a new functional lncRNA named lncR-133a. Gene overexpression and interference studies in goat skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) were used to establish its function. The molecular mechanism by which lncR-133a governs muscle differentiation was elucidated primarily using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, dual-luciferase activity assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, biotin-labeled probe, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses. LncR-133a was found to be substantially expressed in longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle, and its expression levels changed during MuSC differentiation in goats. We validated that lncR-133a suppresses MuSC differentiation in vitro. Dual-luciferase reporter screening, Argonaute 2 (AGO2) RNA immunoprecipitation assays, biotin-labeled lncR-133a capture, and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that lncR-133a interacted with miR-133a-3p. Additionally, miR-133a-3p facilitated MuSC differentiation, but lncR-133a reversed this effect. The luciferase reporter assay and functional analyses established that miR-133a-3p directly targets fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). Moreover, lncR-133a directly reduced miR-133a-3p’s capacity to suppress FGFR1 expression, and positively regulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). In summary, our results suggested that lncR-133a suppresses goat muscle differentiation by targeting miR-133a-3p and activating FGFR1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
The Deubiquitinase USP39 Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Malignancy as a Splicing Factor
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Ma Jianlin , Lu Minyi , Liu Zhihua , Sun Yongkun , Chen Hongyan
Published: May 2022

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive epithelial malignancy and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identify that the ubiquitin-specific protease 39 (USP39) drives cell growth and chemoresistance by functional screening in ESCC, and that high expression of USP39 correlates with shorter overall survival and progression-free survival. Mechanistically, we provide evidence for the role of USP39 in alternative splicing regulation. USP39 interacts with several spliceosome components. Integrated analysis of RNA-seq and RIP-seq reveals that USP39 regulates the alternative splicing events. Taken together, our results indicate that USP39 functions as an oncogenic splicing factor and acts as a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
Modeling Patient Flow in an Emergency Department under COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions: A Hybrid Modeling Approach
Authors: Terning Gaute , Brun Eric Christian , El-Thalji Idriss
Published: May 2022

Emergency departments (EDs) had to considerably change their patient flow policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such changes affect patient crowding, waiting time, and other qualities related to patient care and experience. Field experiments, surveys, and simulation models can generally offer insights into patient flow under pandemic conditions. This paper provides a thorough and transparent account of the development of a multi-method simulation model that emulates actual patient flow in the emergency department under COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Additionally, a number of performance measures useful to practitioners are introduced. A conceptual model was extracted from the main stakeholders at the case hospital through incremental elaboration and turned into a computational model. Two agent types were mainly modeled: patient and rooms. The simulated behavior of patient flow was validated with real-world data (Smart Crowding) and was able to replicate actual behavior in terms of patient occupancy. In order to further the validity, the study recommends several phenomena to be studied and included in future simulation models such as more agents (medical doctors, nurses, beds), delays due to interactions with other departments in the hospital and treatment time changes at higher occupancies.
Recent Advancements in Enhancing Antimicrobial Activity of Plant-Derived Polyphenols by Biochemical Means
Authors: Panda Likun , Duarte-Sierra Arturo
Published: May 2022

Plants are a reservoir of phytochemicals, which are known to possess several beneficial health properties. Along with all the secondary metabolites, polyphenols have emerged as potential replacements for synthetic additives due to their lower toxicity and fewer side effects. However, controlling microbial growth using these preservatives requires very high doses of plant-derived compounds, which limits their use to only specific conditions. Their use at high concentrations leads to unavoidable changes in the organoleptic properties of foods. Therefore, the biochemical modification of natural preservatives can be a promising alternative to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of plant-derived compounds/polyphenols. Amongst these modifications, low concentration of ascorbic acid (AA)–Cu (II), degradation products of ascorbic acid (DPAA), Maillard reaction products (MRPs), laccase–mediator (Lac–Med) and horse radish peroxidase (HRP)–H2O2 systems standout. This review reveals the importance of plant polyphenols, their role as antimicrobial agents, the mechanism of the biochemical methods and the ways these methods may be used in enhancing the antimicrobial potency of the plant polyphenols. Ultimately, this study may act as a base for the development of potent antimicrobial agents that may find their use in food applications.
Functioning of Polish Women in Binational Relationships—An Outline of the Issue against the Background of Migration in the Interpreted Paradigm
Authors: Gierczyk Marcin , Dobosz Dagmara
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to describe the functioning of Polish women living in Britain and the USA who have entered into formal or informal relationships with foreigners. The analysis of the literature has shown that research which helps to understand the specifics of how binational relationships work is still scarce, so researchers are encouraged to conduct more studies in this area. The analyses presented here are based on individual semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted among 21 women (N = 21). The research has shown, among other things, that the migration of Polish women is strongly correlated with living conditions and the economic situation in the country. The stories of the women interviewed about leaving Poland clearly show the changes in migration patterns developing in the 21st century.
The Influence of Air Pollution on Happiness and Willingness to Pay for Clean Air in the Bohai Rim Area of China
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Dong Guanpeng , Zhang Wenzhong , Li Jiaming
Published: May 2022

Air pollution imposes detrimental impacts on residents’ health and the general quality of life. Quantifying the influential mechanism of air pollution on residents’ happiness and the economic value brought by environmental quality improvement could provide a scientific basis for the construction of livable cities. This study estimated urban residents’ willingness to pay for air pollution abatement by modeling the spatial relationship between air quality and self-rated happiness with a Bayesian multi-level ordinal categorical response model. Using large-scale geo-referenced survey data, collected in the Bohai Rim area of China (including 43 cities), we found that a standard deviation decrease in the number of polluted days over a year was associated with about a 15 percent increase in the odds of reporting a higher degree of happiness, after controlling for a wide range of individual- and city-scale covariate effects. On average, urban residents in the Bohai Rim region were willing to pay roughly 1.42 percent of their average monthly household income for mitigating marginal reductions in air pollution, although great spatial variability was also presented. Together, we hoped that these results could provide solid empirical evidence for China’s regional environmental policies aiming to promote individuals’ well-being.
Meaning in Life and the Acceptance of Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quinto Rossella Mattea , De Vincenzo Francesco , Campitiello Laura , Innamorati Marco , Secinti Ekin , Iani Luca
Published: May 2022

Meaning in life and acceptance of cancer are critical for patients to adjust to a cancer diagnosis and to improve psychological wellbeing. Little is known about the relationship between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer. This study provides a systematic review of the associations between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer in cancer patients. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases were searched until 15 March 2021. Studies were included if they quantitatively examined the association between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer in adult cancer patients/survivors and if they were published in peer-reviewed journals or in books. The study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Of the 4907 records identified through database searches, only 3 studies quantitatively examined the associations between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer. The total sample involved 464 women with cancer. All three studies reported positive correlations between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer (ranging from r = 0.19 to r = 0.38), whereas meaning in life did not predict the acceptance of cancer. Overall, the meaning in life–acceptance relationship has not been sufficiently investigated, though it has relevant theoretical and clinical implications for coping with cancer. High-quality studies are needed to better understand the relationship between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Supervision of Healthcare Students in Rural Settings: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Martin Priya , Lizarondo Lucylynn , Argus Geoff , Kumar Saravana , Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan Srinivas
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to healthcare student placements worldwide, including already challenged rural areas in Australia. While accounts are emerging of student experiences in larger centers and from a student perspective, there is a need for in-depth exploration of student supervisor experiences in rural areas at the onset of the pandemic. This study aims to address this gap through 23 individual, semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers from ten health professions who were either direct student supervisors or in roles supporting student supervisors A reflexive thematic analysis approach was used to develop four themes, namely compounding stress, negative impacts on student learning, opportunity to flex and innovate, and targeted transitioning support strategies. The findings indicate that healthcare workers with student supervision responsibilities at the onset of the pandemic experienced high levels of stress and wellbeing concerns. This study sheds light on the importance of supporting student supervisors in rural areas, and the need for implementing targeted support strategies for new graduates whose placements were impacted by the pandemic. This is not only essential for supporting the rural healthcare workforce but is also imperative for addressing inequalities to healthcare access experienced in rural communities.
Development and Initial Validation of the Oral Health Activities Questionnaire
Authors: Aranza Diana , Nota Alessandro , Galić Tea , Kozina Slavica , Tecco Simona , Poklepović Peričić Tina , Milavić Boris
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to introduce a new Oral Health Activities Questionnaire (OHAQ, hereinafter) that examines different activities and behaviours related to the oral hygiene regimen of each analysed subject. Methods: A sample of 658 students was analysed to determine the OHAQ scale’s basic metric characteristics. To determine the construct validity of the OHAQ, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, as well as differences testing, were applied to groups of subjects on the basis of self-reported oral status measures. Results: The dimensions of oral health activities were determined, and the scales for their measurement were constructed. Females and males differed in the OHAQ questionnaire measures. Significant but low intercorrelations were found among the measures. In the female and male subsample, four different oral health (OH, hereinafter) types of subjects were identified, exhibiting different characteristic behaviours regarding oral health. OHAQ scales showed good discriminant validity, revealing the differences related to specific self-reported oral status measures (e.g., frequency of toothache and the number of filled teeth). Conclusions: The OHAQ represents a satisfactory measurement instrument for determining the level of OH activities and for doing quick and reliable classifications of the participating subjects according to their OH activities and behaviours. The process of further validation and advancements of the OHAQ scales and measures should be continued through a clinical examination of subjects.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection on Environmental Surfaces in a University Setting of Central Italy
Authors: Casabianca Anna , Orlandi Chiara , Amagliani Giulia , Magnani Mauro , Brandi Giorgio , Schiavano Giuditta Fiorella
Published: May 2022

The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through direct contact (person to person) and indirect contact by means of objects and surfaces contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces made of different materials located in university environments frequented by students and staff involved in academy activity during the fourth pandemic wave (December 2021). A total of 189 environmental samples were collected from classrooms, the library, computer room, gym and common areas and subjected to real-time PCR assay to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by amplification of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. All samples gave a valid result for Internal Process Control and nine (4.8%) tested very low positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplification with a median Ct value of 39.44 [IQR: 37.31–42.66] (≤1 copy of viral genome). Our results show that, despite the prevention measures implemented, the presence of infected subjects cannot be excluded, as evidenced by the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from surfaces. The monitoring of environmental SARS-CoV-2 RNA could support public health prevention strategies in the academic and school world.
Kinetic Modeling of Time-Dependent Enzyme Inhibition by Pre-Steady-State Analysis of Progress Curves: The Case Study of the Anti-Alzheimer’s Drug Galantamine
Authors: Lamba Doriano , Pesaresi Alessandro
Published: May 2022

The Michaelis–Menten model of enzyme kinetic assumes the free ligand approximation, the steady-state approximation and the rapid equilibrium approximation. Analytical methods to model slow-binding inhibitors by the analysis of initial velocities have been developed but, due to their inherent complexity, they are seldom employed. In order to circumvent the complications that arise from the violation of the rapid equilibrium assumption, inhibition is commonly evaluated by pre-incubating the enzyme and the inhibitors so that, even for slow inhibitors, the binding equilibrium is established before the reaction is started. Here, we show that for long drug-target residence time inhibitors, the conventional analysis of initial velocities by the linear regression of double-reciprocal plots fails to provide a correct description of the inhibition mechanism. As a case study, the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by galantamine, a drug approved for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, is reported. For over 50 years, analysis based on the conventional steady-state model has overlooked the time-dependent nature of galantamine inhibition, leading to an erroneous assessment of the drug potency and, hence, to discrepancies between biochemical data and the pharmacological evidence. Re-examination of acetylcholinesterase inhibition by pre-steady state analysis of the reaction progress curves showed that the potency of galantamine has indeed been underestimated by a factor of ~100.
Overexpression of Soybean GmWRI1a Stably Increases the Seed Oil Content in Soybean
Authors: Wang Zhikun , Wang Yuanzhuo , Shang Ping , Yang Chao , Yang Mingming , Huang Jinxiu , Ren Baizheng , Zuo Zhaohui , Zhang Qingyan , Li Wenbin , Song Bo
Published: May 2022

WRINKLED1 (WRI1), an APETALA2/ethylene-responsive-element-binding protein (AP2/EREBP) subfamily transcription factor, plays a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of plant fatty acid biosynthesis. In this study, GmWRI1a was overexpressed in the soybean cultivar ‘Dongnong 50’ using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to generate three transgenic lines with high seed oil contents. PCR and Southern blotting analysis showed that the T-DNA was inserted into the genome at precise insertion sites and was stably inherited by the progeny. Expression analysis using qRT-PCR and Western blotting indicated that GmWRI1a and bar driven by the CaMV 35S promoter were significantly upregulated in the transgenic plants at different developmental stages. Transcriptome sequencing results showed there were obvious differences in gene expression between transgenic line and transgenic receptor during seed developmental stages. KEGG analysis found that the differentially expressed genes mainly annotated to metabolic pathways, such as carbohydrated metabolism and lipid metabolism. A 2-year single-location field trial revealed that three transgenic lines overexpressing GmWRI1a (GmWRI1a-OE) showed a stable increase in seed oil content of 4.97–10.35%. Importantly, no significant effect on protein content and yield was observed. Overexpression of GmWRI1a changed the fatty acid composition by increasing the linoleic acid (C18:2) content and decreasing the palmitic acid (C16:0) content in the seed. The three GmWRI1a-OE lines showed no significant changes in agronomic traits. The results demonstrated that the three GmWRI1a overexpression lines exhibited consistent increases in seed oil content compared with that of the wild type and did not significantly affect the seed yield and agronomic traits. The genetic engineering of GmWRI1a will be an effective strategy for the improvement of seed oil content and value in soybean.
Atherogenic Plasma Index or Non-High-Density Lipoproteins as Markers Best Reflecting Age-Related High Concentrations of Small Dense Low-Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Płaczkowska Sylwia , Sołkiewicz Katarzyna , Bednarz-Misa Iwona , Kratz Ewa Maria
Published: May 2022

The study aimed to assess the strength of the relationships between small dense low-density lipoproteins (sdLDL) and other parameters describing metabolic disorders and determine which of the lipid profile parameters can be used as markers of increased sdLDL concentration. The proposed model of sdLDL (examined by heparin–magnesium precipitation method) as a function of lipid parameters and atherogenic plasma indexes non-high-dense lipoproteins (non-HDL) and total cholesterol to high-dense lipoprotein ratio (TC/HDL), Atherogenic plasma index (API) is based on data from 485 participants divided into two age groups, <35≥ years. In multiple linear regression, sdLDL concentration was associated with the concentration of non-HDL-C (p = 0.043) and API value (p < 0.001) in participants <35 years, and with non-HDL-C (p < 0.001) and triglycerides (p = 0.020) concentration ≥35 years. The presence of abnormal values of API in participants <35 years and non-HDL-C in participants ≥35 years is a significant factor increasing the chances of the highest sdLDL (≥1.03 mmol/L) corresponding to Q4 in people without metabolic disorders. Different lipid parameters and atherogenicity indexes are associated with a high concentration of sdLDL depending on the age group. Abnormal API <35 years and non-HDL ≥35 years are associated with the highest sdLDL values and may be an indication for further specialist diagnosis of cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Frequency and Associated Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Roncero Carlos , Pérez Joselín , Molina Jesús , Quintano José Antonio , Campuzano Ana Isabel , Pérez Javier , Miravitlles Marc
Published: May 2022

We aimed to examine the prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the association between demographic and clinical variables and the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. This was a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded, and questionnaires were used to assess depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), comorbidities (Charlson Index), cognitive performance (Mini Mental State Examination), and quality of life (EuroQoL-5 dimensions and CAT). Specific questions about suicide-related behavior were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the significant factors associated with previous suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The analysis included 1190 subjects. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were 12.1% and 2.5%, respectively. Severely depressed patients had the highest prevalence of suicide-related behavior. The adjusted logistic model identified factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation: sex (odds ratio (OR) for women vs. men = 2.722 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.771–4.183)), depression score (OR = 1.163 (95% IC = 1.127–1.200)), and Charlson Index (OR 1.228 (95% IC 1.082–1.394)). Suicidal ideation is common in COPD patients, especially in women. While addressing suicidal ideation and suicide prevention, clinicians should first consider the management of depressive symptomatology and the improvement of coping strategies.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Complex Telerehabilitation Intervention for Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury: The Child in Context Intervention (CICI)
Authors: Holthe Ingvil Laberg , Rohrer-Baumgartner Nina , Svendsen Edel J. , Hauger Solveig Lægreid , Forslund Marit Vindal , Borgen Ida M. H. , Øra Hege Prag , Kleffelgård Ingerid , Strand-Saugnes Anine Pernille , Egeland Jens , Røe Cecilie , Wade Shari L. , Løvstad Marianne
Published: May 2022

The current study is a feasibility study of a randomized controlled trial (RCT): the Child in Context Intervention (CICI). The CICI study is an individualized, goal-oriented and home-based intervention conducted mainly through videoconference. It targets children with ongoing challenges (physical, cognitive, behavioral, social and/or psychological) after acquired brain injury (ABI) and their families at least one year post injury. The CICI feasibility study included six children aged 11–16 years with verified ABI-diagnosis, their families and their schools. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention components, child and parent perceptions of usefulness and relevance of the intervention as well as the assessment protocol through a priori defined criteria. Overall, the families and therapists rated the intervention as feasible and acceptable, including the videoconference treatment delivery. However, the burden of assessment was too high. The SMART-goal approach was rated as useful, and goal attainment was high. The parents’ ratings of acceptability of the intervention were somewhat higher than the children’s. In conclusion, the CICI protocol proved feasible and acceptable to families, schools and therapists. The assessment burden was reduced, and adjustments in primary outcomes were made for the definitive RCT.
The Chromatin Modifier Protein FfJMHY Plays an Important Role in Regulating the Rate of Mycelial Growth and Stipe Elongation in Flammulina filiformis
Authors: Li Jian , Shao Yanping , Yang Yayong , Xu Chang , Jing Zhuohan , Li Hui , Xie Baogui , Tao Yongxin
Published: May 2022

Stipe elongation is an important process in the development of the fruiting body and is associated with the commodity quality of agaric fungi. In this study, F. filiformis was used as a model agaric fungus to reveal the function of the chromatin modifier gene containing the JmjC domain in stipe elongation. First, we identified a JmjC domain family gene (FfJmhy) with a 3684 bp length open reading frame (ORF) in F. filiformis. FfJmhy was predicted to have a histone H3K9 demethylation function, and was specifically upregulated during stipe rapid elongation. Further investigation revealed that the silencing of FfJmhy inhibited the mycelial growth, while overexpression of this gene had no effect on the mycelial growth. Comparative analysis revealed that the stipe elongation rate in FfJmhy overexpression strains was significantly increased, while it was largely reduced when FfJmhy was silenced. Taken together, these results suggest that FfJmhy positively regulates the mycelial growth and controls the elongation speed and the length of the stipe. Moreover, cell wall-related enzymes genes, including three exo-β-1,3-glucanases, one β-1,6-glucan synthase, four chitinases, and two expansin proteins, were found to be regulated by FfJmhy. Based on the putative functions of FfJmhy, we propose that this gene enhances the transcription of cell wall-related enzymes genes by demethylating histone H3K9 sites to regulate remodeling of the cell wall in rapid stipe elongation. This study provides new insight into the mechanism of rapid stipe elongation, and it is important to regulate the commodity quality of agaric fungi.
Lifestyle Interventions in Improving Health Outcomes and Enabling People to Live Well with Kidney Disease
Authors: Harris Tess
Published: May 2022

Lifestyle interventions can play an important role in improving patients’ health outcomes and helping them to live well with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The key to living well is ‘life participation’, defined as ‘the ability to do meaningful activities of life including, but not limited to, work, study, family responsibilities, travel, sport, social, and recreational activities’. Pharmaceutical, clinical, and surgical interventions such as dialysis and transplantation can deliver beneficial health outcomes for patients. Yet CKD patients say that the focus of renal appointments is ‘bloods, urine, blood pressure and kidney function’ and their treatment. Little time is provided to discuss non-clinical symptoms or concerns and recommend other treatments, such as lifestyle interventions. There are no highly ranked evidence-based guidelines for lifestyle interventions in CKD due to a historic lack of evidence. Diet advice, for example, is widely requested by patients on the internet and online forums but access to reliable information is highly variable. The lack of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) is a barrier to monitoring and gathering evidence, but regulatory changes and the efforts of international organisations should soon deliver validated tools for research and guidelines which can be implemented in holistic care pathways. A global call to action to focus on lifestyle interventions is proposed.
Constipation in Chronic Kidney Disease: It Is Time to Bridge the Gap
Authors: Ramos Christiane Ishikawa , Nerbass Fabiana Baggio , Cuppari Lilian
Published: May 2022

In this narrative review, we briefly describe the general features of constipation, our understanding of its physiopathology, and its diagnosis and treatment, focusing on chronic kidney disease (CKD). Considering that constipation is poorly characterized in CKD, we referred to studies that used the Rome criteria to diagnose constipation in patients to describe a more realistic prevalence based on a standardized tool. A highly variable prevalence of the condition was reported, ranging from 4.5% to 71.7%. The main risk factors associated with constipation reported in these studies were advanced age, low fruit intake, presence of diabetes, and medication use, and the main consequence of constipation in CKD was a worse quality of life. We found a paucity of interventional studies for constipation treatment in CKD; however, in the general population, meta-analyses published in the last decade have reported the beneficial effects of non-pharmacological strategies, which may guide the management of constipated patients with CKD. These strategies include the consumption of fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics, as well as physical exercise and acupuncture. In conclusion, although constipation is a frequent complaint among patients with CKD, there remains a considerable knowledge gap regarding its epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment.
Forests and Farmers: GIS Analysis of Forest Islands and Large Raised Fields in the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Lee Thomas W. , Walker John H.
Published: May 2022

The Llanos de Mojos of the Bolivian Amazon is a domesticated landscape with a long history of management by pre-Columbian communities. This paper uses a landscape approach to interpret the settlement patterns of pre-Columbian raised-field farmers in west central Mojos. The pre-Columbian landscape was reconstructed by mapping the distribution of three types of landscape features: forest islands, raised agricultural fields, and water systems (rivers, streams and wetlands). Previous research has identified four types of patterned clustering or ‘constellations’ of these landscape features in west central Mojos. These constellations and the immediate area of the landscape that surrounds them afforded Mojos farmers a specific set of tasks or activities to take part in as part of harnessing resources from the landscape. The mapping of landscape features and their associated tasks onto the landscape provides insight into the organization of the communities that constructed and managed them. It was found that the landscape of west central Mojos is organized into two distinct regional patterns. In the northern part of the region, evidence of large farming communities is dispersed along the banks of the permanent rivers with networks of landscape features extending off into remote areas of the savanna. In the southern part of the region, evidence for large farming communities is clustered closer together in remote areas of the savanna with networks of landscape features extending back towards the permanent rivers. The two regions are melded together by a transitional zone that implies a type of interaction between the regions rather than a distinct separation.
Do People Perceive the Disagreement in Straw Man Fallacies? An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Schumann Jennifer
Published: May 2022

So far, experimental studies on the straw man have targeted the misrepresentational dimension of this fallacy. In order to provide a more detailed understanding of the way the straw man is perceived, the focus of this paper lies on the refutational dimension. In two experiments, I will assess (1) if people are sensitive to the underlying disagreement expressed through the use of a straw man and (2) if question wording plays a role for the perception of disagreement. The results of the experiment show that participants indeed notice easily that the person performing a straw man disagrees with his opponent. It also emerges from the experiment that the difference between a positive or negative formulation of the experimental questions does not affect the perception of disagreement in the straw man. The underlying disagreement in the straw man is thus perceived either way.
Herbal Medicines against Hydatid Disease: A Systematic Review (2000–2021)
Authors: Alvi Mughees Aizaz , Khan Sadiq , Ali Rana Muhammad Athar , Qamar Warda , Saqib Muhammad , Faridi Noman Yousaf , Li Li , Fu Bao-Quan , Yan Hong-Bin , Jia Wan-Zhong
Published: May 2022

Echinococcosis is a serious public health issue that affects people and livestock all over the world. Many synthetic and natural products have been examined in vitro and in vivo on Echinococcus species but only a few are used clinically, however, they may cause some complications and side effects. To overcome these limitations, new horizons of herbal drugs to cure echinococcosis are opening with every passing day. To summarize the developments during the last 21 years, we conducted this review of the literature to identify medicinal herbs utilized throughout the world that have anti-Echinococcus activity. From 2000 to 2021, data were carefully obtained from four English databases: Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and OpenGrey. Botanical name, extraction technique, extract quantities, efficacy, duration of treatment, year of publication, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were all well noted. Ninety-one published papers, with 78 in vitro and 15 in vivo, fulfilled our selection criteria. Fifty-eight different plant species were thoroughly tested against Echinococcus granulosus. Zataria multiflora, Nigella sativa, Berberis vulgaris, Zingiber officinale (ginger), and Allium sativum were the most often utilized anti-Echinococcus herbs and the leaves of the herbs were extensively used. The pooled value of IC50 was 61 (95% CI 60–61.9) according to the random effect model and a large degree of diversity among studies was observed. The current systematic study described the medicinal plants with anti-Echinococcus activity, which could be investigated in future experimental and clinical studies to identify their in vivo efficacy, lethal effects, and mechanisms of action.
The Use of Low-Dose Methadone as Add-On to Ongoing Opioid Treatment in Palliative Cancer Care—An Underrated Treatment?
Authors: Fürst Per
Published: May 2022

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of low-dose methadone treatment in palliative cancer care. In Sweden, methadone is quite common in specialized palliative care, where almost a tenth of patients are prescribed this drug. Negative attitudes towards methadone do not seem to prevent it from being used for pain management, and by starting with low doses and then increasing slowly and gradually, methadone can apparently be introduced safely. It is still uncertain whether methadone has a better analgesic effect than other opioids. However, for pain relief in cancer patients with severe and complex cancer-related pain, NMDA receptor inhibition with methadone may, in selected cases, be an attractive alternative, especially in the form of low-dose supplements to other ongoing opioids. Due to long half-life and complex metabolism, the use of methadone requires an experienced physician and solid follow-up. Continuous administration of opioids, including low-dose methadone, has been proven effective and safe in reducing pain in dying patients without increasing the risk of confusion, regardless of age.
Investigation of the Wettability Properties of Different Textured Lead/Lead-Free Bronze Coatings
Authors: Khaskhoussi Amani , Risitano Giacomo , Calabrese Luigi , D’Andrea Danilo
Published: May 2022

Hydraulic components are often subjected to sliding contacts under starved or mixed lubrication. The condition of starved lubrication occurs during the start-up phase of the hydraulic machines or at low working temperature, causing friction and wear of components such as the cylinder block or the valve plate. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the hydrophobicity and oleophilic behavior of lead/lead-free bronze coatings under different texture conditions obtained by varying the diameter and the density of the dimples. The wettability tests were performed using sessile drop tests with oil and water liquids. The dimple parameters were analyzed using confocal microscopy, while the XRF analyses were performed to evaluate the composition of the bronze coatings. Based on the wettability measurements using oil and water, it was possible to assess that the porous surface acted as oil reservoirs that could prolong the life of lubricating oil layer, and may have resulted in a superior wear resistance. Furthermore, a relevant hydrophobicity was highlighted, suggesting that the surface texturing promoted the water-repellent barrier action on the surface. The experimental results showed that the discrepancy in surface properties in oil and water was raised when using the lead bronze coating. These coupled oleophilic and hydrophobic behaviors could play a beneficial role in sustaining the durability of a lubricating oil layer under a condition of continuous water-droplet impact.
Laser Structuring and DLC Coating of Elastomers for High Performance Applications
Authors: Vogel Sönke , Brenner Andreas , Schlüter Bernadette , Blug Bernhard , Kirsch Franziska , van Roo Tamara
Published: May 2022

Even though hard, low friction coatings such as diamond like carbon (DLC) would be beneficial for the performance and longevity of rubber seals, a crucial challenge remains. The elastic mismatch of rubber substrate and DLC coating prevents a fracture free coating application. In this work, a nature inspired approach is applied to render the stiff coating flexible and resilient to delamination at the same time by direct patterning. Rubber substrates were laser structured with tile patterns and subsequently DLC coated. Tensile and tribology tests were performed on structured and unstructured samples. Unstructured DLC coatings showed a crack pattern induced by the coating process, which was further fragmented by tensile stress. Coatings with tile patterns did not experience a further fragmentation under load. During continuous tribological loading, less heterogenous damage is produced for tile structured samples. The findings are ascribed to the relief of induced coating stress by the tile structure, meaning a more resilient coating.
Combined Crack Initiation and Crack Growth Model for Multi-Layer Polymer Materials
Authors: Pletz Martin , Arbeiter Florian Josef
Published: May 2022

The current publication deals with the fracture toughness of polymeric multi-layer materials. In detail, the crack initiation and growth, crack arrest, and crack re-initiation of a multi-layer material are examined. The aim is to develop a numerical model for crack initiation and incremental crack growth of a three-layer single edge notched bending specimen that features one brittle layer in a plastically deforming matrix. Crack initiation and crack propagation are modeled using the finite fracture mechanics concept and the energy concept, respectively. No delamination is accounted for and the crack grows in one plane. The experimental observation of a crack initiating in the brittle layer (at 61.4 ± 2.2 N) while the initial crack is blunting can be reproduced well with the numerical model (at 63.6 N) with a difference of <3.6%. The model is ready to be used for different layups to predict toughening mechanisms and damage tolerances in multi-layer materials.
Seismic Retrofitting of Existing Industrial Steel Buildings: A Case-Study
Authors: Tartaglia Roberto , Milone Aldo , Prota Alessandro , Landolfo Raffaele
Published: May 2022

Industrial single-storey buildings are the most diffuse typology of steel construction located in Italy. Most of these existing buildings were erected prior to the enforcement of adequate seismic provisions; hence, crucial attention is paid nowadays to the design of low-impact retrofit interventions which can restore a proper structural performance without interrupting productive activities. Within this framework, an existing industrial single-storey steel building located in Nusco (Italy) is selected in this paper as a case-study. The structure, which features moment resisting (MR) truss frames in both directions, is highly deformable and presents undersized MR bolted connections. Structural performance of the case-study was assessed by means of both global and local refined numerical analyses. As expected, the inadequate performance of connections, which fail due to brittle mechanisms, detrimentally affects the global response of the structure both in terms of lateral stiffness and resistance. This effect was accounted for in global analyses by means of properly calibrated non-linear links. Thus, both local and global retrofit interventions were designed and numerically investigated. Namely, lower chord connections were strengthened by means of rib stiffeners and additional rows of M20 10.9 bolts, whereas concentrically braced frames (CBFs) were placed on both directions’ facades. Designed interventions proved to be effective for the full structural retrofitting against both seismic and wind actions without limiting building accessibility.