bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in youth: Individual and family psychiatric characteristics
Authors: Doss Julia
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are an understudied group associated with significant medical and psychiatric morbidity. Several studies have examined characteristics associated with youth's development of this disorder, though the exploration of family factors including psychiatric illness, has been lacking. This study sought to establish the need for a more comprehensive future study.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who had been admitted and diagnosed with PNES at the epilepsy monitoring unit at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. A total of 62 patients were included. All patients were evaluated by an epileptologist and psychologist during their diagnostic admission. “Spells” in question were captured via video EEG monitoring. PNES youth and family risk factors were assessed.

Results

Mean age of PNES symptom onset was 13.9 years. Patients (73%) were diagnosed within 6 months of onset of symptoms. Histories of other impairing somatic complaints were present in the youth (54%), with 67% having prior psychiatric diagnoses. Experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm occurred in 47% of this sample. Family members were unaware of the history of these symptoms with 12% of the parent's reporting awareness. Family history of psychiatric disorders (first-degree relatives of patient) was present in 54% of the sample, with anxiety, depression and conversion disorder being the most commonly endorsed diagnoses.

Conclusions

Youth with PNES present with comorbid psychiatric disorders, though prior assessment and treatment for these disorders was not common. Youth with PNES have history of suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm, though parental awareness of these co-occurring symptoms is limited. Family risk factors, such as history of psychiatric disorder in first degree relatives, was high. The impact of these family risk factors is understudied and should be further evaluated to better understand the impact on development and maintenance of this disorder in youth.
Multi-band network fusion for Alzheimer’s disease identification with functional MRI
Authors: Guo Lingyun , Zhang Yangyang , Liu Qinghua , Guo Kaiyu , Wang Zhengxia
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The analysis of functional brain networks (FBNs) has become a promising and powerful tool for auxiliary diagnosis of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its prodromal stage. Previous studies usually estimate FBNs using full band Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) signal. However, a single band is not sufficient to capture the diagnostic and prognostic information contained in multiple frequency bands.

Method

To address this issue, we propose a novel multi-band network fusion framework (MBNF) to combine the various information (e.g., the diversification of structural features) of multi-band FBNs. We first decompose the BOLD signal adaptively into two frequency bands named high-frequency band and low-frequency band by the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). Then the similarity network fusion (SNF) is performed to blend two networks constructed by two frequency bands together into a multi-band fusion network. In addition, we extract the features of the fused network towards a better classification performance.

Result

To verify the validity of the scheme, we conduct our MBNF method on the public ADNI database for identifying subjects with AD/MCI from normal controls.

Discussion

Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme extracts rich multi-band network features and biomarker information, and also achieves better classification accuracy.
Evaluation of the effect of a gel made with amniotic fluid formulation on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: A triple-blind clinical trial
Authors: Niami Fatemeh , Molavynejad Shahram , Hemmati Ali Asghar , Bijan Nejad Darioush , Yazdanpanah Leila , Maram Nader Shakiba , Saki Malehi Amal , Mahmoudi Mandana
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gel made with amniotic fluid (AF) formulation on wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods

This clinical trial was performed on 92 type 2 diabetic patients referring to the Diabetes Clinic of Golestan Hospital of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran in 2019–2020. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of intervention and one placebo group. The wounds of the three intervention groups were dressed with gauze impregnated with an AF formulation gel while wounds of the control group were dressed with plain gauze without any topical agent. Chi-square tests and generalized estimating equations (GEE) with a significance level of 0.05 were used to analyze the data.

Results

At the end of the eighth week of intervention, there was a statistically significant difference among the four groups in terms of wound grade, wound color, condition of the tissues surrounding the wound, the overall condition of the wound, and the duration of wound healing (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on our experience with the patients in the present study, we believe that AF represents a useful and safe option for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Clinical trial registration

https://en.irct.ir/trial/51551, Identifier: IRCT20201010048985N1.
Dermal measurement of exposure to plant protection products: Actual hand exposure from hand washing vs. wearing cotton gloves
Authors: Kuster Christian J. , Hewitt Nicola J. , Hamacher Georg
Published: December 2022

For the authorization of plant protection products, a quantitative non-dietary exposure risk assessment relies on established dermal exposure models, measured mainly using passive dosimetry. Exposure to the hands is determined via hand washing or using cotton gloves as a surrogate for skin. This study compared both methods using operator exposure data available from the Agricultural Operator Exposure Model (AOEM) project report. These data indicate that hand exposure determined using cotton gloves resulted in markedly higher exposure values for all exposure scenarios compared to those determined by hand washes. One explanation for this is that dermal uptake of the residues reduces the amount of residue that can be recovered by hand washing. Uncertainty due to dermal uptake can be addressed by either default assumptions or by specific dermal absorption data. However, this cannot solely account for the large difference observed between the values and is mainly likely to be due to the higher capacity of the cotton gloves vs. human skin to retain residues. The results further indicate that the variability between hand wash samples and cotton glove samples differs between the exposure scenarios. Hence, the level of conservatism related to the use of cotton gloves as surrogate skin remains unknown. In conclusion, this evaluation of the AOEM data indicates that the cotton glove method results in much higher levels of measured hand exposure than the hand wash method. It cannot be excluded that dermal uptake has contributed to that result. However, the findings suggest the higher retention capacity of cotton gloves vs. human skin to be the main impact parameter. The cotton glove method does not provide the results with regards to the protection level that can be expected from the use of protective gloves. Therefore, we believe that the application of the hand wash method is a more accurate measure of exposure levels, if either specific dermal absorption data or, in its absence, default assumptions are applied as adjustment factor.
Review of major meat-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens
Authors: Ali Sultan , Alsayeqh Abdullah F.
Published: December 2022

The importance of meat-borne pathogens to global disease transmission and food safety is significant for public health. These pathogens, which can cause a variety of diseases, include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The consumption of pathogen-contaminated meat or meat products causes a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal ailments. Humans are susceptible to several diseases caused by zoonotic bacterial pathogens transmitted through meat consumption, most of which damage the digestive system. These illnesses are widespread worldwide, with the majority of the burden borne by developing countries. Various production, processing, transportation, and food preparation stages can expose meat and meat products to bacterial infections and/or toxins. Worldwide, bacterial meat-borne diseases are caused by strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella, Campylobacter, Brucella, Mycobacterium bovis, and toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium species, and Bacillus cereus. Additionally, consuming contaminated meat or meat products with drug-resistant bacteria is a severe public health hazard. Controlling zoonotic bacterial pathogens demands intervention at the interface between humans, animals, and their environments. This review aimed to highlight the significance of meat-borne bacterial zoonotic pathogens while adhering to the One Health approach for creating efficient control measures.
Understanding health inequalities in Wales using the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method
Authors: Allen James , Cotter-Roberts Andrew , Darlington Oliver , Dyakova Mariana , Masters Rebecca , Munford Luke
Published: December 2022

Background

Throughout Wales and the world, health inequality remains a problem that is interconnected with a wider and complex social, economic and environmental dynamic. Subsequently, action to tackle inequality in health needs to take place at a structural level, acknowledging the constraints affecting an individual's (or community's) capability and opportunity to enable change. While the ‘social determinants of health' is an established concept, fully understanding the composition of the health gap is dependent on capturing the relative contributions of a myriad of social, economic and environmental factors within a quantitative analysis.

Method

The decomposition analysis sought to explain the differences in the prevalence of these outcomes in groups stratified by their ability to save at least £10 a month, whether they were in material deprivation, and the presence of a limiting long-standing illness, disability of infirmity. Responses to over 4,200 questions within the National Survey for Wales (n = 46,189; 2016–17 to 2019–20) were considered for analysis. Variables were included based on (1) their alignment to a World Health Organization (WHO) health equity framework (“Health Equity Status Report initiative”) and (2) their ability to allow for stratification of the survey sample into distinct groups where considerable gaps in health outcomes existed. A pooled Blinder-Oaxaca model was used to analyse inequalities in self-reported health (fair/poor health, low mental well-being and low life satisfaction) and were stratified by the variables relating to financial security, material deprivation and disability status.

Results

The prevalence of fair/poor health was 75% higher in those who were financially insecure and 95% higher in those who are materially deprived. Decomposition of the outcome revealed that just under half of the health gap was “explained” i.e., 45.5% when stratifying by the respondent's ability to save and 46% when stratifying by material deprivation status. Further analysis of the explained component showed that “Social/Human Capital” and “Income Security/Social Protection” determinants accounted the most for disparities observed; it also showed that “Health Services” determinants accounted the least. These findings were consistent across the majority of scenarios modeled.

Conclusion

The analysis not only quantified the significant health gaps that existed in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic but it has also shown what determinants of health were most influential. Understanding the factors most closely associated with disparities in health is key in identifying policy levers to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and well-being across populations.
The epidemiological trend of monkeypox and monkeypox-varicella zoster viruses co-infection in North-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Stephen Roland , Alele Faith , Olumoh Jamiu , Tyndall Jennifer , Okeke Malachy Ifeanyi , Adegboye Oyelola
Published: December 2022

Background

Monkeypox (MPX) is endemic in Nigeria, but it was first reported in Adamawa state, North-Eastern Nigeria, in January 2022. There are currently 172 cases of MPX in Nigeria, with four reported deaths, and Adamawa has the second-highest case count. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the epidemiological profile of this viral disease.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. The skin and blood samples were screened for the presence for Monkeypox virus (MPXV) and Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) DNA by real-time PCR; the clinical diagnosis was based on symptoms of visual signs of skin lesions and other clinical symptoms from January to July 2022.

Results

A total of 33 suspected cases aged 1–57 years [26 (79%) males vs. 7 (21%) females] were screened for MPX and VZV. Twenty-four (72.7%) were positive (6.1% were MPX only, 39% were VZV only, and 27% were both MPX and VZV). Most cases of MPX (82%), VZV (69%) and MPX-VZV co-infection (78%) occurred in males. More than half (54%) of those infected were children and adolescents between 0 and 19 years. All patients experienced body rashes and itching, and other clinical symptoms included fever, headache, mouth sores, muscle aches and lymphadenopathy. Over 64 and 86% of patients had contact with livestock and rodents, respectively.

Conclusion

MPXV, VZV and MPXV-VZV co-infections occurred predominantly among males and children in Adamawa state, Nigeria. Given the patient contact with rodents and livestock, further research on the animal reservoir is needed to highlight the transmission of MPXV in Adamawa.
Evaluation of the communication strategy for promoting physical activity in a cross-company network in Germany: A mixed-methods analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Carina , Schaller Andrea
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The workplace is considered a promising setting for reaching physically inactive adults, but participation quotes in workplace health promotion (WHP) remain low. Regarding the low participation in WHP, the question emerges concerning the importance of health communication strategies. This paper presents the results from the evaluation of the communication strategy of a cross-company network for promoting physical activity and derives findings for the successful communication of measures.

Materials and methods

Quantitative and qualitative data sources were used to evaluate the communication strategy. The methods applied included individual semi-structured interviews (n = 14) and the monitoring of the usage of digital communication channels.

Results

The analysis revealed that the usage of the digital communication channels within this study was subjected to major fluctuations and a variety of factors must be considered when communicating physical activity measures in a cross-company network. It is important to engage in appropriate communication management that explicitly takes the interpersonal communication and the organizational circumstances into account.

Conclusion

This study revealed which factors may have an influence on the successful communication of physical activity measures in the context of WHP in cross-company networks. Thus, it makes an important contribution to the transfer of science and practice as it captured relevant questions from the field of WHP.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS)-ID: DRKS00020956; Date of registration: 18 June 2020, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00020956.
Living alone reduces the decline of calf circumference among Chinese older adults: A 4-year longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2022

Background: Calf circumference (CC) is regarded as a surrogate marker of skeletal muscle mass with high sensitivity and specificity for predicting sarcopenia. A cross-sectional study reported older adults living alone were at high risk of developing sarcopenia. Whether living alone affects the change of calf circumference is unknown and there is no evidence from longitudinal study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between living arrangements and the change of calf circumferences among older adults in China.

Methods: The data were from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. A total of 2,203 older adults (age ≥65 years, mean age: 80.61 ± 8.30 years, 50.0% female) who were interviewed in 2014 and then 2018 follow-up survey were finally included for analysis. Living arrangements and other information were collected in 2014. Calf circumferences were measured and recorded in the questionnaires of two waves and the differences were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of living arrangements (living alone or not living alone) with the change of calf circumferences (decline or no decline).

Results: There were 446 (20.2%) participants living alone and 1,757 (79.8%) participants not living alone. After about 4 years, calf circumferences of 866 (39.3%) older adults declined. Compared to not living alone, living alone was negatively associated with calf circumference decline, even after adjustment for covariates (OR: 0.702, 95% CI: 0.547–0.901, p = 0.005). This significant association was found in 65–79 years old (OR: 0.619, 95% CI: 0.407–0.942, p = 0.025), female (OR: 0.567, 95% CI: 0.408–0.790, p = 0.001) and city/town (OR: 0.461, 95% CI: 0.310–0.685, p < 0.001) subgroups but not in advanced age (≥80 years old), male and rural subgroups.

Conclusion: This study revealed that living alone was associated with a decreased risk of calf circumference decline among older adults, and might be a protective factor for sarcopenia.
Evaluating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use and impact of social media in the urology residency match: A review of the literature
Authors: Yelton Brent , Patel Shivam , Shanholtzer Andrew , Walter Brianna , Jafri Syed Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Social media (SoMe) use within healthcare has changed significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This project highlights recent changes in SoMe use within the field of urology and summarizes how they have impacted the urology residency application and match process. A literature review of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases was performed on March 19th, 2022 for relevant studies regarding the use of SoMe in the American urology residency application and match process. Articles not published in English, published prior to 2019, or focusing on residency matches outside of the United States were excluded. The initial search yielded 202 unique results, of which, after independent review, a total of nine texts were deemed appropriate for analysis. Of the nine sources, six were peer-reviewed articles, two were published conference abstracts which included data, and one was a research letter. These studies consistently found that both urology applicants and residency programs increased their SoMe use following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as the percentage of programs (26-50% to 51-75%) and percentage of applicants (44% to 80%) participating in SoMe for professional purposes increased from 2018-2019 to 2021. Notably, Twitter was the most popular SoMe platform used. Among urology applicants, 43-61% found SoMe to have the greatest utility in providing information about specific programs. There was also consistency between studies in finding that SoMe use played a minimal role in whether or not a student matched, as only 3-6% of program directors reviewed applicants’ SoMe during the application and match process, while as many as 80% reported that SoMe had no role in the assessment of applicants. With programs continuing to see SoMe as a method of reaching out to applicants, increases in usage will likely continue even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. In turn, it will become increasingly important for students to be mindful of how and what they post on SoMe. Continuing to analyze and reevaluate the benefits and drawbacks of these SoMe tools will remain important as virtual interactions become increasingly relevant to the field of urology.
Toward a sociology of evolution in the Anthropocene–Shared intentionality and cooperation through understanding minds
Authors: Pries Ludger
Published: December 2022

Sociology has a long tradition of diagnosing contemporary societies, but little theoretical and empirical instruments for analyzing the long-term evolution of human coexistence. This goes hand in hand with a bias to disregard insights of evolutionary theory and research. The main argument here to develop is that a sociology of evolution should enter at the core of our discipline. This becomes even more important in the era of the Anthropocene as a new geo-chronological period of the planet's evolution that is characterized by substantial human influencing of planetary ecological mechanisms and could be found in earth sediments. If human intervention in the planet has reached such a scale that its future fate is no longer shaped mainly by natural cosmological laws, but by human intervention, then sociology has to broaden its temporal and substantive perspective; it should reflect more explicitly on the relationship between nature, culture, and technology. In what follows, we plead for giving evolutionary sociology, especially the long-term evolution of human coexistence between nature and culture, a greater place in sociology. To this end, we address three points. First, we ask why sociology is not concerned with the co-evolution of other creatures, but almost exclusively focused on the development and social change of humans over the short period of the last few centuries. Second, we argue that, with respect to the nature-culture relationship, sociology has essentially followed a questionable scientific division of labor, according to which the natural sciences deal with natural phenomena and sociology with sociocultural phenomena. Finally, we address the debate on the Anthropocene and distinguish between two ways of responding to the challenges it poses, namely with more technology or with more culture.
Solar energetic particle time series analysis with Python
Authors: Palmroos Christian , Gieseler Jan , Dresing Nina , Morosan Diana E. , Asvestari Eleanna , Yli-Laurila Aleksi , Price Daniel J. , Valkila Saku , Vainio Rami
Published: December 2022

Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) are charged particles accelerated within the solar atmosphere or the interplanetary space by explosive phenomena such as solar flares or Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). Once injected into the interplanetary space, they can propagate towards Earth, causing space weather related phenomena. For their analysis, interplanetary in situ measurements of charged particles are key. The recently expanded spacecraft fleet in the heliosphere not only provides much-needed additional vantage points, but also increases the variety of missions and instruments for which data loading and processing tools are needed. This manuscript introduces a series of Python functions that will enable the scientific community to download, load, and visualize charged particle measurements of the current space missions that are especially relevant to particle research as time series or dynamic spectra. In addition, further analytical functionality is provided that allows the determination of SEP onset times as well as their inferred injection times. The full workflow, which is intended to be run within Jupyter Notebooks and can also be approachable for Python laymen, will be presented with scientific examples. All functions are written in Python, with the source code publicly available at GitHub under a permissive license. Where appropriate, available Python libraries are used, and their application is described.
Effect of dog-related parameters on the flexion test outcome: A large cohort retrospective study on physiological and orthopedic pathological-related factors
Authors: Grosjean Diane , De Bakker Evelien , Mugnier Amélie , Forterre Franck , Saunders Jimmy , Van Ryssen Bernadette , Samoy Yves Camiel Alice
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This retrospective study evaluates the dog-related factors of variation influencing the outcome of the flexion test (FT), when performed to localize pain to a joint area, on a large group of canine orthopedic patients.

Materials and methods

The selection criteria for this retrospective study were dogs undergoing a FT in a referral orthopedic clinic between 2009 and 2020 with a complete medical record. The canine FT, described in a previously published protocol, was performed on dogs presented with an orthopedic problem. In summary, a dog's joint, identified as suspected of an orthopedic problem according to the clinical examination, was flexed for 1 min before walking 15 m on a hard and even surface. The FT was considered positive if the lameness increased after the application of the FT and negative when it remained unchanged. Statistical analysis was performed to determine which of the following criteria could influence the outcome of the flexion test: age, gender, neutered status, weight category, tested joint and initial lameness score.

Results

Over 1,161 patients' files were collected and analyzed for this research. The FT showed 82.8% (95%IC: 80.5–84.9) of true positives and 17.2% of false negatives. None of the patient's intrinsic characteristics influenced the outcome of the test (age, gender, neutered status, and weight category). The orthopedic parameters, such as the initial lameness score and the tested joint, showed to have a statistically significant influence on the outcome of the test.

Clinical relevance

The FT is an easy-to-perform technique presenting reliable results on most joints. This test presents an interest when performed in addition to a complete orthopedic examination to localize pain to a joint area. Only the orthopedic pathological-related parameters such as the lameness score and the tested joint seem to influence the outcome of the FT. The FT is not influenced by the physiological-related characteristic of the patient (age, weight category, sex, and neutered status).
Dual Synthetic Jets Actuator and Its Applications—Part III: Impingement Flow Field and Cooling Characteristics of Vectoring Dual Synthetic Jets
Authors: Deng Xiong , Dong Zhaofeng , Liu Qiang , Peng Can , He Wei , Luo Zhenbing
Published: December 2022

In order to understand the impingement flow field and cooling characteristics of vectoring dual synthetic jets (DSJ), an experimental investigation was performed to analyze the parameter effects. With the variation of the slot location, the vectoring angle of DSJ can be adjusted from 34.5° toward the left to 29.5° toward the right. The vectoring function can greatly extend the length of impingement region. There are three local peaks both for the local cooling performance (Nu) and the whole cooling performance (Nuavg). Although the peak Nu at a certain location of the slider is higher than that at the center, the corresponding Nuavg is lower. As for different driving frequencies, the vectoring angle reaches its minimum of 9.7° at 350 Hz, but the Nu is obviously improved. There is one local peak of Nuavg values at 350 Hz rather than three local peaks at 250 Hz and 450 Hz. The slot locations where the Nuavg of 250 Hz and 450 Hz reach maximum are different. With the increase in driving voltage from ±100 V to ±200 V, the vectoring angle drops from 46.9° to 22.2°, but both Nu and Nuavg are improved. The maximum Nuavg of each driving voltage occurs at the center location of the slider. The choking effect and the cross flow have dominated the vectoring angle and the cooling performance of impingement DSJ. Vectoring DSJ will give impetus to the thermal management of large-area electric devices in spaced-constrained cooling and removing dynamic hotspots.
Blade-Tip Vortex Noise Mitigation Traded-Off against Aerodynamic Design for Propellers of Future Electric Aircraft
Authors: Yao Hua-Dong , Huang Zhongjie , Davidson Lars , Niu Jiqiang , Chen Zheng-Wei
Published: December 2022

We study noise generation at the blade tips of propellers designed for future electric aircraft propulsion and, furthermore, analyze the interrelationship between noise mitigation and aerodynamics improvement in terms of propeller geometric designs. Classical propellers with three or six blades and a conceptual propeller with three joined dual-blades are compared to understand the effects of blade tip vortices on the noise generation and aerodynamics. The dual blade of the conceptual propeller is constructed by joining the tips of two sub-blades. These propellers are designed to operate under the same freestream flow conditions and similar electric power consumption. The Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) is adopted for the flow simulation to identify high-resolution time-dependent noise sources around the blade tips. The acoustic computations use a time-domain method based on the convective Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW-H) equation. The thrust of the 3-blade conceptual propeller is 4% larger than the 3-blade classical propeller and 8% more than the 6-blade one, given that they have similar efficiencies. Blade tip vortices are found emitting broadband noise. Since the classical and conceptual 3-blade propellers have different geometries, especially at the blade tips, they introduce deviations in the vortex development. However, the differences are small regarding the broadband noise generation. As compared to the 6-blade classical propeller, both 3-blade propellers produce much larger noise. The reason is that the increased number of blades leads to the reduced strength of tip vortices. The findings indicate that the noise mitigation through the modification of the blade design and number can be traded-off by the changed aerodynamic performance.
Supersonic Combustion Mode Analysis of a Cavity Based Scramjet
Authors: Meng Yu , Sun Wenming , Gu Hongbin , Chen Fang , Zhou Ruixu
Published: December 2022

Since flame stability is the key to the performance of scramjets, scramjet combustion mode and instability characteristics were investigated by using the POD method based on a cavity-stabilized scramjet. Experiments were developed on a directly connected scramjet model that had an inlet flow of Mach 2.5 with a cavity stabilizer. CH* chemiluminescence, schlieren, and a wall static pressure sensor were employed to observe flow and combustion behavior. Three typical combustion modes were classified by distinguishing averaged CH* chemiluminescence images of three ethylene fuel jet equivalence ratios. The formation reason was explained using schlieren images and pressure characteristics. POD modes (PDMs) were determined using the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of sequential flame CH* chemiluminescence images. The PSD (power spectral density) of the PDM spectra showed large peaks in a frequency range of 100–600 Hz for three typical stabilized combustion modes. The results provide oscillation characteristics of three scramjet combustion modes.
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Chimeric Peptides Derived from Bovine Lactoferricin and Buforin II against Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii
Authors: Carvajal Silvia Katherine , Vargas-Casanova Yerly , Pineda-Castañeda Héctor Manuel , García-Castañeda Javier Eduardo , Rivera-Monroy Zuly Jenny , Parra-Giraldo Claudia Marcela
Published: December 2022

Cryptococcosis is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The limited number of antifungal agents, their toxicity, and the difficulty of these molecules in crossing the blood–brain barrier have made the exploration of new therapeutic candidates against Cryptococcus neoformans a priority task. To optimize the antimicrobial functionality and improve the physicochemical properties of AMPs, chemical strategies include combinations of peptide fragments into one. This study aimed to evaluate the binding of the minimum activity motif of bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) and buforin II (BFII) against C. neoformans var. grubii. The antifungal activity against these chimeras was evaluated against (i) the reference strain H99, (ii) three Colombian clinical strains, and (iii) eleven mutant strains, with the aim of evaluating the possible antifungal target. We found high activity against these strains, with a MIC between 6.25 and 12.5 µg/mL. Studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of the combination of fluconazole treatments, finding a synergistic effect. Finally, when fibroblast cells were treated with 12.5 µg/mL of the chimeras, a viability of more than 65% was found. The results obtained in this study identify these chimeras as potential antifungal molecules for future therapeutic applications against cryptococcosis.
Association between Heavy Metal Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease: A Review of the Mechanisms Related to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Pyatha Sarita , Kim Haesoo , Lee Daeun , Kim Kisok
Published: December 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a gradually progressing neurodegenerative condition that is marked by a loss of motor coordination along with non-motor features. Although the precise cause of PD has not been determined, the disease condition is mostly associated with the exposure to environmental toxins, such as metals, and their abnormal accumulation in the brain. Heavy metals, such as iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb), have been linked to PD and contribute to its progression. In addition, the interactions among the components of a metal mixture may result in synergistic toxicity. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated a connection between PD and either single or mixed exposure to these heavy metals, which increase the prevalence of PD. Chronic exposure to heavy metals is related to the activation of proinflammatory cytokines resulting in neuronal loss through neuroinflammation. Similarly, metals disrupt redox homeostasis while inducing free radical production and decreasing antioxidant levels in the substantia nigra. Furthermore, these metals alter molecular processes and result in oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis, which can potentially trigger dopaminergic neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on the roles of Hg, Pb, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the development and progression of PD. Moreover, it explores the plausible roles of heavy metals in neurodegenerative mechanisms that facilitate the development of PD. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying metal toxicities will enable the establishment of novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or cure PD.
Subclasses of Uniformly Convex Functions with Negative Coefficients Based on Deniz–Özkan Differential Operator
Authors: Deniz Erhan , Özkan Yücel , Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana
Published: December 2022

We introduce in this paper a new family of uniformly convex functions related to the Deniz–Özkan differential operator. By using this family of functions with a negative coefficient, we obtain coefficient estimates, the radius of starlikeness, convexity, and close-to-convexity, and we find their extreme points. Moreover, the neighborhood, partial sums, and integral means of functions for this new family are studied.
Phenazine-Based Compound as a Universal Water-Soluble Anolyte Material for the Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Romadina Elena I. , Akkuratov Alexander V. , Simoska Olja , Stevenson Keith J.
Published: December 2022

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) are emerging energy storage technologies due to their high availability, low cost of organic compounds, and the use of eco-friendly water-based supporting electrolytes. In the present work, we demonstrate a unique phenazine-based material that shows redox reversibility in neutral, basic, and acidic conditions with the redox potentials of −0.85 V (1.0 M KOH), −0.67 V (1.0 M NaCl), −0.26 V, and 0.05 V (1.0 M H2SO4) vs. the Ag/AgCl reference electrode and two-electron transfer process at all pH values. High solubility of the phenazine compound in water-based electrolytes up to 1.3 M is achieved by introducing quaternary amonium-based substituents, leading to the outstanding theoretical volumetric capacity of 70 Ah L−1. Laboratory redox flow batteries in neutral and acidic electrolytes presented >100 cycles of stable operation with a capacity loss of 0.25 mAh L−1 and 1.29 mAh L−1 per cycle, respectively. The obtained results demonstrate a material with the potential for not only fundamental understanding but also the practical application of AORFBs in the development of new-generation energy storage technologies.
Methionine Metabolism Is Down-Regulated in Heart of Long-Lived Mammals
Authors: Mota-Martorell Natalia , Jové Mariona , Berdún Rebeca , Òbis Èlia , Barja Gustavo , Pamplona Reinald
Published: December 2022

Methionine constitutes a central hub of intracellular metabolic adaptations leading to an extended longevity (maximum lifespan). The present study follows a comparative approach analyzing methionine and related metabolite and amino acid profiles using an LC-MS/MS platform in the hearts of seven mammalian species with a longevity ranging from 3.8 to 57 years. Our findings demonstrate the existence of species-specific heart phenotypes associated with high longevity characterized by: (i) low concentration of methionine and its related sulphur-containing metabolites; (ii) low amino acid pool; and (iii) low choline concentration. Our results support the existence of heart metabotypes characterized by a down-regulation in long-lived species, supporting the idea that in longevity, less is more.
Lipidomic Profile Analysis of Lung Tissues Revealed Lipointoxication in Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease
Authors: Khoury Spiro , Beauvais Antoine , Colas Jenny , Saint-Martin Willer Anaïs , Perros Frédéric , Humbert Marc , Vandebrouck Clarisse , Montani David , Ferreira Thierry , Antigny Fabrice
Published: December 2022

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare form of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occurring in a heritable form (hPVOD) due to biallelic inactivating mutations of EIF2AK4 (encoding GCN2, general control nonderepressible 2) or in a sporadic form in older age (sPVOD), following exposure to chemotherapy or organic solvents. In contrast to PAH, PVOD is characterized by a particular remodeling of the pulmonary venous system and the obliteration of small pulmonary veins by fibrous intimal thickening and patchy capillary proliferation. The pathobiological knowledge of PVOD is poor, explaining the absence of medical therapy for PVOD. Lung transplantation remains the only therapy for eligible PVOD patients. As we recently demonstrated, respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cystic fibrosis exhibit lipointoxication signatures characterized by excessive levels of saturated phospholipids contributing to the pathological features of these diseases, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines production, and bronchoconstriction. In this study, we investigated and compared the clinical data and lung lipid signature of control (10 patients), idiopathic PAH (7 patients), heritable PAH (9 BMPR2 mutations carriers), hPVOD (10 EIF2AK4 mutation carriers), and sPVOD (6 non-carriers) subjects. Mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated lung lipointoxication only in hPVOD patients, characterized by an increased abundance of saturated phosphatidylcholine (PC) at the expense of the polyunsaturated species in the lungs of hPVOD patients. The present data suggest that lipointoxication could be a potential player in the etiology of PVOD.
Molecular Diagnostic Tools against SARS-CoV-2 in Poland in 2022
Authors: Fulawka Lukasz , Kuzan Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

The most effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and isolate those infected as soon as possible. More than 1000 types of molecular and antigen-based immunoassay tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 are now commercially available worldwide. In this review, we present the possibilities of molecular diagnostics available in Poland in 2022. We provide a description of what samples have proven useful to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection, we describe what methods are used, as well as what safeguards can and should be used to prevent false-negative and false-positive results, and finally we review the products that diagnostic laboratories have to choose from. We also describe diagnostic problems associated with the mutation of the virus.
The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of the Src-YAP Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Papavassiliou Kostas A. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: December 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer type which accounts for the majority (~85%) of all lung cancer cases [...]
The Effect of Pleural Effusion on Prognosis in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Immunochemotherapy: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Nishimura Tomoka , Ichihara Eiki , Yokoyama Toshihide , Inoue Koji , Tamura Tomoki , Sato Ken , Oda Naohiro , Kano Hirohisa , Kishino Daizo , Kawai Haruyuki , Inoue Masaaki , Ochi Nobuaki , Fujimoto Nobukazu , Ichikawa Hirohisa , Ando Chihiro , Hotta Katsuyuki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Combined immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and chemotherapy has become the standard treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pleural effusion (PE) is associated with poor outcomes among patients with NSCLC undergoing chemotherapy. However, minimal data exists on PE for patients undergoing combined ICI and chemotherapy. Therefore, we investigated how PE affects survival outcomes in patients with NSCLC undergoing this combined therapy. Methods: We identified patients with advanced NSCLC undergoing chemotherapy and ICI therapy from the Okayama Lung Cancer Study Group–Immune Chemotherapy Database (OLCSG–ICD) between December 2018 and December 2020; the OLCSG–ICD includes the clinical data of patients with advanced NSCLC from 13 institutions. Then, we analyzed the treatment outcomes based on the presence of PE. Results: We identified 478 patients who underwent combined ICI therapy and chemotherapy; 357 patients did not have PE, and 121 patients did have PE. Patients with PE had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without PE (median PFS: 6.2 months versus 9.1 months; p < 0.001; median OS: 16.4 months versus 27.7 months; p < 0.001). The negative effect of PE differed based on the patient’s programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression status; with the effect being more evident in patients with high PD-L1 expression. In addition, PFS and OS did not differ between patients who did and did not undergo bevacizumab treatment; thus, bevacizumab-containing regimens did not improve the survival outcomes for patients with PE. Conclusion: PE is associated with poor outcomes among patients with NSCLC undergoing combined ICI therapy and chemotherapy.
Proposal of a T3 Subclassification for Colon Carcinoma
Authors: Merkel Susanne , Brunner Maximilian , Geppert Carol-Immanuel , Grützmann Robert , Weber Klaus , Agaimy Abbas
Published: December 2022

The TNM classification system is one of the most important factors determining prognosis for cancer patients. In colorectal cancer, the T category reflects the depth of tumor invasion. T3 is defined by a tumor that invades through the muscularis propria into pericolorectal tissues. The data of 1047 patients with complete mesocolic excision were analyzed. The depth of invasion beyond the outer border of the muscularis propria into the subserosa or into nonperitonealized pericolic tissue was measured and categorized in 655 pT3 patients: pT3a (≤1 mm), pT3b,c (>1–15 mm) and pT3d (>15 mm). The prognosis of these categories was compared. Five-year distant metastasis increased significantly from pT3a (5.7%) over pT3b,c (17.7%) to pT3d (37.2%; p = 0.001). There was no difference between pT2 (5.3%) and pT3a or between pT3d and pT4a (42.1%) or pT4b (33.7%). The 5-year disease-free survival decreased significantly from pT3a (77.4%) over pT3b,c (65.4%) to pT3d (50.1%; p = 0.015). No significant difference was found between pT2 (80.5%) and pT3a or between pT3d and pT4a (43.9%; p = 0.296) or pT4b (53.4%). The prognostic inhomogeneity in pT3 colon carcinoma has been demonstrated. A three-level subdivision of T3 for colon carcinoma in the TNM system into T3a (≤1 mm), T3b (>1–15 mm), and T3c (>15 mm) is recommended.
Characterization of Glioblastoma Cells Response to Regorafenib
Authors: Mongiardi Maria Patrizia , Buccarelli Mariachiara , Formato Alessia , Orecchini Elisa , Salbini Maria , Ricci Valentina , Orsini Tiziana , Putti Sabrina , Chiesa Silvia , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia , D’Alessandris Quintino Giorgio , Pallini Roberto , Levi Andrea , Falchetti Maria Laura
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Although not frequent, it has a relevant social impact because the peak incidence coincides with the age of professional maturity. A number of novel treatments have been proposed, yet clinical trials have been disappointing. Recently, a phase II clinical trial (REGOMA) demonstrated that the multikinase inhibitor regorafenib significantly increased the median overall survival (OS) of GBM patients when compared to lomustine-treated patients. On this basis, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2020 Guidelines included regorafenib as a preferred regimen in relapsed GBM treatment. Despite the use in GBM patients’ therapy, little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing regorafenib effectiveness on the GBM tumor. Here we report an in vitro characterization of GBM tumor cells’ response to regorafenib, performed both on cell lines and on patient-derived glioma stem cells (GSCs). Overall, regorafenib significantly reduced cell growth of 2D tumor cell cultures and of 3D tumor spheroids. Strikingly, this effect was accompanied by transcriptional regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes and by an increased ability of surviving tumor cells to invade the surrounding matrix. Taken together, our data suggest that regorafenib limits cell growth, however, it might induce an invasive phenotype.
SH3BP2 Silencing Increases miRNAs Targeting ETV1 and Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor, Decreasing the Proliferation of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Proaño-Pérez Elizabeth , Serrano-Candelas Eva , Mancia Cindy , Navinés-Ferrer Arnau , Guerrero Mario , Martin Margarita
Published: December 2022

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Gain of function in receptor tyrosine kinases type III, KIT, or PDGFRA drives the majority of GIST. Previously, our group reported that silencing of the adaptor molecule SH3 Binding Protein 2 (SH3BP2) downregulated KIT and PDGFRA and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) levels and reduced tumor growth. This study shows that SH3BP2 silencing also decreases levels of ETV1, a required factor for GIST growth. To dissect the SH3BP2 pathway in GIST cells, we performed a miRNA array in SH3BP2-silenced GIST cell lines. Among the most up-regulated miRNAs, we found miR-1246 and miR-5100 to be predicted to target MITF and ETV1. Overexpression of these miRNAs led to a decrease in MITF and ETV1 levels. In this context, cell viability and cell cycle progression were affected, and a reduction in BCL2 and CDK2 was observed. Interestingly, overexpression of MITF enhanced cell proliferation and significantly rescued the viability of miRNA-transduced cells. Altogether, the KIT-SH3BP2-MITF/ETV1 pathway deserves to be considered in GIST cell survival and proliferation.