bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections among dermatology inpatients: A 7-year retrospective study at a tertiary care center in southwest China
Authors: Yao Zhijian , Wu Yidan , Xu Hongming , Lei Ying , Long Wanyu , Li Meixian , Gu Yue , Jiang Zhiwen , Cao Cunwei
Published: March 2023

Background

Increased rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) antibiotic resistance and the associated morbidity have increased dermatologists' attention to skin and soft tissue MRSA infections. However, the clinical characterization of MRSA skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in Southwest China is lacking, which precludes optimal prevention and treatment of these infections.

Objectives

This study was conducted to characterize the prevalence, clinical comorbidities and antibiotic susceptibility of MRSA isolates from SSTIs, including community-associated (CA) and healthcare-associated (HA) isolates.

Methods

In the Dermatology Inpatient Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, a retrospective study was conducted on data, including patient demographics and clinical information, from culture-confirmed S. aureus isolated from skin and soft tissue between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021. Isolate susceptibility to 13 antibiotics was determined using the Vitek 2 system.

Results

From among 864 S. aureus strains, we identified 283 MRSA (32.75%) isolates comprising 203 CA-MRSA and 80 HA-MRSA isolates. The average rate of CA-MRSA isolation for MRSA SSTIs was 71.73%. The HA-MRSA isolation rate for MRSA SSTIs increased significantly. HA-MRSA-infected patients were older. The most common dermatological presentation of CA-MRSA infection was staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, while the comorbidity severe drug eruption was significantly associated with HA-MRSA infection. One CA-MRSA strain was resistant to linezolid, and one HA-MRSA strain had an intermediate phenotype for vancomycin; both strains had low sensitivity to clindamycin and erythromycin (3.70%~19.40%). However, HA-MRSA isolates were more susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Conclusions

CA-MRSA is a predominant pathogen causing SSTIs, and HA-MRSA infection incidence is increasing gradually. Both strains showed increasing antibiotic resistance. Our data on MRSA susceptibility may guide dermatologist antibiotic treatment decisions. Dermatologists should consider these identified comorbidities of MRSA SSTIs when patients are admitted and initiate early prevention and treatment of MRSA.
The effect of nutritional and lifestyle education intervention program on nutrition knowledge, diet quality, lifestyle, and nutritional status of Croatian school children
Authors: Kendel Jovanović Gordana , Janković Suzana , Pavičić ŽeŽelj Sandra
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Nutrition education during adolescence has proven effective in increasing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the diet. The Mediterranean diet has proven health benefits and is proposed as a model of a sustainable diet that is beneficial for health and the environment. Its promotion with the educational program can have a significant effect on improvements in nutrition knowledge, diet quality, and nutritive status of adolescents for their healthy adulthood.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the educational program on the nutrition knowledge, diet quality, lifestyle, and nutritional status of school children from the littoral part of Croatia.

Methods

An education-based intervention study was carried out on 2,709 schoolchildren aged 10–12 years (educated/control group: 2617/92). The questionnaire about sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, screen time, sleep habits, and nutrition knowledge was assessed at the baseline and after a 6- to 9-month follow-up for the medium-term effect of education. Nutrition knowledge was provided after 3 weeks for the short-term education effect assessment.

Results

Educated schoolchildren achieved a significant increase in nutrition knowledge (+75.5%), expressed as a short-term effect of the education and maintained at the 6- to 9-month follow-up (+66.8%, p < 0.001). Follow-up of children significantly improved their nutritional status (underweight −56.6%, normal weight 24.8%, overweight −22.1%, and obesity −57.5%) and physical activity engagement (+13.2%). The proportion of children with a diet highly adhering to the Mediterranean diet significantly doubled (+105.0). Those children with the highest nutrition knowledge at the follow-up significantly improved their nutritional status (+218.9%), participated in organized sports (+204.7%), and had a diet that highly adhered to the MD (+291.8%).

Conclusion

A significantly good medium-term effect of education-based nutrition and lifestyle intervention program on nutrition knowledge, diet quality, lifestyle, and nutritional status of schoolchildren aged 10–12 years was shown. The educational program promoted a Mediterranean diet and lifestyle as a healthy and sustainable way of living, important for children's future health and wellbeing. New research-based approaches are needed for making children more aware and capable of handling the complexity of sustainable living.
Optimizing surgical outcomes in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Pere Maria , Amantakul Akara , Sriplakich Supon , Tarin Tatum
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To evaluate predictors of high-quality surgery and their effect on surgical outcomes in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy.

Evidence acquisition

A systematic and thorough review was performed to identify the most recent literature on current optimal management and predictors of high-quality surgery for patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Conclusions

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer is an aggressive cancer requiring efficient and high-quality surgery in order to achieve the best oncological outcomes. Negative surgical margins, number of lymph nodes resected, lymph node dissection template, and surgical volume have been associated with improved oncologic outcomes. Robotic radical cystectomy continues to evolve and recent randomized controlled trials have shown that oncological outcomes are non-inferior when compared to the open technique. Regardless of approach, surgical technique should continually be evaluated and refined to optimize outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.
The impact on physical performance, pain and psychological wellbeing of chronic low back pain patients during 12-weeks of equine- facilitated therapy intervention
Authors: Mattila-Rautiainen Sanna , Venojärvi Mika , Rautiainen Heta , Keski-Valkama Alice
Published: March 2023

Equine - Facilitated Therapy (EFT), an equine environment, and horses themselves can meet many physical and mental health needs beyond diagnostic categories. The horse's ability to produce a walk-like movement and the participant's ability to connect to non-judgemental living creatures, both of which can benefit participation and construct a positive self-image for chronic pain patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of EFT on perceived physical performance, level of pain, pain acceptance, depression and anxiety, and quality of life within a 12-week intervention for chronic low back pain (LBP) patients. Twenty-two LBP patients received EFT led by physical therapists as part of the public health services. A mixed method design combining quantitative and qualitative methods was employed to detect the outcome of the intervention. The data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and patient data repositories. An interview was voluntary for participants and included questions of one's health, visits to the pain clinic during 6 months and an open-ended question about the intervention. The coding of the data was completed independently by two persons using thematizing. The welfare of the attending horses was taken into consideration in basic training and for the research setting. Statistical analysis and paired t-tests detected the changes during a 12-week intervention. The results suggest a significant increase in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) levels of satisfaction with self-selected performances. The Raitasalo's version of Beck's Depression Inventory (RBDI) level of anxiety and Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) did not change, whereas a decline in the amount of perceived RBDI depression was found combined with increased levels of SF-36 Mental Change Scores and COPM satisfaction with performance. Only two of the 22 participants returned with reoccurring symptoms after 6 months to the pain clinic. The participant interviews revealed three important domains of experience during coding: physical-, psychological-, and social that link to the research question and suggest impact for the recovery from the human-animal interaction.
Effects of Different Soil Moisture Contents on Rumen Fluids in Promoting Straw Decomposition after Straw Returning
Authors: Song Kailun , Liu Shifei , Ni Guorong , Rong Qinlei , Huang Huajun , Zhou Chunhuo , Yin Xin
Published: March 2023

Inoculating microbial inoculants to speed up the decomposition of returning straw is currently a hot topic. Meanwhile, the soil moisture content (SMC) could change the diversity, abundance, and metabolism of the soil microbial community structure, which affects the straw degradation rate under the straw returning condition. In this research, rumen microorganisms with strong decomposing abilities in natural systems were used as inoculants to promote straw decomposing and returning to the field. The effects of the SMC on straw decomposition under rumen fluid (RF)-induced returning were investigated. Experiments were conducted for 30 days with typical paddy soil in the south of China under conditions of 30%, 70%, and 100% SMC. With an increase in the SMC within a certain range (30~100%), the decomposition rate of straw showed a trend of first rising and then falling. Treatments of 70% SMC with RF addition generally achieved the maximum rate of straw degradation. The peak value was 49.96%, which was 2.67-fold higher than the treatments of 30% SMC with RF addition (18.74%) and 24.1% higher than those of the control with 70% SMC (40.3%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, a straw structural analysis proved that at 70% SMC, microorganisms from RF favored the destruction of functional groups on the straw surface and the degradation of cellulose. Meanwhile, it was shown that RF could promote the decay of straw, leading to increments in enzyme activities and soil nutrients. The higher the soil moisture content, the higher the key soil enzyme activities. This indicates that the diversity and abundance of cellulose-degrading bacteria and fungi in soil microorganisms and rumen microorganisms were changed with different soil moisture contents. The experimental findings suggest an innovative way to further utilize rumen microorganisms.
How Do Microplastics Affect Physical Properties of Silt Loam Soil under Wetting–Drying Cycles?
Authors: Jing Xiaoyuan , Su Liuchang , Wang Yisen , Yu Miao , Xing Xuguang
Published: March 2023

Soil physical properties are the main factors that influence soil fertility and directly affect the soil structure and water storage capacity. Microplastics (MPs), which have caused growing concern with respect to soil pollution, have readily been detected in cultivated soils. However, the current data regarding the effects of MPs on soil physical properties during wetting–drying cycles remain insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effects of different MP particle sizes (25, 150, 550, and 1000 μm) and concentrations (1, 3, and 5%, w/w) on soil physical properties under indoor wetting–drying cycle conditions. The addition of MPs was found to significantly reduce the saturated hydraulic conductivity and water holding capacity of soil, while impacting the bulk density, water content, and soil particle composition. The properties of soils treated with different MP particle sizes and concentrations exhibited significant differences, while the effects of wetting–drying cycles overshadowed those of MPs. Under the wetting–drying cycles, the saturated hydraulic conductivity and initial soil water content decreased significantly, the soil water holding capacity increased, and the soil bulk density showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. We attribute the change to a combination of the microplastics, soil particles, and frequent wetting–drying cycles. In this type of incubation, the constant change in the soil pore proportion results in a change in water and soil porosity, and finally alters the soil physical properties. These findings demonstrate that MP accumulation, together with dynamic environmental conditions, significantly impacts the physical properties of farm land soil.
Do Feed Plants Provide Sufficient Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium to Sika Deer in Japan? An Analysis Using Global Plant Trait Data
Authors: Mori Taiki , Iwagami Sho , Yamagawa Hiromi , Suzuki Kei K.
Published: March 2023

Deficient minerals in overabundant populations could act as an attractant to cull sika deer (Cervus nippon). Because selective culling of female deer is reported to be effective in reducing sika deer populations, it is particularly important to clarify the differences in mineral requirements between males and females. Here, using global plant trait data and a published list of sika deer feed plants in Japan, we estimated whether feed plants provide sika deer sufficient sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and compared the results between males and females. An analysis of 191 feed plant species suggested that feed plants can provide sufficient Mg, whereas sufficient Na and Ca is not always provided, especially when the intake is small or the deer large. Na deficiency was more intense for lactating females than males, suggesting that Na can be an effective attractant for selectively culling female deer. In summary, this study demonstrated that sika deer in Japan might require extra Na and Ca sources in addition to feed plants, and therefore these minerals could be useful for developing effective culling methods.
PDZK1-Interacting Protein 1(PDZKIP1) Inhibits Goat Subcutaneous Preadipocyte Differentiation through Promoting Autophagy
Authors: Chen Dingshuang , Li Yanyan , Hu Tingting , Gong Chengsi , Lu Guangyu , Ma Xiaotong , Wang Yong , Wang Youli , Lin Yaqiu
Published: March 2023

PDZK1IP1 is highly expressed in tumor tissue and has been identified as a tumor biomarker. However, the role of PDZK1IP1 in goat subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation remains largely unknown. The molecular mechanism of autophagy in regulating the differentiation of goat subcutaneous preadipocytes has not been clarified yet. In our study, PDZK1IP1 gain of function and loss of function were performed to reveal its functions in preadipocyte differentiation and autophagy. Our results showed that the overexpression of PDZK1IP1 inhibited the differentiation of goat subcutaneous preadipocytes, whereas it promoted autophagy. Consistently, the knockdown of PDZK1IP1 demonstrated the opposite tendency. Next, we investigated whether PDZK1IP1 inhibited the differentiation of goat preadipocytes by regulating autophagy. We found that inhibiting autophagy can rescue the PDZK1IP1-induced differentiation restraint in goat subcutaneous preadipocytes. In conclusion, PDZK1IP1 acts as a regulator of adipogenesis, and inhibits goat subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation through promoting autophagy. Our results will contribute to further understanding the role and mechanism of PDZK1IP1 in controlling adipogenesis.
Follicular Atresia, Cell Proliferation, and Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Two Neotropical Primates (Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus)
Authors: Cardoso Deise de Lima , Guimarães Diva Anélie de Araújo , Mayor Pedro , Ferreira Maria Auxiliadora Pantoja , Coutinho Leandro Nassar , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the follicular atresia, cell proliferation, and anti-Mullerian hormone action in Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus during three sexual phases (follicular, luteal, and gestational). Follicular quantification and immunolocalization of Caspase-3 protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were performed. A significant difference in the quantification between preantral and antral follicles, with a progressive decrease in the antrals, was identified. Protein and hormonal markers varied significantly between follicle cell types (A. nancymae p = 0.001; S. macrocephalus, p = 0.002). Immunostaining in the preantral and antral follicles was present in all sexual phases; for Caspase-3, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and stroma; for BCL-2, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca; and for PCNA and AMH, in oocytes and granulosa cells. The immunostaining for Caspase-3 was more expressive in the preantral follicles (follicular phase, p < 0.05), while that for BCL-2 and PCNA was more expressive in the antral follicles of the follicular phase. The AMH was more expressive in the primary and antral follicles of nonpregnant females, in both the follicular and luteal phases. Our results contribute to understanding the ovarian follicular selection, recruitment, and degeneration of these species.
New Innovation, Sustainability, and Resilience Challenges in the X.0 Era
Authors: Gallab Maryam , Di Nardo Mario
Published: March 2023

Facing a constantly evolving industry and customers that are becoming more fastidious, companies are seeking to adapt their manufacturing methods to meet market demands [...]
The Effects of Fog on the Atmospheric Electrical Field Close to the Surface
Authors: Yair Yoav , Yaniv Roy
Published: March 2023

Ground-based measurements of the atmospheric electric field have been recorded continuously since 2013 at the Wise Observatory, located in the Negev Desert Highland in southern Israel. The data have been used for defining the characteristics of fair weather and to identify the signatures of dust storms, lightning activity, and clouds. We report here on new results from observations of the variability of the electric field (transformed into the potential gradient, PG) during several foggy days, along with meteorological data on wind speed and relative humidity. The results show a substantial increase in the electric field (up to 400–650 V m−1) compared with the mean fair weather values observed at the site (180–190 V m−1). This increase is especially clear during times of high relative humidity values (95%+) and low wind speed (<3 m s−1). This increase is likely a consequence of the reduction in the atmospheric conductivity at low levels, due to the attachment of charge carriers to fog droplets. Based on this discovery, it is suggested that continuously monitoring the electric field may offer an additional operational tool to alert for the onset and termination of fog at specific locations, such as airports and harbors, where this nowcasting capability is required.
The Cross-Talk between Microbiome and Metabolome in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: La Barbera Lidia , Rizzo Chiara , Grasso Giulia , Macaluso Federica , Camarda Federica , Ciccia Francesco , Guggino Giuliana
Published: March 2023

Modern “omics” sciences, including metabolomics and microbiomics, are currently being applied to inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to investigate the interplay between microbiota, metabolic function, and the immune system. In recent decades, robust evidence has suggested that disruption of the normal composition of the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, in the gut and mouth of RA patients contributes to immune dysregulation and alterations in the metabolic pathways, shaping the pathogenesis of the disease and playing a central role in the risk and progression of RA. Metabolic pathways can be influenced by various agents such as the surrounding environment, lifestyle, and exposure to microbiota imbalance. In turn, the body’s metabolic homeostasis influences the immune response, making metabolomics helpful not only to understand pathogenesis pathways, but also to improve early disease detection and therapeutic chances. Combined gut microbiome and metabolome studies set out to unravel the interactions between these two entities, providing insights to discover new treatment targets and potential biomarkers to prevent joint damage. The purpose of this review is to summarize the main recent findings that suggest promising new research directions for the pathogenesis of RA.
Host Immune Regulation in Implant-Associated Infection (IAI): What Does the Current Evidence Provide Us to Prevent or Treat IAI?
Authors: Maimaiti Zulipikaer , Li Zhuo , Xu Chi , Fu Jun , Hao Li-Bo , Chen Ji-Ying , Chai Wei
Published: March 2023

The number of orthopedic implants for bone fixation and joint arthroplasty has been steadily increasing over the past few years. However, implant-associated infection (IAI), a major complication in orthopedic surgery, impacts the quality of life and causes a substantial economic burden on patients and societies. While research and study on IAI have received increasing attention in recent years, the failure rate of IAI has still not decreased significantly. This is related to microbial biofilms and their inherent antibiotic resistance, as well as the various mechanisms by which bacteria evade host immunity, resulting in difficulties in diagnosing and treating IAIs. Hence, a better understanding of the complex interactions between biofilms, implants, and host immunity is necessary to develop new strategies for preventing and controlling these infections. This review first discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating IAI, followed by an extensive review of the direct effects of orthopedic implants, host immune function, pathogenic bacteria, and biofilms. Finally, several promising preventive or therapeutic alternatives are presented, with the hope of mitigating or eliminating the threat of antibiotic resistance and refractory biofilms in IAI.
A Compact Two-Dimensional Varifocal Scanning Imaging Device Actuated by Artificial Muscle Material
Authors: Cheng Yang , Chen Chuanxun , Liu Lin , Cao Jie , Xu Yingying , Hao Qun
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a compact two-dimensional varifocal-scanning imaging device, with the capability of continuously variable focal length and a large scanning range, actuated by artificial muscle material. The varifocal function is realized by the principle of laterally shifting cubic phase masks and the scanning function is achieved by the principle of the decentered lens. One remarkable feature of these two principles is that both are based on the lateral displacements perpendicular to the optical axis. Artificial muscle material is emerging as a good choice of soft actuators capable of high strain, high efficiency, fast response speed, and light weight. Inspired by the artificial muscle, the dielectric elastomer is used as an actuator and produces the lateral displacements of the Alvarez lenses and the decentered lenses. A two-dimensional varifocal scanning imaging device prototype was established and validated through experiments to verify the feasibility of the proposed varifocal-scanning device. The results showed that the focal length variation of the proposed varifocal scanning device is up to 4.65 times higher (31.6 mm/6.8 mm), and the maximum scanning angle was 26.4°. The rise and fall times were 110 ms and 185 ms, respectively. Such a varifocal scanning device studied here has the potential to be used in consumer electronics, endoscopy, and microscopy in the future.
Carrageenan from Gigartina skottsbergii: A Novel Molecular Probe to Detect SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zank Patrícia Daiane , Cerveira Milena Mattes , Santos Victor Barboza dos , Klein Vitor Pereira , Souza Thobias Toniolo de , Bueno Danielle Tapia , Poletti Tais , Leitzke Amanda Fonseca , Luehring Giongo Janice , Carreño Neftali Lenin Villarreal , Mansilla Andrés , Astorga-España Maria Soledad , Pereira Claudio Martin Pereira de , Vaucher Rodrigo de Almeida
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented health and economic crisis, highlighting the importance of developing new molecular tools to monitor and detect SARS-CoV-2. Hence, this study proposed to employ the carrageenan extracted from Gigartina skottsbergii algae as a probe for SARS-CoV-2 virus binding capacity and potential use in molecular methods. G. skottsbergii specimens were collected in the Chilean subantarctic ecoregion, and the carrageenan was extracted —using a modified version of Webber’s method—, characterized, and quantified. After 24 h of incubation with an inactivated viral suspension, the carrageenan’s capacity to bind SARS-CoV-2 was tested. The probe-bound viral RNA was quantified using the reverse transcription and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) methods. Our findings showed that carrageenan extraction from seaweed has a similar spectrum to commercial carrageenan, achieving an excellent proportion of binding to SARS-CoV-2, with a yield of 8.3%. Viral RNA was also detected in the RT-LAMP assay. This study shows, for the first time, the binding capacity of carrageenan extracted from G. skottsbergii, which proved to be a low-cost and highly efficient method of binding to SARS-CoV-2 viral particles.
Serum Autoantibody Biomarkers for Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease
Authors: Sánchez-Tirado Esther , Agüí Lourdes , Sánchez-Paniagua Marta , González-Cortés Araceli , López-Ruiz Beatriz , Yáñez-Sedeño Paloma , Pingarrón José M.
Published: March 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that is characterized by the destruction of bone and production of autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). The high prevalence of this disease and the need of affordable tools for its early detection led us to prepare the first electrochemical immunoplatform for the simultaneous determination of four RA biomarkers, the autoantibodies: RF, anti-peptidyl-arginine deiminase enzyme (anti-PAD4), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and anti-citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV). Functionalized magnetic beads (MBs) were used to immobilize the specific antigens, and sandwich-type immunoassays were implemented for the amperometric detection of the four autoantibodies, using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/H2O2/hydroquinone (HQ) system. The immunoplatform was applied to the determination of the biomarkers in human serum of twenty-two patients diagnosed with RA and four healthy individuals, and the results were validated against ELISA tests and the certified values.
Investigating the Thermal and Energy Performance of Advanced Glazing Systems in the Context of Hail City, KSA
Authors: Abdelhafez Mohamed Hssan Hassan , Aldersoni Ali Abdulmohsen , Gomaa Mohammad Mansour , Noaime Emad , Alnaim Mohammed Mashary , Alghaseb Mohammed , Ragab Ayman
Published: March 2023

Most new housing designs in Saudi Arabia are created to meet the client’s needs with minimal regard for environmental or energy-related considerations, resulting in buildings’ poor thermal performance and a growing reliance on artificial means. Polycarbonate windows have recently acquired popularity. Yet, there is a rising interest in combining polycarbonate windows with nanomaterials to reduce energy consumption, especially during the summer months when air conditioning use is at its peak. To improve building insulation, this research concentrated on the use of polycarbonate windows with nanogel, which has a low U-value. This study utilized polycarbonate windows with nanogel (two layers of polycarbonate panes filled with nanogel) in Hail City, Saudi Arabia, using DesignBuilder simulation software, resulting in a 14.3% reduction in annual energy consumption. The low U-value of nanogel compared to argon or air may be the cause of these savings, which are roughly double those gained by using double-paned polycarbonate windows. The incorporated nanogel layer between two layers of argon and two layers of polycarbonate panes decreased annual energy consumption by 29% compared to utilizing only one polycarbonate layer. Moreover, compared to a single 3 mm polycarbonate pane, the nanogel layer placed between two layers of argon and two layers of single polycarbonate panes demonstrated the lowest level of CO2 emissions, with an improvement of around 22.23%. This study reveals a method for insulating buildings that cuts energy use and CO2 emissions. This study’s conclusion supports the notion that sustainable design is the future. Sustainable construction can dramatically reduce building cooling costs and thermal loads.
Agro-Industrial Waste Biochar Abated Nitrogen Leaching from Tropical Sandy Soils and Boosted Dry Matter Accumulation in Maize
Authors: Egyir Michael , Lawson Innocent Yao Dotse , Dodor Daniel Etsey , Luyima Deogratius
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted to assess the effects of amending tropical sandy soils with biochar derived from agro-industrial wastes on the leaching and utilization of nitrogen (N) by maize. The experiment was conducted in pots in a greenhouse with two sandy soil types and two different biochars. The biochars used in this experiment were preselected in a preliminary column experiment that assessed the N retention capacities of the different biochars and those that exhibited the best retention capacities chosen for experimentation. The biochars evaluated included saw dust, rice husk and corncob pyrolyzed at 500 °C and the results from the column leaching experiment showed that sawdust biochar had superior retention capacities for both NO3− and NH4+, followed by rice husk biochar. The pot experiment utilized sawdust and rice husk biochars applied at rates of 0, 20 and 40 t/ha to the soil treated with different N sources including cow dung and ammonium sulfate and growing maize on the amendments for two seasons with each season lasting for five weeks. The soils were leached on the 14th and 28th days after planting to determine the amount of leachable N. Biochar amendments reduced the leaching of NO3−N and NH4+N with no significant differences observed between biochar types, but between soil types. The abatement of leaching by biochar amendments consequently enhanced N uptake by maize and dry matter production and thus, agro-industrial waste biochar amendment is recommended for reducing leaching in tropical sandy soils.
Systematic Review of Tumor Segmentation Strategies for Bone Metastases
Authors: Paranavithana Iromi R. , Stirling David , Ros Montserrat , Field Matthew
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the segmentation approaches for bone metastases in differentiating benign from malignant bone lesions and characterizing malignant bone lesions. Method: The literature search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, IEEE and MedLine, and Web of Science electronic databases following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A total of 77 original articles, 24 review articles, and 1 comparison paper published between January 2010 and March 2022 were included in the review. Results: The results showed that most studies used neural network-based approaches (58.44%) and CT-based imaging (50.65%) out of 77 original articles. However, the review highlights the lack of a gold standard for tumor boundaries and the need for manual correction of the segmentation output, which largely explains the absence of clinical translation studies. Moreover, only 19 studies (24.67%) specifically mentioned the feasibility of their proposed methods for use in clinical practice. Conclusion: Development of tumor segmentation techniques that combine anatomical information and metabolic activities is encouraging despite not having an optimal tumor segmentation method for all applications or can compensate for all the difficulties built into data limitations.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Diagnosis in Madrid (Spain) Based on the RTMAD Tumor Registry (2019–2021)
Authors: Garrido-Cantero Gregorio , Longo Federico , Hernández-González Javier , Pueyo Ángel , Fernández-Aparicio Tomás , Dorado Juan F. , Angulo Javier C. ,   on behalf of the Madrid Cancer Registry (RTMAD) Investigators
Published: March 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant disruption to cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention worldwide that could have serious consequences in the near future. We intend to evaluate the weight of this backlog on a community-wide scale in Madrid during the period 2020–2021, and whether a stage shift towards the advanced stage has occurred. Cancer diagnoses in the Madrid tumor registry (RTMAD) from 2019–2021 were evaluated. Absolute and percentage differences in annual volume and observed-to-expected (O/E) volume ratios were calculated. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the O/E ratio. The SIR for 2020–2021 compared to 2019 was 94.5% (95% CI 93.8–95.3), with unequal gender-specific cancer diagnosis recovery (88.5% for males and 102.1% for females). Most cancer types were underdiagnosed in 2020. The tendency worsened in 2021 for colorectal and prostate cancers (87.8%), but lung cancer recovered (102.1%) and breast cancer was over-diagnosed (114.4%) compared with reference pre-COVID-19 data. These changes have modified the ranking of the most frequent malignancies diagnosed in Madrid. Breast cancer has overtaken colorectal and prostate cancers, displaced to second and third position, respectively. Not only was colorectal cancer diagnosis affected more as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic but diagnosis of this malignancy at the advance stage also increased by 3.6% in 2020 and 4.2% in 2021 compared to the reference period of 2019. In summary, there is a large volume of undetected cancer in Madrid caused by the reduced access to care secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding colorectal and prostate cancer. Strategies are needed to recover the backlog of diagnoses and effectively treat these cases in the future and solve the negative impact that will be caused by the diagnostic delay. Analyzing the impact of new diagnoses suffered by each different malignancy and their recovery will help to understand how the future allocation of resources should look.
Heparanase Modulates Chromatin Accessibility
Authors: Li Honglian , Zhang Hua , Wenz Amelie , Kang Ziqi , Wang Helen , Vlodavsky Israel , Chen Xingqi , Li Jinping
Published: March 2023

Heparanase is the sole endoglucuronidase that degrades heparan sulfate in the cell surface and extracellular matrix (ECM). Several studies have reported the localization of heparanase in the cell nucleus, but the functional role of the nuclear enzyme is still obscure. Subjecting mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from heparanase knockout (Hpse-KO) mice and applying transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq), we revealed that heparanase is involved in the regulation of chromatin accessibility. Integrating with genome-wide analysis of chromatin states revealed an overall low activity in the enhancer and promoter regions of Hpse-KO MEFs compared with wild-type (WT) MEFs. Western blot analysis of MEFs and tissues derived from Hpse-KO vs. WT mice confirmed reduced expression of H3K27ac (acetylated lysine at N-terminal position 27 of the histone H3 protein). Our results offer a mechanistic explanation for the well-documented attenuation of inflammatory responses and tumor growth in Hpse-KO mice.
Retrospective Analysis of the Real-World Use of Topical Antimicrobials in the Paediatric Population with Impetigo in Italy: Focus on the Role of Ozenoxacin 1% Cream
Authors: Barbieri Elisa , Cavagnis Sara , Boracchini Riccardo , Scamarcia Antonio , Testa Angela , Ciarniello Maria Grazia , Martinelli Biancangela , Cantarutti Luigi , Giaquinto Carlo , Cantarutti Anna
Published: March 2023

Using electronic data from a large population-based network of Family Paediatricians (Pedianet), we aimed to describe the use of topical antimicrobials, including ozenoxacin 1% cream, in impetigo in children in Italy. We included 2929 children aged 6 months–14 years from 2016 to 2019 with at least one episode of impetigo treated with topical antimicrobials. Overall, 3051 cases of impetigo were included in the analysis. Treatment started in most cases on the same day as the impetigo diagnosis and lasted around eight days. In about 8% of the cases, a systemic antibiotic was prescribed after the topical antimicrobial, usually after 4–14 days. In this study, ozenoxacin was used in 8% of the cases. Treatment duration was significantly shorter for patients prescribed ozenoxacin compared to the whole study population (median of six vs. seven days, respectively). In contrast, the rate of treatment failure was similar. Very few adverse reactions were identified.
Impact on Students of the Act–Belong–Commit Mentally Healthy Schools Framework
Authors: Donovan Robert J. , Drane Catherine F. , Anwar-McHenry Julia
Published: March 2023

Schools can have a significant role in affecting the mental health and wellbeing of both students and staff, with considerable implications for society as a whole. Hence, there is a need for school-based interventions to both assist those experiencing mental health problems and to implement activities and policies that facilitate the enhancement and maintenance of good mental health. Unlike most school mental health interventions that are focussed on, and specific to, the school setting, the Act–Belong–Commit Mentally Healthy Schools Framework is based on the principles of the Act–Belong–Commit community-wide general population mental health promotion campaign, which has been adapted to the school setting via the World Health Organisation’s Health Promoting Schools Framework. The Mentally Healthy Schools Framework is a whole-school approach to enhancing both student and staff mental health. This paper reports the findings of a preliminary impact survey administered to students after the adoption of the Framework in a number of primary and secondary schools in Western Australia. Students from two schools that had only recently adopted the Framework completed a “Baseline” questionnaire, and students from three schools that had been implementing the Framework for at least 17 months completed a “Follow-up” questionnaire. The results suggest that the Mentally Healthy Schools Framework, adapted from a community-wide campaign, can have a positive impact on students in terms of increasing openness about mental health, increasing awareness of behaviours conducive to good mental health, and increasing engagement in behaviours to improve their mental health. Such positive impacts have clear implications not only for prevention of mental disorders, but for academic achievement, employment, and overall contribution to society.
Risk and Protective Factors in Ecuadorian Adolescent Survivors of Suicide
Authors: Bahamón Marly Johana , Javela José Julián , Vinaccia Stefano , Matar-Khalil Shadye , Cabezas-Corcione Andrés , Cuesta Evelyn Esther
Published: March 2023

Suicide is one of the main causes of death among the adolescent population, which is why it is considered an important mental-health problem. In addition to this situation, for each suicide, the group of people who survive it (known as suicide survivors) can present serious emotional affectations, becoming a population at risk for this problem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of suicide-survivor status on risk factors and protective factors for suicide. A total of 440 adolescents with a mean age of 15.78 (SD = 1.74) participated, who were divided according to survivor status, identified as the SV group (79 cases), and non-survivors, identified as the NSV group—adolescents that did not have experience or contact with a suicide attempt (361 cases). A questionnaire of sociodemographic characterization and risk conditions, the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure (ABUSI), the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test (TECA) were applied. Descriptive statistics, mean difference for independent samples, contingency tables, X2 statistic, Fisher’s exact statistic, and Cohen’s d coefficient were used. The results show significant differences between SV and NSV participants in risk and protective factors regarding the presence of a greater adoption of perspective and emotional understanding. On the other hand, NSV adolescents presented higher scores of perceived social supports regarding risk factors, and there was a higher proportion of a history of suicide attempt, severity/hospitalization, impulse to self-harm, and level of suicidal risk in the SV group. The need to incorporate forms of suicide prevention with the survivor population is discussed, increasing the possibilities of postvention.
Coating of Leather with Dye-Containing Antibacterial and Conducting Polypyrrole
Authors: Ngwabebhoh Fahanwi Asabuwa , Zandraa Oyunchimeg , Sáha Tomáš , Stejskal Jaroslav , Kopecký Dušan , Trchová Miroslava , Pfleger Jiří
Published: March 2023

In the search for functional organic biomaterials, leather constituted by collagen fibers was coated with a conducting polymer, polypyrrole. The coating was carried out during the oxidation of pyrrole in an aqueous solution of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) in the presence of five organic dyes: crystal violet, neutral red, methyl orange, acriflavine, and methylene blue. This technique ensures the uniform coating of collagen fibers with polypyrrole and incorporation of organic dyes. The surface morphology was observed with scanning electron microscopy and the transverse profile, reflecting the penetration of the conducting phase into the leather body with optical microscopy. While the polypyrrole coating endows leather with electrical conductivity, organic dyes are expected to affect the polymer morphology and to provide an antibacterial effect. The lowest sheet resistance and antibacterial activity were obtained with crystal violet. This type of coating was characterized in more detail. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the coating of collagen fibers with polypyrrole and dye incorporation. Mechanical properties were extended to the cyclic bending of the leather at various angles over 5000 cycles. The relative resistance changes were a few percent, indicating good electrical stability during repeated mechanical stress.
Novel Bacteriophage-Based Food Packaging: An Innovative Food Safety Approach
Authors: Wagh Rajesh V. , Priyadarshi Ruchir , Rhim Jong-Whan
Published: March 2023

Research and development on innovative packaging materials have advanced significantly to safeguard packaged food against microbial contamination and oxidation. Active packaging has recently developed as a practical approach to reducing oxidation and microbiological growth in packaged goods, extending their shelf life and protecting consumers from potential harm. Active food packaging includes O2, CO2 scavengers, moisture absorbers, U. V. barriers, and antimicrobial agents. Various antimicrobial agents, such as nitrates and benzoic acids, are incorporated into food packaging formulations. Consumers demand natural antimicrobials over chemical/synthetic ones, such as bacteriocins, bacteriophages, and essential oils. Bacteriophages (viruses) have emerged as a feasible option for decontaminating and eliminating infections from food sources. Most importantly, these viruses can target specific foodborne pathogens without harming helpful bacteria or infecting humans and livestock. Fortifying bacteriophages into food packaging films will not only kill specific food microorganisms but has also evolved as a new weapon to combat antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) issues. The present review summarises recent developments in active antimicrobial packaging focused particularly on bacteriophage food packaging applications and advantages, drawbacks, and future trends for active food packaging.
Anti-Corrosion Coating Formation by a Biopolymeric Extract of Artemisia herba-alba Plant: Experimental and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Daoudi Walid , El Aatiaoui Abdelmalik , Dagdag Omar , Zaidi Kaoutar , Haldhar Rajesh , Kim Seong-Cheol , Oussaid Abdelouahad , Aouinti Abdelouahad , Berisha Avni , Benhiba Fouad , Ebenso Eno Effiong , Oussaid Adyl
Published: March 2023

In this modest work, a local biopolymer (CHA), biodegradable, non-toxic, and soluble in acidic media, was extracted from the plant Artemisia herba-alba located in the eastern region of Morocco, and characterized by FT-IR, in order to valorize it as a corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in 1 M HCl medium. The electrochemical tests show that the extract is an excellent corrosion protective agent, reaching a maximum value of 96.17% at the concentration of 800 mg/L in the inhibitor. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves indicate the mixed behavior of the extract, to reduce the current density from 3.445 mA/cm2 to 0.104 mA/cm2 in the presence of 800 mg/L in the inhibitor. The biopolymer CHA of the extract of Artemisia herba-alba undergoes the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, whose adsorption energy is −20.75 kJ/mol, which is attributed to the presence of electrostatic and covalent bonds. In addition, the visualization of the metal surface by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicates the formation of a protective layer formed by the extracts of Artemisia herba-alba, which confirms the protective characteristic of the extract used. Theoretical investigations by DFT, MD, and MC confirm previous experimental results.
Electronic Tunnelling in Superconductor/Quantum-Dot Josephson Junction Side-Coupled to Majorana Nanowire
Authors: Chi Feng , Jia Qiang-Sheng , Liu Jia , Gao Qing-Guo , Yi Zi-Chuan , Liu Li-Ming
Published: March 2023

We study the Josephson current (supercurrent) in a system consisting of two superconductors connected to a single-level quantum dot (QD), which is also side-coupled to a nanowire hosting Majorana bound states (MBSs). Our results show that the MBSs change both the peak height and position in the current-carrying density of states (CCDOS), and this determines the amplitude of the Josephson current due to the phase difference between the superconductors. By adjusting the energy level in the QD and MBSs-QD hybridization strengths, the magnetic flux penetrating through the closed circuit formed by the QD and the nanowire as well as the direct overlap between the MBSs, one can fully control the electron transport processes. The present results are useful in superconductor-based electrical devices and the newly developed area of superconducting coated conductors.
Review of the Versatile Patterning Methods of Ag Nanowire Electrodes
Authors: Hwang Byungil , Matteini Paolo
Published: March 2023

To use Ag nanowires for various industries, it is crucial to develop an appropriate patterning method. There are various types of patterning methods, but there has been no comprehensive review discussing and summarizing them. This review paper provides an overview of the various patterning techniques of Ag nanowire electrodes, including photolithography, nanoimprint lithography, inkjet printing, electrohydrodynamic jet printing, and other emerging methods. These transparent electrodes have received significant attention due to their high transparency, low sheet resistance, and flexibility, making them ideal for applications such as flexible electronics, touch screens, and solar cells. Each patterning technique has its benefits and limitations, and its suitability depends on specific application requirements. Photolithography is a well-established technique that can achieve high-resolution patterns, while nanoimprint lithography is a low-cost and versatile method for large-area patterning. Inkjet printing and E-jet printing provide the advantages of high throughput, precise control, and the ability to print on different substrates. Stencil printing, laser direct writing, and electrospinning are emerging techniques that showing high potential for patterning Ag nanowire electrodes. The choice of patterning technique ultimately depends on various factors, such as resolution requirements, cost, substrate compatibility, and throughput.