bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Errors with Zero-Shot Learning
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Wang Ning
Published: July 2022

Error detection is a critical step in data cleaning. Most traditional error detection methods are based on rules and external information with high cost, especially when dealing with large-scaled data. Recently, with the advances of deep learning, some researchers focus their attention on learning the semantic distribution of data for error detection; however, the low error rate in real datasets makes it hard to collect negative samples for training supervised deep learning models. Most of the existing deep-learning-based error detection algorithms solve the class imbalance problem by data augmentation. Due to the inadequate sampling of negative samples, the features learned by those methods may be biased. In this paper, we propose an AEGAN (Auto-Encoder Generative Adversarial Network)-based deep learning model named SAT-GAN (Self-Attention Generative Adversarial Network) to detect errors in relational datasets. Combining the self-attention mechanism with the pre-trained language model, our model can capture semantic features of the dataset, specifically the functional dependency between attributes, so that no rules or constraints are needed for SAT-GAN to identify inconsistent data. For the lack of negative samples, we propose to train our model via zero-shot learning. As a clean-data tailored model, SAT-GAN tries to recognize error data as outliers by learning the latent features of clean data. In our evaluation, SAT-GAN achieves an average F1-score of 0.95 on five datasets, which yields at least 46.2% F1-score improvement over rule-based methods and outperforms state-of-the-art deep learning approaches in the absence of rules and negative samples.
A Comparative Review of Lead-Acid, Lithium-Ion and Ultra-Capacitor Technologies and Their Degradation Mechanisms
Authors: Townsend Ashleigh , Gouws Rupert
Published: July 2022

As renewable energy sources, such as solar systems, are becoming more popular, the focus is moving into more effective utilization of these energy sources and harvesting more energy for intermittency reduction in this renewable source. This is opening up a market for methods of energy storage and increasing interest in batteries, as they are, as it stands, the foremost energy storage device available to suit a wide range of requirements. This interest has brought to light the downfalls of batteries and resultantly made room for the investigation of ultra-capacitors as a solution to these downfalls. One of these downfalls is related to the decrease in capacity, and temperamentality thereof, of a battery when not used precisely as stated by the supplier. The usable capacity is reliant on the complete discharge/charge cycles the battery can undergo before a 20% degradation in its specified capacity is observed. This article aims to investigate what causes this degradation, what aggravates it and how the degradation affects the usage of the battery. This investigation will lead to the identification of a gap in which this degradation can be decreased, prolonging the usage and increasing the feasibility of the energy storage devices.
Method for Determining Sensor Location for Automated Shading Control in Office Building
Authors: Li Cui , Yu Xuyun , Li Zhengrong , Zhao Yi , Liu Yuxin , Lian Xiangchao , Feng Yanbo , Zhu Han
Published: July 2022

Shading facilities are important technology to enable the adjustment of the indoor light and heat environment, and the control logic of the technology relies on data collected by sensors. The sensor position is generally arranged on the work surface, which is only suitable for single rooms with fixed locations. For open-plan offices or other large offices, more study of detailed designs for the sensor position is required. Therefore, various sensor locations for different spaces will be investigated. Based on existing research, the UDI2000 lux [50%] and UDI450–2000 lux [50%] are the key indices for measuring sensor location. The Entropy Weight method is used to determine the weight of each index, and the ideal point method (TOPSIS method) is used to select the best sensor location. Based on the results, recommendations are provided for different space scales, window-to-wall ratios, and building orientations of offices for shading control sensor location.
Developing a Theoretical Framework to Explain the Social Acceptability of Wind Energy
Authors: Lundheim Sigurd Hilmo , Pellegrini-Masini Giuseppe , Klöckner Christian A. , Geiss Stefan
Published: July 2022

The social acceptability of wind farms has been researched for several decades now, with the first research tracing back to the 1980s. This paper aims to deliver a literature review within the structural framework proposed by the paper of variables influencing the acceptability of wind farms. The large amount of research published on the social acceptability of wind farms requires an effort to identify and categorise variables to deliver a holistic understanding of opposition and support to wind energy. We classify the variables into three main categories: first, ‘psychological variables’, including perceived benefits and costs, emotions, and attitudes; second, ‘contextual variables’, including community energy schemes and media influence; and finally, third, ‘personal resources’, including income or wealth, place of residence, and relevant knowledge in relation to the wind farm. In agreement with other scholars, we argue that NIMBYism (not in my backyard) is an outdated and simplistic explanation for opposition to wind farms. Instead, we provide a theoretical framework to explain the acceptability of wind energy and show how these variables might influence both acceptance and opposition.
Grid-Forming Converters for Stability Issues in Future Power Grids
Authors: Khan Shahid Aziz , Wang Mengqi , Su Wencong , Liu Guanliang , Chaturvedi Shivam
Published: July 2022

Historically, the power system has relied on synchronous generators (SGs) to provide inertia and maintain grid stability. However, because of the increased integration of power-electronics-interfaced renewable energy sources, the grid’s stability has been challenged in the last decade due to a lack of inertia. Currently, the system predominantly uses grid-following (GFL) converters, built on the assumption that inertial sources regulate the system stability. Such an assumption does not hold for the low-inertia grids of the future. Grid-forming (GFM) converters, which mimic the traditional synchronous machinery’s functionalities, have been identified as a potential solution to support the low-inertia grids. The performance analysis of GFM converters for small-signal instability can be found in the literature, but large-signal instability is still an open research question. Moreover, various topologies and configurations of GFM converters have been proposed. Still, no comparative study combining all GFC configurations from the perspective of large-signal stability issues can be found. This paper combines and compares all the existing GFM control schemes from the perspective of large-signal stability issues to pave the way for future research and development of GFM converters for large-signal stability analysis and stabilization of the future low-inertia grids.
The 50th Anniversary of The Limits to Growth: Does It Have Relevance for Today’s Energy Issues?
Authors: Hall Charles
Published: July 2022

The Limits to Growth was a remarkable, and remarkably influential, model, book and concept published 50 years ago this year. Its importance is that it used, for essentially the first time, a quantitative systems approach and a computer model to question the dominant paradigm for most of society: growth. Initially, many events, and especially the oil crisis of the 1970s, seemed to support the idea that the limits were close. Many economists argued quite the opposite, and the later relaxation of the oil crisis (and decline in gasoline prices) seemed to support the economists’ position. Many argued that the model had failed, but a careful examination of model behavior vs. global and many national data sets assessed by a number of researchers suggests that the model’s predictions (even if they had not been meant for such a specific task) were still remarkably accurate to date. While the massive changes predicted by the model have not yet come to pass globally, they are clearly occurring for many individual nations. Additionally, global patterns of climate change, fuel and mineral depletion, environmental degradation and population growth are quite as predicted by the original model. Whether or not the world as a whole continues to follow the general patterns of the model may be mostly a function of what happens with energy and whether humans can accept constraints on their propensity to keep growing.
Antennal Transcriptome of the Fruit-Sucking Moth Eudocima materna: Identification of Olfactory Genes and Preliminary Evidence for RNA-Editing Events in Odorant Receptors
Authors: Vyas Meenal , Pagadala Damodaram Kamala Jayanthi , Krishnarao Gandham
Published: July 2022

Unappealing shriveled fruits are a characteristic of one of the most elusive fruit pests. The perpetrator, Eudocima materna, attacks the fruit at a fully formed stage and, therefore, the antennal transcriptome for this insect was deduced to identify the molecular elicitors involved in the attraction to its host plants. A total of 260 olfactory genes, including 16 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), four pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs), 40 antennal-binding proteins (ABPs), 178 odorant receptors (ORs), 17 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and five sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis shows the divergence of E. materna proteins from closely related lepidopterans and provides insights on genes that have exclusively evolved in this insect. STRING network analysis revealed interactions of olfactory proteins among themselves and the proteins of other groups. Interestingly, online tools predicted RNA-editing events in the odorant receptor sequences, suggesting the possibility of multiple protein forms. Transcripts matching transposable element sequences were also detected in the dataset. Thus, the work reported here provides a valuable resource to design molecular methods for pest control.
Two Years of COVID-19 in Austria—Exploratory Longitudinal Study of Mental Health Outcomes and Coping Behaviors in the General Population
Authors: Lueger-Schuster Brigitte , Zrnić Novaković Irina , Lotzin Annett
Published: July 2022

Since the long-term mental health impact of COVID-19 is not yet fully understood, the present study explored changes in mental health outcomes and pandemic-related coping behaviors across four pandemic stages. The main objective was to gain insights into the dynamics of mental health and coping, considering different pandemic features at different assessment waves. The final sample consisted of N = 243 adults from the Austrian general population. Data were collected at four timepoints (between June 2020 and December 2021) via LimeSurvey, an open-source online survey tool. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder (AD), anxiety, and depression were assessed using validated instruments: Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), AD-New Module 8 (ADNM-8), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ4). We also administered the Pandemic Coping Scale (PCS) to address pandemic-related coping behaviors. Cochran’s Q test and repeated measures ANOVAs were applied to assess changes over time. The results indicated that prevalence rates of AD (χ2(2) = 16.88, p = 0.001), depression (χ2(3) = 18.69, p < 0.001), and anxiety (χ2(3) = 19.10, p < 0.001) significantly changed across four assessment waves. Changes in mean scores of the assessed mental health outcomes were also observed. For pandemic-related coping, we found differences in the subscales: healthy lifestyle: F(3, 651) = 5.11, prevention adherence: F(2.73, 592.35) = 21.88, and joyful activities: F(3, 651) = 5.03. Taken together, our study showed a higher mental health burden in wintertime than in summertime, indicating an increased need for psychosocial support in times of stricter measures, higher incidences, and higher death rates. Furthermore, the observed decrease in adaptive coping behaviors suggests that easy-to-implement coping strategies should be actively promoted in order to maintain mental health during and in the aftermath of pandemics.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Leprosy during 2000–2021 from Web of Science Database
Authors: Li Xiang , Yang Jing , Zhang Lianhua , Jin Guangjie , Xu Li , Fang Fujin , Li Yunhui , Wei Pingmin
Published: July 2022

In recent years, after the essential elimination of leprosy (the prevalence of which is <1/100,000), the trends, research hotpots, and frontiers of leprosy research are not clear. This study provides a detailed overview of leprosy in terms of papers, journal, language, year, citations, h-index, author keywords, institution, and country through bibliometrics. The results are as follows: (1) The publication rate has increased in recent years, and 8892 papers were obtained. Most of the publications are in English, and the subject categories are mainly focused on “Dermatology.” The “leprosy review” published the most significant number of papers on leprosy, followed by “Plos Neglected Tropical Disease” and “International Journal of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases.” (2) Leprosy-related research was contributed to by 24,672 authors, and the ten authors with the most significant number of publications were identified. (3) The University of London (including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) has the highest h-index, and Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz is the most productive institution. (4) Brazil, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands are the most productive countries, and the collaborative network reveals that they have established close cooperation with other countries. France has the highest average number of citations. (5) The keyword co-occurrence network identifies five highly relevant clusters representing topical issues in leprosy research (public health, leprosy vaccine, immune mechanisms, treatment, and genomics research). Overall, these results provide valuable insights for scholars, research institutions, and policymakers to better understand developments in the field of leprosy.
From Bureaucratic Coordination to a Data-Driven Model: Transformation and Capacity Building of Community-Based Prevention and Control of Public Health Events
Authors: Xian Mingxia , Zhao Chong , Zhou Yicheng
Published: July 2022

Communities are the first line of defense in responding to major public health events. Taking the community-based prevention and control cases of COVID-19 in China as samples, this paper constructs an analytical framework for the generation of community-based prevention and control capacity of public health events from the perspective of governance elements optimization based on the methods of text analysis and limits-to-growth archetype analysis. According to the research, the community-based prevention and control of public health events realizes the integration of governance elements of key actors through the bureaucratic coordination mode and maximizes the prevention and control efficiency with the primary goal of epidemic prevention and control in a short period of time, which presents a “reinforcing feedback” loop in the “limits-to-growth” model system. However, with the development of the epidemic showing a strong trend of being latent and wide spread, the “reinforcing feedback” from the bureaucratic coordination model on the effect of epidemic prevention and control encounters the “regulatory feedback” that inhibits the growth at the data-driven level. On the basis of discussing the practice of the public health prevention and control mode in the grassroots communities under the established political framework, this paper attempts to construct an institutional reform system from technological governance to technological empowerment, so as to effectively realize the mode transformation of community-based prevention and control of public health events.
Cigarette Smoking in Response to COVID-19: Examining Co-Morbid Medical Conditions and Risk Perceptions
Authors: Fucito Lisa M. , Bold Krysten W. , Cannon Sydney , Serrantino Alison , Marrero Rebecca , O’Malley Stephanie S.
Published: July 2022

During the initial wave of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the U.S., information was mixed about the relative COVID-19 risks and potential benefits associated with cigarette smoking. Therefore, we sought to understand individual differences in the impact of COVID-19 on cigarette smoking in a sample of adults who reported recent use, with a particular focus on chronic medical conditions likely associated with increased COVID-19 risk. Participants completed an online survey of smoking behavior, demographic variables, medical history, and COVID-19 risk perceptions between July and August 2020 (N = 286). We examined whether medical conditions, COVID-19 risk perceptions and/or demographic characteristics were related to smoking changes in response to the pandemic (i.e., no change, decrease, increase) using multinomial logistical regression. Younger age, higher COVID-19 risk perceptions and Black versus White race were associated with greater odds of decreased smoking compared to no smoking change. Moreover, having at least one chronic medical condition was associated with greater odds of increased smoking relative to no change. The results have important implications for tobacco cessation treatment and preventive healthcare during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other public health threats.
Relationship between Anemia and Falls among Postmenopausal Women in Korea
Authors: Kim Yunmi , Kim Jiyun
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to explore the relationship between anemia and falls in postmenopausal women. The relationships between energy, protein, iron, and vitamin C intake were also checked. The data of this study are a combination of data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) collected from the KNHANES VI-2,3 (2014–2015) and VII-1,2,3 (2016–2018). Falls and anemia were compared according to the subjects’ characteristics. Phi and Cramer’s V coefficient were applied to find the strength of association. Energy, protein, iron, and vitamin C intake and anemia were investigated. The relationship between the status as anemic and the occurrence of falls was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Of the 6665 subjects, 274 had a fall, and 596 had anemia. If the energy intake did not meet the estimated energy requirements, the state of anemia was significantly higher with a weak association. When protein, iron, and vitamin C did not meet the recommended nutrient intake, the anemia state was considerably higher with a weak to moderate association. Postmenopausal women with anemia were more likely to fall than subjects without anemia (OR = 1.88, p = 0.003). Additionally, anemia was confirmed to be related to insufficient energy, protein, iron, and vitamin C intake.
Assessing Factors Associated with Non-Fatal Injuries from Road Traffic Accidents among Malaysian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the PURE Malaysia Study
Authors: Md Isa Zaleha , Ismail Noor Hassim , Ismail Rosnah , Mohd Tamil Azmi , Ja’afar Mohd Hasni , Mat Nasir Nafiza , Miskan Maizatullifah , Zainol Abidin Najihah , Ab Razak Nurul Hafiza , Yusof Khairul Hazdi
Published: July 2022

Non-fatal injuries (NFIs) due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a public health problem worldwide that significantly impacts the population morbidity and healthcare costs. As the demands for vehicles in developing countries, such as Malaysia, is increasing annually, the present study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with NFIs due to RTAs among Malaysia’s adult population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 15,321 participants from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study conducted in Malaysia. Participants reported whether they had experienced an NFI that limited their normal activities within the past 12 months. Data on risk factors for NFIs were elicited. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify the associated factors. Results: Overall, 863 participants (5.6% of 15,321) reported at least 1 NFI in the past 12 months, with 303 caused by RTAs (35.1%), 270 caused by falls (31.3%) and 290 attributed to other causes (33.6%). The factors associated with higher odds of sustaining an NFI due to an RTA were being male (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 2.08; 95% CI 1.33–3.26), having a primary (2.52; 1.40–4.55) or secondary (2.64; 1.55–4.49) level of education, being overweight to obese (1.40; 1.01–1.94), being currently employed (2.03; 1.31–3.13) and not practicing a noon nap/siesta (1.38; 1.01–1.89). Conclusions: The occurrence of NFIs due to RTAs is highly preventable with strategic planning aimed at reducing the risk of RTAs among the Malaysian population. Interventions focusing on protecting road users, especially those who drive two-wheelers, with proactive road safety awareness and literacy campaigns, combined with strict enforcement of the existing traffic laws and behavioural modifications, may reduce the risk of NFIs following RTAs.
Risk Factors of Flatfoot in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Liya , Gu Hongyi , Zhang Yimin , Sun Tingting , Yu Jingjing
Published: July 2022

Background: This study aimed to explore the risk factors for flatfoot in children and adolescents to provide a reference basis for studying foot growth and development in children and adolescents. Methods: We examined the cross-sectional research literature regarding flatfoot in children and adolescents published in the past 20 years, from 2001 to 2021, in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library. Two researchers independently searched the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the literature quality of the selected research; from this, a total of 20 articles were included in our review. After the relevant data were extracted, the data were reviewed using Manager 5.4 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark), and the detection rate and risk factors for flatfoot in children were analyzed. Results: In total, 3602 children with flatfoot from 15 studies were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that being male (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62, p = 0.005), being aged <9 years (age <6, OR = 3.11, 95% CI: 2.47, 3.90, p < 0.001; age 6–9 years, OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.70, p < 0.001), joint relaxation (OR = 4.82, 95% CI: 1.19, 19.41, p = 0.03), wearing sports shoes (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.46, 6.03, p = 0.003), being a child living in an urban environment (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.66, 2.64, p < 0.001) and doing less exercise (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.80, p = 0.02) were risk factors for the detection of flatfoot. Conclusion: In summary, the detection rate of flatfoot in children in the past 20 years was found to be 25% through a meta-analysis. Among the children included, boys were more prone to flatfoot than girls, and the proportion of flatfoot decreased with age.
Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Associated Factors in a Population-Based Sample of 70-Year-Olds: Data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014–16
Authors: Ahlner Felicia , Falk Erhag Hanna , Johansson Lena , Mellqvist Fässberg Madeleine , Rydberg Sterner Therese , Samuelsson Jessica , Zettergren Anna , Waern Margda , Skoog Ingmar
Published: July 2022

Older adults of today consume more alcohol, yet knowledge about the factors associated with different consumption levels is limited in this age group. Based on the data from a population-based sample (n = 1156, 539 men and 617 women) in The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014–16, we examined sociodemographic, social, and health-related factors associated with alcohol consumption levels in 70-year-olds, using logistic regression. Total weekly alcohol intake was calculated based on the self-reported amount of alcohol consumed. Alcohol consumption was categorized as lifetime abstention, former drinking, moderate consumption (≤98 g/week), and at-risk consumption (>98 g/week). At-risk consumption was further categorized into lower at-risk (98–196 g/week), medium at-risk (196–350 g/week), and higher at-risk (≥350 g/week). We found that among the 1156 participants, 3% were lifetime abstainers, 3% were former drinkers, 64% were moderate drinkers, and 30% were at-risk drinkers (20% lower, 8% medium, 2% higher). Among several factors, former drinking was associated with worse general self-rated health (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08–2.51) and lower health-related quality of life (measured by physical component score) (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97), higher illness burden (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.27), and weaker grip strength (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98). Higher at-risk drinkers more often had liver disease (OR 11.41, 95% CI 3.48–37.37) and minor depression (OR 4.57, 95% CI 1.40–14.95), but less contacts with health care (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11–0.92). Our findings demonstrate the importance of classifications beyond abstinence and at-risk consumption, with implications for both the prevention and clinical management of unhealthy consumption patterns in older adults.
A Review of Climate Security Discussions in Japan
Authors: Odeyemi Christo , Sekiyama Takashi
Published: July 2022

This review paper provides preliminary analysis and answers to three key questions that were identified by synthesizing qualitative evidence from climate security research in Japan. The questions identified are: (1) Has Japan participated in the global climate security debate at all? (2) Why did climate security struggle to become a major political theme in Japan until 2020? (3) Why did Japan explicitly start dealing with climate security as a policy issue in 2020? We identify and discuss four key reasons relative to the second question. The review provides key details (and general parameters) of these questions that have been overlooked by not only Japanese researchers but also climate security research conducted between 2017 and 2022 in Europe and the United States. Climate security suddenly became a trending topic among Japanese researchers and political elites in 2020; we find evidence that future studies could provide important and more robust insight if an analysis of the above questions is supported by interview data obtained from Japanese government officials. In doing so, researchers will be able to provide valuable insight into the possibility (and extent) that inter-ministerial rivalry between key ministries has impeded domestic progress on climate security action. Furthermore, three separate projects on climate security have been commissioned and recently implemented in Japan. These form the basis for this first systematic literature review of 34 papers and the related research reports resulting from these projects. These papers and reports were retrieved from the electronic databases of Google Scholar, ProQuest, and the National Institute for Environmental Studies in April 2022. While the main limitation of this review paper is that readers are expected to connect these questions to their own experiences at the global level, we reduce the possibility of presenting biased information by identifying and verifying missing details. For example, we had difficulty identifying the method used in one of the co-authored papers and contacted the corresponding author. In summary, sustained discussion in academia and high-politics settings should eventually lead to a greater awareness about climate security.
What Is the Mechanism of Government Green Development Behavior Considering Multi-Agent Interaction? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xingwei , Dai Jiachi , Zhu Xiaowen , He Jinrong , Li Jingru , Liu Xiang , Huang Yicheng , Shen Qiong
Published: July 2022

Worsening environmental problems have created more and more challenges for green development, and the government is often seen as an important guide in turning this situation around. A government generally enacts green development through green development behavior, but previous research has not revealed the mechanism of this behavior. In addition, the multi-agent interaction between the government and green development behavior also needs to be explored. Based on an integrated theoretical model, the authors of this study adopted a meta-analysis method to analyze 18 high-quality published pieces from 6 mainstream databases and described the mechanism of government green development behavior in exploring and thinking about multi-agent interactions. In addition, the authors of this study explored differences in the roles of central and local government green development behaviors and the moderating role of regional heterogeneity. The research results showed that: (1) Enterprise economic behavior, enterprise environmental behavior, enterprise social behavior, and public participation are all significantly positively affected by government green development behavior; (2) local government green development actions have stronger effects than central government actions; (3) regional heterogeneity moderates the effect of government green development behavior. Furthermore, the authors of this study propose relevant countermeasures and suggestions from the government’s point of view. This research provides a theoretical and practical reference for governments to better improve their environmental systems and environmental supervision.
Health Economic Challenge: Geriatric Trauma—An Age-Based Observational Analysis of Treatment Costs and Reimbursement Issues
Authors: Schindler Cora Rebecca , Woschek Mathias , Mühlenfeld Nils , Seifert Lukas , Marzi Ingo , Störmann Philipp , Verboket René Danilo
Published: July 2022

Demographic change is having a major impact on the economic and structural development of the healthcare system. People stay active longer and the number of mild traumatic brain injury [mTBI] in patients ≥ 65 years of age consequently increases. The aim of this comparative analysis is to illustrate the impact of demographic change and the increasing treatment of geriatric trauma patients on the cost structure of the health care system using mTBI as an example diagnosis. Patients and Methods: The 12-month retrospective analysis included 220 in-patients treated with mTBI and remunerated under the German Diagnosis Related Group [G-DRG] B80Z. For comparative analysis, the patient population was divided into two study groups according to age [U65 18–64 years, G65 ≥ 65 years]. For the cost and proceeds calculation, itemized cost reports (personnel, supply, material, and equipment costs, etc.) were created. Results: 163 patients U65 and 57 patients G65 were included. In the G65 group, the most frequent accident mechanism was a fall from a short distance (84.1 vs. U65 36.7%; p = 0.007). For the inpatient admission of G65, the use of anticoagulants (p < 0.001) and comorbidity (p = 0.002) played a primary role, while for younger patients it was more neurological symptoms (p < 0.001) and alcohol (p < 0.001) that led to inpatient monitoring. The mean length of hospitalization of G65 patients was significantly longer than that of younger patients (G65 2.4 ± 1.9 days > U65 1.7 ± 0.8 days; p = 0.007) and radiological examinations (G65 94.7% > U65 23.3%; p = 0.013) were performed more frequently. Comparing analysis of the cost and proceeds of U65 vs. G65 results in a proceeds difference of €51,753.91 per year for the G-DRG B80Z compared to U65. Conclusions: It has been shown that there is a difference in costs and proceeds when comparing younger and older patients, resulting in a reimbursement deficit. In view of the demographic development in Europe, flat-rate remuneration will lead to a considerable discrepancy between DRG reimbursement and the coverage of hospitals’ running costs. Providing health care to an increasingly aging society represents one of the major personnel and financial challenges for the public health system in the coming decades. Further adaptation of the DRG system to the growing costs caused by older patients is imperative.
Staphylococcus aureus Infection-Related Glomerulonephritis with Dominant IgA Deposition
Authors: Takayasu Mamiko , Hirayama Kouichi , Shimohata Homare , Kobayashi Masaki , Koyama Akio
Published: July 2022

Since 1995, when we reported the case of a patient with glomerulonephritis with IgA deposition that occurred after a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, many reports of MRSA infection-associated glomerulonephritis have accumulated. This disease is being systematized as Staphylococcus infection-associated glomerulonephritis (SAGN) in light of the apparent cause of infection, and as immunoglobulin A-dominant deposition infection-related glomerulonephritis (IgA-IRGN) in light of its histopathology. This glomerulonephritis usually presents as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis or acute kidney injury with various degrees of proteinuria and microscopic hematuria along with an ongoing infection. Its renal pathology has shown several types of mesangial and/or endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with various degrees of crescent formation and tubulointerstitial nephritis. IgA, IgG, and C3 staining in the mesangium and along the glomerular capillary walls have been observed on immunofluorescence examinations. A marked activation of T cells, an increase in specific variable regions of the T-cell receptor β-chain-positive cells, hypercytokinemia, and increased polyclonal immune complexes have also been observed in this glomerulonephritis. In the development of this disease, staphylococcal enterotoxin may be involved as a superantigen, but further investigations are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this disease. Here, we review 336 cases of IgA-IRGN and 218 cases of SAGN.
The Biochemical Assessment of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Disorders
Authors: Turton Nadia , Cufflin Neve , Dewsbury Mollie , Fitzpatrick Olivia , Islam Rahida , Watler Lowidka Linares , McPartland Cara , Whitelaw Sophie , Connor Caitlin , Morris Charlotte , Fang Jason , Gartland Ollie , Holt Liv , Hargreaves Iain P.
Published: July 2022

Mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) disorders are a complex group of diseases whose diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the biochemical investigations play an important role. Initial investigations include metabolite analysis in both blood and urine and the measurement of lactate, pyruvate and amino acid levels, as well as urine organic acids. Recently, hormone-like cytokines, such as fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), have also been used as a means of assessing evidence of MRC dysfunction, although work is still required to confirm their diagnostic utility and reliability. The assessment of evidence of oxidative stress may also be an important parameter to consider in the diagnosis of MRC function in view of its association with mitochondrial dysfunction. At present, due to the lack of reliable biomarkers available for assessing evidence of MRC dysfunction, the spectrophotometric determination of MRC enzyme activities in skeletal muscle or tissue from the disease-presenting organ is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ biochemical method to provide evidence of MRC dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to outline a number of biochemical methods that may provide diagnostic evidence of MRC dysfunction in patients.
Skeletal Muscle Denervation: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Kostrominova Tatiana Y.
Published: July 2022

This Special Issue presents some of the most recent studies on the skeletal muscle denervation [...]
The Role of Human Milk Lipids and Lipid Metabolites in Protecting the Infant against Non-Communicable Disease
Authors: George Alexandra D. , Burugupalli Satvika , Paul Sudip , Mansell Toby , Burgner David , Meikle Peter J.
Published: July 2022

Non-communicable diseases continue to increase globally and have their origins early in life. Early life obesity tracks from childhood to adulthood, is associated with obesity, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, and predicts non-communicable disease risk in later life. There is mounting evidence that these factors are more prevalent in infants who are formula-fed compared to those who are breastfed. Human milk provides the infant with a complex formulation of lipids, many of which are not present in infant formula, or are present in markedly different concentrations, and the plasma lipidome of breastfed infants differs significantly from that of formula-fed infants. With this knowledge, and the knowledge that lipids have critical implications in human health, the lipid composition of human milk is a promising approach to understanding how breastfeeding protects against obesity, inflammation, and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk. Here we review bioactive human milk lipids and lipid metabolites that may play a protective role against obesity and inflammation in later life. We identify key knowledge gaps and highlight priorities for future research.
The MexJK Multidrug Efflux Pump Is Not Involved in Acquired or Intrinsic Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but Modulates the Bacterial Quorum Sensing Response
Authors: Amieva Rafael , Gil-Gil Teresa , Martínez José , Alcalde-Rico Manuel
Published: July 2022

Multidrug efflux pumps are critical elements in both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance of bacterial populations. Consequently, most studies regarding these protein machineries focus on this specific phenotype. Nevertheless, different works show that efflux pumps participate in other aspects of bacterial physiology too. Herein, we study the Pseudomonas aeruginosa multidrug efflux pump MexJK. Previous studies, using model strains lacking MexAB-OprM and MexCD-OprJ efflux pumps, support that MexJK can extrude erythromycin, tetracycline, and triclosan. However, the results here reported indicate that this potential increased extrusion, in a mutant overexpressing mexJK, does not alter the antibiotics susceptibility in a wild-type genetic background where all intrinsic multidrug efflux pumps remain functional. Nevertheless, a clear impact on the quorum sensing (QS) response, mainly in the Pqs-dependent QS regulation network and in the expression of Pqs-regulated virulence factors, was observed linked to mexJK overexpression. The production of the siderophore pyoverdine strongly depended on the level of mexJK expression, suggesting that MexJK might participate in P. aeruginosa pyoverdine-dependent iron homeostasis. All in all, the results presented in the current article support that the functions of multidrug efflux pumps, as MexJK, go beyond antibiotic resistance and can modulate other relevant aspects of bacterial physiology.
Enapotamab Vedotin, an AXL-Specific Antibody-Drug Conjugate, Demonstrates Antitumor Efficacy in Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Van Renterghem Britt , Wozniak Agnieszka , Castro Patricia Garrido , Franken Patrick , Pencheva Nora , Sciot Raf , Schöffski Patrick
Published: July 2022

Doxorubicin (doxo) remains the standard of care for patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS), even though response rates to doxo are only around 14% to 18%. We evaluated enapotamab vedotin (EnaV), an AXL-specific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in a panel of STS patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Eight models representing multiple STS subtypes were selected from our STS PDX platform (n = 45) by AXL immunostaining on archived passages. Models were expanded by unilateral transplantation of tumor tissue into the left flank of 20 NMRI nu/nu mice. Once tumors were established, mice were randomized into an EnaV treatment group, or a group treated with isotype control ADC. Treatment efficacy was assessed by tumor volume evaluation, survival analysis, and histological evaluation of tumors, and associated with AXL expression. EnaV demonstrated significant tumor growth delay, regression, and/or prolonged survival compared to isotype control ADC in 5/8 STS PDX models investigated. Experimental passages of responding models were all found positive for AXL at varying levels, but no linear relationship could be identified between the level of expression and level of response to EnaV. One model was found negative for AXL on experimental passage and did not respond to EnaV. This study provides a preclinical rationale for the evaluation of AXL-targeting ADCs in the treatment of AXL-expressing sarcomas.
Correction: Chaudhuri et al. Diverse Functions of Tim50, a Component of the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Protein Translocase. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 7779
Authors: Chaudhuri Minu , Tripathi Anuj , Gonzalez Fidel Soto
Published: July 2022

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Impact of Nutrition, Microbiota Transplant and Weight Loss Surgery on Dopaminergic Alterations in Parkinson’s Disease and Obesity
Authors: Hamamah Sevag , Hajnal Andras , Covasa Mihai
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, is characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration and α-synuclein aggregation in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain. Emerging evidence has shown that dietary intake affects the microbial composition in the gut, which in turn contributes to, or protects against, the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in affected regions of the brain. More specifically, the Mediterranean diet and Western diet, composed of varying amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, exert contrasting effects on PD pathophysiology via alterations in the gut microbiota and dopamine levels. Interestingly, the negative changes in the gut microbiota of patients with PD parallel changes that are seen in individuals that consume a Western diet, and are opposite to those that adhere to a Mediterranean diet. In this review, we first examine the role of prominent food groups on dopamine bioavailability, how they modulate the composition and function of the gut microbiota and the subsequent effects on PD and obesity pathophysiology. We then highlight evidence on how microbiota transplant and weight loss surgery can be used as therapeutic tools to restore dopaminergic deficits through optimizing gut microbial composition. In the process, we revisit dietary metabolites and their role in therapeutic approaches involving dopaminergic pathways. Overall, understanding the role of nutrition on dopamine bioavailability and gut microbiota in dopamine-related pathologies such as PD will help develop more precise therapeutic targets to rescue dopaminergic deficits in neurologic and metabolic disorders.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Necrosectomy—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Jagielski Mateusz , Chwarścianek Agata , Piątkowski Jacek , Jackowski Marek
Published: July 2022

In this article, an attempt was made to clarify the role of percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy (PEN) in the interventional treatment of pancreatic necrosis. A comprehensive review of the current literature was performed to identify publications on the role of PEN in patients with consequences of acute necrotizng pancreatitis. The aim of the study was to review the literature on minimal invasive necrosectomy, with emphasis on PEN using esophageal self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). The described results come from 15 studies after a review of the current literature. The study group comprised 52 patients (36 men and 16 women; mean age, 50.87 (13–75) years) with walled-off pancreatic necrosis, in whom PEN using a self-expandable esophageal stent had been performed. PEN was successfully completed in all 52 patients (100%). PEN complications were observed in 18/52 (34.62%) patients. Clinical success was achieved in 42/52 (80.77%) patients, with follow-up continuing for an average of 136 (14–557) days. In conclusion, the PEN technique is potentially effective, with an acceptable rate of complications and may be implemented with good clinical results in patients with pancreatic necrosis.
Indigenous Peoples and International Law in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Etchart Linda
Published: July 2022

The adoption and ratification of new conventions and treaties under international law designed to protect both Indigenous peoples and the rights of nature have resulted in successful rulings by local, federal, and regional courts in favor of Indigenous groups engaged in class-action suits against their governments. In 2012 and 2019, respectively, the Sarayaku Kichwa and the Huaorani and Cofán peoples of the Ecuadorian Amazon won cases against the Ecuadorian government for its lack of consultation on planned oil exploration. Such cases upholding the correct application of the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) under international treaties are rare; more often, Western judicial systems and environmental impact assessments have been used to serve corporate interests, as exemplified by the Aguinda v. Texaco case initiated in 1993 and the planned operations of Andes Petroleum in Orellana province 2019–2020, respectively. Indigenous and non-Western epistemologies tend to be incompatible with state-driven liberal secular capitalism—hence Indigenous efforts to prevent land seizures and the expansion of the extractive frontier into Indigenous territories in the Amazon rainforest have been undermined by the imperatives of modernization/developmentalism. These same forces have stimulated demand for gold, the legal and illegal mining of which, along the Napo river, have caused the contamination of the waters of the Amazon, threatening the health of Indigenous and non-indigenous riverine communities.
1,3-Bis(5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)imidazolidine-4,5-dione
Authors: Yin Xuelian , Kim Sung Min , Song Yang-Heon
Published: July 2022

A thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivative 3 bearing a 4,5-imidazolidinedione moiety, 1,3-bis(5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)imidazolidine-4,5-dione, was efficiently synthesized in 66% yield by the reaction of N,N′-bis(5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)methanediamine 2 with oxalyl chloride in the presence of pyridine in refluxing dichloroethane for 10 h. The structure of the new synthesized compounds was fully characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry and elemental analysis.
Simultaneously Embedding Indomethacin and Electrodeposition of Polypyrrole on Various CoCr Alloys from Ionic Liquids
Authors: Golgovici Florentina , Ionascu Florentina Gina , Prodana Mariana , Demetrescu Ioana
Published: July 2022

The aim of the present investigation is the electrochemical deposition of polypyrrole films from choline chloride-based ionic liquids at various potential, period times and simultaneously an indomethacin embedding and release. The electrodeposition films were performed on CoCr commercial type Wirobond C (WBC) and, Heraenium CE (Hera) using as electroprocedures for deposition cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The morphology of obtained films was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An FT-IR investigation of CoCr alloys before and after electrodeposition was able to identify the presence of polymer and drug. The research included an evaluation of the hydrophilic character of all studied samples and their electrochemical characterization in Tanni Zuchi artificial saliva. In the electrochemical study, the following methods have been used: open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. Indomethacin release from the polymeric film was determined using UV-VIS spectra. Based on Fick’s law of diffusion and indomethacin release profile, a kinetic law for release was established and discussed.