bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 420 with a Chromosomally Inserted Virulence Plasmid
Authors: Eger Elias , Heiden Stefan E. , Becker Karsten , Rau Andrea , Geisenhainer Katharina , Idelevich Evgeny A. , Schaufler Katharina
Published: August 2021

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae causes severe diseases including sepsis, pneumonia and wound infections and is differentiated into hypervirulent (hvKp) and classic (cKp) pathotypes. hvKp isolates are characterized clinically by invasive and multiple site infection and phenotypically in particular through hypermucoviscosity and increased siderophore production, enabled by the presence of the respective virulence genes, which are partly carried on plasmids. Methods: Here, we analyzed two K. pneumoniae isolates of a human patient that caused severe multiple site infection. By applying both genomic and phenotypic experiments and combining basic science with clinical approaches, we aimed at characterizing the clinical background as well as the two isolates in-depth. This also included bioinformatics analysis of a chromosomal virulence plasmid integration event. Results: Our genomic analysis revealed that the two isolates were clonal and belonged to sequence type 420, which is not only the first description of this K. pneumoniae subtype in Germany but also suggests belonging to the hvKp pathotype. The latter was supported by the clinical appearance and our phenotypic findings revealing increased siderophore production and hypermucoviscosity similar to an archetypical, hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strain. In addition, our in-depth bioinformatics analysis suggested the insertion of a hypervirulence plasmid in the bacterial chromosome, mediated by a new IS5 family sub-group IS903 insertion sequence designated ISKpn74. Conclusion: Our study contributes not only to the understanding of hvKp and the association between hypervirulence and clinical outcomes but reveals the chromosomal integration of a virulence plasmid, which might lead to tremendous public health implications.
Cytokines and Chemokines Involved in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis
Authors: Molnar Vilim , Matišić Vid , Kodvanj Ivan , Bjelica Roko , Jeleč Željko , Hudetz Damir , Rod Eduard , Čukelj Fabijan , Vrdoljak Trpimir , Vidović Dinko , Starešinić Mario , Sabalić Srećko , Dobričić Borut , Petrović Tadija , Antičević Darko , Borić Igor , Košir Rok , Zmrzljak Uršula Prosenc , Primorac Dragan
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability worldwide. Although commonly referred to as a disease of the joint cartilage, osteoarthritis affects all joint tissues equally. The pathogenesis of this degenerative process is not completely understood; however, a low-grade inflammation leading to an imbalance between anabolic and katabolic processes is a well-established factor. The complex network of cytokines regulating these processes and cell communication has a central role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Concentrations of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were found to be altered depending on the osteoarthritis stage and activity. In this review, we analyzed individual cytokines involved in the immune processes with an emphasis on their function in osteoarthritis.
Molecular Biological and Clinical Understanding of the Pathophysiology and Treatments of Hyperuricemia and Its Association with Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiovascular Diseases and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yanai Hidekatsu , Adachi Hiroki , Hakoshima Mariko , Katsuyama Hisayuki
Published: August 2021

Uric acid (UA) is synthesized mainly in the liver, intestines, and vascular endothelium as the end product of an exogenous purine from food and endogenously from damaged, dying, and dead cells. The kidney plays a dominant role in UA excretion, and the kidney excretes approximately 70% of daily produced UA; the remaining 30% of UA is excreted from the intestine. When UA production exceeds UA excretion, hyperuricemia occurs. Hyperuricemia is significantly associated with the development and severity of the metabolic syndrome. The increased urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) expression, and glycolytic disturbances due to insulin resistance may be associated with the development of hyperuricemia in metabolic syndrome. Hyperuricemia was previously thought to be simply the cause of gout and gouty arthritis. Further, the hyperuricemia observed in patients with renal diseases was considered to be caused by UA underexcretion due to renal failure, and was not considered as an aggressive treatment target. The evidences obtained by basic science suggests a pathogenic role of hyperuricemia in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), by inducing inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Further, clinical evidences suggest that hyperuricemia is associated with the development of CVD and CKD. Further, accumulated data suggested that the UA-lowering treatments slower the progression of such diseases.
Structural Biology-Based Exploration of Subtype-Selective Agonists for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
Authors: Miyachi Hiroyuki
Published: August 2021

Progress in understanding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) subtypes as nuclear receptors that have pleiotropic effects on biological responses has enabled the exploration of new subtype-selective PPAR ligands. Such ligands are useful chemical biology/pharmacological tools to investigate the functions of PPARs and are also candidate drugs for the treatment of PPAR-mediated diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, inflammation and cancer. This review summarizes our medicinal chemistry research of more than 20 years on the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of subtype-selective PPAR agonists, which has been based on two working hypotheses, the ligand superfamily concept and the helix 12 (H12) holding induction concept. X-ray crystallographic analyses of our agonists complexed with each PPAR subtype validate our working hypotheses.
Multiplication of ampC upon Exposure to a Beta-Lactam Antibiotic Results in a Transferable Transposon in Escherichia coli
Authors: Darphorn Tania S. , Hu Yuanqing , Koenders-van Sintanneland Belinda B. , Brul Stanley , ter Kuile Benno H.
Published: August 2021

Plasmids play a crucial role in spreading antimicrobial resistance genes. Plasmids have many ways to incorporate various genes. By inducing amoxicillin resistance in Escherichia coli, followed by horizontal gene transfer experiments and sequencing, we show that the chromosomal beta-lactamase gene ampC is multiplied and results in an 8–13 kb contig. This contig is comparable to a transposon, showing similarities to variable regions found in environmental plasmids, and can be transferred between E. coli cells. As in eight out of nine replicate strains an almost completely identical transposon was isolated, we conclude that this process is under strict control by the cell. The single transposon that differed was shortened at both ends, but otherwise identical. The outcome of this study indicates that as a result of exposure to beta-lactam antibiotics, E. coli can form a transposon containing ampC that can subsequently be integrated into plasmids or genomes. This observation offers an explanation for the large diversity of genes in plasmids found in nature and proposes mechanisms by which the dynamics of plasmids are maintained.
Prognostic Value of Trial Round Window Stimulation for Selection of Candidates for Cochlear Implantation as Treatment for Tinnitus
Authors: Poels Laure , Zarowski Andrzej , Leblans Marc , Vanspauwen Robby , van Dinther Joost , Offeciers Erwin
Published: August 2021

Electrical stimulation with cochlear implants is able to significantly suppress the tinnitus sensations in 25–72% of implanted patients. Up to this point, no clear predictors for the effectiveness of tinnitus suppression with cochlear implants have been found and this substantially limits the possibility of the application of cochlear implants for this purpose. The objective of the study was to investigate if a trial electrical round window stimulation (RWS) could be used as a diagnostic tool for identifying candidates in whom electrical stimulation would be successful as treatment for tinnitus. Thirty-four patients with unilateral severe tinnitus and ipsilateral moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss underwent a trial RWS under local anesthesia. Thirteen patients received a cochlear implant. All patients qualified for cochlear implantation on the basis of the trial RWS showed tinnitus suppression with the implant switched on. Complete or almost complete tinnitus suppression was obtained in 77% and partial in 23%. The mean tinnitus loudness reduction was 68% (VAS score reduction from 7.7 to 2.5). False negative results are estimated not to exceed 10–15%. We conclude that significant tinnitus suppression achieved during trial RWS under local anesthesia is a simple procedure allowing the efficient identification of candidates in whom electrical stimulation with a cochlear implant would be successful as treatment for intractable tinnitus.
Gastrointestinal Residue Removal Using a Balloon Overtube under Ultrathin Endoscopic Navigation: Ex Vivo and In Vivo Experimental Studies
Authors: Kozuka Kazuhiro , Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Fujihara Shintaro , Tada Naoya , Matsui Takanori , Takata Tadayuki , Chiyo Taiga , Kobayashi Nobuya , Shi Tingting , Fujita Koji , Tani Joji , Yachida Tatsuo , Kondo Akihiro , Kumamoto Kensuke , Okano Keiichi , Nishiyama Akira , Deguchi Kazushi , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2021

Pooled gastric residues involving blood clots and food interrupt appropriate endoscopic intervention, leading to poor outcomes in endoscopic hemostasis and lifesaving. However, procedures and devices that enable the effective removal of gastrointestinal residues remain unsatisfactory. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our developed suction method in ex vivo and in vivo studies. We created a hand-made device with a large suction diameter, consisting of a balloon overtube and an ultrathin endoscope for navigation. In the ex vivo study, we compared the success rate and the suctioning time for four types of simulated residue between a standard endoscope and our device. Our device had s significantly higher suction ability and a shorter procedure time than the standard endoscope. The subsequent in vivo animal study involved five beagle dogs that were administered with food jelly to mimic gastric residue. Suction was performed twice for five dogs (ten attempts). The outcome measure was the successful procedure rate; secondary outcomes were procedure-associated complications and procedure time. The procedure was successful in all attempts, without any complications. The mean procedure time was 5 min. This novel method enabled the efficient and safe removal of gastric residue, and our findings will likely lead to the development of the instrument.
Beneficial Effect of Successful Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation on Plasma Profile of Metalloproteinases in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Chudek Jerzy , Kolonko Aureliusz , Ziaja Jacek , Francuz Tomasz , Kamińska Dorota , Owczarek Aleksander J. , Kuczera Piotr , Kujawa-Szewieczek Agata , Kusztal Mariusz , Kowalik Adrian P. , Bożek-Pająk Dominika , Kluz Joanna , Choręza Piotr , Król Robert , Krajewska Magdalena , Cierpka Lech , Więcek Andrzej
Published: August 2021

It is not fully elucidated whether the restoring of normal glucose metabolism after successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) improves vascular wall morphology and function in type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients. Therefore, we compared arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and biomarkers of arterial wall calcification in T1D patients after SPK or kidney transplantation alone (KTA). In 39 SPK and 39 KTA adult patients of similar age, PWV, IMT, circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and calcification biomarkers were assessed at median 83 months post transplantation. Additionally, carotid plaques were visualized and semi-qualitatively classified. Although PWV and IMT values were similar, the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques (51.3 vs. 70.3%, p < 0.01) and calcified lesions (35.9 vs. 64.9%, p < 0.05) was lower in SPK patients. There were significantly lower concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and osteocalcin in SPK subjects. Among the analyzed biomarkers, only logMMP-1, logMMP-2, and logMMP-3 concentrations were associated with log HbA1c. Multivariate stepwise backward regression analysis revealed that MMP-1 and MMP-3 variability were explained only by log HbA1c. Normal glucose metabolism achieved by SPK is followed by the favorable profile of circulating matrix metalloproteinases, which may reflect the vasoprotective effect of pancreas transplantation.
Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: The Forefront of Surgery-Based Multimodality Treatment
Authors: Aprile Vittorio , Lenzini Alessandra , Lococo Filippo , Bacchin Diana , Korasidis Stylianos , Mastromarino Maria Giovanna , Guglielmi Giovanni , Palmiero Gerardo , Ambrogi Marcello Carlo , Lucchi Marco
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized by an aggressive behavior and an inevitably fatal prognosis, whose treatment is still far from being standardized. The role of surgery is questionable since a radical resection is unattainable in most cases. Hyperthermic IntraTHOracic Chemotherapy (HITHOC) combines the advantages of antitumoral effects together with those of high temperature on the exposed tissues with the aim to improve surgical radicality. Material and Methods: this is a narrative review on the role of HITHOC in the management of MPM patients. To provide data on the beginnings and the historical evolution of this technique, we searched the available literature by selecting the more exhaustive papers on this topic. Results: from 1994 to date different authors experimented HITHOC following a cytoreductive surgery in MPM, obtaining in most cases a good local control and a better overall survival associated to very low complication rate. Conclusions: HITHOC may be considered as a safe, feasible and effective procedure although there is a high heterogeneity between different protocols adopted worldwide. More structured studies are needed to reach a unanimous consensus on this technique.
Oocyte Vitrification for Fertility Preservation in Women with Benign Gynecologic Disease: French Clinical Practice Guidelines Developed by a Modified Delphi Consensus Process
Authors: Courbiere Blandine , Le Roux Enora , Mathieu d’Argent Emmanuelle , Torre Antoine , Patrat Catherine , Poncelet Christophe , Montagut Jacques , Gremeau Anne-Sophie , Creux Hélène , Peigné Maëliss , Chanavaz-Lacheray Isabella , Dirian Lara , Fritel Xavier , Pouly Jean-Luc , Fauconnier Arnaud ,   on behalf of the PreFerBe Expert Panel
Published: August 2021

International guidelines are published to provide standardized information and fertility preservation (FP) care for adults and children. The purpose of the study was to conduct a modified Delphi process for generating FP guidelines for BGD. A steering committee identified 42 potential FP practices for BGD. Then 114 key stakeholders were asked to participate in a modified Delphi process via two online survey rounds and a final meeting. Consensus was reached for 28 items. Among them, stakeholders rated age-specific information concerning the risk of diminished ovarian reserve after surgery as important but rejected proposals setting various upper and lower age limits for FP. All women should be informed about the benefit/risk balance of oocyte vitrification—in particular about the likelihood of live birth according to age. FP should not be offered in rASRM stages I and II endometriosis without endometriomas. These guidelines could be useful for gynecologists to identify situations at risk of infertility and to better inform women with BGDs who might need personalized counseling for FP.
First-Trimester Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Buerger Olga , Elger Tania , Varthaliti Antonia , Syngelaki Argyro , Wright Alan , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: August 2021

We previously reported a logistic regression model for prediction of GDM from maternal characteristics and medical history in 75,161 singleton pregnancies. In this study of 1376 twin and 13,760 singleton pregnancies recruited at 11–13 weeks’ gestation, we extend the model to include terms for twin pregnancies. We found the respective odds of GDM in dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies to be 1.36 (95% CI: 1.02–1.81) and 2.78 (95% CI: 1.72–4.48) times higher than in singleton pregnancies. In both singleton and twin pregnancies, the risk for GDM increased with maternal age and weight and birth weight z-score of a baby in a previous pregnancy and is higher in women with a previous pregnancy complicated by GDM; in those with a first- or second-degree relative with diabetes mellitus; in women of Black, East Asian, and South Asian racial origin; and in pregnancies conceived through the use of ovulation-induction drugs. In singleton pregnancies, at 10% and 20% false-positive rate, the detection rate was 43% and 58%, respectively. In twin pregnancies, using risk cut-offs corresponding to 10% and 20% false-positive rates in singletons, the respective false-positive rates were 27% and 47%, and the detection rates were 63% and 81%.
Is the Power Spectrum of Electromyography Signal a Feasible Tool to Estimate Muscle Fiber Composition in Patients with COPD?
Authors: Casabona Antonino , Valle Maria Stella , Laudani Luca , Crimi Claudia , Russo Cristina , Malaguarnera Lucia , Crimi Nunzio , Cioni Matteo
Published: August 2021

A greater proportion of glycolytic muscle fibers is a manifestation of skeletal muscle dysfunction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Here, we propose to use the spectral analysis of the electromyographic signal as a non-invasive approach to investigate the fiber muscle composition in COPD. We recorded the electromyographic activity of Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Lateralis (VL), Vastus Medialis (VM) and Biceps Femoris (BF) muscles, in ten patients and ten healthy individuals, during non-fatiguing, flexion–extension leg movements. The mean (MNF) and median frequencies (MDF) were calculated, and the most common profiles of electromyographic power spectrum were characterized by using the principal component analysis. Frequency parameters showed higher values in patients with COPD than in the control group for the RF (+25% for MNF; +21% for MNF), VL (+16% for MNF; 16% for MNF) and VM (+22% for MNF; 22% for MNF) muscles during the extension movements and for the BF (+26% for MNF; 34% for MNF) muscle during flexion movements. Spectrum profiles of the COPD patients shifted towards the higher frequencies, and the changes in frequency parameters were correlated with the level of disease severity. This shift of frequencies may indicate an increase in glycolytic muscle fibers in patients with COPD. These results, along with the non-fatigable nature of the motor task and the adoption of a non-invasive method, encourage to use electromyographic spectral analysis for estimating muscle fiber composition in patients with COPD.
Hypertensive Hypoalgesia in a Complex Chronic Disease Population
Authors: Ferguson Meaghan , Slepian Maxwell , France Christopher , Svendrovski Anton , Katz Joel
Published: August 2021

Hypertension-related hypoalgesia, defined as lower pain sensitivity in individuals with high blood pressure, has yet to be examined in a large-scale study of complex care residents. Here, the Continuing Care Reporting System database, which contains health information on residents of Canadian complex chronic care facilities, was used for assessment. Hypertension was reported among 77,323 residents (55.5%, total N = 139,920). Propensity score matching, with a 1:1 ratio, was used to identify a control record without hypertension for each case. Multinomial logistic regression was used to quantify the effects of hypertension and sex on four-level ordinal pain variables, controlling for potential confounders. The matched dataset included n = 40,799 cases with hypertension and n = 40,799 without hypertension, with 57% female. Residents with hypertension had significantly lower odds of reporting pain (yes/no) (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.81–0.90, p < 0.001), including on measures of severe pain (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.63–0.76, p < 0.001). A significant interaction between hypertension and sex (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.03–1.32, p = 0.014) indicated that a significantly greater proportion of females without hypertension reported severe pain (8.71%). The results confirm the relationship between hypertension and reduced pain sensitivity on a population level.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements in Temporomandibular Disorders and Headaches: Summary of Measurement Properties and Applicability
Authors: Aguiar Aroldo dos Santos , Nogueira Carrer Helen Cristina , de Lira Mariana Romano , Martins Silva Gabriela Zuelli , Chaves Thais Cristina
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Several patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) are available in the literature to support the evaluation and diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders and headaches. However, clinicians and researchers usually complain that they had no education on PROMs and low overall knowledge about PROMs. Objective: This study aimed to summarize, describing the measurement properties and clinical applicability of the main condition-specific PROMs available in the literature to the assessment of patients with Temporomandibular Disorders and Headaches. Methods: The current manuscript reviewed 10 PROMs commonly used in the field. Four instruments about functioning and disability: 1. Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), 2. Craniofacial Pain and Disability Inventory (CF-PDI), 3. 8-item and 20-item Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS), and 4. Manchester Orofacial Pain Disability Scale (MOPDS). Two instruments about headache-related disability: 5. Headache-Related Disability Index (HDI) and 6. Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Three instruments focused on TMD and headache screening: 7. 3Q/TMD, 8. Short-Form Anamnestic Fonseca Index (SFAI), 9. Headache Screening Questionnaire. In addition, one instrument about maladaptive beliefs regarding pain and injury: 10. Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Temporomandibular Disorders (TSK-TMD). Conclusions: The knowledge about the limitations and applicability of the PROMs commonly used to assess TMDs and Headaches can help clinicians and researchers to obtain reliable and valid outcomes to support the decision-making process. The current review recognizes the importance of using patient-reported outcome measures in research and clinical practice. However, our findings call the attention that further studies on the measurement properties of such instruments are imperative.
Importance of In-Hospital Prospective Registry and Infectious Endocarditis Heart Team to Monitor and Improve Quality of Care in Patients with Infectious Endocarditis
Authors: Van Camp Guy , Beles Monika , Penicka Martin , Schelfaut Dan , Wouters Stijn , De Raedt Herbert , Wyffels Eric , Spapen Jerrold , Nasser Riwa , Balogh Zsuzsanna , Albano Marzia , De Beenhouwer Hans , Van Vaerenbergh Kristien , Van Praet Frank , Degrieck Ivan , Stockman Bernard , Casselman Filip , Collet Carlos
Published: August 2021

Aim: To investigate the value of prospective in-hospital registry data and the impact of an infectious endocarditis heart team approach (IEHT) on improvement in quality of care and monitor outcomes in hospitalized patients with IE. Methods: Between December 2014 and the end of 2019, 160 patients were hospitalized in one centre with the definite diagnosis of infectious endocarditis (IE) and entered in a prospective registry. From 2017, an IEHT was introduced. Propensity score matching was used to assess the impact of an IEHT approach on clinical outcomes. Results: Median age was 72.5 y (62.75–80.00), diabetes was present in 33.1%, chronic kidney disease in 27.5%, COPD in 17.5%, and a history of ischaemic heart disease in 30.6%. Prosthetic valve IE was observed in 43.8% and device-related IE in 16.9% of patients. Staphylococcus (37.5%) was the most frequent pathogen followed by streptococcus (24.4%) and enterococcus (23.1%). Overall, 30-day and 1-year mortality were 19.4% and 37.5%, respectively. The introduction of prospective data collection and IE heart team was associated with a trend towards reduction of adjusted 1-year mortality (26.5% IEHT vs. 41.2% controls, p = 0.0699). An IEHT clinical decision-making approach was independently associated with a shorter length of stay (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Use of a prospective registry of IE coupled with a heart team approach was associated with more efficient patient management and a trend towards lower mortality. Prospective data collection and dedicated IEHT have the potential to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.
Measuring Synergies of Banks’ Cross-Border Mergers by Real Options: Case Study of Luminor Group AB
Authors: Čirjevskis Andrejs
Published: August 2021

Applying the real options valuation to measure merger and acquisition (M&A) synergy is highly debatable, with questions arising from the usefulness of this approach in real-world settings. Understanding the full benefits (and possible limits) of real options applications to measure synergy in cross-border merger activities remains a challenge. The main objective of the paper is to explore multiple types of synergies in the recent, highly strategic cross-border merger—the Luminor Group AB deal—and to value those synergies with the real options application. The research found that the sum of values of different types of synergies in M&A deals as the market value added provided by this deal could be valued with real options applications. A real options application may serve as a decision-making tool and at the same time be a useful valuation method of M&A deal synergies. The implications of this paper are twofold. First, the research contributes to corporate financing by providing relevant synergy measurement models in M&A deals. Second, the paper contributes to “grand challenges’’ research topics of international businesses by illustrating how a group of multinational banks solved the problem of income inequality across countries, and balanced inequality within their networks through a cross-border merger.
Do Situations Influence the Environmentally Responsible Behaviors of National Park Visitors? Survey from Shennongjia National Park, Hubei Province, China
Authors: Gao Yan , Zou Lilin , Morrison Alastair M. , Wu Fanglin
Published: August 2021

Natural ecological protection in protected areas involves the restriction of land use patterns and their intensity. Typically, the goal of land use is to balance environmental protection with community development. Nature education and ecological experiences in protected areas encourage visitor environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) which supports the sustainable use of land in national parks and reduces the degradation of natural environments. The existing research literature has a focus on ways of facilitating ERB through rational and external influences. However, individual behaviors are contextual and specific situations affect behavior. This research used environmental knowledge as a rational factor and situations were viewed as a moderator in stimulating ERB based on situational cognition theory. A knowledge-situation-behavior latent variable moderator model was constructed and tested with visitor survey data from Shennongjia National Park, Hubei Province, China. The findings showed that situations had a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between environmental knowledge and ERB. Books, articles, authors and familiar people had a significant positive moderating effect on ERB, as did environmental interpretation and staff guidance. Precise measures to promote the ERB of national park visitors were proposed.
Afforestation of Urban Brownfields as a Nature-Based Solution. Experiences from a Project in Leipzig (Germany)
Authors: Rink Dieter , Schmidt Catrin
Published: August 2021

In Leipzig, despite strong growth, reurbanization and re-densification, in the last decade it has still been possible for the city to green brownfields with a new type of green space: urban forests. The background to this was of course the city’s decades of shrinkage and the emergence of numerous brownfields. The city of Leipzig started urban redevelopment in 2001 and pursued the strategy “more green, less density” in its planning. This included the creation of traditional and new green spaces as well as temporary uses. New green space concepts were also experimented with, including pocket forests and urban forests on larger, inner-city brownfields. This pursued several objectives: the forest was meant to contribute to improving the urban climatic and air-hygienic situation, to enhance the value of adjacent areas, create new recreational opportunities and contribute to increasing biodiversity. Another aspect is also the financing, for instance, the afforestation of brownfields is the cheapest way to create greenery. As a result of almost ten years of interdisciplinary monitoring of the project, it can now be stated that urban forests fulfil the objectives and are accepted and used by the population. Urban forests do not constitute an independent or new type of nature-based solutions they create new ecosystems from existing abandoned, brownfields, or neglected area.
Unlocking the Relationship between Land Finance and Regional Integration
Authors: Lu Xinhai , Bai Mingxu , Kuang Bing , Chen Danling
Published: August 2021

Exploring the relationship between land finance and regional integration is of great significance for optimizing the land management system and promoting high-quality development. Previous studies focused on the impact of land finance on regional development, and rarely concerned the role of regional integration on land revenue. This study reveals the internal association mechanisms between land finance and regional integration, which might provide an integrated theoretical and empirical support for the coordinated development between urban land market and regional economy. We firstly provide a theoretically analytical framework for the relationship between the size of land finance, reliance on land finance, and regional integration, and three hypotheses are proposed. On this basis, an econometric analysis is conducted based on the panel data of the urban agglomerations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (UAMRYR) from 2003 to 2016. The results show that an increased amount of land finance revenue promotes the level of regional integration. Specifically, for every 1% increase in the size of land finance of UAMRYR, Wuhan city-clusters, and Chang-Zhu-Tan city-clusters, the level of regional integration will increase by 0.000040%, 0.000021%, and 0.000089%, respectively. Besides, the degree of land finance dependence has a negative impact on the level of regional integration. The threshold regression analysis indicates an inverted U–shaped curve could reflect the relationship between the level of regional integration and the degree of land financial dependence. This study argues that the governments in a particular urban agglomeration should clarify the net effect of the size of land finance and their reliance on land finance, and rationally introducing development strategy according to the synergy between land finance and regional integration.
Urban Green Space Arrangement for an Optimal Landscape Planning Strategy for Runoff Reduction
Authors: Yang Byungsun , Lee Dongkun
Published: August 2021

Increased impervious surfaces due to urbanization have reduced evaporation and infiltration into the soil compared with existing natural water cycle systems, which causes various problems, such as urban floods, landslides, and deterioration of water quality. To effectively solve the urban water cycle issue, green infrastructure using urban green space has emerged to reduce runoff and increase evaporation. It has the advantage of restoring the water cycle system of urban areas by complementing the failure of conventional stormwater treatment systems. However, urban areas under high-density development have limited green space for stormwater treatment. Hence, it is necessary to efficiently utilize street trees and small green spaces to improve the urban water cycle through green space. In this study, we simulated different green space distribution scenarios in the virtual domain to find the optimal strategy of green space planning. Compared to clustered scenarios, dispersed green space distribution scenarios and placing green space downstream were more effective in reducing the runoff amount. The paper provides insights into the considerations for determining green space spatial plan and zoning regulations for stormwater treatment by green infrastructure.
Interaction between Tourism Carrying Capacity and Coastal Squeeze in Mazatlan, Mexico
Authors: Aguilar Pedro , Mendoza Edgar , Silva Rodolfo
Published: August 2021

While many coastal areas are affected by coastal squeeze, quantitative estimations of this phenomenon are still limited. Ambiguity concerning the degree of coastal squeeze, combined with a lack of knowledge on its interaction with human activities may lead to inadequate and unsuccessful management responses. The objective of the present research was to quantify the degree of coastal squeeze on the highly urbanized coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, and to investigate the relationship between the development of tourism and coastal squeeze from various time perspectives. The Drivers, Exchanges, States of the environment, Consequences, and Responses (DESCR) framework was applied to identify the chronic, negative consequences of dense tourism in the area, together with the assessment of coastal squeeze. A Tourism Load Capacity (TLC) estimation was made and correlated with the DESCR results, showing that coastal squeeze is inversely correlated with tourism load in Mazatlan. The medium-intensity coastal squeeze currently experienced in Mazatlan requires interventions to avoid severe degradation of the ecosystem on which the local tourism industry relies, for which immediate, long-term, and administrative recommendations are given.
Numerical and Experimental Investigations of Fracture Behaviour of Welded Joints with Multiple Defects
Authors: Aranđelović Mihajlo , Sedmak Simon , Jovičić Radomir , Perković Srđa , Burzić Zijah , Radu Dorin , Radaković Zoran
Published: August 2021

Current standards related to welded joint defects (EN ISO 5817) only consider individual cases (i.e., single defect in a welded joint). The question remains about the behaviour of a welded joint in the simultaneous presence of several different types of defects, so-called multiple defects, which is the topic of this research. The main focus is on defects most commonly encountered in practice, such as linear misalignments, undercuts, incomplete root penetration, and excess weld metal. The welding procedure used in this case was metal active gas welding, a common technique when it comes to welding low-alloy low-carbon steels, including those used for pressure equipment. Different combinations of these defects were deliberately made in welded plates and tested in a standard way on a tensile machine, along with numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM), based on real geometries. The goal was to predict the behaviour in terms of stress concentrations caused by geometry and affected by multiple defects and material heterogeneity. Numerical and experimental results were in good agreement, but only after some modifications of numerical models. The obtained stress values in the models ranged from noticeably lower than the yield stress of the used materials to slightly higher than it, suggesting that some defect combinations resulted in plastic strain, whereas other models remained in the elastic area. The stress–strain diagram obtained for the first group (misalignment, undercut, and excess root penetration) shows significantly less plasticity. Its yield stress is very close to its ultimate tensile strength, which in turn is noticeably lower compared with the other three groups. This suggests that welded joints with misalignment and incomplete root penetration are indeed the weakest of the four groups either due to the combination of the present defects or perhaps because of an additional unseen internal defect. From the other three diagrams, it can be concluded that the test specimens show very similar behaviour with nearly identical ultimate tensile strengths and considerable plasticity. The diagrams shows the most prominent yielding, with an easily distinguishable difference between the elastic and plastic regions. The diagrams are the most similar, having the same strain of around 9% and with a less obvious yield stress limit.
Validity and Reliability of the Portuguese Version of Mathematics Academic Motivation Scale (MATAMS) among Third Cycle of Basic School Students
Authors: Sousa Sandra P. , Silva Rui
Published: August 2021

The importance of motivation in mathematics education is expressed in the large number of studies related to the teaching and learning process. Improving students’ motivation in the mathematics classroom is a fundamental issue for teachers, investigators, and policymakers, due to its relevance in the students’ behavior and academic success. The Academic Motivation Scale is a highly applied tool to evaluate students’ motivation based on Self-Determination Theory. In Portugal, there is a lack in the analysis of the different domains of mathematics motivation defined by Self-Determination Theory, for students attending basic education. Additionally, there is no comprehensive instrument that allows that evaluation. Adapting the Academic Motivation Scale, the purpose of this study is to assess the mathematics motivation of Portuguese students who attend the third cycle of basic education. In addition, it is intended to analyze the properties of this new instrument using a sample of 349 Portuguese students aged between 12 and 17. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated a very good validity and reliability of this measuring instrument of mathematics students’ motivation. The results of this work allow the development of educational policies that promote strategies to increase students’ motivation in mathematics.
Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Inhibitors from the Endophyte Lasiodiplodia venezuelensis and Evaluation of Their Antivirulence Effects by Metabolomics
Authors: Pellissier Léonie , Leoni Sara , Marcourt Laurence , Ferreira Queiroz Emerson , Lecoultre Nicole , Quiros-Guerrero Luis-Manuel , Barthélémy Morgane , Eparvier Véronique , Chave Jérôme , Stien Didier , Gindro Katia , Perron Karl , Wolfender Jean-Luc
Published: August 2021

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the “critical priority pathogens” due to its multidrug resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Its ability to invade and damage host tissues is due to the use of quorum sensing (QS) to collectively produce a plethora of virulence factors. Inhibition of QS is an attractive strategy for new antimicrobial agents because it disrupts the initial events of infection without killing the pathogen. Highly diverse microorganisms as endophytes represent an under-explored source of bioactive natural products, offering opportunities for the discovery of novel QS inhibitors (QSI). In the present work, the objective was to explore selective QSIs within a unique collection of fungal endophytes isolated from the tropical palm Astrocaryum sciophilum. The fungi were cultured, extracted, and screened for their antibacterial and specific anti-QS activities against P. aeruginosa. The endophytic strain Lasiodiplodia venezuelensis was prioritized for scaled-up fractionation for its selective activity, leading to the isolation of eight compounds in a single step. Among them, two pyran-derivatives were found to be responsible for the QSI activity, with an effect on some QS-regulated virulence factors. Additional non-targeted metabolomic studies on P. aeruginosa documented their effects on the production of various virulence-related metabolites.
Prospective Study in Children with Complicated Urinary Tract Infection Treated with Autologous Bacterial Lysates
Authors: Hernández-Chiñas Ulises , Chávez-Berrocal María E. , Ahumada-Cota Ricardo E. , Navarro-Ocaña Armando , Rocha-Ramírez Luz M. , Pérez-del Mazo Yolanda , Alvarado-Cabello Maribel , Pérez-Soto Gabriel , León-Alamilla Luis A. , Acevedo-Monroy Salvador E. , Esquiliano Diego , Raya-Rivera Atlántida M. , Eslava Carlos A.
Published: August 2021

Antimicrobial bacteria resistance is an important problem in children with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI), thus it is crucial to search for alternative therapies. Autologous bacterial lysates (ABL) may be a potential treatment for rUTI. Twenty-seven children with rUTI were evaluated for one year, urine and stool cultures were performed, 10 colonies of each culture were selected and those identified as Escherichia coli were characterized by serology. For patients who presented ≥105 UFC/mL, an ABL was manufactured and administered orally (1 mL/day) for a month. Twelve children were monitored for ≥1-year, 218 urine and 11 stool samples were analyzed. E. coli (80.5%) was the main bacteria isolated from urine and feces (72%). E. coli of classical urinary serotypes (UPEC), O25:H4, O75:HNM, and O9:HNM were identified in patients with persistent urinary infection (pUTI). In 54% of patients treated with ABL, the absence of bacteria was observed in urine samples after 3 months of treatment, 42% of these remained without UTI between 10–12 months. It was observed that the use of ABL controlled the infection for almost 1 year in more than 60% of the children. We consider it necessary to develop a polyvalent immunogen for the treatment and control of rUTI.
Genome-Resolved Meta-Analysis of the Microbiome in Oil Reservoirs Worldwide
Authors: Hidalgo Kelly J. , Sierra-Garcia Isabel N. , Zafra German , de Oliveira Valéria M.
Published: August 2021

Microorganisms inhabiting subsurface petroleum reservoirs are key players in biochemical transformations. The interactions of microbial communities in these environments are highly complex and still poorly understood. This work aimed to assess publicly available metagenomes from oil reservoirs and implement a robust pipeline of genome-resolved metagenomics to decipher metabolic and taxonomic profiles of petroleum reservoirs worldwide. Analysis of 301.2 Gb of metagenomic information derived from heavily flooded petroleum reservoirs in China and Alaska to non-flooded petroleum reservoirs in Brazil enabled us to reconstruct 148 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of high and medium quality. At the phylum level, 74% of MAGs belonged to bacteria and 26% to archaea. The profiles of these MAGs were related to the physicochemical parameters and recovery management applied. The analysis of the potential functional core in the reservoirs showed that the microbiota was specialized for each site, with 31.7% of the total KEGG orthologies annotated as functions (1690 genes) common to all oil fields, while 18% of the functions were site-specific, i.e., present only in one of the oil fields. The oil reservoirs with a lower level of intervention were the most similar to the potential functional core, while the oil fields with a long history of water injection had greater variation in functional profile. These results show how key microorganisms and their functions respond to the distinct physicochemical parameters and interventions of the oil field operations such as water injection and expand the knowledge of biogeochemical transformations in these ecosystems.
Analyses and Declarations of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Canned Seafood May Help to Quantify Their Dietary Intake
Authors: Singer Peter , Richter Volker , Singer Konrad , Löhlein Iris
Published: August 2021

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently confirmed common recommendations of one to two fish dishes per week in order to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, the natural fluctuations of lipids and fatty acids (FA) in processed seafood caught little public attention. Moreover, consumers of unprocessed seafood in general do not know how much omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) within servings they actually ingest. The few studies published until today considering this aspect have been re-evaluated in today’s context. They included four observational studies with canned fatty coldwater fish (mackerel and herring from the same region, season, producer and research group). Their outcomes were similar to those conducted in the following years using supplements. Cans containing seafood (especially fatty coldwater fish) with declared content of omega-3 FA are ready-to-use products. Human studies have shown a higher bioavailability of omega-3 FA by joint uptake of fat. Canned fatty coldwater fish contain omega-3 FA plus plenty of fat in one and the same foodstuff. That suggests a new dietary paradigm with mixed concepts including several sources with declared content of omega-3 FA for reducing the cardiovascular risk and other acknowledged indications.
Induced Birefringence by Drop Cast in EFBG Ammonia Sensors
Authors: Kuhne Jean Filipe , Prediger Nathalia de Campos , Torres Bruno Bassi Millan , Barreto Rafael Carvalho , Kamikawachi Ricardo Canute
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an induced birefringence was observed on an ammonia sensor based on an etched fiber Bragg grating (EFBG) coated with an organic film. The film was prepared with a solution of the perylene derivative, along with the copolymer PCDTBT in chlorobenzene. The EFBG was coated by drop cast technique, and a split in the reflection band, characteristic of birefringence, was observed after deposition. The response of the two observed peaks as a function of time was modeled by a pair of exponentials that could represent two processes: adsorption followed by diffusion of the gas molecules in the microstructured film. Such phenomena alter the boundary conditions of the optical fiber propagating mode, which allows an indirect ammonia detection by monitoring the EFBG wavelength shift of the reflected peaks. The sensor was experimentally tested in a concentration range from 3 ppm to 41,700 ppm, and the calibrations curves were determined in a range from 27 ppm to 6960 ppm. The two observed peaks showed different sensitivities, which presents an intrinsic potential for multiparameter measurements. The split in the reflection band was hypothesized to be birefringence induced by the formation of an asymmetric film. This hypothesis was numerically evaluated and compared with the experimental results.