bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Ambient Bacterial Community in Northern Taiwan during Long-Range Transport: Asian Dust Storm and Frontal Pollution
Authors: Chen Nai-Tzu , Tam Lai-Man , Wu Jer-Horng , Cheong Ngok-Song , Lin Chuan-Yao , Tseng Chun-Chieh , Su Huey-Jen
Published: May 2022

Long-range transport (LRT) can carry air pollutants to downwind areas. However, studies about the impacts of LRT on bacterial communities are few. This study investigated the influence of Asian dust storms (ADS) and frontal pollution (FP) on bacterial communities in ambient air using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP). Air samples were collected at Cape Fugui (CF) and National Taiwan University (NTU) in northern Taiwan before (or background days), during, and after LRTs from November 2013 to March 2015. The richness, H index, and evenness increased during FPs and then decreased after FPs. During and after ADS and FP, the prevalence of the phylum Proteobacteria decreased, but that of Firmicutes increased. The dominant class of Proteobacteria changed from Alphaproteobacteria on background days to Betaproteobacteria during LRTs. At the genus level, the high abundance of Ralstonia and Bacillus during FP and Clostridium during ADS were detected at both locations. Additionally, Ralstonia was dominant at CF during ADS. In conclusion, FP and ADS both changed the bacterial community. The indicator genus was Clostridium and Ralstonia for ADS as well as Bacillus and Ralstonia for FP. Given the potential health threats posed by the bioaerosols transported, people should avoid outdoor activities during LRTs.
Effect of COVID-19 Response Policy on Air Quality: A Study in South China Context
Authors: Jin Xiaodan , Xu Hao , Guo Meixiu , Luo Jinmin , Deng Qiyin , Yu Yamei , Wu Jiemin , Ren Huarui , Hu Xue , Fan Linping , Qin Guimei , Cheng Jinping
Published: May 2022

Mass suspension of anthropogenic activities is extremely rare, the quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a natural experiment to investigate the impact of anthropogenic activities on air quality. The mitigation of air pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown has been reported from a global perspective; however, the air pollution levels vary in different regions. This study initiated a novel synthesis of multiple-year satellite observations, national ground measurements towards SO2, NO2 and O3 and meteorological conditions to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in Beihai, a specific city in a less developed area in southwest China, to reveal the potential implications of control strategies for air pollution. The levels of the major air pollutants during the COVID-19 lockdown (LP) and during the same period of previous years (SP) were compared and a series of statistical tools were applied to analyze the sources of air pollution in Beihai. The results show that air pollutant levels decreased with substantial diversity during the LP. Satellite-retrieved NO2 and SO2 levels during the LP decreased by 5.26% and 22.06%, while NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10 from ground measurements during the LP were 25.6%, 2.7%, 22.2% and 22.2% lower than during SP, respectively. Ground measured SO2 concentrations during the LP were only 2.7% lower than during the SP, which may be attributed to uninterrupted essential industrial activities, such as power plants. Polar plots analysis shows that NO2 concentrations were strongly associated with local emission sources, such as automobiles and local industry. Additionally, the much lower levels of NO2 concentrations during the LP and the absence of an evening peak may highlight the significant impact of the traffic sector on NO2. The decrease in daily mean O3 concentrations during the LP may be associated with the reduction in NO2 concentrations. Indications in this study could be beneficial for the formulation of atmospheric protection policies.
Influence of Sagittal Lumbopelvic Morphotypes on the Range of Motion of Human Lumbar Spine: An In Vitro Cadaveric Study
Authors: Wang Wei , Kong Chao , Pan Fumin , Wang Wei , Wu Xueqing , Pei Baoqing , Lu Shibao
Published: May 2022

Background: Although spinopelvic radiographs analysis is the standard for a pathological diagnosis, it cannot explain the activities of the spine in daily life. This study investigates the correlation between sagittal parameters and spinal range of motion (ROM) to find morphological parameters with kinetic implications. Methods: Six L1–S1 human lumbar specimens were tested with a robotic testing device. Eight sagittal parameters were measured in the three-dimensional model. Pure moments were applied to simulate the physiological activities in daily life. Results: The correlation between sagittal parameters and the ROM was moderate in flexion and extension, but weak in lateral bending and rotation. In flexion–extension, the ROM was moderately correlated with SS and LL. SS was the only parameter correlated with the ROM under all loading conditions. The intervertebral rotation distribution showed that the maximal ROM frequently occurred at the L5–S1 segment. The minimal ROM often appeared near the apex point of the lumbar. Conclusion: Sagittal alignment mainly affected the ROM of the lumbar in flexion and extension. SS and apex may have had kinetic significance. Our findings suggest that the effect of sagittal parameters on lumbar ROM is important information for assessing spinal activity.
SMMDA: Predicting miRNA-Disease Associations by Incorporating Multiple Similarity Profiles and a Novel Disease Representation
Authors: Ji Bo-Ya , Pan Liang-Rui , Zhou Ji-Ren , You Zhu-Hong , Peng Shao-Liang
Published: May 2022

Increasing evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) are significant in research on human diseases. Predicting possible associations between miRNAs and diseases would provide new perspectives on disease diagnosis, pathogenesis, and gene therapy. However, considering the intrinsic time-consuming and expensive cost of traditional Vitro studies, there is an urgent need for a computational approach that would allow researchers to identify potential associations between miRNAs and diseases for further research. In this paper, we presented a novel computational method called SMMDA to predict potential miRNA-disease associations. In particular, SMMDA first utilized a new disease representation method (MeSHHeading2vec) based on the network embedding algorithm and then fused it with Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity information of miRNAs and diseases, disease semantic similarity, and miRNA functional similarity. Secondly, SMMDA utilized a deep auto-coder network to transform the original features further to achieve a better feature representation. Finally, the ensemble learning model, XGBoost, was used as the underlying training and prediction method for SMMDA. In the results, SMMDA acquired a mean accuracy of 86.68% with a standard deviation of 0.42% and a mean AUC of 94.07% with a standard deviation of 0.23%, outperforming many previous works. Moreover, we also compared the predictive ability of SMMDA with different classifiers and different feature descriptors. In the case studies of three common Human diseases, the top 50 candidate miRNAs have 47 (esophageal neoplasms), 48 (breast neoplasms), and 48 (colon neoplasms) are successfully verified by two other databases. The experimental results proved that SMMDA has a reliable prediction ability in predicting potential miRNA-disease associations. Therefore, it is anticipated that SMMDA could be an effective tool for biomedical researchers.
HDL as Bidirectional Lipid Vectors: Time for New Paradigms
Authors: Luna-Luna María , Niesor Eric , Pérez-Méndez Óscar
Published: May 2022

The anti-atherogenic properties of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) have been explained mainly by reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from peripheral tissues to the liver. The RCT seems to agree with most of the negative epidemiological correlations between HDL cholesterol levels and coronary artery disease. However, therapies designed to increase HDL cholesterol failed to reduce cardiovascular risk, despite their capacity to improve cholesterol efflux, the first stage of RCT. Therefore, the cardioprotective role of HDL may not be explained by RCT, and it is time for new paradigms about the physiological function of these lipoproteins. It should be considered that the main HDL apolipoprotein, apo AI, has been highly conserved throughout evolution. Consequently, these lipoproteins play an essential physiological role beyond their capacity to protect against atherosclerosis. We propose HDL as bidirectional lipid vectors carrying lipids from and to tissues according to their local context. Lipid influx mediated by HDL appears to be particularly important for tissue repair right on site where the damage occurs, including arteries during the first stages of atherosclerosis. In contrast, the HDL-lipid efflux is relevant for secretory cells where the fusion of intracellular vesicles drastically enlarges the cytoplasmic membrane with the potential consequence of impairment of cell function. In such circumstances, HDL could deliver some functional lipids and pick up not only cholesterol but an integral part of the membrane in excess, restoring the viability of the secretory cells. This hypothesis is congruent with the beneficial effects of HDL against atherosclerosis as well as with their capacity to induce insulin secretion and merits experimental exploration.
Premenopausal Syndrome and NAFLD: A New Approach Based on Gender Medicine
Authors: Carrieri Livianna , Osella Alberto , Ciccacci Fausto , Giannelli Gianluigi , Scavo Maria
Published: May 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial condition that affects 25% of the world’s population. There is a clear difference in both geographical distribution and sex in childbearing age. These differences are reduced when women become older and senescence begins. The factors that affect the likelihood of developing NAFLD in a premenopausal woman are an imbalance of sex hormones (especially in estradiol and androgen), microbiome dysregulation, insulin resistance, early menarche, the length of time that the woman breastfeeds for and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this review is to identify various physical ailments that may not appear to be serious to young women but that then affect the onset of NAFLD in perimenopause and can degenerate into NASH. These conditions should also be considered in future clinical management, as well as in research opportunities, in order to customize the monitoring and treatment of NAFLD, considering gender medicine for those women who had early metabolic symptoms that were not considered to be significant at the time.
An Artifact-Resistant Feature SKNAER for Quantifying the Burst of Skin Sympathetic Nerve Activity Signal
Authors: Xing Yantao , Zhang Yike , Xiao Zhijun , Yang Chenxi , Li Jiayi , Cui Chang , Wang Jing , Chen Hongwu , Li Jianqing , Liu Chengyu
Published: May 2022

Evaluation of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) using skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) signal has attracted interest in recent studies. However, signal noises may obstruct the accurate location for the burst of SKNA, leading to the quantification error of the signal. In this study, we use the Teager–Kaiser energy (TKE) operator to preprocess the SKNA signal, and then candidates of burst areas were segmented by an envelope-based method. Since the burst of SKNA can also be discriminated by the high-frequency component in QRS complexes of electrocardiogram (ECG), a strategy was designed to reject their influence. Finally, a feature of the SKNA energy ratio (SKNAER) was proposed for quantifying the SKNA. The method was verified by both sympathetic nerve stimulation and hemodialysis experiments compared with traditional heart rate variability (HRV) and a recently developed integral skin sympathetic nerve activity (iSKNA) method. The results showed that SKNAER correlated well with HRV features (r = 0.60 with the standard deviation of NN intervals, 0.67 with low frequency/high frequency, 0.47 with very low frequency) and the average of iSKNA (r = 0.67). SKNAER improved the detection accuracy for the burst of SKNA, with 98.2% for detection rate and 91.9% for precision, inducing increases of 3.7% and 29.1% compared with iSKNA (detection rate: 94.5% (p < 0.01), precision: 62.8% (p < 0.001)). The results from the hemodialysis experiment showed that SKNAER had more significant differences than aSKNA in the long-term SNA evaluation (p < 0.001 vs. p = 0.07 in the fourth period, p < 0.01 vs. p = 0.11 in the sixth period). The newly developed feature may play an important role in continuously monitoring SNA and keeping potential for further clinical tests.
Current Advancements and Future Road Map to Develop ASSURED Microfluidic Biosensors for Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases
Authors: Bhardwaj Tanu , Ramana Lakshmi Narashimhan , Sharma Tarun Kumar
Published: May 2022

Better diagnostics are always essential for the treatment and prevention of a disease. Existing technologies for detecting infectious and non-infectious diseases are mostly tedious, expensive, and do not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ASSURED (affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid and robust, equipment-free, and deliverable to end user) criteria. Hence, more accurate, sensitive, and faster diagnostic technologies that meet the ASSURED criteria are highly required for timely and evidenced-based treatment. Presently, the diagnostics industry is finding interest in microfluidics-based biosensors, as this integration comprises all qualities, such as reduction in the size of the equipment, rapid turnaround time, possibility of parallel multiple analysis or multiplexing, etc. Microfluidics deal with the manipulation/analysis of fluid within micrometer-sized channels. Biosensors comprise biomolecules immobilized on a physicochemical transducer for the detection of a specific analyte. In this review article, we provide an outline of the history of microfluidics, current practices in the selection of materials in microfluidics, and how and where microfluidics-based biosensors have been used for the diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Our inclination in this review article is toward the employment of microfluidics-based biosensors for the improvement of already existing/traditional methods in order to reduce efforts without compromising the accuracy of the diagnostic test. This article also suggests the possible improvements required in microfluidic chip-based biosensors in order to meet the ASSURED criteria.
Effects of Dynamic Sitting Exercise with Delayed Visual Feedback in the Early Post-Stroke Phase: A Pilot Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Inoue Masahide , Amimoto Kazu , Shida Kohei , Sekine Daisuke , Hasegawa Daichi , Fukata Kazuhiro , Fujino Yuji , Makita Shigeru , Takahashi Hidetoshi
Published: May 2022

Sitting ability in the early post-stroke phase affects functional balance ability and other prognoses. We investigated whether dynamic sitting exercise with delayed visual feedback in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions affected postural control in the early post-stroke phase. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 27 hemiparetic stroke patients were randomized to experimental (n = 13) and control (n = 14) groups. Dynamic sitting exercise (30 times/day, 5 days/week) in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, with 500-ms-delayed (experimental group) or real-time (control group) visual feedback on a computer, was added to usual physical therapy. We evaluated the postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS), static and dynamic sitting balance tasks, the five-times sit-to-stand test, trunk impairment scale, functional ambulation category, and functional independence measure–motor items. In intention-to-treat analysis, the experimental group demonstrated a significant intervention effect on the PASS score (p < 0.05). The mean percentage of body weight on the moving side in the lateral sitting task and the number of successes in the five-times sit-to-stand test were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Thus, the proposed exercise improves postural control, dynamic sitting balance, and sit-to-stand ability in early post-stroke patients.
Simulation Analysis of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda Structure Using a Shape Memory Alloy-Suspension Pendulum Damping System (SMA-SPDS)
Authors: Yang Tao , Liu Shuailei , Xiong Shengyuan , Liu Yang , Liu Bo , Li Binbin
Published: May 2022

To reduce the effects of earthquakes on the ancient Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a shape memory alloy-suspension pendulum damping system (SMA-SPDS) is developed by combining superelastic SMAs with damping pendulum theory. A MATLAB/Simulink simulation model of the SMA-SPDS is established and tested on a 1:10 scale model of the Pagoda. After verifying and comparing the simulation data with experimental results, a shock absorption analysis is performed on the prototype Pagoda. The optimum engineering design for the prototype structure of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda using SMA-SPDS for shock absorption protection in the future is put forward. The results show that the performance of the SMA-SPDS system is stable, and it can improve the integrity of the original structure of the Pagoda for better performance during earthquakes. In addition, with an increment in seismic intensity, the SMA-SPDS shows an apparent controlling effect. The Simulink simulation results of the model structure of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda are in good agreement with the test results. The Simulink simulation method can simulate the seismic response of the model structure of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda well, with and without SMA-SPDS, to obtain a more real damping effect of setting SMA-SPDS on the prototype structure; the engineering optimization of the location, quantity, and system performance parameters of SMA-SPDS in the prototype structure of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda has a remarkable effect, which can make the damping effect of SMA-SPDS reach more than 43% floor.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of pH- and Oxygen-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Glioma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yao Jingwen , Hagiwara Akifumi , Oughourlian Talia C. , Wang Chencai , Raymond Catalina , Pope Whitney B. , Salamon Noriko , Lai Albert , Ji Matthew , Nghiemphu Phioanh L. , Liau Linda M. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Ellingson Benjamin M.
Published: May 2022

Characterization of hypoxia and tissue acidosis could advance the understanding of glioma biology and improve patient management. In this study, we evaluated the ability of a pH- and oxygen-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to differentiate glioma genotypes, including isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, and investigated its prognostic value. A total of 159 adult glioma patients were scanned with pH- and oxygen-sensitive MRI at 3T. We quantified the pH-sensitive measure of magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) and oxygen-sensitive measure of R2’ within the tumor region-of-interest. IDH mutant gliomas showed significantly lower MTRasym × R2’ (p < 0.001), which differentiated IDH mutation status with sensitivity and specificity of 90.0% and 71.9%. Within IDH mutants, 1p/19q codeletion was associated with lower tumor acidity (p < 0.0001, sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 91.3%), while IDH wild-type, EGFR-amplified gliomas were more hypoxic (R2’ p = 0.024, sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 76.9%). Both R2’ and MTRasym × R2’ were significantly associated with patient overall survival (R2’: p = 0.045; MTRasym × R2’: p = 0.002) and progression-free survival (R2’: p = 0.010; MTRasym × R2’: p < 0.0001), independent of patient age, treatment status, and IDH status. The pH- and oxygen-sensitive MRI is a clinically feasible and potentially valuable imaging technique for distinguishing glioma subtypes and providing additional prognostic value to clinical practice.
Sex Differences in the Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancers: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study of 10 Million Healthy People
Authors: Park Jun-Ook , Nam Inn-Chul , Kim Choung-Soo , Park Sung-Joon , Lee Dong-Hyun , Kim Hyun-Bum , Han Kyung-Do , Joo Young-Hoon
Published: May 2022

Background: Descriptive epidemiologists have repeatedly reported that males are more susceptible to head and neck cancers. However, most published data are those of cross-sectional studies, and no population-based cohort study has yet been published. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of head and neck cancers in healthy males with females. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database on 9,598,085 individuals who underwent regular health checkups from 1 January to 31 December 2009. We sought head and neck cancers developed during the 10-year follow-up. Results: A total of 10,732 (incidence rate (IR) per 1000 person-years 0.25) individuals were newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer among the 9,598,085 individuals during the 10-year follow-up. The IR was 0.19 in males (8500 affected) and 0.06 in females (2232 affected). Notably, the male–female ratio increased with age below 70 years but decreased thereafter. The male–female difference was most apparent for laryngeal cancer; the male IR was 11-fold higher in the 40 s and 20-fold higher in the 60 s, followed by hypopharyngeal cancer (6.8- and 24.2-fold). Males smoked more and drank more alcohol than females (p < 0.0001 *, p < 0.0001 *). When never-smokers/-drinkers (only) were compared, males remained at a 2.9-fold higher risk of head and neck cancer than females. The hazard ratios for head and neck cancers in males tended to increase in the lower part of the upper aerodigestive tract: larynx (13.9) > hypopharynx (10.9) > oropharynx (4.4) > nasopharynx (2.9) > sinonasal region (1.8) > oral (1.6). Only the salivary gland cancer incidence did not differ between the sexes; the gland is not in the upper aerodigestive tract. Conclusion: Males are much more susceptible to head and neck cancers than females regardless of whether they drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Sex differences in the incidence of head and neck cancer are most evident in the 60 s in the lower part of the upper aerodigestive tract, such as the larynx and hypopharynx.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Summary of Novel Advances in Pathogenesis and Therapies
Authors: Khan Imran , Darido Charbel
Published: May 2022

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are cancers of epithelial cells lining the aerodigestive and genitourinary tract [...]
IRE1α Inhibitors as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy in Blood Malignancies
Authors: Wiese Wojciech , Siwecka Natalia , Wawrzynkiewicz Adam , Rozpędek-Kamińska Wioletta , Kucharska Ewa , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: May 2022

Synthesis, folding, and structural maturation of proteins occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins in the ER lumen contributes to the induction of ER stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway. Under ER stress, the UPR tries to maintain cellular homeostasis through different pathways, including the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α)-dependent ones. IRE1α is located in an ER membrane, and it is evolutionarily the oldest UPR sensor. Activation of IRE1α via ER stress triggers the formation of the spliced form of XBP1 (XBP1s), which has been linked to a pro-survival effect in cancer cells. The role of IRE1α is critical for blood cancer cells, and it was found that the levels of IRE1α and XBP1s are elevated in various hematological malignancies. This review paper is focused on summarizing the latest knowledge about the role of IRE1α and on the assessment of the potential utility of IRE1α inhibitors in blood cancers.
Influence of Malignant Pleural Fluid from Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients on Neutrophil Response
Authors: Mulet Maria , Osuna-Gómez Rubén , Zamora Carlos , Porcel José M. , Nieto Juan C. , Perea Lídia , Pajares Virginia , Muñoz-Fernandez Ana M. , Calvo Nuria , Sorolla Maria Alba , Vidal Silvia
Published: May 2022

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common severe complication of advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LAC). Neutrophils, an essential component of tumor infiltrates, contribute to tumor progression and their counts in MPE have been associated with worse outcome in LAC. This study aimed to evaluate phenotypical and functional changes of neutrophils induced by MPE to determine the influence of MPE immunomodulatory factors in neutrophil response and to find a possible association between neutrophil functions and clinical outcomes. Pleural fluid samples were collected from 47 LAC and 25 heart failure (HF) patients. We measured neutrophil degranulation products by ELISA, oxidative burst capacity and apoptosis by flow cytometry, and NETosis by fluorescence. The concentration of degranulation products was higher in MPE-LAC than in PE-HF. Functionally, neutrophils cultured with MPE-LAC had enhanced survival and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation but had reduced oxidative burst capacity. In MPE, NETosis was positively associated with MMP-9, P-selectin, and sPD-L1 and clinically related to a worse outcome. This is the first study associating NETs with a worse outcome in MPE. Neutrophils likely contribute to tumor progression through the release of NETs, suggesting that they are a potential therapeutic target in LAC.
Central Nervous System Pericytes Contribute to Health and Disease
Authors: Girolamo Francesco , Errede Mariella , Bizzoca Antonella , Virgintino Daniela , Ribatti Domenico
Published: May 2022

Successful neuroprotection is only possible with contemporary microvascular protection. The prevention of disease-induced vascular modifications that accelerate brain damage remains largely elusive. An improved understanding of pericyte (PC) signalling could provide important insight into the function of the neurovascular unit (NVU), and into the injury-provoked responses that modify cell–cell interactions and crosstalk. Due to sharing the same basement membrane with endothelial cells, PCs have a crucial role in the control of endothelial, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte precursor functions and hence blood–brain barrier stability. Both cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases impair oxygen delivery and functionally impair the NVU. In this review, the role of PCs in central nervous system health and disease is discussed, considering their origin, multipotency, functions and also dysfunction, focusing on new possible avenues to modulate neuroprotection. Dysfunctional PC signalling could also be considered as a potential biomarker of NVU pathology, allowing us to individualize therapeutic interventions, monitor responses, or predict outcomes.
Can the Mindful Awareness and Resilience Skills for Adolescents (MARS-A) Program Be Provided Online? Voices from the Youth
Authors: Chadi Nicholas , Weisbaum Elli , Malboeuf-Hurtubise Catherine , Ahola Kohut Sara , Viner Christine , Kaufman Miriam , Locke Jake , Vo Dzung X.
Published: May 2022

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to improve health and well-being in adolescents with chronic illnesses. Because they are most often delivered in person in a group setting, there are several barriers that limit access to MBIs for youth with limited mobility or who cannot access in-person MBIs in their communities. The objective of this study was to determine if eHealth is a viable platform to increase accessibility to MBIs for teens with chronic illnesses. This study reports the qualitative results of a mixed method randomized trial describing the experience of the Mindful Awareness and Resilience Skills for Adolescents (MARS-A) program, an eight-week MBI, delivered either in person or via eHealth. Participants were adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 with a chronic illness recruited at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Toronto, Canada. Individual semi-structured post-participation audio-video interviews were conducted by a research assistant. A multiple-pass inductive process was used to review interview transcripts and interpret emergent themes from the participants’ lived experiences. Fifteen participants (8 online and 7 in person) completed post-participation interviews. Four distinct themes emerged from participants in both groups: Creation of a safe space, fostering peer support and connection, integration of mindfulness skills into daily life, and improved well-being through the application of mindfulness. Direct quotations representative of those four themes are reported. Results from this study suggest that eHealth delivery of an adapted MBI for adolescents with chronic illnesses may be an acceptable and feasible mode of delivery for MBIs in this population. EHealth should be considered in future studies of MBIs for adolescents with chronic illnesses as a promising avenue to increase access to MBIs for youth who might not be able to access in-person programs.
Transcranial Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pallanti Stefano , Di Ponzio Michele , Grassi Eleonora , Vannini Gloria , Cauli Gilla
Published: May 2022

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face several challenges due to deficits in social function and communication along with restricted patterns of behaviors. Often, they also have difficult-to-manage and disruptive behaviors. At the moment, there are no pharmacological treatments for ASD core features. Recently, there has been a growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions for ASD, such as neuromodulation. In this retrospective study, data are reported and analyzed from 21 patients (13 males, 8 females) with ASD, with an average age of 9.1 (range 5–15), who received six months of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) at home using two protocols (alpha and gamma), which, respectively, modulates the alpha and gamma bands. They were evaluated at baseline, after three and six months of treatment using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Home Situation Questionnaire-ASD (HSQ-ASD), the Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI), the Montefiore Einstein Rigidity Scale–Revised (MERS–R), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the SDAG, to evaluate attention. Findings show that tPBM was associated with a reduction in ASD severity, as shown by a decrease in CARS scores during the intervention (p < 0.001). A relevant reduction in noncompliant behavior and in parental stress have been found. Moreover, a reduction in behavioral and cognitive rigidity was reported as well as an improvement in attentional functions and in sleep quality. Limitations were discussed as well as future directions for research.
Immune Optimization of Welding Sequence for Arc Weld Seams in Ship Medium-Small Assemblies
Authors: Yuan Mingxin , Liu Suodong , Gao Yunqiang , Sun Hongwei , Liu Chao , Shen Yi
Published: May 2022

The arc weld seam is a common form in ship medium-small assemblies. In order to reduce the deformation of the welded parts with an arc weld seam, and then improve the welding quality, research on the optimization of welding sequences based on the artificial immune algorithm is carried out in this paper. First, the formation mechanism of welding deformation is analyzed by the thermo-elastic-plastic finite element method; next, the reduction in the welding deformation is taken as the optimization goal, and the welding sequence optimization model for the arc weld seam is constructed under the condition of boundary constraints; then, an immune clonal optimization algorithm based on similar antibody similarity screening and steady-state adjustment is proposed, and its welding sequence optimization ability is improved through antibody screening and median adjustment. Finally, the welding sequence optimization tests are carried out based on the Ansys platform. Numerical tests of a typical arc weld seam show that different welding sequences will cause different welding deformations, which verifies the importance of welding sequence optimization. Furthermore, the numerical test results of four different types of welds in ship medium-small assemblies demonstrated that the use of distributed optimization algorithms for welding sequence optimization can help reduce the amount of welding deformations, and the immune clonal algorithm, based on antibody similarity screening and steady-state adjustment, achieves the optimal combination of the welding sequence. Compared with the other three optimization algorithms, the maximum welding deformation caused by the welding sequence optimized by the proposed immune clonal algorithm is reduced by 3.1%, 4.0%, and 3.4%, respectively, the average maximum welding deformation is reduced by 3.5%, 5.5%, and 4.7%, respectively, and the convergence generation of the optimization algorithm is reduced by 16.8%, 13.1% and 14.5%, respectively, which further verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed immune clonal algorithm in the optimization of welding sequences.
Optimum Selection of Coated Piston Rings and Thrust Bearings in Mixed Lubrication for Different Lubricants Using Machine Learning
Authors: Zavos Anastasios , Katsaros Konstantinos P. , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to build a parametric algorithm combining analytical results and Machine Learning in order to improve the tribological performance of coated piston rings and thrust bearings in mixed lubrication using different synthetic lubricants. The friction models for piston ring conjunction and pivoted pad thrust bearing consider the basic lubrication theory, the detailed contact geometry and the complete lubricant action for a wide range of speeds. The data produced from the analytical solutions are used as input for the training of regression models. The effect of TiN, TiAlN, CrN and DLC coatings on friction coefficient are investigated through multi-variable quadratic regression and support vector machine models. The optimum selection is considered when the minimum friction coefficient is predicted. Smooth TiN2 and TiAlN coatings seem to affect better the ring friction coefficient than rougher steel, TiN1 and CrN coatings using an uncoated or coated Nickel Nanocomposite (NNC) cylinder. Using an NNC cylinder for better durability, the friction coefficients were found to be higher by 31.3−58.8% for all the studied rings due to the rougher surface morphology. On the other hand, the results indicate that pads coated with DLC show lower friction coefficients compared to the common steel and TiAlN, CrN, and TiN applications. The multi-variable second-order polynomial regression models were demonstrated to be 1−6% more accurate than the quadratic support vector machine models in both tribological contacts.
Nonadiabatic Exchange-Correlation Potential for Strongly Correlated Materials in the Weak and Strong Interaction Limits
Authors: Turkowski Volodymyr , Rahman Talat S.
Published: May 2022

In this work, nonadiabatic exchange-correlation (XC) potentials for time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) for strongly correlated materials are derived in the limits of strong and weak correlations. After summarizing some essentials of the available dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) XC potentials valid for these systems, we present details of the Sham–Schluter equation approach that we use to obtain, in principle, an exact XC potential from a many-body theory solution for the nonequilibrium electron self-energy. We derive the XC potentials for the one-band Hubbard model in the limits of weak and strong on-site Coulomb repulsion. To test the accuracy of the obtained potentials, we compare the TDDFT results obtained with these potentials with the corresponding nonequilibrium DMFT solution for the one-band Hubbard model and find that the agreement between the solutions is rather good. We also discuss possible directions to obtain a universal XC potential that would be appropriate for the case of intermediate interaction strengths, i.e., a nonadiabatic potential that can be used to perform TDDFT analysis of nonequilibrium phenomena, such as transport and other ultrafast properties of materials with any strength of electron correlation at any value in the applied perturbing field.
Botanical Leaf Disease Detection and Classification Using Convolutional Neural Network: A Hybrid Metaheuristic Enabled Approach
Authors: Mohapatra Madhumini , Parida Ami Kumar , Mallick Pradeep Kumar , Zymbler Mikhail , Kumar Sachin
Published: May 2022

Botanical plants suffer from several types of diseases that must be identified early to improve the production of fruits and vegetables. Mango fruit is one of the most popular and desirable fruits worldwide due to its taste and richness in vitamins. However, plant diseases also affect these plants’ production and quality. This study proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based metaheuristic approach for disease diagnosis and detection. The proposed approach involves preprocessing, image segmentation, feature extraction, and disease classification. First, the image of mango leaves is enhanced using histogram equalization and contrast enhancement. Then, a geometric mean-based neutrosophic with a fuzzy c-means method is used for segmentation. Next, the essential features are retrieved from the segmented images, including the Upgraded Local Binary Pattern (ULBP), color, and pixel features. Finally, these features are given into the disease detection phase, which is modeled using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) (deep learning model). Furthermore, to enhance the classification accuracy of CNN, the weights are fine-tuned using a new hybrid optimization model referred to as Cat Swarm Updated Black Widow Model (CSUBW). The new hybrid optimization model is developed by hybridizing the standard Cat Swarm Optimization Algorithm (CSO) and Black Widow Optimization Algorithm (BWO). Finally, a performance evaluation is undergone to validate the efficiency of the projected model.
Black Mantle Tissue of Endolithic Mussels (Leiosolenus spp.) Is Cloaking Borehole Orifices in Caribbean Reef Corals
Authors: Hoeksema Bert W. , Smith-Moorhouse Annabel , Harper Charlotte E. , van der Schoot Roel. J. , Timmerman Rosalie F. , Spaargaren Roselle , Langdon-Down Sean J.
Published: May 2022

Bioerosion caused by boring mussels (Mytilidae: Lithophaginae) can negatively impact coral reef health. During biodiversity surveys of coral-associated fauna in Curaçao (southern Caribbean), morphological variation in mussel boreholes was studied. Borings were found in 22 coral species, 12 of which represented new host records. Dead corals usually showed twin siphon openings, for each mussel shaped like a figure of eight, which were lined with a calcareous sheath and protruded as tubes from the substrate surface. Most openings surrounded by live coral tissue were deeper and funnel-shaped, with outlines resembling dumbbells, keyholes, ovals or irregular ink blotches. The boreholes appeared to contain black siphon and mantle tissue of the mussel. Because of the black color and the hidden borehole opening in live host corals, the mantle tissue appeared to mimic dark, empty holes, while they were actually cloaking live coral tissue around the hole, which is a new discovery. By illustrating the morphological range of borehole orifices, we aim to facilitate the easy detection of boring mussels for future research.
Species Diversity and Community Composition of Macroinvertebrates in Headwater Streams of Two Subtropical Neighboring Lowland Basins
Authors: Wang Lu , Lv Xiaochen , Li Jiaxu , Tan Lin , Rizo Eric Zeus , Han Bo-Ping
Published: May 2022

Determining the patterns of diversity and community composition in headwater streams is fundamental to river biodiversity conservation. Environmental selection has been assumed to be a major force driving temperate macroinvertebrate assembly. To test this assumption in the subtropics, we conducted identical surveys for headwater streams in two neighboring basins, which are located on two sides of a north–south mountain in southern China. We sampled macroinvertebrates and measured habitat and environmental variables in headwater streams of the two basins. The two groups of headwater streams share a species pool and have similar taxa, taxa richness, and functional composition. Beta diversity accounted for a high proportion of the within-basin diversity, and was mainly attributed to the replacement differences. Highly similarity between the two basins’ species composition showed similar environmental selection in structuring macroinvertebrate communities at the regional scale. Redundancy analysis showed that basin identity is the key factor explaining the variation of communities. Environmental selection is an important factor in structuring macroinvertebrate communities within individual basins. Annual precipitation differs significantly on the two sides of the mountain shaded by the East Asia monsoon, resulting in distinctive substrate compositions in the two basins. Our study provides empirical support for the roles of environmental selection in shaping subtropical macroinvertebrate communities.
Filling a Gap: A Population of Eunicella verrucosa (Pallas, 1766) (Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) in the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (NE Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Canessa Martina , Bavestrello Giorgio , Bo Marzia , Enrichetti Francesco , Trainito Egidio
Published: May 2022

Among Mediterranean habitat-forming alcyonaceans, the sea fan Eunicella verrucosa is known to form dense forests at circalittoral depths, providing seascape complexity and sustaining a rich associated fauna. Its occurrence in the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (NE Sardinia) has never been deeply investigated despite this area being well known from a biocoenotic point of view. This study provides new information on the size of the colonies settled between 35 and 59 m depth on granitic outcrops and represents a contribution to highlighting the hotspot of megabenthic diversity enclosed in the protected area. The presence of 100 colonies was assessed by photographic samplings performed between 2015 and 2020, in a small area characterized by peculiar ecological conditions. The morphometric descriptions and age estimation showed a persistently isolated population probably derived from a stochastic event of settling of larvae presumably coming from the Tuscany Archipelago. A richly associated epibiotic community, composed of 18 species/OTUs, showed how branched bryozoans, particularly Turbicellepora avicularis, and the parasitic octocoral Alcyonium coralloides, affected the colonies’ branches, suggesting a putative anthropogenic impact related to fishing activity. This study indicates that proper protection and management strategies are mandatory for the Marine Protected Area, in order to conserve this unique population and the whole associated benthic assemblage.
A Case of Multinucleate Cell Angiohistiocytoma with New Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Findings
Authors: Lupu Mihai , Tebeica Tiberiu , Malciu Ana Maria , Voiculescu Vlad Mihai
Published: May 2022

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma (MCAH) is a rare, benign, vascular or fibrohistiocytic tumor usually presenting as single or multiple, reddish-brown papules mostly affecting the limbs and dorsum of the hands of middle-aged females. Since 1985, relatively few MCAH cases have been reported. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings of MCAH have never been described. We report a case of MCAH with new non-invasive imaging findings through RCM in correlation with dermoscopy and histopathology. A 66-year-old woman with an unremarkable family and personal history of an atypical nevus presented with a lesion on her right breast. It had appeared 12 months earlier and progressively enlarged. Physical examination revealed a 20 × 11.6 mm, non-tender, reddish-brown maculo-papular lesion with blurred margins. Dermoscopy showed diffusely arranged reddish areas, coalescing whitish patches, truncated and dotted vessels, and a peripheral brown reticulated pattern. RCM revealed a poorly outlined lesion with a normal honeycomb pattern, numerous vessels at the dermal–epidermal junction, and isolated, large, mildly reflective, bizarre structures with angulated edges. These findings correlated well with histological features, which established the diagnosis of MCAH. Even though histopathology remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of MCAH, non-invasive tools such as RCM can help rule out other entities, therefore reducing surgery-associated morbidity.
Dental Emergencies and Coronavirus Disease-2019: Scoping Review of the Literature and Single Centre Experience
Authors: Guida Agostino , Carotenuto Annamaria , Lanza Vladimiro , Antonucci Francesco , Salerno Paola , Marasca Dario , Esposito Umberto , Gargiulo Maurizio
Published: May 2022

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental emergencies. A systematic review of the literature (PubMed/Scopus) searching for articles on COVID-19 and dental abscess and a retrospective cohort study with quantitative/qualitative data analysis of our hospital E.R. patients admitted for cervico-facial abscess of dental origin were performed. Thirteen studies could be included in the review, concerning characteristics/management of patients with dental emergencies in hospitals/private practices, generally with poor evidence. For the retrospective analysis, 232 consecutive patients were included (100 study vs. 132 control). The prevalence of dental emergencies (abscess) and relative complications (mediastinitis, exitus) increased. Dental care availability was limited, with strong heterogeneity amongst regions/nations. At-risk (aerosol-generating) procedures were generally avoided, and hospitalization length reduced. Comorbidity patients and males seem less likely to restore regular dentist attendance during the post-lockdown pandemic. Despite the poor scientific evidence, COVID-19 seems to have impacted dental emergencies through limited routine dental care availability and influence on physicians’ and patients’ behaviour.
The Role of a Ministry of Education in Addressing Distance Education during Emergency Education
Authors: Daher Wajeeh , Salameh Huda
Published: May 2022

The present study aims to identify the role of a Ministry of Education in meeting the challenges faced due to distance education as emergency education. The study participants were nine officials working at the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education. We used interviews to collect data and inductive content analysis to analyze these data. The study result indicates that the ministry carried out action related to the different educational aspects to meet distance education challenges. It is recommended that ministries of education strengthen their collaboration with the local community. The aim of this collaboration is two-fold: encouraging parents’ support of technology integration in education and encouraging their role in positively influencing their students’ perceptions of the use of ICT in learning. Teachers also need to engage in the change of students’ perception towards a more positive one regarding the influence of ICT on learning.