bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which SDM Model, CLIMEX vs. MaxEnt, Best Forecasts Aeolesthes sarta Distribution at a Global Scale under Climate Change Scenarios?
Authors: Hayat Umer , Shi Juan , Wu Zhuojin , Rizwan Muhammad , Haider Muhammad Sajjad
Published: May 2024

A precise evaluation of the risk of establishing insect pests is essential for national plant protection organizations. This accuracy is crucial in negotiating international trade agreements for forestry-related commodities, which have the potential to carry pests and lead to unintended introductions in the importing countries. In our study, we employed both mechanistic and correlative niche models to assess and map the global patterns of potential establishment for Aeolesthes sarta under current and future climates. This insect is a significant pest affecting tree species of the genus Populus, Salix, Acer, Malus, Juglans, and other hardwood trees. Notably, it is also categorized as a quarantine pest in countries where it is not currently present. The mechanistic model, CLIMEX, was calibrated using species-specific physiological tolerance thresholds, providing a detailed understanding of the environmental factors influencing the species. In contrast, the correlative model, maximum entropy (MaxEnt), utilized species occurrences and spatial climatic data, offering insights into the species’ distribution based on observed data and environmental conditions. The projected potential distribution from CLIMEX and MaxEnt models aligns well with the currently known distribution of A. sarta. CLIMEX predicts a broader global distribution than MaxEnt, indicating that most central and southern hemispheres are suitable for its distribution, excluding the extreme northern hemisphere, central African countries, and the northern part of Australia. Both models accurately predict the known distribution of A. sarta in the Asian continent, and their projections suggest a slight overall increase in the global distribution range of A. sarta with future changes in climate temperature, majorly concentrating in the central and northern hemispheres. Furthermore, the models anticipate suitable conditions in Europe and North America, where A. sarta currently does not occur but where its preferred host species, Populus alba, is present. The main environmental variables associated with the distribution of A. sarta at a global level were the average annual temperature and precipitation rate. The predictive models developed in this study offer insights into the global risk of A. sarta establishment and can be valuable for monitoring potential pest introductions in different countries. Additionally, policymakers and trade negotiators can utilize these models to make science-based decisions regarding pest management and international trade agreements.
Coverage Performance of Non-Lambertian Underwater Wireless Optical Communications for 6G Internet of Things
Authors: Ding Jupeng , I Chih-Lin , Wang Jintao , Song Jian
Published: May 2024

In medium- and short-range underwater application scenarios, thanks to the superior performance in transmission bandwidth, link latency, and security, underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) is growing to be a promising complement to the mature underwater acoustic communication technique. In order to extend the future 6G Internet of Things (IOT) to various challenging and valuable underwater scenarios, the underwater spatial coverage and transmission performance has been actively discussed in typical seawater environments. However, almost all current works focus on underwater scenarios including light-emitting diode (LED) transmitters with well-known Lambertian optical beams and fail to characterize the scenarios adopting LED transmitters with distinctive non-Lambertian beam patterns. For addressing this limitation, in this article, the coverage performance of non-Lambertian UWOC for 6G is analyzed and illustrated. Furthermore, the switchable optical beam configuration scheme is proposed and estimated for UWOC. Numerical results illustrate that, compared with about 15.42 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) fluctuation amplitude for UWOC with baseline Lambertian optical beam configuration, the corresponding SNR fluctuation amplitudes of UWOC based with two typical non-Lambertian optical beams are 8.71 dB and 24.60 dB. Furthermore, once the receiver depth is increased to 6.0 m, the SNR fluctuation amplitude for the above three UWOC coverage with distinct beam configuration could be reduced to 5.61 dB, 1.58 dB, and 10.33 dB, respectively.
Hydraulic Drilling Nozzle Design and Research
Authors: Toczek Przemysław , Wiśniowski Rafał , Złotkowski Albert , Teper Wojciech
Published: May 2024

In light of the European Union’s zero-emissions policy and the growing demand for energy associated with technological advances, it is necessary to consider adopting technologies and innovative solutions that simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing potential extraction from existing hydrocarbon deposits, for example. This can result in increased production from deposits with low reservoir energy values or those in which the energy value does not allow the resource to be exploited on its own. By using a hydraulic drilling nozzle that harnesses the hydraulic energy of the fluid stream for workover, the possibility of increasing the contact between the reservoir layer and the producing well increases in direct proportion to the number of small-diameter radial wells drilled with a hydraulic rotary head from a horizontal well toward the reservoir layer. The main aspect of this paper is to outline an algorithm for the design of rotary drilling heads to maximize the use of the hydraulic energy from fluid streams flowing from the face of innovative drilling tools. The presented design algorithm allows changing the mutual position between the holes in the face section and the angle of the holes with respect to the longitudinal axis of the designed hydraulic rotary nozzle, simplifying the design work. The use of the rotary head developed using this algorithm enables seamless drilling in rocks with compressive strength Rc = 50 MPa, considering the drilling progress at ROP = 4 mm/s.
Serum Biomarkers and Their Association with Myocardial Function and Exercise Capacity in Cardiac Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Authors: Nieto-Roca Luis , Camblor Blasco Andrea , Devesa Ana , Gómez-Talavera Sandra , Balaguer-Germán Jorge , Lumpuy-Castillo Jairo , Pello Ana María , Dhier Luis Martínez , Lapeña Gregoria , Jiménez Lucía Llanos , Lorenzo Óscar , Tuñón José , Ibáñez Borja , Aceña Álvaro
Published: May 2024

Background: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is a frequent etiology of heart failure. Inflammation and mineral metabolism are associated with myocardial dysfunction and clinical performance. Cardiac global longitudinal strain (GLS) allows function assessment and is associated with prognosis. Our aim was to describe possible correlations between GLS, biomarker levels and clinical performance in ATTR amyloidosis. Methods: Thirteen patients with ATTR amyloidosis were included. Clinical characteristics; echocardiographic features, including strain assessment and 6 min walk test (6MWT); and baseline inflammatory, mineral metabolism and cardiovascular biomarker levels were assessed. Results: Of the 13 patients, 46.2% were women, and the mean age was 79 years. TAPSE correlated with NT-ProBNP (r −0.65, p < 0.05) and galectin-3 (r 0.76, p < 0.05); E/E′ ratio correlated with hsCRP (r 0.58, p < 0.05). Left ventricular GLS was associated with NT-ProBNP (r 0.61, p < 0.05) (patients have a better prognosis if the strain value is more negative) and left atrial GLS with NT-ProBNP (r −0.73, p < 0.05) and MCP1 (r 0.55, p < 0.05). Right ventricular GLS was correlated with hsTnI (r 0.62, p < 0.05) and IL6 (r 0.881, p < 0.05). Klotho levels were correlated with 6MWT (r 0.57, p < 0.05). Conclusions: While inflammatory biomarkers were correlated with cardiac function, klotho levels were associated with clinical performance in the population with TTR-CA.
Shorter Door-to-ECG Time Is Associated with Improved Mortality in STEMI Patients
Authors: Yiadom Maame Yaa A. B. , Gong Wu , Bloos Sean M. , Bunney Gabrielle , Kabeer Rana , Pasao Melissa A. , Rodriguez Fatima , Baugh Christopher W. , Mills Angela M. , Gavin Nicholas , Podolsky Seth R. , Salazar Gilberto A. , Patterson Brian , Mumma Bryn E. , Tanski Mary E. , Liu Dandan
Published: May 2024

Background: Delayed intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with higher mortality. The association of door-to-ECG (D2E) with clinical outcomes has not been directly explored in a contemporary US-based population. Methods: This was a three-year, 10-center, retrospective cohort study of ED-diagnosed patients with STEMI comparing mortality between those who received timely (<10 min) vs. untimely (>10 min) diagnostic ECG. Among survivors, we explored left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) dysfunction during the STEMI encounter and recovery upon post-discharge follow-up. Results: Mortality was lower among those who received a timely ECG where one-week mortality was 5% (21/420) vs. 10.2% (26/256) among those with untimely ECGs (p = 0.016), and in-hospital mortality was 6.0% (25/420) vs. 10.9% (28/256) (p = 0.028). Data to compare change in LVEF metrics were available in only 24% of patients during the STEMI encounter and 46.5% on discharge follow-up. Conclusions: D2E within 10 min may be associated with a 50% reduction in mortality among ED STEMI patients. LVEF dysfunction is the primary resultant morbidity among STEMI survivors but was infrequently assessed despite low LVEF being an indication for survival-improving therapy. It will be difficult to assess the impact of STEMI care interventions without more consistent LVEF assessment.
Reply to Rubin, J.M.; Kripfgans, O.D. Comment on “Barbieri et al. Umbilical Vein Blood Flow in Uncomplicated Pregnancies: Systematic Review of Available Reference Charts and Comparison with a New Cohort. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 3132”
Authors: Barbieri Moira , Ferrazzi Enrico Mario , Stampalija Tamara
Published: May 2024

We thank the authors for the interest in our paper [...]
Long-Term Improvement of Different Types of Acne Vulgaris Using a Mild Photodynamic Therapy Protocol with BF-200 ALA Gel: A Series of Cases
Authors: Serra-Guillén Carlos , Llombart Beatriz , Sanmartín Onofre
Published: May 2024

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be a promising alternative for patients with acne vulgaris. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of red light photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA gel in the treatment of different types of acne vulgaris. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational study of a series of 22 cases. All patients were treated according to a mild PDT protocol. After a careful wash of the affected skin areas, BF-200 ALA gel was applied to the skin in a thin layer and incubated for 30 min, followed by illumination using narrow-spectrum red light (635 nm) at a dose of 4 J/cm2. Most patients received one (36.4%), two (27.3%), or three (22.7%) PDT sessions. About a third of the patients received concomitant acne treatment with topical retinoids. Results: Patients of 25.1 ± 8.9 years suffering from papulopustular (45.5%), nodular (27.3%), and comedonal acne (27.3%) in the face were included. Irrespective of acne type or severity, 95.5% of patients had good or excellent responses to the treatment with PDT (≥60% lesion clearance). We found no association between concomitant acne medication and the favorable results achieved by PDT. Most patients reported no adverse events (72.7%), except for six patients who experienced erythema. The good efficacy results were maintained over a follow-up period of 12.5 ± 10.8 months. Conclusions: In this study, we show that PDT with BF-200 ALA gel and low light dose is an effective and long-lasting option for the treatment of different acne types.
Difficult-to-Engage Patients with Severe Mental Illness in Rural Community Settings: Results of the Greek Hybrid Assertive Community Treatment Model of Mental Healthcare
Authors: Tsoli Fotini , Botsari Ioanna Athina , Tsianeli Agnes , Menti Nefeli , Kontoudi Panagiota , Peritogiannis Vaios
Published: May 2024

Background: Modified Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in rural settings may be effective in the care of patients with severe mental illness (SMI) that are difficult to engage in community care. The objective of the present study was to explore the impact of the care by a hybrid ACT team on SMI patients’ hospitalizations, length of hospital stay, symptomatology and functioning in a rural community treatment setting in Greece. Methods: The hybrid ACT team is an expansion of the services of the well-established generic Mobile Mental Health Unit in a rural area of Northwest Greece, and delivers home-based care for patients with SMI. This was a 3-year prospective, mirror image, pre-post observational study. Patients’ symptomatology, functioning and general outcome were measured with the use of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HοNOS). Results: The mean age of the 23 enrolled patients was 52.4 years and the mean age of disease onset was 23.5 years, with a mean number of hospitalizations 10.74. Over the 16-month follow-up patients’ hospitalizations, both voluntary and involuntary, had been significantly reduced by almost 80%. Length of hospital stay had been significantly reduced by 87%, whereas patients’ functioning and symptomatology had been significantly improved, by 17% and 14.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The model of hybrid ACT in rural areas in Greece may be effective in the treatment of difficult-to-engage patients with SMI and may improve patients’ outcomes.
Electrical Ear Canal Stimulation as a Therapeutic Approach for Tinnitus—A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Vater Jana , Gröschel Moritz , Szczepek Agnieszka J. , Olze Heidi
Published: May 2024

Background: Tinnitus—the perception of sound despite the absence of an external source—can be a debilitating condition for which there are currently no pharmacological remedies. Our proof of concept study focused on the immediate effects of non-invasive electrical stimulation through the ear canal on loudness and tinnitus-induced distress. In addition, we aimed to identify variables that may affect the simulation outcomes. Methods: Sixty-six patients (29 women and 37 men, mean age 54.4 ± 10.4) with chronic tinnitus were recruited to the tertiary referral hospital between December 2019 and December 2021. They underwent 10 min of electrical stimulation through the ear canal for three consecutive days. Visual analog scales measured loudness and tinnitus-induced distress immediately before and after stimulation. Results: After three days of electrical stimulation, tinnitus loudness decreased in 47% of patients, 45.5% reported no change, and 7.6% reported worsening. Tinnitus severity decreased in 36.4% of cases, 59.1% of patients reported no change, and 4.5% reported worsening. Women responded positively to therapy earlier than men. In addition, tinnitus distress decreased in patients with compensated tinnitus but not in those with uncompensated tinnitus. Finally, patients with bilateral tinnitus improved earlier than those with unilateral tinnitus, and the age of the patients did not influence the stimulation results. Conclusions: Our proof of concept study confirms the potential of non-invasive electrical stimulation of the ear as a promising screening approach to identifying patients for more advanced electrostimulation treatment, such as an extracochlear anti-tinnitus implant. These findings have practical implications for tinnitus management, offering hope for improved patient care.
Dynamic Cognitive–Motor Training versus Cognitive Computer-Based Training in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial with 2-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Tramontano Marco , Argento Ornella , Manocchio Nicola , Piacentini Chiara , Orejel Bustos Amaranta Soledad , De Angelis Sara , Bossa Michela , Nocentini Ugo
Published: May 2024

Background: Recent studies underscore the intricate relationship between cognitive and motor impairments in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), often exacerbated by CNS damage compromising neural connections. These cognitive–motor deficits contribute to reduced efficiency in daily activities and heightened risks of falls and accidents. The combination of challenging cognitive–motor training in a more ecological setting could improve cognitive functions in people with MS (PwMS). Objective: This study aims to compare the impact of dynamic cognitive–motor training versus computer-based cognitive training on overall cognitive efficiency in PwMS. Methods: Thirty-eight PwMS were recruited through the neurorehabilitation services of an Institute of research and health. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to the Cognitive-Motor group (CMg) and Cognitive Therapy group (CTg). Participants underwent three training sessions per week for four weeks, each lasting 50 min. The primary outcome was a comprehensive cognitive assessment using the Cognitive Impairment Index (CII), and the secondary outcomes were the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire MSQOL-54 and the Stroop Color Word Interference Test (SCWT). Results: Significant differences in the CII scores across T0, T1, and T2, as indicated by Friedman’s test (χ2(2) = 14.558, p = .001), were found in the CMg. A significant difference in the change in health subscale of the MSQOL-54 was observed when comparing the groups across T0, T1, and T2 (χ2(2) = 6.059, p = .048). There were also statistically significant differences for the emotional well-being (χ2(2) = 7.581, p = .023) and health distress (χ2(2) = 11.902, p = .003) subscales. Post hoc analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for the former at T1 vs. T0 (Z = −2.502, p = .012 and for the latter at T2 vs. T0 (Z = −2.670, p = .008), respectively. Conclusions: Our results support the combination of cognitive–motor training to enhance cognitive functional outcomes and quality of life compared to computer-based cognitive training in PwMS.
Characteristics Associated with Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias and Their Prognostic Impact in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Schmitt Alexander , Behnes Michael , Rusnak Jonas , Akin Muharrem , Reinhardt Marielen , Abel Noah , Forner Jan , Müller Julian , Weidner Kathrin , Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Akin Ibrahim , Schupp Tobias
Published: May 2024

Background: The occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias represents an established risk factor of mortality in heart failure (HF). However, data concerning their prognostic impact in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is limited. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate patient characteristics associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and their prognostic impact in patients with HFmrEF. Methods: Consecutive patients hospitalized with HFmrEF (i.e., left ventricular ejection fraction 41–49% and signs and/or symptoms of HF) were retrospectively included at one institution from 2016 to 2022. The prognosis of patients with HFmrEF and different types of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (i.e., non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT), sustained VT (sVT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF) was investigated for the primary endpoint of long-term all-cause mortality at 30 months. Secondary endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality and long-term HF-related rehospitalization at 30 months. Results: From a total of 2184 patients with HFmrEF, 4.4% experienced ventricular tachyarrhythmias (i.e., 2.0% nsVT, 0.7% sVT, and 1.6% VF). The occurrence of nsVT was associated with higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, whereas the incidence of sVT/VF was associated with acute myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease. However, nsVT (25.0%; HR = 0.760; 95% CI 0.419–1.380; p = 0.367) and sVT/VF (28.8%; HR = 0.928; 95% CI 0.556–1.549; p = 0.776) were not associated with a higher risk of long-term all-cause mortality compared to patients with HFmrEF without ventricular tachyarrhythmias (31.5%). In-hospital cardiovascular mortality was more frequently observed in patients with HFmrEF and sVT/VF compared to those with HFmrEF but without sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (7.7% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.004). Finally, the risk of rehospitalization for worsening HF was not affected by the presence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Conclusions: The occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients hospitalized with HFmrEF was low and not associated with long-term prognosis.
A Mechanical Model for Stress Relaxation of Polylactic Acid/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blends
Authors: Jhao Yi-Sheng , Ouyang Hao , Huang Chien-Chao , Yang Fuqian , Lee Sanboh
Published: May 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) is considered a promising biodegradable polymer alternative. Due to its high brittleness, composite materials made by melt blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with PLA can enhance the toughness of PLA. To understand the forced aging caused by stress relaxation in polymer materials, this study explains the stress relaxation experiments of PLA/TPU blends with different mass ratios under applied strain through mechanical model simulations. The Kelvin representation of the standard linear solid model (SLSM) is used to analyze the stress relaxation data of TPU/PLA blends, successfully explaining that the Young’s moduli (E1 and E2) of springs decrease with increasing temperature and TPU content. The viscosity coefficient of the PLA/TPU blends decreases with increasing temperature, and its reciprocal follows the Arrhenius law. For TPU/PLA blends with increased concentration of TPU, the activation energy for stress relaxation shows a linear decrease, confirmed by the glass transition point measured by DMA, indicating that it does not involve chemical reactions.
Molecular Profile of Important Genes for Radiogenomics in the Amazon Indigenous Population
Authors: de Lima Milena Cardoso , de Castro Cinthia Costa , Aguiar Kaio Evandro Cardoso , Monte Natasha , Nunes Giovanna Gilioli , Costa Ana Caroline Alves , Rodrigues Juliana Carla Gomes , Guerreiro João Farias , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea , Assumpção Paulo Pimentel , Burbano Rommel Mario Rodríguez , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , dos Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista , dos Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro
Published: May 2024

Radiotherapy is focused on the tumor but also reaches healthy tissues, causing toxicities that are possibly related to genomic factors. In this context, radiogenomics can help reduce the toxicity, increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy, and personalize treatment. It is important to consider the genomic profiles of populations not yet studied in radiogenomics, such as the indigenous Amazonian population. Thus, our objective was to analyze important genes for radiogenomics, such as ATM, TGFB1, RAD51, AREG, XRCC4, CDK1, MEG3, PRKCE, TANC1, and KDR, in indigenous people and draw a radiogenomic profile of this population. The NextSeq 500® platform was used for sequencing reactions; for differences in the allelic frequency between populations, Fisher’s Exact Test was used. We identified 39 variants, 2 of which were high impact: 1 in KDR (rs41452948) and another in XRCC4 (rs1805377). We found four modifying variants not yet described in the literature in PRKCE. We did not find any variants in TANC1—an important gene for personalized medicine in radiotherapy—that were associated with toxicities in previous cohorts, configuring a protective factor for indigenous people. We identified four SNVs (rs664143, rs1801516, rs1870377, rs1800470) that were associated with toxicity in previous studies. Knowing the radiogenomic profile of indigenous people can help personalize their radiotherapy.
Does Land Approval Facilitate Conservation Tillage? An Examination through the Lens of Straw-Returning Technology
Authors: Yang Zhiwu , Bu Jinling , Qi Jiahan , Liu Qing , Song Yan
Published: May 2024

Well-defined and stable property rights play a pivotal role in shaping human economic behavior by averting the tragedy of the commons. This study employs micro-survey data from Heilongjiang Province, China, to empirically investigate the impact and mechanisms of land approval on the adoption of straw-returning technology by farmers. Utilizing the Probit model and mediation and moderation effect testing methods, the findings reveal the following: (1) Land approval significantly promotes the adoption of straw-returning techniques by farmers, with a marginal effect of 0.288. This view is further validated through counterfactual inference constructed using the propensity score matching method. (2) Endowment effects mediate the relationship between land approval and farmers’ adoption of straw-returning technology. (3) Digital skills and farming scale negatively moderate the policy’s impact on farmers’ adoption of straw-returning technology. (4) In terms of control variables, the age of farmers and the dispersion of cultivated land have a significant negative impact on the adoption of straw-returning technology by farmers, while training related to agricultural straw-returning skills and government technology promotion significantly positively affects the use of straw-returning technology by farmers. Therefore, the clarity of land property rights helps to harness the policy effects of land approval and provides a research approach for countries with communal land ownership to implement actions for soil quality conservation.
Vulnerability of Farmer Households to Climate Change in Rocky Desertification Areas—A Case Study of Guizhou Province
Authors: Liu Xian , Liu Shiwei , Wang Rutong , Tang Hanya , Zhang Feng , Jia Luyao , Sun Xizao
Published: May 2024

Climate change significantly impacts the livelihoods of farmer households. Particularly vulnerable areas, both economically and environmentally, face significant threats from climate change. This study developed a framework to assess household-level vulnerability to climate change by integrating the Exposure-Sensitivity-Resilience Analysis (ESRA) and Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis (SLA) frameworks. Using Gui-Zhou Province as the study area, the study examined whether livelihood vulnerability differs among various types of farmer households in economically and environmentally vulnerable areas and identified the main factors contributing to vulnerability. Results indicate significant differences in livelihood vulnerability among the three household types, with pure agricultural households (PAH) being the most vulnerable due to high exposure, sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity. Further analysis revealed minor differences in sensitivity but significant differences in adaptive capacity among the three farmer categories. In terms of sensitivity, all three farmer household categories exhibit high sensitivity to water, housing, and agricultural production. Regarding adaptive capacity, significant differences in human and financial capital exist among the three household types, with off-farm households (OFH) possessing the highest adaptive capacity due to their substantial human and financial capital. Further research identified high exposure and low adaptive capacity as the primary causes of livelihood vulnerability, noting no significant difference in the main contributing factors among the three types of farmer households. Common factors contributing to the livelihood vulnerability of farmer households include agricultural cooperatives, labor capacity, temperature changes, drought frequency changes, precipitation changes, agricultural insurance, and losses in agricultural production. Overall, the proposed livelihood vulnerability framework offers guidance for analyzing the vulnerability of farmer households in areas with both economic and environmental vulnerabilities under climate change. Concurrently, tailored measures to reduce farmer households’ livelihood vulnerability should be developed for different household types, considering the local climatic, geographic, and socioeconomic conditions.
Navigating Post-Traumatic Osteoporosis: A Comprehensive Review of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Directions
Authors: Weiss Matthew B. , Syed Shoaib A. , Whiteson Harris Z. , Hirani Rahim , Etienne Mill , Tiwari Raj K.
Published: May 2024

Post-traumatic osteoporosis (PTO) presents a significant challenge in clinical practice, characterized by demineralization and decreased skeletal integrity following severe traumatic injuries. This literature review manuscript addresses the knowledge gaps surrounding PTO, encompassing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and future directions. This review emphasizes the complexity of the etiology of PTO, highlighting the dysregulation of biomineralization processes, inflammatory cytokine involvement, hormonal imbalances, glucocorticoid effects, vitamin D deficiency, and disuse osteoporosis. Moreover, it underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches for risk mitigation and advocates for improved diagnostic strategies to differentiate PTO from other musculoskeletal pathologies. This manuscript discusses various treatment modalities, including pharmacotherapy, dietary management, and physical rehabilitation, while also acknowledging the limited evidence on their long-term effectiveness and outcomes in PTO patients. Future directions in research are outlined, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PTO and the evaluation of treatment strategies’ efficacy. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of PTO and highlights avenues for future investigation to enhance clinical management and patient outcomes.
Peloplasma aerotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov., a Novel Anaerobic Free-Living Mollicute Isolated from a Terrestrial Mud Volcano
Authors: Khomyakova Maria A. , Merkel Alexander Y. , Novikov Andrei A. , Slobodkin Alexander I.
Published: May 2024

A novel aerotolerant anaerobic bacterium (strain M4AhT) was isolated from a terrestrial mud volcano (Taman Peninsula, Russia). Cells were small, cell-wall-less, non-motile cocci, 0.32–0.65 μm in diameter. The isolate was a mesophilic, neutrophilic chemoorganoheterotroph, growing on carbohydrates (D-glucose, D-trehalose, D-ribose, D-mannose, D-xylose, D-maltose, D-lactose, D-cellobiose, D-galactose, D-fructose, and D-sucrose), proteinaceous compounds (yeast extract, tryptone), and pyruvate. Strain M4AhT tolerated 2% oxygen in the gas phase, was catalase-positive, and showed sustainable growth under microaerobic conditions. The dominant cellular fatty acids of strain M4AhT were C16:0 and C18:0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 32.42%. The closest phylogenetic relative of strain M4AhT was Mariniplasma anaerobium from the family Acholeplasmataceae (order Acholeplasmatales, class Mollicutes). Based on the polyphasic characterization of the isolate, strain M4AhT is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Peloplasma aerotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Peloplasma aerotolerans is M4AhT (=DSM 112561T = VKM B-3485T = UQM 41475T). This is the first representative of the order Acholeplasmatales, isolated from a mud volcano.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Level in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Galiniak Sabina , Biesiadecki Marek , Rościszewska-Żukowska Iwona , Rachel Marta
Published: May 2024

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has long been implicated in both the physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory tract. The objective of our study was to determine the serum concentration of alpha CGRP (αCGRP) in cystic fibrosis (CF) that arises from mutations in the gene responsible for encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Currently, there are not many data in the literature about the role of CGRP in CF. The serum level of αCGRP was estimated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay among 64 patients with CF and 31 healthy controls. The αCGRP concentration in the CF group was 62.51 ± 15.45 pg/mL, while in the control group it was 47.43 ± 8.06 pg/mL (p < 0.001). We also compared the level of αCGRP in CF patients according to the type of CFTR mutation. Homozygotes for ΔF508 had higher αCGRP levels than heterozygotes (67.9 ± 10.2 vs. 54.5 ± 18.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01). The level of this neuropeptide was statistically higher in patients with severe disease than in those with mild CF (p = 0.003) when patients were divided into three groups by spirometry results. αCGRP concentration was not correlated with age, sex, clinical parameters, and pulmonary function test results in the study participants. The results of our study suggest a significant increase in the concentration of αCGRP in the serum of patients with CF compared to the control group. This observation opens interesting possibilities for understanding the role of αCGRP in the context of CF pathophysiology.
Pathogenic Potential of Opportunistic Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from the Cloacal Microbiota of Free-Living Reptile Hosts Originating from Bulgaria
Authors: Lazarkevich Irina , Engibarov Stephan , Mitova Simona , Popova Steliyana , Vacheva Emiliya , Stanchev Nikola , Eneva Rumyana , Gocheva Yana , Lalovska Iva , Paunova-Krasteva Tsvetelina , Ilieva Yana , Najdenski Hristo
Published: May 2024

Reptiles are known to be asymptomatic carriers of various zoonotic pathogens. A number of Gram-negative opportunistic commensals are causative agents of bacterial infections in immunocompromised or stressed hosts and are disseminated by reptiles, whose epidemiological role should not be neglected. Since most studies have focused on exotic species, in captivity or as pet animals, the role of wild populations as a potential source of pathogens still remains understudied. In the present study, we isolated a variety of Gram-negative bacteria from the cloacal microbiota of free-living lizard and tortoise hosts (Reptilia: Sauria and Testudines) from the Bulgarian herpetofauna. We evaluated their pathogenic potential according to their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, biofilm-forming capacity, and extracellular production of some enzymes considered to play roles as virulence factors. To our knowledge, the phenotypic manifestation of virulence factors/enzymatic activity and biofilm formation in wild reptile microbiota has not yet been widely investigated. All isolates were found to be capable of forming biofilms to some extent and 29.6% of them could be categorized as strong producers. Two strains proved to be excellent producers. The majority of the isolated strains showed extracellular production of at least one exoenzyme. The most pronounced pathogenicity could be attributed to the newly isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain due to its multiresistance, excellent biofilm formation, and expression of exoenzymes.
De-Intensification from Basal-Bolus Insulin Therapy to Liraglutide in Type 2 Diabetes: Predictive Value of Mean Glycaemia during Fasting Test
Authors: Pavlikova Barbora , Breburdova Martina , Krcma Michal , Kriz Miroslav , Kasparek Jan , Rusavy Zdenek
Published: May 2024

Background: Successful conversion from insulin therapy to glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) with basal insulin in well-controlled patients has already been demonstrated. However, the data concerning individuals with poor glycaemic control are scarce. The aim of this work was to assess the success rate of insulin therapy to liraglutide transition in poorly controlled diabetes in a real-world clinical setting and to define predictors of success. We are the first to present the method of a fasting test as a way to identify the patients at higher risk of failure after treatment de-intensification. Methods: The retrospective observational study analyzed data of 62 poorly controlled obese diabetic patients on high-dose insulin therapy, who were subjected to a 72 h fasting test during hospitalization and subsequently switched to liraglutide ± basal insulin therapy. During the fasting, all antidiabetic treatment was discontinued. Patients were classified as responders if they remained on GLP-1RA treatment after 12 months. Non-responders restarted the basal-bolus insulin (BBI) regimen. Development of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight in both groups, alongside with parameters associated with the higher risk of return to the BBI regimen, were analyzed. Results: A total of 71% of patients were switched successfully (=responders). Responders had more significant improvement in HbA1c (−6.4 ± 19.7 vs. −3.4 ± 22.9 mmol/mol) and weight loss (−4.6 ± 7.1 vs. −2.5 ± 4.0). Statistically significant difference between groups was found in initial HbA1c (75.6 ± 17.9 vs. 90.5 ± 23.6; p = 0.04), total daily dose of insulin (67.6 ± 36.4 vs. 90.8 ± 32.4; p = 0.02), and mean glycaemia during the fasting test (6.9 ± 1.7 vs. 8.6 ± 2.2 mmol/L; p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study confirms that therapy de-intensification in poorly controlled patients with a BBI regimen is possible. Higher baseline HbA1c, total daily insulin dose, and mean glucose during fasting test are negative predictive factors of successful therapy de-escalation.
Haematococcus lacustris Carotenogensis: A Historical Event of Primary to Secondary Adaptations to Earth’s Oxygenation
Authors: Qu Cui Lan , Jin Hui , Zhang Bing , Chen Wei Jian , Zhang Yang , Xu Yuan Yuan , Wang Rui , Lao Yong Min
Published: May 2024

(1) Background: Oxygen has exerted a great effect in shaping the environment and driving biological diversity in Earth’s history. Green lineage has evolved primary and secondary carotenoid biosynthetic systems to adapt to Earth’s oxygenation, e.g., Haematococcus lacustris, which accumulates the highest amount of secondary astaxanthin under stresses. The two systems are controlled by lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE) and β-cyclase (LCYB), which leave an important trace in Earth’s oxygenation. (2) Objectives: This work intends to disclose the underlying molecular evolutionary mechanism of Earth’s oxygenation in shaping green algal carotenogensis with a special focus on lycopene cyclases. (3) Methods: The two kinds of cyclases were analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis, phylogeny, divergence time and functional divergence. (4) Results: Green lineage LCYEs appeared at ~1.5 Ga after the first significant appearance and accumulation of atmospheric oxygen, the so-called Great Oxygenation Event (GOE), from which LCYBs diverged by gene duplication. Bacterial β-bicyclases evolved from β-monocyclase. Enhanced catalytic activity accompanied evolutionary transformation from ε-/β-monocyclase to β-bicyclase. Strong positive selection occurred in green lineage LCYEs after the GOE and in algal LCYBs during the second oxidation, the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Event (NOE). Positively selected sites in the catalytic cavities of the enzymes controlled the mono-/bicyclase activity, respectively. Carotenoid profiling revealed that oxidative adaptation has been wildly preserved in evolution. (5) Conclusions: the functionalization of the two enzymes is a result of primary to secondary adaptations to Earth’s oxygenation.
The Pathophysiological Underpinnings of Gamma-Band Alterations in Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Palmisano Annalisa , Pandit Siddhartha , Smeralda Carmelo L. , Demchenko Ilya , Rossi Simone , Battelli Lorella , Rivolta Davide , Bhat Venkat , Santarnecchi Emiliano
Published: May 2024

Investigating the biophysiological substrates of psychiatric illnesses is of great interest to our understanding of disorders’ etiology, the identification of reliable biomarkers, and potential new therapeutic avenues. Schizophrenia represents a consolidated model of γ alterations arising from the aberrant activity of parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons, whose dysfunction is associated with perineuronal net impairment and neuroinflammation. This model of pathogenesis is supported by molecular, cellular, and functional evidence. Proof for alterations of γ oscillations and their underlying mechanisms has also been reported in bipolar disorder and represents an emerging topic for major depressive disorder. Although evidence from animal models needs to be further elucidated in humans, the pathophysiology of γ-band alteration represents a common denominator for different neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of this narrative review is to outline a framework of converging results in psychiatric conditions characterized by γ abnormality, from neurochemical dysfunction to alterations in brain rhythms.
Advancing in Cesium Retention: Application of Magnesium Phosphate Cement Composites
Authors: Gharsallah Sana , Khitouni Nawel , Mallah Abdulrahman , Alsawi Abdulrahman , Alluhayb Abdullah H. , Khitouni Mohamed , Charnay Clarence , Chemingui Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

A serious risk that harms the safe use of water and affects aquatic ecosystems is water pollution. This occurs when the water’s natural equilibrium is disrupted by an excessive amount of substances, both naturally occurring and as a byproduct of human activities, that have varied degrees of toxicity. Radiation from Cs isotopes, which are common components of radioactive waste and are known for their long half-lives (30 years), which are longer than the natural decay processes, is a major source of contamination. Adsorption is a commonly used technique for reducing this kind of contamination, and zeolite chabazite has been chosen as the best adsorbent for cesium in this particular situation. The purpose of this research is to investigate a composite material based on magnesium phosphate cement (MPC). Magnesium oxide (MgO), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4), and properly selected retarders are used to create the MPC. The optimal conditions for this composite material are investigated through the utilization of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, BET surface area analysis, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The principal aim is to enable innovations in the elimination of radioactive waste-contaminated water using effective cesium removal. The most promising results were obtained by using KH2PO4 as an acid, and MgO as a base, and aiming for an M/P ratio of two or four. Furthermore, we chose zeolite chabazite as a crucial component. The best adsorption abilities for Cs were found at Qads = 106.997 mg/g for S2 and Qads = 122.108 mg/g for S1. As a result, zeolite is an eco-friendly material that is a potential usage option, with many benefits, such as low prices, stability, and ease of regeneration and use.
Improving Material Flows in an Industrial Enterprise: A Comprehensive Case Study Analysis
Authors: Dulina Luboslav , Zuzik Jan , Furmannova Beata , Kukla Sławomir
Published: May 2024

The primary objective of this research endeavor was to devise an improved workplace design tailored to the demands of a digital factory environment. With the overarching aim of enhancing efficiency and productivity, a comprehensive proposal was formulated to improve layout configurations within the designated enterprise. The key focus lies in minimizing material transit across individual workstations, thereby mitigating potential bottlenecks and streamlining operations. Employing a structured workplace research framework, this study delved into material flow analysis techniques, augmented by the utilization of visTABLE software. While visTABLE served solely to visualize the work environment effectively, it played a crucial role in validating proposed solutions. Notably, the investigation yielded a discernible reduction in beam production time, marking a significant improvement of 10 min. These findings underscored the efficacy of the proposed solutions in addressing specific operational challenges faced by the company. Furthermore, this study facilitated a deeper understanding and visualization of the processes intrinsic to the digital factory environment. Elucidating workflow procedures at the workplace enabled stakeholders to identify areas for further improvement and refinement. In doing so, the research contributed to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of operations within the digital factory, paving the way for continued improvement and innovation in the field.
Experimental Study of Bluetooth Indoor Positioning Using RSS and Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Wu Chunxiang , Wong Ieok-Cheng , Wang Yapeng , Ke Wei , Yang Xu
Published: May 2024

Indoor wireless positioning has long been a dynamic field of research due to its broad application range. While many commercial products have been developed, they often are not open source or require substantial and costly infrastructure. Academically, research has extensively explored Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for positioning, yet there are a noticeable lack of studies that comprehensively compare traditional algorithms under these conditions. This research aims to fill this gap by evaluating classical positioning algorithms such as K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Weighted K-Nearest Neighbor (WKNN), Naïve Bayes (NB), and a Received Signal Strength-based Neural Network (RSS-NN) using BLE technology. We also introduce a novel method using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), specifically tailored to process RSS data structured in an image-like format. This approach helps overcome the limitations of traditional RSS fingerprinting by effectively managing the environmental dynamics within indoor settings. In our tests, all algorithms performed well, consistently achieving an average accuracy of less than two meters. Remarkably, the CNN method outperformed others, achieving an accuracy of 1.22 m. These results establish a solid basis for future research, particularly towards enhancing the precision of indoor positioning systems using deep learning for cost-effective, easy to set up applications.
A Modern Approach to the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Syzdykbayev Marat , Kazymov Maksut , Aubakirov Marat , Kurmangazina Aigul , Kairkhanov Ernar , Kazangapov Rustem , Bryzhakhina Zhanna , Imangazinova Saule , Sheinin Anton
Published: May 2024

Background: Traumatic brain injury manifests itself in various forms, ranging from mild impairment of consciousness to severe coma and death. Traumatic brain injury remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is no therapy to reverse the effects associated with traumatic brain injury. New neuroprotective treatments for severe traumatic brain injury have not achieved significant clinical success. Methods: A literature review was performed to summarize the recent interdisciplinary findings on management of traumatic brain injury from both clinical and experimental perspective. Results: In the present review, we discuss the concepts of traditional and new approaches to treatment of traumatic brain injury. The recent development of different drug delivery approaches to the central nervous system is also discussed. Conclusions: The management of traumatic brain injury could be aimed either at the pathological mechanisms initiating the secondary brain injury or alleviating the symptoms accompanying the injury. In many cases, however, the treatment should be complex and include a variety of medical interventions and combination therapy.