bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Exposure to Chlorinated Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants and Plasticizers in an Industrial Area of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Liu Yunlang , Zhu Tingting , Xie Zuoming , Deng Chen , Qi Xiujuan , Hu Rong , Wang Jinglin , Chen Jianyi
Published: March 2022

Human exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) is more pervasive in industrial areas manufacturing OPE-related products. OPE exposure is of great concern due to its associations with adverse health effects, while studies on OPE exposure in industrial districts are scarce. This study aimed to assess human exposure to OPEs in a typical industrial area producing large amounts of OPE-related products in Shenzhen, China. Tris (2-chloroethyl)-phosphate (TCEP), tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) and other common OPEs were analyzed in urine (n = 30) and plasma (n = 21) samples. Moreover, we measured five OPE metabolites (mOPEs) in plasma samples (n = 21). The results show that TCPP and TCEP are dominant compounds, with moderate to high levels compared with those reported in urine and plasma samples from other regions. In addition, di-n-butyl phosphate (DnBP) and diethyl phosphite (DEP) were frequently detected in plasma samples and could be considered as biomarkers. Risk assessment revealed a moderate to high potential health risk from TCEP exposure. Our results provide basic data for human exposure to OPEs in industrial areas and call for the prevention and mitigation of industrial chlorinated OPE pollution.
To Use or Not Use Car Sharing Mobility in the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic? Identifying Sharing Mobility Behaviour in Times of Crisis
Authors: Alonso-Almeida Maria del Mar
Published: March 2022

Car sharing services have expanded in order to meet the new necessities of mobility worldwide in an innovative way. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, car sharing was a very popular mode of transportation among young adults in big cities. However, during this ongoing pandemic and with public transportation considered a super-spreading transmitter, the usage of car sharing is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study, which is explorative in nature, is to investigate the usage, advantages, drivers, and barriers to car sharing during this ongoing pandemic era. To this end, 66 interviews were conducted among users of car sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings provide key information for the planning of car sharing operations and public transportation in the context of avoiding COVID-19 infection and respecting the recommendations of local governments. In addition, new emerging profiles of car sharing users in the ongoing pandemic are identified. This research provides relevant insights for both business practice and policy makers.
Salivary Morning Cortisol as a Potential Predictor for High Academic Stress Level in Dental Students: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nijakowski Kacper , Gruszczyński Dawid , Łaganowski Kacper , Furmańczak Jagoda , Brożek Alicja , Nowicki Marcin , Formanowicz Dorota , Surdacka Anna
Published: March 2022

Students experience different levels of acute and chronic stress during the academic year. Selected salivary biochemical parameters change as a result of stress. Our preliminary study aimed to indicate possible links between alterations in the salivary biochemical parameters (such as cortisol and total antioxidant status) and different accompanying stress levels in dental students during the academic year. The study group consisted of 20 volunteer dental students at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences—both genders, aged 20–26 years. Students were asked to fill in the electronic version of the author’s survey on experiencing and coping with stress. Samples of unstimulated saliva were collected in the morning and late evening at four-time points: in the middle of the academic year, during the examination period, at the beginning of the academic year, and in the middle of the following academic year, together with a determination of currently experienced stress on the Stress Numerical Rating Scale-11. According to the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, morning levels of the hormone in saliva were much higher than in the evening. In evening cortisol, significant differences were observed during the studied periods—the highest level was found at the beginning of the academic year. However, the morning cortisol concentrations correlated more strongly with the declared stress levels and showed better predictability for high-stress levels. Salivary morning cortisol could be a potential marker of academic stress levels. Further studies are needed on a larger group to confirm.
Phytoplankton Composition and Their Related Factors in Five Different Lakes in China: Implications for Lake Management
Authors: Jia Junmei , Chen Qiuwen , Ren Haidong , Lu Renjie , He Hui , Gu Peiwen
Published: March 2022

In this paper, two trophic lakes: Lake Taihu and Lake Yanghe, and three alpine lakes: Lake Qinghai, Lake Keluke, and Lake Tuosu, were investigated to discover the connections between environmental factors and the phytoplankton community in lakes with differences in trophic levels and climatic conditions. Three seasonal data, including water quality and phytoplankton, were collected from the five lakes. The results demonstrated clear differences in water parameters and phytoplankton compositions in different lakes. The phytoplankton was dominated by Bacillariophyta, followed by Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta in Lake Qinghai, Lake Keluke, and Lake Tuosu. It was dominated by Cyanobacteria (followed by Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta in Lake Yanghe) and Cyanobacteria (followed by Chlorophyta and Cryptophyta in Lake Taihu). The temperature was an essential factor favoring the growth of Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta, especially Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta. The pH had significantly negative relationships with Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta. Particularly, a high pH might be a strong and negative factor for phytoplankton growth in alpine lakes. A high salinity was also an adverse factor for phytoplankton. Those results could provide fundamental information about the phytoplankton community and their correlated factors in the alpine lakes of the Tibetan Plateau, contributing to the protection and management of alpine lakes.
Age, Cognitive Factors, and Acceptance of Living with the Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Short-Term Perspective
Authors: Pankowski Daniel , Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska Kinga , Pisula Ewa , Fal Andrzej , Kisiel Bartłomiej , Kamińska Ewa , Tłustochowicz Witold
Published: March 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and severe depressive symptoms. Theoretical models and research emphasize the importance of cognitive factors such as illness-related beliefs and cognitive appraisals in the process of adapting to life with a chronic disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the role of age, disease duration, and cognitive factors in the level of acceptance of life with rheumatoid arthritis and determine the factors responsible for short-term (one week) changes without the use of interventions. We also assessed differences in predictors between rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases, and diabetes. Methods: Data were collected using a panel study. The first part of the analysis included 83 participants who declared a medical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. In the second part of the analysis, in addition to people with rheumatoid arthritis (69 participants), two control groups were also included: diabetes (n = 26) and vascular disease (n = 26). The analysis examined basic sociodemographic and clinical data, cognitive appraisals, illness-related beliefs, and acceptance of living with the disease twice in one week. Results: The relationship between age and levels of acceptance of living with the disease was cubic, but the groups distinguished based on age and disease duration did not differ in terms of the analyzed variables. Cognitive appraisals (both baseline and changes over one week) were responsible for changes in acceptance of living with the disease, although other variables (sociodemographic, clinical, and illness-related beliefs) also played a role. The predictors of change in acceptance of living with the disease differed between analyzed diagnoses. Conclusions: Cognitive factors are an important aspect of the adaptation process to living with an illness. Potential clinical applications and future directions of research are discussed.
Associations between Patient-Reported and Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures in Patients after Traumatic Injuries of the Lower Limb
Authors: Bily Walter , Jauker Jakob , Nics Helena , Grote Vincent , Pirchl Michael , Fischer Michael J.
Published: March 2022

Both clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) measures and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are applied to evaluate outcomes in rehabilitation settings. The previous data show only a low to moderate correlation between these measures. Relationships between functional performance measures (Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures, CROMs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were analysed in rehabilitation patients with traumatic injuries of the lower limb. A cohort of 315 patients with 3 subgroups (127 hip, 101 knee and 87 ankle region) was analysed before and after 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. All three groups showed significant improvements in PROMs with low to moderate effect sizes. Moderate to high effect sizes were found for CROMs. Correlation coefficients between CROMs and PROMs were low to moderate. The performance consistency between PROMs and CROMs ranged from 56.7% to 64.1%. In this cohort of rehabilitation patients with traumatic injuries, CROMs showed higher effect sizes than PROMs. When used in combination, patient-reported outcome and performance measures contribute to collecting complementary information, enabling the practitioner to make a more accurate clinical evaluation of the patient’s condition.
Optimizing the Sampling Area across an Old-Growth Forest via UAV-Borne Laser Scanning, GNSS, and Radial Surveying
Authors: Sferlazza Sebastiano , Maltese Antonino , Dardanelli Gino , La Mela Veca Donato Salvatore
Published: March 2022

Aboveground biomass, volume, and basal area are among the most important structural attributes in forestry. Direct measurements are cost-intensive and time-consuming, especially for old-growth forests exhibiting a complex structure over a rugged topography. We defined a methodology to optimize the plot size and the (total) sampling area, allowing for structural attributes with a tolerable error to be estimated. The plot size was assessed by analyzing the semivariogram of a CHM model derived via UAV laser scanning, while the sampling area was based on the calculation of the absolute relative error as a function of allometric relationships. The allometric relationships allowed the structural attributes from trees’ height to be derived. The validation was based on the positioning of a number of trees via total station and GNSS surveys. Since high trees occlude the GNSS signal transmission, a strategy to facilitate the positioning was to fix the solution using the GLONASS constellation alone (showing the highest visibility during the survey), and then using the GPS constellation to increase the position accuracy (up to PDOP~5−10). The tree heights estimated via UAV laser scanning were strongly correlated (r2 = 0.98, RMSE = 2.80 m) with those measured in situ. Assuming a maximum absolute relative error in the estimation of the structural attribute (20% within this work), the proposed methodology allowed the portion of the forest surface (≤60%) to be sampled to be quantified to obtain a low average error in the calculation of the above mentioned structural attributes (≤13%).
Impact of Melatonin Deficit on Emotional Status and Oxidative Stress-Induced Changes in Sphingomyelin and Cholesterol Level in Young Adult, Mature, and Aged Rats
Authors: Tchekalarova Jana , Nenchovska Zlatina , Kortenska Lidia , Uzunova Veselina , Georgieva Irina , Tzoneva Rumiana
Published: March 2022

The pineal gland regulates the aging process via the hormone melatonin. The present report aims to evaluate the effect of pinealectomy (pin) on behavioral and oxidative stress-induced alterations in cholesterol and sphingomyelin (SM) levels in young adult, mature and aging rats. Sham and pin rats aged 3, 14 and 18 months were tested in behavioral tests for motor activity, anxiety, and depression. The ELISA test explored oxidative stress parameters and SM in the hippocampus, while total cholesterol was measured in serum via a commercial autoanalyzer. Mature and aged sham rats showed low motor activity and increased anxiety compared to the youngest rats. Pinealectomy affected emotional responses, induced depressive-like behavior, and elevated cholesterol levels in the youngest rats. However, removal of the pineal gland enhanced oxidative stress by diminishing antioxidant capacity and increasing the MDA level, and decreased SM level in the hippocampus of 14-month-old rats. Our findings suggest that young adult rats are vulnerable to emotional disturbance and changes in cholesterol levels resulting from melatonin deficiency. In contrast, mature rats with pinealectomy are exposed to an oxidative stress-induced decrease in SM levels in the hippocampus.
Production and Stabilization of Specific Upregulated Long Noncoding RNA HOXD-AS2 in Glioblastomas Are Mediated by TFE3 and miR-661, Respectively
Authors: Qin Yiming , Qi Yingjiao , Zhang Xin , Guan Zhiang , Han Wei , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: March 2022

Differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) plays a key role in the development of gliomas. Because gliomas are the most common primary central nervous system tumor and glioblastomas have poor prognosis, it is urgent to develop new diagnostic methods. We have previously reported that lncRNA HOXD-AS2, which is specifically up-regulated in gliomas, can activate cell cycle and promote the development of gliomas. It is expected to be a new marker for molecular diagnosis of gliomas, but little is known about HOXD-AS2. Here, we demonstrate that TFE3 and miR-661 maintain the high expression level of HOXD-AS2 by regulating its production and degradation. We found that TFE3 acted as a transcription factor binding to the HOXD-AS2 promoter region and raised H3K27ac to activate HOXD-AS2. As the cytoplasmic-located lncRNA, HOXD-AS2 could be degraded by miR-661. This process was inhibited in gliomas due to the low expression of miR-661. Our study explains why HOXD-AS2 was specifically up-regulated in gliomas, helps to understand the molecular characteristics of gliomas, and provids insights for the search for specific markers in gliomas.
An Exploratory Study of Electronic Word-of-Mouth Focused on Casino Hotels in Las Vegas and Macao
Authors: Tang Mengying , Kim Hak-Seon
Published: March 2022

In order to investigate the key attributes of casino hotel customer eWOM and their structural relationships, this study selects two casino hotels located in Las Vegas and Macao. Through big data analytics, online reviews of two casino hotels from Google Travel were utilized. The frequency and CONCOR analyses showed the top 50 high-frequency words for each hotel and divided them into groups. The results of the factor analysis and linear regression analysis show that four factors, namely “Physical Environment”, “Entertainment”, “Experience”, and “Amenity”, in Las Vegas have a significant impact on customer satisfaction, while two factors, namely “Value” and “Physical Environment”, do in Macao. Through the results, the study points out the general characteristics affecting customer satisfaction of casino hotels, as well as the distinctions in influencing factors of their customer satisfaction in different source markets.
Recognition of Biological Tissue Denaturation Based on Improved Multiscale Permutation Entropy and GK Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Peng Ziqi , Zhang Xian , Cao Jing , Liu Bei
Published: March 2022

Recognition of biological tissue denaturation is a vital work in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy. Multiscale permutation entropy (MPE) is a nonlinear signal processing method for feature extraction, widely applied to the recognition of biological tissue denaturation. However, the typical MPE cannot derive a stable entropy due to intensity information loss during the coarse-graining process. For this problem, an improved multiscale permutation entropy (IMPE) is proposed in this work. IMPE is obtained through refining and reconstructing MPE. Compared with MPE, the IMPE overcomes the deficiency of amplitude information loss due to the coarse-graining process when computing signal complexity. Through the simulation of calculating MPE and IMPE from white Gaussian noise, it is found that the entropy derived by IMPE is more stable than that derived by MPE. The processing method based on IMPE feature extraction is applied to the experimental ultrasonic scattered echo signals in HIFU treatment. Support vector machine and Gustafson–Kessel fuzzy clustering based on MPE and IMPE feature extraction are also used for biological tissue denaturation classification and recognition. The results calculated from the different combination algorithms show that the recognition of biological tissue denaturation based on IMPE-GK clustering is more reliable with the accuracy of 95.5%.
Identification of Bots and Cyborgs in the #FeesMustFall Campaign
Authors: Khan Yaseen , Thakur Surendra , Obiyemi Obiseye , Adetiba Emmanuel
Published: March 2022

Bots (social robots) are computer programs that replicate human behavior in online social networks. They are either fully automated or semi-automated, and their use makes online activism vulnerable to manipulation. This study examines the existence of social robots in the #FeesMustFall movement by conducting a scientific investigation into whether social bots were present in the form of Twitter bots and cyborgs. A total of 576,823 tweets posted between 15 October 2015 and 10 April 2017 were cleaned, with 490,449 tweets analyzed for 90,783 unique persons. Three separate approaches were used to screen out suspicious bot and cyborg activity, supplemented by the DeBot team’s methodology. User 1 and User 2, two of the 90,783 individuals, were recognized as bots or cyborgs in the study and contributed 22,413 (4.57 percent) of the 490,449 tweets. This confirms the existence of bots throughout the campaign, which aided in the #FeesMustFall’s amplification on Twitter, complicating sentiment analysis and invariably making it the most popular and lengthiest hashtag campaign in Africa, particularly at the time of data collection.
Low-Temperature and Additive-Free Synthesis of Spherical MIL-101(Cr) with Enhanced Dye Adsorption Performance
Authors: Zhao Tian , Zhu Hexin , Dong Ming , Zou Minmin , Tang Songfan , Luo Mingliang , Li Xianggang
Published: March 2022

The chromium-benzenedicarboxylate metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-101(Cr), is one of the most well-investigated and widely used prototypical MOFs. Regarding its synthesis, the use of a toxic modulator (usually HF) and high reaction temperature (220 °C) are the main factors hindering its further expansion of production and utilization. In fact, high quality MIL-101(Cr) crystals can be prepared at a much lower temperature (160 °C) with spherical morphology via an additive-free approach. Compared to traditional octahedral MIL-101(Cr), the spherical MIL-101(Cr) possesses higher adsorption performance toward dye molecules, including methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine B (RB). The results suggest that toxic additives and high reaction temperatures are not essential in the synthesis of MIL-101(Cr), and the fabrication of spherical MIL-101(Cr) may offer a facile and effective pathway for the large-scale industrial application of MIL-101(Cr).
Bimetallic Copper-Silver Systems Supported on Natural Clinoptilolite: Long-Term Changes in Nanospecies’ Composition and Stability
Authors: Rodríguez-Iznaga Inocente , Petranovskii Vitalii , Chávez-Rivas Fernando , Shelyapina Marina G.
Published: March 2022

Long-term changes in species of copper-silver bimetallic systems on natural clinoptilolite obtained by ion exchange of Cu2+ and Ag+ and then reduced at different temperatures were studied. Even after storage under ambient conditions, XRD and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicate the presence of nanospecies and larger particles of reduced copper and silver. Scanning electron microscopy of aged bimetallic samples, reduced at the highest temperature (450 °C) and the pristine sample for their preparation, also aged, showed the presence of silver particles with a size of about 100 nm. They are formed in the initial ion-exchanged sample (without reduction) due to the degradation of Ag+ ions. The particles in the reduced sample are larger; in both samples they are evenly distributed over the surface. The presence of silver affects the stability and the mechanism of decomposition/oxidation of reduced copper species, and this stability is higher in bimetallic systems. The decomposition pattern of recently reduced species includes the formation of smaller nanoparticles and few-atomic clusters. This can occur, preceding the complete oxidation of Cu to ions. Quasicolloidal silver, which is present in fresh bimetallic samples reduced at lower temperatures, transforms after aging into Ag8 clusters, which indicates the stability of these nanospecies on natural clinoptilolite.
ddRAD Sequencing Identifies Pesticide Resistance-Related Loci and Reveals New Insights into Genetic Structure of Bactericera cockerelli as a Plant Pathogen Vector
Authors: Kiani Mahnaz , Fu Zhen , Szczepaniec Adrianna
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Many hemipteran insects transmit plant pathogens that cause devastating crop diseases, while pest management frequently relies primarily on insecticide applications. These intense insecticide applications lead to the development of insecticide resistance, as was the case for potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae), a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, which causes zebra chip disease in potato. (2) Methods: Here, we use double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) to genotype eight psyllid populations (one susceptible and seven resistant to neonicotinoid insecticides). (3) Results: Association tests identified over 400 loci that were strongly segregated between susceptible and resistant populations. Several loci were located within genes involved in insecticide resistance, gene regulation, fertility, and development. Moreover, we explored the genetic structure of these eight populations and discovered that routinely utilized haplotyping was not an accurate predictor of population structure. Pairwise comparisons of the fixation index (FST) of populations of the same haplotype were not different from pairwise FST of populations that belonged to different haplotypes. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that neonicotinoid insecticide resistance has a genetic basis, most likely as a result of similar selection pressure. Furthermore, our results imply that using a single maternally inherited gene marker to designate genetic lineages for potato psyllids should be re-evaluated.
Use of Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table to Compare the Fitness of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Northern and Southern Host Fruits in China
Authors: Zhu Yanfei , Qi Fangjian , Tan Xiumei , Zhang Tong , Teng Ziwen , Fan Yinjun , Wan Fanghao , Zhou Hongxu
Published: March 2022

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), as a quarantine pest in many countries and regions, has shown a trend of northward diffusion in the past century in China. In order to determine whether B. dorsalis will cause great harm to the dominant northern fruits, the age-stage two-sex life tables of peaches and apples were constructed, with oranges as the control. The results showed that the developmental rate, intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) on oranges and peaches were significantly greater than on apples. Additionally, the prediction of population growth 90 days after oviposition revealed that the whole population on oranges and peaches increased by 13,667.3 and 12,112.1 times, respectively, indicating that B. dorsalis is very likely to endanger peach orchards. The population increased on apples by 4311 times, though this is lower than that on oranges and peaches. Overall, peaches with high fitness similar to oranges are very suitable as a host for B. dorsalis and are likely to become a new favorable host, while apples may also become a potentially new host, though with lower fitness. Therefore, the most pressing solutions to take are population monitoring, comprehensive prevention, and control in the case of any potential large-scale outbreak of B. dorsalis in northern China.
Intersexual Differences in Behaviour and Resource Use of Specialist Phengaris teleius Butterflies
Authors: Popović Miloš , Golubović Ana , Nowicki Piotr
Published: March 2022

Although the behaviour of the Large Blue butterflies of the genus Phengaris (= Maculinea) is relatively well studied, most empirical data come from investigations of their dispersal and oviposition. Here, we assessed overall intersexual differences in resource use by tracking Phengaris teleius (Bergsträsser, 1779) individuals and recording the duration of their behaviours. Females were characterised by frequent, short flights, and devoted more time to resting and oviposition. Males engaged in numerous, but usually short interactions, and spent most of the time in flight exploring their surroundings for receptive females. Their average flight time was significantly longer compared to females. Average feeding time did not differ between the sexes but was shorter when butterflies were feeding on Sanguisorba officinalis L. Intraspecific interactions within P. teleius were three times longer than those with other insect species, and interactions between sexes were particularly long lasting. Significantly shorter interspecific interactions imply that butterflies can easily recognise conspecifics and differentiate between sexes, which offers obvious fitness benefits. Both sexes, but especially females, showed strong association with their larval host plant, and less so with other flowers of similar colour and shape. Females predominantly used their host plant for feeding, which possibly indicates neuro-sensory constraints towards this resource.
Numerical Investigation of Winglet Aerodynamics and Dimple Effect of NACA 0017 Airfoil for a Freight Aircraft
Authors: Lewthwaite Matthew Thomas , Amaechi Chiemela Victor
Published: March 2022

Drag reduction is an ever-present challenge within the aeronautical engineering industry. This paper presents two substantial wing modifications: the addition of a winglet of a freighter aircraft and a dimpled wing on the NACA 0017 aerofoils. Studies on nine (9) different geometries of dimpled aerofoils were performed against a control model of an aerofoil without any dimple. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed using two (2) commercial CFD platforms. This paper also explored two novel solutions of aircraft optimisation to mitigate the effects of drag and leading-edge pressure, while increasing the effect of lift. The optimised performance model of a freighter aircraft increased its aerodynamic efficiency. The study found that at take-off velocity of 82 m/s, winglets decreased pressure on the wing by 16.31%, through flow redirection and better flow integration into aerofoils wake. The study also analysed the separation layer and its effect through the appropriate use of the dimple effect. Increased lift effects were observed on a NACA 0017 aerofoil. Despite the low increase in drag of 6% from the modifications, the resultant L/D ratio was highly increased. This study also faced some challenges with validating the model. Hence some validation approaches were taken, and some other approaches suggested for future studies.
Postoperative Pain and Clinical Outcome Following Two- and Three-Port Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Authors: Fung Stephen , Jaber Kefah , Kivilis Marius , Rehders Alexander , Schauer Anja , Dizdar Levent , Knoefel Wolfram-Trudo
Published: March 2022

Background: Two-port (2P) and three-port (3P) video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) are well-established surgical methods for the treatment of complicated spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). However, a comparison between both techniques, in terms of clinical outcomes in patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP), is unreported. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare postoperative pain, as well as clinical outcome, following 2P and 3P VATS for SSP in our institution. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2020, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 115 SSP patients treated by VATS in our institution. Fifty-two patients underwent 2P-VATS, while 63 patients were treated by 3P-VATS. The total dose of analgesic use per stay (opioid and non-opioid), length of hospital stay (LOS), operation time, total area of pleurectomy, recurrence rates and postoperative complications were compared between both groups. Results: The 3P-VATS group had a significantly higher total dose of analgesic use compared with the 2P-VATS patients. The LOS and mean operation time were significantly shorter in the 2P-VATS group. A larger area of pleurectomy was resected using 3P-VATS compared to 2P-VATS. The postoperative complications and recurrence of SSP during a median follow-up period of 76.5 months were similar in both groups. Conclusion: 2P-VATS is a safe surgical technique. It is associated with a short LOS and less postoperative pain, and, thus, low analgesic use.
Different Kinetics of HBV-DNA and HBsAg in HCV Coinfected Patients during DAAs Therapy
Authors: Colombatto Piero , Palmisano Elena , Ricco Gabriele , Cavallone Daniela , Oliveri Filippo , Coco Barbara , Salvati Antonio , Romagnoli Veronica , Surace Lidia , Vatteroni Marialinda , Pistello Mauro , Virdis Agostino , Bonino Ferruccio , Brunetto Maurizia Rossana
Published: March 2022

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) may induce hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivations in co-infected patients, whose dynamics and outcomes could depend on the phase of HBV infection. We investigated HBsAg and HBV-DNA kinetics in fifteen untreated HBeAg Negative Infection (ENI) (4F-11M, 62.1y) and eight Nucleos(t)ide Analogs (NAs) treated Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) (3F-6M, 54.8y) with HCV co-infection, receiving DAAs-regimens including Sofosbuvir (13) or not (10). All achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) and normalized alanine-aminotransferase (ALT). At the direct acting antivirals’ (DAAs) baseline (BL), the HBV-DNA was undetectable (<6 IU/mL) in eight ENI and all CHB, the mean Log-HBsAg was lower in ENI than CHB (0.88 vs. 2.42, p = 0.035). During DAAs, HBV-DNA increased in untreated ENI by >1 Log in five and became detectable in two. Accordingly, mean BL Log-HBV-DNA (0.89) increased at week-4 (1.78; p = 0.100) and at the end of therapy (1.57; p = 0.104). Mean Log-HBsAg decreased at week-4 in ENI (from 0.88 to 0.55; p = 0.020) and CHB (from 2.42 to 2.15; p = 0.015). After DAAs, the HBsAg returned to pre-treatment levels in CHB, but not in ENI (six cleared HBsAg). Female gender and SOF were associated with a greater HBsAg decline. In conclusion, HBV reactivations during DAAs in HCV co-infected ENI caused moderate increases of HBV-DNA without ALT elevations. The concomitant HBsAg decline, although significant, did not modify individual pre-treatment profiles.
Adverse Events Associated with BNT162b2 and AZD1222 Vaccines in the Real World: Surveillance Report in a Single Italian Vaccine Center
Authors: Costantino Maria , Sellitto Carmine , Conti Valeria , Corbi Graziamaria , Marongiu Francesco , Genovese Giovanni , Moccia Giuseppina , Capunzo Mario , Borrelli Anna , Pagliano Pasquale , Farroni Mario , Lombardi Grazia Maria , Elberti Maria Giovanna , Filippelli Amelia , De Caro Francesco
Published: March 2022

Aim: Despite huge efforts in developing specific drugs, vaccination represents the only effective strategy against COVID-19. Efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines were established during clinical trials. Nonetheless, it is very important to perform continuous surveillance. This observational study aimed to report potential Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) following the first dose of two different COVID-19 vaccines, BNT162b2 and AZD1222. Methods and Results: Subjects who underwent vaccination at the vaccine center of the University Hospital of Salerno, Italy, were interviewed using an ad hoc questionnaire. AZD-vac group (n = 175) who received AZD1222 had a higher number of AEFI than the BNT-vac group (n = 1613) who received BNT162b2 (83% vs. 42%). The most frequent AEFI associated with AZD1222 and BNT162b2 were fever and pain at the injection site, respectively. The AZD-vac group used drugs to contrast AEFI more frequently than the BNT-vac group. In the BNT-vac group, there was a higher incidence of AEFI in women than in men (26.2% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.01), while no gender-related difference was observed in the AZD-vac group. Conclusions: AZD1222 and BNT162b2 vaccines show a good safety profile. Based on our results and literature data, there are no reasons to justify the reluctance that persists towards immunization.
Real-World Efficacy of Regdanvimab on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19
Authors: Kim Taeyun , Joo Dong-Hyun , Lee Seung Woo , Lee Jaejun , Lee Sang Jin , Kang Jihun
Published: March 2022

Background: This study aims to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of regdanvimab on clinical outcomes in patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This retrospective observational study included 152 patients (89 received regdanvimab and 63 did not) diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19 between August 2021 and October 2021 and admitted to Armed Forces Goyang Hospital. We collected information on the use of regdanvimab, remdesivir, dexamethasone, and supplemental oxygen; symptom severity score (SSS); and laboratory test results. A linear mixed-effects model was used to test the effectiveness of regdanvimab usage on SSS and the results of laboratory tests. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for additional therapeutic options, such as remdesivir, dexamethasone, and supplemental oxygen. Results: The patients who received regdanvimab were older, showed a higher rate of vaccination, and had a higher Charlson comorbidity index, initial body temperature, and percentages of pneumonia at admission. The use of regdanvimab showed no interactive effects on the SSS and laboratory findings. Older age, male sex, obesity, high initial body temperature, and the presence of pneumonia at admission were associated with increased ORs for the use of these additional treatments. The use of regdanvimab reduced the probability of requiring additional therapies such as remdesivir, dexamethasone, and oxygen supplementation by 90.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 60.3–97.6), 85.8% (95% CI, 34.2–96.9), and 89.8% (95% CI, 48.3–98), respectively. Conclusions: Regdanvimab usage was well tolerated and was associated with a decreased probability of requiring remdesivir, dexamethasone, and oxygen therapy. However, changes in SSS were not significantly different by the drug usage.
Breast Cancer and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Mauro Emanuela , Lucà Fabiana , Tetta Cecilia , Parise Orlando , Parrini Iris , Parise Gianmarco , Rao Carmelo Massimiliano , Matteucci Francesco , Micali Linda Renata , Gulizia Michele Massimo , La Meir Mark , Gelsomino Sandro
Published: March 2022

This study aims to establish the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in breast cancer (BC) patients, focusing on staging and anti-cancer treatment. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the incidence of AF in BC patients and compare this incidence to other cancers. Furthermore, we evaluated the occurrence of AF as an adverse effect of biological therapies vs. non-biological therapies vs. biological therapies + non-biological therapies in BC. Finally, we compared the incidence of AF in early BC and metastatic BC. Thirty studies were included. Twenty-two studies focused on BC, encompassing 166,271 patients. In the BC group, 2.7% of patients developed AF, while in the “all cancer” group, 5.8% of patients developed AF. In addition, there was no difference between different types of therapies (p = 0.61) and between early and metastatic BC (p = 0.57). The type of anti-cancer therapy and the staging of BC does not influence AF’s occurrence in this neoplastic disease.
Procedural Outcomes in Patients Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Interventions within Chronic Total Occlusions Stratified by Gender
Authors: Siudak Zbigniew , Bryniarski Leszek , Malinowski Krzysztof Piotr , Wańha Wojciech , Wojakowski Wojciech , Surowiec Sławomir , Balan Robert , Januszek Sławomir , Pawlik Artur , Siwiec Natalia , Bryniarski Krzysztof , Surdacki Andrzej , Legutko Jacek , Bartuś Krzysztof , Bartuś Stanisław , Januszek Rafał
Published: March 2022

It has been demonstrated that gender differences are related to different procedural and long-term clinical outcomes among a general patient population treated using percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The objective of our analysis was to conduct assessment regarding the relationship between gender and procedural outcomes in patients treated for PCI regarding chronic total occlusions (CTO), based on a large, real-life registry. Data used to conduct the following analysis was derived from the national registry of percutaneous coronary interventions (ORPKI), upheld in co-operation with the Association of Cardiovascular Interventions (AISN) of the Polish Cardiac Society. The study involved data procured from the registry within the period from January 2014 to December 2020. All subsequent CTO procedures recorded in the registry during that period were included in the analysis. We assessed the correlation between gender and the overall rate of periprocedural complications, procedure-related mortality, and success evaluated as TIMI flow grade 3 after the procedure by univariate and multivariable modeling. At the time of conducting our investigation, there were 162 existing and active CathLabs, at which 747,033 PCI procedures were carried out during the observational period. Of those, 14,903 (1.99%) were CTO-PCI procedures, and 3726 were women (25%). The percentage share between genders did not experience any significant changes during the consecutive years observed in the current analysis. Overall periprocedural complication rate was greater among women than men (3.45% vs. 2.31%, p = 0.02). A comparable relationship was noted for procedural mortality (0.7% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.006), while procedural success occurred more often in the case of women (69.3% vs. 65.2%, p < 0.001). Women were found to be more frequently affected by periprocedural complications (OR = 1.553; 95%CI: 1.212–1.99, p < 0.001) as well as procedural success (OR = 1.294; 95%CI: 1.151–1.454, p < 0.001), evaluated using multivariable models. Based on the current analysis performed on all-comer patients treated using PCI in CTO, women are affected by more frequent procedural complication occurrence as well as greater procedural success compared to men.
TMAO and Gut Microbial-Derived Metabolites TML and γBB Are Not Associated with Thrombotic Risk in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Canyelles Marina , Plaza Melania , Rotllan Noemí , Llobet Dolors , Julve Josep , Mojal Sergi , Diaz-Ricart Maribel , Soria José Manuel , Escolà-Gil Joan Carles , Tondo Mireia , Blanco-Vaca Francisco , Souto Joan Carles
Published: March 2022

Background: The present work evaluates the association between circulating concentrations of Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), gamma butyrobetaine (γBB), and trimetyllisine (TML) in controls and patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) with coagulation parameters. Methods: The study involved 54 VTE patients and 57 controls. Platelet function, platelet hyperreactivity, platelet adhesiveness, thrombosis-associated parameters, and thrombin generation parameters were studied. Plasma TMAO, γBB, and TML determination was performed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled with mass spectrometry. Results: No differences were found for TMAO, γBB, or TML concentrations between controls and VTE patients. In thrombin generation tests, TMAO, γBB, and TML showed a positive correlation with lag time and time to peak. TMAO, γBB, and TML negatively correlated with peak height. No significant differences were observed regarding TMAO, γBB, and TML concentrations between the two blood withdrawals, nor when the control and VTE patients were analyzed separately. No correlation was observed between these gut metabolites and platelet function parameters. Conclusions: No differences were found regarding TMAO, γBB, and TML concentrations between the control and VTE groups. Some correlations were found; however, they were mild or went in the opposite direction of what would be expected if TMAO and its derivatives were related to VTE risk.
Associations of Depressive Symptoms and Cognition in the FINGER Trial: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Neuvonen Elisa , Lehtisalo Jenni , Ngandu Tiia , Levälahti Esko , Antikainen Riitta , Hänninen Tuomo , Laatikainen Tiina , Lindström Jaana , Paajanen Teemu , Soininen Hilkka , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Kivipelto Miia , Solomon Alina
Published: March 2022

Depression and cognition are associated, but the role of depressive symptoms in lifestyle interventions to prevent dementia needs further study. We investigated the intervention effect on depressive symptoms and their associations with cognition in the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER; NCT01041989), a two-year multidomain lifestyle trial. One thousand two-hundred and sixty individuals (60–77 years) at risk for dementia were randomised into a multidomain intervention (diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular/metabolic risk monitoring) or control group (regular health advice). Depressive symptoms (Zung scale) and cognition (modified Neuropsychological Test Battery) were evaluated at baseline, 12, and 24 months. One thousand one-hundred and twenty-five participants had baseline Zung data. Mean Zung score decreased 0.73 (SD 5.6) points in the intervention and 0.36 (5.6) points in the control group, with nonsignificant between-group difference (group × time coefficient −0.006, 95% CI −0.019 to 0.007). Overall, higher baseline Zung score was associated with less improvement in global cognition (−0.140, p = 0.005) and memory (−0.231, p = 0.005). Participants with clinically significant baseline depressive symptoms (Zung ≥ 40 points) had less intervention benefit to executive functioning (group × time × Zung −0.096, 95% CI −0.163 to −0.028). Change in Zung score was not associated with change in cognition. Clinically significant depressive symptoms warrant more attention when designing dementia-prevention interventions.
Cardioprotective Properties of Humoral Factors Released after Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in CABG Patients with Propofol-Free Anesthesia—A Translational Approach from Bedside to Bench
Authors: Feige Katharina , Torregroza Carolin , Gude Milena , Maddison Patrick , Stroethoff Martin , Roth Sebastian , Lurati Buse Giovanna , Hollmann Markus W. , Huhn Ragnar
Published: March 2022

The cardioprotective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is well detectable in experimental studies but not in clinical trials. Propofol, a commonly used sedative, is discussed to negatively influence the release of humoral factors after RIPC. Further, results from experimental and clinical trials suggest various comorbidities interact with inducible cardioprotective properties of RIPC. In the present study, we went back from bedside to bench to investigate, in male patients undergoing CABG surgery, whether (1) humoral factors are released after RIPC during propofol-free anesthesia and/or (2) DM interacts with plasma factor release. Blood samples were taken from male patients with and without DM undergoing CABG surgery before (control) and after RIPC (RIPC). To investigate the release of cardioprotective humoral factors into the plasma, isolated perfused hearts of young rats (n = 5 per group) were used as a bioassay. The hearts were perfused with patients’ plasma without (Con) and with RIPC (RIPC) for 10 min (1% of coronary flow) before global ischemia and reperfusion. In additional groups, the plasma of patients with DM was administered (Con DM, RIPC DM). Infarct size was determined by TTC staining. Propofol-free RIPC plasma of male patients without DM showed an infarct size of 59 ± 5% compared to 61 ± 13% with Con plasma (p = 0.973). Infarct sizes from patients with DM showed similar results (RIPC DM: 55 ± 3% vs. Con DM: 56 ± 4%; p = 0.995). The release of humoral factors into the blood after RIPC in patients receiving propofol-free anesthesia undergoing CABG surgery did not show any cardioprotective properties independent of a pre-existing diabetes mellitus.
Prognostic Factors Associated with Recovery from Recurrent Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Retrospective Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Jeon So Young , Kang Dae Woong , Kim Sang Hoon , Byun Jae Yong , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: March 2022

Although idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is uncommon, recurrent ISSNHL is even rarer. The knowledge about factors associated with patient recovery from recurrent episodes is needed to counsel and treat the patients. Medical records of patients admitted for high dose oral steroid therapy for recurrent ISSNHL between January 2009 and December 2021 were reviewed. Their demographic and clinical characteristics, co-morbid symptoms, and audiologic results were analyzed. The 38 patients admitted for treatment of recurrent ISSNHL included 14 men and 24 women. Recovery rates after the first and recurrent episodes of ISSNHL were 78.9% and 63.2%, respectively. Patients who recovered after recurrent episodes showed significantly higher rates of ear fullness symptoms and early treatment onset than those who did not recover (p < 0.05 each). Of the 30 patients who recovered after the first episode, those who had ear fullness symptoms (p < 0.05, odds ratio (OR) 0.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.76) and who showed a lower initial hearing threshold (p < 0.05, OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.12) during the recurrent episode showed significantly better or similar recovery than after the first episode. Ear fullness symptoms and less initial hearing loss were associated with a more favorable prognosis after intial than after recurrent ISSNHL.
The Gut Microbiome, Seleno-Compounds, and Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chiu Fu-Chun , Tsai Chin-Feng , Huang Pang-Shuo , Shih Ching-Yu , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Hwang Juey-Jen , Wang Yi-Chih , Chuang Eric Y. , Tsai Chia-Ti , Chang Sheng-Nan
Published: March 2022

Background: Gut microbiome alterations might be considered a metabolic disorder. However, the relationship between the microbiome and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been properly validated. Methods: The feces of 44 subjects (AMI: 19; control: 25) were collected for fecal genomic DNA extraction. The variable region V3–V4 of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The metabolite amounts were analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways. Results: The bacteria were more enriched in the AMI group both in the observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and faith phylogenetic diversity (PD) (p-value = 0.01 and <0.001 with 95% CI, individually). The Selenomonadales were less enriched in the AMI group at the family, genus, and species levels (all linear discriminant analysis (LDA) scores > 2). Seleno-compounds were more abundant in the AMI group at the family, genus, and species levels (all LDA scores > 2). Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate the association of Selenomonadales and seleno-compounds with the occurrence of AMI. Our findings provide an opportunity to identify a novel approach to prevent and treat AMI.