bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Factors That Influence a Quality Physical Education in Mexico: School Supervision’s Perspective
Authors: González-Rivas Ramón Alfonso , Núñez Enríquez Oscar , Zueck-Enríquez María del Carmen , Gastelum-Cuadras Gabriel , Ramírez-García Adrián Alonzo , López-Alonzo Salvador Jesús , Guedea-Delgado Julio César
Published: March 2022

Different international organizations have spoken out in favor of the value of physical activity in the integral development of children and adolescents, which is why different guidelines have been established for governments to facilitate quality Physical Education. In this sense, the objective of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the performance of PE teachers, from the perspective of pedagogical technical advisors and school district supervisors from various school zones from the State of Chihuahua. This was a transversal study, with a qualitative approach and phenomenological focus, which was chosen because it allows the understanding of these aspects from a unique and unrepeatable process; data collection was carried out through focus groups in which PE ATP supervisors participated and data were collaboratively analyzed. The main results indicated that Physical Education does not have the same importance as other subjects, a situation that is reflected in: constant curricular reforms, administrative inconsistencies, dependence on the school organization, and being seldom taken into account in decision-making. It was concluded that strict public policies are required to be applied uniformly throughout the country, as well as privilege Physical Education within the Basic Education curriculum in Mexico.
Semi-Automatic Systematic Literature Reviews and Information Extraction of COVID-19 Scientific Evidence: Description and Preliminary Results of the COKE Project
Authors: Golinelli Davide , Nuzzolese Andrea Giovanni , Sanmarchi Francesco , Bulla Luana , Mongiovì Misael , Gangemi Aldo , Rucci Paola
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of validated and updated scientific information to help policy makers, healthcare professionals, and the public. The speed in disseminating reliable information and the subsequent guidelines and policy implementation are also essential to save as many lives as possible. Trustworthy guidelines should be based on a systematic evidence review which uses reproducible analytical methods to collect secondary data and analyse them. However, the guidelines’ drafting process is time consuming and requires a great deal of resources. This paper aims to highlight the importance of accelerating and streamlining the extraction and synthesis of scientific evidence, specifically within the systematic review process. To do so, this paper describes the COKE (COVID-19 Knowledge Extraction framework for next generation discovery science) Project, which involves the use of machine reading and deep learning to design and implement a semi-automated system that supports and enhances the systematic literature review and guideline drafting processes. Specifically, we propose a framework for aiding in the literature selection and navigation process that employs natural language processing and clustering techniques for selecting and organizing the literature for human consultation, according to PICO (Population/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) elements. We show some preliminary results of the automatic classification of sentences on a dataset of abstracts related to COVID-19.
A Video Mapping Performance as an Innovative Tool to Bring to Life and Narrate a Pictorial Cycle
Authors: De Paolis Lucio Tommaso , Liaci Silvia , Sumerano Giada , De Luca Valerio
Published: March 2022

Video mapping is defined as a particular form of augmented reality capable of transforming any surface, flat or irregular, into a dynamic surface capable of enriching human sensory perception. Video mapping projections can become a medium to link the historical facts and the location by means of the valorisation of the monument and narration of its story through images and sounds. This paper aims to show how video mapping, beyond its purely technological aspect, can be linked to cultural heritage and represents a tool capable of becoming a mediator of culture, tradition, and legends. It is used to pass on and tell the legend of the foundation of the present Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia in Monopoli through the animation of the pictorial cycle by Nicolò Maria Signorile preserved in the church.
Non-Native Non-Apis Bees Are More Abundant on Non-Native Versus Native Flowering Woody Landscape Plants
Authors: Potter Daniel A. , Mach Bernadette M.
Published: March 2022

Urban ecosystems can support diverse communities of wild native bees. Because bloom times are conserved by geographic origin, incorporating some non-invasive non-native plants in urban landscapes can extend the flowering season and help support bees and other pollinators during periods when floral resources from native plants are limiting. A caveat, though, is the possibility that non-native plants might disproportionately host non-native, potentially invasive bee species. We tested that hypothesis by identifying all non-native bees among 11,275 total bees previously collected from 45 species of flowering woody landscape plants across 213 urban sites. Honey bees, Apis mellifera L., accounted for 22% of the total bees and 88.6% of the non-native bees in the collections. Six other non-native bee species, accounting for 2.86% of the total, were found on 16 non-native and 11 native woody plant species. Non-Apis non-native bees in total, and Osmia taurus Smith and Megachile sculpturalis (Smith), the two most abundant species, were significantly more abundant on non-native versus native plants. Planting of favored non-native hosts could potentially facilitate establishment and spread of non-Apis non-native bees in urban areas. Our host records may be useful for tracking those bees’ distribution in their introduced geographical ranges.
A Review of Entomopathogenic Nematodes as a Biological Control Agent for Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Nurashikin-Khairuddin Wan , Abdul-Hamid Siti Noor Aishikin , Mansor Mohammad Saiful , Bharudin Izwan , Othman Zulkefley , Jalinas Johari
Published: March 2022

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a severe pest of palm trees worldwide. The development and feeding activities of R. ferrugineus larvae inside the trunk damage palm trees. However, the absence of noticeable infestation signs at an early stage contributes to the spread of the attack. Integrated pest management (IPM) has been introduced to control R. ferrugineus infestation by implementing various approaches and techniques. The application of chemical pesticides has shown impressive results. However, biological control should be applied as an alternative solution due to adverse environmental impacts and pest resistance issues. One example is the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as biological control agents, which can forage and attack targeted pests without compromising the environment and other nontarget organisms. EPNs and their symbiotic bacteria have a mutualistic interaction that can kill the host within a short period of time. Therefore, this review emphasizes the effectiveness of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria against R. ferrugineus.
Sympatric Populations of the Anopheles gambiae Complex in Southwest Burkina Faso Evolve Multiple Diverse Resistance Mechanisms in Response to Intense Selection Pressure with Pyrethroids
Authors: Williams Jessica , Ingham Victoria A. , Morris Marion , Toé Kobié Hyacinthe , Hien Aristide S. , Morgan John C. , Dabiré Roch K. , Guelbéogo Wamdagogo Moussa , Sagnon N’Falé , Ranson Hilary
Published: March 2022

Pyrethroid resistance in the Anopheles vectors of malaria is driving an urgent search for new insecticides that can be used in proven vector control tools such as insecticide treated nets (ITNs). Screening for potential new insecticides requires access to stable colonies of the predominant vector species that contain the major pyrethroid resistance mechanisms circulating in wild populations. Southwest Burkina Faso is an apparent hotspot for the emergence of pyrethroid resistance in species of the Anopheles gambiae complex. We established stable colonies from larval collections across this region and characterised the resistance phenotype and underpinning genetic mechanisms. Three additional colonies were successfully established (1 An. coluzzii, 1 An. gambiae and 1 An. arabiensis) to add to the 2 An. coluzzii colonies already established from this region; all 5 strains are highly resistant to pyrethroids. Synergism assays found that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) exposure was unable to fully restore susceptibility although exposure to a commercial ITN containing PBO resulted in 100% mortality. All colonies contained resistant alleles of the voltage gated sodium channel but with differing proportions of alternative resistant haplotypes. RNAseq data confirmed the role of P450s, with CYP6P3 and CYP6Z2 elevated in all 5 strains, and identified many other resistance mechanisms, some found across strains, others unique to a particular species. These strains represent an important resource for insecticide discovery and provide further insights into the complex genetic changes driving pyrethroid resistance.
Functional Morphology of the Thorax of the Click Beetle Campsosternus auratus (Coleoptera, Elateridae), with an Emphasis on Its Jumping Mechanism
Authors: Ruan Yongying , Zhang Mengna , Kundrata Robin , Qiu Lu , Ge Siqin , Yang Xingke , Chen Xiaoqin , Jiang Shihong
Published: March 2022

We investigated and described the thoracic structures, jumping mechanism, and promesothoracic interlocking mechanism of the click beetle Campsosternus auratus (Drury) (Elateridae: Dendrometrinae). Two experiments were conducted to reveal the critical muscles and sclerites involved in the jumping mechanism. They showed that M2 and M4 are essential clicking-related muscles. The prosternal process, the prosternal rest of the mesoventrite, the mesoventral cavity, the base of the elytra, and the posterodorsal evagination of the pronotum are critical clicking-related sclerites. The destruction of any of these muscles and sclerites resulted in the loss of normal clicking and jumping ability. The mesonotum was identified as a highly specialized saddle-shaped biological spring that can store elastic energy and release it abruptly. During the jumping process of C. auratus, M2 contracts to establish and latch the clicking system, and M4 contracts to generate energy. The specialized thoracic biological springs (e.g., the prosternum and mesonotum) and elastic cuticles store and abruptly release the colossal energy, which explosively raises the beetle body in a few milliseconds. The specialized trigger muscle for the release of the clicking was not found; our study supports the theory that the triggering of the clicking is due to the building-up of tension (i.e., elastic energy) in the system.
Larval Morphological Adaptations of Leiodes cinnamomea (Panzer, 1793) (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Leiodinae)—Obligatory Feeder of Tuber Species
Authors: Kilian Aleksandra , Kadej Marcin , Cooter Jonathan , Harvey Deborah J.
Published: March 2022

Detailed redescription of morphology for three larval instars of truffle-feeder Leiodes cinnamomea, documented on scanning micrographs and illustrations, is provided. Systematic context, observations on biology and unique characteristics of larvae of the only well-described representative of Leiodini are discussed. Exoskeletal invaginations (pseudomycangia), granulation on the head and the median longitudinal row of sclerotized plates on tergites VII–IX—the unique structures among leiodid larvae—were confirmed, described and documented. A mosaic strategy for beetles living in ephemeral and in solid fungi is discussed.
Echocardiographic and Electrocardiographic Determinants of Atrial Cardiomyopathy Identify Patients with Atrial Fibrillation at Risk for Left Atrial Thrombogenesis
Authors: Huang Taiyuan , Patrick Schurr , Mayer Louisa Katharina , Müller-Edenborn Björn , Eichenlaub Martin , Allgeier Martin , Allgeier Jürgen , Lehrmann Heiko , Ahlgrim Christoph , Bohnen Marius , Schoechlin Simon , Trenk Dietmar , Jander Nikolaus , Neumann Franz Josef , Arentz Thomas , Jadidi Amir
Published: March 2022

Objective: Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) is associated with development of AF, left atrial (LA) thrombogenesis, and stroke. Diagnosis of ACM is feasible using both echocardiographic LA strain imaging and measurement of the amplified p-wave duration (APWD) in digital 12-lead-ECG. We sought to determine the thresholds of LA global longitudinal strain (LA-GLS) and APWD that identify patients with AF at risk for LA appendage (LAA) thrombogenesis. Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with a history of AF were included. Left atrial appendage maximal flow velocity (LAA-Vel, in TEE), LA-GLS (TTE), and APWD (digital 12-lead-ECG) were measured in all patients. ROC analysis was performed for each method to determine the thresholds for LA-GLS and the APWD, enabling diagnosis of patients with LAA-thrombus. Results: Significant differences in LA-GLS were found during both rhythms (SR and AF) between the thrombus group and control group: LA-GLS in SR: 14.3 ± 7.4% vs. 24.6 ± 9.0%, p < 0.001 and in AF: 11.4 ± 4.2% vs. 16.1 ± 5.0%, p = 0.045. ROC analysis revealed a threshold of 17.45% for the entire cohort (AUC 0.82, sensitivity: 84.6%, specificity: 63.6%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV): 94.3%) with additional rhythm-specific thresholds: 19.1% in SR and 13.9% in AF, and a threshold of 165 ms for APWD (AUC 0.90, sensitivity: 88.5%, specificity: 75.5%, NPV: 96.2%) as optimal discriminators of LAA-thrombus. Moreover, both LA-GLS and APWD correlated well with the established contractile LA-parameter LAA-Vel in TEE (r = 0.39, p < 0.001 and r = −0.39, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: LA-GLS and APWD are valuable diagnostic predictors of left atrial thrombogenesis in patients with AF.
Emerging Presence of Culturable Microorganisms in Clinical Samples of the Genitourinary System: Systematic Review and Experience in Specialized Care of a Regional Hospital
Authors: Rosales-Castillo Antonio , Jiménez-Guerra Gemma , Ruiz-Gómez Lara , Expósito-Ruíz Manuela , Navarro-Marí José María , Gutiérrez-Fernández José
Published: March 2022

The detection of emerging pathogens responsible for genitourinary infections has increased with technological advances. We conducted a systematic review of publications on the involvement of these microorganisms in genitourinary samples, and we also investigated their presence and antibiotic susceptibility in samples from patients at our regional hospital (Granada, Spain). The MEDLINE database was searched up to 31 December 2020, and a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed of results obtained in urine samples and genital exudates from January 2016 through December 2019. The review highlighted the frequent involvement of Neisseria meningitidis in genital infections, while the data on other microorganisms were consistent with findings in our patient series. The emerging microorganisms most often responsible for urinary tract infections were Streptococcus bovis (58.5%) and Gardnerella vaginalis (23.6%) in females, and S. bovis (32.3%), Aerococcus urinae (18.6%), and Corynebacterium spp. (16.9%) in males; those most frequently reported in genital infections were S. viridans (36.4%) in females and C. glucuronolyticum (32.2%) and G. vaginalis (35.6%) in males. In general, emerging pathogens are resistant to conventional antibiotics such as penicillin. However, there has also been an increase in beta-lactam resistance by the S. bovis group and Corynebacterium spp. The systematic review showed that emerging microorganisms are responsible for only a small percentage of genitourinary infections but are of major clinical interest, with a predominance of the S. bovis group, G. vaginalis, Lactobacillus spp., Aerococcus spp., and Corynebacterium spp. in urine samples and of G. vaginalis and C. glucuronolyticum in genital samples. Given the increasing resistance to antibiotics empirically prescribed in patients with genitourinary infections, it is recommended to create an antibiogram in all cases.
Neutrophil–Lymphocyte and Platelet–Lymphocyte Ratios in Preoperative Differential Diagnosis of Benign, Borderline, and Malignant Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Yun Tae Hui , Jeong Yoon Young , Lee Sun Jae , Choi Youn Seok , Ryu Jung Min
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can be used as supplementary tools to differentiate between benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian tumors. The ratio of patients with benign to borderline to malignant tumors was planned as 3:1:2 considering the incidence of each disease. Consecutive patients were enrolled retrospectively. Preoperative complete blood counts with differentials were investigated, and calculated NLRs and PLRs were analyzed. A total of 630 patients with ovarian tumors were enrolled in this study. The final histopathological results revealed that 318 patients had benign, 108 patients had epithelial borderline, and 204 patients had epithelial malignant ovarian tumors. The NLR and PLR were significantly higher in malignant than in benign or borderline ovarian tumors, and they did not differ significantly between benign and borderline ovarian tumors. The diagnostic cut-off value of NLR for differentiating between benign or borderline and malignant tumors was 2.36, whereas that of PLR for differentiating between benign/borderline and malignancy was 150.02. High preoperative NLR and PLR indicate that the likelihood of epithelial ovarian cancer is higher than that of benign or borderline tumors.
Impact of an Oral Hygiene Intervention in People with and without Dementia on Oral Health Parameters—Results from the Oral Health, Bite Force, and Dementia (OrBiD) Pilot Study
Authors: Jockusch Julia , Nitschke Siri , Hopfenmüller Werner , Schierz Oliver , Hahnel Sebastian , Nitschke Ina
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to assess the influence of an oral hygiene intervention on oral health, depending on the degree of dementia. A clinical evaluation of oral health parameters (index of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT-index), periodontal screening index (PSI), oral hygiene index (OHI), and bleeding on probing (BOP)) was performed in 120 subjects assigned to five groups, based on the mini mental state examination (MMSE) at baseline and after 12 months. Each MMSE group (no dementia (noDem, MMSE 28–30), mild cognitive impairment (mCI, MMSE 25–27), mild dementia (mDem, MMSE 18–24), moderate dementia (modDem, MMSE 10–17), and severe dementia (sDem, MMSE ≤ 9)) was split into control (no intervention) and experimental groups (intervention on oral hygiene: increased frequency, daily usage of high-fluoride toothpaste). In total, 99 out of 120 subjects were included in the analysis. The dropout rate was high in subjects with modDem and sDem due to death. In subjects with noDem, mCI, and mDem, no changes in the DMFT were found, but improvements in the OHI, BOP, and PSI were observed. Subjects with modDem or sDem demonstrated a deterioration in DMFT; however, in these patients, OHI improved in all control and experimental groups, BOP improved in the experimental group only, and PSI did not improve at all. The scope of improving oral health parameters by increasing the recall frequency and by continuously using high fluoride toothpaste is at its limits in people with severe dementia. Multidimensional approaches should be sought to improve the oral health of vulnerable older patients.
Dark Adaptation and Its Role in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Nigalye Archana K. , Hess Kristina , Pundlik Shrinivas J. , Jeffrey Brett G. , Cukras Catherine A. , Husain Deeba
Published: March 2022

Dark adaptation (DA) refers to the slow recovery of visual sensitivity in darkness following exposure to intense or prolonged illumination, which bleaches a significant amount of the rhodopsin. This natural process also offers an opportunity to understand cellular function in the outer retina and evaluate for presence of disease. How our eyes adapt to darkness can be a key indicator of retinal health, which can be altered in the presence of certain diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A specific focus on clinical aspects of DA measurement and its significance to furthering our understanding of AMD has revealed essential findings underlying the pathobiology of the disease. The process of dark adaptation involves phototransduction taking place mainly between the photoreceptor outer segments and the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer. DA occurs over a large range of luminance and is modulated by both cone and rod photoreceptors. In the photopic ranges, rods are saturated and cone cells adapt to the high luminance levels. However, under scotopic ranges, cones are unable to respond to the dim luminance and rods modulate the responses to lower levels of light as they can respond to even a single photon. Since the cone visual cycle is also based on the Muller cells, measuring the impairment in rod-based dark adaptation is thought to be particularly relevant to diseases such as AMD, which involves both photoreceptors and RPE. Dark adaptation parameters are metrics derived from curve-fitting dark adaptation sensitivities over time and can represent specific cellular function. Parameters such as the cone-rod break (CRB) and rod intercept time (RIT) are particularly sensitive to changes in the outer retina. There is some structural and functional continuum between normal aging and the AMD pathology. Many studies have shown an increase of the rod intercept time (RIT), i.e., delays in rod-mediated DA in AMD patients with increasing disease severity determined by increased drusen grade, pigment changes and the presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) and association with certain morphological features in the peripheral retina. Specifications of spatial testing location, repeatability of the testing, ease and availability of the testing device in clinical settings, and test duration in elderly population are also important. We provide a detailed overview in light of all these factors.
Performance of Two-Way Concrete Slabs Reinforced with Basalt and Carbon FRP Rebars
Authors: Shill Sukanta Kumer , Garcez Estela O. , Al-Ameri Riyadh , Subhani Mahbube
Published: March 2022

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars are being increasingly used to reinforce concrete structures that require long-term resistance to a corrosive environment. This study presents structural performance of large scale two-way concrete slabs reinforced with FRP rebars, and their performances were compared against conventional steel reinforced concrete. Both carbon FRP (CFRP) and basalt FRP (BFRP) were considered as steel replacement. Experimental results showed that the CFRP- and BFRP-RC slabs had approximately 7% and 4% higher cracking moment capacities than the steel-RC slab, respectively. The BFRP-RC slabs experienced a gradual decrease in the load capacity beyond the peak load, whereas the CFRP-RC slabs underwent a sharp decrease in load capacity, similar to the steel-RC slab. The BFRP-RC slabs demonstrated 1.72 times higher ductility than CFRP-RC slabs. The steel-RC slab was found to be safe against punching shear but failed due to flexural bending moment. The FRP-RC slabs were adequately safe against bending moment but failed due to punching shear. At failure load, the steel rebars were found to be yielded; however, the FRP rebars were not ruptured. FRP-RC slabs experienced a higher number of cracks and higher deflection compared to the steel-RC slab. However, FRP-RC slabs exhibited elastic recovery while unloading. Elastic recovery was not observed in the steel-RC slab. Additionally, the analytical load carrying capacity was validated against experimental values to investigate the efficacy of the current available standards (ACI 318-14 and ACI 440.1R-15) to predict the capacity of a two-way slab reinforced with CFRP or BFRP. The experimental load capacity of the CFRP-RC slabs was found to be approximately 1.20 times higher than the theoretical ultimate load capacity. However, the experimental load capacity of the BFRP-RC slabs was 6% lower than their theoretical ultimate load capacity.
The Hippo Pathway Effectors YAP/TAZ Are Essential for Mineralized Tissue Homeostasis in the Alveolar Bone/Periodontal Complex
Authors: Pandya Mirali , Gopinathan Gokul , Tillberg Connie , Wang Jun , Luan Xianghong , Diekwisch Thomas G. H.
Published: March 2022

YAP and TAZ are essential transcriptional co-activators and downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, regulating cell proliferation, organ growth, and tissue homeostasis. To ask how the Hippo pathway affects mineralized tissue homeostasis in a tissue that is highly reliant on a tight homeostatic control of mineralized deposition and resorption, we determined the effects of YAP/TAZ dysregulation on the periodontal tissues alveolar bone, root cementum, and periodontal ligament. Loss of YAP/TAZ was associated with a reduction of mineralized tissue density in cellular cementum and alveolar bone, a downregulation in collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and RUNX2 gene expression, an increase in the resorption markers TRAP and cathepsin K, and elevated numbers of TRAP-stained osteoclasts. Cyclic strain applied to periodontal ligament cells resulted in YAP nuclear localization, an effect that was abolished after blocking YAP. The rescue of YAP signaling with the heparan sulfate proteoglycan agrin resulted in a return of the nuclear YAP signal. Illustrating the key role of YAP on mineralization gene expression, the YAP inhibition-related downregulation of mineralization-associated genes was reversed by the extracellular matrix YAP activator agrin. Application of the unopposed mouse molar model to transform the periodontal ligament into an unloaded state and facilitate the distal drift of teeth resulted in an overall increase in mineralization-associated gene expression, an effect that was 10–20% diminished in Wnt1Cre/YAP/TAZ mutant mice. The unloaded state of the unopposed molar model in Wnt1Cre/YAP/TAZ mutant mice also caused a significant three-fold increase in osteoclast numbers, a substantial increase in bone/cementum resorption, pronounced periodontal ligament hyalinization, and thickened periodontal fiber bundles. Together, these data demonstrated that YAP/TAZ signaling is essential for the microarchitectural integrity of the periodontium by regulating mineralization gene expression and preventing excessive resorption during bodily movement of the dentoalveolar complex.
Degradation of Dental Methacrylate-Based Composites in Simulated Clinical Immersion Media
Authors: Ilie Nicoleta
Published: March 2022

The selection of restorative materials with regard to the longevity and durability of a restoration is of crucial importance for daily dental practice and requires that the degradation of the material in the oral environment can be assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the mechanical properties of four (Esthet X, Ceram X, Filtek Supreme XT, and Filtek Supreme XT flow) resin-based composites (RBCs) alter during storage in saliva substitutes (artificial saliva) for 24 h and 28 days and in the context of simulated, more aggressive clinical conditions, including cycles exposure to de- and remineralization, alcohol, or salivary enzymes. For this purpose, flexural strength and modulus were determined in a three-point bending test (n = 20) followed by Weibull analysis, while quasi-static behavior was evaluated by instrumented indentation techniques. Degradation occurred in all RBCs and all aging protocols and was quantifiable at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. The postulated stabilizing effect on degradation through the incorporation of urethane-based co-monomers into the organic matrix or a higher filler loading is refuted. Even though modern RBCs show high clinical survival rates, biodegradation remains an issue that needs to be addressed.
A Hybrid-Clustering Model of Ship Trajectories for Maritime Traffic Patterns Analysis in Port Area
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Yong , Hu Yue , Wang Yongming , Sun Jingyi , Dong Xiaoxiao
Published: March 2022

A hybrid-clustering model is presented for the probabilistic characterization of ship traffic and anomaly detection. A hybrid clustering model was proposed to increase the efficiency of trajectory clustering in the port area and analyze the maritime traffic patterns in port. The model identified dissimilarities between trajectories based on characteristics, using K-Means and the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm (DBSCAN). Firstly, the ship’s trajectory characteristics are constructed based on real ship trajectories considering static characteristics and dynamic characteristics of ship trajectories to calculate the characteristic dissimilarity between trajectories. Simultaneously, the spatial dissimilarity could be quantified using the Hausdorff algorithm. Then, the ship trajectory is clustered initially based on the departure and destination characteristics using K-Means algorithms to obtain various sub-trajectories. However, there are still different types of trajectories in each sub-trajectory. Thus, the DBSCAN algorithm is adopted to cluster the sub-trajectory based on the analysis of the different trajectory characteristics. Finally, the proposed model is applied to the characterization of the Zhanjiang Port, and the results show that the hybrid-clustering method can effectively cluster ship trajectory and present probabilistic characterization of ship traffic and anomaly detection. This lays a solid theoretical foundation for the supervision and risk control of intelligent ships.
Impacts of River Discharge on the Sea Temperature in Changjiang Estuary and Its Adjacent Sea
Authors: Shen Hui , Zhu Ye , He Zhiguo , Li Li , Lou Yingzhong
Published: March 2022

Freshwater plume at the Changjiang River (CR) mouth are essential to the coastal water quality and ecosystem because they can cause estuary stratification and hypoxia, potentially deteriorating the water environment. Furthermore, the advection heat transport is modulated by increasing anthropogenic effects. A comprehensive understanding of the influence of river discharge on the three-dimensional sea temperature, fronts and thermal stratification in the CR estuary remains lacking. A well-calibrated numerical model using Regional Ocean Modeling Systems (ROMS) is used to investigate the impacts of CR discharge on the sea temperature in coastal zones. Model results show that the amplitude and spatial distribution of the heating or cooling rate can be influenced by CR freshwater, especially in frontal areas. Specifically, the large runoff flow will reduce the heating or cooling rate in shallow waters (<20 m) near the CR estuary, whereas it has an opposite effect on the Zhoushan islands region (>20 m). Generally, the effect of the freshwater discharge on the upper layer is greater than on the bottom layer, and the runoff has a positive correlation to the intensity of the frontal zones in the CR estuary, though this relationship is weakened in autumn because of the weak intensity of the frontal zone. Note that seawater thermal stratification and its seasonal variation can be regulated by runoff; thermal stratification will be strengthened in abundant runoff conditions and weakened in scarce runoff conditions.
Mediterranean Coastal Lagoons Review: Sites to Visit before Disappearance
Authors: Soria Juan , Pérez Rebeca , Sòria-Pepinyà Xavier
Published: March 2022

Coastal lagoons are an established priority habitat in the European environment because of the biological communities that inhabit them. Their origin is related to the transport of sediments from a nearby river or the movement of sands by the marine currents that produce the closure of a gulf. Therefore, they are recent geological formations, which also disappear quickly if environmental conditions change. The 37 coastal lagoons with a surface area greater than 10 km2 located in the Mediterranean basin have been identified. Fishing has been the traditional use of these lagoons, in addition to their use as a navigation harbor when they are open to the sea. Pollution, quality problems and their consequences are the most studied topics in recent publications. Sentinel-2 images taken in the summer of 2020 have been used to study water transparency, suspended matter and chlorophyll a concentration. The result was that only six of them are in good ecological condition, but most of them are eutrophic due to the impacts on their environment and the inflow of poor quality water. The cultural values of these lagoons must also be protected and preserved.
Metrics of Antifungal Effects of Ciprofloxacin on Aspergillus fumigatus Planktonic Growth and Biofilm Metabolism; Effects of Iron and Siderophores
Authors: Sass Gabriele , Scherpe Lynn , Martinez Marife , Marsh Julianne J. , Stevens David A.
Published: March 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus frequently coexist in the airways of immunocompromised patients or individuals with cystic fibrosis. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a synthetic quinolone antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections, such as those produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CIP binds iron, and it is unclear what effect this complex would have on the mycobiome. The effects of CIP on Aspergillus were dependent on the iron levels present, and on the presence of Aspergillus siderophores. We found that CIP alone stimulated wildtype planktonic growth, but not biofilm metabolism. At high concentrations, CIP antagonized a profungal effect of iron on wildtype Aspergillus metabolism, presumably owing to iron chelation. CIP interfered with the metabolism and growth of an Aspergillus siderophore mutant, with the effect on metabolism being antagonized by iron. CIP acted synergistically with iron on the growth of the mutant, and, to a lesser extent, the wildtype. In summary, CIP can increase fungal growth or affect fungal metabolism, depending on the local iron concentration and available siderophores. Therefore, high local CIP concentrations during treatment of Pseudomonas–Aspergillus co-infections may increase the fungal burden.
Study of Dimorphism Transition Mechanism of Tremella fuciformis Based on Comparative Proteomics
Authors: Li Yaxing , Tang Haohao , Zhao Weichao , Yang Yang , Fan Xiaolu , Zhan Guanping , Li Jiahuan , Sun Shujing
Published: March 2022

Tremella fuciformis is a dimorphic fungus that can undertake a reversible transition between yeast-like conidia and hyphal forms. The transformation mechanism and proteomic differences between these two forms have not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to explore the differential protein profiles of dikaryotic yeast-like conidia from fruiting bodies and mycelia (FBMds) and dikaryotic mycelia (DM) by synthetically applying high-resolution MS1-based quantitative data-independent acquisition (HRMS1-DIA) full proteomics and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) targeted proteomics. The results showed that a total of 5687 proteins were quantified, and 2220 of them (39.01%) showed more than a two-fold change in expression. The functional analysis of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) confirmed that the DEPs were mainly located in the membrane and nucleus. The FBMds tended to express proteins involved in biosynthesis, metabolism, DNA replication and transcription, and DNA damage repair. At the same time, DM exhibited an increased expression of proteins involved in signal transduction mechanisms such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and the Ras signaling pathway. Further, phosphorylation analysis confirmed the importance of the MAPK signaling pathway in T. fuciformis dimorphism, and comparative metabolism analysis demonstrated the metabolic difference between FBMds and DM. The information obtained in the present study will provide new insights into the difference between FBMds and DM and lay a foundation for further research on the dimorphism formation mechanism of T. fuciformis.
Diterpenes Specially Produced by Fungi: Structures, Biological Activities, and Biosynthesis (2010–2020)
Authors: Zhang Fa-Lei , Feng Tao
Published: March 2022

Fungi have traditionally been a very rewarding source of biologically active natural products, while diterpenoids from fungi, such as the cyathane-type diterpenoids from Cyathus and Hericium sp., the fusicoccane-type diterpenoids from Fusicoccum and Alternaria sp., the guanacastane-type diterpenoids from Coprinus and Cercospora sp., and the harziene-type diterpenoids from Trichoderma sp., often represent unique carbon skeletons as well as diverse biological functions. The abundances of novel skeletons, biological activities, and biosynthetic pathways present new opportunities for drug discovery, genome mining, and enzymology. In addition, diterpenoids peculiar to fungi also reveal the possibility of differing biological evolution, although they have similar biosynthetic pathways. In this review, we provide an overview about the structures, biological activities, evolution, organic synthesis, and biosynthesis of diterpenoids that have been specially produced by fungi from 2010 to 2020. We hope this review provides timely illumination and beneficial guidance for future research works of scholars who are interested in this area.
Deciphering the Association among Pathogenicity, Production and Polymorphisms of Capsule/Melanin in Clinical Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VNI
Authors: Vélez Nórida , Vega-Vela Nelson , Muñoz Marina , Gómez Paola , Escandón Patricia , Ramírez Juan David , Zaragoza Oscar , Monteoliva Diaz Lucía , Parra-Giraldo Claudia-Marcela
Published: March 2022

Background: Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. The objective of this work was to study the relationship between the phenotypes and genotypes of isolates of clinical origin from different cities in Colombia. Methods: Genome classification of 29 clinical isolates of C. neoformans var. grubii was performed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and genomic sequencing was used to genotype protein-coding genes. Pathogenicity was assessed in a larval model, and melanin production and capsule size were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results: Eleven MLST sequence types (STs) were found, the most frequent being ST69 (n = 9), ST2, ST93, and ST377 (each with n = 4). In the 29 isolates, different levels of pigmentation, capsule size and pathogenicity were observed. Isolates classified as highly pathogenic showed a tendency to exhibit larger increases in capsule size. In the analysis of polymorphisms, 48 non-synonymous variants located in the predicted functional domains of 39 genes were found to be associated with capsule size change, melanin, or pathogenicity. Conclusions: No clear patterns were found in the analysis of the phenotype and genotype of Cryptococcus. However, the data suggest that the increase in capsule size is a key variable for the differentiation of pathogenic isolates, regardless of the method used for its induction.
Multigene Phylogeny Reveals Endophytic Xylariales Novelties from Dendrobium Species from Southwestern China and Northern Thailand
Authors: Ma Xiaoya , Chomnunti Putarak , Doilom Mingkwan , Daranagama Dinushani Anupama , Kang Jichuan
Published: March 2022

Xylariales are common endophytes of Dendrobium. However, xylarialean species resolution remains difficult without sequence data and poor sporulation on artificial media and asexual descriptions for only several species and old type material. The surface-sterilized and morph-molecular methods were used for fungal isolation and identification. A total of forty-seven strains were identified as twenty-three species belonging to Apiosporaceae, Hypoxylaceae, Induratiaceae, and Xylariaceae. Five new species—Annulohypoxylon moniliformis, Apiospora dendrobii, Hypoxylon endophyticum, H. officinalis and Nemania dendrobii were discovered. Three tentative new species were speculated in Xylaria. Thirteen known fungal species from Hypoxylon, Nemania, Nigrospora, and Xylaria were also identified. Another two strains were only identified at the genus and family level (Induratia sp., Hypoxylaceae sp.). This study recorded 12 new hosts for xylarialean endophytes. This is the first report of Xylariales species as endophytes from Dendrobium aurantiacum var. denneanum, D. cariniferum, D. harveyanum, D. hercoglossum, D. moniliforme, and D. moschatum. Dendrobium is associated with abundant xylarialean taxa, especially species of Hypoxylon and Xylaria. We recommend the use of oat agar with low concentrations to induce sporulation of Xylaria strains.
Surveillance of Antifungal Resistance in Candidemia Fails to Inform Antifungal Stewardship in European Countries
Authors: Galia Liliana , Pezzani Maria Diletta , Compri Monica , Callegari Astrid , Rajendran Nithya Babu , Carrara Elena , Tacconelli Evelina ,   the COMBACTE MAGNET EPI-Net Network
Published: March 2022

Background: The increasing burden of candidemia and the emergence of resistance, especially among non-Candida albicans strains, represent a new threat for public health. We aimed to assess the status of surveillance and to identify publicly accessible resistance data in Candida spp. blood isolates from surveillance systems and epidemiological studies in 28 European and 4 European Free Trade Association member states. Methods: A systematic review of national and international surveillance networks, from 2015 to 2020, and peer-reviewed epidemiological surveillance studies, from 2005 to 2020, lasting for at least 12 consecutive months and with at least two centers involved, was completed to assess reporting of resistance to amphotericin B, azoles, and echinocandins in C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, and C. auris. Results: Only 5 (Austria, Italy, Norway, Spain, and United Kingdom) of 32 countries provided resistance data for Candida spp blood isolates. Among 322 surveillance studies identified, 19 were included from Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. C. albicans and C. glabrata were the most monitored species, followed by C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. C. krusei was not included in any national surveillance system; 13 studies assessed resistance. No surveillance system or study reported resistance for C. auris. Fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B resistance in C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis were the most common drug–species combination monitored. Quality of surveillance data was poor, with only two surveillance systems reporting microbiological methods and clinical data. High heterogeneity was observed in modalities of reporting, data collection, and definitions. Conclusion: Surveillance of antifungal resistance in Candida spp blood-isolates is fragmented and heterogeneous, delaying the application of a translational approach to the threat of antifungal resistance and the identification of proper targets for antifungal stewardship activities. International efforts are needed to implement antifungal resistance surveillance programs in order to adequately monitor antifungal resistance.
Untangling SNP Variations within CYP2D6 Gene in Croatian Roma
Authors: Stojanović Marković Anita , Zajc Petranović Matea , Tomas Željka , Puljko Borna , Šetinc Maja , Škarić-Jurić Tatjana , Peričić Salihović Marijana
Published: March 2022

CYP2D6 is a highly polymorphic gene whose variations affect its enzyme activity. To assess whether the specific population history of Roma, characterized by constant migrations and endogamy, influenced the distribution of alleles and thus phenotypes, the CYP2D6 gene was sequenced using NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) method-targeted sequencing in three groups of Croatian Roma (N = 323) and results were compared to European and Asian populations. Identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to reconstruct haplotypes, which were translated into the star-allele nomenclature and later into phenotypes. A total of 43 polymorphic SNPs were identified. The three Roma groups differed significantly in the frequency of alleles of polymorphisms 6769 A > G, 6089 G > A, and 5264 A > G (p < 0.01), as well as in the prevalence of the five most represented star alleles: *1, *2, *4, *10, and *41 (p < 0.0001). Croatian Roma differ from the European and Asian populations in the accumulation of globally rare SNPs (6089 G > A, 4589 C > T, 4622 G > C, 7490 T > C). Our results also show that demographic history influences SNP variations in the Roma population. The three socio-culturally different Roma groups studied differ significantly in the distribution of star alleles, which confirms the importance of a separate study of different Roma groups.
Trends in In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation from 2010 through 2019: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Jo You Hwan , Song In-Ae
Published: March 2022

We aimed to examine recent trends in in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation in South Korea from 2010 to 2019. A population-based sample of all adult patients who experienced in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019, was included. In all, 298,676 patients who received in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation were included in the survival analysis. In 2010, 60.7 per 100,000 adults experienced in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A similar rate was observed until 2015. The rate increased to 83.5 per 100,000 adults in 2016 and gradually increased to 92.1 per 100,000 adults in 2019. Among all patients, 78,783 (26.2%) were discharged alive after in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 6-month and 1-year survival rates were 9.8% and 8.7%, respectively. In 2010, the mean total cost of hospitalization was USD 5822.80 (United States Dollar) (standard deviation; SD: USD 7493.4), which increased to USD 7886.20 (SD: USD 13,071.6) in 2019. The rate of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation and cost of care have significantly increased since 2010, while the 6-month and 1-year rates of survival post in-hospital resuscitation remain low.
Are Incurred Loss Standards Countercyclical? A Case Study Using U.S. Bank Holding Company Data
Authors: Du Fang , Hancock Diana , von Hafften Alexander H.
Published: March 2022

After the 2008 global financial crisis, U.S. bank holding companies needing to cover larger-than-expected loan losses raised concerns that existing provision accounting may be procyclical. Most related studies have found evidence of procyclicality using either aggregate time-series data or “as-reported” panel data. We test the null hypothesis that provisions were a constant fraction of nonperforming loans across the economic cycle. We create a “forced” panel, which incorporates the entities acquired by each holding company in the quarters prior to their mergers. As in the related literature, we fail to reject the null hypothesis with “as-reported” data; however, we reject the null hypothesis with the “forced” panel. This finding suggests that holding companies built up provisions to some degree during the pre-crisis period to cover larger future losses. These actions reduced capital and likely depressed lending in the pre-crisis period; such countercyclical impacts are consistent with post-crisis macroprudential policies.