bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma-Derived Hemopexin as a Candidate Therapeutic Agent for Acute Vaso-Occlusion in Sickle Cell Disease: Preclinical Evidence
Authors: Gentinetta Thomas , Belcher John D. , Brügger-Verdon Valérie , Adam Jacqueline , Ruthsatz Tanja , Bain Joseph , Schu Daniel , Ventrici Lisa , Edler Monika , Lioe Hadi , Patel Kalpeshkumar , Chen Chunsheng , Nguyen Julia , Abdulla Fuad , Zhang Ping , Wassmer Andreas , Jain Meena , Mischnik Marcel , Pelzing Matthias , Martin Kirstee , Davis Roslyn , Didichenko Svetlana , Schaub Alexander , Brinkman Nathan , Herzog Eva , Zürcher Adrian , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Kato Gregory J. , Höbarth Gerald
Published: January 2022

People living with sickle cell disease (SCD) face intermittent acute pain episodes due to vaso-occlusion primarily treated palliatively with opioids. Hemolysis of sickle erythrocytes promotes release of heme, which activates inflammatory cell adhesion proteins on endothelial cells and circulating cells, promoting vaso-occlusion. In this study, plasma-derived hemopexin inhibited heme-mediated cellular externalization of P-selectin and von Willebrand factor, and expression of IL-8, VCAM-1, and heme oxygenase-1 in cultured endothelial cells in a dose-responsive manner. In the Townes SCD mouse model, intravenous injection of free hemoglobin induced vascular stasis (vaso-occlusion) in nearly 40% of subcutaneous blood vessels visualized in a dorsal skin-fold chamber. Hemopexin administered intravenously prevented or relieved stasis in a dose-dependent manner. Hemopexin showed parallel activity in relieving vascular stasis induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation. Repeated IV administration of hemopexin was well tolerated in rats and non-human primates with no adverse findings that could be attributed to human hemopexin. Hemopexin had a half-life in wild-type mice, rats, and non-human primates of 80–102 h, whereas a reduced half-life of hemopexin in Townes SCD mice was observed due to ongoing hemolysis. These data have led to a Phase 1 clinical trial of hemopexin in adults with SCD, which is currently ongoing.
Risk of Acute Anterior Uveitis in Ankylosing Spondylitis According to the Type of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitor and History of Uveitis: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Ahn Soo Min , Kim Minju , Kim Ye-Jee , Lee Yusun , Kim Yong-Gil
Published: January 2022

Background: We evaluated the risk of acute anterior uveitis (AAU) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) during treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFis). Methods: This study was performed on AS patients using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. We analyzed the first and total occurrence of AAU during the first 2 years of TNFis use according to the type of TNFis. Additionally, the occurrence of AAU was assessed in subgroups with or without prior AAU before TNFis initiation. Results: In total, 5938 AS patients initiated TNFis use between 2009 and 2017 and used them for more than 2 years. Among them, 1488 (25.1%) patients had a history of AAU before starting TNFis treatment. Compared to adalimumab, the use of etanercept (hazard ratio [HR] 1.77) increased the risk of AAU. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of AAU with etanercept was significantly higher than that of adalimumab (IRR 1.78). The IRR of AAU was also higher for etanercept than adalimumab use in patients with (IRR 1.86) and without (IRR 2.92) a history of AAU. Conclusion: These data suggest that compared to anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies, etanercept has a higher incidence of AAU regardless of a history of AAU.
Haemoptysis in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease: Insights on Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Baroutidou Amalia , Arvanitaki Alexandra , Hatzidakis Adam , Pitsiou Georgia , Ziakas Antonios , Karvounis Haralambos , Giannakoulas George
Published: January 2022

Haemoptysis represents one of the most severe major bleeding manifestations in the clinical course of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). Accumulating evidence indicates that dysfunction of the pulmonary vascular bed in the setting of PAH predisposes patients to increased hemorrhagic diathesis, resulting in mild to massive and life-threatening episodes of haemoptysis. Despite major advances in PAH targeted treatment strategies, haemoptysis is still correlated with substantial morbidity and impaired quality of life, requiring a multidisciplinary approach by adult CHD experts in tertiary centres. Technological innovations in the field of diagnostic and interventional radiology enabled the application of bronchial artery embolization (BAE), a valuable tool to efficiently control haemoptysis in modern clinical practice. However, bleeding recurrences are still prevalent, implying that the optimum management of haemoptysis and its implications remain obscure. Moreover, regarding the use of oral anticoagulation in patients with haemoptysis, current guidelines do not provide a clear therapeutic strategy due to the lack of evidence. This review aims to discuss the main pathophysiological mechanisms of haemoptysis in PAH-CHD, present the clinical spectrum and the available diagnostic tools, summarize current therapeutic challenges, and propose directions for future research in this group of patients.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy in 2021
Authors:   Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Effect of Curing Temperature of Epoxy Matrix on the Electrical Response of Carbon Nanotube Yarn Monofilament Composites
Authors: Rodriguez-Uicab Omar , Tayyarian Tannaz , Abot Jandro L.
Published: January 2022

In order to evaluate the capability of carbon nanotube yarn (CNTY)-based composites for self-sensing of temperature, the temperature-dependent electrical resistance of CNTY monofilament composites was investigated using two epoxy resins: one that cures at 130 °C (CNTY/ERHT) and one that cures at room temperature (CNTY/ERRT). The effect of the curing kinetics of these epoxy resins on the electrical response of the embedded CNTY was investigated in prior studies. It was observed that the viscosity and curing kinetics affect the level of wetting and resin infiltration, which govern the electrical response of the embedded CNTY. In this work, the cyclic thermoresistive characterization of CNTY monofilament composites was conducted under heating–cooling, incremental heating–cooling, and incremental dwell cycles in order to study the effect of the curing temperature of the epoxy matrix on the electrical response of the CNTY monofilament composites. Both monofilament composites showed nearly linear and negative temperature coefficients of resistance (TCR) of −7.07 × 10−4 °C−1 for specimens cured at a high temperature and −5.93 × 10−4 °C−1 for specimens cured at room temperature. The hysteresis loops upon heating–cooling cycles were slightly smaller for high-temperature cured specimens in comparison to those cured at room temperature. A combination of factors, such as resin infiltration, curing mechanisms, intrinsic thermoresistivity of CNTY, variations in tunneling and contact resistance between the nanotubes and CNT bundles, and the polymer structure, are paramount factors in the thermoresistive sensitivity of the CNTY monofilament composites.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of J. Compos. Sci. in 2021
Authors:   J. Compos. Sci. Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Segmentation-Based vs. Regression-Based Biomarker Estimation: A Case Study of Fetus Head Circumference Assessment from Ultrasound Images
Authors: Zhang Jing , Petitjean Caroline , Ainouz Samia
Published: January 2022

The fetus head circumference (HC) is a key biometric to monitor fetus growth during pregnancy, which is estimated from ultrasound (US) images. The standard approach to automatically measure the HC is to use a segmentation network to segment the skull, and then estimate the head contour length from the segmentation map via ellipse fitting, usually after post-processing. In this application, segmentation is just an intermediate step to the estimation of a parameter of interest. Another possibility is to estimate directly the HC with a regression network. Even if this type of segmentation-free approaches have been boosted with deep learning, it is not yet clear how well direct approach can compare to segmentation approaches, which are expected to be still more accurate. This observation motivates the present study, where we propose a fair, quantitative comparison of segmentation-based and segmentation-free (i.e., regression) approaches to estimate how far regression-based approaches stand from segmentation approaches. We experiment various convolutional neural networks (CNN) architectures and backbones for both segmentation and regression models and provide estimation results on the HC18 dataset, as well agreement analysis, to support our findings. We also investigate memory usage and computational efficiency to compare both types of approaches. The experimental results demonstrate that even if segmentation-based approaches deliver the most accurate results, regression CNN approaches are actually learning to find prominent features, leading to promising yet improvable HC estimation results.
A Psychometric Analysis of Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices: Evaluating Guessing and Carelessness Using the 4PL Item Response Theory Model
Authors: Antoniou Faye , Alkhadim Ghadah , Mouzaki Angeliki , Simos Panagiotis
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of Raven’s colored progressive matrices by estimating the presence of pseudo-guessing and pseudo-carelessness. Participants were 1127 children from ages 5 to 11. Guessing and carelessness were assessed using the lower and upper asymptotes of the 3PL and 4PL item response theory (IRT) models, respectively. Optimal model fit was judged using difference loglikelihood tests and information criteria. Results indicated that guessing, but not carelessness, were evident in the AB and B forms of the CPM, with successful guessing being more prevalent in the AB form. It is concluded that nonverbal IQ estimation in CPM should include variable estimation methods so that aptitude scores are estimated with the highest possible accuracy.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of JMMP in 2021
Authors:   JMMP Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Improving Operational Ocean Models for the Spanish Port Authorities: Assessment of the SAMOA Coastal Forecasting Service Upgrades
Authors: García-León Manuel , Sotillo Marcos G. , Mestres Marc , Espino Manuel , Fanjul Enrique Álvarez
Published: January 2022

The Puertos del Estado SAMOA coastal and port ocean forecast service delivers operational ocean forecasts to the Spanish Port Authorities since 01/2017 (originally set-up for 9 ports). In its second development phase (2019–2021), the SAMOA service has been extended to 31 ports (practically, the whole Spanish Port System). Besides, the next generation of the SAMOA service is being developed. Research is being focused on (1) updating atmospheric forcing (by combining the AEMET HARMONIE 2.5 Km forecasts and the IFS-ECMWF ones), (2) upgrading the circulation model (ROMS), and (3) testing new methodologies to nest SAMOA systems in the Copernicus IBI-MFC regional solution (with emphasis on its 3D hourly dataset). Evaluation of specific model upgrades is here presented. Model sensitivity tests have been assessed using the available in-situ and remoted sensed (i.e., RadarHF) observations. The results show that SAMOA outperforms IBI-MFC in sea level forecasting at meso- and macro-tidal environments. Improvements by the herein proposed upgrades are incremental: some of these set-ups were used in the last SAMOA operational releases (i.e., the SAM_INI and the SAM_ADV ones; the later currently in operations), whereas the latest test (SAM_H3D) ensures more nesting consistency with the IBI-MFC and improves significantly surface currents and sea-surface temperature simulations.
Finite Element Modelling on the Mechanical Behaviour of Marine Bonded Composite Hose (MBCH) under Burst and Collapse
Authors: Amaechi Chiemela Victor , Chesterton Cole , Butler Harrison Obed , Gu Zewen , Odijie Agbomerie Charles , Wang Facheng , Hou Xiaonan , Ye Jianqiao
Published: January 2022

Currently, the properties of composites have been harnessed on pipelines in the marine offshore industry. In this study, marine bonded composite hose (MBCH) is presented. It is aimed at understanding the stress/strain distribution on marine bonded hoses using local design pressure under burst and collapse cases. This study also investigates composite material modelling, hose modelling, liner wrinkling, helical spring deformation, and two MBCH models—with and without ovalisation. The ovalized model is considered the simplified model in this research. A mesh study was carried out on meshing the hose layers. In this study, local design pressure was considered and not operational pressure. This finite element model was adopted to predict the deformation and mechanical response behaviour of MBCH. From this study, composites could be considered to improve conventional marine hoses. The study findings include identification of buckled sections on the hose and stressed zones on the helix reinforcement. Highly reinforced hose ends are recommended in ends of the MBCH as they had maximum stress and strain values.
Stability and Tracking Control of Nonlinear Rigid-Body Ship Motions
Authors: Aumtab Chatchawan , Wanichanon Thanapat
Published: January 2022

The stability and tracking controls of a dynamic ship system are studied in this paper, in order to stabilize and track the desired path of a catamaran ship system. The ship sails on a river that is prone to currents, wind, and unknown disturbances from the surrounding environment. Hence, the ship system potentially has stability problems. This paper presents a method for controlling the trajectory of a nonlinear ship system and controlling the ship stabilization. Three steps of the fundamental equations of constrained motion (FECM) with an uncertainty control are used to examine a control force to stabilize and track the ship system. The ship system is considered with six degrees of freedom to describe the stabilization of the ship’s rigid-body motion. The results show the efficiency of the control forces from the FECM, with an uncertainty controller applied to the ship system. They guarantee that the conditions of the ship system are satisfactory, and that the ship follows the desired path.
Efficiency Comparison between Audible and Buzzle Alarms of Electronic Chart Display and Information System Alarm under the Simulated Environment
Authors: Hwang Taewoong , Youn Ik-Hyun , Lee Soyeong , Kim Inchul
Published: January 2022

Along with the development of ship navigational equipment, ship operators have to process a larger amount of information than before and be exposed to more alarm sounds. These ships’ bridge environment increases burdens to ship operators. One of the methods proposed to solve this problem is the audible voice alarm method. However, there is a lack of studies that objectively prove the efficacy of the method. Therefore, in this study, a comparative experiment was performed to confirm the effect by applying the method to an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), a representative navigation instrument. We analyzed collected data according to a data-driven process and confirmed the difference between a traditional alarm method and the audible voice alarm method by distinguishing groups through clustering.
Chinese Cruisers’ Preference, Travel Constraints, and Behavioural Intention: Experience from the Arctic Cruise Market
Authors: Lau Yui-Yip , Sun Xiaodong , Yang Wenli , Kanrak Maneerat
Published: January 2022

Global climate change accelerates ice melting in the Arctic region, making Arctic shipping possible and revealing a new door to develop cruise tourism. The rapid expansion of cruise tourism into the Arctic region has posed substantial implications for the cruise industry, including opportunities and challenges. This study investigates the Chinese cruise industry and the encounters and obstacles that have unfolded in the Arctic cruise market. The study also explores the Chinese cruisers’ travel constraints, preferences, and behavioral intention to the Arctic region. The implications of the findings are drawn to develop the entire Arctic cruise market. This study also provides invaluable insight into the cruise industry’s adaptation strategies and practices and relevant supporting business sectors.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Crustal Structure in the Eurasian Basin
Authors: Zhao Lihong , Zhang Tao , Ling Zilong , Li Mujie , Zhi Pengyao , Ding Renwei , Li Chaoyang
Published: January 2022

To understand the tectonic–magmatic history, crustal structure and crustal accretion mode of the Eurasian Basin in the Arctic, we calculated the crustal thickness, residual bathymetry (RB) and non-isostatic topography of the Eurasian Basin by using the latest bathymetry, free-air gravity anomaly, crustal age and sediment thickness data. The tectonic–magmatic process of the Eurasian Basin can be divided into two stages. During magnetic isochrons 24-13 (C24-C13), the crustal structure of the basin was characterized by regional variations, while the crustal structure of the basin was characterized by local variations during magnetic isochrons 13-0 (C13-0). On the whole, the western part of the basin had a thicker crustal thickness and higher RB than the eastern part of the basin during C24-C13, which should result from the northward movement of Greenland. During magnetic isochrons 24-20 (C24-C20), the crustal structure of the eastern part of the basin had abnormally strong asymmetry. We speculate that there may be mantle upwelling beneath the Kara Sea Shelf in the south of the Eastern Eurasian Basin, which provides a large amount of melt for the crustal accretion of the southern part of the Eastern Eurasian Basin. The melt focusing supply could generate abnormally thick crust (>7 km) during magma enhancement period. The Western Eurasian Basin had stronger spatial variability and more frequency asymmetric polarity reversal than the Eastern Eurasian Basin during magnetic isochrons 6-0 (C6-0). We attribute this to the inflow of the North Atlantic mantle.
Functional Histology and Ultrastructure of the Digestive Tract in Two Species of Chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora)
Authors: Lobo-da-Cunha Alexandre , Alves Ângela , Oliveira Elsa , Calado Gonçalo
Published: January 2022

To continue the investigation on the digestive system of polyplacophoran molluscs, a histological and ultrastructural study of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine of Chaetopleura angulata and Acanthochitona fascicularis was carried out. Stomach content examination revealed an omnivorous diet. In both species the epithelium of the whole digestive tract consisted mostly of elongated absorptive cells with an apical border of microvilli. Cilia were also frequently present. Mitochondria and electron-dense lysosomes were the prominent organelles in the region above the nucleus. The basal region was characterised by an association of mitochondria, peroxisomes and lipid droplets. In general, glycogen deposits were also abundant in absorptive cells. The ultrastructural features indicate that the absorptive cells of the digestive tract epithelium are involved in endocytosis, intracellular digestion and storage of reserves. Histochemical techniques showed that the secretory cells of the digestive tract contained proteins and polysaccharides in their secretory vesicles. The secretory cells with vesicles of low electron density were classified as mucous cells, and the ones with electron-dense vesicles were designated basophilic cells due to their staining by basic dyes in light microscopy. Additionally, basal cells that seem to correspond to enteroendocrine cells containing oval electron-dense vesicles were found along the digestive tract epithelium of both species. The thin outer layer of the digestive tract wall consisted of muscle cells and nerves embedded in connective tissue.
Dynamic Analysis of an Autonomous Underwater Glider with Single- and Two-Stage Vibration Isolators
Authors: Liu Yujun , Liu Jing , Pan Guang , Huang Qiaogao , Guo Liming
Published: January 2022

Vibrations from the power system can significantly affect the working performances (ocean observation) of autonomous underwater gliders (AUGs). In order to reduce the vibration transmission from vibration sources to the precision instruments in AUGs, single- and two-stage vibration isolator rings are designed in this paper. The dynamic models of the single- and two-stage vibration isolation of the AUG are presented. The force transmission ratio of the AUG is calculated in MATLAB code. The influences of the isolator and the structure stiffness are analyzed. The dynamic stiffness of the designed isolators, as an important design parameter, is calculated using the finite element method. The influence of the designed parameter on the dynamic stiffness of the rubber ring isolator is discussed. The coupled vibro-acoustic finite element method is used to analyze the vibration and acoustic response of an AUG with the single- and two-stage vibration isolators. The insertion loss is calculated in order to assess the vibration isolation performance of the single- and two-stage vibration isolators. The results from the dynamic models and the finite element models both show that the vibration isolation performance of the two-stage vibration isolator ring performs better than that of the single-stage vibration isolator ring.
Unraveling the Genome Sequence of Plant Growth Promoting Aspergillus niger (CSR3) Provides Insight into the Synthesis of Secondary Metabolites and Its Comparative Genomics
Authors: Lubna  , Asaf Sajjad , Jan Rahmatullah , Khan Abdul Latif , Bilal Saqib , Asif Saleem , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: January 2022

Aspergillus niger strain CSR3 is an endophytic fungus that regulates plant endogenous hormones, secondary metabolites, and promotes plant growth during abiotic stress conditions. In this study, we sequenced the genome of A. niger (CSR3) and compared it with previously available A. niger strains. The final genome assembly was 35.8 Mb in size, consisting of 23 scaffolds with N50 scaffold length of 2.4 Mb. A total of 12,442 protein coding genes, 270 tRNA, and 57 rRNA were predicted in the CSR3 genome. We used comparative genomic analysis to provide insights into the genome’s evolution and to elucidate the adaptive genomic signatures for bioactive secondary metabolite biosynthesis, hormones biosynthesis, and plant growth promoting activities. We also analyzed the transposable elements (TEs), simple sequence repeats (SSRs), CAZymes families, genes involved in gibberellin biosynthesis, and secondary metabolite clusters in the CSR3 genome. A total of 21 secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters were detected, with 18 essential enzymes involved in the mevalonate pathway (MVA). The repeat analysis revealed about 3431 SSR, 274 TEs, and 205 inverted repeats (IR). Further gene family analysis revealed that 124 gene families were gained, whereas 125 gene families were lost in CSR3 genome, compared to A. niger ASM151534V and A. niger ASM285V2 genomes. The results improve our understanding of the CSR3 genome and will assist in future investigations on the genetic basis of A. niger CSR3, including the identification of CSR3 phytostimulant properties.
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Burden, Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes at a Large Australian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Despois Olivier , Chen Sharon C-A. , Gilroy Nicole , Jones Michael , Wu Peter , Beardsley Justin
Published: January 2022

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a fungal lung infection associated with high morbidity and mortality. Yet, it remains under-recognized worldwide, with few Australian clinical data available. This retrospective study aimed to investigate CPA at a major tertiary referral hospital in Sydney. We identified patients having International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes for “aspergillosis” and/or positive respiratory microbiology samples for Aspergillus species from January 2012–December 2018 at Westmead Hospital. Eligible cases were classified using European Respiratory Society 2016 CPA guidelines. We diagnosed 28 CPA patients: median age 60 years (IQR: 57–66), with 17 (60.7%) being males. Most had chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis phenotype (n = 17, 60.7%). Twenty-three patients had outcomes data returned. Nineteen (82.6%) received antifungal therapy (median duration: 10.5 months (IQR: 6.5–20.7)). Eight (34.7%) patients received <6 months of antifungals, including three (38%) deaths. Two (13%) patients receiving ≥6 months of antifungals died. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 9, 32.1%) was the leading predisposing factor for CPA in our cohort. This contrasts with the global picture, where prior tuberculosis generally predominates, but is similar to findings from other high-income countries. Nevertheless, further larger-scale studies are required to determine whether these results are generalizable to the wider Australian population.
Increasing Incidence and Shifting Epidemiology of Candidemia in Greece: Results from the First Nationwide 10-Year Survey
Authors: Mamali Vasiliki , Siopi Maria , Charpantidis Stefanos , Samonis George , Tsakris Athanasios , Vrioni Georgia ,   on behalf of the Candi-Candi Network
Published: January 2022

Globally, candidemia displays geographical variety in terms of epidemiology and incidence. In that respect, a nationwide Greek study was conducted, reporting the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infections and susceptibility of isolates to antifungal agents providing evidence for empirical treatment. All microbiologically confirmed candidemia cases in patients hospitalized in 28 Greek centres during the period 2009–2018 were recorded. The study evaluated the incidence of infection/100,000 inhabitants, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibilities of isolated strains. Overall, 6057 candidemic episodes occurred during the study period, with 3% of them being mixed candidemias. The average annual incidence was 5.56/100,000 inhabitants, with significant increase over the years (p = 0.0002). C. parapsilosis species complex (SC) was the predominant causative agent (41%), followed by C. albicans (37%), C. glabrata SC (10%), C. tropicalis (7%), C. krusei (1%), and other rare Candida spp. (4%). C. albicans rates decreased from 2009 to 2018 (48% to 31%) in parallel with a doubling incidence of C. parapsilosis SC rates (28% to 49%, p < 0.0001). Resistance to amphotericin B and flucytosine was not observed. Resistance to fluconazole was detected in 20% of C. parapsilosis SC isolates, with a 4% of them being pan-azole-resistant. A considerable rising rate of resistance to this agent was observed over the study period (p < 0.0001). Echinocandin resistance was found in 3% of C. glabrata SC isolates, with 70% of them being pan-echinocandin-resistant. Resistance rate to this agent was stable over the study period. This is the first multicentre nationwide study demonstrating an increasing incidence of candidemia in Greece with a species shift toward C. parapsilosis SC. Although the overall antifungal resistance rates remain relatively low, fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis SC raises concern.
A Novel Yeast Genus and Two Novel Species Isolated from Pineapple Leaves in Thailand: Savitreella phatthalungensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Goffeauzyma siamensis sp. nov.
Authors: Nutaratat Pumin , Boontham Wanatchaporn , Khunnamwong Pannida
Published: January 2022

Four yeast strains, representing one genus and two novel anamorphic yeast species, were isolated from pineapple leaves collected in Thailand. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions showed the two strains (DMKU-PAL186 and DMKU-PAL178) were closely related to the type strains of the Protomyces and Taphrina species, but with high nucleotide divergence. Two strains (DMKU-PAL39 and DMKU-PAL18) were found to be closely related to the type strains of Goffeauzyma iberica, but with eight nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and 26 nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions. In phylogenetic analyses, the strains DMKU-PAL186 and DMKU-PAL178 formed a well-separated lineage from Protomyces and Taphrina genera, confirming that they represented a distinct genus, while the strains DMKU-PAL39 and DMKU-PAL18 represented a species in the genus Goffeauzyma, which was phylogenetically distinct from other recognized species of the genus. Based on molecular analyses and phenotypic characteristics, the names Savitreella gen. nov. (Taphrinomycetes, Ascomycota) and Savitreella phatthalungensis sp. nov. are proposed to accommodate the strains DMKU-PAL186 and DMKU-PAL178, and the name Goffeauzyma siamensis sp. nov. (Tremellomycetes, Basidiomycota) is proposed to accommodate the strains DMKU-PAL39 and DMKU-PAL18.
Breast Reconstruction by Exclusive Lipofilling after Total Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: Description of the Technique and Evaluation of Quality of Life
Authors: Piffer Alexandre , Aubry Gabrielle , Cannistra Claudio , Popescu Nathalie , Nikpayam Maryam , Koskas Martin , Uzan Catherine , Bichet Jean-Christophe , Canlorbe Geoffroy
Published: January 2022

Background: The objective of this work was to describe the technique of exclusive lipofilling in breast reconstruction after total mastectomy, to evaluate the satisfaction and quality of life of the patients, and to explore current literature on the subject. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational multicentric study from January 2013 to April 2020. The modalities of surgery, esthetic result, and patient satisfaction were evaluated with the breast reconstruction module of BREAST-Q. Results: Complete data were available for 37 patients. The mean number of sessions was 2.2 (standard deviation 1.1), spread over an average of 6.8 months (SD 6.9). The average total volume of fat transferred was 566.4 mL. The complication rate was 18.9%. No severe complication was observed (Clavien–Dindo 3/4). Two patients were diagnosed with recurrence, in a metastatic mode (5.4%). The average satisfaction rate was 68.4% (SD 24.8) for psychosocial well-being and 64.5% (SD 24.1) for sexual well-being. The satisfaction rate was 60.2% (SD 20.9) for the image of the reconstructed breast and 82.7% (SD 21.9) for locoregional comfort. Conclusions: Breast reconstruction by exclusive lipofilling after total mastectomy provides satisfactory quality of life scores. The simplicity of the surgical technique and equipment required, and the high satisfaction rate confirm that lipofilling should be included in the panel of choice of breast reconstruction techniques.
Perinatal Origins of Adult Disease and Opportunities for Health Promotion: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nobile Stefano , Di Sipio Morgia Chiara , Vento Giovanni
Published: January 2022

The “developmental origins of health and disease” (DOHaD) hypothesis refers to the influence of early developmental exposures and fetal growth on the risk of chronic diseases in later periods. During fetal and early postnatal life, cell differentiation and tissue formation are influenced by several factors. The interaction between genes and environment in prenatal and early postnatal periods appears to be critical for the onset of multiple diseases in adulthood. Important factors influencing this interaction include genetic predisposition, regulation of gene expression, and changes in microbiota. Premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are other important factors considered by the DOHaD hypothesis. Preterm birth is associated with impaired or arrested structural or functional development of key organs/systems, making preterm infants vulnerable to cardiovascular, respiratory, and chronic renal diseases during adulthood. Growth restriction, defined as impaired fetal growth compared to expected biological potential in utero, is an additional negative factor increasing the risk of subsequent diseases. Environmental factors implicated in the developmental programming of diseases include exposure to pollution, stress, drugs, toxic agents, nutrition, and exercise. The DOHaD may explain numerous conditions, including cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, neuropsychiatric, and renal diseases. Potential antenatal and postnatal preventive measures, interventions, and future directions are discussed.
Enabling Diagnostic Resulting as a New Category of Secondary Genomic Findings
Authors: Murray Michael F.
Published: January 2022

Over the past decade, the secondary analysis of existing DNA datasets for clinical resulting has become an established practice. However, this established practice is typically limited to only one category of secondary genomic findings, the identification of “disease risk”. Diagnostic resulting has been left out of secondary genomic findings. In medical practice, diagnostic resulting is triggered when a test is ordered for a patient based on a recognizable clinical indication for evaluation; most genetic and genomic testing is carried out in support of diagnostic evaluations. The secondary analysis of existing DNA data has the potential to cost less and have more rapid turnaround times for diagnostic results compared to current DNA diagnostic approaches that typically generate a new dataset with every test ordered. Worldwide, innovative health systems could position themselves to deliver valid secondary genomic finding results in both the established category of disease risk results, as well as a new category of diagnostic results. To support the ongoing delivery of both categories of secondary findings, health systems will need comprehensive genomic datasets for patients and secure workflows that allow for repeated access to that data for on-demand secondary analysis.
Computational Models for Clinical Applications in Personalized Medicine—Guidelines and Recommendations for Data Integration and Model Validation
Authors: Collin Catherine Bjerre , Gebhardt Tom , Golebiewski Martin , Karaderi Tugce , Hillemanns Maximilian , Khan Faiz Muhammad , Salehzadeh-Yazdi Ali , Kirschner Marc , Krobitsch Sylvia ,   EU-STANDS4PM consortium, Kuepfer Lars
Published: January 2022

The future development of personalized medicine depends on a vast exchange of data from different sources, as well as harmonized integrative analysis of large-scale clinical health and sample data. Computational-modelling approaches play a key role in the analysis of the underlying molecular processes and pathways that characterize human biology, but they also lead to a more profound understanding of the mechanisms and factors that drive diseases; hence, they allow personalized treatment strategies that are guided by central clinical questions. However, despite the growing popularity of computational-modelling approaches in different stakeholder communities, there are still many hurdles to overcome for their clinical routine implementation in the future. Especially the integration of heterogeneous data from multiple sources and types are challenging tasks that require clear guidelines that also have to comply with high ethical and legal standards. Here, we discuss the most relevant computational models for personalized medicine in detail that can be considered as best-practice guidelines for application in clinical care. We define specific challenges and provide applicable guidelines and recommendations for study design, data acquisition, and operation as well as for model validation and clinical translation and other research areas.
High-Frequency Trading (HFT) and Market Quality Research: An Evaluation of the Alternative HFT Proxies
Authors: Hossain Shahadat
Published: January 2022

We examine the soundness of high-frequency trading (HFT) proxies that are widely defined on the limit order book (LOB) information. We use a unique TRTH (Thomson Reuters Tick History) millisecond time-stamped intraday trades and quotes dataset enriched with 10 levels of LOB depth messages for 149 highly fragmented LSE listed stocks for the period 2005 to 2016. We explore a sharp uptrend in HFT activities and accompanying improvement in market liquidity in the European market. We show that alternative HFT proxies built on LOB are not equally powerful. The HFT proxy defined on the five best LOB prices (the mid point of a typical limit order book) provides a better HFT identification than the one popularly defined on the first best prices (BBO). We suggest that picking the LOB information beyond a certain level (e.g., the best five prices) of market depth in developing HFT proxy is counterintuitive. Evidence indicates that high-frequency traders (HFTs) participate in both competitive (narrow) and passive (wider) quoting as a market making strategy; however, they do not participate in passive quoting excessively.
Xenocentrism and Consumer Buying Behavior: A Comparative Analysis of Malaysian vs. Nigerian Consumers
Authors: Venugopal Vimala , Mata Mário Nuno , Iloka Chiemelie Benneth , Dantas Rui D. , Batista Anabela , Rita João Xavier , Martins José Moleiro
Published: January 2022

Across the globe, xenocentrism has emerged as a critical concept for understanding the behavior of consumers towards the purchase of local and foreign products. In line with this context, and based on samples collected from Malaysia and Nigeria, this study analyzed the direct effects of xenocentrism on the buying behavior of consumers towards imported products with perceived product quality, purchase intention, and product attitude as the variables used to measure consumers’ buying behavior. XSCALE was used to measure xenocentrism, and the research model was analyzed with the partial least squares form of structural equation modeling. A total of 400 responses were gathered from Malaysia, whereas 453 responses were gathered from Nigeria. Findings from the investigation show that xenocentrism has a positive influence on perceived product quality (Malaysia = 46.7%, Nigeria = 35%), purchase intention (Malaysia = 46%, Nigeria = 47.3%), and product attitude (Malaysia = 39.2%, Nigeria = 38.4%), Based on these findings, this study concluded that xenocentrism is a valid construct for assessing the purchase behavior of consumers in Malaysia and Nigeria towards foreign products competing in their local markets. On the same note, the findings from this research can be used to develop sustainable marketing strategies suitable for xenocentric consumers across Malaysia and Nigeria (in particular), and the entire developing economies (in general).
Towards an Adaptive Strategic IT Governance Model for SMEs
Authors: Levstek Aleš , Pucihar Andreja , Hovelja Tomaž
Published: January 2022

Information technology (IT) can have a direct and indirect impact on business performance. New technologies change the risks at the strategic and governing levels of an enterprise. In the age of digitalization, we need to develop new understandings and approaches to governance and management. The most established IT governance (ITG) models, such as COBIT, ITIL and CMMI, are universal, one-size-fits-all models that are not in line with contingency theory and are predominantly designed for large multinational enterprises. They are too cumbersome and cost-intensive for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to use effectively. Therefore, there is a need to develop more efficient models that are contingency-based and easier to implement than existing models and thus adaptable to the actual needs of the business. This paper presents an empirical evaluation of key ITG mechanisms from the literature that clearly shows that several are not universally but situationally necessary, thus demonstrating the need for new contingency-based ITG models.
Are the Time-Poor Willing to Pay More for Online Grocery Services? When ‘No’ Means ‘Yes’
Authors: Van Droogenbroeck Ellen , Van Hove Leo
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for click-and-collect grocery services. In particular, we analyze whether the time-pressed are willing to pay higher fees. We exploit a survey among 572 customers of two Belgian supermarket chains—both users and non-users. We test our model for three (increasingly narrow) samples: all respondents, respondents with a non-zero WTP, and current users. Our key finding relates to the latter sample. Surprisingly, if we use the WTP measure put forward in the literature, the answer to our research question is ‘no’: we find no significant relationship between users’ perceived time pressure and the maximum service cost per order they are willing to pay. However, on closer scrutiny this ‘no’ in fact means ‘yes’: our finding implies that in the face of increasing fees the time-pressed are willing to maintain their current, higher order frequency for as long as the other users. The maximum total cost they are willing to incur over a given period is thus higher. This said, the absence of a relationship between time pressure and the WTP per order does limit the opportunities for e-grocers to price discriminate, as is suggested in the literature. A further complication is that we find no clear pattern between perceived time pressure and the use of specific time slots.
Did Polycentric and Compact Structure Reduce Carbon Emissions? A Spatial Panel Data Analysis of 286 Chinese Cities from 2002 to 2019
Authors: Zhu Kai , Tu Manya , Li Yingcheng
Published: January 2022

Curbing carbon emissions by restricting economic growth could decrease human well-being across the world and especially in developing countries, suggesting that we need to find alternative approaches to reducing carbon emissions. Against this background, this paper investigates the relationship between urban spatial structure and carbon emissions in the Chinese context from 2002 to 2019. Specifically, urban spatial structure of 286 Chinese cities, represented by the two dimensions of polycentricity and compactness, are calculated based on the gridded (1 km × 1 km) LandScan dataset on population, while carbon emissions of these cities are aggregated from the gridded (1 km × 1 km) Open-source Data Inventory for Anthropogenic CO2 (ODIAC) dataset on carbon emissions. The empirical results based on different regression models find that overall (1) more dispersed and less monocentric (i.e., less compact and more polycentric) cities are often associated with lower levels of carbon emissions, ceteris paribus; (2) the impact of polycentricity on carbon emissions could be moderated by the economic development levels of Chinese cities. For cities with gross domestic product of more than 173 billion yuan, a more polycentric spatial structure is usually associated with a higher level of carbon emissions; (3) a city’s urban spatial structure could have positive spatial spillovers on carbon emissions of its neighboring cities.
Anti-Ageism Social Actions: Lights and Shadows
Authors: Sánchez-Izquierdo Macarena , García-Sánchez Rodrigo , Fernández-Ballesteros Rocío
Published: January 2022

Ageism refers to the stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination towards others or oneself due to age, and it is the most prevalent type of social disadvantage, even more so than those due to gender and race, with negative effects worldwide. Ageism is an evidently real social problem that needs to be addressed and fought. Our study has two main objectives: firstly, to study to what extent programmes, projects or actions have been developed to combat ageism around the world; and secondly, to what extent they have been evaluated via the positive outcomes registered by the participants. Two different information sources were used: (a) a literature review of ageism programmes or interventions; and (b) an online questionnaire sent to international and national institutions surveying their policies or programmes against ageism. Our results show a relatively high number of actions combating ageism but a lack of a systematic evaluation of the outcomes of those actions. In conclusion, first, it is necessary to develop programmes and actions combating ageism, and the evaluation of these programmes is urgently needed in order to identify strategies that truly and effectively tackle ageism. There is a need to urge institutions to perform external evaluations of their anti-ageism social policies and to encourage scientists to conduct randomized and controlled studies.
The Effects of L2 Spanish Proficiency and Length of Exposure Abroad in the Expression of Imprecise Quantities
Authors: Jimenez Abril
Published: January 2022

In Spanish, imprecise quantities are typically expressed through approximators (APs) (e.g., casi $60 ‘almost’, como $30 ‘like’, and 90 y pico ‘-ish’). APs make semantic boundaries fuzzy, but they provide instructions for utterance interpretation by establishing upper limits (e.g., casi), lower limits (e.g., y pico), or no specific limits (e.g., como). While APs occur frequently in naturally occurring language, they are rarely included in second language (L2) classrooms or textbooks, limiting learners’ exposure to these forms. This study examined how intermediate L2, advanced L2, and native Spanish speakers (n = 20 per group) discussed imprecise quantities during oral interviews in which they responded to money-related questions. The study investigated the effect of L2 proficiency and cumulative length of exposure abroad in the learners’ lexical knowledge of APs. GLMMs revealed that, overall, an increased L2 proficiency correlated to a more frequent and more natural use of APs. A significant interaction between L2 proficiency and length of stay abroad was also found, as even short periods abroad resulted in significant lexical gains for the intermediate learners. The results show that while proficiency mediates AP use, naturalistic exposure at an early stage accelerates lexical acquisition, promoting a more target-like expression of numeric imprecision.
SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mendiola-Pastrana Indira R. , López-Ortiz Eduardo , Río de la Loza-Zamora José G. , González James , Gómez-García Anel , López-Ortiz Geovani
Published: January 2022

Background: From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged that potentially affect transmissibility, severity, and immune evasion in infected individuals. In the present systematic review, the impact of different SARS-CoV-2 variants on clinical outcomes is analyzed. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Two databases (PubMed and ScienceDirect) were searched for original articles published from 1 January 2020 to 23 November 2021. The articles that met the selection criteria were appraised according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results: Thirty-three articles were included, involving a total of 253,209 patients and 188,944 partial or complete SARS-CoV-2 sequences. The most reported SARS-CoV-2 variants showed changes in the spike protein, N protein, RdRp and NSP3. In 28 scenarios, SARS-CoV-2 variants were found to be associated with a mild to severe or even fatal clinical outcome, 15 articles reported such association to be statistically significant. Adjustments in eight of them were made for age, sex and other covariates. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 variants can potentially have an impact on clinical outcomes; future studies focused on this topic should consider several covariates that influence the clinical course of the disease.