bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing HYSPLIT Plume Dispersion Model Performance Using Regional Hydrocarbon Monitoring Data during a Gas Well Blowout
Authors: Schade Gunnar W. , Gregg Mitchell L.
Published: March 2022

A gas well blowout in south central Texas in November 2019 that lasted for 20 days provided a unique opportunity to test the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model’s plume dispersion against hydrocarbon air monitoring data at two nearby state monitoring stations. We estimated daily blowout hydrocarbon emission rates from satellite measurement-based results on methane emissions in conjunction with previously reported composition data of the local hydrocarbon resource. Using highly elevated hydrocarbon mixing ratios observed during several days at the two downwind monitoring stations, we calculated excess abundances above expected local background mixing ratios. Subsequent comparisons to HYSPLIT plume dispersion model outputs, generated using High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) or North American Mesoscale (NAM) forecast meteorological input data, showed that the model generally reproduces both the timing and magnitude of the plume in various meteorological conditions. Absolute hydrocarbon mixing ratios could typically be reproduced within a factor of two. However, when lower emission rate estimates provided by the company in charge of the well were used, downwind hydrocarbon observations could not be reproduced. Overall, our results suggest that HYSPLIT, in combination with high-resolution meteorological input data, is a useful tool to accurately forecast chemical plume dispersion and potential human exposure in disaster situations.
Management of a Mediterranean Forage/Cereal-Based Cropping System: An Ecosystem Service Multisectoral Analysis in the Perspective of Climate Change
Authors: Francioni Matteo , Trozzo Laura , Baldoni Nora , Toderi Marco , Bianchini Marco , Kishimoto-Mo Ayaka Wenhong , D’Ottavio Paride
Published: March 2022

Within Mediterranean cropping systems, legume forage crops that last up to 6 years or more (e.g., alfalfa) are replaced with cereal crops (e.g., wheat). The change from forage to cereal crops has negative climate and environmental impacts that must be addressed with mitigation actions. This study evaluated the synergies and tradeoffs between the ecosystem services provided by three management systems after forage legume. A field trial was set up from October 2017 to September 2019 on a 6-year-old alfalfa field subjected to the following management systems: (i) alfalfa termination followed by wheat for 2 years (WW, control); (ii) alfalfa termination followed by single amendment with 60 Mg ha−1 recalcitrant biochar and then by wheat for 2 years (WWB60); and (iii) extension of alfalfa for 2 years (AEXT). A range of regulating, supporting, and provisioning ecosystem services were assessed during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The results highlight that WWB60 can guarantee carbon sequestration without causing tradeoffs with other services, while AEXT can enhance soil conservation while not increasing soil greenhouse gas emissions. Future policies should support the WWB60 system if the goal is to increase the supporting services. Conversely, the AEXT system should be used if the goal is to increase the regulating and provisioning services.
Improved Quadrant Analysis for Large-Scale Events Detection in Turbulent Transport
Authors: Wang Ye , Wang Baomin , Lan Changxing , Fang Renzhi , Zheng Baofeng , Lu Jieying , Zheng Dan
Published: March 2022

Quadrant analysis has been widely used to investigate the turbulent characteristics in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Although quadrant analysis can identify turbulent structures that contribute significantly to turbulent fluxes, the approach to the hyperbolic hole and its parameter, referred to as hole size, remains uncertain and varies among different studies. This study discusses an improved quadrant analysis with an objective definition of the hole size for the isolation of large coherent structures from small-scale background fluctuations. Eddy covariance data collected 50 m above the grass canopy were used to analyze and evaluate the proposed method. This improved quadrant analysis ensures that the detected large coherent eddies play a dominant role in transporting fluxes, occupying 10% of the total time, with mean flux contributions ranging from 62% to 95% for momentum and 35–104% for scalars. The separated background small-scale eddies are isotropically characterized by a comparable time duration and flux contributions in each quadrant. It is observed that under an unstable atmosphere, large-scale ejections are more active than sweeps, while under stable conditions, they are equally important. Furthermore, mechanical-driven transport under near-neutral conditions only enhances ejection and sweep motions of momentum. In contrast, the buoyancy-driven scenarios under unstable conditions enhance the large-scale activities of sensible heat alone.
Classification of Urban Pollution Levels Based on Clustering and Spatial Statistics
Authors: Xu Ziyi , Liu Zhixin , Tian Jiawei , Liu Yan , Pan Hongling , Liu Shan , Yang Bo , Yin Lirong , Zheng Wenfeng
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the occurrence and frequency of haze are constantly increasing, severely threatening people’s daily lives and health and bringing enormous losses to the economy. To this end, we used cluster analysis and spatial autocorrelation methods to discuss the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of severe haze in China and to classify regions of China. Furthermore, we analyzed the interaction between haze pollution and the influence of economy and energy structure in 31 provinces in China, providing references for the prevention and treatment of haze pollution. The processed data mainly include API, meteorological station data, and PM 2.5 concentration distribution vector graph. The results show the yearly haze pattern from 2008 to 2012, and present a strong pattern of pollution concentrated around Beijing–Tianjin, the Yangtze River Delta, southwest China, and central China. The overall spatial pattern of decreasing from north to south is relatively constant over the study period.
Verification by Multiple Methods of Precipitation Forecast from HDRFFGS and SisPI Tools during the Impact of the Tropical Storm Isaias over the Dominican Republic
Authors: Sierra-Lorenzo Maibys , Medina Jose , Sille Juana , Fuentes-Barrios Adrián , Alfonso-Águila Shallys , Gascon Tania
Published: March 2022

During 2020, the Dominican Republic received the impact of several tropical organisms. Among those that generated the greatest losses in the country, tropical storm Isaias stands out because of the significant precipitation (327.6 mm at Sabana del Mar during 29–31 July 2020) and flooding it caused. The study analyzes the behavior of the products of the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) and the Nowcasting and Very Short Range Prediction System (Spanish acronym SisPI) for the quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) of the precipitation generated by Isaias on 30 July 2020 over the Dominican Republic. Traditional categorical verification and featured-based spatial verification methods are used in the study, taking as observation the quantitative precipitation estimation of GPM. The results show that both numerical weather prediction systems are powerful tools for QPF and also to contribute to the prevention and mitigation of disasters caused by the extreme hydro-meteorological event analyzed. For the forecast of rain occurrence, the HIRESW-NMMB product of FFGS presented the highest ability with a CSI greater than 0.4. The HIRESW-ARW and SisPI products not only presented high rates of false alarms but also performed better in forecasting heavy rain values. The results of the verification based on objects with the MODE are consistent with those obtained in the verification by categories. The HIRESW-NMMB product underestimated the intense rainfall values by approximately 60 mm, while HIRESW-ARW and SisPI tools presented minor differences, the latter being the one with the greatest skill.
Application of Wavelet Methods in the Investigation of Geospace Disturbances: A Review and an Evaluation of the Approach for Quantifying Wavelet Power
Authors: Katsavrias Christos , Papadimitriou Constantinos , Hillaris Alexandros , Balasis Georgios
Published: March 2022

Geospace disturbances refer collectively to the variations of the geomagnetic field and the trapped particle populations in the near-Earth space. These are the result of transient and recurrent solar activity, which consequently drives the variable solar wind. They may appear in multiple timescales, from sub-seconds to days, months and years. Wavelet analysis is one of the most popular, and powerful, methods in the study of these variations, as it allows for the local decomposition of non-stationary time series in frequency (or time-scale) and time simultaneously. This article is a review of the wavelet methods used in the investigation of geomagnetic field oscillations, which underlines their advantages as spectral analysis methods and demonstrates their utilization in the interdependence of multiple time-series. Lastly, the proper methodology for the accurate estimation of the power inferred from geophysical signals, applicable in quantitative studies, is included and is publicly available at the database of the University of Athens.
Evaluation of Technology for the Analysis and Forecasting of Precipitation Using Cyclostationary EOF and Regression Method
Authors: Sun Mingdong , Kim Gwangseob , Lei Kun , Wang Yan
Published: March 2022

Precipitation time series exhibit complex fluctuations and statistical changes. Existing research stops short of a simple and feasible model for precipitation forecasting. In this article, the authors investigate and forecast precipitation variations in South Korea from 1973 to 2021 using cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function (CSEOF) and regression methods. First, empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and CSEOF analyses are used to examine the periodic changes in the precipitation data. Then, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) method is applied to the principal component (PC) time series derived from the EOF and CSEOF precipitation analyses. The fifteen leading EOF and CSEOF modes and their corresponding PC time series clearly reflect the spatial distribution and temporal evolution characteristics of the precipitation data. Based on the PC forecasts of the EOF and CSEOF models, the EOF–ARIMA composite model and CSEOF–ARIMA composite model are used to obtain quantitative precipitation forecasts. The comparison results show that both composite models have good performance and similar accuracy. However, the performance of the CSEOF–ARIMA model is better than that of the EOF–ARIMA model under various measurements. Therefore, the CSEOF–ARIMA composite forecast model can be considered an efficient and feasible technology representing an analytical approach for precipitation forecasting in South Korea.
Study on the Characteristics of Aerosol Radiative Forcing under Complex Pollution Conditions in Beijing
Authors: Mao Qianjun , Wan Hui
Published: March 2022

Aerosol radiative effects usually have a heating effect on the atmosphere and a cooling effect on the surface, and they are also important uncertainty factors that cause climate change. Based on the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) and Aerosol Optical Properties Observation Network (AERONET), a study on the distribution characteristics of aerosol optical depth (AOD) in Beijing was developed, and a method to calculate the regional aerosol direct radiative forcing (ADRF) was improved. ADRF was calculated for Beijing by inputting aerosol optical parameters and surface parameters based on this method. The results show that the MODIS AOD and AERONET AOD both reached the correlation coefficient of 0.9 at 412 nm, 470 nm and 660 nm. Additionally, the correlation coefficient of ADRF as calculated by SBDART reached 0.8 through verification with AERONET ADRF. In addition, the ADRF of the atmosphere (ATM) under different degrees of pollution in Beijing was also calculated; the results indicate that the aerosol radiative effect becomes more obvious with higher pollution degrees. Finally, the interaction between the relevant factors (relative humidity, lower troposphere stability and wind speed) and the aerosol radiative effect was analyzed. Studies have found that the aerosol radiative effect influences the occurrence and continuation of pollution and provides a supporting basis for preventing the occurrence of pollution and predicting the climate.
Inelastic Processes in Strontium-Hydrogen Collisions and Their Impact on Non-LTE Calculations
Authors: Yakovleva Svetlana A. , Belyaev Andrey K. , Mashonkina Lyudmila I.
Published: March 2022

Inelastic processes rate coefficients for low-energy Sr + H, Sr+ + H−, Sr+ + H, and Sr2+ + H− collisions are calculated using the multichannel quantum model approach. A total of 31 scattering channels of SrH+ and 17 scattering channels of SrH are considered. The partial cross sections and the partial rate coefficients are hence calculated for 1202 partial processes in total. Using new quantum data for Sr ii + H i collisions, we updated the model atom of Sr ii and performed the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) calculations. We provide the non-LTE abundance corrections for the Sr ii resonance lines in two grids of model atmospheres, which are applicable to very metal-poor ([Fe/H] ≤−2) dwarfs and giants.
Selection of Microbial Targets for Treatments to Preserve Fresh Carrot Juice
Authors: Leneveu-Jenvrin Charlène , Quentin Baptiste , Messaaf Fatima-Ezzahra , Hoarau Mathilde , Lebrun Marc , Remize Fabienne
Published: March 2022

Fresh carrot juice presents nutritional and organoleptic qualities which have to be preserved. However, it is a fast perishable beverage, and its low-acidic pH promotes the development of foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. This study aims to assess the modification and variability of physicochemical and microbial indicators during storage of carrot juice, and to isolate and select microorganisms to be used as promoters of spoilage to quantify the effect of preservation treatments. To achieve that, 10 batches of carrot Daucus carota cv. Maestro juice were prepared independently, stored up to 14 days at 4 °C and analyzed. Volatile compound composition differed mainly according to the analyzed batch. During storage, an increase of the content of ethanol, ethyl acetate or 2-methoxyphenol, which are produced by different microorganisms, was noticed. Isolation of bacteria revealed Pseudomonas, lactic acid bacteria, and enterobacteria, some of them provoking odor modification of carrot juice at 4 °C. Assays in carrot juice with isolated yeasts and molds showed the ability of Meyerozyma guillermondii to induce texture modification and some isolates, e.g., Pichia guillermondii, resulted in gas production. Selected isolates able to induce spoilage are useful to test preservative treatments of fresh carrot juice under controlled conditions.
Vascularized Co-Culture Clusteroids of Primary Endothelial and Hep-G2 Cells Based on Aqueous Two-Phase Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Wang Anheng , Madden Leigh A. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: March 2022

Three-dimensional cell culture has been extensively involved in biomedical applications due to its high availability and relatively mature biochemical properties. However, single 3D cell culture models based on hydrogel or various scaffolds do not meet the more in-depth requirements of in vitro models. The necrotic core formation inhibits the utilization of the 3D cell culture ex vivo as oxygen permeation is impaired in the absence of blood vessels. We report a simple method to facilitate the formation of angiogenic HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) and Hep-G2 (hepatocyte carcinoma model) co-culture 3D clusteroids in a water-in-water (w/w) Pickering emulsions template which can overcome this limitation. This method enabled us to manipulate the cells proportion in order to achieve the optimal condition for stimulating the production of various angiogenic protein markers in the co-cultured clusteroids. The HUVEC cells respond to the presence of Hep-G2 cells and their byproducts by forming endothelial cell sprouts in Matrigel without the exogenous addition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or other angiogenesis inducers. This culture method can be easily replicated to produce other types of cell co-culture spheroids. The w/w Pickering emulsion template can facilitate the fabrication of 3D co-culture models to a great extent and be further utilized in drug testing and tissue engineering applications.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema: Improving Treatment Options
Authors: Zelmanovich Rebecca , Pierre Kevin , Felisma Patrick , Cole Dwayne , Goldman Matthew , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: March 2022

High altitude illness in its most severe form can lead to high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Current strategies have focused on prevention with graduated ascents, pharmacologic prophylaxis, and descent at first signs of symptoms. Little is understood regarding treatment with steroids and oxygenation being commonly utilized. Pre-clinical studies with turmeric derivatives have offered promise due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but they warrant validation clinically. Ongoing work is focused on better understanding the disease pathophysiology with an emphasis on the glymphatic system and venous outflow obstruction. This review highlights what is known regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, while also introducing novel pathophysiology mechanisms warranting further investigation.
The Potential Role of Peripheral Oxidative Stress on the Neurovascular Unit in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis: A Preliminary Report from Human and In Vitro Evaluations
Authors: Grossini Elena , Garhwal Divya , Venkatesan Sakthipriyan , Ferrante Daniela , Mele Angelica , Saraceno Massimo , Scognamiglio Ada , Mandrioli Jessica , Amedei Amedeo , De Marchi Fabiola , Mazzini Letizia
Published: March 2022

Oxidative stress, the alteration of mitochondrial function, and changes in the neurovascular unit (NVU) could play a role in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Our aim was to analyze the plasma redox system and nitric oxide (NO) in 25 ALS new-diagnosed patients and five healthy controls and the effects of plasma on the peroxidation/mitochondrial function in human umbilical cord-derived endothelial vascular cells (HUVEC) and astrocytes. In plasma, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) were analyzed by using specific assays. In HUVEC/astrocytes, the effects of plasma on the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) and NO, viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. In the plasma of ALS patients, an increase in TBARS and a reduction in GSH and NO were found. In HUVEC/astrocytes treated with a plasma of ALS patients, mitoROS increased, whereas cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. Our results show that oxidative stress and NVU play a central role in ALS and suggest that unknown plasma factors could be involved in the disease pathogenesis. Quantifiable changes in ALS plasma related to redox state alterations can possibly be used for early diagnosis.
Translational Approach to the Protective Effect of Bilirubin in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bianco Annalisa , Tiribelli Claudio , Bellarosa Cristina
Published: March 2022

Bilirubin has been regarded as a powerful endogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule, able to act on cellular pathways as a hormone. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common chronic complication of diabetes, and it is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Here, we will review the clinical and molecular features of mild hyperbilirubinemia in DKD. The pathogenesis of DKD involves oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Serum bilirubin levels are positively correlated with the levels of the antioxidative enzymes as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, while it is inversely correlated with C-reactive protein, TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and IL-10 release in diabetic kidney disease. Bilirubin downregulates NADPH oxidase, reduces the induction of pro-fibrotic factor HIF-1α expression, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP induction showing lower DNA fragmentation. Recent experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated its effects in the development and progression of renal diseases, pointing out that only very mild elevations of bilirubin concentrations result in real clinical benefits. Future controlled studies are needed to explore the precise role of bilirubin in the pathogenesis of DKD and to understand if the use of serum bilirubin levels as a marker of progression or therapeutic target in DKD is feasible and realistic.
Thioredoxin Domain Containing 5 Suppression Elicits Serum Amyloid A-Containing High-Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Sánchez-Marco Javier , Martínez-Beamonte Roberto , Diego Alicia De , Herrero-Continente Tania , Barranquero Cristina , Arnal Carmen , Surra Joaquín , Navarro María A. , Osada Jesús
Published: March 2022

Thioredoxin domain containing 5 (TXNDC5) is a protein disulfide isomerase involved in several diseases related to oxidative stress, energy metabolism and cellular inflammation. In a previous manuscript, a negative association between fatty liver development and hepatic Txndc5 expression was observed. To study the role of TXNDC5 in the liver, we generated Txndc5-deficient mice. The absence of the protein caused an increased metabolic need to gain weight along with a bigger and fatter liver. RNAseq was performed to elucidate the putative mechanisms, showing a substantial liver overexpression of serum amyloid genes (Saa1, Saa2) with no changes in hepatic protein, but discrete plasma augmentation by the gene inactivation. Higher levels of malonyldialdehyde, apolipoprotein A1 and platelet activating factor-aryl esterase activity were also found in serum from Txndc5-deficient mice. However, no difference in the distribution of high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-mayor components and SAA was found between groups, and even the reactive oxygen species decreased in HDL coming from Txndc5-deficient mice. These results confirm the relation of this gene with hepatic steatosis and with a fasting metabolic derive remedying an acute phase response. Likewise, they pose a new role in modulating the nature of HDL particles, and SAA-containing HDL particles are not particularly oxidized.
LSEA Evaluation of Lipid Mediators of Inflammation in Lung and Cortex of Mice Exposed to Diesel Air Pollution
Authors: Massimino Luca , Bulbarelli Alessandra , Corsetto Paola , Milani Chiara , Botto Laura , Farina Francesca , Lamparelli Luigi , Lonati Elena , Ungaro Federica , Maddipati Krishna , Palestini Paola , Rizzo Angela
Published: March 2022

Airborne ultrafine particle (UFP) exposure is a great concern as they have been correlated to increased cardiovascular mortality, neurodegenerative diseases and morbidity in occupational and environmental settings. The ultrafine components of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) represent about 25% of the emission mass; these particles have a great surface area and consequently high capacity to adsorb toxic molecules, then transported throughout the body. Previous in-vivo studies indicated that DEP exposure increases pro- and antioxidant protein levels and activates inflammatory response both in respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In cells, DEPs can cause additional reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which attacks surrounding molecules, such as lipids. The cell membrane provides lipid mediators (LMs) that modulate cell-cell communication, inflammation, and resolution processes, suggesting the importance of understanding lipid modifications induced by DEPs. In this study, with a lipidomic approach, we evaluated in the mouse lung and cortex how DEP acute and subacute treatments impact polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived LMs. To analyze the data, we designed an ad hoc bioinformatic pipeline to evaluate the functional enrichment of lipid sets belonging to the specific biological processes (Lipid Set Enrichment Analysis-LSEA). Moreover, the data obtained correlate tissue LMs and proteins associated with inflammatory process (COX-2, MPO), oxidative stress (HO-1, iNOS, and Hsp70), involved in the activation of many xenobiotics as well as PAH metabolism (Cyp1B1), suggesting a crucial role of lipids in the process of DEP-induced tissue damage.
Immune Mechanism of Epileptogenesis and Related Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Aguilar-Castillo María José , Cabezudo-García Pablo , Ciano-Petersen Nicolas Lundahl , García-Martin Guillermina , Marín-Gracia Marta , Estivill-Torrús Guillermo , Serrano-Castro Pedro Jesús
Published: March 2022

Immunologic and neuroinflammatory pathways have been found to play a major role in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders such as epilepsy, proposing the use of novel therapeutic strategies. In the era of personalized medicine and in the face of the exhaustion of anti-seizure therapeutic resources, it is worth looking at the current or future possibilities that neuroimmunomodulator or anti-inflammatory therapy can offer us in the management of patients with epilepsy. For this reason, we performed a narrative review on the recent advances on the basic epileptogenic mechanisms related to the activation of immunity or neuroinflammation with special attention to current and future opportunities for novel treatments in epilepsy. Neuroinflammation can be considered a universal phenomenon and occurs in structural, infectious, post-traumatic, autoimmune, or even genetically based epilepsies. The emerging research developed in recent years has allowed us to identify the main molecular pathways involved in these processes. These molecular pathways could constitute future therapeutic targets for epilepsy. Different drugs current or in development have demonstrated their capacity to inhibit or modulate molecular pathways involved in the immunologic or neuroinflammatory mechanisms described in epilepsy. Some of them should be tested in the future as possible antiepileptic drugs.
Combined HP 13C Pyruvate and 13C-Glucose Fluxomic as a Potential Marker of Response to Targeted Therapies in YUMM1.7 Melanoma Xenografts
Authors: Farah Chantale , Neveu Marie-Aline , Yelek Caner , Bouzin Caroline , Gallez Bernard , Baurain Jean-François , Mignion Lionel , Jordan Bénédicte F.
Published: March 2022

A vast majority of BRAF V600E mutated melanoma patients will develop resistance to combined BRAF/MEK inhibition after initial clinical response. Resistance to targeted therapy is described to be accompanied by specific metabolic changes in melanoma. The aim of this work was to evaluate metabolic imaging using 13C-MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) as a marker of response to BRAF/MEK inhibition in a syngeneic melanoma model. Tumor growth was significantly delayed in mice bearing YUMM1.7 melanoma xenografts treated with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, and/or with the MEK inhibitor trametinib, in comparison with the control group. 13C-MRS was performed in vivo after injection of hyperpolarized (HP) 13C-pyruvate, at baseline and 24 h after treatment, to evaluate dynamic changes in pyruvate-lactate exchange. Furthermore, ex vivo 13C-MRS steady state metabolic tracing experiments were performed after U-13C-glucose or 5-13C-glutamine injection, 24 h after treatment. The HP 13C-lactate-to-pyruvate ratio was not modified in response to BRAF/MEK inhibition, whereas the production of 13C-lactate from 13C-glucose was significantly reduced 24 h after treatment with vemurafenib, trametinib, or with the combined inhibitors. Conversely, 13C-glutamine metabolism was not modified in response to BRAF/MEK inhibition. In conclusion, we identified 13C-glucose fluxomic as a potential marker of response to BRAF/MEK inhibition in YUMM1.7 melanoma xenografts.
Prognostic Value of Mid-Regional Proadrenomedullin Sampled at Presentation and after 72 Hours in Septic Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department: An Observational Two-Center Study
Authors: Bima Paolo , Montrucchio Giorgia , Caramello Valeria , Rumbolo Francesca , Dutto Stefania , Boasso Sarah , Ferraro Anita , Brazzi Luca , Lupia Enrico , Boccuzzi Adriana , Mengozzi Giulio , Morello Fulvio , Battista Stefania
Published: March 2022

The prognostic value of mid-regional proADM (MR-proADM) in septic patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) is not well established. In this prospective observational study enrolling septic patients evaluated in two EDs, MR-proADM was measured at arrival (t0) and after 72 h (t72). MR-proADM%change was calculated as follows: (MR-proADMt72h − MR-proADMt0)/MR-proADMt0. In total, 147 patients were included in the study, including 109 with a final diagnosis of sepsis and 38 with septic shock, according to the Sepsis-3 criteria. The overall 28-day mortality (outcome) rate was 12.9%. The AUC for outcome prognostication was 0.66 (95% CI 0.51–0.80) for MR-proADMt0, 0.77 (95% CI 0.63–0.92) for MR-proADMt72 and 0.74 (95% CI 0.64–0.84) for MR-proADM%change. MR-proADMt0 ≥ 2.78 nmol/L, MR-proADMt72 ≥ 2.7 nmol/L and MR-proADM%change ≥ −15.2% showed statistically significant log-rank test results and sensitivity/specificity of 81/65%, 69/80% and 75/70% respectively. In regression analysis, MR-proADM%change was a significant outcome predictor both in univariate and multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, SOFA and APACHEII scores, providing up to 80% of added prognostic value. In conclusion, time trends of MR-proADM may provide additional insights for patient risk stratification over single sampling. MR-proADM levels sampled both at presentation and after 72 h predicted 28-day survival in septic patients presenting to the ED.
Metabolic Syndrome but Not Fatty Liver-Associated Genetic Variants Correlates with Glomerular Renal Function Decline in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Baratta Francesco , D’Erasmo Laura , Di Costanzo Alessia , Umbro Ilaria , Pastori Daniele , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria
Published: March 2022

The association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been extensively demonstrated. Recent studies have focused attention on the role of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 polymorphism in the association between NAFLD and CKD in non-metabolic adults and children, but the genetic impact on NAFLD-CKD association is still a matter of debate. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of PNPLA3, transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) and glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) gene variants rather than metabolic syndrome features on renal function in a large population of NAFLD patients. The present study is a post hoc analysis of the Plinio Study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04036357). PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7 and GCKR genes were analyzed by using real-time PCR with TaqMan probes. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated with CKD-EPI. We analyzed 538 NAFLD; 47.2% had GFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 while 5.9% had GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The distribution of genotypes was superimposable according to GFR cut-offs. Results from the multivariable regression model did not show any correlation between genotypes and renal function. Conversely, metabolic syndrome was highly associated with GFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (odds ratio (OR): 1.58 [1.10–2.28]) and arterial hypertension with GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR: 1.50 [1.05–2.14]). In conclusion, the association between NAFLD and CKD might be related to the shared metabolic risk factors rather than the genetic NAFLD background.
Indexes for the E-Baking Tray Task: A Look on Laterality, Verticality and Quality of Exploration
Authors: Argiuolo Antonietta , Somma Federica , Bartolomeo Paolo , Gigliotta Onofrio , Ponticorvo Michela
Published: March 2022

The Baking Tray Task is an ecological task developed for the assessment of unilateral neglect that can also be used for research on neurotypical participants. In this task, participants are asked to place 16 objects inside a board as evenly as possible. In the case of impaired spatial exploration, consequent to right attentional networks damage, asymmetrical object disposition is observed as more objects are placed on the ipsilesional side (typically the right side). The E-BTT is a technology-enhanced version of the Baking Tray Task, implemented with a software platform, E-TAN, which detects the objects and automatically computes their spatial coordinates. This allows a complement to the traditional scoring methods with new measures to extract richer information from the data. In this study, we focus on neurotypical participants to explore if some new indexes, derived from the literature review on similar tasks, can be applied to BTT and E-BTT for research aims. A principal component analysis (PCA) was then performed to verify if these new indexes reflect some common dimensions. Results indicate the emergence of two principal dimensions: spatiality, which summarizes both laterality and verticality, and quality, which regards the explored space and (dis)organization in placing the items.
Earlier Age at Surgery for Brain Cavernous Angioma-Related Epilepsy May Achieve Complete Seizure Freedom without Aid of Anti-Seizure Medication
Authors: Fujimoto Ayataka , Enoki Hideo , Hatano Keisuke , Sato Keishiro , Okanishi Tohru
Published: March 2022

Background: The present study hypothesized that some factors may distinguish between patients with a brain cavernous angioma (BCA), who were free from anti-seizure medication (ASM), and patients who still required ASMs postoperatively. The purpose of the study was thus to identify factors associated with ceasing ASMs for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy secondary to BCA, who underwent BCA removal surgery. Methods: We divided patients into those with drug-resistant epilepsy secondary to BCA who achieved complete seizure freedom without ASMs a year after surgery (No-ASM group) (International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification class I with no epileptiform discharges), and others (ASM group) (ILAE classification ≤ II and/or epileptiform discharges). We statistically compared groups in terms of: (1) age at operation; (2) history of epilepsy; (3) size of BCA; and (4) location of BCA. Results: Overall, a year after the surgery, the No-ASM group comprised 12 patients (48%), and the ASM group comprised 13 patients (52%). In both multi- and univariate logistic regression analyses, age at BCA removal surgery correlated significantly with the No-ASM group (p = 0.043, p = 0.019), but history of epilepsy did not (p = 0.581, p = 0.585). Conclusions: Earlier age at surgery for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy is encouraged to achieve complete seizure freedom without the need for ASMs when the cause of epilepsy is BCA.
Emergent Neuroimaging Findings for Written Expression in Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Costa Lara-Jeane C. , Spencer Sarah V. , Hooper Stephen R.
Published: March 2022

Background: There is currently a dearth of research on the neural framework of writing tasks in children, as measured by neuroimaging techniques. Objective: This paper provides an overview of the current literature examining the neurological underpinnings of written expression in children. Design: Using a scoping review approach, with thorough searches of key databases, this paper presents the available literature comprising 13 different studies using both structural and functional neuroimaging techniques with the 0–18 English speaking population. Results: Studies largely presented small sample sizes, with most studies utilizing elementary or middle school-aged children. Emergent findings revealed a complex network of neural contributions to the writing process in children. There were associations between the left fusiform gyrus and orthographic coding (i.e., handwriting), and spelling and written composition measures were significantly correlated with activity in the left posterior cingulate, left precuneus, and right precuneus regions. Additionally, results revealed that good versus poor writers manifested differential brain activation patterns during many tasks associated with written expression, with good writers performing more efficiently than poor writers with respect to brain regions activated during a writing task across handwriting, spelling, and idea generation. Conclusions: The findings from this scoping review lay the foundation for future studies examining the interface between writing skills in children and underlying neural pathways that support the various components of the writing process. It will be important for future research to examine the neurological bases of the various components of written expression in children and adolescents.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Neurological Manifestations: A Review of Case Reports and Case Series
Authors: Sriwastava Shitiz , Sharma Kanika , Khalid Syed , Bhansali Sakhi , Shrestha Ashish , Elkhooly Mahmoud , Srivastava Samiksha , Khan Erum , Jaiswal Shruti , Wen Sijin
Published: March 2022

Background: With 10 vaccines approved by the WHO and nearly 48% of people fully vaccinated worldwide, we have observed several individual case studies of neurological manifestations post-COVID-19 vaccination. Through this systematic review, we aim to discern these CNS and PNS manifestations following the COVID-19 vaccine to help produce methods to mitigate them. Methods: We conducted a thorough literature search of Google Scholar and PubMed from 1 December 2020 until 10 October 2021 and included all the case studies of COVID-19 vaccine-associated neurological side effects. The literature search and data analysis were performed by two independent reviewers according to prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria using PRISMA. Results: The most common CNS manifestation was CVST (14.47%), found in females (64%) younger than 50 years (71%) after the first AstraZeneca dose (93%). Others included CNS demyelinating disorders (TM, ADEM, MS, NMOSD) (9.30%), encephalopathy/encephalitis (3.10%), and others (4.13%). The most common PNS manifestation was GBS (14.67%) found in males (71%) older than 50 years (79%), followed by Bell’s palsy (5.24%) and others (2.10%). Most occurred with the AstraZeneca (28.55%), Pfizer-BioNTech (9.18%), and Moderna (8.16%) vaccines. Nine (64%) out of the 14 patients with CVST died. However, most cases overall (42 out of 51) were non-fatal (82%). Conclusion: Several CNS and PNS adverse events have occurred post-COVID-19 vaccination, including CVST, GBS, and TM. High vigilance with early identification and treatment leads to better outcomes. Further studies with non-vaccinated controls might help in understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms of these neurological manifestations following COVID-19 vaccination.
It Takes Two: Interpersonal Neural Synchrony Is Increased after Musical Interaction
Authors: Khalil Alexander , Musacchia Gabriella , Iversen John Rehner
Published: March 2022

Music’s deeply interpersonal nature suggests that music-derived neuroplasticity relates to interpersonal temporal dynamics, or synchrony. Interpersonal neural synchrony (INS) has been found to correlate with increased behavioral synchrony during social interactions and may represent mechanisms that support them. As social interactions often do not have clearly delineated boundaries, and many start and stop intermittently, we hypothesize that a neural signature of INS may be detectable following an interaction. The present study aimed to investigate this hypothesis using a pre-post paradigm, measuring interbrain phase coherence before and after a cooperative dyadic musical interaction. Ten dyads underwent synchronous electroencephalographic (EEG) recording during silent, non-interactive periods before and after a musical interaction in the form of a cooperative tapping game. Significant post-interaction increases in delta band INS were found in the post-condition and were positively correlated with the duration of the preceding interaction. These findings suggest a mechanism by which social interaction may be efficiently continued after interruption and hold the potential for measuring neuroplastic adaption in longitudinal studies. These findings also support the idea that INS during social interaction represents active mechanisms for maintaining synchrony rather than mere parallel processing of stimuli and motor activity.
Return to the New Normal: Empirical Analysis of Changes in E-Consumer Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pollák František , Markovič Peter , Vavrek Roman , Konečný Michal
Published: March 2022

The global pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has largely changed established business practices. The aim of this study is to present the results of eighteen months of intensive research into the effects of the pandemic on e-consumer behavior. In one of the most active e-commerce markets in Europe, the Czech Republic, we analyzed a sample of more than one and a half million Facebook users in terms of their C2B interactions on the B2C activities of the five major e-commerce market players. The measurements were carried out in three periods, which corresponded to the onset of the first wave, the peak, and the fading of the second wave of the pandemic. This enabled us to monitor the effect of seasonality and the stabilization of patterns of consumer behavior during the coronavirus crisis. The results suggest that a specific panic pattern of e-consumer behavior was developed at the time of the onset of the pandemic. However, as the pandemic progressed, the market adapted to a new normal, which, as evidenced by the change in trends, appears to be a combination of the pre-pandemic and pandemic behavioral patterns. Using a statistical analysis, it was possible to identify the delta of changes within the patterns of consumer behavior, thus fulfilling the final condition for creating an empirical model of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on e-consumer behavior presented in this study.
The Participation of Older People in the Development of Group Housing in The Netherlands: A Study on the Involvement of Residents from Organisational and End-User Perspectives
Authors: Tavy Zsuzsu K. C. T. , van Bochove Marianne E. , Dikken Jeroen , von Faber Margaret , Rusinovic Katja M. , van der Pas Suzan , van Hoof Joost
Published: March 2022

The establishment of new housing initiatives for older people begins with the participation of (future) residents. This study explored how participation is experienced by both facilitators and (future) residents and what lessons are learned regarding the facilitation of meaningful participation. Participation was studied through semi-structured interviews and focus group sessions from the perspective of 34 (future) residents and facilitators involved in participation processes in a diverse set of four housing projects from the Netherlands. The results focused on three phases: the initiation phase, the concepting and development phase, and the transition towards an established form of group housing. From the outset of such processes, it was important to involve all relevant stakeholders and to create a shared vision about the participation process. Discussions in small groups, the use of references, creative elements, and the creation of the right atmosphere were experienced as valuable during the concepting and design phase. In the third phase, the role of the organisation and residents needed to be discussed again. Participation should be a continuous process, during which trust, communication and having an open attitude are key. This study showed how innovative approaches can contribute to the creation of an environment in which older people can impact the actual design of housing, and make it more inclusive.
Quantitative Assessment of the Likelihood of Disputes in PPP Projects Using Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiao , Liu Yisheng , Jiang Jun , Su Nan
Published: March 2022

Disputes involved in public–private partnership (PPP) projects destroy the relationship between governments and private partners and generate huge losses. To multiply the chances of successfully preventing disputes, a holistic understanding of how a PPP dispute occurs is necessary. This paper contributes to the PPP dispute studies domain in (1) identifying various contributors that lead to the formation of PPP disputes at different levels, (2) proposing a fault tree (FT) framework of a PPP dispute, and (3) evaluating the likelihood of a PPP dispute and displaying the weakest part of a PPP project. First, three basic components that drive the development of PPP disputes are identified: project uncertainty, opportunistic behaviors, and contractual incompleteness. Second, scenario modeling of PPP disputes through fault tree analysis (FTA) depicts a more intelligible structure of PPP disputes. Furthermore, the fuzzy sets evaluation method was employed to compute the fuzzy occurrence likelihood of a PPP dispute. The results indicate that dispute is inevitable in PPP projects (with an occurrence likelihood of 0.9464). Additionally, opportunism is the dominant dispute inducer in PPPs. Our findings are expected to help PPP participants understand how various drivers contribute to the occurrence likelihood of PPP disputes where past data is inadequate. Then, more cost-efficient and appropriate preventive strategies can be developed based on the assessment to minimize the occurrence of PPP disputes.
Passengers’ Sensitivity and Adaptive Behaviors to Health Risks in the Subway Microenvironment: A Case Study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Mao Peng , Wang Xiang , Wang Rubing , Wang Endong , Li Hongyang
Published: March 2022

Passenger behavior in subways has recently become a matter of great concern, with more attention being paid to the health risks of the subway microenvironment (sub-ME). This paper aimed to provide guidance for subway passengers on better adapting to the health risks presented by the sub-ME. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Nanjing, China, and descriptive analysis and a one-way analysis of variance were performed to understand the sensitivity levels of subway passengers and analyze their adaptive behaviors, based on their sensitivity to sub-ME health risks. The results showed that passengers over 66 years old and those who are frequently sick are more sensitive to the presented health risks. Additionally, passengers traveling for longer and those traveling in rush hours are more sensitive to sub-ME health risks. We also found that individual characteristics, knowledge structure, and information communication all influence passengers’ adaptive behaviors. It was ascertained that those with a positive attitude and those who had previously suffered from environmentally influenced diseases, as well as those who studied an environment-related subject, tended to demonstrate more adaptive behaviors. Moreover, passengers who are very familiar with the subway information communication channels and the related information adapted better to the health risks of the sub-ME. Our findings are beneficial for improving passengers’ adaptability to the health risks presented by the sub-ME and for promoting the sustainable operation of subway systems.