bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity, Reliability and Reproducibility of OctoBalance Test as Tool to Measure the Upper Limb Compared to Modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test
Authors: Velarde-Sotres Álvaro , Bores-Cerezal Antonio , Mecías-Calvo Marcos , Carvajal-Altamiranda Stefanía , Calleja-González Julio
Published: May 2021

The articular evaluation of range of motion (ROM) is currently used to observe imbalance or limitations as possible risk factors or predispositions to suffer future injures. The main aim of this study is to verify the concurrent validity, reliability and reproducibility of the OctoBalance Test (OB) as a valid and reliable tool to measure articular ROM of the upper limb compared to the modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (mUQYBT). The twenty-five participants were male athletes. All of them were assessed with OB and mUQYBT in medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions in both right and left arms with a three-minute break during these attempts. The process was repeated a second time with a week gap between measurements. Pearson correlation and linear logarithmic regression were used to examine the relationship between scores obtained with OB and mUQYBT. In order to verify the reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used (3.1). Concordance and reproducibility were assessed using Bland–Altman’s graph. A perfect correlation and an almost linear logarithmic regression (R2 = 0.97) were observed between both measurement systems, with values of 73.531 ± 21.226 cm in mUQYBT and 69.541 ± 16.330 cm in OB. The differences were minimal between week one and week two. The assessment with Bland’s graph showed the concordance and reproducibility of scores, showing the dispersion and the upper and lower limits. OB is shown as valid in comparison to the other test as a reliable and reproducible tool for the assessment of the articular ROM in the upper limb, and it could be used for the evaluation of injuries.
Ergonomic Risk Factors of Teleworking in Ecuador during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Larrea-Araujo César , Ayala-Granja José , Vinueza-Cabezas Andrea , Acosta-Vargas Patricia
Published: May 2021

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, guidelines for people’s confinement have been implemented to prevent the disease’s spread. As a result of this, companies have implemented teleworking as an emerging way to work from home using information technology. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ecuador, with a sample of 204 teleworkers in the city of Quito. The results show that the teleworkers rearranged their bedrooms to carry out their activities. The respondents in each age group stated they did not perceive more significant ailments than those experienced before beginning teleworking. The relationships between the variables were analyzed utilizing the Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test, finding a relationship between neck ailments and age of p = 0.031 * and between arm/forearm ailments of p = 0.032 *. This study contributes to a greater understanding of the ergonomic situation of the teleworkers and provides us with information to mitigate the ergonomic risks to which they are exposed.
Improving the Safety–Performance Nexus: A Study on the Moderating and Mediating Influence of Work Motivation in the Causal Link between Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSM) Practices and Work Performance in the Oil and Gas Sector
Authors: Nkrumah Edmund Nana Kwame , Liu Suxia , Doe Fiergbor David , Akoto Linda Serwah
Published: May 2021

The preventive systems required to ensure workers are protected from occupational accidents and injuries dwell heavily on effective occupational health and safety management (OHSM) systems and practices. In this study, the concepts of the job demand-resource model (JD-R), self-determination theory (SDT), and perceived organizational support for safety (POSS) theory were adopted to develop a holistic conceptual model that seeks to unravel moderating and mediating effects of work motivation on the causal link between OHSM practices and work performance in the oil and gas sector. The study measured OHSM practices from six distinct safety dimensional perspectives and work performance using a two-dimensional distinct construct that assesses different aspects of positive work behaviours. A quantitative research approach through the structural equation modelling analysis technique was applied. A total of 1310 participants were selected across three major organizations that represent downstream, upstream, and middle stream of the Ghanaian oil and gas sector. Respondents were recruited through stratified, purposive, and convenient sampling techniques. The findings from the path estimate through the SEM analysis suggested that OHSM practices positively and significantly influenced both safety performance and task performance of employees. However, OHSM practices indicated a higher positive significant influence on task performance than safety performance. The significant influence of OHSM practices on both task and safety performance was significantly moderated and partially mediated by work motivation, while both task performance and safety performance were significantly determined by work motivation. In this study, the dimensions for assessing work performance extend the performance theories established in previous literature, whereas the integrated multifaceted OHSM practices employed diverge from the traditional individualistic approach by providing insights into more flexible managerial practices that are employee-centred and outcome-oriented. The findings from this study address the need for organizations to appreciate the importance of managing workers’ perception of OHSM practices as a motivational drive that induces work performance.
Optimizing Tobacco Advertising Bans in Seven Latin American Countries: Microsimulation Modeling of Health and Financial Impact to Inform Evidence-Based Policy
Authors: Bardach Ariel , Alcaraz Andrea , Roberti Javier , Ciapponi Agustín , Augustovski Federico , Pichon-Riviere Andrés
Published: May 2021

Introduction: In Latin America, tobacco smoking prevalence is between 6.4% and 35.2%. Governments have been making efforts to support the regulation of advertising and, in many cases, banning advertising and promotion of tobacco altogether. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential impact on health and economic outcomes of optimizing a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Methods: We built a probabilistic microsimulation model, considering natural history, direct health system costs, and quality of life impairment associated with main tobacco-related diseases. We followed individuals in hypothetical cohorts and calculated health outcomes on an annual basis to obtain aggregated 10-year population health outcomes (deaths, events, healthy years of life) and costs. To populate the model, we performed a rapid review of literature to calculate intervention effectiveness. Results: With current policies, over 10 years, in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia a total of 50,000 deaths and 364,000 disease events will be averted, saving $7.2 billion. If the seven countries strengthened their policies and implemented a comprehensive ban with 100% compliance, 98,000 deaths and 648,000 events would be averted over 10 years, saving almost $15 billion in healthcare costs. Conclusions: Optimizing a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship would substantially reduce deaths, diseases, and health care costs attributed to smoking. Latin American countries should not delay the full implementation of this strategy.
Could the Evaluation of Muscle Strength Imbalances Be Used as a Predictor of Total Hip Arthroplasty?
Authors: Vodička Tomáš , Bozděch Michal , Gimunová Marta , Svobodová Lenka , Zháněl Jiří , Czyż Stanisław Henryk
Published: May 2021

Loss of muscle strength characterizes the period before total hip arthroplasty (THA). Little is known about whether muscle strength imbalances caused by muscle strength decline could be considered another clinical predictor for THA. This study aimed to determine whether muscle imbalances may be used as a clinical predictor for THA surgery. Thirty-six participants were enrolled in the study. Eighteen patients had THA (THA group), while 18 were healthy elders (CON group). Ipsilateral (H/Q) and bilateral (% Def) muscle imbalances of the knee were assessed. THA patients showed impairment of the extensors on the affected extremity compared to those unaffected. A comparison between the groups proved there were weakened flexors in the THA group on both extremities. A comparison of the imbalances revealed a significant bilateral imbalance of the extensors and ipsilateral imbalance of both extremities in the THA group. We computed two logistic regressions using bilateral and ipsilateral imbalance as the predictors of THA surgery. We found that bilateral extensor imbalance may be used as a predictor for THA (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.22). A decrease of the bilateral extensors imbalance by 8% decreases the probability of THA by 8%. The most interesting finding is that the evaluation of the bilateral extensor imbalance may be used as another clinical predictor for THA.
Disparities in the Evolution of the COVID-19 Pandemic between Spanish Provinces
Authors: López-Mendoza Héctor , Montañés Antonio , Moliner-Lahoz F. Javier
Published: May 2021

Spain experienced a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in autumn 2020, which has been approached with different measures by regional authorities. We analyze the presence of convergence in the cumulative incidence for 14 days (CI14) in provinces and self-governing cities. The Phillips–Sul methodology was used to study the grouping of behavior between provinces, and an ordered logit model was estimated to understand the forces that drive creating the different convergence clubs. We reject the presence of a single pattern of behavior in the evolution of the CI14 across territories. Four statistically different convergence clubs and an additional province (Madrid) with divergent behavior are observed. Provinces with developed agricultural and industrial economic sectors, high mobility, and a high proportion of Central and South American immigrants had the highest level of CI14. We show that the transmission of the virus is not homogeneous in the Spanish national territory. Our results are helpful for identifying differences in determinants that could explain the pandemic’s evolution and for formulating hypotheses about the effectiveness of implemented measures.
The Inclusion of Rights of People with Disabilities and Women and Girls in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Policy Documents and Programs of Bangladesh and Cambodia: Content Analysis Using EquiFrame
Authors: Scherer Nathaniel , Mactaggart Islay , Huggett Chelsea , Pheng Pharozin , Rahman Mahfuj-ur , Biran Adam , Wilbur Jane
Published: May 2021

People with disabilities and as women and girls face barriers to accessing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and facilities that fully meet their needs, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Women and girls with disabilities experience double discrimination. WASH policies should support and uphold the concepts of disability and gender inclusion, and they should also act as a guide to inform WASH programs and service delivery. Using a modified version of the EquiFrame content analysis tool, this study investigated the inclusion of 21 core concepts of human rights of people with disabilities and women and girls in 16 WASH policy documents and seven end-line program reports from Bangladesh and Cambodia. Included documents typically focused on issues of accessibility and neglected wider issues, including empowerment and support for caregivers. The rights of children and women with disabilities were scarcely focused on specifically, despite their individual needs, and there was a disconnect in the translation of certain rights from policy to practice. Qualitative research is needed with stakeholders in Bangladesh and Cambodia to investigate the inclusion and omission of core rights of people with disabilities, and women and girls, as well as the factors contributing to the translation of rights from policy to practice.
Implementation of FAIR Principles for Ontologies in the Disaster Domain: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mazimwe Allan , Hammouda Imed , Gidudu Anthony
Published: May 2021

The success of disaster management efforts demands meaningful integration of data that is geographically dispersed and owned by stakeholders in various sectors. However, the difficulty in finding, accessing and reusing interoperable vocabularies to organise disaster management data creates a challenge for collaboration among stakeholders in the disaster management cycle on data integration tasks. Thus the need to implement FAIR principles that describe the desired features ontologies should possess to maximize sharing and reuse by humans and machines. In this review, we explore the extent to which sharing and reuse of disaster management knowledge in the domain is inline with FAIR recommendations. We achieve this through a systematic search and review of publications in the disaster management domain based on a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We then extract social-technical features in selected studies and evaluate retrieved ontologies against the FAIR maturity model for semantic artefacts. Results reveal that low numbers of ontologies representing disaster management knowledge are resolvable via URIs. Moreover, 90.9% of URIs to the downloadable disaster management ontology artefacts do not conform to the principle of uniqueness and persistence. Also, only 1.4% of all retrieved ontologies are published in semantic repositories and 84.1% are not published at all because there are no repositories dedicated to archiving disaster domain knowledge. Therefore, there exists a very low level of Findability (1.8%) or Accessibility (5.8%), while Interoperability and Reusability are moderate (49.1% and 30.2 % respectively). The low adherence of disaster vocabularies to FAIR Principles poses a challenge to disaster data integration tasks because of the limited ability to reuse previous knowledge during disaster management phases. By using FAIR indicators to evaluate the maturity in sharing, discovery and integration of disaster management ontologies, we reveal potential research opportunities for managing reusable and evolving knowledge in the disaster community.
Biomolecular Simulations with the Three-Dimensional Reference Interaction Site Model with the Kovalenko-Hirata Closure Molecular Solvation Theory
Authors: Roy Dipankar , Kovalenko Andriy
Published: May 2021

The statistical mechanics-based 3-dimensional reference interaction site model with the Kovalenko-Hirata closure (3D-RISM-KH) molecular solvation theory has proven to be an essential part of a multiscale modeling framework, covering a vast region of molecular simulation techniques. The successful application ranges from the small molecule solvation energy to the bulk phase behavior of polymers, macromolecules, etc. The 3D-RISM-KH successfully predicts and explains the molecular mechanisms of self-assembly and aggregation of proteins and peptides related to neurodegeneration, protein-ligand binding, and structure-function related solvation properties. Upon coupling the 3D-RISM-KH theory with a novel multiple time-step molecular dynamic (MD) of the solute biomolecule stabilized by the optimized isokinetic Nosé–Hoover chain thermostat driven by effective solvation forces obtained from 3D-RISM-KH and extrapolated forward by generalized solvation force extrapolation (GSFE), gigantic outer time-steps up to picoseconds to accurately calculate equilibrium properties were obtained in this new quasidynamics protocol. The multiscale OIN/GSFE/3D-RISM-KH algorithm was implemented in the Amber package and well documented for fully flexible model of alanine dipeptide, miniprotein 1L2Y, and protein G in aqueous solution, with a solvent sampling rate ~150 times faster than a standard MD simulation in explicit water. Further acceleration in computation can be achieved by modifying the extent of solvation layers considered in the calculation, as well as by modifying existing closure relations. This enhanced simulation technique has proven applications in protein-ligand binding energy calculations, ligand/solvent binding site prediction, molecular solvation energy calculations, etc. Applications of the RISM-KH theory in molecular simulation are discussed in this work.
The AraC-Type Transcriptional Regulator GliR (PA3027) Activates Genes of Glycerolipid Metabolism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kotecka Karolina , Kawalek Adam , Kobylecki Kamil , Bartosik Aneta Agnieszka
Published: May 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes a large set of transcriptional regulators (TRs) that modulate and manage cellular metabolism to survive in variable environmental conditions including that of the human body. The AraC family regulators are an abundant group of TRs in bacteria, mostly acting as gene expression activators, controlling diverse cellular functions (e.g., carbon metabolism, stress response, and virulence). The PA3027 protein from P. aeruginosa has been classified in silico as a putative AraC-type TR. Transcriptional profiling of P. aeruginosa PAO1161 overexpressing PA3027 revealed a spectacular increase in the mRNA levels of PA3026-PA3024 (divergent to PA3027), PA3464, and PA3342 genes encoding proteins potentially involved in glycerolipid metabolism. Concomitantly, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis revealed that at least 22 regions are bound by PA3027 in the PAO1161 genome. These encompass promoter regions of PA3026, PA3464, and PA3342, showing the major increase in expression in response to PA3027 excess. In Vitro DNA binding assay confirmed interactions of PA3027 with these regions. Furthermore, promoter-reporter assays in a heterologous host showed the PA3027-dependent activation of the promoter of the PA3026-PA3024 operon. Two motifs representing the preferred binding sites for PA3027, one localized upstream and one overlapping with the −35 promoter sequence, were identified in PA3026p and our data indicate that both motifs are required for full activation of this promoter by PA3027. Overall, the presented data show that PA3027 acts as a transcriptional regulator in P. aeruginosa, activating genes likely engaged in glycerolipid metabolism. The GliR name, from a glycerolipid metabolism regulator, is proposed for PA3027 of P. aeruginosa.
Bacteria Single-Cell and Photosensitizer Interaction Revealed by Quantitative Phase Imaging
Authors: Buzalewicz Igor , Ulatowska-Jarża Agnieszka , Kaczorowska Aleksandra , Gąsior-Głogowska Marlena , Podbielska Halina , Karwańska Magdalena , Wieliczko Alina , Matczuk Anna K. , Kowal Katarzyna , Kopaczyńska Marta
Published: May 2021

Quantifying changes in bacteria cells in the presence of antibacterial treatment is one of the main challenges facing contemporary medicine; it is a challenge that is relevant for tackling issues pertaining to bacterial biofilm formation that substantially decreases susceptibility to biocidal agents. Three-dimensional label-free imaging and quantitative analysis of bacteria–photosensitizer interactions, crucial for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, is still limited due to the use of conventional imaging techniques. We present a new method for investigating the alterations in living cells and quantitatively analyzing the process of bacteria photodynamic inactivation. Digital holographic tomography (DHT) was used for in situ examination of the response of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to the accumulation of the photosensitizers immobilized in the copolymer revealed by the changes in the 3D refractive index distributions of single cells. Obtained results were confirmed by confocal microscopy and statistical analysis. We demonstrated that DHT enables real-time characterization of the subcellular structures, the biophysical processes, and the induced local changes of the intracellular density in a label-free manner and at sub-micrometer spatial resolution.
Single-Molecule Imaging in Living Plant Cells: A Methodological Review
Authors: Guo Ai-Yu , Zhang Ya-Mei , Wang Liu , Bai Di , Xu Ya-Peng , Wu Wen-Qiang
Published: May 2021

Single-molecule imaging is emerging as a revolutionary approach to studying fundamental questions in plants. However, compared with its use in animals, the application of single-molecule imaging in plants is still underexplored. Here, we review the applications, advantages, and challenges of single-molecule fluorescence imaging in plant systems from the perspective of methodology. Firstly, we provide a general overview of single-molecule imaging methods and their principles. Next, we summarize the unprecedented quantitative details that can be obtained using single-molecule techniques compared to bulk assays. Finally, we discuss the main problems encountered at this stage and provide possible solutions.
Modified Gold Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery of Betulinic Acid to Cancer Cell Mitochondria
Authors: Oladimeji Olakunle , Akinyelu Jude , Daniels Aliscia , Singh Moganavelli
Published: May 2021

Advances in nanomedicine have seen the adaptation of nanoparticles (NPs) for subcellular delivery for enhanced therapeutic impact and reduced side effects. The pivotal role of the mitochondria in apoptosis and their potential as a target in cancers enables selective induction of cancer cell death. In this study, we examined the mitochondrial targeted delivery of betulinic acid (BA) by the mitochondriotropic TPP+-functionalized epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-capped gold NPs (AuNPs), comparing the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly-L-lysine-graft-polyethylene glycol (PLL-g-PEG) copolymer on delivery efficacy. This included the assessment of their cellular uptake, mitochondrial localization and efficacy as therapeutic delivery platforms for BA in the human Caco-2, HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. These mitochondrial-targeted nanocomplexes demonstrated significant inhibition of cancer cell growth, with targeted nanocomplexes recording IC50 values in the range of 3.12–13.2 µM compared to that of the free BA (9.74–36.31 µM) in vitro, demonstrating the merit of mitochondrial targeting. Their mechanisms of action implicated high amplitude mitochondrial depolarization, caspases 3/7 activation, with an associated arrest at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. This nano-delivery system is a potentially viable platform for mitochondrial-targeted delivery of BA and highlights mitochondrial targeting as an option in cancer therapy.
Current Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Cutaneous Adnexal Neoplasms with Apocrine and Eccrine Differentiation
Authors: Płachta Iga , Kleibert Marcin , Czarnecka Anna M. , Spałek Mateusz , Szumera-Ciećkiewicz Anna , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: May 2021

Adnexal tumors of the skin are a rare group of benign and malignant neoplasms that exhibit morphological differentiation toward one or more of the adnexal epithelium types present in normal skin. Tumors deriving from apocrine or eccrine glands are highly heterogeneous and represent various histological entities. Macroscopic and dermatoscopic features of these tumors are unspecific; therefore, a specialized pathological examination is required to correctly diagnose patients. Limited treatment guidelines of adnexal tumor cases are available; thus, therapy is still challenging. Patients should be referred to high-volume skin cancer centers to receive an appropriate multidisciplinary treatment, affecting their outcome. The purpose of this review is to summarize currently available data on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment approach for apocrine and eccrine tumors.
Genome-Wide Identification of Barley Long Noncoding RNAs and Analysis of Their Regulatory Interactions during Shoot and Grain Development
Authors: Gasparis Sebastian , Przyborowski Mateusz , Nadolska-Orczyk Anna
Published: May 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with gene regulatory functions in plant development and the stress response. Although the number of lncRNAs identified in plants is rapidly increasing, very little is known about their role in barley development. In this study, we performed global identification of barley lncRNAs based on 53 RNAseq libraries derived from nine different barley tissues and organs. In total, 17,250 lncRNAs derived from 10,883 loci were identified, including 8954 novel lncRNAs. Differential expression of lncRNAs was observed in the developing shoot apices and grains, the two organs that have a direct influence on the final yield. The regulatory interaction of differentially expressed lncRNAs with the potential target genes was evaluated. We identified 176 cis-acting lncRNAs in shoot apices and 424 in grains, while the number of trans-acting lncRNAs in these organs was 1736 and 540, respectively. The potential target protein-coding genes were identified, and their biological function was annotated using MapMan ontology. This is the first insight into the roles of lncRNAs in barley development on the genome-wide scale, and our results provide a solid background for future functional studies.
Twitter Sentiment Analysis towards COVID-19 Vaccines in the Philippines Using Naïve Bayes
Authors: Villavicencio Charlyn , Macrohon Julio Jerison , Inbaraj X. Alphonse , Jeng Jyh-Horng , Hsieh Jer-Guang
Published: May 2021

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the longest recorded lockdowns in the world, the Philippines received its first delivery of COVID-19 vaccines on 1 March 2021 through WHO’s COVAX initiative. A month into inoculation of all frontline health professionals and other priority groups, the authors of this study gathered data on the sentiment of Filipinos regarding the Philippine government’s efforts using the social networking site Twitter. Natural language processing techniques were applied to understand the general sentiment, which can help the government in analyzing their response. The sentiments were annotated and trained using the Naïve Bayes model to classify English and Filipino language tweets into positive, neutral, and negative polarities through the RapidMiner data science software. The results yielded an 81.77% accuracy, which outweighs the accuracy of recent sentiment analysis studies using Twitter data from the Philippines.
Work-Related Accident Prevention in Norwegian Road and Maritime Transport: Examining the Influence of Different Sector Rules
Authors: Nævestad Tor-Olav , Elvebakk Beate , Ranestad Karen
Published: May 2021

About 36% of fatal road accidents in Norway involve at least one driver who is “at work”. It has been argued that the implementation of rules clearly defining the responsibility of road transport companies to prevent work related accidents, by implementing safety management systems (SMS), could lead to increased safety. In the present study we tested the validity of this suggestion, by examining the influence of different sector rules on work-related accident prevention in Norwegian road and maritime transport. In contrast to the road sector, the maritime sector has had rules requiring SMS for over 20 years, clearly defining the shipping companies responsibility for prevention of work-related accidents. The aims of the study were to: (1) examine how the different sector rules influence perceptions of whether the responsibility to prevent work-related accidents is clearly defined in each sector; and (2) compare respondents’ perceptions of the quality of their sectors’ efforts to prevent work-related accidents, and factors influencing this. The study was based on a small-scale survey (N = 112) and qualitative interviews with sector experts (N = 17) from companies, authorities, and NGOs in the road and the maritime sectors. Results indicate that respondents in the maritime sector perceive the responsibility to prevent work-related accidents as far more clearly defined, and they rate their sector’s efforts to prevent accidents as higher than respondents in road. Multivariate analyses indicate that this is related to the scope of safety regulations in the sectors studied, controlled for several important framework conditions. Based on the results, we conclude that the implementation of SMS rules focused on transport companies’ responsibility to prevent work-related accidents could improve safety in the road sector. However, due to barriers to SMS implementation in the road sector, we suggest starting with a simplified version of SMS.
Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements in Airports: Structural–Economic Evaluation and Proposal for a Catalogue
Authors: Di Mascio Paola , De Rubeis Alberto , De Marchis Claudio , Germinario Antonello , Metta Giovanni , Salzillo Rosario , Moretti Laura
Published: May 2021

Although the design of jointed plain concrete pavements could be solved by commercial software, there is still a need for simple tools to be used in feasibility studies and preliminary cost–benefit analyses. This paper analyzed and verified jointed plain concrete pavements for airports composed of square slabs without tie and dowel bars. The examined slabs are laid on a cement-treated base layer and a stabilized granular subbase layer. The finite element software FAARFIELD was used to design the JPCP pavements when they are subjected to the design of the airplane (i.e., turboprop C-130J Hercules) under different conditions. Seven subgrade load bearing capacity values, twenty traffic levels, and two construction hypotheses (i.e., constant or variable thickness of the two deeper layers) were designed and then verified with the Westergaard theory in order to present a proposal for a catalogue. Finally, the construction cost per unit surface area was calculated for different construction methods of paving (by slip form paver or by fixed form). The obtained results provide a simple and fast procedure to design preliminary airport JPCPs.
17-Year-Long Sewage Sludge Ash Concrete Exposure Test
Authors: Kobayashi Koichi , Koyanagi Wataru
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted on concrete using sewage sludge ash (SSA) with the aim to establish an efficient use of SSA as a cement replacement material. Concrete specimens with three degrees of strength were made from two different SSAs and exposed in temperate plain and cold mountain regions for a prolonged period of time to investigate the long-term properties of SSA concrete. After 17 years of exposure, the properties of the specimens were examined. SSA concrete basically maintained its strength after 17 years of exposure. No significant drop in the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity was detected in SSA concrete left in a cold mountain region, despite the fact that it would be exposed to a considerable number of freeze-and-thaw cycles. It was also confirmed that the SSA concrete exhibited high resistance against carbonation. A small amount of Katoite formed in the hardened cement/SSA mixture, probably due to the high content of Al2O3 in SSA. No abnormal formation of ettringite was observed.
Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with and without COVID-19
Authors: Trimaille Antonin , Curtiaud Anaïs , Matsushita Kensuke , Marchandot Benjamin , Von Hunolstein Jean-Jacques , Sato Chisato , Leonard-Lorant Ian , Sattler Laurent , Grunebaum Lelia , Ohana Mickaël , Ohlmann Patrick , Jesel Laurence , Morel Olivier
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a frequent condition in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with worse outcomes. Previous studies suggested an immunothrombosis instead of a thrombus embolism, but the precise mechanisms remain unknown. Objective. To assess the determinants and prognosis of APE during COVID-19. Methods. We retrospectively included all consecutive patients with APE confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography hospitalized at Strasbourg University Hospital from 1 March to 31 May 2019 and 1 March to 31 May 2020. A comprehensive set of clinical, biological, and imaging data during hospitalization was collected. The primary outcome was transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). Results. APE was diagnosed in 140 patients: 59 (42.1%) with COVID-19, and 81 (57.9%) without COVID-19. A 812% reduction of non-COVID-19 related APE was registered during the 2020 period. COVID-19 patients showed a higher simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score (1.15 ± 0.76 vs. 0.83 ± 0.83, p = 0.019) and were more frequently transferred to the ICU (45.8% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001). No difference regarding the most proximal thrombus localization, Qanadli score (8.1 ± 6.9 vs. 9.0 ± 7.4, p = 0.45), the proportion of subsegmental (10.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.86), and segmental pulmonary embolism (35.6% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.16) was evidenced between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 APE. In COVID-19 patients with subsegmental or segmental APE, thrombus was, in all cases (27/27 patients), localized in areas with COVID-19-related lung injuries. Marked inflammatory and prothrombotic biological markers were associated with COVID-19 APE. Conclusions. APE patients with COVID-19 have a particular clinico–radiological and biological profile and a dismal prognosis. Our results emphasize the preeminent role of inflammation and a prothrombotic state in these patients.
Urinary Extracellular Vesicles for Diabetic Kidney Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Saenz-Pipaon Goren , Echeverria Saioa , Orbe Josune , Roncal Carmen
Published: May 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in developed countries, affecting more than 40% of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. DKD pathogenesis is multifactorial leading to a clinical presentation characterized by proteinuria, hypertension, and a gradual reduction in kidney function, accompanied by a high incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality. Unlike other diabetes-related complications, DKD prevalence has failed to decline over the past 30 years, becoming a growing socioeconomic burden. Treatments controlling glucose levels, albuminuria and blood pressure may slow down DKD evolution and reduce CV events, but are not able to completely halt its progression. Moreover, one in five patients with diabetes develop DKD in the absence of albuminuria, and in others nephropathy goes unrecognized at the time of diagnosis, urging to find novel noninvasive and more precise early diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these patient subgroups. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially urinary (u)EVs, have emerged as an alternative for this purpose, as changes in their numbers and composition have been reported in clinical conditions involving DM and renal diseases. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of (u)EVs in DKD.
Variants and Modifications of the Retroauricular Approach Using in Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sikora Maciej , Chęciński Maciej , Nowak Zuzanna , Chlubek Dariusz
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The retroauricular approach (RA) has been developed in order to expose the temporomandibular joint in a way that minimizes the risk of injury to the facial nerve and masks the postoperative scar. One of its characteristics is an excellent posterolateral view of the mandibular head, which allows for the preservation of the lateral temporomandibular joint ligaments in the course of open intracapsular surgery. Aim: The aim of this study is to systematically review the currently used variants and modifications of RA. Materials and Methods: The construction of the following study is based on PICOS and PRISMA protocols. A systematic literature search was performed based on the PubMed and BASE search engines; furthermore the authors performed a more detailed search in the Google Scholar article database as well as a loop search within the references of papers included in the systematic review. Results: Searching medical articles databases, Google Scholar, and references yielded a total of 85 records. First the titles and abstracts were blindly screened which was followed by a full-text eligibility check resulting in eventually including and qualifying 7 articles for detailed analysis. Discussion: All known variants and modifications of RA are characterized by high safety for the facial nerve and an aesthetically hidden scar. There were no reports of auricle necrosis in the collected material. Conclusions: In this systematic review, 2 variants and 2 modifications of RA that allow for open temporomandibular joint surgery have been identified; all of them together cover a large spectrum of indications for joint surgery, including reposition and osteosynthesis of mandibular head fractures, eminoplasty, or eminectomy and treatment of some forms of ankylosis.
Compounding of Short Fiber Reinforced Phenolic Resin by Using Specific Mechanical Energy Input as a Process Control Parameter
Authors: Maertens Robert , Liebig Wilfried V. , Elsner Peter , Weidenmann Kay A.
Published: May 2021

For a newly developed thermoset injection molding process, glass fiber-reinforced phenolic molding compounds with fiber contents between 0 wt% and 60 wt% were compounded. To achieve a comparable remaining heat of the reaction in all compound formulations, the specific mechanical energy input (SME) during the twin-screw extruder compounding process was used as a control parameter. By adjusting the extruder screw speed and the material throughput, a constant SME into the resin was targeted. Validation measurements using differential scanning calorimetry showed that the remaining heat of the reaction was higher for the molding compounds with low glass fiber contents. It was concluded that the SME was not the only influencing factor on the resin crosslinking progress during the compounding. The material temperature and the residence time changed with the screw speed and throughput, and most likely influenced the curing. However, the SME was one of the major influence factors, and can serve as an at-line control parameter for reactive compounding processes. The mechanical characterization of the test specimens revealed a linear improvement in tensile strength up to a fiber content of 40–50 wt%. The unnotched Charpy impact strength at a 0° orientation reached a plateau at fiber fractions of approximately 45 wt%.
Wind Energy Ships: Global Analysis of Operability
Authors: Pascual César Vidal , García Jorge Pérez , García Raúl Guanche
Published: May 2021

Most offshore wind farms are bottom-fixed at sites with less than 50 m of water depth. For deeper waters, floating platforms are economically viable and, for many countries that have steep continental shelves, this is the only option for developing offshore wind farms. If wind energy is being harvested far offshore in deep waters (more than 200 m depth and hundreds of km from the coast), one possible alternative is the use of Floating Production and Storage (FPS) sailing ships that navigate through the ocean using wind force and utilize part of the harvested wind power to produce and store fuel. These ships are called “energy ships”. The objective of this paper is to carry out a qualitative determination of the global marine areas suitable for the operation of energy ships. To that purpose, wind and wave ship operation ranges have been defined and global databases of wind and waves have been used to obtain statistics of operational parameters. From the global analysis carried out the most promising areas and seasons for energy ship operation have been identified and qualified in terms of the aforementioned operational parameters.
The Role of Beach Morphology and Mid-Century Climate Change Effects on Wave Runup and Storm Impact on the Northern Yucatan Coast
Authors: Medellín Gabriela , Mayor Martí , Appendini Christian M. , Cerezo-Mota Ruth , Jiménez José A.
Published: May 2021

Wave runup is a relevant parameter to determine the storm impact on barrier islands. Here, the role of the beach morphology on wave runup and storm impact was investigated at four coastal communities located on the northern Yucatan coast. Current wave conditions based on regional wind simulations, topo-bathymetric transects measured at each location, and a nonlinear wave transformation model were employed to reconstruct multi-year runup time series. Dune morphology features and extreme water levels (excluding storm surge contributions) were further employed to determine the storm impact at each site for different return periods. Despite the similar offshore conditions along the coast, extreme water levels (i.e., runup and setup) showed intersite differences that were mainly ascribed to subaerial and submerged morphological features. Numerical results showed that the average surf zone beach slope, sandbars, berm, and dune elevation played an important role in controlling extreme water levels and storm impact at the study sites under the present climate. Moreover, in order to assess the potential effect of climate change on coastal flooding, we analyzed wave runup and storm impact in the best-preserved site by considering wave conditions and sea level rise (SLR) projections under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Modelling results suggest no significant increase in the storm impact regime between the present and future conditions in the study area unless SLR is considered. It was found that to accurately estimate SLR contribution, it should be incorporated into mean sea level prior to performing numerical wave runup simulations, rather than simply adding it to the resulting wave-induced water levels.
Disruption of the Atlantic Meridional Circulation during Deglacial Climates Inferred from Planktonic Foraminiferal Shell Weights
Authors: Zarkogiannis Stergios D.
Published: May 2021

Changes in the density structure of the upper oceanic water masses are an important forcing of changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which is believed to widely affect Earth’s climate. However, very little is known about past changes in the density structure of the Atlantic Ocean, despite being extensively studied. The physical controls on planktonic foraminifera calcification are explored here, to obtain a first-order approximation of the horizontal density gradient in the eastern Atlantic during the last 200,000 years. Published records of Globigerina bulloides shells from the North and Tropical eastern Atlantic were complemented by the analysis of a South Atlantic core. The masses of the same species shells from three different dissolution assessed sediment cores along the eastern Atlantic Ocean were converted to seawater density values using a calibration equation. Foraminifera, as planktonic organisms, are subject to the physical properties of the seawater and thus their shells are sensitive to buoyancy forcing through surface temperature and salinity perturbations. By using planktonic foraminifera shell weight as an upper ocean density proxy, two intervals of convergence of the shell masses are identified during cold intervals of the last two deglaciations that may be interpreted as weak ocean density gradients, indicating nearly or completely eliminated meridional circulation, while interhemispheric Atlantic density differences appear to alleviate with the onset of the last interglacial. The results confirm the significance of variations in the density of Atlantic surface waters for meridional circulation changes.
Development of CAPS Markers for Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in the Germplasm of Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: An Hyejin , Lee Hwa-Yong , Shim Donghwan , Choi Seong Ho , Cho Hyunwoo , Hyun Tae Kyung , Jo Ick-Hyun , Chung Jong-Wook
Published: May 2021

Agaricus bisporus is a globally cultivated mushroom with high economic value. Despite its widespread cultivation, commercial button mushroom strains have little genetic diversity and discrimination of strains for identification and breeding purposes is challenging. Molecular markers suitable for diversity analyses of germplasms with similar genotypes and discrimination between accessions are needed to support the development of new varieties. To develop cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPs) markers, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mining was performed based on the A. bisporus genome and resequencing data. A total of 70 sets of CAPs markers were developed and applied to 41 A. bisporus accessions for diversity, multivariate, and population structure analyses. Of the 70 SNPs, 62.85% (44/70) were transitions (G/A or C/T) and 37.15% (26/70) were transversions (A/C, A/T, C/G, or G/T). The number of alleles per locus was 1 or 2 (average = 1.9), and expected heterozygosity and gene diversity were 0.0–0.499 (mean = 0.265) and 0.0–0.9367 (mean = 0.3599), respectively. Multivariate and cluster analyses of accessions produced similar groups, with F-statistic values of 0.134 and 0.153 for distance-based and model-based groups, respectively. A minimum set of 10 markers optimized for accession identification were selected based on high index of genetic diversity (GD, range 0.299–0.499) and major allele frequency (MAF, range 0.524–0.817). The CAPS markers can be used to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure and will facilitate the management of emerging genetic resources.
Amplifications of Stemness Gene Loci—New Markers for the Determination of the Need for Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients with Breast Cancer. A Prospective Study
Authors: Litviakov Nikolai V. , Ibragimova Marina K. , Tsyganov Matvey M. , Kazantseva Polina V. , Doroshenko Artem V. , Garbukov Eugeniy Yu. , Frolova Irina G. , Slonimskaya Elena M.
Published: May 2021

In this prospective study, a new strategy for the prescription of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was prospectively tested and depended on the presence of stemness gene amplifications in the tumor before treatment, which in our early studies showed a connection with metastasis. The study included 92 patients with grade IIA–IIIB luminal B breast cancer. Patients underwent a biopsy before treatment, and with the use of a CytoScan HD Array microarray (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA), the presence of stemness gene amplifications (3q, 5p, 6p, 7q, 8q, 13q, 9p, 9q, 10p, 10q21.1, 16p, 18chr, 19p) in the tumor was determined. In group 1 (n = 41), in the presence of two or more amplifications, patients were prescribed a personalized NAC regimen. In group 2 (n = 21), if there was no amplification of stemness genes in the tumor, then patients were not prescribed NAC, and treatment began with surgery. Group 3 (n = 30) served as a historical control. The frequency of an objective response to NAC in groups 1 and 3 was 79%. Nonmetastatic survival was found in 100% of patients in group 2, who did not undergo NAC. In patients in group 1, the frequency of metastasis was 10% (4/41). At the same time, in patients in group 3, who received NAC, the rate of metastasis was 47% (14/30). The differences between group 1 and group 3 and between group 2 and group 3 were statistically significant, both by Fisher’s criterion and a log-rank test. The appointment of NAC was most feasible in patients with clones with stemness gene amplifications in the primary tumor, while in the absence of amplifications, preoperative chemotherapy led to a sharp decrease in metastasis-free survival. This strategy of NAC prescription allowed us to achieve 93% metastatic survival in patients with breast cancer.