bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tau pathology as determinant of changes in atrophy and cerebral blood flow: a multi-modal longitudinal imaging study
Authors: Visser Denise , Verfaillie Sander C. J. , Bosch Iris , Brouwer Iman , Tuncel Hayel , Coomans Emma M. , Rikken Roos M. , Mastenbroek Sophie E. , Golla Sandeep S. V. , Barkhof Frederik , van de Giessen Elsmarieke , van Berckel Bart N. M. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Ossenkoppele Rik
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Tau pathology is associated with concurrent atrophy and decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but less is known about their temporal relationships. Our aim was therefore to investigate the association of concurrent and longitudinal tau PET with longitudinal changes in atrophy and relative CBF.

Methods

We included 61 individuals from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (mean age 65.1 ± 7.5 years, 44% female, 57% amyloid-β positive [Aβ +], 26 cognitively impaired [CI]) who underwent dynamic [18F]flortaucipir PET and structural MRI at baseline and 25 ± 5 months follow-up. In addition, we included 86 individuals (68 CI) who only underwent baseline dynamic [18F]flortaucipir PET and MRI scans to increase power in our statistical models. We obtained [18F]flortaucipir PET binding potential (BPND) and R1 values reflecting tau load and relative CBF, respectively, and computed cortical thickness from the structural MRI scans using FreeSurfer. We assessed the regional associations between i) baseline and ii) annual change in tau PET BPND in Braak I, III/IV, and V/VI regions and cortical thickness or R1 in cortical gray matter regions (spanning the whole brain) over time using linear mixed models with random intercepts adjusted for age, sex, time between baseline and follow-up assessments, and baseline BPND in case of analyses with annual change as determinant. All analyses were performed in Aβ−  cognitively normal (CN) individuals and Aβ+  (CN and CI) individuals separately.

Results

In Aβ+ individuals, greater baseline Braak III/IV and V/VI tau PET binding was associated with faster cortical thinning in primarily frontotemporal regions. Annual changes in tau PET were not associated with cortical thinning over time in either Aβ+ or Aβ−  individuals. Baseline tau PET was not associated with longitudinal changes in relative CBF, but increases in Braak III/IV tau PET over time were associated with increases in parietal relative CBF over time in Aβ + individuals.

Conclusion

We showed that higher tau load was related to accelerated cortical thinning, but not to decreases in relative CBF. Moreover, tau PET load at baseline was a stronger predictor of cortical thinning than change of tau PET signal.
Is nanomaterial- and vancomycin-loaded polymer coating effective at preventing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus growth on titanium disks? An in vitro study
Authors: Tsikopoulos Konstantinos , Meroni Gabriele , Kaloudis Panagiotis , Pavlidou Eleni , Gravalidis Christoforos , Tsikopoulos Ioannis , Drago Lorenzo , Romano Carlo Luca , Papaioannidou Paraskevi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Periprosthetic joint infections induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pose a major socioeconomic burden. Given the fact that MRSA carriers are at high risk for developing periprosthetic infections regardless of the administration of eradication treatment pre-operatively, the need for developing new prevention modalities is high.

Methods

The antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of vancomycin, Al2O3 nanowires, and TiO2 nanoparticles were evaluated in vitro using MIC and MBIC assays. MRSA biofilms were grown on titanium disks simulating orthopedic implants, and the infection prevention potential of vancomycin-, Al2O3 nanowire-, and TiO2 nanoparticle-supplemented Resomer® coating was evaluated against biofilm controls using the XTT reduction proliferation assay.

Results

Among the tested modalities, high- and low-dose vancomycin-loaded Resomer® coating yielded the most satisfactory metalwork protection against MRSA (median absorbance was 0.1705; [IQR = 0.1745] vs control absorbance 0.42 [IQR = 0.07]; p = 0.016; biofilm reduction was 100%; and 0.209 [IQR = 0.1295] vs control 0.42 [IQR = 0.07]; p < 0.001; biofilm reduction was 84%, respectively). On the other hand, polymer coating alone did not provide clinically meaningful biofilm growth prevention (median absorbance was 0.2585 [IQR = 0.1235] vs control 0.395 [IQR = 0.218]; p < 0.001; biofilm reduction was 62%).

Conclusions

We advocate that apart from the well-established preventative measures for MRSA carriers, loading implants with bioresorbable Resomer® vancomycin-supplemented coating may decrease the incidence of early post-op surgical site infections with titanium implants. Of note, the payoff between localized toxicity and antibiofilm efficacy should be considered when loading polymers with highly concentrated antimicrobial agents.
Routine imaging guided by a 31-gene expression profile assay results in earlier detection of melanoma with decreased metastatic tumor burden compared to patients without surveillance imaging studies
Authors: Dhillon Soneet , Duarte-Bateman Daniela , Fowler Graham , Hagstrom Michael Norman Eun , Lampley Nathaniel , Olivares Shantel , Fumero-Velázquez Mónica Stella , Vu Kathryn , Wayne Jeffrey D. , Gastman Brian R. , Vetto John , Gerami Pedram
Published: March 2023

Patients with early-stage disease typically have a good prognosis, but still have a risk of recurrence, even with negative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). This study explores the utility of routine imaging to detect metastases in patients with negative SLNB but high-risk 31 gene expression profile (31-GEP) scores. We retrospectively identified melanoma patients with negative SLNBs. Patients with high-risk GEP results were placed in the experimental group and patients without GEP testing were placed in the control group. Among both cohorts, recurrent melanoma groups were identified. The tumor burden at the time of recurrence and the time to recurrence were compared between experimental group patients with routine imaging and control group patients without imaging schedules. We identified 327 control patients and 307 experimental patients, of which 14.1% versus 20.5% had melanoma recurrence, respectively. Of the patients with recurrent melanoma, those in the experimental group were older (65.75 versus 59.20), had higher Breslow depths (3.72 mm versus 3.31 mm), and had advanced tumor staging (89.5% versus 71.4% of patients presenting clinical stage ≥ II) compared to the control group at primary diagnosis. However, melanoma recurrence was detected earlier (25.50 months versus 35.35 months) in the experimental group at a lower overall tumor burden (73.10 mm versus 27.60 mm). A higher percentage of experimental patients started immunotherapy when offered (76.3% and 67.9%). Patients who received routine imaging after high-risk GEP test scores had an earlier recurrence diagnosis with lower tumor burden, leading to better clinical outcomes.
A rabbit model for outer retinal atrophy caused by surgical RPE removal
Authors: Al-Nawaiseh Sami , Krötz Christina , Rickmann Annekatrin , Strack Claudine , Germann Anja , von Briesen Hagen , Szurman Peter , Schulz André , Stanzel Boris V.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

We aimed to establish a rabbit model with retinal atrophy induced by an iatrogenic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) removal, for future testing of the efficacy and safety of cell therapy strategies.

Methods

A localized detachment of the retina from the RPE/choroid layer was created in 18 pigmented rabbits. The RPE was removed by scraping with a custom-made extendable loop instrument. The resulting RPE wound was observed over a time course of 12 weeks with optical coherence tomography and angiography. After 4 days (group 1) and 12 weeks (group 2), histology was done and staining with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunofluorescence performed to further investigate the effects of debridement on the RPE and the overlying retina.

Results

Already after 4 days, we observed a closure of the RPE wound by proliferating RPE and microglia/macrophage cells forming a multilayered clump. This pattern continued over the observation time course of 12 weeks, whereby the inner and outer nuclear layer of the retina became atrophic. No neovascularization was observed in the angiograms or histology. The observed changes were limited to the site of the former RPE wound.

Conclusions

Localized surgical RPE removal induced an adjacent progressive retinal atrophy. Altering the natural course of this model may serve as a basis to test RPE cell therapeutics.
Population synchrony indicates functional connectivity in a threatened sedentary butterfly
Authors: Blomfield Alex , Menéndez Rosa , Wilby Andrew
Published: March 2023

Dispersal is a key influence on species’ persistence, particularly in the context of habitat fragmentation and environmental change. Previously, residual population synchrony has been demonstrated to be an effective proxy for dispersal in mobile butterflies (Powney et al. 2012). Here, we highlight the utility and limitations of population synchrony as an indicator of functional connectivity and persistence, at a range of spatial scales, in a specialist, sedentary butterfly. While at the local scale, population synchrony is likely indicative of dispersal in the pearl-bordered fritillary, Boloria euphrosyne, over larger scales, habitat is likely to influence population dynamics. Although declines in local-scale synchrony conformed to typical movement in this species, synchrony showed no significant trend with distance when studied at larger (between-site) scales. By focusing on specific site comparisons, we draw the conclusion that heterogeneity in habitat successional stage drives asynchrony between sites at larger distances and is, therefore, likely to be a more important driver of population dynamics over large distances than dispersal. Within-site assessments of synchrony highlight differences in dispersal based on habitat type, with movement shown to be most inhibited between transect sections with contrasting habitat permeability. While synchrony has implications for metapopulation stability and extinction risk, no significant difference was found in average site synchrony between sites that had gone extinct during the study period and those remaining occupied. We demonstrate that population synchrony may be used to assess local-scale movement between sedentary populations, as well as to understand barriers to dispersal and guide conservation management.
Tracking and evaluating motion skills in laparoscopy with inertial sensors
Authors: Heiliger Christian , Andrade Dorian , Geister Christian , Winkler Alexander , Ahmed Khaled , Deodati Alessandra , Treuenstätt Viktor H. Ehrlich v. , Werner Jens , Eursch Andreas , Karcz Konrad , Frank Alexander
Published: March 2023

Background

Analysis of surgical instrument motion is applicable in surgical skill assessment and monitoring of the learning progress in laparoscopy. Current commercial instrument tracking technology (optical or electromagnetic) has specific limitations and is expensive. Therefore, in this study, we apply inexpensive, off-the-shelf inertial sensors to track laparoscopic instruments in a training scenario.

Methods

We calibrated two laparoscopic instruments to the inertial sensor and investigated its accuracy on a 3D-printed phantom. In a user study during a one-week laparoscopy training course with medical students and physicians, we then documented and compared the training effect in laparoscopic tasks on a commercially available laparoscopy trainer (Laparo Analytic, Laparo Medical Simulators, Wilcza, Poland) and the newly developed tracking setup.

Results

Eighteen participants (twelve medical students and six physicians) participated in the study. The student subgroup showed significantly poorer results for the count of swings (CS) and count of rotations (CR) at the beginning of the training compared to the physician subgroup (p = 0.012 and p = 0.042). After training, the student subgroup showed significant improvements in the rotatory angle sum, CS, and CR (p = 0.025, p = 0.004 and p = 0.024). After training, there were no significant differences between medical students and physicians. There was a strong correlation between the measured learning success (LS) from the data of our inertial measurement unit system (LSIMU) and the Laparo Analytic (LSLap) (Pearson’s r = 0.79).

Conclusion

In the current study, we observed a good and valid performance of inertial measurement units as a possible tool for instrument tracking and surgical skill assessment. Moreover, we conclude that the sensor can meaningfully examine the learning progress of medical students in an ex-vivo setting.
Hiatus hernia repair with a new-generation biosynthetic mesh: a 4-year single-center experience
Authors: Ukegjini Kristjan , Vetter Diana , Dirr Valerian , Gutschow Christian A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Mesh augmentation is a highly controversial adjunct of hiatus hernia (HH) surgery. The current scientific evidence remains unclear and even experts disagree on indications and surgical techniques. With an aim to avoid the downsides of both non-resorbable synthetic and biological materials, biosynthetic long-term resorbable meshes (BSM) have recently been developed and are becoming increasingly popular. In this context, we aimed at assessing outcomes after HH repair with this new generation of mesh at our institution.

Methods

From a prospective database, we identified all consecutive patients that underwent HH repair with BSM augmentation. Data was extracted from electronic patient charts of our hospital information system. Endpoints of this analysis included perioperative morbidity, functional results and recurrence rates at follow-up.

Results

Between December 2017 and July 2022, 97 patients (elective primary cases n = 76, redo cases n = 13, emergency cases n = 8) underwent HH with BSM augmentation. Indications in elective and emergency cases were paraesophageal (Type II–IV) HH in 83%, and large Type I HH in 4%. There was no perioperative mortality, and overall (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 2) and severe (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3b) postoperative morbidity was 15% and 3%, respectively. An outcome without postoperative complications was achieved in 85% of cases (elective primary surgery 88%, redo cases 100%, emergencies cases 25%). After a median (IQR) postoperative follow-up of 12 months, 69 patients (74%) were asymptomatic, 15 (16%) reported improvement, and 9 (10%) had clinical failure, of which 2 patients (2%) required revisional surgery.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that HH repair with BSM augmentation is feasible and safe with low perioperative morbidity and acceptable postoperative failure rates at early to mid-term follow-up. BSM may be a useful alternative to non-resorbable materials in HH surgery.
Ethische Fragen digitaler Pflegeplanung und Pflegedokumentation
Authors: Bobbert Monika , Rabe Marianne
Published: March 2023

Digitale Programme unterstützen mittlerweile sowohl die Erhebung des Pflegebedarfs und die Pflegeplanung als auch die Dokumentation der geleisteten Pflege. Neben Verbesserungen ergeben sich jedoch auch Spannungen zwischen der Verrichtungsorientierung und Standardisierung der digitalen Systeme und dem Fürsorgeethos der Pflege. Daher sind digitale Systeme sowohl aus pflegefachlicher als auch aus pflegeethischer Sicht zu beleuchten, um Chancen und Risiken aufzuzeigen.

Pflegeverständnis und Pflegeziele werden in digitalen Programmen nicht explizit gemacht. Bedingt durch die mangelnde Transparenz können sich professionell Pflegende mit gegebenenfalls anderen Pflegeverständnissen nicht dazu verhalten und von den Gepflegten auch keine angemessene Zustimmung zu Pflegemaßnahmen und -zielen einholen. Die Analyse einiger gängiger Programme zeigt, dass digitale Systeme zur somatischen Verkürzung der Pflege tendieren. So werden derzeit Ziele und Maßnahmen zur Kommunikation, Beziehungsgestaltung und Begleitung in Phasen von Krankheit und Sterben kaum abgebildet.

In der Einführung digitaler Systeme liegt im Grunde die Chance eines Neubeginns, da sie durch digitale Normierungen zu stärkerer Patientenorientierung und Partizipation beitragen könnten. Es sollte zugleich jedoch die Partizipation der Betroffenen gewährleistet und die Transparenz und Veränderbarkeit der Systeme gewährleistet sein.
No role for electroencephalogram in the initial work-up of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Barnbrock Anke , Lüsebrink Natalia , Schubert-Bast Susanne , Bochennek Konrad , Lehrnbecher Thomas
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to verify whether there is a prognostic benefit of electroencephalogram (EEG) performed during initial work-up of children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

In this retrospective monocenter study, we analyzed the value of electroencephalogram (EEG) performed during initial work-up of children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). All pediatric patients were included in this study who were diagnosed with de novo ALL in our institution between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2018, and in whom an EEG was performed for initial work-up within 30 days of diagnosis of ALL. EEG findings were associated with the occurrence and the etiology of neurologic complications occurring during intensive chemotherapy.

Results

Out of 242 children, EEG revealed pathological findings in 6 patients. Two of them developed a seizure at a later time point due to adverse effects of chemotherapy, whereas 4 children had an uneventful clinical course. In contrast, 18 patients with normal initial EEG findings developed seizures during therapy for different reasons.

Conclusion

We conclude that routine EEG does not predict seizure susceptibility in children with newly diagnosed ALL and is unnecessary in the initial work-up as EEG investigation in young and often sick children requires sleep deprivation and/or sedation, and our data demonstrate no benefit in predicting neurological complications.
An arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus alters soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity in a soil texture specific way
Authors: Pauwels Richard , Graefe Jan , Bitterlich Michael
Published: March 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) alter plant water relations and contribute to soil structure. Although soil hydraulic properties depend on soil structure and may limit plant water uptake, little is known about how AMF influence soil water retention (the relation between the soil water content and soil water potential) and hydraulic conductivity in different soils. Instead, these soil hydraulic properties often are considered to be independent of AMF presence in experiments. We asked if this assumption holds true for both sand and loam. We grew maize plants either inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis or with autoclaved inoculum in pots filled with quartz sand or loam soil until extraradical spread of the fungus throughout the pots was achieved. Each pot contained a hyphal compartment made of a soil sampling core (250 cm3) covered with a 20-µm nylon mesh to encourage fungus ingrowth but to exclude root ingrowth. We measured soil water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in these undisturbed root-free soil volumes. We observed that in loam harboring the mycorrhizal fungus, the soil water retention decreased, while in sand, it increased without detectable changes in the soil bulk density. The effects of the fungus on the soil water potential were strongest at low soil water contents in both soils. As a consequence of the altered water potentials in soils with the mycorrhizal fungus, soil hydraulic conductivity increased in loam but decreased in sand after fungus ingrowth. We conclude that in our study, the mycorrhizal fungus acted as a soil conditioner even distant from roots, which encouraged drainage in loams prone to sogginess but enhanced water storage in sands prone to quick desiccation. We recommend considering soil hydraulic properties as being dynamic in future studies on water relations of mycorrhizal plants.
Influence of different surgical techniques on primary implant stability in the posterior maxilla: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Olmedo-Gaya Maria-Victoria , Romero-Olid María-Nuria , Ocaña-Peinado Francisco M. , Vallecillo-Rivas Marta , Vallecillo Cristina , Reyes-Botella Candela
Published: March 2023

Background and objective

Primary stability (PS) is remarkable for secondary stability and implant success. Surgical technique modifications seem to improve primary stability, especially in poor quality bone. The aim of this study was to compare the insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotients (ISQ) of implants placed with underpreparation, expanders, and standard surgical instrumentation in different bone types.

Material and methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 108 patients (n=108 implants) distributed in three study groups: group 1 (n=36) underpreparation technique, group 2 (n=36) expander technique, and group 3 (n=36) conventional drilling. IT was recorded with a torque indicator. ISQ was recorded with resonance frequency analysis immediately after surgery.

Results

ISQ values were associated with the patient’s bone quality and were higher in bone quality type II (76.65) and type III (73.60) and lower in bone quality type IV (67.34), with statistically significant differences (p<0.0001). Lower stability results were obtained when conventional drilling (69.31) was used compared to the use of underpreparation (74.29) or expanders (73.99) with a level of significance of p=0.008 and p=0.005, respectively.

Conclusions

The surgical technique influences the PS when there is low-quality bone. In low-quality bones, conventional drilling obtains lower ISQ values.

Clinical relevance

Replace the conventional drilling technique for an alternative, underpreparation or expanders, in low-quality bone in order to achieve greater primary stability.
Roles of PTH and FGF23 in kidney failure: a focus on nonclassical effects
Authors: Komaba Hirotaka
Published: March 2023

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) each play a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Both hormones increase as kidney function declines, presumably as a response to maintain normal phosphate balance, but when patients reach kidney failure, PTH and FGF23 fail to exert their phosphaturic effects, leading to hyperphosphatemia and further elevations in PTH and FGF23. In patients with kidney failure, the major target organ for PTH is the bone, but elevated PTH is also associated with mortality presumably through skeletal and nonskeletal mechanisms. Indeed, accumulated evidence suggests improved survival with PTH-lowering therapies, and a more recent study comparing parathyroidectomy and calcimimetic treatment further suggests a notion of “the lower, the better” for PTH control. Emerging data suggest that the link between SHPT and mortality could in part be explained by the action of PTH to induce adipose tissue browning and wasting. In the absence of a functioning kidney, the classical target organ for FGF23 is the parathyroid gland, but FGF23 loses its hormonal effect to suppress PTH secretion owing to the depressed expression of parathyroid Klotho. In this setting, experimental data suggest that FGF23 exerts adverse nontarget effects, but it remains to be confirmed whether FGF23 directly contributes to multiple organ injury in patients with kidney failure and whether targeting FGF23 can improve patient outcomes. Further efforts should be made to determine whether intensive control of SHPT improves clinical outcomes and whether nephrologists should aim at controlling FGF23 levels just as with PTH levels.
Stuck in Limbo: how sensemaking discrepancy over strategy-related performance leads to disjointed collaboration in an international joint venture
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Stiles David R.
Published: March 2023

A major issue in international business is why many International Joint Ventures (IJVs) fail to live up to partners’ expectations. Research into why IJVs underperform centres on differences between partners’ equity, resources, technical knowledge and cultural values, but seldom internal sensemaking conflicts. We address this research gap: specifically, the sense managers make of their own and their partner managers’ perceived performance in relation to strategy practices, and the effects of sensemaking upon collaboration. Some IJV studies examine outright organizational failure, but we focus on a common situation where partner firms’ expectations about each other’s performance are not met. Our case is a major Sino-New Zealand dairy IJV in a Limbo-like state of severe sensemaking discrepancy. Here, managers struggled to perform strategy effectively in a context of mutual misunderstanding and profound miscommunication, rooted in sensemaking differences. Using a strategy practice lens, we explore how this sensemaking discrepancy arose over organizational identity, learning and experience, strategizing, communication and trust. This eroded meaningful cooperation over strategy, leading to disjointed collaboration: a new concept capturing a state of compromised engagement, where the IJV continued operationally, but collaboration became increasingly difficult. We provide a theoretical framework to help understand sensemaking discrepancy in IJVs, based on a reconceptualization of sensemaking discrepancy in terms of own and others’ expected and perceived performance. We also offer essential practice-based insights into cognitive barriers to strategy collaboration.
Combining Image Space and q-Space PDEs for Lossless Compression of Diffusion MR Images
Authors: Jumakulyyev Ikram , Schultz Thomas
Published: March 2023

Diffusion MRI is a modern neuroimaging modality with a unique ability to acquire microstructural information by measuring water self-diffusion at the voxel level. However, it generates huge amounts of data, resulting from a large number of repeated 3D scans. Each volume samples a location in q-space, indicating the direction and strength of a diffusion sensitizing gradient during the measurement. This captures detailed information about the self-diffusion and the tissue microstructure that restricts it. Lossless compression with GZIP is widely used to reduce the memory requirements. We introduce a novel lossless codec for diffusion MRI data. It reduces file sizes by more than 30% compared to GZIP and also beats lossless codecs from the JPEG family. Our codec builds on recent work on lossless PDE-based compression of 3D medical images, but additionally exploits smoothness in q-space. We demonstrate that, compared to using only image space PDEs, q-space PDEs further improve compression rates. Moreover, implementing them with finite element methods and a custom acceleration significantly reduces computational expense. Finally, we show that our codec clearly benefits from integrating subject motion correction and slightly from optimizing the order in which the 3D volumes are coded.
Electrochemical investigation of Ag mixed Cd–Cu nanoferrite mixed reduced graphene oxide as improved platform for supercapacitor application
Authors: El Shater Reda E. , El-Desoky Hanaa S. , Meaz Talaat M. , Kumar Rajesh , Abdel-Galeil Mohamed M.
Published: March 2023

Ag mixed Cd–Cu nanoferrite (Cd0.5Cu0.25Ag0.25Fe2O4; Ag-CCF) has been successfully prepared by co-precipitation method. The grain size of Ag mixed Cd–Cu ferrite was 10 nm estimated by HRTEM; while the specific surface area was measured by BET was 161 m2/g. The XRD measurement shows a good crystallization ferrite phase and FT-IR spectrum represents two characterized bands of spinel ferrite 428 cm−1 and 596 cm−1. The three broad peaks of Raman spectrum 276 cm−1, 386 cm−1 and 643 cm−1 are characterized of spinel phase. The VSM measurement has represented superparamagnetism with saturation magnetization 30 emu/g, remnant magnetization 1 emu/g and coercive field 38G. The Ag-CCF/rGO (reduced grapheme oxide) composite used for electrode in supercapacitor deliver specific capacitance of 306 F/g at scan rate 5 mV/s. Nyquist plot represented that charge transfer resistance of the Cd–CuFe2O4/rGO composites (82.3 Ω) was much smaller than that of the pristine Cd-CuFe2O4 (591 Ω). This can be ascribed to the introduction of conductive graphene improved the electrical conductivity of the composites, leading to the better rate capability and higher specific capacitance in comparison with the pristine Cd–CuFe2O4.
Histamine Recognition by Carbon Dots from Plastic Waste and Development of Cellular Imaging: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Muro-Hidalgo Jessica M. , Bazany-Rodríguez Iván J. , Hernández José Guadalupe , Pabello Victor Manuel Luna , Thangarasu Pandiyan
Published: March 2023

The present work highlights the sustainable approach for the transformation of plastic waste into fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) through carbonization and then they were functionalized with L-cysteine and o-phenylenediamine. CDs which were characterized by different analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are employed to recognize Cu2+, Fe2+, and Hg2+ ions. The results show that the fluorescence emission was considerably quenched, and it is consistent with the interference and Jobs plots. The detection limit was found to be 0.35µM for Cu(II), 1.38 µM for Hg(II), and 0.51µM Fe(III). The interaction of CDs with metal ions enhances the fluorescence intensity detecting histamine successfully. It shows that plastic waste-based CDs can be applied clinically to detect toxic metals and biomolecules. Moreover, the system was employed to develop the cellular images using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with the support of a confocal microscope. Furthermore, theoretical studies were performed for the naphthalene layer (AR) as a model for C-dots, then optimized its structure and analyzed by using the molecular orbital. The obtained TD-DFT spectra coincided with experimental spectra for CDs/M2+/histamine systems.

Graphical Abstract
An approach to measure resilience of communities to climate change: a case study in Calabria (Southern Italy)
Authors: Antronico Loredana , Carone Maria Teresa , Coscarelli Roberto
Published: March 2023

Climate change effects already represent a serious challenge for people and environment. In particular, changes in precipitation, temperature, and weather systems are increasing the occurrence frequency of natural phenomena such as floods and landslides with consequent negative impacts in exposure and vulnerability of population living in risk areas. Hence, it is important to assess the social vulnerability and the community resilience which describe the ability of social systems to prepare for, absorb, and adapt to risks induced by climate change. In two sample areas located along the Tyrrhenian side of Calabria (Amantea and Lago municipalities, Southern Italy), we performed a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) of community resilience. Based on previous literature, we have selected five macro-indicators of social resilience (awareness, knowledge, information, trust, and social background). As sub-indicators for the characterization of these macro-indicators, we used the answers of the questions on climate change effects of a questionnaire submitted to citizens living in the sample areas, and, then, a specific weight was assigned to each sub-indicator, as well as to the macro-indicators. The multi-criteria analysis allowed to the classification of the studied areas in terms of an index of social resilience and to the individuation of the most influential macro-indicators for each of them. The results show that the two areas, which have similar resilience’s values, are influenced by different macro-indicators: knowledge and awareness for Amantea and information and trust for Lago. The findings of this study can be considered very useful for the management of vulnerable areas to climate change, because they are able to underline the aspects needing attention. In fact, providing information about the nuances of the resilience of community exposed to risks may help decision-makers in adopting and implementing more effective preventive measures to mitigate negative effects of climate change, fitting on local characteristics.
The pattern of photosynthetic response and adaptation to changing light conditions in lichens is linked to their ecological range
Authors: Osyczka Piotr , Myśliwa-Kurdziel Beata
Published: March 2023

Epiphytic lichens constitute an important component of biodiversity in both deforested and forest ecosystems. Widespread occurrence is the domain of generalist lichens or those that prefer open areas. While, many stenoecious lichens find shelter only in a shaded interior of forests. Light is one of the factors known to be responsible for lichen distribution. Nevertheless, the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis of lichen photobionts remain largely unknown. We investigated photosynthesis in lichens with different ecological properties in relation to light as the only parameter modified during the experiments. The aim was to find links between this parameter and habitat requirements of a given lichen. We applied the methods based on a saturating light pulse and modulated light to perform comprehensive analyses of fast and slow chlorophyll fluorescence transient (OJIP and PSMT) combined with quenching analysis. We also examined the rate of CO2 assimilation. Common or generalist lichens, i.e. Hypogymnia physodes, Flavoparmelia caperata and Parmelia sulcata, are able to adapt to a wide range of light intensity. Moreover, the latter species, which prefers open areas, dissipates the excess energy most efficiently. Conversely, Cetrelia cetrarioides considered an old-growth forest indicator, demonstrates definitely lower range of energy dissipation than other species, although it assimilates CO2 efficiently both at low and high light. We conclude that functional plasticity of the thylakoid membranes of photobionts largely determines the dispersal abilities of lichens and light intensity is one of the most important factors determining the specificity of a species to a given habitat.
Does the Ownership of Water Utilities Influence Water-Saving Advice Provided to Service Users? An Analysis of the Spanish Water Sector
Authors: López-Ruiz Samara , Ibáñez-Rueda Nazaret , Guardiola Jorge , González-Gómez Francisco
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses the need to ensure the sustainable use of water, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Using statistical methods, this paper analyses whether the ownership of the water utility is an explanatory factor for (1) the provision of water conservation advice on utilities’ websites; and (2) how comprehensive this advice is in terms of tips on (i) installing efficient technology and (ii) adopting sustainable habits and behaviours. The paper focuses on the Spanish water industry, which is considered particularly appropriate for the analysis due to the coexistence of utilities with different ownership structures. The results reveal statistically significant differences according to the ownership of the operator and the size of the population served. For example, more private companies provide some advice on their websites, while public companies offer more tips per online advice section. The evidence should encourage national governments and regulatory authorities to pass a regulation that establishes guidelines on how these companies, both public and private, should provide water conservation advice on their websites.
Salinity and temperature influence removal levels of heavy metals and chloride from water by wetland plants
Authors: Schück Maria , Greger Maria
Published: March 2023

Stormwater with low temperatures and elevated salinity, common in areas where deicing salt is used, might affect the removal of heavy metals by plants in stormwater treatment systems such as floating treatment wetlands. This short-term study evaluated the effects of combinations of temperature (5, 15, and 25 °C) and salinity (0, 100, and 1000 mg NaCl L−1) on the removal of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn (1.2, 68.5, 78.4, and 559 μg L−1) and Cl− (0, 60, and 600 mg Cl− L−1) by Carex pseudocyperus, C. riparia, and Phalaris arundinacea. These species had previously been identified as suitable candidates for floating treatment wetland applications. The study found high removal capacity in all treatment combinations, especially for Pb and Cu. However, low temperatures decreased the removal of all heavy metals, and increased salinity decreased the removal of Cd and Pb but had no effect on the removal of Zn or Cu. No interactions were found between the effects of salinity and of temperature. Carex pseudocyperus best removed Cu and Pb, whereas P. arundinacea best removed Cd, Zu, and Cl−. The removal efficacy for metals was generally high, with elevated salinity and low temperatures having small impacts. The findings indicate that efficient heavy metal removal can also be expected in cold saline waters if the right plant species are used.
New Psychoactive Substances in the Homeless Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Coombs Thomas , Ginige Tilak , Van Calster Patrick , Abdelkader Amor , Corazza Ornella , Assi Sulaf
Published: March 2023

The last few years have seen the emergence of new psychoactive substance among the homeless population, specifically synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and experiences of new psychoactive substances amongst users from the homeless population. An explanatory research design was applied using a semi-structured questionnaire with the focus on gaining insights on the prevalence, motivations and effects. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from support organisations and charities UK-wide. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied to analyse the data obtained from participant surveys. A total of 105 participants met the inclusion criteria and were in the age range of 18 to 64 years old. Almost 70% consumed new psychoactive substance products, which “Spice” was the most prevalent substance. Homeless users had consumed new psychoactive substance to escape reality and to self-treat themselves and stopped consumption due to the adverse effects. Adverse events were reported from the majority of the participants and led to more than 20% of the participants requiring medical treatment following hospitalisation. Findings from this study can contribute to the development of guidelines and policies that specifically address the needs of the homeless population who use new psychoactive substances.
Digital Sequence Information and the Access and Benefit-Sharing Obligation of the Convention on Biological Diversity
Authors: Akpoviri Frank Irikefe , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Zainol Zinatul Ashiqin
Published: March 2023

With the advent of synthetic biology, scientists are increasingly relying on digital sequence information, instead of physical genetic resources. This article examines the potential impact of this shift on the access and benefit-sharing (ABS) regime of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol. These treaties require benefit-sharing with the owners of genetic resources. However, whether “genetic resources” include digital sequence information is unsettled. The CBD conceives genetic resources as genetic material containing functional units of heredity. “Material” implies tangibility, and for some scholars, “functional units of heredity,” undefined in both treaties, mean full-coding sequences. This article argues that digital sequence information obtained from physical genetic resources, full-coding or not, should be treated as genetic resources. Literal construction of the CBD risks eroding its usefulness and the ABS regime. This is because through bioinformatics, sequence information can easily be obtained from genetic resources for utilization, without physically moving them or concluding ABS agreement with owners. The CBD must evolve with scientific progress also because sequence functionality depends on the state of knowledge. These arguments are vindicated by domestic ABS laws equating genetic information with genetic resources; Nagoya Protocol provisions deeming research exploiting the genetic composition of genetic resources as utilization of genetic resources; and CBD provisions requiring the sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources. Moreover, treaty interpretation and case law demand that generic, scientific terms, such as “genetic resources” and “functional units of heredity” be interpreted in an evolutionary manner to capture scientific developments.
The role of digitalization in business and management: a systematic literature review
Authors: Calderon-Monge Esther , Ribeiro-Soriano Domingo
Published: March 2023

Digitalization is a powerful engine for economic growth in the world. In 2018, digitally transformed firms represented 13.5 billion US dollars of global GDP and, towards the end of 2023, they are expected to represent 53.3 billion US dollars, over half of the general nominal GDP (Statista, Nominal GDP driven by digitally transformed and other enterprises worldwide 2018–2023.https://www.statista.com/statistics/1134766/nominal-gdp-driven-by-digitally-transformed-enterprises/, 2022). The main objective of this study is to provide information (highlighting principal research topics and research agendas) from the literature on state-of-the-art digitalization within firms through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). In all, 119 review articles on the most mature functional areas of the firm are analyzed: management, marketing, and finance and accounting, published in the WOS over the period 2018-April 2022. In this study, key relevant tendencies are identified in the most mature areas of the firm, which are the impact of digital technologies on the analysis of consumer behavior; digitalization and green innovation within organizations; and blockchain technology applied to financial services. The main contributions of this work are as follows: (1) to provide the most complete and up-to-date review of digitalization from a global perspective, summarizing the current state of knowledge within an integrated framework; (2) to reduce the complexity of digitalization by offering structure and clarity; and (3) to offer links between digitalization and established points of view in the literature on management, marketing, finance, and accounting. The novelty of this paper is centered on a joint analysis of digitalization, digital transformation, and digital technologies, taking into account the most mature functional areas of the firm.
The role of management control and integrated information systems for the resilience of SMEs
Authors: Roffia Paolo , Dabić Marina
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the influence exerted by certain factors related to management control, integrated information systems (enterprise resource planning [ERP]), information and communication technology (ICT) systems, and financial resources. For this purpose, leveraging from the dynamic capability theory, in late spring 2020, a questionnaire was sent to limited-liability SMEs in Verona and Vicenza provinces in Italy operating in the manufacturing, construction, and distribution sectors. Respondents were asked to answer a set of questions and to evaluate the resilience of their firms as of January 1, 2020; May 1, 2020; and one year later, as of July 2021. Using a multivariate regression model to analyze data from the 143 questionnaires received, we found a positive influence of budgeting, business continuity tools, availability of supplementary financial resources, and resilience of the entrepreneur on both COVID-19 resilience and the organizational resilience of SMEs. SMEs with a high intention to use ERP systems also had high resilience levels. ICT use for smart working was not statistically significant. Despite the limitations concerning the sample and period considered, we believe that this study contributes to both academic debate, by illustrating the influence of certain managerial and organizational factors on the resilience of SMEs, and practice, by supporting a greater empirical use of management control tools, such as budgets and contingency plans, and integrated information systems (ERP). Our study supports the creation of financial buffers and strengthening the entrepreneur’s resilience for improving SME resilience.
Clinical characteristics of pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA): a retrospective single-center analysis
Authors: Luo Linlin , Xiong Hao , Chen Zhi , Yang Li , Sun Ming , Lu Wenjie , Tao Fang , Wang Zhuo , Li Jianxin , Li Zuofeng , Tang Sujie
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To investigate the clinical features of thrombotic microangiopathy associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of continuous clinical data from HSCT received in the Department of Hematology and Oncology of Wuhan Children's Hospital from August 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021.

Results

During this period, 209 patients received allo-HSCT in our department, 20 (9.6%) of whom developed TA-TMA. TA-TMA was diagnosed at a median of 94 (7–289) days post-HSCT. Eleven (55%) patients had early TA-TMA within 100 days post-HSCT, while the other 9 (45%) patients had TA-TMA thereafter. The most common symptom of TA-TMA was ecchymosis (55%), while the main signs were refractory hypertension (90%) and multi-cavity effusion (35%). Five (25%) patients had central nervous system symptoms (convulsions and lethargy). All 20 patients had progressive thrombocytopenia, with 16 patients receiving transfusion of platelets that was ineffective. Ruptured red blood cells were visible in only two patients with peripheral blood smears. Cyclosporine A or Tacrolimus (CNI) dose was reduced once TA-TMA was diagnosed. Nineteen cases were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin, 17 patients received plasma exchange, and 12 patients were treated with rituximab. TA-TMA-related mortality percentage in this study was 45% (9/20).

Conclusion

Platelet decline and/or ineffective transfusion post-HSCT should be considered an early indicator of TA-TMA in pediatric patients. TA-TMA in pediatric patients may occur without evidence of peripheral blood schistocytes. Aggressive treatment is required once diagnosis is confirmed, but the long-term prognosis is poor.
Physical activity habits and their effects on quality of life in patients with addiction: data from the Czech Republic
Authors: Köhlerová Michaela Zahrádka , Fišerová Zdeňka , Páv Marek
Published: March 2023

Addiction, including substance use disorder (SUD), is a complex condition that can cause serious health problems and negatively affect patient quality of life. Physical activity is known to improve the physical and mental health of patients with SUD. This study aims to determine the relationship between regular physical activity (RPA) and quality of life in SUD patients enrolled in inpatient SUD treatment (n = 159). We divided patients into four groups based on their RPA before and during hospitalization. The SF-36 self-report questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. We found that SUD patients had worse quality of life than a representative sample of the Czech population. Furthermore, we demonstrated that RPA before and during hospitalization and changes during hospitalization affect the perception of quality of life of patients with SUDs. Additionally, physically active patients showed significantly better quality of life than inactive patients. However, patients who initiated RPA during hospitalization reported worse quality of life than those who did not; in addition, this group of patients reported the worst quality of life across the most monitored parameters. We suggest that these patients represent the most vulnerable group. Changes in physical activity habits could be considered an indicator for a more intensive therapeutic focus.