bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Nitrite, Ethyl Carbamate, and Biogenic Amines in Four Types of Fermented Vegetables
Authors: Yu Yangyang , Yu Yuanshan , Xu Zhenlin
Published: December 2021

Nitrite, ethyl carbamate, and biogenic amines in fermented vegetables are considered harmful compounds. In this study, the concentration of the nitrite, ethyl carbamate, and biogenic amines in four different varieties of fermented vegetables in China was determined. The results show that the nitrite concentration in the fermented cabbage was the highest, followed by fermented mustard, fermented bamboo, and fermented radish. Additionally, nitrite concentration in two fermented cabbage samples and one fermented mustard sample exceeded the maximum allowed residue limit (20 mg/kg) suggested by China’s National Food Safety Standards. However, only one fermented cabbage sample had a very low level of ethyl carbamate (<10 μg/kg). Otherwise, higher biogenic amines were found in the samples of fermented cabbage, fermented bamboo, and fermented mustard. Additionally, the concentration of biogenic amines in some samples exceeded the recommended limit. On the contrary, biogenic amines in fermented radish samples were relatively low. Therefore, the concentration of nitrite and biogenic amine should be closely monitored and controlled during the vegetable fermentation processes, especially for the fermentation processes of bamboo, cabbage, and mustard.
An Alternative Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF-ai) Incorporating Prevalence of Inadequate and Excessive Nutrient Intake
Authors: Ridoutt Bradley
Published: December 2021

Most nutrient profiling models give equal weight to nutrients irrespective of their ubiquity in the food system. There is also a degree of arbitrariness about which nutrients are included. In this study, an alternative Nutrient Rich Food index was developed (NRF-ai, where ai denotes adequate intake) incorporating prevalence of inadequate and excessive nutrient intake among Australian adults. Weighting factors for individual nutrients were based on a distance-to-target method using data from the Australian Health Survey describing the proportion of the population with usual intake less than the Estimated Average Requirement defined by the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. All nutrients for which data were available were included, avoiding judgements about which nutrients to include, although some nutrients received little weight. Separate models were developed for females and males and for selected age groups, reflecting differences in nutrient requirements and usual intake. Application of the new nutrient profiling models is demonstrated for selected dairy products and alternatives, protein-rich foods, and discretionary foods. This approach emphasises the need to identify foods that are rich in those specific nutrients for which intake is below recommended levels and can be used to address specific nutrient gaps in subgroups such as older adults. In addition, the new nutrient profiling model is used to explore other sustainability aspects, including affordability (NRF-ai per AUD) and ecoefficiency (NRF-ai/environmental impact score).
Alginate NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles Cryogel for Electrochemical Glucose Biosensor Development
Authors: Fatoni Amin , Wijonarko Aziz , Anggraeni Mekar Dwi , Hermawan Dadan , Diastuti Hartiwi , Zusfahair
Published: December 2021

Glucose biosensors based on porous material of alginate cryogel has been developed, and the cryogel provides a large surface area for enzyme immobilization. The alginate cryogel has been supplemented with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles to improve the electron transfer for electrochemical detection. The fabrication parameters and operational conditions for the biosensor have also been optimized. The results showed that the optimum addition of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles to the alginate solution was 0.03 g/mL. The optimum operational conditions for the electrochemical detection were a cyclic voltammetry scan rate of 0.11 V/s, buffer pH of 7.0, and buffer concentration of 150 mM. The fabricated alginate NiFe2O4 nanoparticles cryogel-based glucose biosensor showed a linear response for glucose determination with a regression line of y = 18.18x + 455.28 and R² = 0.98. Furthermore, the calculated detection limit was 0.32 mM and the limit of quantification was 1.06 mM.
Review on Sol-Gel Synthesis of Perovskite and Oxide Nanomaterials
Authors: Navas Daniel , Fuentes Sandra , Castro-Alvarez Alejandro , Chavez-Angel Emigdio
Published: December 2021

Sol-Gel is a low cost, well-established and flexible synthetic route to produce a wide range of micro- and nanostructures. Small variations in pH, temperature, precursors, time, pressure, atmosphere, among others, can lead to a wide family of compounds that share the same molecular structures. In this work, we present a general review of the synthesis of LaMnO3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3 perovskites and zinc vanadium oxides nanostructures based on Sol-Gel method. We discuss how small changes in the parameters of the synthesis can modify the morphology, shape, size, homogeneity, aggregation, among others, of the products. We also discuss the different precursors, solvents, working temperature, reaction times used throughout the synthesis. In the last section, we present novel uses of Sol-Gel with organic materials with emphasis on carbon-based compounds. All with a perspective to improve the method for future applications in different technological fields.
Polymorphisms in Genes Involved in Osteoblast Differentiation and Function Are Associated with Anthropometric Phenotypes in Spanish Women
Authors: Pertusa Clara , Ruzo Sofía P. , Panach Layla , Mifsut Damián , Tarín Juan J. , Cano Antonio , García-Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2021

Much of the genetic variance associated with osteoporosis is still unknown. Bone mineral density (BMD) is the main predictor of osteoporosis risk, although other anthropometric phenotypes have recently gained importance. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of SNPs in genes involved in osteoblast differentiation and function with BMD, body mass index (BMI), and waist (WC) and hip (HC) circumferences. Four genes that affect osteoblast differentiation and/or function were selected from among the differentially expressed genes in fragility hip fracture (FOXC1, CTNNB1, MEF2C, and EBF2), and an association study of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was conducted in a cohort of 1001 women. Possible allelic imbalance was also studied for SNP rs87939 of the CTNNB1 gene. We found significant associations of SNP rs87939 of the CTNNB1 gene with LS-sBMD, and of SNP rs1366594 of the MEF2C gene with BMI, after adjustment for confounding variables. The SNP of the MEF2C gene also showed a significant trend to association with FN-sBMD (p = 0.009). A possible allelic imbalance was ruled out as no differences for each allele were detected in CTNNB1 expression in primary osteoblasts obtained from homozygous women. In conclusion, we demonstrated that two SNPs in the MEF2C and CTNNB1 genes, both implicated in osteoblast differentiation and/or function, are associated with BMI and LS-sBMD, respectively.
Prenatal Diagnosis by Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization in Fetuses with Cardiac Abnormalities
Authors: Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Bartnik-Głaska Magdalena , Smyk Marta , Plaskota Izabela , Bernaciak Joanna , Kędzior Marta , Wiśniowiecka-Kowalnik Barbara , Jakubów-Durska Krystyna , Braun-Walicka Natalia , Barczyk Artur , Geremek Maciej , Castañeda Jennifer , Kutkowska-Kaźmierczak Anna , Własienko Paweł , Dębska Marzena , Kucińska-Chahwan Anna , Roszkowski Tomasz , Kozłowski Szymon , Mikulska Boyana , Issat Tadeusz , Obersztyn Ewa , Nowakowska Beata Anna
Published: December 2021

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) appear in 8–10 out of 1000 live born newborns and are one of the most common causes of deaths. In fetuses, the congenital heart defects are found even 3–5 times more often. Currently, microarray comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) is recommended by worldwide scientific organizations as a first-line test in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with sonographic abnormalities, especially cardiac defects. We present the results of the application of array CGH in 484 cases with prenatally diagnosed congenital heart diseases by fetal ultrasound scanning (256 isolated CHD and 228 CHD coexisting with other malformations). We identified pathogenic aberrations and likely pathogenic genetic loci for CHD in 165 fetuses and 9 copy number variants (CNVs) of unknown clinical significance. Prenatal array-CGH is a useful method allowing the identification of all unbalanced aberrations (number and structure) with a much higher resolution than the currently applied traditional assessment techniques karyotype. Due to this ability, we identified the etiology of heart defects in 37% of cases.
NAPRT Expression Regulation Mechanisms: Novel Functions Predicted by a Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Duarte-Pereira Sara , Fajarda Olga , Matos Sérgio , Luís Oliveira José , Silva Raquel Monteiro
Published: December 2021

The nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT) gene has gained relevance in the research of cancer therapeutic strategies due to its main role as a NAD biosynthetic enzyme. NAD metabolism is an attractive target for the development of anti-cancer therapies, given the high energy requirements of proliferating cancer cells and NAD-dependent signaling. A few studies have shown that NAPRT expression varies in different cancer types, making it imperative to assess NAPRT expression and functionality status prior to the application of therapeutic strategies targeting NAD. In addition, the recent finding of NAPRT extracellular form (eNAPRT) suggested the involvement of NAPRT in inflammation and signaling. However, the mechanisms regulating NAPRT gene expression have never been thoroughly addressed. In this study, we searched for NAPRT gene expression regulatory mechanisms in transcription factors (TFs), RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNA (miRNAs) databases. We identified several potential regulators of NAPRT transcription activation, downregulation and alternative splicing and performed GO and expression analyses. The results of the functional analysis of TFs, RBPs and miRNAs suggest new, unexpected functions for the NAPRT gene in cell differentiation, development and neuronal biology.
How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Effect Dental Patients? An Italian Observational Survey Study
Authors: Nardi Gianna Maria , Grassi Roberta , Grassi Felice Roberto , Di Giorgio Roberto , Guerra Fabrizio , Ottolenghi Livia , Acito Giovanna , Basari Nasrin , Bisegna Simone , Chiavistelli Lorella , Cimarossa Roberta , Colavito Arcangela , Figlia Luigina , Gabrielli Claudio , Sabatini Silvia , Jedliński Maciej , Mazur Marta
Published: December 2021

The primary aim of this observational survey study was to assess patients’ attitudes toward clinical dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic; the secondary aim was to evaluate patients’ attitudes towards oral health by maintaining an appropriate lifestyle and oral hygiene at home. The questionnaire was developed using Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: Part A—geographic, demographic, and personal data; Part B—patients’ attitude toward oral health selfcare and lifestyle; Part C—patients’ attitude toward dental practice. This survey, conducted during the months of November and December 2020, enrolled 1135 subjects throughout Italy. All data were statistically analyzed. COVID-19 has changed patients’ approach to dental procedures. Most of the people interviewed lived in families, and their greatest fear was infecting a family member. Restrictive measures forced people to stay at home, which led to an increased consumption of various types of food, including cariogenic foods. People said they felt safe when they went to the dentist, but they also paid special attention to measures to prevent contagion. Among the measures that should be introduced in similar situations in the future, people wanted telemedicine, a phone recall, and the possible use of video clips for home oral care instructions.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Atopic Dermatitis Research over the Past Three Decades and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kim Dongwon , Chae Younbyoung , Park Hi-Joon , Lee In-Seon
Published: December 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been increasing in prevalence over the past few decades; however, AD has never been analyzed using a bibliometric approach. We searched for AD studies in the dermatology and allergy category of the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases using the keywords “atopic dermatitis”, “eczema”, and “atopy”. In total, 53,460 documents were retrieved. We analyzed annual publication trends and performed keyword and co-authorship network analyses. The annual number of AD publications has increased over the years. Asthma, food allergies, the skin barrier, IgE, and epidemiology have received extensive attention. The keywords ‘allergic rhinitis’, ‘child(ren)’, ‘quality of life’, and ‘probiotics’ have become more commonly used in recent years. AD research has been led by only a few countries, such as the USA, Germany, and the UK, and longstanding research topics such as asthma, allergy, and the immune system continue to be important. We suggest that global collaborations, research in developing countries, and research that is more holistic (thus exploring how genes, the immune system, the environment, and the microbiome together impact AD) are necessary.
Identification and Characterization of Triple Action Bioagents (TAB) and Their Potency against Fusarium Wilt of Lentil
Authors: Nisa Raheeba Tun , Bhat Khurshid Ahmad , Basu Umer , Rashid Rameesa , Wang Xiukang , Jan Shaheen Kauser , Viswanath H. S. , Soufan Walid , Mushtaq Muntazir , Rahman Muhammad Habib ur , Ahmad bhat Farooq , EL Sabagh Ayman
Published: December 2021

Fusarium wilt is a severe disease that plays a significant role in reducing the yield of lentil. Under favorable conditions for disease growth, the disease can cause complete crop failure and can be a crucial limiting issue for lentil cultivation in specific geographical zones. The current work focused on isolating potentialbio-agents exhibiting copper oxychloride resistance and evaluating their efficacy in seed treatment for ecologically sustainable management of Fusarium wilt of lentil. Seventy biocontrol agent isolates were isolated and tested for resistance by growing them on Potato Dextrose Agar medium (PDA) amended with copper oxychloride at the rate of 2500 ppm. Isolate-H10 and isolate-C9 showed more excellent compatibility with copper oxychloride fungicide with 69 mm and 65 mm radial growths, respectively. The isolates H10 and C9 had the highest inhibitory percentages of 84.30% and 83.94% against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis, respectively, and the highest phosphorus solubilization index (PSI). Primers (ITS 1 and ITS 4) identified these putative bioagents as Trichoderma harzianum isolate skua-tab-1 and Penicillium crysogenum strain Tab2. Sequences were submitted to the NCBI and assigned the accession numbers MK414603 and MK418066. In pot culture, these isolates also demonstrated their superiority in reducing the disease incidence and severity if seeds were treated with H10 and C9 alone or in combination with copper oxychloride fungicide. The two isolated bioagents exhibit three fundamental properties: compatibility with copper oxychloride, antagonistic activity toward the pathogen fall armyworm, and the ability to dissolve phosphorus minerals.
Visitor’s Willingness to Pay for National Park Entrance Fees in China: Evidence from a Contingent Valuation Method
Authors: Song Lin , Xue Yi , Jing Yaqiong , Zhang Jincan
Published: December 2021

China has been making efforts in nature conservation by developing a new national park system. Setting a fee-based entrance policy for the newly established national parks can be challenging without information on visitors’ willingness to pay (WTP). Thus, this study aims to evaluate visitors’ WTP entrance fees with a dataset of 1215 visitors collected in China’s planned Qinling National Park (QNP). Using the double bounded dichotomous choice format of the contingent valuation method, we obtained the mean WTP for the entrance fee of QNP of 200 yuan. Visitors’ demand becomes relatively inelastic at the recommended entrance fee of 160 yuan when the expected ticket revenue will reach its maximum of 13.8 billion yuan. Our study also indicates that visitors’ WTP is significantly influenced by their gender difference, education level, income, number of trips to natural attractions, duration of stay, the intention of a future visit, and concern about commercial exploitation. Our empirical study provides insights into developing effective pricing policies and appropriate marketing strategies for China’s new national park system.
Hard to Reach or Just Not Enough? A Narrative Review of Inpatient Tobacco Cessation Programs in Pediatrics
Authors: Jawed Aysha , Jassal Mandeep
Published: December 2021

Caregiver smoking is a significant risk factor for children with acute and chronic diseases. Hospitalization presents an opportunity to explore caregiver smoking as a modifiable risk factor during a time of crisis when the motivation to change could be heightened. To date, there has not been a published review on inpatient smoking cessation interventions in pediatrics that focus on supporting caregivers of hospitalized children. The goals of this review were to identify and assess the reach and efficacy of tobacco cessation strategies implemented across inpatient units in pediatrics and mother-baby units. This review also proposes clinical and research implications along with program-building recommendations that can help inform future practice in tobacco cessation. A narrative review of the literature identified 14 peer-reviewed studies that described smoking cessation interventions between 2002 and 2021. There were five randomized controlled trials, seven prospective studies, and one retrospective study. The primary kinds of interventions were counseling to heighten caregiver contemplation to quit (n = 12), provision of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) medications (n = 7), and follow-up with the local Quitline (n = 12). A diverse range of deliverers implemented interventions across studies. Variation in defining quit attempts along with tobacco reduction and cessation outcomes contributed to mixed findings across studies.
The VirB System Plays a Crucial Role in Brucella Intracellular Infection
Authors: Xiong Xue , Li Bowen , Zhou Zhixiong , Gu Guojing , Li Mengjuan , Liu Jun , Jiao Hanwei
Published: December 2021

Brucellosis is a highly prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Brucella. Brucella spp. are gram-negative facultative intracellular parasitic bacteria. Its intracellular survival and replication depend on a functional virB system, an operon encoded by VirB1–VirB12. Type IV secretion system (T4SS) encoded by the virB operon is an important virulence factor of Brucella. It can subvert cellular pathway and induce host immune response by secreting effectors, which promotes Brucella replication in host cells and induce persistent infection. Therefore, this paper summarizes the function and significance of the VirB system, focusing on the structure of the VirB system where VirB T4SS mediates biogenesis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-derived replicative Brucella-containing vacuole (rBCV), the effectors of T4SS and the cellular pathways it subverts, which will help better understand the pathogenic mechanism of Brucella and provide new ideas for clinical vaccine research and development.
An Empirical Examination of the Impact of Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Value Sensitive Design for Autonomous Systems
Authors: Wyatt Austin , Galliott Jai
Published: December 2021

The removal of direct human involvement from the decision to apply lethal force is at the core of the controversy surrounding autonomous weapon systems, as well as broader applications of artificial intelligence and related technologies to warfare. Far from purely a technical question of whether it is possible to remove soldiers from the ‘pointy end’ of combat, the emergence of autonomous weapon systems raises a range of serious ethical, legal, and practical challenges that remain largely unresolved by the international community. The international community has seized on the concept of ‘meaningful human control’. Meeting this standard will require doctrinal and operational, as well as technical, responses at the design stage. This paper focuses on the latter, considering how value sensitive design could assist in ensuring that autonomous systems remain under the meaningful control of humans. However, this article will also challenge the tendency to assume a universalist perspective when discussing value sensitive design. By drawing on previously unpublished quantitative data, this paper will critically examine how perspectives of key ethical considerations, including conceptions of meaningful human control, differ among policymakers and scholars in the Asia Pacific. Based on this analysis, this paper calls for the development of a more culturally inclusive form of value sensitive design and puts forward the basis of an empirically-based normative framework for guiding designers of autonomous systems.
The Automatic Classification of Pyriproxyfen-Affected Mosquito Ovaries
Authors: Fowler Mark T. , Lees Rosemary S. , Fagbohoun Josias , Matowo Nancy S. , Ngufor Corine , Protopopoff Natacha , Spiers Angus
Published: December 2021

Pyriproxyfen (PPF) may become an alternative insecticide for areas where pyrethroid-resistant vectors are prevalent. The efficacy of PPF can be assessed through the dissection and assessment of vector ovaries. However, this reliance on expertise is subject to limitations. We show here that these limitations can be overcome using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automate the classification of egg development and thus fertility status. Using TensorFlow, a resnet-50 CNN was pretrained with the ImageNet dataset. This CNN architecture was then retrained using a novel dataset of 524 dissected ovary images from An. gambiae s.l. An. gambiae Akron, and An. funestus s.l., whose fertility status and PPF exposure were known. Data augmentation increased the training set to 6973 images. A test set of 157 images was used to measure accuracy. This CNN model achieved an accuracy score of 94%, and application took a mean time of 38.5 s. Such a CNN can achieve an acceptable level of precision in a quick, robust format and can be distributed in a practical, accessible, and free manner. Furthermore, this approach is useful for measuring the efficacy and durability of PPF treated bednets, and it is applicable to any PPF-treated tool or similarly acting insecticide.
Interpopulation Plasticity in a Darkling Beetle Life-History along a Whole Oceanic Island Altitudinal Gradient
Authors: López Heriberto , Hervías-Parejo Sandra , Morales Elena , De La Cruz Salvador , Nogales Manuel
Published: December 2021

Insects show remarkable phenotypic plasticity in response to changing environmental conditions. The abiotic factors that determine their phenotypes often vary in time and space, and oceanic islands harbour ideal environments for testing predictions on this matter. The ubiquitous beetle Pimelia laevigata costipennis Wollaston, 1864 (Tenebrionidae) is distributed over the entire altitudinal gradient of the island El Hierro (Canary archipelago), from 0 to 1501 m above sea level. Here, we examine how environmental factors (i.e., rainfall and temperature), associated with the altitudinal gradient, affect the body size, reproductive phenology, clutch size and egg volume, and population dynamics of this ectothermic flightless insect. Pimelia l. costipennis populations inhabiting upland localities, typified by lower temperatures, and greater precipitation and vegetation cover, were larger in body size and laid larger clutches with smaller eggs than those in the lowlands. Moreover, reproduction occurred earlier in the year at lower sites and later at higher sites, whereas activity density was highest in the uplands where it increases with temperature. This study first explores the changes in life history patterns along a whole insular altitudinal gradient, and finds interpopulation plasticity. It confirms that environmental factors associated with species spatial distribution act additively as drivers of phenological and phenotypic expression.
Effects of Imunit Insecticide on Biological Characteristics and Life Table Parameters of Spodoptera cilium (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Hatami Marzieh , Ziaee Masumeh , Seraj Ali Asghar , Mehrabi-Koushki Mehdi , Francikowski Jacek
Published: December 2021

Imunit is a mixture of alpha-cypermethrin + teflubenzuron, and has been launched for controlling caterpillars. In this study, the effects of Imunit at LC50 and LC30 were investigated on parental and offspring generation of S. cilium, according to age-stage, two-sex life table. The experiments were conducted by leaf dipping method at 25 °C and 60 ± 5% relative humidity, under a cycle of 16 h fluorescent light and 8 h darkness. LC30 and LC50 concentrations of Imunit increased the immature developmental time of S. cilium in the offspring generation, while the LC50 of Imunit significantly reduced the developmental time of adults. The adult pre-oviposition period and total pre-oviposition period considerably increased when offspring were treated with LC50 of Imunit. In offspring of S. cilium exposed to LC50 and LC30 concentrations of Imunit, the gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproduction rate (R0), the intrinsic rate of population increase (r), and the finite rate of population increase (λ) significantly reduced compared to the control. This study showed that the application of Imunit at LC50 could suppress the S. cilium population and can be used in the integrated management program of this pest.
Hybridization Potential of Two Invasive Asian Longhorn Beetles
Authors: Wang Xingeng , Keena Melody
Published: December 2021

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) and citrus longhorned beetle (CLB), Anoplophora chinensis (Förster) (both Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), are high-risk invasive pests that attack various healthy hardwood trees. These two species share some similar host plants and overlapping distributions in large parts of their native ranges in China and the Korean peninsula as well as similar reproductive behaviors. The original Anoplophora malasiaca (Thomson) occurs in Japan and has been synonymized as CLB (hereafter referred to JCLB). In this study, a 30-min behavioral observation of paired adults, followed by a four-week exposure to host bolts, showed that ALB could not successfully cross with CLB. Mating was observed between female CLB and male ALB but not between female ALB and male CLB, no laid eggs hatched. JCLB males successfully crossed with ALB females to produce viable eggs although the overall percentage of hatched eggs was lower than those from conspecific mating pairs. However, ALB males could not successfully cross with JCLB females. CLB and JCLB mated and produced viable hybrid offspring and the hybrid F1 offspring eggs were fertile. These results suggest an asymmetrical hybridization between ALB and JCLB, and that both CLB and JCLB might be considered as two subspecies with different hybridization potential with congeneric ALB. Given their potential impacts on ecosystems and many economically important tree hosts, invasion of these geographically isolated species (ALB and JCLB) or distant subspecies (CLB and JCLB) into the same region may facilitate potential hybridization, which could be a potential concern for the management of these two globally important invasive forest pests. Further studies are needed to determine if fertile hybrid offspring are capable of breeding continually or backcrossing with parental offspring successfully.
Exploring the Diverse Immune and Genetic Landscape of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Batko Bogdan
Published: December 2021

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is characterized by delays in diagnosis and modest effect of treatment in terms of joint response. An understanding of molecular pathomechanisms may aid in developing diagnostic and prognostic models. Genetic susceptibility (e.g., HLA class I genes, IL-23-related genes) can be responsible for the pattern of psoriatic manifestations and affinity for tissue involvement. Gene expression analysis indicates an inflammatory profile that is distinct for PsA, but disparate across tissues. This has clinical implications, as for example, dual blockade of IL-17A and IL-17F can lead to superior clinical effects if there is differential expression of IL-17 receptors in tissues. Structural and functional impairment of barrier tissue, including host-microbiome interactions, may be the source of immune activation. Interplay between different cell populations of innate and adaptive immunity is emerging, potentially providing a link between the transition of skin-to-joint disease. Th17 subsets, IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-23 are crucial in PsA pathogenesis, with both clinical and experimental evidence suggesting a differential molecular landscape in cutaneous and articular compartments.
Characteristic Personality Traits of Multiple Sclerosis Patients—An Unicentric Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Davidescu Eugenia Irene , Odajiu Irina , Tulbă Delia , Cucu Camelia , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients tend to present peculiar personality traits that highly impact their quality of life. Our study aimed to determine which personality traits are more common in MS patients compared to a sex- and age-matched control group. Methods and materials: Patients with relapsing–remitting MS along with a sex- and age-matched control group were included. All subjects completed the DECAS Personality Inventory and an additional form including demographic characteristics. Data (including descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analysis) were analyzed using SPSS. Results: 122 subjects were included, out of which 61 were in the patient group, mostly females (71.31%) with a mean age of 42.06 ± 10.46 years. Mean duration of disease was 10.18 ± 5.53 years and mean EDSS score was 2.09; 36% of patients were treated with Interferon-beta 1a. Subjects in the patient group presented significantly lower scores for extraversion (p = 0.036), specifically those with higher EDSS score, even after adjusting for possible confounders (age, sex, marital status, early retirement, alcohol, and tobacco consumption). Additionally, regarding orientation in life, MS patients were more often philosophers (p = 0.001), especially young males, whereas the dominant emotional feeling was less common, the actor profile (p = 0.022). Regarding task involvement, MS patients were often passive and compassionate concerning other people. Higher EDSS score also correlated with avoidant (p = 0.006) and melancholic (p = 0.043) personality traits. Subjects with higher education associated more often pragmatic, experimenter, popular, and optimist traits, whereas the elderly had actor, authoritarian, and experimenter profiles. Conclusions: Some MS patients may have reduced levels of extraversion and specific personality traits compared to age- and sex-matched subjects. Determining the exact personality profile might help the neurologist to establish a better therapeutic alliance and to apply specific interventions.
Mindfulness-Based Program for Anxiety and Depression Treatment in Healthcare Professionals: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Santamaría-Peláez Mirian , González-Bernal Jerónimo Javier , Verdes-Montenegro-Atalaya Juan Carlos , Pérula-de Torres Luis Ángel , Roldán-Villalobos Ana , Romero-Rodríguez Esperanza , Hachem Salas Nur , Magallón Botaya Rosa , González-Navarro Teresa de Jesús , Arias-Vega Raquel , Valverde Francisco Javier , Jiménez-Barrios María , Mínguez Luis Alberto , León-del-Barco Benito , Soto-Cámara Raúl , González-Santos Josefa
Published: December 2021

In primary health care, the work environment can cause high levels of anxiety and depression, triggering relevant expert and individual change. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs reduce signs of anxiety and depression. The purpose of this sub-analysis of the total project, was to equate the effectiveness of the standard MBSR curriculum with the abbreviated version in minimizing anxiety and depression. This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 112 mentors and resident specialists from Family and Community Medicine and Nurses (FCMN), distributed across six teaching units (TU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). Experimental group participants received a MBRS training (abbreviated/standard). Depression and anxiety levels were measured with the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) at three different time periods during the analysis: before (pre-test) and after (post-test) participation, as well as 3 months after the completion of intervention. Taking into account the pre-test scores as the covariate, an adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed significant depletion in anxiety and depression in general (F (2.91) = 4.488; p = 0.014; η2 = 0.090) and depression in particular (F (2, 91) = 6.653; p = 0.002; η2 = 0.128 at the post-test visit, maintaining their effects for 3 months (F (2.79) = 3.031; p = 0.050; η2 = 0.071—F (2.79) = 2.874; p = 0.049; η2 = 0.068, respectively), which is associated with the use of a standard training program. The abbreviated training program did not have a significant effect on the level of anxiety and depression. The standard MBSR training program had a positive effect on anxiety and depression and promotes long-lasting effects in tutors and resident practitioners. New research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of abbreviated versions of training programs.
Special Issue: State of the Art in Research on Acupuncture Treatment
Authors: Chae Younbyoung , Lee Myeong Soo , Chen Yi-Hung
Published: December 2021

Acupuncture is a medical treatment that involves inserting a needle into the body [...]
A Simple Risk Score Based on Routine Clinical Parameters Can Predict Frailty in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Kałużna-Oleksy Marta , Kukfisz Agata , Migaj Jacek , Dudek Magdalena , Krysztofiak Helena , Sawczak Filip , Szczechla Magdalena , Przytarska Katarzyna , Straburzyńska-Migaj Ewa , Wleklik Marta , Uchmanowicz Izabella
Published: December 2021

Frailty syndrome (FS) has recently attracted attention as one of the major predictors of heart failure (HF) course severity. We aimed to develop a simple tool for predicting frailty in hospitalized HF patients using routine clinical parameters. A total of 153 hospitalized patients diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were included in the study. Presence of FS was assessed with the SHARE-FI questionnaire. Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected. Using ROC curves and logistic regression analysis, a model predicting FS presence was developed and tested. Proposed model includes five variables with following cut-off values (1 point for each variable): age > 50 years, systolic pressure on admission < 110 mmHg, total cholesterol < 4.85 mmol/L, bilirubin ≥ 15.5 mmol/L, and alanine aminotransferase ≤ 34 U/L. Receiving 5 points was considered a high risk of FS with positive and negative predictive values (NPV), 83% and 72%, respectively, and specificity of 97%. Awarding 2 points or less ruled out FS in the studied group with negative predictive value 94%. The presented novel, simple score predicts FS in HFrEF patients with routine clinical parameters and has good positive and negative predictive values.
Preoperative Fall Risk Assessment Score as a Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Cancer Patients after Esophagectomy
Authors: Kouzu Keita , Tsujimoto Hironori , Ishibashi Yusuke , Shinada Hanae , Oikawa Isawo , Kishi Yoji , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Ueno Hideki
Published: December 2021

The current study investigated the impact of preoperative fall risk assessment score (FRAS) on long-term prognoses in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). A total of 161 patients with EC who underwent curative surgery were classified into a high-risk (95, 41.0%) and low-risk (66, 41.0%) groups according to their FRAS. This study investigated the relationships between the FRAS and clinicopathological findings and prognoses. Accordingly, patients in the high-risk group were significantly older and had a significantly higher Charlson comorbidity index than those in the low-risk group. No significant difference was found in pathological findings between both groups. The high-risk group had significantly lower overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates than the low-risk group (p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified high FRAS as an independent prognostic factor for poor OS, with a hazard ratio of 1.75 (p = 0.033). Moreover, re-analysis of the data after excluding age as a category showed that the high-risk group had significantly worse OS (p = 0.004) and RFS (p = 0.003) than the low-risk group. The FRAS can, therefore, be considered a useful method for assessing frailty and a potential prognostic factor for EC.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Protocol to Confirm Central Venous Catheter Placement in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Prospective Feasibility Study
Authors: Baehner Torsten , Rohner Marc , Heinze Ingo , Schindler Ehrenfried , Wittmann Maria , Strassberger-Nerschbach Nadine , Kim Se-Chan , Velten Markus
Published: December 2021

Background: Central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly required for pediatric congenital cardiac surgeries. The current standard for verification of CVC positioning following perioperative insertion is postsurgical radiography. However, incorrect positioning may induce serious complications, including pleural and pericardial effusion, arrhythmias, valvular damage, or incorrect drug release, and point of care diagnostic may prevent these serious consequences. Furthermore, pediatric patients with congenital heart disease receive various radiological procedures. Although relatively low, radiation exposure accumulates over the lifetime, potentially reaching high carcinogenic values in pediatric patients with chronic disease, and therefore needs to be limited. We hypothesized that correct CVC positioning in pediatric patients can be performed quickly and safely by point-of-care ultrasound diagnostic. Methods: We evaluated a point-of-care ultrasound protocol, consistent with the combination of parasternal craniocaudal, parasternal transversal, suprasternal notch, and subcostal probe positions, to verify tip positioning in any of the evaluated views at initial CVC placement in pediatric patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery for congenital heart disease. Results: Using the combination of the four views, the CVC tip could be identified and positioned in 25 of 27 examinations (92.6%). Correct positioning was confirmed via chest X-ray after the surgery in all cases. Conclusions: In pediatric cardiac patients, point-of-care ultrasound diagnostic may be effective to confirm CVC positioning following initial placement and to reduce radiation exposure.
Imaging in Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: State-of-Art Review
Authors: Barreiro-Perez Manuel , Caneiro-Queija Berenice , Puga Luis , Gonzalez-Ferreiro Rocío , Alarcon Robert , Parada Jose Antonio , Iñiguez-Romo Andrés , Estevez-Loureiro Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

Mitral regurgitation is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recognition of MR should encourage the assessment of its etiology, severity, and mechanism in order to determine the best therapeutic approach. Mitral valve surgery constitutes the first-line therapy; however, transcatheter procedures have emerged as an alternative option to treat inoperable and high-risk surgical patients. In patients with suitable anatomy, the transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral leaflet repair is the most frequently applied procedure. In non-reparable patients, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has appeared as a promising intervention. Thus, currently TMVR represents a new treatment option for inoperable or high-risk patients with degenerated or failed bioprosthetic valves (valve-in-valve); failed repairs, (valve-in-ring); inoperable or high-risk patients with native mitral valve anatomy, or those with severe annular calcifications, or valve-in-mitral annular calcification. The patient selection requires multimodality imaging pre-procedural planning to select the best approach and device, study the anatomical landing zone and assess the risk of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In the present review, we aimed to highlight the main considerations for TMVR planning from an imaging perspective; before, during, and after TMVR.
Brain Metastases from Adult Sarcomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study from the Hellenic Group of Sarcomas and Rare Cancers (HGSRC)
Authors: Kokkali Stefania , Vini Louiza , Stergioula Anastasia , Kyriazoglou Anastasios , Vassos Nikolaos , Boukovinas Ioannis
Published: December 2021

Brain metastases are rare events in patients with sarcoma and the available information is relatively limited. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with sarcoma who developed brain metastases between April 2010 and April 2020 in six centers. Thirty-four adult patients were included with a median age at brain metastases diagnosis of 55.5 years (range, 18–75). The primary sarcomas originated either from soft tissue (n = 27) or bone (n = 7) and the most common subtypes were leiomyosarcoma (n = 8), Ewing sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) (n = 7) and osteosarcoma (n = 3). Most primary tumors were of high grade and located mainly in the extremities (n = 18). The vast majority of patients at the time of brain metastasis diagnosis already had extracranial metastatic disease (n = 26). The median time from sarcoma diagnosis to cerebral metastasis diagnosis was 16 months (range, 1–136). Treatment modalities for brain metastatic disease included whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) (n = 22), chemotherapy (n = 17), exclusive palliative care (n = 5), surgery (n = 9), targeted therapy (n = 6) or stereotactic radiosurgery (n = 2). Most patients experienced a progression of brain metastases (n = 11). The median overall survival from brain metastasis diagnosis was 3 months (range, 0–80). OS was significantly influenced by time-to-brain metastases (p = 0.041), WBRT (p = 0.018), surgery (p = 0.002) and chemotherapy (p = 0.006). In a multivariate analysis, only the localization of the primary (p = 0.047) and WBRT (p = 0.038) were associated with survival with statistical significance. Patients with sarcoma brain metastases have a particularly poor prognosis and an appropriate therapeutic approach is yet to be defined.
On the Relationship between Corneal Biomechanics, Macrostructure, and Optical Properties
Authors: Ávila Francisco J. , Marcellán Maria Concepción , Remón Laura
Published: December 2021

Optical properties of the cornea are responsible for correct vision; the ultrastructure allows optical transparency, and the biomechanical properties govern the shape, elasticity, or stiffness of the cornea, affecting ocular integrity and intraocular pressure. Therefore, the optical aberrations, corneal transparency, structure, and biomechanics play a fundamental role in the optical quality of human vision, ocular health, and refractive surgery outcomes. However, the inter-relationships of those properties are not yet reported at a macroscopic scale within the hierarchical structure of the cornea. This work explores the relationships between the biomechanics, structure, and optical properties (corneal aberrations and optical density) at a macro-structural level of the cornea through dual Placido–Scheimpflug imaging and air-puff tonometry systems in a healthy young adult population. Results showed correlation between optical transparency, corneal macrostructure, and biomechanics, whereas corneal aberrations and in particular spherical terms remained independent. A compensation mechanism for the spherical aberration is proposed through corneal shape and biomechanics.
Numerical Study on Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Cold Front-Induced Waves along the Southeastern Coast of China
Authors: Xu Pinyan , Du Yunfei , Zheng Qiao , Che Zhumei , Zhang Jicai
Published: December 2021

Cold fronts, as one of the most frequent extreme weather events, can induce significant waves on the sea. This work analyzes the spatial and temporal variations in cold front events, especially the characteristics of wind directions during cold fronts in the East China Sea (ECS). The SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore) model is applied to simulating the waves induced by cold fronts. To calibrate the model, two typical cold front events were selected to simulate the corresponding waves in the ECS. The results indicate that the data misfit between the observed and modeled significant wave heights (SWH) is within a reasonable range. Idealized sensitivity experiments were then designed in order to analyze and discuss the responses of ocean waves to wind direction, swell distribution, maximum of significant wave heights (MSWH), and time lag during the cold fronts. The results show that the average MSWH in the ECS decreases monotonically with the deflection of wind direction from north-east to north-west, while specific nearshore sites do not conform to this pattern due to topography. The time series of SWH indicate that the action of the swells leads to a prolongation of the duration of catastrophic waves. This work investigates the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of cold front-induced wind wave fields in offshore Zhejiang, which has important value for the study of the impact of cold fronts on the ocean as well as disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
RANS Prediction of Wave-Induced Ship Motions, and Steady Wave Forces and Moments in Regular Waves
Authors: Gao Qingze , Song Lifei , Yao Jianxi
Published: December 2021

The wave-induced motions, and steady wave forces and moments for the oil tanker KVLCC2 in regular head and oblique waves are numerically predicted by using the expanded RANS solver based on OpenFOAM. New modules of wave boundary condition are programed into OpenFOAM for this purpose. In the present consideration, the steady wave forces and moments include not only the contribution of hydrodynamic effects but also the contribution of the inertial effects due to wave-induced ship motions. The computed results show that the contribution of the inertial effects due to heave and pitch in head waves is non-negligible when wave-induced motions are of large amplitude, for example, in long waves. The influence of wave amplitude on added resistance in head waves is also analyzed. The dimensionless added resistance becomes smaller with the increasing wave amplitude, indicating that added resistance is not proportional to the square of wave amplitude. However, wave amplitude seems not to affect the heave and pitch RAOs significantly. The steady wave surge force, sway force and yaw moment for the KVLCC2 with zero speed in oblique waves are computed as well. The present RANS results are compared with available experimental data, and very good agreements are found between them.