bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Selected Meteorological Factors on COVID-19 Incidence in Southern Finland during 2020–2021
Authors: Haga Lisa , Ruuhela Reija , Auranen Kari , Lakkala Kaisa , Heikkilä Anu , Gregow Hilppa
Published: October 2022

We modelled the impact of selected meteorological factors on the daily number of new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa in southern Finland from August 2020 until May 2021. We applied a DLNM (distributed lag non-linear model) with and without various environmental and non-environmental confounding factors. The relationship between the daily mean temperature or absolute humidity and COVID-19 morbidity shows a non-linear dependency, with increased incidence of COVID-19 at low temperatures between 0 to −10 °C or at low absolute humidity (AH) values below 6 g/m3. However, the outcomes need to be interpreted with caution, because the associations found may be valid only for the study period in 2020–2021. Longer study periods are needed to investigate whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a seasonal pattern similar such as influenza and other viral respiratory infections. The influence of other non-environmental factors such as various mitigation measures are important to consider in future studies. Knowledge about associations between meteorological factors and COVID-19 can be useful information for policy makers and the education and health sector to predict and prepare for epidemic waves in the coming winters.
Effect of Indoor Climbing on Occupational Self-Efficacy and Employability: Results of a 10-Month Randomised Controlled Study of Persons with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Vreuls Ruud Joseph Alida , Mockenhaupt Jonas , Tillmann Vera , Anneken Volker
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Indoor climbing has different effects at various levels, including physical, psychological, and social ones. It is of high interest to assess whether social skills developed through climbing can be transferred to another environment, such as the working environment. This study investigates the effects of indoor climbing on employability and occupational self-efficacy of people with intellectual disability, who possess lower levels of social competences in general. (2) Methods: A randomised controlled study (RCT) experimental study design with three groups was formed—one intervention (IG) and two control groups (CGI&II). For 10 months, the IG went climbing (two times per week), whereas the first CG followed a sports programme and the second CG served as controls. (3) Results: IG participants showed significant improvement in mental and somatic health over time. Regarding occupational self-efficacy, females had a significantly lower mean. Nevertheless, only the IG’s female participants mean increased significantly over time. (4) Conclusions: Indoor climbing can be effective for improving occupational health and can be beneficial for specific groups; however, additional research is needed to further specify the influence of indoor climbing on a wider variety of aspects of the life of people with intellectual disability.
Analysis of Dynamic Evolution and Spatial-Temporal Heterogeneity of Carbon Emissions at County Level along “The Belt and Road”—A Case Study of Northwest China
Authors: Sun Shaoqi , Xie Yuanli , Li Yunmei , Yuan Kansheng , Hu Lifa
Published: October 2022

Northwest region is the main energy supply and consumption area in China. Scientifically estimating carbon emissions (CE) at the county level and analyzing the spatial-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of CE in a long time series are of great significance for formulating targeted CE reduction plans. In this paper, Landscan data are used to assist NPP-VIIRS-like data to simulate the CE from 2001 to 2019. Spatial-temporal heterogeneity of CE was analyzed by using a two-stage nested Theil index and geographically and temporally weighted regression model (GTWR). The CE in northwest China at the county increases yearly while the growth rate slows down from 2001 to 2019. The spatial pattern forms a circle expansion centered on the high-value areas represented by the provincial capital, which is also obvious at the border between Shaanxi and Ningxia. Axial expansion along the Hexi Corridor is conspicuous. The spatial pattern of CE conforms to the Pareto principle; the spatial correlation of CE in northwest counties is increasing year by year, and the high-high agglomeration areas are expanding continuously. It is an obvious high carbon spillover effect. Restricted by the ecological environment, the southwest of Qinghai and the Qinling-Daba Mountain area are stable low-low agglomeration areas. The spatial pattern of CE in northwest China shows remarkable spatial heterogeneity. The difference within regions is greater than that between regions. The “convergence within groups and divergence between groups” changing trend is obvious. According to the five-year socioeconomic indicators, the economic scale (GDP), population scale (POP), and urbanization level (UR) are the main influencing factors. The direction and intensity of the effect have changed in time and space. The same factor shows different action intensities in different regions.
The Social Distance Impacts from COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Two Orders of a Concurrent Training Programme for Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Delgado-Floody Pedro , Chirosa-Ríos Luis , Guzmán-Guzmán Iris Paola , Vargas Claudia Andrea , Sandoval-Aguilera Karina , Caamaño-Navarrete Felipe , Guede-Rojas Francisco , Alvarez Cristian
Published: October 2022

Background: Although there is relevant information regarding the consequences of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), little is known about the impact of the imposed social confinement (at home) on the development of exercise training programmes in populations with morbid obesity. Aim: To describe the effects of the imposed COVID-19 confinement on the cardiometabolic health benefits acquired through a concurrent training programme that started before the pandemic in populations with morbid obesity. Methods: This was an experimental randomized clinical study, in which sedentary morbidly obese women were assigned 1:1 to a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plus resistance training (RT) group (HIIT + RT; n = 11; BMI 42.1 ± 6.6) or to the same exercise dose, but in different order group of RT plus HIIT group (RT + HIIT; n = 7; BMI 47.5 ± 8.4). Both groups undertook two sessions/week. When COVID-19 confinement at home started, a post-test was applied in January 2020 (Post1) and after 20 months (Post2). The main outcomes were waist circumference (WC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipids (HDL-c), triglycerides (Tg), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Results: In the HIIT + RT group, the WC showed significant increases from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 3.1 cm, p = 0.035); in the RT + HIIT group, it decreased from Post1 to Post2 (Δ − 4.8 cm, p = 0.028). In the HIIT + RT group, SBP showed significant increases from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 6.2 mmHg, p = 0.041); the RT + HIIT group decreased SBP from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ − 7.2 mmHg, p = 0.026) and increased DBP from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ + 8.1 mmHg, p = 0.015). Tg in the HIIT + RT group decreased from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ − 40.1 mg/dL, p = 0.023) but increased from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 86.3 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 social confinement worsened metabolic syndrome (MetS) outcomes that had improved from 20 weeks’ RT + HIIT during the training period, such as WC, SBP, and Tg from HIIT + RT, when, worryingly, SBP increased to another more serious clinical classification in both groups.
Checklist: A Useful and Safe Tool for the Initiation of Care for Eutocical Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Muñoz María Fernández , Reyes Angullo Zurine Raquel , Pintado Recarte Pilar , Consuelo Soto Lucia , Labarta Javier Ruiz , Hernández Ignacio Cueto , Ortega Miguel A. , De Leon-Luis Juan A.
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to present and analyze the vaginal delivery checklist as a safe and useful learning tool for first-year residents in the gynecology and obstetrics and midwifery specialties at different hospitals and to analyze the items that comprise it and the progress of the residents during the first 30 normal deliveries attended in a supervised manner. We present a descriptive, observational and prospective study in which 18 participants from different hospitals in Spain completed a checklist of skills in the first 30 births attended autonomously after learning its use in a simulation workshop. We collected a total of 329 of 330 checklists completed by 11 participants. In addition, the mean responses for each item contained on the checklist and the mean global progression of the participants were subsequently analyzed, detecting statistically significant differences using Student’s t-test for paired data. During the data collection period between September 2020 and August 2021, a total of 329 checklists were analyzed. The global average of positive responses for the 30 questions contained on the checklist was 25.36 out of 30 points. The fulfillment of the different items was variable, with the lowest fulfillment of 2.18 points, although 73% of the items obtained a score greater than 25. A statistically significant difference in the mean compliance of the first five childbirths compared to the last five deliveries using the proposed checklist was obtained, with p < 0.01. In conclusion, knowing the importance of using a checklist to anticipate risk situations and reduce the number of adverse perinatal outcomes, we can say that, for first-year residents in gynecology and obstetrics attending a clinical simulation workshop in eutocic vaginal delivery, it may be interesting to have a tool, such as the checklist proposed in this study, that facilitates the learning process and the suitable progress of the participants.
Non-Linear and Sex-Specific Effect of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy BMI on Emotional and Behavioral Development of Preschool Children: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lu Jingru , Hao Xuemei , Zhu Linlin , Guo Yufan , Wu Xiaoyan , Hao Jiahu , Tao Fangbiao , Huang Kun
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The aim was to examine the non-linear and sex-specific outcomes of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on emotional and behavioral development of preschool children; (2) Methods: This study was based on the China-Anhui Birth Cohort (C-ABCS), including 3648 mother–child pairs. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated from the maternal pre-pregnancy height and weight measured at the first antenatal checkup. Main caregivers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess children’s preschool emotional and behavioral development. A restricted cubic spline model was drawn using Stata version 15.1 to analyze the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and preschoolers’ SDQ scores by sex; (3) Results: Among boys, maternal pre-pregnancy underweight was associated with the increased risk of conduct problems and pro-social behaviors, and pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity related with the increased risk of peer problems. Interestingly, when maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was between 18.50 kg/m2 and 18.67 kg/m2, boys had the increased risk of conduct problems. When pre-pregnancy BMI was between 18.50 kg/m2 and 19.57 kg/m2, boys had the increased risk of pro-social problems. No significant associations were observed; (4) Conclusions: A non-linear effect of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on emotional and behavioral development has been found in preschool boys. In particular, pre-pregnancy normal weight may still affect boys’ emotional and behavioral development.
The Effects of Early Physiotherapy Treatment on Musculoskeletal Injury Outcomes in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review
Authors: Campbell Patrick , Pope Rodney , Simas Vinicius , Canetti Elisa , Schram Benjamin , Orr Robin
Published: October 2022

The risks and incidence rates of musculoskeletal injuries among military personnel are high, and the importance of physiotherapy in treating these injuries is well established. However, what is less clear is whether the timing of commencement of physiotherapy treatment affects musculoskeletal injury outcomes in military personnel. This lack of clarity is exacerbated by the known underreporting of injuries among military personnel, and the resulting self-management of musculoskeletal injuries using analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other means. This narrative review was designed to identify and synthesize current evidence regarding the effects of timing of physiotherapy treatment on musculoskeletal injury outcomes, focusing on potential benefits of early versus typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment. Overall, current evidence suggests early physiotherapy treatment of musculoskeletal injuries offers distinct advantages over typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment in military settings. Specifically, it appears early treatment expedites recovery in early phases following injury onset and benefits longer term mental health and well-being. It may also reduce the need for more invasive and costly health care interventions and enable earlier return to training and operational service. Importantly, a cultural shift within military contexts to ensure early reporting of musculoskeletal injuries is required if the benefits of early commencement of physiotherapy treatment are to be achieved.
Trace Elements in Soil and Urban Groundwater in an Area Impacted by Metallurgical Activity: Health Risk Assessment in the Historical Barga Municipality (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Petrini Riccardo , Ghezzi Lisa , Arrighi Simone , Genovesi Lisa , Frassi Chiara , Pandolfi Luca
Published: October 2022

Trace elements were measured in soil and groundwater collected within the Fornaci di Barga urban area (Serchio River Valley, Tuscany, Italy), a territory that integrates natural assets with touristic vocation, impacted by long-lasting metallurgical activity. Epidemiological studies highlighted that the area surrounding the industrial plants is characterized by a persistent excess of diseases, attributed to heavy metal pollution. Soils were taken in school gardens, public parks, sport grounds and roadsides. The results indicate that Cu, Zn and Cd represent the main contaminants in surface soil, likely originated by deposition of airborne particulate matter from metallurgical activity. Risk assessment considering soil ingestion and dermal contact exposure routes revealed that the cadmium Hazard Quotient approaches unity for children, and the cadmium risk-based concentration obtained by combining exposure information with toxicity data is only slightly lower compared with the cadmium maximum concentration actually measured in soil. Groundwater does not show evidence of trace metal contamination, suggesting that the migration of contaminants from soil to subsurface is a slow process. However, assessment of the possible interconnections between shallow and deep-seated aquifers requires monitoring to be continued. The obtained results highlight the possible link between space clusters of diseases and metal concentration in soil.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Its Determinants among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Southern Thailand
Authors: Hnuploy Kanit , Sornlorm Kittipong , Soe Than Kyaw , Khammaneechan Patthanasak , Rakchart Navarat , Jongjit Wajinee , Supaviboolas Suttakarn , Chutipattana Nirachon
Published: October 2022

Success in eradicating COVID-19 will rely on the rate of vaccination adoption worldwide. Vaccine acceptance among vulnerable groups is critical for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and decreasing unnecessary deaths. The purpose of this study was to report on the willingness to obtain COVID-19 immunization and the factors related to its acceptance among Myanmar migrant workers in southern Thailand. This cross-sectional study consisted of 301 samples collected between October and November 2021 and analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Thirty-nine percent of workers intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine within a year. The following factors were associated with obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine: a high level of perception of COVID-19 (AOR = 5.43), income less than or equal to 10,000 baht/month (AOR = 6.98), financial status at a sufficient level (AOR = 7.79), wearing a face mask in the previous month almost all the time (AOR =4.26), maintaining 1–2 m of distance from anyone in the last month (AOR =2.51), and measuring temperature in the previous month (AOR = 5.24). High reluctance to accept the COVID-19 vaccine among Myanmar migrant workers can influence efforts to eliminate COVID-19. Collaboration with all stakeholders is critical to helping Myanmar workers understand COVID-19, social measures, and preventive beliefs to increase vaccine uptake.
Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Personal PM2.5-Bound Phthalates Exposure for Adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Jiayao , Ward Tony J. , Ho Steven Sai Hang , Ho Kin Fai
Published: October 2022

We performed personal PM2.5 monitoring involving 56 adult residents in Hong Kong. Additionally, paired personal and residential indoor fine particle (PM2.5) samples were collected from 26 homes and from 3 fixed monitoring locations (i.e., outdoor samples). Six PM2.5-bound phthalate esters (PAEs)—including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)—were measured using a thermal desorption–gas chromatography/mass spectrometer method. Average ∑6PAEs (i.e., summation of six PAE congeners) concentrations in personal PM2.5 exposure (699.4 ng/m3) were comparable with those in residential indoors (646.9 ng/m3), and both were slightly lower than the outdoor levels. DEHP was the most abundant PAE congener (80.3%–85.0%) and found at the highest levels in different exposure categories, followed by BBP, DnBP, and DnOP. Strong correlations were observed between DEHP with DnBP (rs: 0.81–0.90; p < 0.01), BBP (rs: 0.81–0.90; p < 0.01), and DnOP (rs: 0.87–0.93; p < 0.01) in each exposure category. However, no apparent intercorrelations were shown for PAE congeners. Higher indoor concentrations and a stronger correlation between DMP and DEP were found compared with outdoor concentrations. Principal component analysis affirmed heterogeneous distribution and notable variations in PAE sources across different exposure categories. The average daily intakes of ∑6PAEs and DEHP via inhalation were 0.14–0.17 and 0.12–0.16 μg/kg-day for adults in Hong Kong. A time-weighted model was used to estimate PAE exposures incorporating residential indoor and outdoor exposure and time activities. The inhalation cancer risks attributable to measured and estimated personal exposure to DEHP exceeded the U.S. EPA’s benchmark (1 × 10−6). The results provide critical information for mitigation strategies, suggesting that PAEs from both ambient and indoor sources should be considered when exploring the inhalation health risks of PAEs exposure.
A Stacking Ensemble Learning Method to Classify the Patterns of Complex Road Junctions
Authors: Yang Min , Cheng Lingya , Cao Minjun , Yan Xiongfeng
Published: October 2022

Recognizing the patterns of road junctions in a road network plays a crucial role in various applications. Owing to the diversity and complexity of morphologies of road junctions, traditional methods that rely heavily on manual settings of features and rules are often problematic. In recent years, several studies have employed convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify complex junctions. These methods usually convert vector-based junctions into raster representations with a predefined sampling area coverage. However, a fixed sampling area coverage cannot ensure the integrity and clarity of each junction, which inevitably leads to misclassification. To overcome this drawback, this study proposes a stacking ensemble learning method for classifying the patterns of complex road junctions. In this method, each junction is first converted into raster images with multiple area coverages. Subsequently, several CNN-based base-classifiers are trained using raster images, and they output the probabilities of the junction belonging to different patterns. Finally, a meta-classifier based on random forest is used to combine the outputs of the base-classifiers and learn to arrive at the final classification. Experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the classification accuracy for complex road junctions compared to existing CNN-based classifiers that are trained using raster representations of junctions with a fixed sampling area coverage.
Pesticides and Their Impairing Effects on Epithelial Barrier Integrity, Dysbiosis, Disruption of the AhR Signaling Pathway and Development of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Lima Carla , Falcão Maria Alice Pimentel , Rosa João Gabriel Santos , Disner Geonildo Rodrigo , Lopes-Ferreira Monica
Published: October 2022

The environmental and occupational risk we confront from agricultural chemicals increases as their presence in natural habitats rises to hazardous levels, building a major part of the exposome. This is of particular concern in low- and middle-income countries, such as Brazil, known as a leading producer of agricultural commodities and consumer of pesticides. As long as public policies continue to encourage the indiscriminate use of pesticides and governments continue to support this strategy instead of endorsing sustainable agricultural alternatives, the environmental burden that damages epithelial barriers will continue to grow. Chronic exposure to environmental contaminants in early life can affect crucial barrier tissue, such as skin epithelium, airways, and intestine, causing increased permeability, leaking, dysbiosis, and inflammation, with serious implications for metabolism and homeostasis. This vicious cycle of exposure to environmental factors and the consequent damage to the epithelial barrier has been associated with an increase in immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. Understanding how the harmful effects of pesticides on the epithelial barrier impact cellular interactions mediated by endogenous sensors that coordinate a successful immune system represents a crucial challenge. In line with the epithelial barrier hypothesis, this narrative review reports the available evidence on the effects of pesticides on epithelial barrier integrity, dysbiosis, AhR signaling, and the consequent development of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
The α-Ketoglutarate Dehydrogenase Complex as a Hub of Plasticity in Neurodegeneration and Regeneration
Authors: Hansen Grace E. , Gibson Gary E.
Published: October 2022

Abnormal glucose metabolism is central to neurodegeneration, and considerable evidence suggests that abnormalities in key enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle underlie the metabolic deficits. Significant recent advances in the role of metabolism in cancer provide new insight that facilitates our understanding of the role of metabolism in neurodegeneration. Research indicates that the rate-limiting step of the TCA cycle, the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) and its substrate alpha ketoglutarate (KG), serve as a signaling hub that regulates multiple cellular processes: (1) is the rate-limiting step of the TCA cycle, (2) is sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and produces ROS, (3) determines whether KG is used for energy or synthesis of compounds to support growth, (4) regulates the cellular responses to hypoxia, (5) controls the post-translational modification of hundreds of cell proteins in the mitochondria, cytosol, and nucleus through succinylation, (6) controls critical aspects of transcription, (7) modulates protein signaling within cells, and (8) modulates cellular calcium. The primary focus of this review is to understand how reductions in KGDHC are translated to pathologically important changes that underlie both neurodegeneration and cancer. An understanding of each role is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative disease.
Nuclear Receptor and Stress Response Pathways Associated with Antineoplastic Agent-Induced Diarrhea
Authors: Okunaka Mashiro , Kano Daisuke , Uesawa Yoshihiro
Published: October 2022

In severe cases, antineoplastic agent-induced diarrhea may be life-threatening; therefore, it is necessary to determine the mechanism of toxicity and identify the optimal management. The mechanism of antineoplastic agent-induced diarrhea is still unclear but is often considered to be multifactorial. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular initiating event (MIE), which is the initial interaction between molecules and biomolecules or biosystems, and to evaluate the MIE specific to antineoplastic agents that induce diarrhea. We detected diarrhea-inducing drug signals based on adjusted odds ratios using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. We then used the quantitative structure-activity relationship platform of Toxicity Predictor to identify potential MIEs that are specific to diarrhea-inducing antineoplastic agents. We found that progesterone receptor antagonists were potential MIEs associated with diarrhea. The findings of this study may help improve the prediction and management of antineoplastic agent-induced diarrhea.
Photoluminescent Histidine-Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters as Efficient Sensors for Fast and Easy Visual Detection of Fe Ions in Water Using Paper-Based Portable Platform
Authors: Hada Alexandru-Milentie , Zetes Markus , Focsan Monica , Astilean Simion , Craciun Ana-Maria
Published: October 2022

Herein is presented a novel and efficient portable paper-based sensing platform using paper-incorporated histidine stabilized gold nanoclusters (His-AuNCs), for the sensitive and selective detection of Fe ions from low-volume real water samples based on photoluminescence (PL) quenching. Highly photoluminescent colloidal His-AuNCs are obtained via a novel microwave-assisted method. The His-AuNCs-based sensor reveals a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.2 μM and a good selectivity towards Fe ions, in solution. Further, the fabricated portable sensing device based on paper impregnated with His-AuNCs proves to be suitable for the easy detection of hazardous Fe levels from real water samples, under UV light exposure, through evaluating the level of PL quenching on paper. Photographic images are thereafter captured with a smartphone camera and the average blue intensity ratio (I/I0) of the His-AuNCs-paper spots is plotted against [Fe2+] revealing a LOD of 3.2 μM. Moreover, selectivity and competitivity assays performed on paper-based sensor prove that the proposed platform presents high selectivity and accuracy for the detection of Fe ions from water samples. To validate the platform, sensing assays are performed on real water samples from local sources, spiked with 35 μM Fe ions (i.e., Fe2+). The obtained recoveries prove the high sensitivity and accuracy of the proposed His-AuNCs-paper-based sensor pointing towards its applicability as an easy-to-use, fast, quantitative and qualitative sensor suitable for on-site detection of toxic levels of Fe ions in low-volume real water samples.
Collagen Family as Promising Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Cancer
Authors: Necula Laura , Matei Lilia , Dragu Denisa , Pitica Ioana , Neagu Ana , Bleotu Coralia , Diaconu Carmen C. , Chivu-Economescu Mihaela
Published: October 2022

Despite advances in cancer detection and therapy, it has been estimated that the incidence of cancers will increase, while the mortality rate will continue to remain high, a fact explained by the large number of patients diagnosed in advanced stages when therapy is often useless. Therefore, it is necessary to invest knowledge and resources in the development of new non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of cancer and new therapeutic targets for better health management. In this review, we provided an overview on the collagen family as promising biomarkers and on how they may be exploited as therapeutic targets in cancer. The collagen family tridimensional structure, organization, and functions are very complex, being in a tight relationship with the extracellular matrix, tumor, and immune microenvironment. Moreover, accumulating evidence underlines the role of collagens in promoting tumor growth and creating a permissive tumor microenvironment for metastatic dissemination. Knowledge of the molecular basis of these interactions may help in cancer diagnosis and prognosis, in overcoming chemoresistance, and in providing new targets for cancer therapies.
Response of Ruminal Microbiota–Host Gene Interaction to High-Altitude Environments in Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Sha Yuzhu , Ren Yue , Zhao Shengguo , He Yanyu , Guo Xinyu , Pu Xiaoning , Li Wenhao , Liu Xiu , Wang Jiqing , Li Shaobin
Published: October 2022

Altitude is the main external environmental pressure affecting the production performance of Tibetan sheep, and the adaptive evolution of many years has formed a certain response mechanism. However, there are few reports on the response of ruminal microbiota and host genomes of Tibetan sheep to high-altitude environments. Here, we conducted an integrated analysis of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), microbial diversity (16S rRNA), epithelial morphology, and epithelial transcriptome in the rumen of Tibetan sheep at different altitudes to understand the changes in ruminal microbiota–host interaction in response to high altitude. The differences in the nutritional quality of forage at different altitudes, especially the differences in fiber content (ADF/NDF), led to changes in rumen VFAs of Tibetan sheep, in which the A/P value (acetic acid/propionic acid) was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentrations of IgA and IgG in Middle-altitude (MA) and High-altitude Tibetan sheep (HA) were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of IgM were significantly increased in MA (p < 0.05). Morphological results showed that the width of the rumen papilla and the thickness of the basal layer increased significantly in HA Tibetan sheep (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA analysis found that the rumen microbial diversity of Tibetan sheep gradually decreased with increasing altitude, and there were some differences in phylum- and genus-level microbes at the three altitudes. RDA analysis found that the abundance of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group and the Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group increased with altitudes. Furthermore, a functional analysis of the KEGG microbial database found the “lipid metabolism” function of HA Tibetan sheep to be significantly enriched. WGCNA revealed that five gene modules were enriched in “energy production and conversion”, “lipid transport and metabolism”, and “defense mechanisms”, and cooperated with microbiota to regulate rumen fermentation and epithelial immune barrier function, so as to improve the metabolism and immune level of Tibetan sheep at high altitude.
Characterization of Engineered Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Lung and Macrophage Cells
Authors: Bushell Michael , Kunc Filip , Du Xiaomei , Zborowski Andre , Johnston Linda J. , Kennedy David C.
Published: October 2022

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are promising materials as novel nanoscale therapeutics and are commonly used materials in industrial processes. Most cytotoxicity studies on cerium oxide nanoparticles are made from in-lab prepared materials making comparison between studies challenging, especially when performed on unique cell lines under non-standard conditions. Using commercially available nanoparticles we show that particle stability/agglomeration may be critical in determining the cytotoxicity in some cell lines, while in other cell lines, larger sized primary particles are linked to higher cytotoxicity, contrasting what has been reported in the literature for smaller cerium nanoparticles. To accelerate the development of cerium oxide enabled commercial processes and biomedical innovations, a clearer understanding of the interactions between cerium oxide nanoparticles and cells is needed to better understand their fate in and impact on biological systems.
Natural Language Processing Techniques for Text Classification of Biomedical Documents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kesiku Cyrille YetuYetu , Chaves-Villota Andrea , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya
Published: October 2022

The classification of biomedical literature is engaged in a number of critical issues that physicians are expected to answer. In many cases, these issues are extremely difficult. This can be conducted for jobs such as diagnosis and treatment, as well as efficient representations of ideas such as medications, procedure codes, and patient visits, as well as in the quick search of a document or disease classification. Pathologies are being sought from clinical notes, among other sources. The goal of this systematic review is to analyze the literature on various problems of classification of medical texts of patients based on criteria such as: the quality of the evaluation metrics used, the different methods of machine learning applied, the different data sets, to highlight the best methods in this type of problem, and to identify the different challenges associated. The study covers the period from 1 January 2016 to 10 July 2022. We used multiple databases and archives of research articles, including Web Of Science, Scopus, MDPI, arXiv, IEEE, and ACM, to find 894 articles dealing with the subject of text classification, which we were able to filter using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following a thorough review, we selected 33 articles dealing with biological text categorization issues. Following our investigation, we discovered two major issues linked to the methodology and data used for biomedical text classification. First, there is the data-centric challenge, followed by the data quality challenge.
Laser Ablation Synthesis and Characterization of Tb2O3 Nanoparticles for Magneto-Optical Ceramics
Authors: Maksimov Roman N. , Osipov Vladimir V. , Karagedov Garegin R. , Platonov Vyacheslav V. , Yurovskikh Artem S. , Orlov Albert N. , Spirina Alfiya V. , Shitov Vladislav A.
Published: October 2022

In this study, nano-sized individual Tb2O3 particles synthesized by the laser ablation method were extensively characterized and assessed as suitable precursors for the fabrication of transparent magneto-optical ceramics without requiring the introduction of grain growth inhibitors and stabilizing additives. The as-produced powder comprised 13 nm particles with a spherical shape and monoclinic crystal structure, whose full transformation into cubic phase was achieved after heating at 950 °C and 700 °C under vacuum and Ar gas, respectively. After subjecting the nanopowder compact to pre-sintering at 1350 °C, the microstructural features were investigated along with their correlation to the optical transmittance of Tb2O3 ceramic hot isostatically pressed (HIPed) for 2 h at 1450 °C under 200 MPa. The as-HIPed sample had a brownish color, with an optical transmittance of 65.3% at a wavelength of 1060 nm and an average grain size of 14 μm. The Verdet constant measured at wavelengths of 633 nm and 1060 nm was 471 rad T−1 m−1 and 142 rad T−1 m−1 to confirm a very high content of magneto-active Tb3+ ions. The obtained results indicate that laser ablation synthesis of nanoparticles followed by pre-sintering and HIP is a promising approach for the manufacture of magneto-optical Tb2O3 ceramics without specific sintering aids.
Evaluation of Trap Devices for Mass Trapping of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations
Authors: Colacci Marco , Trematerra Pasquale , Sciarretta Andrea
Published: October 2022

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a key pest of fruit crops in a wide range of climatic zone. Its economic importance is increasing due to its invasion and establishment in new geographical areas caused by global warming. Generally, the management of medfly infestation has been carried out with the use of synthetic pyrethroids and phosphorganic insecticides. Other containment approaches include attract-and-kill, biological control, and the sterile insect technique. The mass trapping technique can be considered an eco-friendly method to use in combination with other control systems. The present study reported the trapping effectiveness of commercially available devices (Decis Trap, Tephri Trap Ecological, and Conetrap) baited with different types of female attractants (Econex Trypack and Biodelear) under different thermal conditions. The performance of trapping systems was evaluated in semi-field cages. Our results showed that the combination of Conetrap with Biodelear was not proven effective, while the Tephri Trap baited with Trypack or Biodelear and the Decis Trap reported the same performance in capturing females and could be used for medfly mass trapping.
Predictions Based on Different Climate Change Scenarios: The Habitat of Typical Locust Species Is Shrinking in Kazakhstan and Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wu Rui , Guan Jing-Yun , Wu Jian-Guo , Ju Xi-Feng , An Qing-Hui , Zheng Jiang-Hua
Published: October 2022

Climate change, especially climate extremes, can increase the uncertainty of locust outbreaks. The Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus (Linnaeus, 1758)), Asian migratory locust (Locusta migratoria migratoria Linnaeus, 1758), and Siberian locust (Gomphocerus sibiricus (Linnaeus, 1767)) are common pests widely distributed in the semidesert grasslands of Central Asia and its surrounding regions. Predicting the geographic distribution changes and future habitats of locusts in the context of climate warming is essential to effectively prevent large and sudden locust outbreaks. In this study, the optimized maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model, employing a combination of climatic, soil, and topographic factors, was used to predict the potential fitness areas of typical locusts in the 2030s and 2050s, assuming four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585) in the CMIP6 model. Modeling results showed that the mean area under the curve (AUC) and true statistical skill (TSS) of the MaxEnt model reached 0.933 and 0.7651, respectively, indicating that the model exhibited good prediction performance. Our results showed that soil surface sand content, slope, mean precipitation during the hottest season, and precipitation seasonality were the key environmental variables affecting locust distribution in the region. The three locust species were mainly distributed in the upstream region of the Irtysh River, the Alatao Mountain region, the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, around Sayram Lake, the eastern part of the Alakol Lake region, the Tekes River region, the western part of Ulungur Lake, the Ili River, and the upstream region of the Tarim River. According to several climate projections, the area of potential habitat for the three most common locust species will decrease by 3.9 × 104–4.6 × 104 km2 by the 2030s and by 6.4 × 104–10.6 × 104 km2 by the 2050s. As the climate becomes more extreme, the suitable area will shrink, but the highly suitable area will expand; thus, the risk of infestation should be taken seriously. Our study present a timely investigation to add to extensive literature currently appearing regarding the myriad ways climate change may affect species. While this naturally details a limited range of taxa, methods and potential impacts may be more broadly applicable to other locust species.
Challenges in the Management of the Patient with a Failing Kidney Graft: A Narrative Review
Authors: Leal Rita , Pardinhas Clara , Martinho António , Sá Helena Oliveira , Figueiredo Arnaldo , Alves Rui
Published: October 2022

Patients with a failed kidney allograft have steadily increase in recent years and returning to dialysis after graft loss is one of the most difficult transitions for chronic kidney disease patients and their assistant physicians. The management of these patients is complex and encompasses the treatment of chronic kidney disease complications, dialysis restart and access planning, immunosuppression withdrawal, graft nephrectomy, and evaluation for a potential retransplant. In recent years, several groups have focused on the management of the patient with a failing renal graft and expert recommendations are arising. A review of Pubmed, ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Library was performed focusing on the specific care of these patients, from the management of low clearance complications to concerns with a subsequent kidney transplant. Conclusion: There is a growing interest in the failing renal graft and new approaches to improve these patients’ outcomes are being defined including specific multidisciplinary programs, individualized immunosuppression withdrawal schemes, and strategies to prevent HLA sensitization and increase retransplant rates.
Prevalence of Osteoporosis Assessed by DXA and/or CT in Severe Obese Patients
Authors: Halin Marion , Allado Edem , Albuisson Eliane , Brunaud Laurent , Chary-Valckenaere Isabelle , Loeuille Damien , Quilliot Didier , Fauny Marine
Published: October 2022

The primary objective was to evaluate bone fragility prevalence on dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT) in patients with severe obesity. The secondary objective was to evaluate the risk factors for bone fragility. This monocentric study was conducted in patients with grade 2 and 3 obesity. Bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score were studied on DXA, and the scanographic bone attenuation coefficient of L1 (SBAC-L1) was measured on CT. Among the 1386 patients included, 1013 had undergone both DXA and CT within less than 2 years. The mean age was 48.4 (±11.4) years, 77.6% were women, and the mean BMI was 45.6 (±6.7) kg/m². Eight patients (0.8%) had osteoporosis in at least one site. The mean SBAC-L1 was 192.3 (±52.4) HU; 163 patients (16.1%) were under the threshold of 145 HU. Older age (OR[CI95] = 1.1 [1.08–1.16]), lower BMD on the femoral neck and spine (OR[CI95] = 0.04[0.005–0.33] and OR[CI95] = 0.001[0.0001–0.008], respectively), and higher lean mass (OR[CI95] = 1.1 [1.03–1.13]) were significantly associated with an SBAC-L1 ≤ 145 HU in multivariate analysis. Approximately 16% of patients with severe obesity were under the SBAC-L1 threshold, while less than 1% were classified as osteoporotic on DXA.
Association between Renal Function at Admission and COVID-19 in-Hospital Mortality in Southern Italy: Findings from the Prospective Multicenter Italian COVOCA Study
Authors: Galiero Raffaele , Simeon Vittorio , Loffredo Giuseppe , Caturano Alfredo , Rinaldi Luca , Vetrano Erica , Medicamento Giulia , Alfano Maria , Beccia Domenico , Brin Chiara , Colantuoni Sara , Di Salvo Jessica , Epifani Raffaella , Nevola Riccardo , Marfella Raffaele , Sardu Celestino , Coppola Carmine , Scarano Ferdinando , Maggi Paolo , Calabrese Cecilia , De Lucia Sposito Pellegrino , Rescigno Carolina , Sbreglia Costanza , Fraganza Fiorentino , Parrella Roberto , Romano Annamaria , Calabria Giosuele , Polverino Benedetto , Pagano Antonio , Numis Fabio Giuliano , Bologna Carolina , Nunziata Mariagrazia , Esposito Vincenzo , Coppola Nicola , Maturo Nicola , Nasti Rodolfo , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Perrella Alessandro , Lettieri Miriam , Adinolfi Luigi Elio , Chiodini Paolo , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo ,   on behalf of COVOCA Study Group
Published: October 2022

Background. Evidence has shown a close association between COVID-19 infection and renal complications in both individuals with previously normal renal function and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in-hospital mortality of SARS-CoV-2 patients according to their clinical history of CKD or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This is a prospective multicenter observational cohort study which involved adult patients (≥18 years old) who tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 infection and completed their hospitalization in the period between November 2020 and June 2021. Results. 1246 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 64 years (SD 14.6) and a median duration of hospitalization of 15 days (IQR 9–22 days). Cox’s multivariable regression model revealed that mortality risk was strongly associated with the stage of renal impairment and the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a progressive and statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) in mortality according to the stage of CKD. Conclusion. This study further validates the association between CKD stage at admission and mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk stratification based on eGFR allows clinicians to identify the subjects with the highest risk of intra-hospital mortality despite the duration of hospitalization.
A Review on Hydrodynamic Performance and Design of Pump-Jet: Advances, Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Zhou Yunkai , Pavesi Giorgio , Yuan Jianping , Fu Yanxia
Published: October 2022

A pump-jet, which is generally and widely adopted on underwater vehicles for applications from deep sea exploration to mine clearing, consists of a rotor, stator, and duct, with the properties of high critical speed, high propulsion efficiency, great anti-cavitation performance, and low radiated noise. The complex interaction of the flow field between the various components and the high degree of coupling with the appendage result in the requirements of in-depth research on the hydrodynamic performance and flow field for application and design. Due to the initial application on the military field and complicated structure, there is scant literature in the evaluation of pump-jet performance and optimal design. This paper, in a comprehensive and specialized way, summarizes the pump-jet hydrodynamic performance, noise performance, and flow field characteristics involving cavitation erosion and vortices properties of tip-clearance, the interaction between the rotor and the stator and the wake field, as well as the optimal design of the pump-jet. The merits and applications range of numerical and experimental methods are overviewed as well as the design method. It also concludes the main challenges faced in practical applications and proposes a vision for future research. It was found that the compact structure and complex internal and external flow field make the pump-jet significantly different, also leading to higher performance. As the focus of cavitation research, vortices interact with the complex structure of the pump-jet, leading to instabilities of the flow field, such as vibration, radiated noise, and cavitation erosion. The effective approaches are adopted to reduce radiated pump-jet with minimal influence on the hydrodynamic performance, such as eliminating the tip clearance and installing the sawtooth duct. Advanced optimal technology can achieve high performance, cavitation performance, and acoustic performance, possessing good prospects. Further developments in investigation and the application of pump-jets in the multidisciplinary integration of fluid dynamics, acoustics, materials, chemistry, and bionics should be the main focus in future research.