bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative and Critical Care: Their Convergence in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Buang Siti Nur Hanim , Loh Sin Wee , Mok Yee Hui , Lee Jan Hau , Chan Yoke Hwee
Published: June 2022

Palliative care (PC) is an integral component of optimal critical care (CC) practice for pediatric patients facing life-threatening illness. PC acts as an additional resource for patients and families as they navigate through critical illness. Although PC encompasses end of life care, it is most effective when integrated early alongside disease-directed and curative therapies. PC primarily focuses on improving quality of life for patients and families by anticipating, preventing and treating suffering throughout the continuum of illness. This includes addressing symptom distress and facilitating communication. Effective communication is vital to elicit value-based goals of care, and to guide parents through patient-focused and potentially difficult decision-making process which includes advanced care planning. A multidisciplinary approach is most favorable when providing support to both patient and family, whether it is from the psychosocial, practical, emotional, spiritual or cultural aspects. PC also ensures coordination and continuity of care across different care settings. Support for family carries on after death with grief and bereavement support. This narrative review aims to appraise the current evidence of integration of PC into pediatric CC and its impact on patient- and family-centered outcomes. We will also summarize the impact of integration of good PC into pediatric CC, including effective communication with families, advanced care planning, withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining measures and bereavement support. Finally, we will provide a framework on how best to integrate PC in PICU. These findings will provide insights on how PC can improve the quality of care of a critically ill child.
RNA-Seq Analysis of Magnaporthe grisea Transcriptome Reveals the High Potential of ZnO Nanoparticles as a Nanofungicide
Authors: Ghamari Reza , Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Tohidfar Masoud , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2022

Magnaporthe grisea is one of the most destructive pathogen that encounters a challenge to rice production around the worldwide. The unique properties of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), have high attractiveness as nanofungicide. In the present study, the response of fungi to ZnO NPs was evaluated using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Two different aligners (STAR and Hisat2) were used for aligning the clean reads, and the DEseq2 package was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In total, 1,438 and 761 fungal genes were significantly up- and down-regulated in response to ZnO NPs, respectively. The DEGs were subjected to functional enrichment analysis to identify significantly enriched biological pathways. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that “cell membrane components,” “ion (calcium) transmembrane transporter activity,” “steroid biosynthesis pathway” and “catalytic activity” were the contributed terms to fungal response mechanisms. The genes involved in aflatoxin efflux pumps and ribosome maturation were among the genes showing significant up- and down-regulation after ZnO NPs application. To confirm the obtained RNA-seq results, the expression of six randomly selected genes were evaluated using q-RT-PCR. Overall, the RNA-seq results suggest that ZnO NPs primarily act on the fungal cell membrane, but accumulation of ROS inside the cell induces oxidative stress, the fungal catalytic system is disrupted, resulting into the inhibition of ROS scavenging and eventually, to the death of fungal cells. Our findings provide novel insights into the effect of ZnO NPs as a promising nanofungicide for effective control of rice blast disease.
Progress in Soybean Genetic Transformation Over the Last Decade
Authors: Xu Hu , Guo Yong , Qiu Lijuan , Ran Yidong
Published: June 2022

Soybean is one of the important food, feed, and biofuel crops in the world. Soybean genome modification by genetic transformation has been carried out for trait improvement for more than 4 decades. However, compared to other major crops such as rice, soybean is still recalcitrant to genetic transformation, and transgenic soybean production has been hampered by limitations such as low transformation efficiency and genotype specificity, and prolonged and tedious protocols. The primary goal in soybean transformation over the last decade is to achieve high efficiency and genotype flexibility. Soybean transformation has been improved by modifying tissue culture conditions such as selection of explant types, adjustment of culture medium components and choice of selection reagents, as well as better understanding the transformation mechanisms of specific approaches such as Agrobacterium infection. Transgenesis-based breeding of soybean varieties with new traits is now possible by development of improved protocols. In this review, we summarize the developments in soybean genetic transformation to date, especially focusing on the progress made using Agrobacterium-mediated methods and biolistic methods over the past decade. We also discuss current challenges and future directions.
Motivation of Teleworkers and Non-teleworkers in Times of COVID-19 in Spain: An Exploratory Study Using Non-parametric Analysis and Classification and Regression Trees
Authors: Romeo Marina , Yepes-Baldó Montserrat , Beltrà Laia
Published: June 2022

With the outbreak of COVID-19 in spring 2020, small, medium, and large companies were forced to cope with the unexpected circumstances. Faced by this health emergency, it was necessary to ensure that staff remained motivated and that they could continue to carry out their duties despite the obstacles. The main goal of this exploratory research was to characterize employees who teleworked and who did not, and their motivation during the lockdown. A total of 11,779 workers from different-sized companies in various sectors answered an ad hoc questionnaire. By using non-parametric comparisons and Classification and Regression Trees (CRTs), the results show differences in both the assessment of strategies put into practice by the companies and the level of motivation of teleworkers and non-teleworkers, with the latter being more highly motivated. Nonetheless, teleworkers assessed their companies’ strategies and the role of their managers and colleagues more positively. This research helps to understand how different sectors have dealt with the crisis, according to the degree of teleworking implemented in each sector, and to what extent the motivation of the employees has been affected. The analysis of the large amount of data obtained confirms the importance of the role of managers in sustaining the motivation of their subordinates in times of crisis. In this sense, it is necessary to develop managers’ competencies in order to develop and maintain relations of trust and support with their coworkers. On the other hand, it is necessary to foster employees’ sense of meaningfulness and responsibility at work in order to keep them motivated.
Intelligence Instruments Applied to South African School Learners: A Critical Review
Authors: van der Merwe Ilze , de Klerk Werner , Erasmus Petro
Published: June 2022

To establish reliability and validity of formal intelligence assessment instruments in a multicultural and multilingual society such as South Africa, context needs to be taken into consideration and existing psychological intelligence test instruments need to be surveyed carefully for cultural bias. The aim of this critical review of scientific literature was to critically appraise and synthesize data regarding intelligence instruments applied to South African school learners. The search initially yielded 405 studies of which 15 were finally included for thematic analysis. The following three main themes emerged from the included studies: Applicability of intelligence instruments administered to South African school learners; Contextual and demographic influences affecting performance on administered intelligence instruments; and Intellectual measuring instruments related to developmental and cognitive ability levels. It is recommended that the findings of this research study should be considered in the possible development of a strategic guideline to design an intelligence instrument applicable to South African school learners.
Problematizing Argumentative Writing in an Iranian EFL Undergraduate Context
Authors: Ghanbari Nasim , Salari Mostafa
Published: June 2022

Argumentative writing is the most important genre that undergraduate students need to learn to meet their academic requirements. Hence, many studies in different ESL/EFL academic contexts have explored different aspects of argumentative essay at micro text level and also wider educational, contextual and cultural levels. However, majority of these studies have focused on separate aspects of argumentative writing. Therefore, in the absence of studies which examine different variables involved in undergraduate EFL students’ argumentative writing, the present study was conducted by drawing on multiple data sources: students’ perceptions of the argumentative texts, writing teachers’ views on argumentative writing of the students and finally analysis of the structure of the argumentative texts written by the students. For this aim, a total of 66 argumentative essays written by the undergraduate students was analyzed. In addition, a group of 66 undergraduate students majoring in English literature and 20 university writing instructors were interviewed. The findings revealed that the concept of argumentation was poorly conceived and tackled with by the learners. Teachers also counted various grounds that students faced difficulties. Moreover, the structural analysis of the students’ texts showed that they had problems with developing secondary elements of argumentation. In sum, the study discusses that the failure to develop an argumentative essay by the Iranian undergraduate English majors entails several academic, contextual and pedagogical grounds. Implications for improving argumentative writing in the EAP context would be provided.
Couples Coping Together: A Scoping Review of the Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence and Conceptual Work Across Three Decades
Authors: Weitkamp Katharina , Bodenmann Guy
Published: June 2022

Dyadic coping (DC), how couples cope together to deal with a stressor like chronic illness, has received increased attention over the last three decades. The aim of the current study was to summarize the current state of research on DC in couples. We conducted a scoping review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies published between 1990 and 2020, assessing DC in couples during three decades. 5,705 studies were identified in three electronic databases and hand searches. We included 643 sources in this review (with a total ofN= 112,923 study participants). Most studies were based in the global North, particularly in the US and Europe. Publication numbers increased constantly over time. A third of study designs were cross-sectional studies followed by qualitative and longitudinal studies. The most prolific DC research areas were related to DC and minor stressors and DC and major physical health stressors. Overall, DC has been established internationally as a highly relevant construct in many disciplines (clinical, social, developmental, personality psychology, social work, nursing etc.). To conclude, the review reveals that future studies should focus on predictors, trajectories, and the importance of very specific DC behaviors for personal and dyadic functioning.
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy—A Systematic Review of Associated Psychological Interventions
Authors: Cavarra Mauro , Falzone Alessandra , Ramaekers Johannes G. , Kuypers Kim P. C. , Mento Carmela
Published: June 2022

Modern clinical research on psychedelics is generating interesting outcomes in a wide array of clinical conditions when psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is delivered to appropriately screened participants and in controlled settings. Still, a number of patients relapse or are less responsive to such treatments. Individual and contextual factors (i.e., set and setting) seem to play a role in shaping the psychedelic experience and in determining clinical outcomes. These findings, coupled with data from literature on the effectiveness of psychotherapy, frame the therapeutic context as a potential moderator of clinical efficacy, highlighting the need to investigate how to functionally employ environmental and relational factors. In this review, we performed a structured search through two databases (i.e., PubMed/Medline and Scopus) to identify records of clinical studies on psychedelics which used and described a structured associated psychotherapeutic intervention. The aim is to construct a picture of what models of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy are currently adopted in clinical research and to report on their clinical outcomes.Ad-hocand adapted therapeutic methods were identified. Common principles, points of divergence and future directions are highlighted and discussed with special attention toward therapeutic stance, degree of directiveness and the potential suggestive effects of information provided to patients.
Vaccine Passport and Traveler Behaviors in the New Market of the Domestic and International Tourism Industry Facing the With-Corona Era
Authors: Quan Lanji , Al-Ansi Amr , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Arraño-Muñoz Marcelo , Giorgi Gabriele , Han Heesup
Published: June 2022

To ensure a smooth and rapid recovery of tourism, countries around the world are stepping up vaccinations against COVID-19. China, in particular has a very high vaccination rate due to its own vaccine production. Following this trend, many countries have started introducing vaccine passports as an alternative solution to verify valid and vaccinated travelers. This study attempted to understand the fundamental perceptions of travelers’ intentions using vaccine passports. A total of 601 samples were investigated and analyzed. As a result, four factors were identified: perceived usefulness, destination trust, risk perception, and perception of incentives. Also, this study performed means comparisons analysis with the major demographic characteristics of respondents. Based on this study, it is expected that the results will contribute to the revival of the travel industry in the future and provide valuable implications for marketing plans to help the travel industry suffer from COVID-19.
Traveler Pro-social Behaviors at Heritage Tourism Sites
Authors: Zhu Peng , Chi Xiaoting , Ryu Hyungseo Bobby , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Han Heesup
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to explain the development of tourists’ pro-social intentions during heritage tourism within the pandemic context by combining the norm activation model (NAM) and two significant variables in the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The quantitative data analysis results indicated that the proposed hypotheses have been partially supported, which resonated and enriched the existing studies on COVID-19-related pro-social tourism and tourist behaviors from a theoretical angle. Based on the research outcomes, the corresponding managerial implications for heritage tourism practitioners and meaningful references for future researchers to promote sustainable and pro-social heritage tourism products have been discussed.
Mental Health Management of English Teachers in English Teaching Under the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Ding Yiling , Wang Tianhua
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges and attention to the mental health of all social groups, making mental health increasingly necessary and important. However, people only focus on the mental health of undergraduates, and the mental health of teachers has not received much attention from society. College teachers are the backbone of the teachers' group, and their mental health not only affects the teaching quality and research level but also plays an important role in the mental health and personality development of undergraduates.

Method

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching is a major challenge for college teachers, especially English teachers. To this end, this article proposes a bipartite graph convolutional network (BGCN) model based on the psychological test questionnaire and its structural characteristics for the recognition of the mental health crisis.

Results

Experimental results show that the proposed BGCN model is superior to neural network algorithms and other machine learning algorithms in accuracy, precision, F1, and recall and can be well used for the mental health management of English teachers in the era of COVID-19.
Social Isolation and Incident Dementia in the Oldest-Old—A Competing Risk Analysis
Authors: Grothe Jessica , Röhr Susanne , Luppa Melanie , Pabst Alexander , Kleineidam Luca , Heser Kathrin , Fuchs Angela , Pentzek Michael , Oey Anke , Wiese Birgitt , Lühmann Dagmar , van den Bussche Hendrik , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , Weeg Dagmar , Bickel Horst , Scherer Martin , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André , Wagner Michael , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Social isolation is considered a risk factor for dementia. However, less is known about social isolation and dementia with respect to competing risk of death, particularly in the oldest-old, who are at highest risk for social isolation, dementia and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to examine these associations in a sample of oldest-old individuals.

Methods

Analyses were based on follow-up (FU) 5–9 of the longitudinal German study AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe. Social isolation was assessed using the short form of the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), with a score ≤ 12 indicating social isolation. Structured interviews were used to identify dementia cases. Competing risk analysis based on the Fine-Gray model was conducted to test the association between social isolation and incident dementia.

Results

Excluding participants with prevalent dementia, n = 1,161 individuals were included. Their mean age was 86.6 (SD = 3.1) years and 67.0% were female. The prevalence of social isolation was 34.7% at FU 5, 9.7% developed dementia and 36.0% died during a mean FU time of 4.3 (SD = 0.4) years. Adjusting for covariates and cumulative mortality risk, social isolation was not significantly associated with incident dementia; neither in the total sample (sHR: 1.07, 95%CI 0.65-1.76, p = 0.80), nor if stratified by sex (men: sHR: 0.71, 95%CI 0.28-1.83, p = 0.48; women: sHR: 1.39, 95%CI 0.77-2.51, p = 0.27).

Conclusion

In contrast to the findings of previous studies, we did not find an association between social isolation and incident dementia in the oldest-old. However, our analysis took into account the competing risk of death and the FU period was rather short. Future studies, especially with longer FU periods and more comprehensive assessment of qualitative social network characteristics (e.g., loneliness and satisfaction with social relationships) may be useful for clarification.
The Association Between Exposure to COVID-19 and Mental Health Outcomes Among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Czepiel Diana , Hoek Hans W. , van der Markt Afra , Rutten Bart P. F. , Veling Wim , Schirmbeck Frederike , Mascayano Franco , Susser Ezra S. , van der Ven Els
Published: June 2022

Due to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care systems, there has been great interest in the mental wellbeing of healthcare workers. While most studies investigated mental health outcomes among frontline vs. non-frontline healthcare workers, little is known about the impact of various work-related variables. The present study aimed to examine the association between work-related [i.e., having contact with COVID-19 patients, being redeployed due to the pandemic and availability of sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE)] and subjective (i.e., worries about getting infected or infecting others) exposures and self-reported mental health outcomes (i.e., psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic stress symptoms). Between February and May 2021, 994 healthcare workers employed at a variety of healthcare settings in the Netherlands filled out an online survey as part of the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study. Mental health outcomes were measured using the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5. Approximately 13% reported depressive symptoms, 37% experienced psychological distress, and 20% reported posttraumatic stress symptoms. Multilevel linear models consisted of three levels: individual (work-related and subjective exposures), healthcare center (aggregated redeployment and availability of sufficient PPE), and regional (cumulative COVID-19 infection and death rates). Worries about infection were associated with all three mental health outcomes, whereas insufficient PPE was associated with psychological distress and depressive symptoms. There were no differences in outcomes between healthcare centers or provinces with different COVID-19 infection and death rates. Our findings highlight the importance of adequate PPE provision and the subjective experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors should be part of interventions aimed at mitigating adverse mental health outcomes among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects of Osimertinib Combined With Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Health Care Training on Pulmonary Function, Complications, and Quality of Life in Patients After Radical Resection of Lung Cancer
Authors: Xu Haijiang , Guo Ruixia , Yang Yantao
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the effects of osimertinib combined with pulmonary rehabilitation and health care training on pulmonary function, complications, and the quality of life (QOL) in patients after radical resection of lung cancer.

Methods

The data of 120 patients with radical resection of lung cancer admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the order of admission, they were equally divided into group p and group q. All patients were given pulmonary rehabilitation and health care training, and group p was treated with osimertinib, while group q received the treatment of pemetrexed combined with cisplatin. The pulmonary function, the incidence of complications, and QOL between the two groups were compared.

Results

Compared with group q, the pulmonary function was higher (P < 0.001), the incidence of complications was significantly lower (P < 0.05), and QOL scores were markedly higher in group p after treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The combination of osimertinib and pulmonary rehabilitation and health care training can improve the pulmonary function of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with radical resection of lung cancer, and reduce their postoperative morbidity, thereby improving their QOL, which is conducive to reducing the patient's and society's medical burden.
Economic Boom and Busts Lead to Human Capital Changes? Evidence From Health Expenditure Changes in Emerging Economies
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Deng Wei , Afzal Ayesha , Tao Ran
Published: June 2022

This paper assesses data from 16 emerging economies between 2000-and 2020 to assess the relationship between business cycles and healthcare expenditure alongside other control variables. Using the Gaussian mixture model, this study analyses the relationship between healthcare spending and business cycles, urbanization, population age, environmental quality, and the gender ratio. The paper finds that there exists a counter-cyclical relationship between economic booms/recessions and healthcare expenditure such that spending decreases during booms and goes up during recessions. The study also finds evidence that environmental quality plays a vital role in influencing healthcare expenditure.
Five Vital Components in an Occupational Therapy-Based Municipal Weight Loss Program Obtained Through Research Circles
Authors: Jessen-Winge Christina , Lee Kim , Surrow Signe , Christensen Jeanette R.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Currently 1.9 billion adults worldwide are estimated to be overweight or obese. Weight loss sustainability is difficult, and weight loss rehabilitation programs have been criticised for having an individualistic approach. It has been suggested that occupational therapists could be used as part of a transdisciplinary approach because of their holistic perspective. During the development of an occupational therapy- based weight loss program five components arose as essential from earlier interviews with health professionals and citizens with obesity: diet, physical activities, social relations, habits and balancing everyday life. Before developing the program, we needed a clearer picture of which strategies should support the five components. The aim of this study was to obtain a description of strategies related to the five components that could support weight loss to become part of everyday life of people with obesity.

Methods

This study took a participatory design by using research circle (RC) methodology. Two RC groups were created, one with occupational therapists and one with citizens with obesity. Researchers participated in both RC groups. Data was obtained through democratic principles. The two RC groups met four times over a period of 4 months. Qualitative content analysis was conducted.

Results

Five themes arose: (1) Diet—Find the line between either-or, (2) Physical activity—Break the comfort zone, (3) Social relations—Stand strong together, (4) Habits—Focus on possibilities instead of bad habits, and (5) Balancing everyday life—Handling life's bumps.

Conclusion

The strategies for a weight loss program including the five components should include awareness of senses and activity patterns surrounding meals, taking one step at a time when focusing of physical activities and be conscious of values, include family and friends in the program to find common ground and self-confidence and use re-placement activities. We suggest that the component of balancing everyday life should be seen as an overall component as all strategies are related to finding meaning and variation in activities which is part of an ongoing weight loss process.
Local Food Systems: Making Visible the Invisible Through Urban Agroecology
Authors: Pengue Walter Alberto
Published: June 2022

The world is going through the second wave of urbanization. Although cities still occupy a relatively small area, they are the main consumers of natural resources, energy and water. And in general, they depend for their food, on resources from outside. The economic and bioecological crisis such as the economic one, the social one, pandemics, war or clime change, have faced cities with unexpected problems but also with new perspectives. Likewise, the advance of industrial agriculture nearby urban areas generates other types of impacts. The intensive use of agrochemicals and synthetic fertilizers, especially in developing countries but also in developed countries, impacts the socio-environmental health of urbanites. Making visible the invisible and the immeasurable—through tools such as ecological economics–puts under a comprehensive umbrella, a set of ecological, social and economic aspects that urban societies had not perceived until now such as greening of cities, the recovery of ecosystem services and restoration of “brown lands” or the relevance of food self-sufficiency production. Urban agroecology plays a significant role to reach these ones and begins to be a real possibility to build local food systems and new ways of consumption and networks. This is a particular contribution in times of crises.
Performance Development of European Swimmers Across the Olympic Cycle
Authors: Born Dennis-Peter , Schönfelder Michel , Logan Oliver , Olstad Bjørn Harald , Romann Michael
Published: June 2022

The aims of the study were to (1) quantify the performance development of race times and key performance indicators of European swimmers across the last Olympic cycle (from 2016 to 2021) and (2) provide reference values for long-course swimming pool events for both sexes from 50 m to 1,500 m including butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley. Individual events from the 2016 and 2021 European swimming championships were included. Specifically, 246 men (age: 24.2 ± 3.4 years, FINA points: 890 ± 40) and 256 women races (age: 24.2 ± 4, FINA points: 879 ± 38) of the finalists were recorded and key performance indicators and split times analyzed. Performance differences in finalists of the 2016 and 2021 European championships were determined by an independent t-test and Cohen's d effect size. Reference values were retrieved from 2021 European championship finalists and are provided for all key performance indicators. Race times improved significantly (P < 0.05) or showed moderate (d = 0.5–1) to large effect sizes (d > 1) in 14 (men) and 6 (women) out of 16 events. Improvements were primarily evident in 100 m and 200 m events for males, as well as BR and sprint events for female swimmers. While start times improved in 15 (men) and 14 (women) events, turn times remained inconclusive in both sexes. Generally, breakout distances increased. Clean swimming velocities were faster in 12 (men) and 5 (women) events. In particular, for alternating swimming strokes, i.e., backstroke and freestyle, effect sizes indicated improved swimming efficiency with an inverse relationship between reduced stroke rate and increased distance per stroke. Coaches and performance analysts may use the present reference values as comparative data for race analyses and to specifically prepare swimmers for the various race sections. Data on the performance development should be used to analyze swimmers' potential and set goals for the various events and the next Olympic cycle.
Occurrence of Strongylid Nematode Parasites on Horse Farms in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany, With High Seroprevalence of Strongylus vulgaris Infection
Authors: Jürgenschellert Laura , Krücken Jürgen , Bousquet Eric , Bartz Jürgen , Heyer Nina , Nielsen Martin K. , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg
Published: June 2022

The infection of horses with strongylid nematodes is highly prevalent, with multi-species infections being the rule.Strongylusspp. and in particularStrongylus vulgarisare amongst the most pathogenic strongyle equine parasites. Presumably due to regular strategic anthelmintic treatments in combination with long prepatencies, prevalence of these worms was severely reduced in past decades. In this study, 484 horses from 48 farms in Berlin/Brandenburg, Germany were sampled between May 2017 and January 2018. Mini-FLOTAC and combined sedimentation/flotation were used to analyse faecal samples and larval cultures were carried out from individual strongyle infected horses for molecular testing forStrongylusspp. infection. Additionally, forStrongylus vulgaris, antibodies against a recombinant larval antigen were quantified in an ELISA. Strongyle type eggs were detected in 66.7% of the individual faecal samples. Nematode DNA was amplifiable from 311 samples andS. vulgarisandStrongylus edentatuswere detected in four (1.3%) and 10 (6.3%) of these, respectively, the latter using a novel high-resolution-melt PCR targetingS. edentatus, Strongylus equinus, andStrongylus asini. On the farm level, prevalence forStrongylusspp. by PCR was 12.5%. Applying a conservative cut-off (sensitivity 0.43, specificity 0.96), 21.2% of all serum samples were positive for antibodies againstS. vulgarislarvae (83.3% prevalence on farm level). Newly developed pyrosequencing assays to analyse putatively benzimidazole resistance associated polymorphisms in codons 167, 198, and 200 of the isotype 1 β-tubulin gene ofS. vulgarisdid not detect such polymorphisms in the four positive samples. Low age and increasing access to pasture were risk factors for egg shedding and seropositivity forS. vulgaris. Time since last treatment increased whereas use of moxidectin and ivermectin for the last treatment decreased the risk for strongyle egg shedding. Noteworthy, horses under selective treatment had significantly higher odds to be seropositive for anti-S. vulgarisantibodies than horses treated four times per year (odds ratio 4.4). The serological findings suggest that exposure toS. vulgarisis considerably higher than expected from direct diagnostic approaches. One potential explanation is the contamination of the environment by a few infected horses, leading to the infection of many horses with larvae that never reach maturity due to regular anthelmintic treatments.
Transport Stress Induced Cardiac NO-NOS Disorder Is Mitigated by Activating Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Antioxidant Defense Response in Newly Hatched Chicks
Authors: Xu Hao-Liang , Li Hui , Bao Rong-Kun , Tang Yi-Xi , Elsherbeni Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed , Gharib Hassan Bayoumi Ali , Li Jin-Long
Published: June 2022

With the development of the intensive poultry industry, the health problems of chickens caused by transportation have attracted more and more attention. Transport stress reduces performance, immune function, and meat quality in chicks, which has become one of the most important factors that endanger the development of the poultry industry. Currently, studies on the effects of transport stress have mainly focused on the performance of livestock and poultry to be slaughtered. However, the effects of transport stress on heart damage and oxidative stress in newborn chicks have not been reported. In this study, we selected newborn chicks as the object. This study was intended to explore the effects of transport stress on the heart damage of newly hatched chicks. The findings suggested that transport stress could cause oxidative stress in the hearts of newly hatched chicks by increasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and decreasing the contents of Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD), together with increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST)). Transport stress disrupted the balance between oxidation and antioxidant systems. The Nrf2 signaling pathway was activated by transport stress and triggered the transcription of antioxidant signaling. In short, transport stress-induced nitric oxide (NO)—nitric oxide synthases (NOS) system metabolic disorders and cardiac oxidative stress are mitigated by activating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) antioxidant defense response in newly hatched chicks.
Omicron Spike Protein Has a Positive Electrostatic Surface That Promotes ACE2 Recognition and Antibody Escape
Authors: Gan Hin Hark , Zinno John , Piano Fabio , Gunsalus Kristin C.
Published: June 2022

High transmissibility is a hallmark of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the molecular determinants of Omicron’s transmissibility will impact development of intervention strategies. Here we map the electrostatic potential surface of the Spike protein to show that major SARS-CoV-2 variants have accumulated positive charges in solvent-exposed regions of the Spike protein, especially its ACE2-binding interface. Significantly, the Omicron Spike-ACE2 complex has complementary electrostatic surfaces. In contrast, interfaces between Omicron and neutralizing antibodies tend to have similar positively charged surfaces. Structural modeling demonstrates that the electrostatic property of Omicron’s Spike receptor binding domain (S RBD) plays a role in enhancing ACE2 recognition and destabilizing Spike-antibody complexes. Specifically, the Omicron S RBD has favorable electrostatic interaction energy with ACE2 that is 3-5 times greater than the Delta variant over a range of 20 Å, implying efficient recognition of host receptors. Computed binding affinities of six representative S RBD-antibody complexes show that Omicron can escape most antibodies targeting the ACE2-binding region of S RBD. Interestingly, a straightforward assessment of the electrostatic surfaces of 18 neutralizing antibodies correctly predicted the Omicron escape status of 80% of cases. Collectively, our structural analysis implies that Omicron S RBD interaction interfaces have been optimized to simultaneously promote access to human ACE2 receptors and evade antibodies. These findings suggest that electrostatic interactions are a major contributing factor for increased Omicron transmissibility relative to other variants.
On the Exact Solution of Nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli Beam Equations via a Direct Approach for Volterra-Fredholm Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Providas Efthimios
Published: June 2022

First, we develop a direct operator method for solving boundary value problems for a class of nth order linear Volterra–Fredholm integro-differential equations of convolution type. The proposed technique is based on the assumption that the Volterra integro-differential operator is bijective and its inverse is known in closed form. Existence and uniqueness criteria are established and the exact solution is derived. We then apply this method to construct the closed form solution of the fourth order equilibrium equations for the bending of Euler–Bernoulli beams in the context of Eringen’s nonlocal theory of elasticity (two phase integral model) under a transverse distributed load and simply supported boundary conditions. An easy to use algorithm for obtaining the exact solution in a symbolic algebra system is also given.
Special Issue “Fuzzy Decision Making and Soft Computing Applications”
Authors: De Pietro Giuseppe , Pota Marco
Published: June 2022

Research on fuzzy logic [...]
Classic Evans’s Drop Corrosion Experiment Investigated in Terms of a Tertiary Current and Potential Distribution
Authors: Sainz-Rosales Abraham , Ocampo-Lazcarro Xóchitl , Hernández-Pérez Azalia , González-Gutiérrez Ana Gabriela , Larios-Durán Erika Roxana , Ponce de León Carlos , Walsh Frank C. , Bárcena-Soto Maximiliano , Casillas Norberto
Published: June 2022

Background: Evans’s drop is a classic corrosion experiment that is nearly 100 years old, and it is analogous to other corrosion systems promoted by O2 gradients. The availability of more robust finite element software packages opens the possibility to reach a deeper understanding of these kind of corrosion systems. Methodology: In order to solve the problem, the model includes the governing mass transport diffusion and migration equation and the material balance in a nonsteady state by the finite element method. This is performed using COMSOL Multiphysics to predict the tertiary current and potential distribution considering the geometry, reaction kinetics, and mass transport for each ionic species. Significant Findings: A simulation of the tertiary current and potential distribution of the Evans’s drop corrosion experiment on an iron surface is presented. An oxygen concentration difference of 0.18 mol m−3 between the center and the drop periphery sets up a potential difference of 60 mV which acts as a corrosion driving force. Reaction kinetics are described by Tafel equations. Results include the evolution of concentration profiles for OH−, Fe2+, Fe3+, Fe(OH)2, and Fe(OH)3.
Resolution to Expression of Concern: “Refat et al. Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic, and Hepatic Ameliorative Effects of Quercetin/Zinc Complex on Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Alterations in Hepatic Tissue Structure. Coatings 2021, 11, 501”
Authors:   Coatings Editorial Office
Published: June 2022

The journal’s editorial office and journal editors are jointly issuing a resolution to the Expression of Concern [...]
Minimally Invasive Interventional Procedures for Metastatic Bone Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Papalexis Nicolas , Parmeggiani Anna , Peta Giuliano , Spinnato Paolo , Miceli Marco , Facchini Giancarlo
Published: June 2022

Metastases are the main type of malignancy involving bone, which is the third most frequent site of metastatic carcinoma, after lung and liver. Skeletal-related events such as intractable pain, spinal cord compression, and pathologic fractures pose a serious burden on patients’ quality of life. For this reason, mini-invasive treatments for the management of bone metastases were developed with the goal of pain relief and functional status improvement. These techniques include embolization, thermal ablation, electrochemotherapy, cementoplasty, and MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound. In order to achieve durable pain palliation and disease control, mini-invasive procedures are combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or analgesics. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recently published literature regarding interventional radiology procedures in the treatment of cancer patients with bone metastases, focusing on the efficacy, complications, local disease control and recurrence rate.
A Case Study of Clinical Response to Rucaparib in a Patient with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and a RAD51B Alteration
Authors: Sautois Brieuc , Loehr Andrea , Watkins Simon P. , Schroeder Hélène , Abida Wassim
Published: June 2022

PARP inhibitors, such as rucaparib, have been well characterized in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) associated with BRCA alterations, and the clinical activity of these agents has also been evaluated in patients with mCRPC associated with alterations in other non-BRCA DNA damage repair (DDR) genes, including RAD51B. There is likely a differential sensitivity to PARP inhibition based on the specific DDR gene altered, but research in this area is limited because of the low frequency of alterations in these genes. Here, we describe a mCRPC patient with a truncating rearrangement of RAD51B who had a radiographic and PSA response when treated with the PARP inhibitor rucaparib within the TRITON2 trial. We investigated the patients’ response parameters, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) fraction and tumor genomics longitudinally, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tissue and plasma. ctDNA fraction correlates with radiographic and PSA response and is lower during times of response. NGS did not reveal any potential genomic mechanism of acquired drug resistance. This case shows evidence for rucaparib activity in a rare patient with mCRPC and a RAD51B truncation.
Artificial Intelligence System for Predicting Prostate Cancer Lesions from Shear Wave Elastography Measurements
Authors: Secasan Ciprian Cosmin , Onchis Darian , Bardan Razvan , Cumpanas Alin , Novacescu Dorin , Botoca Corina , Dema Alis , Sporea Ioan
Published: June 2022

(1) Objective: To design an artificial intelligence system for prostate cancer prediction using the data obtained by shear wave elastography of the prostate, by comparing it with the histopathological exam of the prostate biopsy specimens. (2) Material and methods: We have conducted a prospective study on 356 patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, for suspicion of prostate cancer. All patients were examined using bi-dimensional shear wave ultrasonography, which was followed by standard systematic transrectal prostate biopsy. The mean elasticity of each of the twelve systematic biopsy target zones was recorded and compared with the pathological examination results in all patients. The final dataset has included data from 223 patients with confirmed prostate cancer. Three machine learning classification algorithms (logistic regression, a decision tree classifier and a dense neural network) were implemented and their performance in predicting the positive lesions from the elastographic data measurements was assessed. (3) Results: The area under the curve (AUC) results were as follows: for logistic regression—0.88, for decision tree classifier—0.78 and for the dense neural network—0.94. Further use of an upsampling strategy for the training set of the neural network slightly improved its performance. Using an ensemble learning model, which combined the three machine learning models, we have obtained a final accuracy of 98%. (4) Conclusions: Bi-dimensional shear wave elastography could be very useful in predicting prostate cancer lesions, especially when it benefits from the computational power of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.
Why Did Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Disappear from Some Areas in Central Poland?
Authors: Gryz Jakub , Krauze-Gryz Dagny
Published: June 2022

Brown hares originated in the open steppe grasslands of Eurasia and have adapted very successfully to a mixed, arable agriculture environment. In the last decades of the 20th century, a decline in brown hare populations has been observed in many European countries. In this study, we documented a long-term (1965–2018) decline in the hare population in a field and forest mosaic in central Poland (from over 30 ind./100 ha in the mid-1960s to 1–2 ind./100 ha in the past decade). We showed that the recent autumn densities were the same as compared to the preceding spring densities (suggesting a low recruitment rate) and that the recent densities recorded in the fields were no longer higher than in the forests (probably due to a decrease in the habitat quality of arable lands). We also showed that the share of hares in a red fox diet was now very low (0.1% vs. 13% in the past). We compared the recent (2004–2018) population estimates to another area that was located 70 km east (with a similar habitat structure, a community of predators and climate conditions, but with less intense agriculture), where the hare population was increasing. We suggested that the farming practices were the most important factor for the hare population decrease in our study area.
Advanced Thermal Management Systems for High-Power Lithium-Ion Capacitors: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Karimi Danial , Behi Hamidreza , Van Mierlo Joeri , Berecibar Maitane
Published: June 2022

The acceleration demand from the driver in electric vehicles (EVs) should be supported by high-power energy storage systems (ESSs). In order to satisfy the driver’s request, the employed ESS should have high power densities. On the other hand, high energy densities are required at the same time for EVs’ traction to minimize the range anxiety. In this context, a novel ESS has emerged that can provide high power and energy densities at the same time. Such technology is called lithium-ion capacitor (LiC), which employs Li-doped carbon as negative electrode and activated carbon as positive electrode. However, high heat generation in high current applications is an issue that should be managed to extend the LiCs life span. Hence, a proper thermal management system (TMS) is mandatory for such a hybrid technology. Since this ESS is novel, there are only several TMSs addressed for LiCs. In this review article, a literature study regarding the developed TMSs for LiCs is presented. Since LiCs use Li-doped carbon in their negative electrodes, lithium-titanate oxide (LTO) batteries are the most similar lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) to LiCs. Therefore, the proposed TMSs for lithium-ion batteries, especially LTO batteries, have been explained as well. The investigated TMSs are active, passive, and hybrid cooling methods The proposed TMSs have been classified in three different sections, including active methods, passive methods, and hybrid methods.