bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Strobilurins and Carboxamides Improves the Physiology and Productivity of Tomato Plants in a Protected Environment
Authors: Jacobelis Walter , Aires Eduardo Santana , Ferraz Andrew Kim Lopes , Marques Isabelly Cristina da Silva , Freitas Francisco Gilvan Borges Ferreira , Silva Dayane Mércia Ribeiro , Ono Elizabeth Orika , Rodrigues João Domingos
Published: January 2023

The use of fungicides from the strobilurin and carboxamide groups demonstrates an effect on photosynthetic efficiency by increasing CO2 assimilation and, consequently, plant productivity, due to better a physiological performance. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the application of these fungicides on the physiology and yield of tomato plants. A randomized block design was used with six treatments and five blocks: control, azoxystrobin (75 g ha−1), boscalid (75 g ha−1), pyraclostrobin (75 g ha−1), fluxapyroxad (75 g ha−1) and fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin (50.1 g and 99.9 g ha−1). Different physiological, biochemical and antioxidant enzymatic parameters were evaluated. The application of fungicides increased the CO2 assimilation by 64% and the production per plant by 91%. The activity of the nitrate reductase enzyme increased by 1.69 times, the antioxidant system by 3.68 times and photosynthetic pigments by 1.16 times under the action of the studied fungicides with respect to the control. Therefore, the application of fungicides favored the development of the tomato plant, especially with the use of Pyraclostrobin (75 g ha−1).
Performance of Wild Tomato Accessions and Elucidation of Resistance against Invasive Pest Phthorimaea absoluta Damage under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Ghosh Pritha , Jagadish K. S. , Purushothama M. G. , Hanson Peter , Rakha Mohamed , Sotelo-Cardona Paola , Vaddi Sridhar , Srinivasan Ramasamy
Published: January 2023

Invasive tomato leaf miner, Phthorimaea absoluta causes serious damage and yield loss in tomato production in open-field and protected cultivation. Use of chemical pesticides is uneconomical and adversely affects humans and the environment. Host-plant resistance is an effective, economical and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. In this study, four wild tomato accessions from the World Vegetable Center along with one susceptible check were evaluated for their antixenosis and antibiosis effects on P. absoluta. The accessions VI037241 (Solanum galapagense) and VI037240 (S. cheesmaniae) were highly resistant, leading to 85% larval mortality under no-choice conditions. Choice assay also showed less oviposition preference and reduced pupal weight. Both VI037241 and VI037240 showed the highest resistance under field conditions. The accessions of S. habrochaites (LA1777) and S. habrochaites var. glabratum (VI030462) demonstrated moderate resistance against P. absoluta. Wild accessions recorded significantly less eggs and leaf damage in field trials compared to the susceptible genotype, S. lycopersicum (CL5915). Trichome density, type and higher production of acylsugar contributed to the insect resistance. Acylsugar production in wild accessions was less during the rainy season but significantly higher than in susceptible genotype. These findings can be useful to develop P. absoluta-resistant tomato varieties in tropics.
Two New Ferula (Apiaceae) Species from Central Anatolia: Ferula turcica and Ferula latialata
Authors: Tuncay Hüseyin Onur , Akalın Emine , Doğru-Koca Aslı , Eruçar Fatma Memnune , Miski Mahmut
Published: January 2023

Ferula turcica and Ferula latialata are two novel endemic species discovered in the Konya and Kırşehir provinces of the central Anatolian region of Türkiye. These two new species are described by morphological, ecological, carpological, and phytochemical characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. F. turcica and F. latialata are morphologically distinct from F. szowitsiana by their habit, the stalk of the terminal umbella, and the mericarp size, as well as by the profile of their secondary metabolite markers and phylogenetic placement. The phylogenetic analyses of sequences of the internal transcribed spacer in ribosomal DNA belonging to both new taxa were conducted to reveal the evolutionary relationships of the new species. Their relationships with the other related species and proposed conservation status were reviewed. The morphological, molecular, and phytochemical evidence supported the hypothesis that Ferula turcica and Ferula latialata are two new distinct species.
Satureja montana L. Cultivated under Polypropylene Woven Fabric on Clay-Textured Soil in Dry Farming Conditions
Authors: Mrđan Snežana , Marković Tatjana , Predić Tihomir , Dragumilo Ana , Filipović Vladimir , Prijić Željana , Lukić Milan , Radanović Dragoja
Published: January 2023

During a five-year field trial established with Satureja montana L. under polypropylene woven fabric (PPWF) on clay-textured soil in dry farming conditions in South Banat, Serbia, the influence of a single basal application of compost and mineral fertilizers at different planting densities (3.6 and 5 plants m−2) on the yield was investigated. Single-dose fertilization positively influenced the yields of S. montana in both applied fertilization models. In the third production year, the dry herb yield achieved by applying organic fertilizers in dense cultivation (1016 g m−1) was comparable with that obtained in the mineral plot (961 g m−1). Furthermore, the plants were optimally supplied with N, P, and K macronutrients, with equal amounts removed by yield, in both tested fertilization plots. The use of PPWF proved beneficial to cultivated plants in terms of water-use efficiency and weed suppression. However, severe yield loss was observed in the fourth and fifth production years as a result of the extreme rainfall conditions; the excess moisture retained by PPWF applied to heavy clay soil favored the development of soil-borne pathogens. Other mulch materials should be further investigated for the production of S. montana on heavy clay soil.
Selection and Validation of miRNA Reference Genes by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis in Paeonia suffruticosa
Authors: Zhang Chenjie , Song Chengwei , Chen Linfeng , Ma Huili , Zhang Yabing , Guo Dalong , Guo Lili , Hou Xiaogai
Published: January 2023

The miRNA, a kind of endogenous non-coding small RNA, plays an essential role in regulation of gene expression in plants. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay is one of the most common methods used for quantification of miRNA expression, and levels of expression are normalized by comparing with reference genes. The present study was intended to identify the appropriate reference genes for normalizing the level of miRNA expression in various developmental stages and tissues such as the bud development process, flower development stages, and different tissues of tree peony of different flowering times. Five algorithms (Delta Ct, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder) were used for stability analysis. The results showed that mtr-MIR160b-p3 and gma-miR394a-5p were the most stable miRNAs expressed during the bud development process of early-flowering tree peony ‘Feng dan’; PC-5p-19095 was the most stable during the bud development process of late-flowering tree peony ‘Lian he’, followed by gma-miR394a-5p and mtr-MIR160b-p3; the mtr-miR159a was the most stable miRNA expressed in the flower development stages of different tree peony varieties. The PC-3p-871 was the most stable miRNA expressed in different tissues of early-flowering tree peony ‘Feng dan’, followed by PC-5p-4, and PC-5p-4 was the most stable in late-flowering tree peony ‘Lian he’, followed by the mtr-miR168b. The findings of this study provide a reference for studying the changes in miRNA expression, and further exploring the regulatory mechanism of miRNA in tree peony.
Hydrogeochemical and Stable Isotope Data of the Groundwater of a Multi-Aquifer System in the Maknessy Basin (Mediterranean Area, Central Tunisia)
Authors: Moussaoui Zouhour , Gentilucci Matteo , Wederni Khyria , Hidouri Naima , Hamedi Monji , Dhaoui Zahra , Hamed Younes
Published: January 2023

The Maknessy plain in central Tunisia is one of the most important agricultural basins in Tunisia. Given the semi-arid climate conditions, the irrigation of cultivated crops relies principally on the abstraction from groundwater resources. The assessment of the quality of the used water for agricultural purposes is crucial for safe production. Thus, the objective of this work is to assess the physicochemical quality of the irrigation water resources in this catchment area using a combined chemical, isotopic, and statistical approach. The waters analyzed are represented by two types of groundwater, mainly calcium hyper chloride and calcium sulfate. A multivariate statistical analysis (PCA and HCA) and a geochemical approach have been applied to study water quality as a function of chemical parameters, showing that the EC and TDS are the parameters influencing water quality. The stable isotopic compositions of the sampled waters range from −7.53 to −4.90% vs. VSMOW and from −53.6 to −32.2% vs. VSMOW for δ18O and δ2H; they show the exchange between groundwater and rock and the evaporation effect. The isotopic data form three groups such as recent water, paleowater, and mixing water indicate the evaporation effect and interaction of the groundwater, and confirm that this aquifer has been recharged by current rainwater. So, these aquifers were recharged by precipitation derived from a mixture of cloud masses from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The findings of this research are of important relevance for effective water resources management in this agro-based region. Indeed, the increased exploitation of these resources will induce a continuous reduction in the available resources and progressive degradation of the used water quality that may adversely impact the safe agricultural production and the economic resilience of the local population.
Determination of Environmental Flows in Data-Poor Estuaries—Wami River Estuary in Saadani National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Saha Amartya K. , Kashaigili Japhet , Mashingia Fredrick , Kiwango Halima , Mohamed Mercy Asha , Kimaro Michael , Igulu Mathias Msafiri , Matiku Patroba , Masikini Rosemary , Tamatamah Rashid , Omary Ismail , Magesa Tumaini , Hyera Pendo , Evarist Roman , Donoso Maria C.
Published: January 2023

Land use changes and mounting water demands reduce freshwater inflows into estuaries, impairing estuarine ecosystems and accelerating coastal seawater intrusion. However, determining minimum river inflows for management guidelines is hampered by a lack of ecosystem-flow link data. This study describes the development of freshwater inflow guidelines for the Wami Estuary, combining scarce river flow data, hydrological modeling, inferring natural salinity regime from vegetation zonation and investigating freshwater requirements of people/wildlife. By adopting the Building Blocks Methodology, a detailed Environmental Flows Assessment was performed to know the minimum water depth/quality seasonal requirements for vegetation, terrestrial/aquatic wildlife and human communities. Water depth requirements were assessed for drought and normal rainfall years; corresponding discharges were obtained by a hydrological model (HEC-RAS) developed for the river channel upstream of estuary. Recommended flows were well within historically occurring flows. However, given the rapidly increasing water demand coupled with reduction in basin water storage due to deforestation/wetland loss, it is critical to ensure these minimum flows are present, without which essential ecosystem services (fisheries, water quality, mangrove forest resources and wildlife/tourism) will be jeopardized. The EFA process is described in painstaking detail to provide a reference for undertaking similar studies in data-poor regions worldwide.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2022
Authors:   IJERPH Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
The Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Adults Aged 35–60 Years: The Mediating Role of Subjective Well-Being and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Yang Xinyan , Wu Yinghui , Xu Yanling , Zhong Yiwei , Yang Shujuan
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the serial multiple mediating effects of subjective well-being and life satisfaction between job satisfaction and depressive symptoms among Chinese adults aged 35–60 years. According to the 2018 China Family Panel Study (CFPS), we finally selected 10,609 respondents (5202 females, and 5407 males) aged 35–60 years old as samples for the study. Correlation analysis was carried out to examine the relationship among job satisfaction, subjective well-being, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms. Linear regression models were established to analyze the relationship between job satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Serial multiple mediation analysis was conducted by the SPSS macro PROCESS program. The results suggested that job satisfaction was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms among Chinese adults aged 35–60 years. Subjective well-being and life satisfaction mediated the relationships between them, respectively. Furthermore, job satisfaction also had indirect impacts on depressive symptoms through the serial mediating effects of subjective well-being and life satisfaction. The findings revealed that increasing job satisfaction could decrease depressive symptoms through promoting subjective well-being and life satisfaction. The study may offer some meaningful implications for improving the mental health and reducing the risk of depressive symptoms among Chinese adults aged 35–60 years.
A Comparison of Several UAV-Based Multispectral Imageries in Monitoring Rice Paddy (A Case Study in Paddy Fields in Tottori Prefecture, Japan)
Authors: Dimyati Muhammad , Supriatna Supriatna , Nagasawa Ryota , Pamungkas Fajar Dwi , Pramayuda Rizki
Published: January 2023

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been actively applied in the agricultural sector. Several UAVs equipped with multispectral cameras have become available on the consumer market. Multispectral data are informative and practical for evaluating the greenness and growth status of vegetation as well as agricultural crops. The precise monitoring of rice paddy, especially in the Asian region, is crucial for optimizing profitability, sustainability, and protection of agro-ecological services. This paper reports and discusses our findings from experiments conducted to test four different commercially available multispectral cameras (Micesense RedEdge-M, Sentera Single NDVI, Mapir Survey3, and Bizworks Yubaflex), which can be mounted on a UAV in monitoring rice paddy. The survey has conducted in the typical paddy field area located in the alluvial plain in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Six different vegetation indices (NDVI, BNDVI, GNDVI, VARI, NDRE and MCARI) captured by UAVs were also compared and evaluated monitoring contribution at three different rice cropping phases. The results showed that the spatial distribution of NDVI collected by each camera is almost similar in paddy fields, but the absolute values of NDVI differed significantly from each other. Among them, the Sentera camera showed the most reasonable NDVI values of each growing phase, indicating 0.49 in the early reproductive phase, 0.62 in the late reproductive stage, and 0.38 in the ripening phase. On the other hand, compared to the most commonly used NDVI, VARI which can be calculated from only visible RGB bands, can be used as an easy and effective index for rice paddy monitoring.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2022
Authors: IJMS Editorial Office IJMS Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
MD Investigation on the Interaction between Carbamazepine and Two CYP Isoforms, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5
Authors: Liu Shuhui , Xu Yang
Published: January 2023

Carbamazepine (CBZ), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, in human liver, is mainly metabolized by two isoforms of cytochrome P450 (CYP), CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. Therefore, the binding of CBZ with these two enzymes plays crucial role in the biotransformation of the drug into its active metabolite. In the present work, classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to investigate the detailed interaction mechanism between CBZ and these two CYP isoforms at the atomic level. The results revealed that although CBZ can bind with the two proteins, all kinds of the interactions, including hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, hydrophobic interaction, and π-π interaction, are isoform specific. The specificity directly leads to a binding environment difference at the active sites of the two isoforms, as represented by the electrostatic surface potential maps, which further results in the varied dynamic behavior of CBZ in the two isoforms. Our research will help to deepen the understanding of the physiological functions of CYP isoforms and opens the door for the rational design and development of isoform-specific inhibitors.
Patterns of Learning: A Systemic Analysis of Emergency Response Operations in the North Sea through the Lens of Resilience Engineering
Authors: Steen Riana , Haakonsen Geir , Steiro Trygve Jakobsen
Published: January 2023

Crisis-induced learning (CIL), as a concept, has an ancient history. Although the academic literature offers a range of sophisticated approaches to address CIL, it is still not quite clear how we learn, how we know we have learned, and what challenges and opportunities are involved in the CIL process. To address these questions and navigate ways forward, we need to use a specific real-world subject to capture contextual issues involved in a crisis cycle, which affects the learning process. In this paper, we uncover patterns of learning by exploring contextual issues involved with “actual scenarios” related to three COVID-19 episodes (emergencies) between August and December 2020. To analyze the study’s findings, we use three different themes from the DARWIN Generic Resilience Management Guidelines: (1) supporting the coordination and synchronization of emergency-response operation activities, (2) managing adaptive capacity, and (3) developing and revising procedures and checklists. Looking into these “real scenarios” seems fruitful for understanding patterns of learning, and it results in several learning recommendations. Among others, this study reveals how the uncertainty involved in emergency-response operations creates cognitive demands for emergent problem-solving.
Characterization and On-Field Performance of the MuTe Silicon Photomultipliers
Authors: Peña-Rodríguez Jesús , Sánchez-Villafrades Juan , Asorey Hernán , Núñez Luis A.
Published: January 2023

The Muon Telescope, MuTe, is an instrument for imaging volcanoes in Colombia. It consists of a scintillator tracking system and a water Cherenkov detector for particle energy measurement. The Muon Telescope operates autonomously in high-altitude environments where the temperature gradient reaches up to 10 °C. In this work, we characterize the telescope silicon photomultipliers’ breakdown voltage, gain, and noise for temperature variations spanning 0 to 40 °C. We demonstrate that the discrimination threshold for the Muon Telescope hodoscope must be above 5 photo-electrons to avoid contamination due to dark count, crosstalk, and afterpulsing. We also assess the detector counting rate depending on day-night temperature variations.
A New Tool to Aid the Differential Diagnosis of Physiological Remodelling from Cardiac Pathology When Assessing Left Ventricle, Left Atrial and Aortic Structure and Function in Male Arab and Black Paediatric Athletes
Authors: McClean Gavin , Wilson Mathew G. , Riding Nathan R. , Pieles Guido , Watt Victoria , Adamuz Carmen , Shaw Anthony , Harkness Allan , Johnson Amanda , George Keith P. , Oxborough David
Published: January 2023

Aim: To determine if published Z-scores for left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA) and aortic structure as well as indices of LV function (Doppler and TDI) in paediatric athletes and non-athletes are appropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. If inappropriate, we aim to provide new nomograms and Z-scores for clinical application. Methods: 417 (297 Arab, 120 black) male paediatric (11–18 years) athletes, were evaluated by 2D echocardiography as per British Society of Echocardiography recommendations, and biological age (by radiological X-ray) assessment. Z-scores were tested by residual and correlation analysis together with visual inspection. New Z-scores involved allometric (a*BSA(b+c*chronological age)) and second-order polynomial (y=a*chronological age2+b*chronological age+c) equations for measures of cardiac size and indices of LV function, respectively. Results: Residual linear regression, correlation analysis and visual inspection revealed published z-scores in white peri-pubertal footballers and paediatric non-athletes to be inappropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of LV, LA and aortic root size to be independent of BSA, ethnicity, chronological and biological age. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of function to be independent of chronological age. Conclusion: Our new z-scores may aid differential diagnosis of suspected pathology versus physiology remodelling, in cardiac screening of the Arab and black paediatric athlete. Nomograms are provided to assist the tracking of the paediatric athlete necessitating annual follow-up and Excel z-score calculation to facilitate use in day-to-day practice.
Cardiovascular and Renal Comorbidities Included into Neural Networks Predict the Outcome in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit: Three-Center, Cross-Validation, Age- and Sex-Matched Study
Authors: Ovcharenko Evgeny , Kutikhin Anton , Gruzdeva Olga , Kuzmina Anastasia , Slesareva Tamara , Brusina Elena , Kudasheva Svetlana , Bondarenko Tatiana , Kuzmenko Svetlana , Osyaev Nikolay , Ivannikova Natalia , Vavin Grigory , Moses Vadim , Danilov Viacheslav , Komossky Egor , Klyshnikov Kirill
Published: January 2023

Here, we performed a multicenter, age- and sex-matched study to compare the efficiency of various machine learning algorithms in the prediction of COVID-19 fatal outcomes and to develop sensitive, specific, and robust artificial intelligence tools for the prompt triage of patients with severe COVID-19 in the intensive care unit setting. In a challenge against other established machine learning algorithms (decision trees, random forests, extra trees, neural networks, k-nearest neighbors, and gradient boosting: XGBoost, LightGBM, and CatBoost) and multivariate logistic regression as a reference, neural networks demonstrated the highest sensitivity, sufficient specificity, and excellent robustness. Further, neural networks based on coronary artery disease/chronic heart failure, stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease, blood urea nitrogen, and C-reactive protein as the predictors exceeded 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity, reaching AUROC of 0.866 at primary cross-validation and 0.849 at secondary cross-validation on virtual samples generated by the bootstrapping procedure. These results underscore the impact of cardiovascular and renal comorbidities in the context of thrombotic complications characteristic of severe COVID-19. As aforementioned predictors can be obtained from the case histories or are inexpensive to be measured at admission to the intensive care unit, we suggest this predictor composition is useful for the triage of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
The Impact and Treatment of COVID-19 in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Katagiri Daisuke , Kikuchi Kan
Published: January 2023

Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Methods: This paper outlines the impact of COVID-19, its treatment, and the efficacy of vaccines in Japanese patients undergoing hemodialysis with a review of the literature. Results: Patients undergoing dialysis in dialysis facilities are at greater risk of exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 than the general population due to limited isolation capabilities. Therefore, vaccines are expected to be effective for patients undergoing dialysis. In addition, effective use of available medications is important because treatment options are limited. Conclusions: Efforts should be made to prevent the spread of the infection to high-risk patients undergoing dialysis while ensuring the effective use of vaccines.
Acute Heart Failure: Diagnostic–Therapeutic Pathways and Preventive Strategies—A Real-World Clinician’s Guide
Authors: Mauro Ciro , Chianese Salvatore , Cocchia Rosangela , Arcopinto Michele , Auciello Stefania , Capone Valentina , Carafa Mariano , Carbone Andreina , Caruso Giuseppe , Castaldo Rossana , Citro Rodolfo , Crisci Giulia , D’Andrea Antonello , D’Assante Roberta , D’Avino Maria , Ferrara Francesco , Frangiosa Antonio , Galzerano Domenico , Maffei Vincenzo , Marra Alberto Maria , Mehta Rahul M. , Mehta Rajendra H. , Paladino Fiorella , Ranieri Brigida , Franzese Monica , Limongelli Giuseppe , Rega Salvatore , Romano Luigia , Salzano Andrea , Sepe Chiara , Vriz Olga , Izzo Raffaele , Cademartiri Filippo , Cittadini Antonio , Bossone Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Acute heart failure (AHF) is the most frequent cause of unplanned hospital admission in patients of >65 years of age and it is associated with significantly increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Different AHF classification criteria have been proposed, mainly reflecting the clinical heterogeneity of the syndrome. Regardless of the underlying mechanism, peripheral and/or pulmonary congestion is present in the vast majority of cases. Furthermore, a marked reduction in cardiac output with peripheral hypoperfusion may occur in most severe cases. Diagnosis is made on the basis of signs and symptoms, laboratory, and non-invasive tests. After exclusion of reversible causes, AHF therapeutic interventions mainly consist of intravenous (IV) diuretics and/or vasodilators, tailored according to the initial hemodynamic status with the addition of inotropes/vasopressors and mechanical circulatory support if needed. The aim of this review is to discuss current concepts on the diagnosis and management of AHF in order to guide daily clinical practice and to underline the unmet needs. Preventive strategies are also discussed.
Evaluation of Afamin Level after Bariatric Surgery in Patient with Obesity
Authors: Demircioglu Hilmi , Dogan Ugur , Ellidag Hamit Yasar , Aslaner Arif , Oner Osman Zekai
Published: January 2023

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate afamin levels after weight loss in obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and to investigate the relationship between them. In addition, after bariatric surgery, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density protein (VLDL), total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin, and hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) levels were evaluated. Methods: Preoperative and postoperative 6th month venous blood samples were obtained from 43 patients included in this study. The preoperative and postoperative 6th month body mass index (BMI), TG, total cholesterol, VLDL, HDL, insulin, HgbA1c, TSH, T4, and afamin levels of the patients who underwent bariatric surgery with obesity were compared. Results: Serum afamin levels of patients decreased at 6 months postoperatively; however, it was not statistically significant. We observed a statistically significant decrease in patients’ BMI, HDL, VLDL, TG, total cholesterol, TSH, T4, HgbA1c, and insulin values (p < 0.05). There were significant increases in HDL and T4 values. The change in LDL value was statistically insignificant. Conclusions: Recent studies have shown that there may be a cause–effect relationship between afamin and obesity. In our study, we observed a decrease in serum afamin levels after weight loss following bariatric surgery. In addition, we think that afamin may be used as a potential marker of metabolic syndrome in the future and may lead to improvements in the medical treatment of obesity.
Optimization of Transspinal Stimulation Applications for Motor Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury: Scoping Review
Authors: Rehman Muhammad Uzair , Sneed Dustin , Sutor Tommy W. , Hoenig Helen , Gorgey Ashraf S.
Published: January 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that can significantly affect an individual’s life, causing paralysis, autonomic dysreflexia, and chronic pain. Transspinal stimulation (TSS) is a non-invasive form of neuromodulation that activates the underlying neural circuitries of the spinal cord. Application of TSS can be performed through multiple stimulation protocols, which may vary in the electrodes’ size or position as well as stimulation parameters, and which may influence the response of motor functions to the stimulation. Due to the novelty of TSS, it is beneficial to summarize the available evidence to identify the range of parameters that may provide the best outcomes for motor response. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies examining the effects of TSS on limb motor function. A literature search yielded 34 studies for analysis, in which electrode placement and stimulation parameters varied considerably. The stimulation protocols from each study and their impact on limb motor function were summarized. Electrode placement was variable based on the targeted limb. Studies for the upper limbs targeted the cervical enlargement with anatomical placement of the cathode over the cervical vertebral region. In lower-limb studies, the cathode(s) were placed over the thoracic and lumbar vertebral regions, to target the lumbar enlargement. The effects of carrier frequency were inconclusive across the studies. Multisite cathodal placements yielded favorable motor response results compared to single-site placement. This review briefly summarized the current mechanistic evidence of the effect of TSS on motor response after SCI. Our findings indicate that optimization of stimulation parameters will require future randomized controlled studies to independently assess the effects of different stimulation parameters under controlled circumstances.
Prediction and Implications of Edoxaban-Associated Bleeding in Patients after Critical Illness
Authors: Mikami Ryusei , Hayakawa Mineji , Imai Shungo , Maekawa Kunihiko , Yamazaki Kojiro , Sugawara Mitsuru , Takekuma Yoh
Published: January 2023

In this retrospective study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for bleeding in patients after critical illness during edoxaban treatment. Data from patients who received edoxaban after critical illness at the Emergency Department at a tertiary care hospital were obtained from the hospital medical records. Multivariate analysis revealed the risk factors for edoxaban-associated bleeding. Additionally, we developed an edoxaban-associated bleeding score (EAB score) based on these results. The derived EAB score was compared with the HAS-BLED score using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Bleeding was observed in 42 of 114 patients (36.8%). We identified the following bleeding predictors (odds ratios, 95% confidence interval, score points) using multivariate analysis: concomitant use of antiplatelet agents (6.759, 2.047–22.32, 2 points), concomitant use of P-glycoprotein inhibitors (3.825, 1.484–9.856, 1 point), prothrombin time (PT)% following edoxaban administration of <75% and ≥60% (2.507, 0.788–7.970, 1 point), and PT% following edoxaban administration of <60% (11.23, 3.560–35.42, 3 points). The ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.826 for the EAB score and 0.625 for the HAS-BLED score. Under appropriate edoxaban dosing regimens in patients after critical illness, a combination of antiplatelet agents, P-gp inhibitors, and a low PT% following edoxaban administration were identified as strong risk factors for bleeding.
Construction and Verification of the Molecular Subtype and a Novel Prognostic Signature Based on Inflammatory Response-Related Genes in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Zhang Feng , Deng Yan , Wang Dong , Wang Shuai
Published: January 2023

The significance of inflammation in tumorigenesis and progression has become prominent. This study aimed to construct and validate the molecular subtype and a novel prognostic signature based on inflammatory response-related genes in uveal melanoma (UM). Patients from the TCGA, GSE84976, and GSE22138 UM cohorts were enrolled. According to the consensus cluster analysis, patients were divided into two molecular subtypes, namely IC1 and IC2. Survival curves showed that patients in IC1 had a better prognosis. The IC2 subgroup had higher levels of immune cell infiltration and more enriched immunological pathways. There were statistical differences in the immune-inflammation microenvironment, immune checkpoint genes expression, and drug sensitivity. The prognostic signature constructed based on inflammatory response-related genes exhibited a stable predictive power. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the signature was a prognostic factor independent of clinical characteristics. Functional analyses showed that the high-risk group was associated with immunological response, inflammatory cell activation, and tumor-related signal pathways. The riskscore had a negative relationship with tumor purity and was positively correlated with immune and stromal scores. Furthermore, the prognostic signature could sensitively predict the response to drug treatments. In conclusion, the prognostic signature might aid in stratifying patients at risk premised on the prognosis and immunotherapy sensitivity.
Stressor-Specific Sex Differences in Amygdala–Frontal Cortex Networks
Authors: Bürger Zoé , Müller Veronika I. , Hoffstaedter Felix , Habel Ute , Gur Ruben C. , Windischberger Christian , Moser Ewald , Derntl Birgit , Kogler Lydia
Published: January 2023

Females and males differ in stress reactivity, coping, and the prevalence rates of stress-related disorders. According to a neurocognitive framework of stress coping, the functional connectivity between the amygdala and frontal regions (including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)) plays a key role in how people deal with stress. In the current study, we investigated the effects of sex and stressor type in a within-subject counterbalanced design on the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the amygdala and these frontal regions in 77 healthy participants (40 females). Both stressor types led to changes in subjective ratings, with decreasing positive affect and increasing negative affect and anger. Females showed higher amygdala–vACC and amygdala–mPFC rsFC for social exclusion than for achievement stress, and compared to males. Whereas a higher amygdala–vACC rsFC indicates the activation of emotion processing and coping, a higher amygdala–mPFC rsFC indicates feelings of reward and social gain, highlighting the positive effects of social affiliation. Thus, for females, feeling socially affiliated might be more fundamental than for males. Our data indicate interactions of sex and stressor in amygdala–frontal coupling, which translationally contributes to a better understanding of the sex differences in prevalence rates and stress coping.
Patterns of Healthcare Resource Utilisation of Critical Care Survivors between 2006 and 2017 in Wales: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Alsallakh Mohammad , Tan Laura , Pugh Richard , Akbari Ashley , Bailey Rowena , Griffiths Rowena , Lyons Ronan A. , Szakmany Tamas
Published: January 2023

In this retrospective cohort study, we used the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank to characterise and identify predictors of the one-year post-discharge healthcare resource utilisation (HRU) of adults who were admitted to critical care units in Wales between 1 April 2006 and 31 December 2017. We modelled one-year post-critical-care HRU using negative binomial models and used linear models for the difference from one-year pre-critical-care HRU. We estimated the association between critical illness and post-hospitalisation HRU using multilevel negative binomial models among people hospitalised in 2015. We studied 55,151 patients. Post-critical-care HRU was 11–87% greater than pre-critical-care levels, whereas emergency department (ED) attendances decreased by 30%. Age ≥50 years was generally associated with greater post-critical-care HRU; those over 80 had three times longer hospital readmissions than those younger than 50 (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 2.96, 95% CI: 2.84, 3.09). However, ED attendances were higher in those younger than 50. High comorbidity was associated with 22–62% greater post-critical-care HRU than no or low comorbidity. The most socioeconomically deprived quintile was associated with 24% more ED attendances (IRR: 1.24 [1.16, 1.32]) and 13% longer hospital stays (IRR: 1.13 [1.09, 1.17]) than the least deprived quintile. Critical care survivors had greater 1-year post-discharge HRU than non-critical inpatients, including 68% longer hospital stays (IRR: 1.68 [1.63, 1.74]). Critical care survivors, particularly those with older ages, high comorbidity, and socioeconomic deprivation, used significantly more primary and secondary care resources after discharge compared with their baseline and non-critical inpatients. Interventions are needed to ensure that key subgroups are identified and adequately supported.
Factors Associated with Selection of Denture Adhesive Type: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Yamaguchi Kohei , Hama Yohei , Soeda Hitomi , Hatano Keita , Okada Mitsuzumi , Futatsuya Ryota , Minakuchi Shunsuke
Published: January 2023

The type of denture adhesive, cream or home-liner, chosen by regular denture adhesive users and oral conditions contributing to this selection require elucidation. The factors associated with denture adhesive selection were investigated through a face-to-face survey on oral and denture conditions. Age, sex, oral moisture, masticatory performance, retention and stability of the removable denture, ridge shape, mucosal thickness, and duration of denture use were examined in cream and home-liner-type denture adhesive users who did not regularly visit a dentist. Univariate analysis and multivariate analyses were performed. There were 38 and 40 cream-type and home-liner-type adhesive users, respectively. The type of denture adhesive was significantly associated with the oral moisture value, retention, ridge shape, mucosal thickness, and duration of denture use in univariate analyses. The residual ridge conditions with large factor loadings for ridge shape and mucosal thickness and duration of denture use were significantly related to the denture adhesive selection in multivariate logistic analysis. The residual ridge conditions and duration of denture use were significant factors in the selection of cream- and home-liner-type denture adhesives. These results can provide appropriate guidance based on the adhesives patients without dental supervision are more likely to choose.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Blood Pressure Change Failure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma and Concomitant Hypertension after Adrenalectomy
Authors: Ge Yuntian , Zhan Yunhong , Pan Chunyu , Li Jia , Li Zhenhua , Bai Song , Liu Lina
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Pheochromocytoma is a common cause of secondary hypertension, which is considered curable; nevertheless, some patients still suffer from hypertension after adrenalectomy. Therefore, we developed and validated a nomogram for predicting blood pressure change failure in patients with pheochromocytoma and concomitant hypertension after adrenalectomy. (2) Methods: The development cohort of this study consisted of 259 patients with pheochromocytoma who underwent adrenalectomy at our center between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2018. Each patient’s clinicopathologic data were recorded. LASSO (the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression was used to reduce and select the features of the data. Furthermore, we used multivariate logistic regression analysis to develop the prediction model. An independent cohort of 110 consecutive patients from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021 was used for validation. The performance of this nomogram was assessed with regard to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. (3) Results: 40.9% and 46.4% of patients experienced blood pressure change failure in the development and validation cohorts of this study, respectively. We found that older patients with a longer duration of hypertension and concomitant cardiovascular events were more likely to suffer from blood pressure change failure. In the validation cohort, the model manifested great discrimination with an AUROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic) of 0.996 (p < 0.001) and good calibration (unreliability test, p = 0.359). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model was clinically useful. (4) Conclusions: This study presented a reliable nomogram that facilitated individualized preoperative prediction of blood pressure change failure after adrenalectomy in patients with pheochromocytoma, which may help decision-making in perioperative treatment and follow-up strategies.
Renoprotective Effect of Taxifolin in Paracetamol-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Emerging Evidence from an Animal Model
Authors: Topal Ismail , Özdamar Mustafa Yaşar , Catakli Tulin , Malkoc İsmail , Hacimuftuoglu Ahmet , Mamoulakis Charalampos , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Tsarouhas Konstantinos , Tsitsimpikou Christina , Taghizadehghalehjoughi Ali
Published: January 2023

Background: Taxifolin (TXF) is a flavonoid found abundantly in citrus/onion. Encouraging results on its renoprotective effect have been reported in a limited number of drug-induced nephrotoxicity animal models. The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time the potential renoprotective effects of TXF in a paracetamol (PAR)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model. Methods: Rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 6 animals per group). Group 1 (PAR group, PARG) received PAR diluted in normal saline by gavage (1000 mg/kg). Group 2 (TXF group, TXFG) received TXF diluted in normal saline by gavage (50 mg/kg) one hour after PAR administration. Group 3 (control group, CG) received normal saline. Twenty-four hours after PAR administration, all animals were sacrificed using high-dose anesthesia. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed. Results: The serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the PARG. The serum glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and total glutathione levels were significantly higher in the TXFG. At the same time, the kidneys of the PARG animals demonstrated tubular epithelium swelling, distension and severe vacuolar degeneration. The kidneys of the TXFG animals showed mildly dilated/congested blood vessels. Conclusions: The TXF renoprotective effects are promising in preventing PAR-induced nephrotoxicity, mainly through antioxidant activity, and warrant further testing in future studies.
Botulinum Neurotoxin Type a Injection Combined with Absorbable Punctal Plug Insertion: An Effective Therapy for Blepharospasm Patients with Dry Eye
Authors: Ndikumukiza Malachie , Xiao Yu-Ting , Ye You-Fan , Wang Jia-Song , Peng Xi , Xie Hua-Tao , Zhang Ming-Chang
Published: January 2023

Blepharospasm patients often have dry eye manifestations. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) injection has been the main management for blepharospasm and absorbable punctal plug (APP) insertion is shown to be effective in the treatment of dry eye. However, there have been no studies investigating the combined treatment of BoNT-A and APP in blepharospasm patients with dry eye. In this retrospective study, 17 blepharospasm patients with dry eye treated by BoNT-A injection and 12 receiving BoNT-A plus APP treatment were enrolled. The efficacy was evaluated according to the Jankovic rating scale, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), fluorescein staining (FL), fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT) and Schirmer I test (SIT). Both BoNT-A and BoNT-A+APP treatment effectively reduced the functional impairment of blepharospasm. At baseline, all the patients had high OSDI scores (BoNT-A group: 82.48 ± 7.37, BoNT-A+APP group: 78.82 ± 4.60, p = 0.112), but relatively low degrees of FL (BoNT-A group: 3.18 ± 1.01, BoNT-A+APP group: 3.50 ± 1.24, p = 0.466), FBUT (BoNT-A group: 1.71 ± 0.77, BoNT-A+APP group: 2.17 ± 0.58, p = 0.077) and SIT (BoNT-A group: 2.53 ± 0.99, BoNT-A+APP group: 3.17 ± 1.23, p = 0.153). After treatment, OSDI, FL, FBUT and SIT were all obviously restored in the two groups. When comparing the changing rates, only OSDI (BoNT-A group: −52.23% ± 15.57%, BoNT-A+APP group: −61.84% ± 9.10%, p = 0.047) and FL (BoNT-A group: −22.55% ± 25.98%, BoNT-A+APP group: −41.94% ± 14.46%, p = 0.016) showed significant differences between the two groups. This study suggests that OSDI is not applicable in the diagnosis of dry eye among blepharospasm patients. For blepharospasm patients with severe dry eye symptoms, especially those with fluorescein staining in the cornea, the combined treatment of BoNT-A and APP is more effective than using BoNT-A alone.
The Role of Dual-Energy CT for the Assessment of Liver Metastasis Response to Treatment: Above the RECIST 1.1 Criteria
Authors: Reginelli Alfonso , Del Canto Mariateresa , Clemente Alfredo , Gragnano Eduardo , Cioce Fabrizio , Urraro Fabrizio , Martinelli Erika , Cappabianca Salvatore
Published: January 2023

Imaging assessment of liver lesions is fundamental to predict therapeutic response and improve patient survival rates. Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) is an increasingly used technique in the oncologic field with many emerging applications. The assessment of iodine concentration within a liver lesion reflects the biological properties of the tumor and provides additional information to radiologists that is normally invisible to the human eye. The possibility to predict tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic response based on quantitative and reproducible parameters obtainable from DECT images could improve clinical decisions and drive oncologists to choose the best therapy according to metastasis biological features. Moreover, in comparison with standard dimensional criteria, DECT provides further data on the cancer microenvironment, especially for patients treated with antiangiogenic-based drugs, in which tumor shrinkage is a late parameter of response. We investigated the predictive role of DECT in the early assessment of liver metastasis response to treatment in comparison with standard dimensional criteria during antiangiogenetic-based therapy.