bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Level of Service Model of the Non-Motorized Vehicle Crossing the Signalized Intersection Based on Riders’ Perception Data
Authors: Ye Xiaofei , Zhu Yi , Wang Tao , Yan Xingchen , Chen Jun , Ran Bin
Published: April 2022

This article aims to analyze the factors affecting the LOS (level of service) of non-motorized vehicles crossing the signalized intersection and to construct an appropriate method to evaluate the LOS. Aiming at the mixed non-motorized traffic flow of electric vehicles and bicycles in the Chinese metropolis, the delay model in the highway capacity manual (HCM) was modified by taking two new factors into account: the pedestrian traffic rule compliance rate and the fuzzy perception of arrival rate in reality. The results show that the data obtained by the modified model are more consistent with the actual one. Next, a comparison was established between the linear regression method and cumulative logistic regression to determine the variables that affect the LOS, and finally, a LOS evaluation index system based on threshold schemes was defined. The recommended LOS model can provide corresponding references for traffic engineers who seek to improve the level of service in urban intersections.
The Literacy-Based Scale for Measuring Reflections on a University Social Responsibility Curriculum: Development and Validation
Authors: Hung Chia-Hui , Huang Cheng-Yi , Wang Yu-Ming , Li Yi-Ching , Ho Yung-Chuan
Published: April 2022

University Social Responsibility (USR) enhances educational development and the impact of universities on society. As a stakeholder in USR, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive literacy scale that reflects the development of students’ citizenship in social engagement. Thus, this study aims to develop and validate the Health Promotion Literacy-based Scale for students in USR (HPLS-USR). A total of 200 students from USR with an average age of 19.27 participated in the study. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to verify the scale’s construct validity. Twenty-two items were maintained in EFA with an internal consistency Cronbach’s α of 0.92. Construct validity was supported by EFA results, confirming that the four-factor structure of the 22-item scale (personal growth, responsibility of citizenship, social interaction, and intellectual growth) have reasonable correlations to each other, explaining 61.83% of the variance in the scale. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin index values of 0.908 and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (p = 0.001) verified the normal distribution of the EFA and the adequacy of the EFA sampling. These items achieved adequate factor loadings ranging between 0.44 and 0.82. This study demonstrated that the HPLS-USR has satisfactory construct validity and reliability in measuring students’ literacy abilities developed in USR participation.
An Investigation on the Impact of Unloading Rate on Coal Mechanical Properties and Energy Evolution Law
Authors: Guo Hongjun , Sun Zhongguang , Ji Ming , Wu Yongfeng , Nian Lihui
Published: April 2022

In order to further explore the relationship between the excavation speed and the damage of surrounding rocks and dynamic manifestation, the stress paths of unloading confining pressure and loading axial pressure were designed based on the changes in the roadway surrounding rock stress in this study. Additionally, the mechanical properties and energy evolution law of the coal body were investigated under various unloading rates. As the unloading rate increased, the mechanical properties of the coal body including the failure strength, the confining pressure, the axial strain, and horizontal strain tended to decrease at the rupture stage, while the volume strain and the elastic modulus increased, indicating that the rupture form evolved from the ductile failure to brittle failure. Regarding the energy, the axial pressure did positive work while the confining pressure did negative work, with the total work and the stored elastic strain energy decreasing. In addition, with the increase of the dissipation energy, the elastic strain energy conversion rate decreased linearly, indicating that the high unloading rate increased the possibility of dynamic disasters induced by the instantaneous brittle rupture of the coal body. On the other hand, due to the low releasable elastic strain energy stored in the coal body, the strength and probability of subsequent dynamic manifestation of coal body destruction were reduced. Therefore, increasing the excavation speed in a controllable way can benefit the safety of mining.
Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Nutritional Status and Lipid Profile of Employees in a Teaching Hospital in Rome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lia Lorenza , Ricci Eleonora , Colaprico Corrado , Di Legge Eleonora , Faticoni Augusto , Donini Lorenzo Maria , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

Background: on the 9 March 2020, the Italian government declared a state of lockdown on the entire national territory aimed at reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, causing strong repercussions for people’s lifestyles. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of the lockdown on the nutritional status and lipid profile of employees of an Italian teaching hospital. Methods: an observational retrospective cohort study was carried out at the Department of Occupational Medicine of the Umberto I General Hospital of Rome, including all employees who underwent two consecutive occupational medical examinations before and after the first lockdown (9 March 2020–18 May 2020). Employee medical records were used as a data source. Results: 1014 employees were involved in the study (50.6% nurses, 31% physicians, 14.8% technical staff, 3.6% administrative staff). Post lockdown BMI, total cholesterol and LDL values increased statistically significantly compared to pre lockdown ones. Nurses showed a significant association with increased BMI (p < 0.001), while workers with heart disease were inversely associated with total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and LDL (p < 0.001). Conclusion: this study showed that lockdown had a significant impact on employees’ lifestyles. Further studies are needed to understand changes in health-related behaviors, such as diet and physical activity, of specific categories of workers over time under lockdown conditions.
Is Public Health Response to the Phenomenon of Alcohol Use during Pregnancy Adequate to the Polish Women’s Needs?
Authors: Okulicz-Kozaryn Katarzyna
Published: April 2022

Due to the risks it poses to a child’s health, drinking alcohol during pregnancy is a serious problem that the public health sector is struggling to deal with. The reasons why women who do not have alcohol problems do not give up drinking alcohol completely during pregnancy are still poorly understood. And the knowledge available about them does not translate into communication strategies in Poland. The analysis of standards and examples of good practice allows to formulate proposals for improving the quality and effectiveness of social campaigns addressed to the general population and women of childbearing age in order to reduce the risk associated with the prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Hospital Ethical Climate and Job Satisfaction among Nurses: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ozdoba Patrycja , Dziurka Magdalena , Pilewska-Kozak Anna , Dobrowolska Beata
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to map and summarize the published research findings on hospital ethical climate and its relationship with nursing staff job satisfaction as well as strategies proposed in the literature for the improvement of hospital ethical climate and job satisfaction through the actions of nursing staff in leadership positions. A scoping review has been performed in accordance with the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension scoping reviews statement (PRISMA-ScR). Three electronic bibliographic databases were searched: the SCOPUS, Medline, and CINHAL Complete using a combination of keywords with the range of years 1994–2021. A total of 15 papers out of 235 records identified were eligible for the analysis. The literature review confirmed a significant relationship between ethical climate and job satisfaction of nurses. Furthermore, the interdependence of ethical climate and job satisfaction of nursing staff affects many different aspects including patients, co-workers, an organization and research. Identifying factors that influence ethical climate and job satisfaction as well as the relationship between these variables may help to reduce the dropout concerning a change of profession among nursing staff.
Cancer Screening among Rural People Who Use Drugs: Colliding Risks and Barriers
Authors: Jenkins Wiley D. , Rose Jennifer , Molina Yamile , Lee Minjee , Bolinski Rebecca , Luckey Georgia , Van Ham Brent
Published: April 2022

Rural cancer disparities are associated with lesser healthcare access and screening adherence. The opioid epidemic may increase disparities as people who use drugs (PWUD) frequently experience healthcare-associated stigmatizing experiences which discourage seeking routine care. Rural PWUD were recruited to complete surveys and interviews exploring cancer (cervical, breast, colorectal, lung) risk, screening history, and healthcare experiences. From July 2020–July 2021 we collected 37 surveys and 8 interviews. Participants were 24.3% male, 86.5% White race, and had a mean age of 44.8 years. Females were less likely to report seeing a primary care provider on a regular basis, and more likely to report stigmatizing healthcare experiences. A majority of females reporting receiving recommendations and screens for cervical and breast cancer, but only a minority were adherent. Similarly, only a minority of males and females reported receiving screening tests for colorectal and lung cancer. Screening rates for all cancers were substantially below those for the US generally and rural areas specifically. Interviews confirmed stigmatizing healthcare experiences and suggested screening barriers and possible solutions. The opioid epidemic involves millions of individuals and is disproportionately experienced in rural communities. To avoid exacerbating existing rural cancer disparities, methods to engage PWUD in cancer screening need to be developed.
Plastic Waste Management Strategies and Their Environmental Aspects: A Scientometric Analysis and Comprehensive Review
Authors: Huang Saimin , Wang Hongchang , Ahmad Waqas , Ahmad Ayaz , Ivanovich Vatin Nikolai , Mohamed Abdeliazim Mustafa , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Mehmood Imran
Published: April 2022

Plastic consumption increases with the growing population worldwide and results in increased quantities of plastic waste. There are various plastic waste management strategies; however, the present management progress is not sustainable, and plastic waste dumping in landfills is still the most commonly employed strategy. Being nonbiodegradable, plastic waste dumping in landfills creates several environmental and human health problems. Numerous research studies have been conducted recently to determine safe and ecologically beneficial methods of plastic waste handling. This article performed a bibliographic analysis of the available literature on plastic waste management using a computational approach. The highly used keywords, most frequently cited papers and authors, actively participating countries, and sources of publications were analyzed during the bibliographic analysis. In addition, the various plastic waste management strategies and their environmental benefits have been discussed. It has been concluded that among the six plastic waste management techniques (landfills, recycling, pyrolysis, liquefaction, road construction and tar, and concrete production), road construction and tar and concrete production are the two most effective strategies. This is due to significant benefits, such as ease of localization, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and increased durability and sustainability of manufactured materials, structures, and roadways. Conversely, using landfills is the most undesirable strategy because of the associated environmental and human health concerns. Recycling has equal benefits and drawbacks. In comparison, pyrolysis and liquefaction are favorable due to the production of char and fuel, but high energy requirements limit their benefits. Hence, the use of plastic waste for construction applications is recommended.
Lateral Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with Autologous Dentin of Periodontally Compromised Teeth: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Korsch Michael , Peichl Marco , Bartols Andreas
Published: April 2022

Tooth shell technique (TST) using autologous dentine is possible with lateral ridge augmentation while avoiding a donor region. This study aimed to clarify whether the use of periodontally compromised teeth (PCT) leads to similar results compared to non-periodontally compromised teeth (NPCT). In this retrospective study, the dentin matrix of 41 patients (PCT: n = 19 with 29 implants; NPCT: n = 22, with 29 implants) was used for TST. All cases were re-examined. Outcome parameters were biological complications, horizontal hard tissue loss, osseointegration, and the integrity of the buccal lamella. Only in one case in the PCT group, a graft was lost. In three cases, minor complications were identified, including two cases of wound dehiscence and one case of inflammation with suppuration (PCT: n = 1, NPCT: n = 3). All implants, except the one with the severe complication, were osseointegrated and the integrity of the buccal bone lamella was preserved. Mean difference of the resorption of the crestal width and the buccal lamella did not differ statistically between the two groups. TST using PCT showed results comparable to those of NPCT in terms of complications and graft resorption. Processed dentin matrix from PCT can be used and applied with predictable results for bone grafting, utilizing TST.
Morphologic-Molecular Transformation of Oncogene Addicted Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Calabrese Fiorella , Pezzuto Federica , Lunardi Francesca , Fortarezza Francesco , Tzorakoleftheraki Sofia-Eleni , Resi Maria Vittoria , Tiné Mariaenrica , Pasello Giulia , Hofman Paul
Published: April 2022

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer, especially adenocarcinomas, harbour at least one oncogenic driver mutation that can potentially be a target for therapy. Treatments of these oncogene-addicted tumours, such as the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of mutated epidermal growth factor receptor, have dramatically improved the outcome of patients. However, some patients may acquire resistance to treatment early on after starting a targeted therapy. Transformations to other histotypes—small cell lung carcinoma, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcomatoid carcinoma—have been increasingly recognised as important mechanisms of resistance and are increasingly becoming a topic of interest for all specialists involved in the diagnosis, management, and care of these patients. This article, after examining the most used TKI agents and their main biological activities, discusses histological and molecular transformations with an up-to-date review of all previous cases published in the field. Liquid biopsy and future research directions are also briefly discussed to offer the reader a complete and up-to-date overview of the topic.
Cellular Senescence: Molecular Targets, Biomarkers, and Senolytic Drugs
Authors: Kudlova Natalie , De Sanctis Juan Bautista , Hajduch Marian
Published: April 2022

Cellular senescence is defined as irreversible cell cycle arrest caused by various processes that render viable cells non-functional, hampering normal tissue homeostasis. It has many endogenous and exogenous inducers, and is closely connected with age, age-related pathologies, DNA damage, degenerative disorders, tumor suppression and activation, wound healing, and tissue repair. However, the literature is replete with contradictory findings concerning its triggering mechanisms, specific biomarkers, and detection protocols. This may be partly due to the wide range of cellular and in vivo animal or human models of accelerated aging that have been used to study senescence and test senolytic drugs. This review summarizes recent findings concerning senescence, presents some widely used cellular and animal senescence models, and briefly describes the best-known senolytic agents.
Radiation-Induced Bystander Effect Mediated by Exosomes Involves the Replication Stress in Recipient Cells
Authors: Smolarz Mateusz , Skoczylas Łukasz , Gawin Marta , Krzyżowska Monika , Pietrowska Monika , Widłak Piotr
Published: April 2022

Exosomes released by irradiated cells mediate the radiation-induced bystander effect, which is manifested by DNA breaks detected in recipient cells; yet, the specific mechanism responsible for the generation of chromosome lesions remains unclear. In this study, naive FaDu head and neck cancer cells were stimulated with exosomes released by irradiated (a single 2 Gy dose) or mock-irradiated cells. Maximum accumulation of gamma H2A.X foci, a marker of DNA breaks, was detected after one hour of stimulation with exosomes from irradiated donors, the level of which was comparable to the one observed in directly irradiated cells (a weaker wave of the gamma H2A.X foci accumulation was also noted after 23 h of stimulation). Exosomes from irradiated cells, but not from control ones, activated two stress-induced protein kinases: ATM and ATR. Noteworthy is that while direct irradiation activated only ATM, both ATM and ATR were activated by two factors known to induce the replication stress: hydroxyurea and camptothecin (with subsequent phosphorylation of gamma H2A.X). One hour of stimulation with exosomes from irradiated cells suppressed DNA synthesis in recipient cells and resulted in the subsequent nuclear accumulation of RNA:DNA hybrids, which is an indicator of impaired replication. Interestingly, the abovementioned effects were observed before a substantial internalization of exosomes, which may suggest a receptor-mediated mechanism. It was observed that after one hour of stimulation with exosomes from irradiated donors, phosphorylation of several nuclear proteins, including replication factors and regulators of heterochromatin remodeling as well as components of multiple intracellular signaling pathways increased. Hence, we concluded that the bystander effect mediated by exosomes released from irradiated cells involves the replication stress in recipient cells.
Metabolomic Approaches for Detection and Identification of Biomarkers and Altered Pathways in Bladder Cancer
Authors: di Meo Nicola Antonio , Loizzo Davide , Pandolfo Savio Domenico , Autorino Riccardo , Ferro Matteo , Porta Camillo , Stella Alessandro , Bizzoca Cinzia , Vincenti Leonardo , Crocetto Felice , Tataru Octavian Sabin , Rutigliano Monica , Battaglia Michele , Ditonno Pasquale , Lucarelli Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

Metabolomic analysis has proven to be a useful tool in biomarker discovery and the molecular classification of cancers. In order to find new biomarkers, and to better understand its pathological behavior, bladder cancer also has been studied using a metabolomics approach. In this article, we review the literature on metabolomic studies of bladder cancer, focusing on the different available samples (urine, blood, tissue samples) used to perform the studies and their relative findings. Moreover, the multi-omic approach in bladder cancer research has found novel insights into its metabolic behavior, providing excellent start-points for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Metabolomics data analysis can lead to the discovery of a “signature pathway” associated with the progression of bladder cancer; this aspect could be potentially valuable in predictions of clinical outcomes and the introduction of new treatments. However, further studies are needed to give stronger evidence and to make these tools feasible for use in clinical practice.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy of OH−-Anion–Water Clusters Generated by Ultrasonic Nebulizer
Authors: Kang Minchae , Park Chang Jun , Kim Hyung Min , Lee Sang Hak
Published: April 2022

Investigating molecules in the gas phase is the only way to discover their intrinsic molecular properties; however, it is challenging to produce the gaseous phase of large-molecule chemicals. Thermal evaporation is typically used to convert molecules into gases, but it is still challenging to study ionic molecules in solutions in the gas phase. Electrospray ionization is one of the best methods to generate molecules in the gas phase, and it is uniquely capable of studying large biomolecules, including proteins. However, the molecular temperature required to study the spectroscopic properties of the molecules is very high. In this study, we developed a new, simple evaporation method using an ultrasonic nebulizer to obtain gas-phase molecules. Using this new equipment, we observed OH− anions and their water clusters in the gas phase and obtained their photoelectron spectra. We observed that the vertical electron-detachment energy (VDE) of OH− was 1.90 ± 0.05 eV and the VDEs of its water clusters and OH− (H2O)n (n = 1–2) decreased to 1.50 ± 0.05 eV (n = 1) and 1.30 ± 0.05 eV (n = 2), respectively.
Neuromelanin in Parkinson’s Disease: Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Tyrosinase
Authors: Nagatsu Toshiharu , Nakashima Akira , Watanabe Hirohisa , Ito Shosuke , Wakamatsu Kazumasa
Published: April 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an aging-related disease and the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. The main symptoms of PD are movement disorders accompanied with deficiency of neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in the striatum due to cell death of the nigrostriatal DA neurons. Two main histopathological hallmarks exist in PD: cytosolic inclusion bodies termed Lewy bodies that mainly consist of α-synuclein protein, the oligomers of which produced by misfolding are regarded to be neurotoxic, causing DA cell death; and black pigments termed neuromelanin (NM) that are contained in DA neurons and markedly decrease in PD. The synthesis of human NM is regarded to be similar to that of melanin in melanocytes; melanin synthesis in skin is via DOPAquinone (DQ) by tyrosinase, whereas NM synthesis in DA neurons is via DAquinone (DAQ) by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). DA in cytoplasm is highly reactive and is assumed to be oxidized spontaneously or by an unidentified tyrosinase to DAQ and then, synthesized to NM. Intracellular NM accumulation above a specific threshold has been reported to be associated with DA neuron death and PD phenotypes. This review reports recent progress in the biosynthesis and pathophysiology of NM in PD.
Effects of Thiamethoxam-Dressed Oilseed Rape Seeds and Nosema ceranae on Colonies of Apis mellifera iberiensis, L. under Field Conditions of Central Spain. Is Hormesis Playing a Role?
Authors: Alonso-Prados Elena , González-Porto Amelia Virginia , García-Villarubia Carlos , López-Pérez José Antonio , Valverde Silvia , Bernal José , Martín-Hernández Raquel , Higes Mariano
Published: April 2022

To study the influence of thiamethoxam exposure on colony strength and pathogen prevalence, an apiary (5 colonies) was placed in front of a plot sown with winter oilseed rape (wOSR), just before the flowering phase. Before sowing, the seeds were treated with an equivalent application of 18 g thiamethoxam/ha. For comparison, a second apiary (5 colonies) was located in front of a separate 750 m plot sown with untreated wOSR. Dead foragers at the entrance of hives were assessed every 2–3 days throughout the exposure period, while the colony strength (number of combs covered with adult honey bees and brood) and pathogens were monitored each month until the following spring. Foraging on the wOSR crop was confirmed by melissopalynology determination of the corbicular pollen collected periodically, while the chemical analysis showed that exposure to thiamethoxam was mainly through nectar. There was an increase in the accumulation of dead bees in the apiary exposed to thiamethoxam relating with the control, which was coped with an increment of bee brood surface and adult bee population. However, we did not find statistically significant differences between apiaries (α = 0.05) in terms of the evolution of pathogens. We discuss these results under hormesis perspective.
Non-Coding RNAs Are Brokers in Breast Cancer Interactome Networks and Add Discrimination Power between Subtypes
Authors: Sharma Ankush , Capobianco Enrico
Published: April 2022

Despite the power of high-throughput genomics, most non-coding RNA (ncRNA) biotypes remain hard to identify, characterize, and validate. This is a clear indication that intensive next-generation sequencing research has led to great efficiency and accuracy in detecting ncRNAs, but not in their functionalization. Computational scientists continue to support the discovery process by spotting significant data features (expression or mutational profiles), elucidating phenotype uncertainty, and delineating complex regulation landscapes for biological pathways and pathophysiological processes. With reference to transcriptome regulation dynamics in cancer, this work introduces a novel network-driven inference approach designed to reveal the potential role of computationally identified ncRNAs in discriminating between breast cancer (BC) subtypes beyond the traditional gene expression signatures. As heterogeneity cast in the subtypes is a characteristic of most cancers, the proposed approach is generalizable beyond BC. Expression profiles of a wide transcriptome spectrum were obtained for a number of BC patients (and controls) listed in TCGA and processed with RNA-Seq. The well-known PAM50 subtype signature was available for the samples and used to move from differentially expressed transcript profiles to subtype-specific biclusters associating gene patterns with patients. Co-expressed gene networks were then generated and annotations were provided, focusing on the biclusters with basal and luminal signatures. These were used to build template maps, i.e., networks in which to embed the ncRNAs and contextually functionalize them based on their interactors. This inference approach is able to assess the influence of ncRNAs at the level of BC subtype. Network topology was considered through the brokerage measure to account for disruptiveness effects induced by the removal of nodes corresponding to ncRNAs. Equivalently, it is shown that ncRNAs can act as brokers of network interactome dynamics, and removing them allows the refinement of subtype-related characteristics previously obtained by gene signatures only. The results of the study elucidate the role of pseudogenes in two major BC subtypes, considering the contextual annotations. Put into a wider perspective, ncRNA brokers may help predictive functionalization studies targeted to new disease phenotypes, for instance those linked to the tumor microenvironment or metabolism, or those specifically involving metastasis. Overall, the approach may represent an in silico prioritization strategy toward the systems identification of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Surgical Outcomes and Trends for Chronic Pancreatitis: An Observational Cohort Study from a High-Volume Centre
Authors: Ghorbani Poya , Dankha Rimon , Brisson Rosa , D’Souza Melroy A. , Löhr Johannes-Matthias , Sparrelid Ernesto , Vujasinovic Miroslav
Published: April 2022

Surgery for chronic pancreatitis (CP) is considered as a last resort treatment. The present study aims to determine the short- and medium-term outcomes of surgical treatment for CP with a comparison between duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) and pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The trends in surgical procedures were also examined. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent surgery for CP between 2000 and 2019 at the Karolinska University Hospital. One hundred and sixty-two patients were included. Surgery performed included drainage procedures (n = 2), DPPHR (n = 35), resections (n = 114, of these PD in n = 65) and other procedures (n = 11). Morbidity occurred in 17%, and the 90-day mortality was 1%. Complete or partial pain relief was achieved in 65% of patients. No significant difference in morbidity was observed between the DPPHR and PD groups: 17% vs. 20% (p = 0.728). Pain relief did not differ between the groups (62% for DPPHR vs. 73% for PD, p = 0.142). The frequency of performed DPPHR decreased, whereas the rate of PD remained unaltered. Surgical treatment for CP is safe and effective. DPPHR and PD are comparable regarding post-operative morbidity and are equally effective in achieving pain relief. Trends over time revealed PD as more commonly performed compared to DPPHR.
Is the Use of Intraoperative 3D Navigation for Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery a Risk Factor for Post-Operative Infection?
Authors: Berman Daniel , Eleswarapu Ananth , Krystal Jonathan , Hoang Henry
Published: April 2022

Pedicle screw fixation is a technique used to provide rigid fixation in thoracolumbar spine surgery. Safe intraosseous placement of pedicle screws is necessary to provide optimal fixation as well as to avoid damage to adjacent anatomic structures. Despite the wide variety of techniques available, none thus far has been able to fully eliminate the risk of malpositioned screws. Intraoperative 3-dimensional navigation (I3DN) was developed to improve accuracy in the placement of pedicle screws. To our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated whether infection rates are higher with I3DN. A single-institution, retrospective study of patients age > 18 undergoing thoracolumbar fusion and instrumentation was carried out and use of I3DN was recorded. The I3DN group had a significantly greater rate of return to the operating room for culture-positive incision and drainage (17 (4.1%) vs. 1 (0.6%), p = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, the use of I3DM did not reach significance with an OR of 6.49 (0.84–50.02, p = 0.073). Post-operative infections are multifactorial and potential infection risks associated with I3DN need to be weighed against the safety benefits of improved accuracy of pedicle screw positioning.
TiO2 Nanoparticles Dispersion in Block-Copolymer Aqueous Solutions: Nanoarchitectonics for Self-Assembly and Aggregation
Authors: Conti Nibali Valeria , D’Angelo Giovanna , Arena Antonella , Ciofi Carmine , Scandurra Graziella , Branca Caterina
Published: April 2022

Achieving homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles inside a polymeric matrix is a great challenge for numerous applications. In the present study, we aim at understanding the role of different factors on the dispersion properties of TiO2 in pluronic F-127 mixtures. The mixtures were prepared with different pH and guest/host ratios and investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, infrared spectroscopy and electrical conductivity. Depending on the preparation conditions, different amounts of TiO2 were loaded within the copolymer as quantitatively determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The different content of nanoparticles has direct implications on the gelation and micellization of pluronic analyzed by dynamic light scattering. The information derived on the self-assembly behavior was interpreted in relation to the infrared and conductivity measurements results. Together, these results shed light on the most favorable conditions for improving the nanoparticle dispersion inside the copolymer matrix and suggest a possible strategy to design functional nanoparticle-polymer systems.
Atrial Fibrillation Specific Exercise Rehabilitation: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Buckley Benjamin J. R. , Risom Signe S. , Boidin Maxime , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Thijssen Dick H. J.
Published: April 2022

Regular physical activity and exercise training are integral for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Despite recent advances in more holistic care pathways for people with atrial fibrillation (AF), exercise rehabilitation is not provided as part of routine care. The most recent European Society of Cardiology report for AF management states that patients should be encouraged to undertake moderate-intensity exercise and remain physically active to prevent AF incidence or recurrence. The aim of this review was to collate data from primary trials identified in three systematic reviews and recent real-world cohort studies to propose an AF-specific exercise rehabilitation guideline. Collating data from 21 studies, we propose that 360–720 metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes/week, corresponding to ~60–120 min of exercise per week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, could be an evidence-based recommendation for patients with AF to improve AF-specific outcomes, quality of life, and possibly prevent long-term major adverse cardiovascular events. Furthermore, non-traditional, low-moderate intensity exercise, such as Yoga, seems to have promising benefits on patient quality of life and possibly physical capacity and should, therefore, be considered in a personalised rehabilitation programme. Finally, we discuss the interesting concepts of short-term exercise-induced cardioprotection and ‘none-response’ to exercise training with reference to AF rehabilitation.
Model Selection and Post Selection to Improve the Estimation of the ARCH Model
Authors: Al-Momani Marwan , Dawod Abdaljbbar B. A.
Published: April 2022

The Autoregressive Conditionally Heteroscedastic (ARCH) model is useful for handling volatilities in economical time series phenomena that ARIMA models are unable to handle. The ARCH model has been adopted in many applications that contain time series data such as financial market prices, options, commodity prices and the oil industry. In this paper, we propose an improved post-selection estimation strategy. We investigated and developed some asymptotic properties of the suggested strategies and compared with a benchmark estimator. Furthermore, we conducted a Monte Carlo simulation study to reappraise the relative characteristics of the listed estimators. Our numerical results corroborate with the analytical work of the study. We applied the proposed methods on the S&P500 stock market daily closing prices index to illustrate the usefulness of the developed methodologies.
A Vision on a UNESCO Global Geopark at the Southeastern Dead Sea in Jordan—How Natural Hazards May Offer Geotourism Opportunities
Authors: Al-Halbouni Djamil , AlRabayah Osama , Nakath David , Rüpke Lars
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to identify and discuss the chances, solutions, and possible drawbacks related to the establishment of safe geotourism sites in subsidence-affected areas, exemplarily applied to the Ghor Al-Haditha sinkhole site at the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea. Such safe areas shall be established in the territory of the proposed future UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in Jordan. The highlights of the geopark and the basis of its creation are the subsidence features and stream channels found along the SE shoreline of the Dead Sea, which form both a natural hazard and geological heritage of high international significance and have attracted many researchers so far. This recent and ongoing formation is related to the sharp regression of the lake, the specific geomechanical conditions, and the hydrogeologic and climatic background of the surroundings. Nearby communities have suffered in economic terms from these natural phenomena, including flash floods and droughts in this semi-arid to arid region. We here present a concept on how to integrate geoscientific research for hazard monitoring and early warning to maintain safety for inhabitants and visitors on the one hand and reach sustainable economic development through the establishment of geotourism sites on the other hand. This highlight area of the proposed UGGp serves as a starting example for delineating safe zones for walkways and infrastructure. This involves two-way knowledge transfer between spatial planning and hydrogeophysical monitoring, a network of community-supported geophysical surveillance, and regular maintenance and adaptation. The cross-cutting benefits for the territory involve the delineation of safe areas for agriculture and geotourism, the increase of sustainable tourism in the region with a shift towards alternative ways of income, more investment in infrastructure, a growth of international visibility of the region, enhanced environmental education with focus on responsible water usage, and involvement in international research and education projects.
Assessing Spatial Variability of Soil Properties in Mediterranean Smallholder Farming Systems
Authors: Kosma Chariklia , Triantafyllidis Vassilios , Zotos Anastasios , Pittaras Antonios , Kouneli Varvara , Karydogianni Stella , Mavroeidis Antonios , Kakabouki Ioanna , Beslemes Dimitrios , Tigka Evangelia L. , Roussis Ioannis , Bilalis Dimitrios
Published: April 2022

Smallholder farming systems are typical of the European Mediterranean region. Small farms of less than 2 hectares cover approximately 15% of cropland in the southern EU and only 5% across the EU. The greater variability of cultivated species per unit of cropland (ha), the different approaches, and empirical application of cultivation practices by smallholder farmers increase the spatial variability of soil properties. Therefore, a decision support tool for effective management practices was formed based on a soil indicators set, which is sensitive to changes under agricultural management practices and different LUs. The data for this task were collected from 364 crop fields. The data were clustered and correlated based on (a) the existing soil units (SU): Fluvisols, Cambisols, Luvisols, and Calcisols, and (b) the LU: pastureland, annual, and permanent crops. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified up to seven main components that can better explain soil variability properties. The results indicated that the selected soil indicators can explain only 70.98% of soil variability. Clustering the parameters based on LU and SU can explain up to 80% and 82% of soil properties’ variability, respectively. Factor analysis could function as a decision support tool for soil fertility management by farmers or policy makers, who aim to achieve higher yields, promote sustainable practices, maintaining, at the same time, a low cost of cultivation.
The Protection of Estuarine Margins under the Maritime–Terrestrial Public Domain, the Cases of Portugal, Angola, Brazil, and Mozambique
Authors: Antunes Marco , Fidélis Teresa , Pires Miguel Lucas
Published: April 2022

Coastal and estuarine margins are considered natural resources with various functions and are covered by different management and protection tools. In Portugal, the Maritime Public Domain (MPD) aims to regulate property in maritime and coastal areas, assuming that these are public resources of the nation. Little is known, however, about how the MPD considers estuarine margins, which are also valuable, and vulnerable, environmental areas. This article analyses how the concept of MPD applies to the estuarine margins in Portugal. Moreover, as this concept has been subsequently adopted by other countries with close roots such as Angola, Brazil, and Mozambique, this paper also explores if estuaries are further considered in their legislation. For this purpose, it undertakes an analysis of legal documents establishing the MPD, focusing on the definition, types of areas where it applies, the width of the margins, ownership, and use restriction. The findings show that estuaries are considered by the MPD in Portugal and in the similar instruments of the other three countries. Nevertheless, their approaches differ, especially on the width of margins and the flexibility of the ownership regime, suggesting that the potential to protect margins has not been globally reinforced by the countries adopting MPD after Portugal. This study offers new insights on the MPD and brings to the fore a gap in the literature that deserves to be further explored in other countries with different legal traditions and deepening the analysis on the added value for the protection of estuarine margins.
Identification of Somatic Mitochondrial DNA Mutations, Heteroplasmy, and Increased Levels of Catenanes in Tumor Specimens Obtained from Three Endometrial Cancer Patients
Authors: Young Matthew J. , Sachidanandam Ravi , Hales Dale B. , Brard Laurent , Robinson Kathy , Rahman Md. Mostafijur , Khadka Pabitra , Groesch Kathleen , Young Carolyn K. J.
Published: April 2022

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common type of gynecologic malignant epithelial tumor, with the death rate from this disease doubling over the past 20 years. Mitochondria provide cancer cells with necessary anabolic building blocks such as amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides, and EC samples have been shown to increase mitochondrial biogenesis. In cancer, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy studies suggest that heteroplasmic variants encode predicted pathogenic proteins. We investigated the mtDNA genotypes within peri-normal and tumor specimens obtained from three individuals diagnosed with EC. DNA extracts from peri-normal and tumor tissues were used for mtDNA-specific next-generation sequencing and analyses of mtDNA content and topoisomers. The three tumors harbor heteroplasmic somatic mutations, and at least one mutation in each carcinoma is predicted to deleteriously alter a mtDNA-encoded protein. Somatic heteroplasmy linked to two mtDNA tRNA genes was found in separate tumors, and two heteroplasmic non-coding variants were identified in a single EC tumor. While two tumors had altered mtDNA content, all three displayed increased mtDNA catenanes. Our findings support that EC cells require wild-type mtDNA, but heteroplasmic mutations may alter mitochondrial metabolism to help promote cancer cell growth and proliferation.
Validation of Intrinsic Left Ventricular Assist Device Data Tracking Algorithm for Early Recognition of Centrifugal Flow Pump Thrombosis
Authors: Gross Christoph , Dimitrov Kamen , Riebandt Julia , Wiedemann Dominik , Laufer Günther , Schima Heinrich , Moscato Francesco , Brown Michael C. , Kadrolkar Abhijit , Stadler Robert W. , Zimpfer Daniel , Schlöglhofer Thomas
Published: April 2022

Advanced stage heart failure patients can benefit from the unloading effects of an implantable left ventricular assist device. Despite best clinical practice, LVADs are associated with adverse events, such as pump thrombosis (PT). An adaptive algorithm alerting when an individual’s appropriate levels in pump power uptake are exceeded, such as in the case of PT, can improve therapy of patients implanted with a centrifugal LVAD. We retrospectively studied 75 patients implanted with a centrifugal LVAD in a single center. A previously optimized adaptive pump power-tracking algorithm was compared to clinical best practice and clinically available constant threshold algorithms. Algorithm performances were analyzed in a PT group (n = 16 patients with 30 PT events) and a thoroughly selected control group (n = 59 patients, 34.7 patient years of LVAD data). Comparison of the adaptive power-tracking algorithm with the best performing constant threshold algorithm resulted in sensitivity of 83.3% vs. 86.7% and specificity of 98.9% vs. 95.3%, respectively. The power-tracking algorithm produced one false positive detection every 11.6 patient years and early warnings with a median of 3.6 days prior to PT diagnosis. In conclusion, a retrospective single-center validation study with real-world patient data demonstrated advantageous application of a power-tracking algorithm into LVAD systems and clinical practice.
Insulin Resistance Is Cheerfully Hitched with Hypertension
Authors: Sinha Susmita , Haque Mainul
Published: April 2022

Cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have risen steadily worldwide, particularly in low-income and developing countries. In the last hundred years, deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases increased rapidly to 35–40%, becoming the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is aggravated by hypertension. Hypertension and diabetes are closely interlinked since they have similar risk factors such as endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, arterial remodeling, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Patients with high blood pressure often show insulin resistance and have a higher risk of developing diabetes than normotensive individuals. It has been observed that over the last 30 years, the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) has increased significantly. Accordingly, hypertension and insulin resistance are strongly related to an increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and endocrine disorders. Common mechanisms, for instance, upregulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of the immune system, possibly have a role in the association between diabetes and hypertension. Altogether these abnormalities significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Charge-Trapping-Induced Hysteresis Effects in Highly Doped Silicon Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Structures
Authors: Wiśniewski Piotr , Majkusiak Bogdan
Published: April 2022

It is shown that a simple metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) structure with highly doped silicon substrate can exhibit current–voltage hysteresis effects related to sudden rises and drops in the flowing electric current. Experimental current–voltage characteristics of Al-SiO2-(n++Si) structures are presented and discussed. Their analysis shows that the ohmic and shallow traps assisted space-charge limited conduction (SCLC) are the dominating transport mechanisms. Sudden rises and drops in the flowing current, leading to the current–voltage hysteresis effects, are attributed to tunneling through deep traps in the oxide. Based on inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS), the energy levels of the deep traps and their position in the oxide are evaluated.
Development of High-Tech Self-Compacting Concrete Mixtures Based on Nano-Modifiers of Various Types
Authors: Stel’makh Sergey A. , Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Beskopylny Alexey , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion , Beskopylny Nikita , Zherebtsov Yuriy
Published: April 2022

Promising areas of concrete material science are maximum greening, reducing the carbon footprint, and, at the same time, solving the problems of increasing the cost of raw materials using industrial waste as modifiers for self-compacting concrete mixtures. This study aimed to review, investigate and test from the point of view of theory and practice the possibility of using various industrial types as a nano-modifier in self-compacting concrete with improved performance. The possibility of nano-modification of self-compacting concrete with a complex modifier based on industrial waste has been proved and substantiated theoretically and experimentally. The possibility of improving the technological properties of concrete mixtures using such nanomodifiers was confirmed. The recipe and technological parameters of the process were revealed and their influence on the characteristics of concrete mixes and concretes were expressed and determined. Experimental technological and mathematical dependencies between the characteristics of the technological process and raw materials and the characteristics of concrete mixtures and concretes were determined. The optimization of these parameters was carried out, a theoretical substantiation of the obtained results was proposed, and a quantitative picture was presented, expressed in the increment of the properties of self-compacting concrete mixtures using nano-modifiers from industrial waste concretes based on them. The mobility of the concrete mixture increased by 12%, and the fluidity of the mixture increased by 83%. In relation to the control composition, the concrete strength increased by 19%, and the water resistance of concrete increased by 22%. The ultimate strains decreased by 14%, and elastic modulus increased by 11%.