bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of an Integrated Control Method for Heating Substations Based on Prediction of Water-Supply Temperature and Indoor Temperature
Authors: Gao Xiaoyu , Jia Meng , Cao Shanshan , Qi Chengying
Published: March 2022

The refined control of heating substations is of great significance for on-demand heating provision and for the efficient operation of district heating systems (DHSs). This paper proposes an integrated control strategy for substations based on the prediction of the water-supply temperature and indoor temperature. Firstly, online sequential extreme learning machine (OS-ELM) is used to predict the water-supply temperature. Then, a linear prediction model is established to predict the indoor temperature. Finally, the integrated regulation strategy is established with the goal of minimizing operational costs, aiming at ensuring heating quality and meeting the limits of the flow rate and of the supply- and return-water temperatures. The heat-saving rate, power-saving rate and indoor-temperature satisfactory rate are introduced to evaluate the regulation effect of the proposed method. The field study results show that the performance index of operation executed with the regulation strategy proposed in this paper is 9.31%, 16.33% and 20.87% higher than that without our energy-saving regulation strategy respectively. The fluctuations in the water-supply pressure and differential pressure of the secondary network are significantly reduced, and the energy-saving effect is obvious.
Tumor Connectomics: Mapping the Intra-Tumoral Complex Interaction Network Using Machine Learning
Authors: Parekh Vishwa S. , Pillai Jay J. , Macura Katarzyna J. , LaViolette Peter S. , Jacobs Michael A.
Published: March 2022

The high-level relationships that form complex networks within tumors and between surrounding tissue is challenging and not fully understood. To better understand these tumoral networks, we developed a tumor connectomics framework (TCF) based on graph theory with machine learning to model the complex interactions within and around the tumor microenvironment that are detectable on imaging. The TCF characterization model was tested with independent datasets of breast, brain, and prostate lesions with corresponding validation datasets in breast and brain cancer. The TCF network connections were modeled using graph metrics of centrality, average path length (APL), and clustering from multiparametric MRI with IsoSVM. The Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), Area Under the Curve-ROC, and Precision-Recall (AUC-ROC and AUC-PR) were used for statistical analysis. The TCF classified the breast and brain tumor cohorts with an IsoSVM AUC-PR and MCC of 0.86, 0.63 and 0.85, 0.65, respectively. The TCF benign breast lesions had a significantly higher clustering coefficient and degree centrality than malignant TCFs. Grade 2 brain tumors demonstrated higher connectivity compared to Grade 4 tumors with increased degree centrality and clustering coefficients. Gleason 7 prostate lesions had increased betweenness centrality and APL compared to Gleason 6 lesions with AUC-PR and MCC ranging from 0.90 to 0.99 and 0.73 to 0.87, respectively. These TCF findings were similar in the validation breast and brain datasets. In conclusion, we present a new method for tumor characterization and visualization that results in a better understanding of the global and regional connections within the lesion and surrounding tissue.
Together Intra-Tumor Hypoxia and Macrophagic Immunity Are Driven Worst Outcome in Pediatric High-Grade Osteosarcomas
Authors: Nazon Charlotte , Pierrevelcin Marina , Willaume Thibault , Lhermitte Benoît , Weingertner Noelle , Marco Antonio Di , Bund Laurent , Vincent Florence , Bierry Guillaume , Gomez-Brouchet Anne , Redini Françoise , Gaspar Nathalie , Dontenwill Monique , Entz-Werle Natacha
Published: March 2022

Background: Osteosarcomas (OTS) represent the most common primary bone cancer diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. Despite remarkable advances, there are no objective molecular or imaging markers able to predict an OTS outcome at diagnosis. Focusing on biomarkers contributing broadly to treatment resistance, we examine the interplay between the tumor-associated macrophages and intra-tumor hypoxia. Methods: Radiological and immunohistochemical (IHC) data were correlated with the outcome in a retrospective and monocentric cohort of 30 pediatric OTS. We studied hypoxic (pS6, phospho-mTor, HIF-1α and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX)) and macrophagic (CD68 and CD163) biomarkers. Results: The imaging analyses were based on MRI manual volumetric measures on axial post-contrast T1 weighted images, where, for each tumor, we determined the necrotic volume and its ratio to the entire tumor volume. When they were above 50 cm3 and 20%, respectively, they correlated with a worse overall survival (p = 0.0072 and p = 0.0136, respectively) and event-free survival (p = 0.0059 and p = 0.0143, respectively). IHC assessments enable a significant statistical link between HIF-1α/CAIX hyper-expressions, CD68+ cells and a worse outcome, whereas activation of mTor pathway was linked to a better survival rate and CD163+ cells. Conclusions: This study evidenced the links between hypoxia and immunity in OTS, as their poor outcome may be related to a larger necrotic volume on diagnostic MRI and, in biopsies, to a specific IHC profile.
Risk of Gynecological Cancers in Cholecystectomized Women: A Large Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kharazmi Elham , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Fallah Mahdi , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo
Published: March 2022

Background: Gallstones affect women more frequently than men, and symptomatic gallstones are increasingly treated with surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer share several risk factors with gallstones, including overweight, obesity, and exposure to female sex hormones. We intended to assess the association between cholecystectomy and female cancer risk, which has not been comprehensively investigated. Methods: We investigated the risk of female cancers after cholecystectomy leveraging the Swedish Cancer, Population, Patient, and Death registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) adjusted for age, calendar period, socioeconomic status, and residential area were used to compare cancer risk in cholecystectomized and non-cholecystectomized women. Results: During a median follow-up of 11 years, 325,106 cholecystectomized women developed 10,431 primary breast, 2888 endometrial, 1577 ovarian, and 705 cervical cancers. The risk of ovarian cancer was increased by 35% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2% to 77%) in the first 6 months after cholecystectomy. The exclusion of cancers diagnosed in the first 6 months still resulted in an increased risk of endometrial (19%, 95%CI 14% to 23%) and breast (5%, 95%CI 3% to 7%) cancer, especially in women cholecystectomized after age 50 years. By contrast, cholecystectomized women showed decreased risks of cervical (−13%, 95%CI −20% to −7%) and ovarian (−6%, 95%CI −10% to −1%) cancer. Conclusions: The risk of ovarian cancer increased by 35% in a just short period of time (6 months) following the surgery. Therefore, it is worth ruling out ovarian cancer before cholecystectomy. Women undergoing cholecystectomy showed an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer up to 30 years after surgery. Further evaluation of the association between gallstones or gallbladder removal on female cancer risk would allow for the assessment of the need to intensify cancer screening in cholecystectomized women.
Dramatic In Vivo Efficacy of the EZH2-Inhibitor Tazemetostat in PBRM1-Mutated Human Chordoma Xenograft
Authors: Passeri Thibault , Dahmani Ahmed , Masliah-Planchon Julien , Naguez Adnan , Michou Marine , El Botty Rania , Vacher Sophie , Bouarich Rachida , Nicolas André , Polivka Marc , Franck Coralie , Schnitzler Anne , Némati Fariba , Roman-Roman Sergio , Bourdeaut Franck , Adle-Biassette Homa , Mammar Hamid , Froelich Sébastien , Bièche Ivan , Decaudin Didier
Published: March 2022

Chordomas are rare neoplasms characterized by a high recurrence rate and a poor long-term prognosis. Considering their chemo-/radio-resistance, alternative treatment strategies are strongly required, but their development is limited by the paucity of relevant preclinical models. Mutations affecting genes of the SWI/SNF complexes are frequently found in chordomas, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect of epigenetic regulators in this pathology. Twelve PDX models were established and characterized on histological and biomolecular features. Patients whose tumors were able to grow into mice had a statistically significant lower progression-free survival than those whose tumors did not grow after in vivo transplantation (p = 0.007). All PDXs maintained the same histopathological features as patients’ tumors. Homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/2B (58.3%) and PBRM1 (25%) variants were the most common genomic alterations found. In the tazemetostat treated PDX model harboring a PBRM1 variant, an overall survival of 100% was observed. Our panel of chordoma PDXs represents a useful preclinical tool for both pharmacologic and biological assessments. The first demonstration of a high antitumor activity of tazemetostat in a PDX model harboring a PBRM1 variant supports further evaluation for EZH2-inhibitors in this subgroup of chordomas.
Uncovering the Mechanism of the Hydrogen Poisoning on Ru Nanoparticles via Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Rivera Rocabado David S. , Aizawa Mika , Noguchi Tomohiro G. , Yamauchi Miho , Ishimoto Takayoshi
Published: March 2022

Although hydrogen plays a crucial role in ammonia synthesis, very little is known about its poisoning of Ru catalysts. In this study, density functional theory calculations of H2 and N2 dissociations, and H atom binding on Ru153 were performed to provide a fundamental understanding of hydrogen poisoning. Because of the kinetic dominance of the H2 dissociation over N2 (vertically or horizontally adsorbed) splitting, the dissociated H atoms block the active sites required for horizontal (less energetically demanding dissociation) N2 adsorption to occur either from the gas phase or after its geometrical transformation from being adsorbed vertically. Additionally, the dissociated H atoms withdraw electrons from the surface, which reduces the ability of the neighboring Ru atoms to donate electrons for N2 activation, hindering its dissociation and suppressing ammonia synthesis.
Cooling Uncouples Differentially ROS Production from Respiration and Ca2+ Homeostasis Dynamic in Brain and Heart Mitochondria
Authors: Stevic Neven , Maalouf Jennifer , Argaud Laurent , Gallo-Bona Noëlle , Lo Grasso Mégane , Gouriou Yves , Gomez Ludovic , Crola Da Silva Claire , Ferrera René , Ovize Michel , Cour Martin , Bidaux Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Hypothermia provides an effective neuro and cardio-protection in clinical settings implying ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R). At the onset of reperfusion, succinate-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and decreased Ca2+ retention capacity (CRC) concur to mitochondrial damages. We explored the effects of temperature from 6 to 37 °C on OXPHOS, ROS production, and CRC, using isolated mitochondria from mouse brain and heart. Oxygen consumption and ROS production was gradually inhibited when cooling from 37 to 6 °C in brain mitochondria (BM) and heart mitochondria (HM). The decrease in ROS production was gradual in BM but steeper between 31 and 20 °C in HM. In respiring mitochondria, the gradual activation of complex II, in addition of complex I, dramatically enhanced ROS production at all temperatures without modifying respiration, likely because of ubiquinone over-reduction. Finally, CRC values were linearly increased by cooling in both BM and HM. In BM, the Ca2+ uptake rate by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) decreased by 2.7-fold between 25 and 37 °C, but decreased by 5.7-fold between 25 and 37 °C in HM. In conclusion, mild cold (25–37 °C) exerts differential inhibitory effects by preventing ROS production, by reverse electron transfer (RET) in BM, and by reducing MCU-mediated Ca2+ uptake rate in BM and HM.
Solvation Effects on the Thermal Helix Inversion of Molecular Motors from QM/MM Calculations
Authors: Wen Jin , Zhu Meifang , González Leticia
Published: March 2022

Molecular motors convert light and thermal energies into mechanical work, offering good opportunities to design novel molecular devices. Among them, molecular motors alternate a photoisomerization and a thermal helix inversion to achieve unidirectional rotation. The rotational speed is limited by the helix inversion step, which in turn is governed by a barrier in the electronic ground state. In this work, we systematically study the solvation effect on the thermal process of selected molecular motors, comparing reaction barriers obtained from both density functional theory (DFT) in the isolated system and umbrella sampling within a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) model in solution. We find more prominent solvation effects on those molecular motors with larger dipole moments. The results could provide insight into how to functionalize molecular motors to speed up their rotation.
The Cytotoxicity of OptiBond Solo Plus and Its Effect on Sulfur Enzymes Expression in Human Fibroblast Cell Line Hs27
Authors: Bentke-Imiolek Anna , Kaszuba Kinga , Bronowicka-Adamska Patrycja , Czopik Barbara , Zarzecka Joanna , Wróbel Maria
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the cytotoxic concentrations and incubation times of the commonly used dental adhesive system OptiBond Solo Plus in its non-polymerized form, and to test how it relates to oxidative stress by determining the reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) levels as well as to study its influence on cell number and the expression of selected sulfur enzymes, with particular emphasis on cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST). All investigations were conducted on an in vitro model of human fibroblast cell line Hs27. Changes in cellular plasma membrane integrity were measured by the LDH test. The expression levels were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot protocols. Changes in cell number were visualized using crystal violet staining. The RP-HPLC method was used to determine the GSH and GSSG levels. Reduced cell number was shown for all tested concentrations and times. Changes in the expression on the mRNA and protein level were demonstrated for CTH and MPST enzymes upon exposure to the tested range of OptiBond concentrations. Levels of low-molecular sulfur compounds of reduced and oxidized glutathione were also established. Cytotoxic effect of OptiBond Solo Plus may be connected with the changes of MPST and CTH sulfur enzymes in the human fibroblast Hs27 cell line. The elevated levels of these enzymes could possibly show the antioxidant response to this dental adhesive system. OptiBond Solo Plus in vitro results should be taken into consideration for further in vivo tests.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Comparative Examination of Voucher Museums Reveal Two New Species of Gymnophthalmid Lizards (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) from the Peruvian Andes, with Comments on Proctoporus guentheri (Boettger, 1891)
Authors: Mamani Luis , Cruz Roxana , Mallqui Sergio , Catenazzi Alessandro
Published: March 2022

The genus Proctoporus comprises cursorial and semifossorial lizards that inhabit the Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. The taxonomy is complex, and many undescribed species and geographic gaps remain to be addressed. In this study, we use molecular phylogenetics and examine voucher museums to describe two new species of gymnophthalmid lizards from the montane forests of Cusco, on the eastern slopes of the Andes of Peru. We inferred phylogenetic relationships from concatenated sequences of four mitochondrial (12S, 16S, ND4, and Cytb) and one nuclear (c-mos) gene fragments, using a Maximum Likelihood approach and Bayesian Inference. We also examined and compared meristic traits of the specimens deposited in herpetological collections in Peru and Bolivia. Our molecular phylogeny had strong support for the monophyly of the subfamily Cercosaurinae, low support for the genus Proctoporus, and revealed two new taxa of Proctoporus. The two new species, which we name P. katerynae sp. nov. and P. optimus sp. nov., are characterized as having two rows of pregular scales and three anterior infralabials. Furthermore, we re-identified specimens assigned to P. laudahnae as P. guentheri, and we comment on the taxonomy of P. guentheri. Finally, we discuss how global climate change and human-caused habitat loss may threaten P. katerynae sp. nov. and P. optimus sp. nov. by the mechanism known as “Escalator to extinction”.
Deep Margin Elevation: A Literature Review
Authors: Samartzi Theodora Kalliopi , Papalexopoulos Dimokritos , Ntovas Panagiotis , Rahiotis Christos , Blatz Markus B.
Published: March 2022

A conservative approach for restoring deep proximal lesions is to apply an increment of composite resin over the preexisting cervical margin to relocate it coronally, the so-called “deep margin elevation” (DME). A literature search for research articles referring to DME published from January 1998 until November 2021 was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Semantic Scholar databases applying preset inclusion and exclusion criteria. Elevation material and adhesive system employed for luting seem to be significant factors concerning the marginal adaptation of the restoration. This technique does not affect bond strength, fatigue behavior, fracture resistance, failure pattern or repairability. DME and subgingival restorations are compatible with periodontal health, given that they are well-polished and refined. The available literature is limited mainly to in vitro studies. Therefore, randomized clinical trials with extended follow-up periods are necessary to clarify all aspects of the technique and ascertain its validity in clinical practice. For the time being, DME should be applied with caution respecting three criteria: capability of field isolation, the perfect seal of the cervical margin provided by the matrix, and no invasion of the connective compartment of biological width.
A Swarm Confrontation Method Based on Lanchester Law and Nash Equilibrium
Authors: Ji Xiang , Zhang Wanpeng , Xiang Fengtao , Yuan Weilin , Chen Jing
Published: March 2022

In this paper, more efficient allocation of forces is analyzed in the future air confrontation among unmanned aerial vehicle swarms. A novel method is proposed for swarm confrontation based on the Lanchester law and Nash equilibrium. Due to the huge number of unmanned aerial vehicles, it is not beneficial to deploy UAV forces in swarm confrontation. Moreover, unmanned aerial vehicles do not have high maneuverability in collaboration. Therefore, we propose to divide the swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles into groups, so that swarms of both sides can fight in different battlefields, which could be considered as a Colonel Blotto Game. Inspired by the double oracle algorithm, a Nash equilibrium solving method is proposed to searched for the best force allocation of the swarm confrontation. In addition, this paper proposes the concept of the boundary contact rate and carries out quantitative numerical analysis with the Lanchester law. Experiments reveal the relationship between the boundary contact rate and the optimal strategy of swarm confrontation, which could guide the force allocation in future swarm confrontation. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the division method and the double oracle-based equilibrium solving algorithm proposed in this paper is verified.
Intelligent Reflecting Surface Aided Wireless Systems with Imperfect Hardware
Authors: Nguyen Nhan Duc , Le Anh-Tu , Munochiveyi Munyaradzi , Afghah Fatemeh , Pallis Evangelos
Published: March 2022

In this article, we investigate the design of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-aided transmission as a smart method to reflect signals received from access points to users and, hence, improving users’ performance. To implement smart Internet of Things (IoT) networks, massive connectivity and low-cost deployment are essential in designing such systems. In particular, we consider two practical scenarios (dual-hop and single-hop transmissions). These scenarios highlight the potential of RIS in enhancing the system’s outage probability performance. Furthermore, to characterize channel conditions in practice, we pay particular attention to two-channel distributions that are non-central chi-square (NCCS) distributions that approximate the channel distribution of the RIS-aided wireless system and the squared KG distribution. In addition, the RIS-aided system may face imperfect hardware-related issues in practice. Therefore, we need to consider the degraded performance of practical RIS-aided systems by considering the detrimental impact of in-phase and quadrature-phase imbalance (IQI). To characterize the main system performance metric, we provide closed-form formulas of outage probability and ergodic capacity. We then evaluate system performance under the impacts of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the number of meta-surfaces, and channel parameters. All closed-form outage expressions are validated via Monte Carlo simulations. Simulation results indicate that the considered RIS scheme at dual-hop and single hop under the impact of IQI and RIS hardware impairment achieves significant improvements in terms of outage probability at high SNR and high meta-surface number N. Additionally, the simulation results demonstrate that the impact of IQI on the proposed system is limited. It is worth noting that, in terms of ergodic capacity, ergodic capacity faces an upper limit. Despite this limitation, the proposed system can still work well once some parameters are controlled well, such as the transmit SNR, levels of IQI, and the number of RIS components.
Two-Lane Highways: Indispensable Rural Mobility
Authors: Al-Kaisy Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Two-lane highways refer to roadways consisting of two lanes in the cross section, one for each direction of travel. Occasionally, passing lanes may be added to one or two sides of the roadway extending the cross section to three or four lanes at those locations. In this entry, two-lane highways strictly refer to roads in rural areas meeting the previous definition and do not include urban and suburban streets.
Newborn Screening in Pediatric Endocrine Disorders
Authors: Draznin Martin , Borgohain Preeti , Kanungo Shibani
Published: March 2022

Two endocrine disorders, congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), when untreated, can have devastating, irreversible and fatal outcomes. Permanent cognitive impairment, growth failure and dysmorphic appearance are seen in congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and early infant death in males with salt wasting CAH (as most females are discovered by presence of atypical genital appearance, while males appeared normal). Newborn screening (NBS) for CH was developed with broader engagement of centers, and was more rapidly adopted throughout the US and other large or developed countries, while NBS for CAH was pioneered by relatively few and was not fully adopted in the US until the initiation of Universal Expanded Newborn Screening Panel in 2005. Advances in genetic understanding of CH and CAH continue with NBS. Cost–benefit analysis, showing CH NBS as more successful than CAH NBS, may not fully recognize the cost of a life saved with CAH NBS. Early treatment of CH is much simpler with taking a pill a day unlike CAH requiring multiple medication doses, and possibly surgery apart from enteral and parenteral stress doses during adrenal crisis. CAH management outcomes with gender identity matters in persons with atypical genital appearance and androgen effects are still being studied.
Predictors of the Success of Natural Regeneration in a Himalayan Treeline Ecotone
Authors: Schwab Niels , Bürzle Birgit , Bobrowski Maria , Böhner Jürgen , Chaudhary Ram Prasad , Scholten Thomas , Weidinger Johannes , Schickhoff Udo
Published: March 2022

The sensitivity and response of climatic treelines in the Himalayas to climate change is still being debated. Regeneration of tree species in the treeline ecotone is considered a sensitivity indicator and thus of great scientific interest. The aim of this study is to detect predictor variables for regeneration densities of the major tree species in central Himalayan treeline ecotones (Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis, Rhododendron campanulatum), analysing five development stages from seedling to mature tree. We applied negative binomial generalized linear models with predictors selected from a wide range of soil, topography, climate and stand characteristic variables. We found considerably varying predictors across the tree species and their stages of development. Soil conditions, topography and climate, as well as competing and facilitating tree species, had high predictive power for population densities. These predictors were clearly species- and development stage-specific. Predictors’ spatial- and development-specific heterogeneity induce a high degree of complexity and diversify any potentially linear response of tree population densities and treeline position to changing climatic conditions.
Height, Nutritional and Economic Inequality in Central Spain, 1837–1936
Authors: Garcia-Montero Hector
Published: March 2022

This article analyzes the evolution of inequality in mean male height in central Spain considering the generations born from 1837 to 1915, measured in the drafts from 1858 to 1936 (n = 53,503). Mean adult height reflects a crude indicator of net nutritional status, a proxy for currently known measures of stunting and wasting. The results reveal a cycle of stagnation and decline in average height at the age of 21 for those born from the 1850s to the 1870s and a subsequent positive secular trend to exceed baseline levels. The coefficient of variation shows how inequality in height followed an opposite pattern, with an increase in the mid-nineteenth century and a subsequent decline, with an overall decline. The great migratory wave towards Latin America (1880–1930) barely affected the area studied here. The available evidence on the occupations and educational level of the recruits reveals a ranking in average height related to family background and personal income, educational level and literacy, propinquity to food and ownership and/or management of land. Therefore, socioeconomic status largely predicted adult height in Spanish men during the period. Reducing absolute poverty and increasing access to education remain cornerstones to reducing malnutrition, even in the current world.
Smokeless Tobacco in Uganda: Perceptions among Tobacco Control Stakeholders
Authors: Male Denis , Kansabe Shirley , Lukwata Hafsa , Rubanga Alexander , Siddiqi Kamran , Bauld Linda , McNeill Ann , Dobbie Fiona
Published: March 2022

The use and sale of smokeless tobacco (SLT) is prohibited in Uganda under the Tobacco Control Act (TCA), 2015. Nonetheless, SLT products remain available, and there are limited and inconsistent data on SLT users. Additionally, the perceptions of tobacco control stakeholders on SLT are unknown, making it difficult to determine barriers to enforcing the ban. This study examined perceptions of tobacco control stakeholders regarding SLT in Uganda. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders who were purposively selected from ministries, semi-autonomous government agencies and Civil Society Organizations. Interviews explored knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of SLT appeal, and user demographics. Data were analysed using Nvivo V.12 software. Participants demonstrated a general lack of awareness of SLT product types and the extent of their use. They believed SLT use was increasing among females and minors and was as harmful to health and the economy as smoking. SLT products were thought to be cheaper than cigarettes and to appeal to minors. Discreet use was thought to help users overcome the cultural aversion towards tobacco use among women and youth in Uganda. There is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of the SLT ban whilst also increasing efforts to reduce tobacco smoking.
Perspective of Teachers and Students towards the Education Process during COVID-19 in Romanian Universities
Authors: Barbu Andreea , Popescu Mirona Ana Maria , Moiceanu Georgiana
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created important changes in all areas, highlighting many vulnerabilities, but also opportunities based on the use of technology. This paper aims to provide an overview of the online educational process from two perspectives—that of students and that of professors from Romanian universities. Data were collected from 844 students from Romanian universities disregarding the area of study. To achieve the main goal of this paper, both qualitative (in-depth interviews) and quantitative methods (surveys) were used, the data being processed using the SPSS Statistical software. The results of this paper highlight the discrepancy between the perspectives of the two parties directly involved in the university educational process. The study shows that the pandemic forced both stakeholders to work harder than before, which negatively affected the way the educational process unfolded, the pleasure of the teaching/learning process, the level of enthusiasm, and sometimes even the academic results. The final conclusions of this paper also highlight the need to make financial investments for the acquisition of licenses to create virtual animations or simulations, as well as for training teachers in their use. Research also indicates that to maintain students’ attention in class, especially online, teachers should use new teaching strategies, such as the use of debates and brainstorming sessions.
Spiritual Needs, Religious Coping and Mental Wellbeing: A Cross-Sectional Study among Migrants and Refugees in Germany
Authors: Maier Kathrin , Konaszewski Karol , Skalski Sebastian Binyamin , Büssing Arndt , Surzykiewicz Janusz
Published: March 2022

It has been widely proven that resettlement is associated with negative psychological effects (e.g., increased depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder) among refugees. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the psychosocial functioning of migrants. This study assessed associations between negative dysfunctional appraisal (perceiving experiences as stressful), spiritual needs, religious coping and wellbeing. Data from paper-and-pencil questionnaires were collected from 744 refugees (69.8% male) aged 18–67 years (M = 27.99) with diverse backgrounds (including from Mashreq countries) who were resettled in Germany. Bootstrapping mediation analysis revealed that the relationship of dysfunctional appraisal and wellbeing among refugees is mediated by spiritual needs (i.e., existential and religious needs). Additionally, negative religious coping mediates the relationship between spiritual needs and wellbeing. The data obtained suggest the need for practitioners to focus on psychological interventions that strengthen spiritual needs in order to improve mental health among refugees.
Effects of Resistance Training in Hypobaric vs. Normobaric Hypoxia on Circulating Ions and Hormones
Authors: Timon Rafael , Olcina Guillermo , Padial Paulino , Bonitch-Góngora Juan , Martínez-Guardado Ismael , Benavente Cristina , de la Fuente Blanca , Feriche Belen
Published: March 2022

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) seems to lead to different responses compared to normobaric hypoxia (NH) during physical conditioning. The aim of the study was to analyze the hormonal and circulating ion responses after performing high-intensity resistance training with different inter-set rest under HH and NH condition. Sixteen male volunteers were randomly divided into two training groups. Each group completed two counterbalanced resistance training sessions (three sets × ten repetitions, remaining two repetitions in reserve), with both one- and two-minute inter-set rest, under HH and NH. Blood samples were obtained to determine hormones and circulating ions (Ca2+, Pi, and HCO3−) at baseline and after training sessions (5, 10, and 30 min). Resistance training with one-minute rest caused greater hormonal stress than with two-minute rest in cortisol and growth hormone, although the hypoxic environmental condition did not cause any significant alterations in these hormones. The short inter-set rest also caused greater alterations in HCO3− and Pi than the longer rest. Additionally, higher levels of Ca2+ and Pi, and lower levels of HCO3−, were observed after training in HH compared to NH. Metabolic and physiological responses after resistance training are mediated by inter-set rest intervals and hypoxic environmental condition. According to the alterations observed in the circulating ions, HH could cause greater muscular fatigue and metabolic stress than NH.
Validating the Digital Health Literacy Instrument in Relation to COVID-19 Information (COVID-DHL-K) among South Korean Undergraduates
Authors: Chun Heeran , Park Eun-Ja , Choi Seul Ki , Yoon Hyeran , Okan Orkan , Dadaczynski Kevin
Published: March 2022

Digital health literacy is crucial in accessing and applying health information in the COVID-19 pandemic period. Young college students are exposed daily to digital technologies, and they have further increased the use of digital information during the COVID-19 period. This study aimed to adapt DHLI into Korean and to assess the psychometric properties, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. A cross-sectional, nationwide, and web-based survey was conducted among 604 Korean undergraduates from 23 December 2020 to 8 January 2021. On the basis of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) by the Global COVID HL Network, the Korean questionnaire was developed by group translation, expert reviews, and forward–backward translation for validation. The scale reliability and validity were examined using Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. Results support the theoretical and empirical four-factor structure (search, express, evaluate, use) in the coronavirus-related DHL among Korean University students. Internal reliability of the overall scale was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.908). The four-factor model was supported by confirmatory factor analysis (GFI = 0.972, CFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.978, RMSEA = 0.045). This study revealed that the COVID-DHL-K is a valid and reliable measure with appropriate psychometric characteristics.
Cognitive Function among World Trade Center-Exposed Community Members with Mental Health Symptoms
Authors: Rosen Rebecca , Shao Yongzhao , Zhang Qiao , Bao Jia , Zhang Yian , Masurkar Arjun , Wisniewski Thomas , Urban Nina , Reibman Joan
Published: March 2022

The World Trade Center Environmental Health Center (WTC EHC), is a federally designated clinical center of excellence for surveillance and treatment of WTC disaster exposed community members (WTC Survivors). Cognitive impairment (CI) has been extensively described in WTC responders and a concern for progressive impairment in all WTC disaster exposed groups has been raised. Cognitive status, however, has not been systematically characterized in the WTC Survivor population. We describe cognitive status in a subgroup of the Survivor population referred for mental health evaluation (N = 480) in the WTC EHC as measured by scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) instrument, and examine their association with WTC exposures and individual-level covariates including PTSD and depression screening inventory scores. In regression analyses, probable cognitive impairment (MoCA score < 26) was found in 59% of the study subjects and was significantly associated with age, race/ethnicity, education, income, depression and PTSD scores. Being caught in the dust cloud on 11 September 2011 was significantly associated with cognitive impairment even after controlling for the above. These data suggest an association with cognitive dysfunction in WTC Survivors with exposure to the toxic dust/fumes and psychological stress from the 9/11 terrorist attack and warrant further systematic study.
Modeling the Spatial and Temporal Spread of COVID-19 in Poland Based on a Spatial Interaction Model
Authors: Werner Piotr A. , Kęsik-Brodacka Małgorzata , Nowak Karolina , Olszewski Robert , Kaleta Mariusz , Liebers David T.
Published: March 2022

This article describes an original methodology for integrating global SIR-like epidemic models with spatial interaction models, which enables the forecasting of COVID-19 dynamics in Poland through time and space. Mobility level, estimated by the regional population density and distances among inhabitants, was the determining variable in the spatial interaction model. The spatiotemporal diffusion model, which allows the temporal prediction of case counts and the possibility of determining their spatial distribution, made it possible to forecast the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic at a regional level in Poland. This model was used to predict incidence in 380 counties in Poland, which represents a much more detailed modeling than NUTS 3 according to the widely used geocoding standard Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics. The research covered the entire territory of Poland in seven weeks of early 2021, just before the start of vaccination in Poland. The results were verified using official epidemiological data collected by sanitary and epidemiological stations. As the conducted analyses show, the application of the approach proposed in the article, integrating epidemiological models with spatial interaction models, especially unconstrained gravity models and destination (attraction) constrained models, leads to obtaining almost 90% of the coefficient of determination, which reflects the quality of the model’s fit with the spatiotemporal distribution of the validation data.
Soil Mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) Communities and Their Relationships with Some Environmental Variables in Experimental Grasslands from Bucegi Mountains in Romania
Authors: Manu Minodora , Băncilă Raluca Ioana , Mountford Owen John , Maruşca Teodor , Blaj Vasile Adrian , Onete Marilena
Published: March 2022

The main objective of the study was to analyse, for the first time in Romania, the relationships between five experimental grasslands and Mesostigmata fauna, considering: (1) the structural differences between mite communities; (2) the variations in some important abiotic factors (vegetation cover, soil temperature, soil moisture content, pH, soil resistance at penetration); and (3) the influence of these abiotic factors on the structures of Mesostigmata mite communities and the dispersal rates of these communities between the investigated plots. In total, 250 soil samples were analysed in July 2017, revealing the presence of 30 species, with 1163 individuals. Using the multivariate analysis, we observed that each experimental plot was defined by characteristic environmental conditions, i.e., vegetation cover, soil moisture content, and soil temperature differed significantly between the experimental grasslands. Each experimental plot was characterised by a specific indicator species and population parameters (numerical abundance and species richness). The effects of these soil variables were even demonstrated at species level: Veigaia planicola, Geolaelaps nolli, and Gamasellodes insignis were influenced by vegetation cover, Lysigamasus conus and Dendrolaelapsfoveolatus by soil temperature. The dispersal rates of mite communities from one plot to another were higher in the grasslands, where there were euconstant–constant species.
The Contribution of Silk Fibroin in Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Lujerdean Cristian , Baci Gabriela-Maria , Cucu Alexandra-Antonia , Dezmirean Daniel Severus
Published: March 2022

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein (biopolymer) extracted from the cocoons of Bombyx mori L. (silkworm). It has many properties of interest in the field of biotechnology, the most important being biodegradability, biocompatibility and robust mechanical strength with high tensile strength. SF is usually dissolved in water-based solvents and can be easily reconstructed into a variety of material formats, including films, mats, hydrogels, and sponges, by various fabrication techniques (spin coating, electrospinning, freeze-drying, and physical or chemical crosslinking). Furthermore, SF is a feasible material used in many biomedical applications, including tissue engineering (3D scaffolds, wounds dressing), cancer therapy (mimicking the tumor microenvironment), controlled drug delivery (SF-based complexes), and bone, eye and skin regeneration. In this review, we describe the structure, composition, general properties, and structure–properties relationship of SF. In addition, the main methods used for ecological extraction and processing of SF that make it a green material are discussed. Lastly, technological advances in the use of SF-based materials are addressed, especially in healthcare applications such as tissue engineering and cancer therapeutics.
CIP2A as a Key Regulator for AKT Phosphorylation Has Partial Impact Determining Clinical Outcome in Breast Cancer
Authors: Luque Melani , Cristóbal Ion , Sanz-Álvarez Marta , Santos Andrea , Zazo Sandra , Eroles Pilar , Arpí Oriol , Rovira Ana , Albanell Joan , Madoz-Gúrpide Juan , García-Foncillas Jesús , Rojo Federico
Published: March 2022

Together with its reported ability to modulate AKT phosphorylation (p-AKT) status in several tumor types, the oncoprotein CIP2A has been described to induce breast cancer progression and drug resistance. However, the clinical and therapeutic relevance of the CIP2A/AKT interplay in breast cancer remains to be fully clarified. Here, we found high p-AKT levels in 80 out of 220 cases (36.4%), which were associated with negative estrogen receptor expression (p = 0.049) and CIP2A overexpression (p < 0.001). Interestingly, p-AKT determined substantially shorter overall (p = 0.002) and progression-free survival (p = 0.003), and multivariate analyses showed its CIP2A-independent prognostic value. Moreover, its clinical relevance was further confirmed in the triple negative and HER2-positive subgroups after stratifying our series by molecular subtype. Functionally, we confirmed in vitro the role of CIP2A as a regulator of p-AKT levels in breast cancer cell lines, and the importance of the CIP2A/AKT axis was also validated in vivo. Finally, p-AKT also showed a higher predictive value of response to doxorubicin than CIP2A in ex vivo analyses. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CIP2A overexpression is a key contributing event to AKT phosphorylation and highlights the CIP2A/AKT axis as a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. However, our observations highlight the existence of alternative mechanisms that regulate AKT signaling in a subgroup of breast tumors without altered CIP2A expression that determines its independent value as a marker of poor outcome in this disease.
Effects of Glucocorticoid Therapy on Sepsis Depend Both on the Dose of Steroids and on the Severity and Phase of the Animal Sepsis Model
Authors: Park Ye Jin , Lee Min Ji , Bae Jinkun , Lee Jung Ho , Lee Han A Reum , Mun Sehwan , Kim Yun-seok , Yune Chang June , Chung Tae Nyoung , Kim Kyuseok
Published: March 2022

Steroids are currently being used in sepsis, particularly in septic shock. However, clinical trials to date have shown contradictory results. This could be attributed to the different patient endotypes and steroid doses, which have also contributed to the inconclusive results. We investigated the effects of glucocorticoid therapy on sepsis in a polymicrobial sepsis model in a variety of settings, such as steroid dose, severity, and sepsis phase. We used a rat model of fecal slurry polymicrobial sepsis. First, we investigated the optimum dose of steroids in a sepsis model. We administered different doses of dexamethasone after sepsis induction (0.1DEX; 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2DEX; 0.2 mg/kg, 5DEX; 5 mg/kg). Second, we used two different severities of the fecal slurry polymicrobial sepsis rat model to examine the effects of the steroids. A moderate or severe model was defined as a survival rate of approximately 70% and 30%, respectively. Third, we administered steroids in an early (1 h after sepsis induction) or late phase (25 h after sepsis). In all the experiments, we investigated the survival rates. In the determined optimal model and settings, we measured serum lactate, alanine transferase (ALT), creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and arterial blood gas. We evaluated the bacterial burden in the blood and spleen. Endotoxin tolerance of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and splenocytes was also investigated to determine the level of immune suppression 24 h after sepsis by measuring TNF-α production after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in an ex vivo model. Early treatment of 0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone in a severe sepsis model showed the best beneficial effects. In moderate- or late-phase sepsis, there was no survival gain with steroid treatment. DEX0.2 group showed less acute kidney injury manifested by serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. DEX decreased the levels of cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Colony-forming units were significantly decreased in the blood when administered with dexamethasone. Endotoxin tolerance was not significantly different between the DEX0.2 and control groups. In conclusion, early treatment of 0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone improved the outcomes of rats in a severe sepsis model.
Optimization of LC-MS2 Data Acquisition Parameters for Molecular Networking Applied to Marine Natural Products
Authors: Afoullouss Sam , Balsam Agata , Allcock A. Louise , Thomas Olivier P.
Published: March 2022

Since the introduction of the online open-source GNPS, molecular networking has quickly become a widely applied tool in the field of natural products chemistry, with applications from dereplication, genome mining, metabolomics, and visualization of chemical space. Studies have shown that data dependent acquisition (DDA) parameters affect molecular network topology but are limited in the number of parameters studied. With an aim to optimize LC-MS2 parameters for integrating GNPS-based molecular networking into our marine natural products workflow, a design of experiment (DOE) was used to screen the significance of the effect that eleven parameters have on both Classical Molecular Networking workflow (CLMN) and the new Feature-Based Molecular Networking workflow (FBMN). Our results indicate that four parameters (concentration, run duration, collision energy and number of precursors per cycle) are the most significant data acquisition parameters affecting the network topology. While concentration and the LC duration were found to be the two most important factors to optimize for CLMN, the number of precursors per cycle and collision energy were also very important factors to optimize for FBMN.