bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residents’ Experiential Knowledge and Its Importance for Decision-Making Processes in Spatial Planning: A PPGIS Based Study
Authors: Bąkowska-Waldmann Edyta
Published: March 2023

Decisions are a key element of spatial planning processes and in the face of increasing public participation in local governance, they become even more complex. The diversity of stakeholders in planning processes causes a significant increase in the number and scope of articulated expectations, needs, and knowledge that could be integrated into the process. Along with the participatory approaches in spatial planning, a departure from the expert-oriented decision-making model towards its collaborative form is expected. As everyday users of space, residents have knowledge about the functioning of its elements resulting from their experience, the so-called experiential knowledge. The study aimed to investigate the role of residents’ input in diagnosing space in spatial planning processes using public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS). The article presents the study’s results conducted in Poznan, Poland, among residents and urban planners using geo-questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The article presents the characteristics of the residents’ contribution to the spatial diagnosis and the possibilities and limitations of the involvement of residents’ knowledge collected using a geoweb tool in the professional work of urban planners.
Role of Cytochrome P450 Enzyme in Plant Microorganisms’ Communication: A Focus on Grapevine
Authors: Minerdi Daniela , Savoi Stefania , Sabbatini Paolo
Published: March 2023

Cytochromes P450 are ancient enzymes diffused in organisms belonging to all kingdoms of life, including viruses, with the largest number of P450 genes found in plants. The functional characterization of cytochromes P450 has been extensively investigated in mammals, where these enzymes are involved in the metabolism of drugs and in the detoxification of pollutants and toxic chemicals. The aim of this work is to present an overview of the often disregarded role of the cytochrome P450 enzymes in mediating the interaction between plants and microorganisms. Quite recently, several research groups have started to investigate the role of P450 enzymes in the interactions between plants and (micro)organisms, focusing on the holobiont Vitis vinifera. Grapevines live in close association with large numbers of microorganisms and interact with each other, regulating several vine physiological functions, from biotic and abiotic stress tolerance to fruit quality at harvest.
Mechanisms of Nanoscale Radiation Enhancement by Metal Nanoparticles: Role of Low Energy Electrons
Authors: Zheng Yi , Sanche Léon
Published: March 2023

Metal nanoparticles are considered as highly promising radiosensitizers in cancer radiotherapy. Understanding their radiosensitization mechanisms is critical for future clinical applications. This review is focused on the initial energy deposition by short-range Auger electrons; when high energy radiation is absorbed by gold nanoparticles (GNPs) located near vital biomolecules; such as DNA. Auger electrons and the subsequent production of secondary low energy electrons (LEEs) are responsible for most the ensuing chemical damage near such molecules. We highlight recent progress on DNA damage induced by the LEEs produced abundantly within about 100 nanometers from irradiated GNPs; and by those emitted by high energy electrons and X-rays incident on metal surfaces under differing atmospheric environments. LEEs strongly react within cells; mainly via bound breaking processes due to transient anion formation and dissociative electron attachment. The enhancement of damages induced in plasmid DNA by LEEs; with or without the binding of chemotherapeutic drugs; are explained by the fundamental mechanisms of LEE interactions with simple molecules and specific sites on nucleotides. We address the major challenge of metal nanoparticle and GNP radiosensitization; i.e., to deliver the maximum local dose of radiation to the most sensitive target of cancer cells (i.e., DNA). To achieve this goal the emitted electrons from the absorbed high energy radiation must be short range, and produce a large local density of LEEs, and the initial radiation must have the highest possible absorption coefficient compared to that of soft tissue (e.g., 20–80 keV X-rays).
The Intrinsic Radius as a Key Parameter in the Generalized Born Model to Adjust Protein-Protein Electrostatic Interaction
Authors: Parkin Dan , Takano Mitsunori
Published: March 2023

The generalized Born (GB) model is an extension of the continuum dielectric theory of Born solvation energy and is a powerful method for accelerating the molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of charged biological molecules in water. While the effective dielectric constant of water that varies as a function of the separation distance between solute molecules is incorporated into the GB model, adjustment of the parameters is indispensable for accurate calculation of the Coulomb (electrostatic) energy. One of the key parameters is the lower limit of the spatial integral of the energy density of the electric field around a charged atom, known as the intrinsic radius ρ. Although ad hoc adjustment of ρ has been conducted to improve the Coulombic (ionic) bond stability, the physical mechanism by which ρ affects the Coulomb energy remains unclear. Via energetic analysis of three differently sized systems, here, we clarify that the Coulomb bond stability increases with increasing ρ and that the increased stability is caused by the interaction energy term, not by the self-energy (desolvation energy) term, as was supposed previously. Our results suggest that the use of larger values for the intrinsic radii of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, together with the use of a relatively small value for the spatial integration cutoff in the GB model, can better reproduce the Coulombic attraction between protein molecules.
Analysis of Dysferlin Direct Interactions with Putative Repair Proteins Links Apoptotic Signaling to Ca2+ Elevation via PDCD6 and FKBP8
Authors: Drescher Dennis G. , Drescher Marian J. , Selvakumar Dakshnamurthy , Annam Neeraja P.
Published: March 2023

Quantitative surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was utilized to determine binding strength and calcium dependence of direct interactions between dysferlin and proteins likely to mediate skeletal muscle repair, interrupted in limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B/R2. Dysferlin canonical C2A (cC2A) and C2F/G domains directly interacted with annexin A1, calpain-3, caveolin-3, affixin, AHNAK1, syntaxin-4, and mitsugumin-53, with cC2A the primary target and C2F lesser involved, overall demonstrating positive calcium dependence. Dysferlin C2 pairings alone showed negative calcium dependence in almost all cases. Like otoferlin, dysferlin directly interacted via its carboxy terminus with FKBP8, an anti-apoptotic outer mitochondrial membrane protein, and via its C2DE domain with apoptosis-linked gene (ALG-2/PDCD6), linking anti-apoptosis with apoptosis. Confocal Z-stack immunofluorescence confirmed co-compartmentalization of PDCD6 and FKBP8 at the sarcolemmal membrane. Our evidence supports the hypothesis that prior to injury, dysferlin C2 domains self-interact and give rise to a folded, compact structure as indicated for otoferlin. With elevation of intracellular Ca2+ in injury, dysferlin would unfold and expose the cC2A domain for interaction with annexin A1, calpain-3, mitsugumin 53, affixin, and caveolin-3, and dysferlin would realign from its interactions with PDCD6 at basal calcium levels to interact strongly with FKBP8, an intramolecular rearrangement facilitating membrane repair.
Dietary Leucine Improves Fish Intestinal Barrier Function by Increasing Humoral Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Tight Junction
Authors: Zhao Ju , Zhao Ye , Liu Haifeng , Cao Quanquan , Feng Lin , Zhang Zhihao , Jiang Weidan , Wu Pei , Liu Yang , Luo Wei , Huang Xiaoli , Jiang Jun
Published: March 2023

This study attempted to evaluate the possible impact and mechanism of leucine (Leu) on fish intestinal barrier function. One hundred and five hybrid Pelteobagrus vachelli ♀ × Leiocassis longirostris ♂ catfish were fed with six diets in graded levels of Leu 10.0 (control group), 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, and 40.0 g/kg diet for 56 days. Results showed that the intestinal activities of LZM, ACP, and AKP and contents of C3, C4, and IgM had positive linear and/or quadratic responses to dietary Leu levels. The mRNA expressions of itnl1, itnl2, c-LZM, g-LZM, and β-defensin increased linearly and/or quadratically (p < 0.05). The ROS, PC, and MDA contents had a negative linear and/or quadratic response, but GSH content and ASA, AHR, T-SOD, and GR activities had positive quadratic responses to dietary Leu levels (p < 0.05). No significant differences on the CAT and GPX activities were detected among treatments (p > 0.05). Increasing dietary Leu level linearly and/or quadratically increased the mRNA expressions of CuZnSOD, CAT, and GPX1α. The GST mRNA expression decreased linearly while the GCLC and Nrf2 mRNA expressions were not significantly affected by different dietary Leu levels. The Nrf2 protein level quadratically increased, whereas the Keap1 mRNA expression and protein level decreased quadratically (p < 0.05). The translational levels of ZO-1 and occludin increased linearly. No significant differences were indicated in Claudin-2 mRNA expression and protein level. The transcriptional levels of Beclin1, ULK1b, ATG5, ATG7, ATG9a, ATG4b, LC3b, and P62 and translational levels of ULK1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ, and P62 linearly and quadratically decreased. The Beclin1 protein level was quadratically decreased with increasing dietary Leu levels. These results suggested that dietary Leu could improve fish intestinal barrier function by increasing humoral immunity, antioxidative capacities, and tight junction protein levels.
Universal Stress Proteins: From Gene to Function
Authors: Luo Dan , Wu Zilin , Bai Qian , Zhang Yong , Huang Min , Huang Yajiao , Li Xiangyang
Published: March 2023

Universal stress proteins (USPs) exist across a wide range of species and are vital for survival under stressful conditions. Due to the increasingly harsh global environmental conditions, it is increasingly important to study the role of USPs in achieving stress tolerance. This review discusses the role of USPs in organisms from three aspects: (1) organisms generally have multiple USP genes that play specific roles at different developmental periods of the organism, and, due to their ubiquity, USPs can be used as an important indicator to study species evolution; (2) a comparison of the structures of USPs reveals that they generally bind ATP or its analogs at similar sequence positions, which may underlie the regulatory role of USPs; and (3) the functions of USPs in species are diverse, and are generally directly related to the stress tolerance. In microorganisms, USPs are associated with cell membrane formation, whereas in plants they may act as protein chaperones or RNA chaperones to help plants withstand stress at the molecular level and may also interact with other proteins to regulate normal plant activities. This review will provide directions for future research, focusing on USPs to provide clues for the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties and for the generation of novel green pesticide formulations in agriculture, and to better understand the evolution of drug resistance in pathogenic microorganisms in medicine.
Cyclophilin A Inhibitors Suppress Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis of MKN45 Gastric Cancer Stem-like Cells by Regulating CypA/CD147-Mediated Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cho Hee Jeong , Jung Hye Jin
Published: March 2023

Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are a subgroup of gastric cancer (GC) cells with high self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation abilities that lead to tumor initiation, metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. Therefore, the eradication of GCSCs can contribute to the effective treatment of advanced or metastatic GC. In our previous study, compound 9 (C9), a novel derivative of nargenicin A1, was identified as a potential natural anticancer agent that specifically targeted cyclophilin A (CypA). However, its therapeutic effect and molecular mechanisms of action on GCSC growth have not been assessed. In this study, we investigated the effects of natural CypA inhibitors, including C9 and cyclosporin A (CsA), on the growth of MKN45-derived GCSCs. Compound 9 and CsA effectively suppressed cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and promoted apoptosis by activating the caspase cascade in MKN45 GCSCs. In addition, C9 and CsA potently inhibited tumor growth in the MKN45 GCSC-grafted chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Furthermore, the two compounds significantly decreased the protein expression of key GCSC markers including CD133, CD44, integrin α6, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog. Notably, the anticancer activities of C9 and CsA in MKN45 GCSCs were associated with the regulation of CypA/CD147-mediated AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Collectively, our findings suggest that the natural CypA inhibitors C9 and CsA could be novel anticancer agents used to combat GCSCs by targeting the CypA/CD147 axis.
Enhancement of Inhibition of the Pseudomonas sp. Biofilm Formation on Bacterial Cellulose-Based Wound Dressing by the Combined Action of Alginate Lyase and Gentamicin
Authors: Charęza Magdalena , Przygrodzka Katarzyna , Żywicka Anna , Grygorcewicz Bartłomiej , Sobolewski Peter , Mozia Sylwia , Śmiglak Marcin , Drozd Radosław
Published: March 2023

Bacterial biofilms generally contribute to chronic infections, including wound infections. Due to the antibiotic resistance mechanisms protecting bacteria living in the biofilm, they are a serious problem in the wound healing process. To accelerate the wound healing process and avoid bacterial infection, it is necessary to select the appropriate dressing material. In this study, the promising therapeutic properties of alginate lyase (AlgL) immobilised on BC membranes for protecting wounds from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were investigated. The AlgL was immobilised on never dried BC pellicles via physical adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of AlgL was 6.0 mg/g of dry BC, and the equilibrium was reached after 2 h. The adsorption kinetics was studied, and it has been proven that the adsorption was consistent with Langmuir isotherm. In addition, the impact of enzyme immobilisation on bacterial biofilm stability and the effect of simultaneous immobilisation of AlgL and gentamicin on the viability of bacterial cells was investigated. The obtained results showed that the AlgL immobilisation significantly reduced the amount of polysaccharides component of the P. aeruginosa biofilm. Moreover, the biofilm disruption by AlgL immobilised on BC membranes exhibited synergism with the gentamicin, resulting in 86.5% more dead P. aeruginosa PAO-1 cells.
Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Ragusa Area: Next Generation Sequencing and Serological Analysis
Authors: Denaro Maria , Ferro Elisa , Barrano Giuseppe , Meli Salvatore , Busacca Mariangela , Corallo Damiano , Capici Alessia , Zisa Alessandra , Cucuzza Luana , Gradante Sandra , Occhipinti Marialuisa , Santalucia Paola , Elia Raffaele , Aliquò Angelo , Tibullo Daniele , Fidone Carmelo , Bramanti Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) post pandemic evolution is correlated to the development of new variants. Viral genomic and immune response monitoring are fundamental to the surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Since 1 January to 31 July 2022, we monitored the SARS-CoV-2 variants trend in Ragusa area sequencing n.600 samples by next generation sequencing (NGS) technology: n.300 were healthcare workers (HCWs) of ASP Ragusa. The evaluation of anti-Nucleocapside (N), receptor-binding domain (RBD), the two subunit of S protein (S1 and S2) IgG levels in 300 exposed vs. 300 unexposed HCWs to SARS-CoV-2 was performed. Differences in immune response and clinical symptoms related to the different variants were investigated. The SARS-CoV-2 variants trend in Ragusa area and in Sicily region were comparable. BA.1 and BA.2 were the most representative variants, whereas the diffusion of BA.3 and BA.4 affected some places of the region. Although no correlation was found between variants and clinical manifestations, anti-N and anti-S2 levels were positively correlated with an increase in the symptoms number. SARS-CoV-2 infection induced a statistically significant enhancement in antibody titers compared to that produced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration. In post-pandemic period, the evaluation of anti-N IgG could be used as an early marker to identify asymptomatic subjects.
Autophagy in Cell Survival and Death
Authors: Yang Jinsung , Kim Wanil , Kim Deok Ryong
Published: March 2023

Autophagy is a degradative process to remove damaged or unnecessary cellular components, and it has been implicated in many biological processes during cell survival and death [...]
RF Coverage Design for the Implementation of a Broadband Monitoring Service in the Context of 5G-Enabled Smart Cities
Authors: Chrysikos Theofilos , Gourna Sotiria , Skouroliakou Aikaterini
Published: March 2023

As the recent COVID-19 pandemic has aptly demonstrated, emergency scenarios concerning public health and safety may require citizens to remain at home even as patients, potentially in the context of a municipal or national lockdown. Homestay patients may require real-time monitoring, which will offer not only communication but also empirical data and will contribute to developing their personalized electronic health record in knowledge bases. Our paper features an extensive RF coverage design for such a municipally deployed and administered 5G-enabled smart city network, supporting a broadband monitoring service. The antenna deployment for the outdoor urban topology is analytically described (for the downlink channel), and the intrinsic indoor propagation characteristics are considered for the uplink channel. A digital baseband signaling scheme is assumed on the basis of a user-customized health-related monitoring service. Path loss and fading calculations consider the potential worst-case propagation conditions so that the RF coverage will be reliable, leading to a resilient city-wide municipal network.
Orientus ishidae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Biology, Direct Damage and Preliminary Studies on Apple Proliferation Infection in Apple Orchard
Authors: Dalmaso Giovanni , Ioriatti Claudio , Gualandri Valeria , Zapponi Livia , Mazzoni Valerio , Mori Nicola , Baldessari Mario
Published: March 2023

The mosaic leafhopper, Orientus ishidae (Matsumura), is an Asian species widespread in Europe that can cause leaf damage in wild trees and transmit disease phytoplasmas to grapevines. Following an O. ishidae outbreak reported in 2019 in an apple orchard in northern Italy, the biology and damage caused by this species to apples were investigated during 2020 and 2021. Our studies included observations on the O. ishidae life cycle, leaf symptoms associated to its trophic activity, and its capability to acquire “Candidatus Phytoplasma mali,” a causal agent of Apple Proliferation (AP). The results indicate that O. ishidae can complete the life cycle on apple trees. Nymphs emerged between May and June, and adults were present from early July to late October, with the peak of flight between July and early August. Semi-field observations allowed for an accurate description of leaf symptoms that appeared as a distinct yellowing after a one-day exposure. In field experiments, 23% of the leaves were found damaged. In addition, 16–18% of the collected leafhoppers were found carrying AP phytoplasma. We conclude that O. ishidae has the potential to be a new apple tree pest. However, further studies are required to better understand the economic impact of the infestations.
First Principles Computation of New Topological B2X2Zn (X = Ir, Rh, Co) Compounds
Authors: Howard Jack , Rodriguez Alexander , Haldolaarachchige Neel , Hettiarachchilage Kalani
Published: March 2023

Recent attempts at searching for new materials have revealed a large class of materials that show topological behaviors with unusual physical properties and potential applications leading to enthralling discoveries both theoretically and experimentally. We computationally predict new three-dimensional topological compounds of space group 139(I/4mmm). After conducting a full volume optimization process by allowing the rearrangement of atomic positions and lattice parameters, the first-principles calculation with a generalized gradient approximation is utilized to identify multiple Dirac-type crossings around X and P symmetric points near Fermi energy. Importantly, the band inversion at point P is recognized. Further, we investigate the compound for topological crystalline insulating behavior by conducting surface state calculation and by investigating gapping behavior by increasing lattice parameters. Additionally, we perform formation energy, elastic properties, and phonon modes calculations to verify the structural, mechanical, and dynamical stability of the compounds. Therefore, we suggest compounds for further investigation and experimental realization.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Butt Asra K. , Alkhatib Deya , Pour-Ghaz Issa , Isa Sakiru , Al-Taweel Omar , Ugonabo Ifeoma , Yedlapati Neeraja , Jefferies John Lynn
Published: March 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiomyopathy resulting from a mutation in one of several cardiac sarcomeric proteins [...]
Body Stalk Anomaly Complicated by Ectopia Cordis: First-Trimester Diagnosis of Two Cases Using 2- and 3-Dimensional Sonography
Authors: Pappalardo Elisa , Gulino Ferdinando Antonio , Ettore Carla , Cannone Francesco , Ettore Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Body stalk anomaly is a severe defect of the abdominal wall, characterized by the evisceration of abdominal organs and, in more severe cases, thoracic organs as well. The most serious condition in a body stalk anomaly may be complicated by ectopia cordis, an abnormal location of the heart outside the thorax. The aim of this scientific work is to describe our experience with the prenatal diagnosis of ectopia cordis as part of the first-trimester sonographic screening for aneuploidy. Methods: We report two cases of body stalk anomalies complicated by ectopia cordis. The first case was identified during a first ultrasound examination at 9 weeks of gestation. The second was identified during an ultrasound examination at 13 weeks of gestation. Both of these cases were diagnosed using high-quality 2- and 3-dimensional ultrasonographic images obtained by the Realistic Vue and Crystal Vue techniques. The chorionic villus sampling showed that the fetal karyotype and CGH-array were both normal. Results: In our clinical case reports, the patients, immediately after the diagnosis of a body stalk anomaly complicated by ectopia cordis, opted for the termination of pregnancies. Conclusion: Performing an early diagnosis of a body stalk anomaly that is complicated by ectopia cordis is desirable, considering their poor prognoses. Most of the reported cases in the literature suggest that an early diagnosis can be made between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation. A combination of 2- and 3-dimensional sonography could allow an early diagnosis of body stalk anomalies complicated by ectopia cordis, particularly using new ultrasonographic techniques, the Realistic Vue and the Crystal Vue.
Early-in-Life Serum Aldosterone Levels Could Predict Surgery in Patients with Obstructive Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract: A Pilot Study
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Palma Pier Luigi , Di Sessa Anna , Roberti Agnese , Torino Giovanni , De Lucia Maeva , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Guarino Stefano , Di Iorio Giovanni
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether serum aldosterone levels or plasmatic renin activity (PRA) measured early in life (1–3 months) could predict a future surgical intervention for obstructive congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Twenty babies aged 1–3 months of life with suspected obstructive CAKUT were prospectively enrolled. The patients underwent a 2-year follow-up and were classified as patients needing or not needing surgery. In all of the enrolled patients, PRA and serum aldosterone levels were measured at 1–3 months of life and were evaluated as predictors of surgery by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Patients undergoing surgery during follow-up showed significantly higher levels of aldosterone at 1–3 months of life compared to those who did not require surgery (p = 0.006). The ROC curve analysis of the aldosterone for obstructive CAKUT needing surgery showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.88 (95%CI = 0.71–0.95; p = 0.001). The aldosterone cut-off of 100 ng/dL presented 100% sensitivity and 64.3% specificity and predicted surgery in 100% of cases. The PRA at 1–3 months of life was not a predictor of surgery. In conclusion, serum aldosterone levels at 1–3 months could predict the need for surgery during obstructive CAKUT follow-up.
Distance Monitoring of Advanced Cancer Patients with Impaired Cardiac and Respiratory Function Assisted at Home: A Study Protocol in Italy
Authors: Ostan Rita , Varani Silvia , Giannelli Andrea , Malavasi Italo , Pannuti Francesco , Pannuti Raffaella , Biasco Guido , Mattioli Anna Vittoria ,   on behalf of the ANT Collaborative Group
Published: March 2023

During the pandemic, telemedicine and telehealth interventions have been leading in maintaining the continuity of care independently of patients’ physical location. However, the evidence available about the effectiveness of the telehealth approach for advanced cancer patients with chronic disease is limited. This interventional randomized pilot study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a daily telemonitoring of five vital parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, blood pressure, and body temperature) using a medical device in advanced cancer patients with relevant cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities assisted at home. The purpose of the current paper is to describe the design of the telemonitoring intervention in a home palliative and supportive care setting with the objective of optimizing the management of patients, improving both their quality of life and psychological status and the caregiver’s perceived care burden. This study may improve scientific knowledge regarding the impact of telemonitoring. Moreover, this intervention could foster continuous healthcare delivery and closer communication among the physician, patient and family, enabling the physician to have an updated overview of the clinical trajectory of the disease. Finally, the study may help family caregivers to maintain their habits and professional position and to limit financial consequences.
Do Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone Influence Motivational Factors for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Female Adolescents?
Authors: Piarulli Francesco , Margari Anna , Margari Francesco , Matera Emilia , Croce Federica , Furente Flora , Gabellone Alessandra , Petruzzelli Maria
Published: March 2023

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health issue that particularly affects female adolescents usually emerging during puberty, with a subsequent reduction and even remission in the phenomenon later in life. The dysregulation of the hormonal stress response, particularly cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), whose levels increase markedly during pubertal adrenarche, has been associated with the development and maintenance of a wide range of emotional disorders. Our study aims to investigate whether different cortisol-DHEA-S response patterns could be associated with the main motivational moderators to engage NSSI as well as with urgency and motivation to stop NSSI in a sample of female adolescents. We found significant correlations between stress hormones and several factors that support and sustain NSSI, specifically: cortisol levels and distressing/upsetting urge (r = 0.39 and a p = 8.94 × 10−3) and sensation seeking (r = −0.32 and a p = 0.04), as well as cortisol/DHEA-s ratio and external emotion regulation (r = 0.40 and a p = 0.01) and desire to stop NSSI (r = 0.40 and a p = 0.01). Cortisol and DHEA-S may play a role in NSSI through the regulation of stress responses and affective states. Such results could have implications for the development of new and improved treatment and prevention plans for NSSI.
Early Gastrointestinal Neuropathy Assessed by Wireless Motility Capsules in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rasmussen Vinni Faber , Thrysøe Mathilde , Karlsson Páll , Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Kristensen Kurt , Christensen Ann-Margrethe Rønholt , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Terkelsen Astrid Juhl , Brock Christina , Krogh Klaus
Published: March 2023

Background: To assess the prevalence of objective signs of gastrointestinal (GI) autonomic neuropathy (AN) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In addition, to investigate associations between objective GI findings and self-reported symptoms or other findings of AN. Methods: Fifty adolescents with T1D and 20 healthy adolescents were examined with a wireless motility capsule to assess the total and regional GI transit times and motility index. GI symptoms were evaluated with the GI Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire. AN was evaluated with cardiovascular and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests. Results: There was no difference in GI transit times in adolescents with T1D and healthy controls. Adolescents with T1D had a higher colonic motility index and peak pressure than the controls, and GI symptoms were associated with low gastric and colonic motility index (all p < 0.05). Abnormal gastric motility was associated with the duration of T1D, while a low colonic motility index was inversely associated with “time in target range” for blood glucose (all p < 0.01). No associations were found between signs of GI neuropathy and other measures of AN. Conclusions: Objective signs of GI neuropathy are common in adolescents with T1D and it seems to require early interventions in patients at high risk of developing GI neuropathy.
Cancer and Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: D’Ambrosio Eleonora S. , Gonzalez-Perez Paloma
Published: March 2023

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. Dominantly inherited CTG and CCTG repeat expansions in DMPK and CNBP genes cause DM type 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2), respectively. These genetic defects lead to the abnormal splicing of different mRNA transcripts, which are thought to be responsible for the multiorgan involvement of these diseases. In ours and others’ experience, cancer frequency in patients with DM appears to be higher than in the general population or non-DM muscular dystrophy cohorts. There are no specific guidelines regarding malignancy screening in these patients, and the general consensus is that they should undergo the same cancer screening as the general population. Here, we review the main studies that investigated cancer risk (and cancer type) in DM cohorts and those that researched potential molecular mechanisms accounting for DM carcinogenesis. We propose some evaluations to be considered as malignancy screening in patients with DM, and we discuss DM susceptibility to general anesthesia and sedatives, which are often needed for the management of cancer. This review underscores the importance of monitoring the adherence of patients with DM to malignancy screenings and the need to design studies that determine whether they would benefit from a more intensified cancer screening than the general population.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Cr and BUN Using the ABL90 FLEX PLUS Blood Gas Analyzer and the Equivalence of Candidate Specimens for Assessment of Renal Function
Authors: Lim Ha-Jin , Lee Seung-Yeob , Choi Hyun-Jung
Published: March 2023

Background: The ABL90 FLEX PLUS (Radiometer) is a blood gas analyzer that also provides creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) results. We assessed the accuracy of the ABL90 FLEX PLUS to measure Cr and BUN and find suitable candidate specimens against primary specimens (heparinized whole-blood (H-WB)). Methods: Paired H-WB, serum, and sodium-citrated whole-blood (C-WB) samples (105) were collected. The Cr and BUN levels in the H-WB using the ABL90 FLEX PLUS were compared with those of the serum using four automated chemistry analyzers. The suitability of the candidate specimens was assessed at each medical decision level according to the CLSI guideline EP35-ED1. Results: The respective mean differences of the ABL90 FLEX PLUS for the Cr and BUN were below −0.10 and −3.51 mg/dL compared to the other analyzers. The systematic differences between the serum and the H-WB at the low, medium, and high medical decision levels were all 0% for Cr, but those of the C-WB were −12.96%, −11.81%, and −11.30%, respectively. Regarding imprecision, the SDserum/SDH-WB ratios at each level were 0.14, 1.41, and 0.68, whereas the SDC-WB/SDH-WB ratios were 0.35, 2.00, and 0.73, respectively. Conclusions: The ABL90 FLEX PLUS provided Cr and BUN results comparable with the four widely used analyzers. Among the candidates, the serum was suitable for Cr testing using the ABL90 FLEX PLUS, while the C-WB did not satisfy the acceptance criteria.
A Novel Multimedia Player for International Standard—JPEG Snack
Authors: Jamil Sonain , Kwon Oh-Jin , Lee Jinhee , Ullah Faiz , Yaseen  , Afnan
Published: March 2023

The advancement in mobile communication and technologies has led to the usage of short-form digital content increasing daily. This short-form content is mainly based on images that urged the joint photographic experts’ group (JPEG) to introduce a novel international standard, JPEG Snack (International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/ International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IS, 19566-8). In JPEG Snack, the multimedia content is embedded into a main background JPEG file, and the resulting JPEG Snack file is saved and transmitted as a .jpg file. If someone does not have a JPEG Snack Player, their device decoder will treat it as a JPEG file and display a background image only. As the standard has been proposed recently, the JPEG Snack Player is needed. In this article, we present a methodology to develop JPEG Snack Player. JPEG Snack Player uses a JPEG Snack decoder and renders media objects on the background JPEG file according to the instructions in the JPEG Snack file. We also present some results and computational complexity metrics for the JPEG Snack Player.
Impact of Training Data, Ground Truth and Shape Variability in the Deep Learning-Based Semantic Segmentation of HeLa Cells Observed with Electron Microscopy
Authors: Karabağ Cefa , Ortega-Ruíz Mauricio Alberto , Reyes-Aldasoro Constantino Carlos
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the impact of the amount of training data and the shape variability on the segmentation provided by the deep learning architecture U-Net. Further, the correctness of ground truth (GT) was also evaluated. The input data consisted of a three-dimensional set of images of HeLa cells observed with an electron microscope with dimensions 8192×8192×517. From there, a smaller region of interest (ROI) of 2000×2000×300 was cropped and manually delineated to obtain the ground truth necessary for a quantitative evaluation. A qualitative evaluation was performed on the 8192×8192 slices due to the lack of ground truth. Pairs of patches of data and labels for the classes nucleus, nuclear envelope, cell and background were generated to train U-Net architectures from scratch. Several training strategies were followed, and the results were compared against a traditional image processing algorithm. The correctness of GT, that is, the inclusion of one or more nuclei within the region of interest was also evaluated. The impact of the extent of training data was evaluated by comparing results from 36,000 pairs of data and label patches extracted from the odd slices in the central region, to 135,000 patches obtained from every other slice in the set. Then, 135,000 patches from several cells from the 8192×8192 slices were generated automatically using the image processing algorithm. Finally, the two sets of 135,000 pairs were combined to train once more with 270,000 pairs. As would be expected, the accuracy and Jaccard similarity index improved as the number of pairs increased for the ROI. This was also observed qualitatively for the 8192×8192 slices. When the 8192×8192 slices were segmented with U-Nets trained with 135,000 pairs, the architecture trained with automatically generated pairs provided better results than the architecture trained with the pairs from the manually segmented ground truths. This suggests that the pairs that were extracted automatically from many cells provided a better representation of the four classes of the various cells in the 8192×8192 slice than those pairs that were manually segmented from a single cell. Finally, the two sets of 135,000 pairs were combined, and the U-Net trained with these provided the best results.
Selection of CO2 Emission Reduction Measures Affecting the Maximum Annual Income of a Container Ship
Authors: Huang Daozheng , Wang Yan , Yin Chuanzhong
Published: March 2023

China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets have created huge challenges for all the economic sectors in China, including the shipping industry. Various emission reduction measures, such as Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRSs), Drag Reduction Coatings (DRCs), and Slow Steaming (SS), are the main options for container ship companies to select in advance. This paper aims to find the optimal combination of measures for container ship companies to reach the carbon reduction targets, which are mainly set according to the carbon reduction requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A 0–1 integer programming model is proposed under the Maritime Emissions Trading Scheme (METS) to help container ship companies select the optimal combination of measures in the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Our results show that combination 6 (using a WHRS alone and a 5.0% reduction in the original speed) is the most suitable solution with the selected values of parameters. Sensitivity analyses of the parameters are performed, such as bunker price, the auction and purchase prices of carbon and incentive levels. From the sensitivity analysis, it is found that using a WHRS is the optimal combination of abatement measures within the fluctuation range of the parameters. At the same time, according to the results, container ship companies could choose the most appropriate and profitable strategy in the dual-carbon context. Therefore, container ship companies and policymakers have access to relevant carbon reduction suggestions to encourage the implementation of carbon reduction initiatives.
A Decision-Making Tool for Port Operations Based on Downtime Risk and Met-Ocean Conditions including Infragravity Wave Forecast
Authors: Costas Raquel , Carro Humberto , Figuero Andrés , Peña Enrique , Sande José
Published: March 2023

Port downtime leads to economic losses and reductions in safety levels. This problem is generally assessed in terms of uni-variable thresholds, despite its multidimensional nature. The aim of the present study is to develop a downtime probability forecasting tool, based on real problems at the Outer Port of Punta Langosteira (Spain), and including infragravity wave prediction. The combination of measurements from three pressure sensors and a tide gauge, together with machine-learning techniques, made it possible to generate long wave prognostication at different frequencies. A fitting correlation of 0.95 and 0.9 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.022 m and 0.012 m were achieved for gravity and infragravity waves, respectively. A wave hindcast in the berthing areas, met-ocean forecast data, and information on 15 real operational problems between 2017 and 2022, were all used to build a classification model for downtime probability estimation. The proposed use of this tool addresses the problems that arise when two consecutive sea states have thresholds above 3.97%. This is the limit for guaranteeing the safety of port operations and has a cost of just 0.6 unnecessary interruptions of operations per year. The methodology is easily exportable to other facilities for an adequate assessment of downtime risks.
Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?
Authors: Rádis-Baptista Gandhi
Published: March 2023

Fragrance compounds (synthetic fragrances or natural essential oils) comprise formulations of specific combinations of individual materials or mixtures. Natural or synthetic scents are core constituents of personal care and household products (PCHPs) that impart attractiveness to the olfactory perception and disguise the unpleasant odor of the formula components of PCHPs. Fragrance chemicals have beneficial properties that allow their use in aromatherapy. However, because fragrances and formula constituents of PCHPs are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), vulnerable populations are exposed daily to variable indoor concentrations of these chemicals. Fragrance molecules may trigger various acute and chronic pathological conditions because of repetitive human exposure to indoor environments at home and workplaces. The negative impact of fragrance chemicals on human health includes cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic effects (e.g., headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems) and distress in workplaces. Pathologies related to synthetic perfumes are associated with allergic reactions (e.g., cutaneous and pulmonary hypersensitivity) and potentially with the perturbation of the endocrine-immune-neural axis. The present review aims to critically call attention to odorant VOCs, particularly synthetic fragrances and associated formula components of PCHPs, potentially impacting indoor air quality and negatively affecting human health.
Intrapartum Factors Affecting Abnormal Lipid Profiles in Early Postpartum Period
Authors: Hong Da Kyung , Cho Hee Young , Kim Ji Youn , Park Hee Jin , Cha Dong Hyun , Shim Sung Shin , Yun Bo Seong
Published: March 2023

The aim of this research is to investigate the risk factors during pregnancy affect abnormal lipid profiles in women with early postpartum period. This was a single-center retrospective study including 869 women who delivered between December 2017 and May 2019. We collected total cholesterol levels, both at 24–28 GWs and 1 month before delivery. Lipid profiles such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) at 6 weeks after delivery were retrieved. Subjects were categorized into 3 groups such as normal, borderline and abnormal group according to the lipid profile levels. The risk factors associated with borderline to abnormal HDL level were body mass index (BMI) of pre-pregnancy (OR = 1.182, 95% CI: 1.116–1.252, p < 0.001), weight gain during pregnancy (OR = 1.085, 95% CI: 1.042–1.131, p < 0.001) and hypertension (HTN) (OR = 3.451, 95% CI: 1.224–9.727, p = 0.02). The risk factors associated with borderline or abnormal TG were BMI of pre-pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy and weight reduction after delivery. HTN was associated with borderline to abnormal TG in postpartum (OR = 2.891, 95% CI: 1.168–7.156, p = 0.02), while GDM correlated purely with abnormal TG in postpartum (OR = 2.453, 95% CI: 1.068–5.630, p = 0.03). Abnormal lipid profiles in postpartum were significantly associated with BMI of pre-pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy and weight reduction after delivery. In addition, pregnancy-related HTN was highly associated with abnormal HDL level, and GDM was associated with abnormal TG level in the early postpartum period.
Urine Immunoglobin G Greater Than 2.45 mg/L Has a Correlation with the Onset and Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Meng Cheng , Chen Jiujing , Sun Xiaoyue , Guan Shilin , Zhu Hong , Qin Yongzhang , Wang Jingyu , Li Yongmei , Yang Juhong , Chang Baocheng
Published: March 2023

Aim: To further assess the correlation between urine immunoglobin G (IgG) greater than 2.45 mg/L and the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: One thousand and thirty-five patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were divided into two groups based on the baseline levels of 24 h urinary albumin excretion (24 h UAE): one group with 24 h UAE < 30 mg/24 h and one with 24 h UAE ≥ 30 mg/24 h. The groups were subdivided using baseline levels of urine IgG (≤2.45 mg/L and >2.45 mg/L; hereafter, the Low and High groups, respectively). We used logistic regression to assess the risk of urine IgG and it exceeding 2.45 mg/L. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare the onset and progression time of DKD. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to test the predictive value of urine IgG exceeding 2.45 mg/L. Results: Urine IgG was an independent risk factor for the onset and progression of DKD. The rate and risk of DKD onset and progression at the end of follow-up increased significantly in the High group. The onset and progression time of DKD was earlier in the High group. Urine IgG exceeding 2.45 mg/L has a certain predictive value for DKD onset. Conclusions: Urine IgG exceeding 2.45 mg/L has a correlation with the onset and progression of DKD, and it also has a certain predictive value for DKD onset.
Extraforaminal Full-Endoscopic Approach for the Treatment of Lateral Compressive Diseases of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Bergamaschi João Paulo Machado , de Oliveira Teixeira Kelsen , Soares Thiago Queiroz , de Araújo Fernando Flores , Depieri Gustavo Vitelli , Lugão Ariel Falbel , de Assis Rangel Roberto , Graciano Ricardo Squiapati , Sandon Luiz Henrique Dias , Bergamaschi Esthael Cristina Querido Avelar , Costa Herton Rodrigo Tavares , Defino Helton Luiz Aparecido
Published: March 2023

Background: The authors conducted a 2-year retrospective follow-up to investigate the efficiency of an extraforaminal full-endoscopic approach with foraminoplasty used to treat lateral compressive diseases of the lumbar spine in 247 patients. Methods: The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and MacNab scale were used to analyze the results collected during the preoperative and postoperative periods. Results: The most common diagnosis was disk herniation with lateral recess stenosis, and the most common surgical level among patients was between L4 and L5 on the left side. Pain decreased over time, as determined during sessions held to evaluate pain in the lumbar, gluteal, led, and foot regions. The ODI demonstrated significant enhancement over the evaluation period and the MacNab scale classified the surgery as good or excellent. The most common complication was dysesthesia. Conclusions: An extraforaminal full-endoscopic approach with foraminoplasty can be recommended in cases of lateral herniation or stenosis for patients with symptoms of radiculopathy, and for those who have not responded to conventional rehabilitation treatment or chronic pain management. Few complications arose as a result of this approach, and most of them were treated clinically.