bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Efficacy of Two School-Based Approaches of Neurocognitive Training for Enhancing Executive Functions
Authors: Jiang Han , Johnstone Stuart J. , Lu Jinjin
Published: October 2022

Neurocognitive training has been shown to improve a range of cognitive/executive functions and behavior in children. Delivering this training in a school context may enhance its ecological validity and improve training outcomes. The current study examined the efficacy of two school-based neurocognitive training approaches for enhancing executive functions (EF) in typically developing children: neurocognitive training with no teacher positive feedback (NCT), and neurocognitive training with teacher positive feedback (NCT-TPF). Using a randomized control design, 45 children were randomly allocated to the no-training control, NCT, or NCT-TPF group and completed pre- and post-training assessments on the core executive function (EF) domains of inhibitory control, working memory, and task switching. Teachers’ subjective acceptance of the two training protocols was investigated to explore potential ecological validity. The two training groups completed six sessions of training in a kindergarten over a 3-week period. The results showed significant post-training improvements in an untrained inhibitory control task for both training groups when compared with the control group. Different effects were found for each group for the untrained task switching task. While reduced reaction time (RT) in correct Color and Shape trials at Time 2 were reported for the NCT-TPF group, there was no difference compared to the control group for the NCT group. The NCT group showed increased RT in Switch trials but reduced Shape errors compared to controls at Time 2, while these effects were not significant for the NCT-TPF group. An unexpected outcome was that children in both training conditions did not show a significant improvement in an untrained working memory task. Teachers’ subjective acceptance consistently supported including positive feedback as part of NCT. While further research is needed, these results support use of neurocognitive training and/or neurocognitive training with teacher positive feedback for typically developing children in a school context.
Improved Mortality of Patients with Gastroschisis: A Historical Literature Review of Advances in Surgery and Critical Care from 1960–2020
Authors: Georgeades Christina , Mowrer Alyssa , Ortega Gezzer , Abdullah Fizan , Salazar Jose H.
Published: October 2022

The improved survival of gastroschisis patients is a notable pediatric success story. Over the past 60 years, gastroschisis evolved from uniformly fatal to a treatable condition with over 95% survival. We explored the historical effect of four specific clinical innovations—mechanical ventilation, preformed silos, parenteral nutrition, and pulmonary surfactant—that contributed to mortality decline among gastroschisis infants. A literature review was performed to extract mortality rates from six decades of contemporary literature from 1960 to 2020. A total of 2417 publications were screened, and 162 published studies (98,090 patients with gastroschisis) were included. Mortality decreased over time and has largely been <10% since 1993. Mechanical ventilation was introduced in 1965, preformed silo implementation in 1967, parenteral nutrition in 1968, and pulmonary surfactant therapy in 1980. Gastroschisis infants now carry a mortality rate of <5% as a result of these interventions. Other factors, such as timing of delivery, complex gastroschisis, and management in low- and middle-income countries were also explored in relation to gastroschisis mortality. Overall, improved gastroschisis outcomes serve as an illustration of the benefits of clinical advances and multidisciplinary care, leading to a drastic decline in infant mortality among these patients.
Alterations of Plasma Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Children with Refractory Epilepsies
Authors: Gakharia Tatia , Bakhtadze Sophia , Lim Ming , Khachapuridze Nana , Kapanadze Nana
Published: October 2022

Paediatric epilepsy is a multifaceted neurological disorder with various aetiologies. Up to 30% of patients are considered drug-resistant. The background impact of interfering inflammatory and neuronal pathways has been closely linked to paediatric epilepsy. The characteristics of the inflamed state have been described not only in epilepsies, which are considered prototypes of an inflammatory pathophysiology, but also in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, especially in epileptic encephalopathies. The imbalance of different cytokine levels was confirmed in several epileptic models. Chemokines are new targets for exploring neuroimmune communication in epileptogenesis, which control leukocyte migration and have a possible role in neuromodulation. Additionally, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important effector molecule for central neural inflammatory responses and may influence drug responsiveness. We measured the serum interictal quantitative levels of chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, CCL11) and PGE2 in correlation with the seizure frequency and severity in controlled and intractable childhood epilepsies. Our refractory seizure group demonstrated significantly increased concentrations of eotaxin (CCL11) compared to the controlled epilepsy group. The higher level of CCL11 was correlated with an increased seizure frequency, while the PGE2 levels were associated with the severity of seizure and epilepsy, supporting the findings that proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to epileptogenesis and possibly have a role in developing seizure resistance.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Pregnancies Resulting from Assisted Reproduction: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Perros Paraskevas , Psarris Alexandros , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Theodora Marianna , Syndos Michael , Koutras Antonios , Ntounis Thomas , Fasoulakis Zaharias , Rodolakis Alexandros , Daskalakis Georgios
Published: October 2022

The term infertility is defined as the lack of conception within 1 year of unprotected intercourse. It affects more than 80 million individuals worldwide. It is estimated that 10-15% of couples of reproductive age are challenged by reproductive issues. Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) are responsible for more than 4% of live births. Our aim is to review the research on neurodevelopmental outcomes of newborns born after the implementation of assisted reproduction methods compared to those conceived naturally. We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Crossref and Google Scholar electronic databases for related articles up to June 2022 using the PRISMA guidelines. Our research revealed a large number of long term follow-up studies between 2 and 18 years of age, with comparable developmental outcomes. Many studies compared the effects of different infertility treatments against natural conception. The review of the literature revealed that ART is safe, as the majority of studies showed no effect on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring. In most cases when such an effect was observed, it could be attributed to confounding factors such as subfertility, multiple pregnancies and gestational age at delivery. Finally, the increase in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders after ART, as described in studies with statistically significant results, is predominantly marginal, and given the low incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in the general population, its clinical significance is debatable.
Risk Factors for Lung Function Decline in Pediatric Asthma under Treatment: A Retrospective, Multicenter, Observational Study
Authors: Yamada Shingo , Fujisawa Takao , Nagao Mizuho , Matsuzaki Hiroshi , Motomura Chikako , Odajima Hiroshi , Nakamura Toshinori , Imai Takanori , Nagakura Ken-ichi , Yanagida Noriyuki , Mitomori Masatoshi , Ebisawa Motohiro , Kabashima Shigenori , Ohya Yukihiro , Habukawa Chizu , Tomiita Minako , Hirayama Masahiro
Published: October 2022

Background: Childhood asthma is a major risk for low lung function in later adulthood, but what factors in asthma are associated with the poor lung function during childhood is not known. Objective: To identify clinical factors in children with asthma associated with low or declining lung function during the treatment. Methods: We enrolled children with asthma who had been treated throughout three age periods, i.e., 6–9, 10–12, and 13–15 years old, at seven specialized hospitals in Japan. Clinical information and lung function measurements were retrieved from the electronic chart systems. To characterize the lung function trajectories during each age period, we evaluated the forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) with % predicted values and individual changes by the slope (S) from linear regression. We defined four trajectory patterns: normal (Group N) and low (Group L), showing %FEV1 ≥80% or <80% throughout all three periods; upward (Group U) and downward (Group D), showing S ≥ 0 or S < 0%. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare factors associated with the unfavorable (D/L) versus favorable (N/U) groups. Results: Among 273 eligible patients, 197 (72%) were classified into Group N (n = 150)/U (n = 47), while 76 (28%) were in Group D (n = 66)/L (n = 10). A history of poor asthma control, long-acting beta2 agonist use, and a lower height Z-score during 13–15 years were associated with an unfavorable outcome (Group D/L). Conversely, inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use during 10–12 years and high-dose ICS use during 13–15 years were associated with a favorable outcome (Group N/U). Conclusion: We identified several factors that are associated with unfavorable lung function changes in pediatric asthma. Attention should be paid to the possible relationship between yearly changes in lung function and poor asthma control, use of ICS (and its dose) and use of LABA.
Fostering Hope: Comprehensive Accessible Mother-Infant Dyad Care for Neonatal Abstinence (CAIN)
Authors: Clarke Denise , Foss Karen , Lifeso Natasha , Hicks Matthew
Published: October 2022

Hospital and community healthcare providers have expressed concerns around the continuity and quality of care for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) during hospitalization and transition home. This qualitative study explored the experiences of hospital and community-based healthcare providers and identified themes related to the management of NAS for mothers and infants. Healthcare providers that cared for women with substance use disorders and/or cared for newborns with NAS in a large urban setting in Canada met inclusion criteria for this study and were interviewed in groups or as individuals. Interview transcripts were reviewed iteratively using inductive thematic analysis to identify an overarching theme linked with primary themes. In total, 45 healthcare providers were interviewed. Qualitative analysis of their experiences derived the overarching theme of hope with five primary themes being: mother/infant, mental health, system, judgement, and knowledge. The study identified gaps in NAS care including fear, stigma, and language. This research demonstrates that programs and interventions that work with mothers and newborns with NAS must foster hope in mothers, families, and in the extended care provider team and improve communication between hospital and community networks.
School Factors Strongly Impact Transgender and Non-Binary Youths’ Well-Being
Authors: Kelley Janie , Pullen Sansfaçon Annie , Gelly Morgane A. , Chiniara Lyne , Chadi Nicholas
Published: October 2022

Background: School plays an important role in transgender and non-binary (TNB) youths’ life and well-being. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of how the lived experiences, gender affirmation and challenges encountered by TNB youths in the school setting affect their well-being. Method: Our study was a qualitative secondary data analysis, based on the interviews of 12 Canadian TNB youths aged 15–17 years old. Results: We found that TNB students’ well-being was closely related to the acknowledgment of gender identity at school. Several factors, including school socio-cultural environment, teachers’ and peers’ attitudes and behaviours, school physical environments and the respect of confidentiality of gender identity were all found to impact TNB students’ well-being. To face adversity related to some of these factors, TNB youths used several contextually driven strategies such as compromising, educating, and sensitizing others about gender diversity and avoiding certain people or situations. Conclusion: Our results highlight the important influence of school climate and culture, as well as teachers’, school personnel’s and peers’ behaviours and attitudes on TNB youths’ well-being. Our findings can guide future interventions to help schools become more inclusive and supportive of gender diversity.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) as an Ancillary Imaging Test for Confirmation of Brain Death in an Infant: A Case Report
Authors: Slak Peter , Pušnik Luka , Plut Domen
Published: October 2022

The practices for determining brain death are based on clinical criteria and vary immensely across countries. Cerebral angiography and perfusion scintigraphy are the most commonly used ancillary imaging tests for brain death confirmation in children; however, they both share similar shortcomings. Hence, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a relatively inexpensive, easily accessible, and easy-to-perform technique has been proposed as an ancillary imaging test for brain death confirmation. CEUS has established itself as a favourable and widely used diagnostic imaging method in many different areas, but its application in delineating brain pathologies still necessities further validation. Herein, we present a case report of a 1-year-old polytraumatised patient in whom CEUS was applied as an ancillary imaging test for confirmation of brain death. As CEUS has not been validated as an ancillary test for brain death confirmation, the diagnosis was additionally confirmed with cerebral perfusion scintigraphy.
ADHD-Gaming Disorder Comorbidity in Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review
Authors: Salerno Luana , Becheri Leonardo , Pallanti Stefano
Published: October 2022

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition characterized by developmentally inadequate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and a neurobiological disruption in brain neurotransmitters and circuitry causing abnormal responses to rewards. Playing electronic games generates a biological response that activates the neuronal circuits linked to pleasure and reward, and there is a growing attention to this type of activity, which can also turn into a mental health condition. The existence and the boundaries between the functional and the dysfunctional are still a source of debate, with the recognition of ‘Internet Gaming Disorder’ (IGD) as a condition belonging to the broader area of addiction requiring more in-depth study with respect to the DSM-5, while ‘Gaming Disorder’ (GD) was officially recognized as a new diagnosis by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the updated revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Notwithstanding, the suggested criteria for the diagnosis of Gaming Disorder are still debated. Since ADHD has been reported as a risk factor for developing addictions, this narrative review aims to provide the current state-of-the art of the knowledge about the comorbidity between ADHD and Gaming Disorder. For this aim, a literature search was conducted using a combination of specific keywords and the results are discussed within the R-Do-C framework and dimensions, and implications for treatment are considered.
Endotracheal Tube Kinking in the Prone Position during Pediatric Neurosurgery: A Case Report
Authors: Gilbertson Laura E. , Morgan Michael , Lam Humphrey V.
Published: October 2022

Background: The prone position presents several concerns for the pediatric anesthesiologist, such as prevention of pressure related injuries, avoidance of undetected line infiltration, proper airway securement to inhibit unanticipated extubation, and limited access to the patient in critical events. However, the possibility of endotracheal tube kinking in pediatric patients is rarely discussed in the multitude of concerns about prone procedures. Here, we present a case report detailing the anesthetic management of a patient that experienced endotracheal tube kinking in the prone position during a posterior fossa mass resection. Our conclusion is that pediatric anesthesiologists must be cognizant of the possibility of endotracheal tube kinking in patients who are undergoing procedures in the prone position with significant neck flexion. We recommend using either an appropriately sized reinforced endotracheal tube or a nasotracheal intubation to decrease the potential of intraoperative tube kinking.
Thyroid Function and Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents with Neuromotor Disability
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Biganzoli Giacomo , Ferraro Simona , Mari Alessandra , Mandelli Anna , Fabiano Valentina , Carlucci Patrizia , Pelizzo Gloria , Zoia Elena , Lanfranchi Giulia , Castaldi Silvana , Boracchi Patrizia , Biganzoli Elia , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo
Published: October 2022

Thyroid function plays a crucial role in nervous system integrity and metabolic homeostasis. We evaluated the pattern of TSH, FT4 and FT3 release in children with neuromotor impairment (NI) in relationship with metabolic syndrome (MS). We enrolled 55 patients with NI and 30 controls. Clinical parameters, thyroid function and MS presence were recorded. Principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, and logistic regression models were performed. MS was detected in 54.5% of patients. Four clusters were identified: the first one included only controls and, contrasting with cluster 4, was exclusively characterized by children with disability and MS. This latter showed increased FT4 and FT3 and decreased TSH levels. Cluster 2, characterized by disability without MS showed high FT4 and FT3, whereas cluster 3 with low FT4 and FT3 mainly included disability (90%) and showed prevalent MS (57%). The association between TSH and NI is represented by a U-shape structure. The TSH, FT3 and FT4 release patterns may reflect thyrotropic adaptation, allostatic response and compensatory mechanisms. These mechanisms, found in both MS and disability, show that the odds of having a condition of NI with or without MS increase as the TSH values deviate, in both directions, from a value of 2.5 mLU/mL.
A Narrative Review on Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tools for the Analysis of Dental Arches in Orofacial Cleft Patients
Authors: Jorge Paula Karine , Ambrosio Eloá Cristina Passucci , Machado Maria Aparecida de Andrade Moreira , Oliveira Thaís Marchini , de Almeida Ana Lúcia Pompeia Fraga , Soares Simone
Published: October 2022

Background: It is necessary to analyze and monitor the facial growth of orofacial cleft patients. The documentation should therefore begin before and after primary surgeries. Technological evolution has transformed plaster models into 3D images through scanners that allow rational storage, manipulation, and rotation without the possibility of breakage or damage. Based on this fact, this narrative review aims to provide a feature on the three-dimensional tools available for the assessment of dental arches in children with orofacial cleft and mixed dentition. Material and Methods: Three databases were chosen (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus) and keywords were used to select papers. Results: During the database screening, 292 potentially relevant papers were found. After removing duplicates, titles, and abstracts, 32 papers presented qualifications for analysis. Through evaluating each document by reading it one by one, 24 papers fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Conclusions: It was concluded that digital tools—i.e., benchtop scanners which evaluate the dental arches of children with cleft lip, palate, and mixed dentition—are reproducible and reliable, without the use of ionizing radiation, allow storage, manipulation with sustainability, and help preserve the environment.
Implications of Microorganisms in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yadav Pardeep , Lee Yeon-Hee , Panday Hrithika , Kant Shubham , Bajwa Neha , Parashar Ritika , Jha Saurabh Kumar , Jha Niraj Kumar , Nand Parma , Lee Sang-Soo , Jha Abhimanyu Kumar
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a deadly brain degenerative disorder that leads to brain shrinkage and dementia. AD is manifested with hyperphosphorylated tau protein levels and amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide buildup in the hippocampus and cortex regions of the brain. The nervous tissue of AD patients also contains fungal proteins and DNA which are linked to bacterial infections, suggesting that polymicrobial infections also occur in the brains of those with AD. Both immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques were employed to assess fungal and bacterial infections in the brain tissue of AD patients and non-AD controls, with the most prevalent fungus genera detected in AD patients being Alternaria, Botrytis, Candida, and Malassezia. Interestingly, Fusarium was the most common genus detected in the control group. Both AD patients and controls were also detectable for Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroides for bacterial infection. At the family level, Burkholderiaceae and Staphylococcaceae exhibited higher levels in the brains of those with AD than the brains of the control group. Accordingly, there is thought to be a viscous cycle of uncontrolled neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the brain, caused by agents such as the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), Chlamydophilapneumonia, and Spirochetes, and the presence of apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), which is associated with an increased proinflammatory response in the immune system. Systemic proinflammatory cytokines are produced by microorganisms such as Cytomegalovirus, Helicobacter pylori, and those related to periodontal infections. These can then cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and lead to the onset of dementia. Here, we reviewed the relationship between the etiology of AD and microorganisms (such as bacterial pathogens, Herpesviridae viruses, and periodontal pathogens) according to the evidence available to understand the pathogenesis of AD. These findings might guide a targeted anti-inflammatory therapeutic approach to AD.
Design and Synthesis of Thionated Levofloxacin: Insights into a New Generation of Quinolones with Potential Therapeutic and Analytical Applications
Authors: Ibrahim Ali I. M. , Abul-Futouh Hassan , Bourghli Laurance M. S. , Abu-Sini Mohammad , Sunoqrot Suhair , Ikhmais Balqis , Jha Vibhu , Sarayrah Qusai , Abulebdah Dina H. , Ismail Worood H.
Published: October 2022

Levofloxacin is a widely used fluoroquinolone in several infectious diseases. The structure–activity relationship of levofloxacin has been studied. However, the effect of changing the carbonyl into thiocarbonyl of levofloxacin has not been investigated up to the date of this report. In this work, levofloxacin structure was slightly modified by making a thionated form (compound 3), which was investigated for its antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity, as well as spectroscopic properties. The antibacterial susceptibility testing against five different bacteria showed promising minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), particularly against B. spizizenii and E. coli, with an MIC value of 1.9 µM against both bacteria, and 7.8 µM against P. mirabilis. The molecular docking experiment showed similar binding interactions of both levofloxacin and compound 3 with the active site residues of topoisomerase IV. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity results revealed that compound 3 was more biocompatible with normal cells and more cytotoxic against cancer cells, compared to levofloxacin. Interestingly, compound 3 also showed an excitation profile with a distinctive absorption peak at λmax 404 nm. Overall, our results suggest that the thionation of quinolones may provide a successful approach toward a new generation with enhanced pharmacokinetic and safety profiles and overall activity as potential antibacterial agents.
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly, Gene Annotations, and Characterization of Functional Profiling Reveal Key Genes for Lead Alleviation in the Pb Hyperaccumulator Greek Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana L.)
Authors: Hasnaoui Said El , Fahr Mouna , Zouine Mohamed , Smouni Abdelaziz
Published: October 2022

Lead (Pb) contamination is a widespread environmental problem due to its toxicity to living organisms. Hirschfeldia incana L., a member of the Brassicaceae family, commonly found in the Mediterranean regions, is characterized by its ability to tolerate and accumulate Pb in soils and hydroponic cultures. This plant has been reported as an excellent model to assess the response of plants to Pb. However, the lack of genomic data for H. incana hinders research at the molecular level. In the present study, we carried out RNA deep transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of H. incana under two conditions, control without Pb(NO3)2 and treatment with 100 µM of Pb(NO3)2 for 15 days. A total of 797.83 million reads were generated using Illumina sequencing technology. We assembled 77,491 transcript sequences with an average length of 959 bp and N50 of 1330 bp. Sequence similarity analyses and annotation of these transcripts were performed against the Arabidopsis thaliana nr protein database, Gene Ontology (GO), and KEGG databases. As a result, 13,046 GO terms and 138 KEGG maps were created. Under Pb stress, 577 and 270 genes were differentially expressed in roots and aboveground parts, respectively. Detailed elucidation of regulation of metal transporters, transcription factors (TFs), and plant hormone genes described the role of actors that allow the plant to fine-tune Pb stress responses. Our study revealed that several genes related to jasmonic acid biosynthesis and alpha-linoleic acid were upregulated, suggesting these components’ implication in Hirschfeldia incana L responses to Pb stress. This study provides data for further genomic analyses of the biological and molecular mechanisms leading to Pb tolerance and accumulation in Hirschfeldia incana L.
Contribution to the Study of Forest Fires in Semi-Arid Regions with the Use of Canadian Fire Weather Index Application in Greece
Authors: Ntinopoulos Nikolaos , Spiliotopoulos Marios , Vasiliades Lampros , Mylopoulos Nikitas
Published: October 2022

Forest fires are of critical importance in the Mediterranean region. Fire weather indices are meteorological indices that produce information about the impact as well as the characteristics of a fire event in an ecosystem and have been developed for that reason. This study explores the spatiotemporal patterns of the FWI system within a study area defined by the boundaries of the Greek state. The FWI has been calculated and studied for current and future periods using data from the CFSR reanalysis model from the National Centers for Environmental Protection (NCEP) as well as data from NASA satellite programs and the European Commission for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECWMF) in the form of netCDF files. The calculation and processing of the results were conducted in the Python programming language, and additional drought- and fire-related indices were calculated, such as the standardized precipitation index (SPI), number of consecutive 50-day dry periods (Dry50), the Fosberg fire weather index (FFWI), the days where the FWI exceeds values of 40 and 50 days (FWI > 40) and (days FWI > 50). Similar patterns can easily be noted for all indices that seem to have their higher values concentrated in the southeast of the country owing to the higher temperatures and more frequent drought events that affect the indices’ behavior in both the current and future periods.
Temporal and Spatial Variability of Dryness Conditions in Kazakhstan during 1979–2021 Based on Reanalysis Data
Authors: Zheleznova Irina , Gushchina Daria , Meiramov Zhiger , Olchev Alexander
Published: October 2022

The spatial and temporal variability of dryness conditions in the territory of Kazakhstan during the period 1979–2021 was investigated using monthly and hourly ERA5 reanalysis data on air temperature and precipitation as well as various aridity indices. A large part of the territory is characterized by the air temperature increase in summer and spring, as well as precipitation reduction, especially during the summer months. It was shown that the end of the 20th century (1979–2000) and the beginning of the 21st century (2001–2021) are characterized by different trends in air temperature and precipitation. All applied indices, i.e., the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), the Keetch–Byram Drought Index (KBDI), Standardized Precipitation (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration (SPEI), showed increased dryness in most parts of the territory of Kazakhstan. KBDI indicated an increased risk of wildfires, especially in the southwestern and northwestern regions. The hottest and driest areas are situated in the regions that are simultaneously affected by rising temperatures and reduced precipitation in spring and summer. The strongest increase in aridity and fire risk in the southwest and northwest is mainly due to reduced precipitation in the summer. Minimal risks of droughts occur in the northern and central regions, where conditions in the early 21st century became even less favorable for drought formation compared to the late 20th century (increased precipitation in both spring and summer and lower summer temperatures).
Evaluation of Bioclimatic Discomfort Trend in a Central Area of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Monforte Pietro , Ragusa Maria Alessandra
Published: October 2022

Effects of climate change are perceived in ever larger areas of the planet. Heat waves occur with increasing frequency, constituting a risk to the population, especially for the most sensitive subjects. Preventive information to the population on the characteristics of the phenomenon and on the behavior to be supported is the means to reduce the health risks. To monitor the intensity of heat and the physiological discomfort perceived by humans, there are indices based on the perception of meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity. In this work, by applying the Thom Discomfort Index (TDI), the first bioclimatic characterization of the provinces that make up Sicily, a Mediterranean region defined as a hotspot for climate change, was performed by the authors. The nonparametric Mann–Kendall test was applied to the daily values of the TDI in all provinces in order to verify the presence of significant trends. The test results highlighted the existence of increasing trends, especially in the months of August and September, when the TDI value undergoes a significant increase due not only to high temperatures, as one might expect, but above all to a high humidity rate. When these two meteorological parameters reach certain values, the physiological discomfort from humid heat represents a risk to the population.
Is It Worth Knowing That You Might Die Tomorrow? Revisiting the Ethics of Prognosis Disclosure
Authors: Nakazawa Eisuke , Yamamoto Keiichiro , Ozeki-Hayashi Reina , Shaw Margie Hodges , Akabayashi Akira
Published: October 2022

Ethical discourse on prognosis disclosure is not yet well established. The core of the problem continues to be the dilemma between the right of self-determination and non-maleficence of patients. The prognosis disclosure policy based on Kantian autonomy provides a good solution for the problem. The policy includes demand for strict truth telling and its compatibility with patients’ best interest. However, there remains a discrepancy between theory and practice, especially when prognosis is disclosed just prior to their death. Kantian theory of prognosis is supplemented by a moralistic perspective. The moralistic perspective places high importance on temporality and relationships with others, which all human beings inherently possess. From the moralistic viewpoint, decisions about prognosis disclosure at the final stages of life must be individualized in order to be authentically autonomous. The decision to disclose a prognosis or not can only be determined by the relationships fostered over time with patients.
Antibacterial Effects of Curcumin Nanocrystals against Porphyromonas gingivalis Isolated from Patients with Implant Failure
Authors: Maleki Dizaj Solmaz , Shokrgozar Hojjat , Yazdani Javad , Memar Mohammad Yousef , Sharifi Simin , Ghavimi Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2022

Background. Despite their benefits, dental implants may sometimes fail for a diversity of causes; the most common reasons of failure are infection and bone loss. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) bacteria show a major role in peri-implantitis infection and dental implant failure. Methods. In this study, the prevalence of P. gingivalis isolated from the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of fifteen Iranian patients with implant failure (more than 1/3 of the implant length), who had average oral and dental hygiene and no antibiotic use for at least one month, was determined. Moreover, the antimicrobial effects of curcumin nanocrystals against isolated P. gingivalis were investigated. The collected samples from patients were transferred to a microbiology laboratory to culture. The presence of P. gingivalis in the culture media was confirmed using a trypsin reagent test. An isolate from a patient with the highest colony count was selected to evaluate the antibacterial effects of curcumin nanoparticles. The inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Results. Out of fifteen patients, eight (53.33%) were positive for the presence of P. gingivalis. The results of the microbial tests showed that curcumin nanoparticles had an MIC of 6.25 µg/mL and an MBC of 12.5 µg/mL. Conclusions. The use of curcumin nanoparticles may control the bacterial infection around the implant.
Plasma-Polymerized Aniline–Diphenylamine Thin Film Semiconductors
Authors: Nastase Claudia , Prodan Gabriel , Nastase Florin
Published: October 2022

Semiconducting polymer thin films were grown by a DC plasma-polymerized technique using a mixture of aniline–diphenylamine as a precursor. FT-IR spectra were taken in order to analyze the structural properties of the resulting polymers. From morphological and structural studies performed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction, an organized structure in plasma polymer thin films was distinguished. I–V characteristics in an asymmetric electrode configuration were studied to determine the conduction mechanism. It was found that the conduction mechanism controlled by SCLC is dominant in plasma-polymerized aniline–diphenylamine (PPAni-PDPA) thin films.
Numerical Study on the Regression Method to Eliminate the Influence of Surface Morphology on Indentation Hardness of Thin Films
Authors: Li Xiaozhen , Zhang Weixu , Li Dingjun , Zhang Jianpu , Long Bin
Published: October 2022

The surface morphology of specimens significantly affects the measurement accuracy of indentation hardness. Surface undulation leads to dispersion in measured hardness and makes it very difficult to obtain an accurate hardness. In the past, mechanical polishing and increasing the indentation depth were widely performed to decrease the influence of surface morphology. However, both methods have limitations for the hardness measurement of small-scale structures such as thin films or coatings. Thus, obtaining an accurate hardness measurement from one or two simple indentation tests is of great application value. In this study, we introduced a new regression method to eliminate the influence of surface undulation on hardness measurements. We simulated the indentation tests of thin films with undulating surfaces by finite element simulation and then analyzed the regularity of the measured hardness. The numerical simulations validated that the regression method can effectively eliminate the influence of surface undulation and obtain the accurate hardness of materials. This method breaks through the limitations of conventional methods, simplifies the testing workload, and improves measurement accuracy.
Highly Efficient CuInSe2 Sensitized TiO2 Nanotube Films for Photocathodic Protection of 316 Stainless Steel
Authors: Yang Zhanyuan , Li Hong , Cui Xingqiang , Zhu Jinke , Li Yanhui , Zhang Pengfei , Li Junru
Published: October 2022

CuInSe2 nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the surface of TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) by a solvothermal method for the photocathodic protection (PCP) of metals. Compared with TiO2 NTAs, the CuInSe2/TiO2 composites exhibited stronger visible light absorption and higher photoelectric conversion efficiency. After 316 Stainless Steel (SS) was coupled with CuInSe2/TiO2, the potential of 316 SS could drop to −0.90 V. The photocurrent density of CuInSe2/TiO2 connected to 316 SS reached 140 μA cm−2, which was four times that of TiO2 NTAs. The composites exhibited a protective effect in the dark state for more than 8 h after 4 h of visible light illumination. The above could be attributed to increased visible light absorption, the extended lifetime of photogenerated electrons, and generation of oxygen vacancies.
Americium Sorption by Microplastics in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Ioannidis Ioannis , Xenofontos Andrea , Anastopoulos Ioannis , Pashalidis Ioannis
Published: October 2022

The interaction of americium by polyamide (PN6) and polyethylene (PE) microplastics (MPs) has been investigated in de-ionized and seawater samples traced with the Am-241 isotope. The effect of the pH and composition of the aqueous solution (seawater) on the sorption efficiency (Kd) have been studied as function of time. In addition, the americium sorption using radionuclide mixtures (e.g., Am-241 and U-232) and its desorption in the presence of EDTA was investigated by means of bath-type experiments. The experimental data (e.g., Kd values) revealed that the sorption efficiency depends on the MP type and the pH that governs the Am(III) speciation in the solution, and the PN6 surface charge determines the sorption efficiency. Moreover, the desorption of Am(III) from MPs is a time-depended process, and the presence of complexing agents (e.g., EDTA) enhances the desorption efficiency. The Kd values in the studied water samples were relatively close to one another and similar to corresponding values in soil systems, indicating the significant role of microplastics on the behavior of americium in natural aquatic systems.
Nano-SiO2-Modified Waterborne Acrylic Acid Resin Coating for Wood Wallboard
Authors: Wu Lujing , Chen Meiling , Xu Jing , Fang Fang , Li Song , Zhu Wenkai
Published: October 2022

As one of the key products of the whole wood custom home, the study of environmental protection coating technology for wood wallboard has practical significance. Waterborne acrylic acid (WAA), as an important research object of environmentally friendly coatings, has been studied mainly in the area of modification. However, there is less research on its application to the field of wood wallboard. Herein, we developed a facile strategy to prepare WAA resin coatings with excellent performance using SiO2 nanoparticles as modifiers and explored the feasibility of wood wallboard. In this work, a simple mechanical compounding method was used to modify the WAA resin coatings by adding nano-SiO2, aiming to improve their physicochemical properties such as hardness and abrasion resistance while maintaining gloss. It was found that nano-SiO2 showed different effects on the viscosity, gloss, adhesion, and abrasion resistance of WAA resin coating. The combined performance results showed that the wood wallboard finishes exhibit excellent performance when the modifier nano-SiO2 was added at 1 wt% in the WAA resin coating. This present work shows that the nano-SiO2-modified WAA resin coating for wood wallboard has a broad application prospect.
Roles of Self-Assembly and Secondary Structures in Antimicrobial Peptide Coatings
Authors: Zhu Xiao , Tang Weilong , Cheng Xinyi , Wang Huihui , Sang Ting , Ye Zhou
Published: October 2022

Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) coatings are promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics for the prevention of medical device- and implant-associated infections. Compared to covalent immobilization methods, coatings relying on physical interactions are more versatile but usually less stable. Previous work has developed stable noncovalent coatings on titanium and hydroxyapatite with a model AMP, GL13K, leveraging the strong hydrogen bonding between β-sheet-formed self-assemblies and polar substrates. In this work, a different GL13K self-assembly process was triggered with the formation of α-helices in ethanol/water cosolvent. We compared three different coatings on titanium to investigate the roles of self-assembly and secondary structures, including free GL13K in unordered structures, self-assembled GL13K with the formation of α-helices, and self-assembled GL13K with the formation of β-sheets. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and water contact angle results confirmed the successful coatings of all three physiosorbed GL13K conditions. Self-assembled GL13K, either in α-helices or β-sheets, formed more effective antimicrobial coatings in killing Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus than free GL13K. These findings could help design more stable and effective antimicrobial coatings using self-assembled AMPs.
Preparation and Properties of Pulsed Composite Coatings of Supercritical Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Li Zhixian , Lei Weining , Li Yahan , Qian Haifeng , Mou Zhigang , He Bin
Published: October 2022

Using graphene quantum dots with unique properties as the second phase additive and utilizing the high diffusion and transfer properties of supercritical fluids, Ni-based nanocomposite coatings were prepared by pulsed electrodeposition technology. The effects of the pulse duty cycle on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of composite coatings were investigated. The results showed that the graphene quantum dots are successfully embedded in the coatings, and under supercritical conditions, a suitable pulse duty cycle can improve the surface density and sphericity of the coatings. Raman spectroscopy and carbon-sulfur analyzer test indicated that supercritical conditions can improve the quality and content of graphene quantum dots in the coatings. The graphene quantum dots composite coating prepared when the pulse duty cycle is 0.3 has more excellent mechanical properties. Its microhardness is higher, and it has a smaller friction coefficient and wear scar cross-sectional area. Tafel polarization experiments indicated that under supercritical conditions, the corrosion current density of graphene quantum dots composite coating prepared when the pulse duty cycle is 0.3 is small, which is 1.286 × 10−5 A·cm−2. The 120 h immersion corrosion study showed that no obvious corrosion occurs on the surface. Therefore, its corrosion resistance is more excellent.
Numerical Simulation of Acid Gas Distribution and Corrosion Characteristics in Connecting Pipe of Lean/Rich Amine Heat Exchanger
Authors: Shi Zeyang , Lv Jianjun , E Zhipeng , Wei Peixu , Gu Yukuan , Li Yuge , Song Wenming , Yan Yuan , Wei Liping , Hu Jun
Published: October 2022

In the high sulfur natural gas purification unit, the connecting pipe of a lean/rich amine heat exchanger is extremely susceptible to corrosion due to the acid gas and amine liquid condition. This work numerically investigated the gas–liquid flow and corrosion of the real-scale connecting pipeline with two horizontal sections, one vertical section and four elbow sections. The effect of acid gas holdup on the gas–liquid flow pattern, distribution of velocity and pressure, and corrosion rate was investigated using an experimental validated model. With an increase in the acid gas fraction from 0.03 to 0.12, the flow pattern of the horizontal section changes from bubbly flow to a stratified flow in the horizontal section, while the flow pattern of the vertical section and elbow section keeps bubbling, and the proportion of gas bubbles increases in the vertical section and all elbow sections. The maximum pressure gradient was observed on the top of the horizontal section. The most serious corrosion section was found out on the outlet of the first elbow section where the gas liquid flow starts to stratify, which is consistent with the measured minimum wall thickness. A solution measure for anti-corrosion acid gas in the pipeline was proposed by adding a bifurcated pipe to separate the acid gas in the first horizontal section. The accumulated acid gas was effectively thrown out from the outlet of the bifurcated pipe. This method provides a promising way to eliminate the acid gas in the pipe and avoid forming stratified flow, which is helpful for prolonging the service life of the pipe.
Self-Assembled Monolayer Coatings on Gold and Silica Surfaces for Antifouling Applications: A Review
Authors: Choi Yunsoo , Tran Hung-Vu , Lee T. Randall
Published: October 2022

The resistance of surfaces to biomaterial adsorption/adhesion is paramount for advancing marine and biomedical industries. A variety of approaches that involve bioinert materials have been developed to modify surfaces. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are powerful platforms in which the surface composition is easily fabricated and a well-defined structure is provided; thus, the molecular-level interaction between biomolecules/biofoulants and the surface can be understood. In this review, we describe a wide variety of SAM structures on gold and silica surfaces for antifouling applications and the corresponding mechanism of nonfouling surfaces. Our analysis divides the surface properties of films into the following types: (1) hydrophilic, (2) hydrophobic, and (3) amphiphilic films.