bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad and Narrow Transdiagnostic Risk Factors in Eating Disorders: A Preliminary Study on an Italian Clinical Sample
Authors: Iannattone Sara , Cerea Silvia , Carraro Eleonora , Ghisi Marta , Bottesi Gioia
Published: June 2022

Eating disorders are multifaceted psychopathologies and the transdiagnostic approach is currently considered a useful framework to understand their complexity. This preliminary study aimed to investigate both broad (i.e., intolerance of uncertainty and emotion dysregulation) and narrow (i.e., extreme body dissatisfaction) transdiagnostic risk factors underlying eating disorders. 50 Italian female patients seeking treatment for an eating disorder were involved (Mage = 31.6 years ± 12.8, 18–65). They completed self-report measures assessing emotion regulation difficulties, intolerance of uncertainty, extreme body dissatisfaction, general psychological distress, and eating disorder symptomatology. To explore whether the abovementioned transdiagnostic factors predicted patients’ psychological distress and eating disorder symptoms, two linear regressions were performed. Emotion dysregulation emerged as the only significant predictor of distress, while extreme body dissatisfaction was the only significant predictor of overall eating disorder symptomatology. Then, to analyze the differences between patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation problems, t-tests were conducted. The two groups differed significantly in intolerance of uncertainty levels only, with higher scores obtained by patients with anorexia nervosa. Overall, our findings suggest that emotion dysregulation and extreme body dissatisfaction may be relevant constructs in eating disorders in general, while intolerance of uncertainty may be more involved in restrictive eating disorders. The clinical implications of such results are discussed.
Oral Health-Related Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Patients in Rural Areas around Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Authors: Chisnoiu Radu Marcel , Delean Ada Gabriela , Muntean Alexandrina , Rotaru Doina Iulia , Chisnoiu Andrea Maria , Cimpean Sanda Ileana
Published: June 2022

The intent of the KAP (knowledge, attitude, practices) survey is to collect information about a specific target group related to their knowledge, what they consider to be known, and what they do about a particular topic. The aim of this study was to identify the level of importance of oral health, especially the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of rural patients around Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Material and methods: A questionnaire consisting of five parts was used, trying to assess the self-perception of oral health, knowledge and attitude towards oral health, dental hygiene practices and eating habits. A clinical examination was also performed in order to identify the number of missing teeth, the caries and the presence of calculus. Results: The study revealed that most patients have an average and good self-perception of oral health, although three-quarters of them have calculus deposits, and about half of them have more than three carious lesions and at least one extracted tooth. There is also a discrepancy between declared knowledge of oral health, eating habits and dental practices. Conclusions: The basic knowledge of rural patients about oral health can be considered satisfactory, but the practices, unfortunately, do not reflect this knowledge.
Evaluation of Physiotherapy Impact on Neuromuscular Tension in Analog Astronauts at the LunAres Habitat
Authors: Gronwald Barbara , Kijak Karina , Baszuk Piotr , Lietz-Kijak Danuta , Kosko Kamil , Matuszczak Mikołaj , Skomro Piotr , Bielawska-Victorini Hanna , Orzechowski Leszek , Mintus Agata , Gronwald Helena
Published: June 2022

The evaluation of manual Trigger Point Therapy (TrPt) on mandible abduction range of Analog Astronauts (AA) surviving isolation conditions during consecutive missions at the LunAres Habitat was performed. This physiotherapy method was applied to decrease stress-related neuromuscular tension. Abduction measurements were conducted on the two groups of five AA, who endured severe isolation conditions for 14 days in the limited space of the LunAres Research Station Habitat (Piła, Poland) during missions. The test group consisted of abduction measurements of AA who received TrPt and control group of abduction measurements of AA who did not receive TrPt. All measurements were noted in the TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) diagnosis aspect of the integrated dental examination card SZOPPDP©. The ischemic compression was performed on an active localized trigger point—resulting in cessation of pain. Maximum abduction measurements were made with an electronic caliper, and the abduction range was compared. The change of abduction range in AA with TrPt was bigger than in AA without TrPt. A larger increase in abduction range was observed in every case in the group receiving TrPt compared to the control group. TrPt effectively decreases the neuromuscular tension, which results in an increased mandibular abduction range of AA. Observations conducted in LunAres Research Station regarding stress-related neuromuscular tension can help identify effective therapeutic methods for circumstances of social isolation.
The Role of Physical Education in Preventing Unhealthy Lifestyles in Immigrant Adolescents
Authors: Mondéjar-Jiménez Juan-Antonio , Ceballos-Santamaría Guillermo , Valencia-García Andrés , Sánchez-Cubo Francisco
Published: June 2022

In recent years, migratory phenomena have changed the composition of Spanish society. There are many studies that explore the healthy habits of young adolescents, but few focus on young immigrants. The purpose of this study is to examine the causal relationships between certain factors that influence the health of immigrant youth and sports. The sample consisted of 173 students enrolled in secondary education in the city of Cuenca. The structural model confirms the relationship between the latent variables and sports. Specifically, we obtained a positive influence of an active lifestyle (regular physical activity and exercise) and a negative influence for the remaining variables (alcohol consumption, unhealthy foods, self-medication and tobacco consumption in the family). Physical education should promote healthy lifestyles; greater coordination between physical education and other subjects involved in education and the promotion of health are necessary because we consider that this task is not exclusive to physical education.
How Does City Size Affect the Cost of Household Travel? Evidence from an Urban Household Survey in China
Authors: Li Zhentao , Li Tianzi
Published: June 2022

Travel costs are critical to the sustainable development of cities. This paper used Urban Household Survey (UHS) data from 2002 to 2014 and constructed a comprehensive city-size index from the perspectives of population and urban space to empirically test the impact of city size on the cost of household travel. The main results are as follows: (1) There is a significant positive correlation between city size and the cost of household travel. The internal mechanism is that city size affects the cost of household travel by increasing spatial distance and traffic congestion. (2) Increasing public transportation and per capita road area can restrain the positive impact of city size on the cost of household travel; moreover, the restraining effect of public transportation is stronger than that of per capita road area. (3) The impact of city size on the cost of household travel for sub-provincial cities is smaller than that for ordinary prefecture-level cities; in addition, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between city size and the cost of household travel. This paper deepens the understanding of the impact of city size on travel costs, providing research support for the healthy development of cities in China.
The Effects of Face Coverings on Perceived Exertion and Attention Allocation during a Stepping Task
Authors: Braun-Trocchio Robyn , Renteria Jessica , Warfield Elizabeth , Harrison Kaitlyn , Williams Ashlynn
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world from lockdowns to various recommended restrictions including social distancing and wearing face coverings. In a safe environment, cardiovascular exercise is important for both physical health and mental health. The current study examined the effects of face coverings on rating of perceived exertion and attention allocation during an exertive stepping task. Participants completed a stepping task with a weighted vest at 20% of their bodyweight until volitional fatigue with a face covering (n = 23) or without a face covering (n = 31). Results revealed a non-significant difference (p = 0.25) in the duration of the stepping task (in seconds) between the no face covering (M = 455.81, SD = 289.77) and face covering (M = 547.83, SD = 285.93) conditions. Results indicated increases in perceived exertion (p < 0.001) and heart rate (p < 0.001) as time progressed across the four time points (i.e., 30 s, 1/3 time to exhaustion, 2/3 time to exhaustion, and exhaustion) in both conditions. No significant differences were found between the conditions for RPE (p = 0.09) and heart rate (p = 0.50). Participants wearing a face covering were more internally focused across the duration of the stepping task (p = 0.05). This study has relevance for applied practitioners implementing physical activity interventions that require face coverings.
Facility or Transport Inequality? Decomposing Healthcare Accessibility Inequality in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Tao Zhuolin , Wang Qi
Published: June 2022

Accessibility to healthcare services is crucial for residents’ wellbeing. Numerous studies have revealed significant spatial inequality in healthcare accessibility across various contexts. However, it still remains unclear whether the inequality is caused by the unbalanced spatial distribution of healthcare facilities or by unequal transport access to them. This study decomposes inequality in healthcare accessibility into facility- and transport-driven inequality by comparing scenarios of healthcare accessibility, which consider various combinations of multidimensional components of accessibility using different distance measures. Using a case study in Shenzhen, this study reveals that both facility distribution and transport access substantially contribute to spatial inequality in healthcare accessibility. Facility distribution accounts for 61.3% and 50.8% of the overall accessibility inequality for driving and transit modes, respectively. The remaining inequality is induced by imbalanced mobility provided by transport networks. Furthermore, the impact of transport component on healthcare accessibility is unevenly distributed. This study highlights that both facility- and transport-related countermeasures should be considered to improve the accessibility and equality of healthcare services. It provides transferable methods for quantitatively decomposing facility- and transport-driven inequality in accessibility to healthcare or other facilities.
Exploring Spatial Nonstationarity in Determinants of Intercity Commuting Flows: A Case Study of Suzhou–Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Niu Xinyi
Published: June 2022

The increasing popularity of intercity commuting is affecting regional development and people’s lifestyles. A key approach to addressing the challenges brought about by intercity commuting is analyzing its determinants. Although spatial nonstationarity seems inevitable, or at least worth examining in spatial analysis and modeling, the global perspective was commonly employed to explore the determinants of intercity commuting flows in previous studies, which might result in inaccurate estimation. This paper aims to interpret intercity commuting flows from Suzhou to Shanghai in the Yangtze River Delta region. For this purpose, mobile signaling data was used to capture human movement trajectories, and multi-source big data was used to evaluate social-economic determinants. Negative binomial (NB) regression and spatially weighted interaction models (SWIM) were applied to select significant determinants and identify their spatial nonstationarity. The results show that the following determinants are significant: (1) commuting time, (2) scale of producer services in workplace, (3) scale of non-producer services in residence, (4) housing supply in residence, (5) year of construction in residence, and (6) housing price in residence. In addition, all six significant determinants exhibit evident spatial nonstationarity in terms of significance scope and coefficient level. Compared with the geographically weighted regression (GWR), SWIM reveals that the determinants of intercity commuting flows may manifest spatial nonstationarity in both residence and workplace areas, which might deepen our understanding of the spatial nonstationarity of OD flows.
Effects of Different Basal Cell Culture Media upon the Osteogenic Response of hMSCs Evaluated by 99mTc-HDP Labeling
Authors: Grossner Tobias , Haberkorn Uwe , Hofmann Jakob , Gotterbarm Tobias
Published: June 2022

The osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells is now a standard procedure in modern bone tissue engineering. As this is a promising field for future clinical applications, many cell culture media exist to promote osteogenic differentiation. Prior to differentiation, cells must be expanded to obtain sufficient numbers for experiments. Little evidence is available regarding the optimal media combination for expansion and differentiation to maximize the osteogenic response. Therefore, human BM-MSCs (n = 6) were expanded in parallel in DMEM (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium) LG (Low Glucose) and α-MEM (Minimum Essential Media alpha-modification), followed by simultaneous monolayer differentiation toward the osteogenic lineage in: 1. DMEM LG (Low Glucose), 2. DMEM HG (High Glucose), 3. α-MEM, 4. “Bernese medium”, and 5. “Verfaillie medium”, with a corresponding negative control (total 20 groups). As a marker for osteogenic differentiation, hydroxyapatite was accessed using radioactive 99mTc-HDP labeling and quantitative alizarin red staining. The results indicate that all media except “Bernese medium” are suitable for osteogenic differentiation, while there was evidence that DMEM LG is partly superior when used for expansion and differentiation of BM-hMSCs. Using “Verfaillie medium” after DMEM LG expansion led to the highest grade of osteogenic differentiation. Nevertheless, the difference was not significant. Therefore, we recommend using DMEM LG for robust osteogenic differentiation, as it is highly suitable for that purpose, economical compared to other media, and requires little preparation time.
What Can We Learn from -Omics Approaches to Understand Clubroot Disease?
Authors: Ludwig-Müller Jutta
Published: June 2022

Clubroot is one of the most economically significant diseases worldwide. As a result, many investigations focus on both curing the disease and in-depth molecular studies. Although the first transcriptome dataset for the clubroot disease describing the clubroot disease was published in 2006, many different pathogen–host plant combinations have only recently been investigated and published. Articles presenting -omics data and the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae as well as different host plants were analyzed to summarize the findings in the richness of these datasets. Although genome data for the protist have only recently become available, many effector candidates have been identified, but their functional characterization is incomplete. A better understanding of the life cycle is clearly required to comprehend its function. While only a few proteome studies and metabolome analyses were performed, the majority of studies used microarrays and RNAseq approaches to study transcriptomes. Metabolites, comprising chemical groups like hormones were generally studied in a more targeted manner. Furthermore, functional approaches based on such datasets have been carried out employing mutants, transgenic lines, or ecotypes/cultivars of either Arabidopsis thaliana or other economically important host plants of the Brassica family. This has led to new discoveries of potential genes involved in disease development or in (partial) resistance or tolerance to P. brassicae. The overall contribution of individual experimental setups to a larger picture will be discussed in this review.
Notch Signaling in Breast Tumor Microenvironment as Mediator of Drug Resistance
Authors: Chimento Adele , D’Amico Maria , Pezzi Vincenzo , De Amicis Francesca
Published: June 2022

Notch signaling dysregulation encourages breast cancer progression through different mechanisms such as stem cell maintenance, cell proliferation and migration/invasion. Furthermore, Notch is a crucial driver regulating juxtracrine and paracrine communications between tumor and stroma. The complex interplay between the abnormal Notch pathway orchestrating the activation of other signals and cellular heterogeneity contribute towards remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. These changes, together with tumor evolution and treatment pressure, drive breast cancer drug resistance. Preclinical studies have shown that targeting the Notch pathway can prevent or reverse resistance, reducing or eliminating breast cancer stem cells. In the present review, we will summarize the current scientific evidence that highlights the involvement of Notch activation within the breast tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tumor/stroma/immune system interplay and its involvement in mechanisms of therapy resistance.
Neuroinflammation in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Apolloni Savina , Milani Martina , D’Ambrosi Nadia
Published: June 2022

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene frataxin, encoding for a mitochondrial protein involved in iron handling and in the biogenesis of iron−sulphur clusters, and leading to progressive nervous system damage. Although the overt manifestations of FRDA in the nervous system are mainly observed in the neurons, alterations in non-neuronal cells may also contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease, as recently suggested for other neurodegenerative disorders. In FRDA, the involvement of glial cells can be ascribed to direct effects caused by frataxin loss, eliciting different aberrant mechanisms. Iron accumulation, mitochondria dysfunction, and reactive species overproduction, mechanisms identified as etiopathogenic in neurons in FRDA, can similarly affect glial cells, leading them to assume phenotypes that can concur to and exacerbate neuron loss. Recent findings obtained in FRDA patients and cellular and animal models of the disease have suggested that neuroinflammation can accompany and contribute to the neuropathology. In this review article, we discuss evidence about the involvement of neuroinflammatory-related mechanisms in models of FRDA and provide clues for the modulation of glial-related mechanisms as a possible strategy to improve disease features.
Isogenic GAA-KO Murine Muscle Cell Lines Mimicking Severe Pompe Mutations as Preclinical Models for the Screening of Potential Gene Therapy Strategies
Authors: Aguilar-González Araceli , González-Correa Juan Elías , Barriocanal-Casado Eliana , Ramos-Hernández Iris , Lerma-Juárez Miguel A. , Greco Sara , Rodríguez-Sevilla Juan José , Molina-Estévez Francisco Javier , Montalvo-Romeral Valle , Ronzitti Giuseppe , Sánchez-Martín Rosario María , Martín Francisco , Muñoz Pilar
Published: June 2022

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) gene. Most gene therapies (GT) partially rely on the cross-correction of unmodified cells through the uptake of the GAA enzyme secreted by corrected cells. In the present study, we generated isogenic murine GAA-KO cell lines resembling severe mutations from Pompe patients. All of the generated GAA-KO cells lacked GAA activity and presented an increased autophagy and increased glycogen content by means of myotube differentiation as well as the downregulation of mannose 6-phosphate receptors (CI-MPRs), validating them as models for PD. Additionally, different chimeric murine GAA proteins (IFG, IFLG and 2G) were designed with the aim to improve their therapeutic activity. Phenotypic rescue analyses using lentiviral vectors point to IFG chimera as the best candidate in restoring GAA activity, normalising the autophagic marker p62 and surface levels of CI-MPRs. Interestingly, in vivo administration of liver-directed AAVs expressing the chimeras further confirmed the good behaviour of IFG, achieving cross-correction in heart tissue. In summary, we generated different isogenic murine muscle cell lines mimicking the severe PD phenotype, as well as validating their applicability as preclinical models in order to reduce animal experimentation.
An Emerging Cross-Species Marker for Organismal Health: Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway
Authors: Jamshed Laiba , Debnath Amrita , Jamshed Shanza , Wish Jade V. , Raine Jason C. , Tomy Gregg T. , Thomas Philippe J. , Holloway Alison C.
Published: June 2022

Tryptophan (TRP) is an essential dietary amino acid that, unless otherwise committed to protein synthesis, undergoes metabolism via the Tryptophan-Kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway in vertebrate organisms. TRP and its metabolites have key roles in diverse physiological processes including cell growth and maintenance, immunity, disease states and the coordination of adaptive responses to environmental and dietary cues. Changes in TRP metabolism can alter the availability of TRP for protein and serotonin biosynthesis as well as alter levels of the immune-active KYN pathway metabolites. There is now considerable evidence which has shown that the TRP-KYN pathway can be influenced by various stressors including glucocorticoids (marker of chronic stress), infection, inflammation and oxidative stress, and environmental toxicants. While there is little known regarding the role of TRP metabolism following exposure to environmental contaminants, there is evidence of linkages between chemically induced metabolic perturbations and altered TRP enzymes and KYN metabolites. Moreover, the TRP-KYN pathway is conserved across vertebrate species and can be influenced by exposure to xenobiotics, therefore, understanding how this pathway is regulated may have broader implications for environmental and wildlife toxicology. The goal of this narrative review is to (1) identify key pathways affecting Trp-Kyn metabolism in vertebrates and (2) highlight consequences of altered tryptophan metabolism in mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish. We discuss current literature available across species, highlight gaps in the current state of knowledge, and further postulate that the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio can be used as a novel biomarker for assessing organismal and, more broadly, ecosystem health.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Association Processes in Aqueous Solutions of Maleate Salts of Drug-like Compounds: The Role of Counterion
Authors: Vener Mikhail V. , Makhrov Denis E. , Voronin Alexander P. , Shalafan Daria R.
Published: June 2022

The study of the formation of microstructures during the interaction of a protonated drug-like compound (API) with a maleic acid monoanion sheds light on the assembly processes in an aqueous solution at the molecular level. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations made it possible to find initial hydrogen bonding motifs during the assembly process, leading to the formation of heterodimers and trimers. The process of trimer formation [protonated API—maleic acid monoanion—protonated API] proceeds through the formation of three intermolecular H-bonds by the CO2− group of the maleic acid monoanion in both systems. The total enthalpy/energy of these H-bonds is more than 70 kJ/mol. Thus, the maleic acid monoanion plays a key role in the processes of association in aqueous solution, and the interaction of the maleic acid monoanion with API is more preferable than the interaction of API molecules with each other. DFT computations in the discrete continuum approximation reveal the spectral features of heterodimers and trimers, and the ATR-IR spectra confirmed these findings. MD simulations followed by DFT calculations made it possible to describe the initial stages of the formation of pharmaceutical cocrystals in an aqueous solution.
Gonadotropin Cell Transduction Mechanisms
Authors: Mauro Annunziata , Berardinelli Paolo , Barboni Barbara
Published: June 2022

The intention of this Special Edition was to collect review and original research articles that illustrate and stimulate the growing efforts to highlight the mechanisms of action of gonadotropins, as well as deepen our understanding of their biological roles in health and disease, aiming at revealing novel therapeutic opportunities in reproductive and regenerative medicine [...]
Dynamic Scheduling of Crane by Embedding Deep Reinforcement Learning into a Digital Twin Framework
Authors: Xu Zhenyu , Chang Daofang , Sun Miaomiao , Luo Tian
Published: June 2022

This study proposes a digital twin (DT) application framework that integrates deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms for the dynamic scheduling of crane transportation in workshops. DT is used to construct the connection between the workshop service system, logical simulation environment, 3D visualization model and physical workshop, and DRL is used to support the core decision in scheduling. First, the dynamic scheduling problem of crane transportation is constructed as a Markov decision process (MDP), and the corresponding double deep Q-network (DDQN) is designed to interact with the logic simulation environment to complete the offline training of the algorithm. Second, the trained DDQN is embedded into the DT framework, and then connected with the physical workshop and the workshop service system to realize online dynamic crane scheduling based on the real-time states of the workshop. Finally, case studies of crane scheduling under dynamic job arrival and equipment failure scenarios are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The numerical analysis shows that the proposed method is superior to the traditional dynamic scheduling method, and it is also suitable for large-scale problems.
An Overview of Healthcare Associated Infections and Their Detection Methods Caused by Pathogen Bacteria in Romania and Europe
Authors: Szabó Sándor , Feier Bogdan , Capatina Denisa , Tertis Mihaela , Cristea Cecilia , Popa Adina
Published: June 2022

Healthcare-associated infections can occur in different care units and can affect both patients and healthcare professionals. Bacteria represent the most common cause of nosocomial infections and, due to the excessive and irrational use of antibiotics, resistant organisms have appeared. The most important healthcare-associated infections are central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, surgical site, soft tissue infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, hospital acquired pneumonia, and Clostridioides difficile colitis. In Europe, some hospitalized patients develop nosocomial infections that lead to increased costs and prolonged hospitalizations. Healthcare-associated infection prevalence in developed countries is lower than in low-income and middle-income countries such as Romania, an Eastern European country, where several factors contribute to the occurrence of many nosocomial infections, but official data show a low reporting rate. For the rapid identification of bacteria that can cause these infections, fast, sensitive, and specific methods are needed, and they should be cost-effective. Therefore, this review focuses on the current situation regarding healthcare-associated infections in Europe and Romania, with discussions regarding the causes and possible solutions. As a possible weapon in the fight against the healthcare-associated infections, the diagnosis methods and tests used to determine the bacteria involved in healthcare-associated infections are evaluated.
Meta-Analysis of Percutaneous Endomyocardial Cell Therapy in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure by Combination of Individual Patient Data (IPD) of ACCRUE and Publication-Based Aggregate Data
Authors: Gyöngyösi Mariann , Pokushalov Evgeny , Romanov Aleksander , Perin Emerson , Hare Joshua M. , Kastrup Jens , Fernández-Avilés Francisco , Sanz-Ruiz Ricardo , Mathur Anthony , Wojakowski Wojcieh , Martin-Rendon Enca , Pavo Noemi , Pavo Imre J. , Hemetsberger Rayyan , Traxler Denise , Spannbauer Andreas , Haller Paul M.
Published: June 2022

Individual patient data (IPD)-based meta-analysis (ACCRUE, meta-analysis of cell-based cardiac studies, NCT01098591) revealed an insufficient effect of intracoronary cell-based therapy in acute myocardial infarction. Patients with ischemic heart failure (iHF) have been treated with reparative cells using percutaneous endocardial, surgical, transvenous or intracoronary cell delivery methods, with variable effects in small randomized or cohort studies. The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transendocardial cell therapy in patients with iHF. Two investigators extracted the data. Individual patient data (IPD) (n = 8 studies) and publication-based (n = 10 studies) aggregate data were combined for the meta-analysis, including patients (n = 1715) with chronic iHF. The data are reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The primary safety and efficacy endpoints were all-cause mortality and changes in global ejection fraction. The secondary safety and efficacy endpoints were major adverse events, hospitalization and changes in end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. Post hoc analyses were performed using the IPD of eight studies to find predictive factors for treatment safety and efficacy. Cell therapy was significantly (p < 0.001) in favor of survival, major adverse events and hospitalization during follow-up. A forest plot analysis showed that cell therapy presents a significant benefit of increasing ejection fraction with a mean change of 2.51% (95% CI: 0.48; 4.54) between groups and of significantly decreasing end-systolic volume. The analysis of IPD data showed an improvement in the NYHA and CCS classes. Cell therapy significantly decreased the end-systolic volume in male patients; in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension or hyperlipidemia; and in those with previous myocardial infarction and baseline ejection fraction ≤ 45%. The catheter-based transendocardial delivery of regenerative cells proved to be safe and effective for improving mortality and cardiac performance. The greatest benefit was observed in male patients with significant atherosclerotic co-morbidities.
Sinus Node Dysfunction after Successful Atrial Flutter Ablation during Follow-Up: Clinical Characteristics and Predictors
Authors: Li Guan-Yi , Chung Fa-Po , Chao Tze-Fan , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Liao Jo-Nan , Chang Ting-Yung , Kuo Ling , Wu Cheng-I , Liu Chih-Min , Liu Shin-Huei , Cheng Wen-Han , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: June 2022

Identification of sinus node dysfunction (SND) before termination of persistent AFL by catheter ablation (CA) is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and predictors of acute and delayed SND after AFL ablation. We retrospectively enrolled 221 patients undergoing CA of persistent AFL in a tertiary referral center. Patients with SND who required a temporary pacemaker (TPM) after termination of AFL or a permanent pacemaker (PPM) during follow-up were identified. Acute SND requiring a TPM was found in 14 of 221 (6.3%) patients following successful termination of AFL. A total of 10 of the 14 patients (71.4%) recovered from acute SND. An additional 11 (5%) patients presenting with delayed SND required a PPM during follow-up, including 4 patients recovering from acute SND. Of these, 9 of these 11 patients (81.8%) underwent PPM implantation within 1 year after the ablation. In multivariable analysis, female gender and a history of hypothyroidism were associated with the requirement for a TPM following termination of persistent AFL, while older age and a history of hypothyroidism predicted PPM implantation. This study concluded that the majority of patients with acute SND still require a PPM implantation despite the initial improvement. Therefore, it is reasonable to monitor the patients closely for at least one year after AFL ablation.
Decreased Adiponectin Levels in Early Pregnancy Are Associated with High Risk of Prematurity for African American Women
Authors: Lomakova Yelizavet D. , Chen Xinhua , Stein T. Peter , Steer Robert A.
Published: June 2022

The relationship of low maternal serum adiponectin levels with preterm delivery among a multi-ethnic group has not been extensively investigated. We examined ethnic differences in cytokine/adipokine profiles and whether they contribute to several adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly preterm delivery. Data and samples were from a large prospective observational cohort (n = 1776) of young, generally healthy pregnant women (African American 36.4%, Hispanic 48.0%, Caucasian 15.6%). Serum cytokine/adipokine concentrations were measured at entry (mean gestational age of 16.83 weeks) using the Liminex xMap Technology. Multivariable analyses were performed. A significant difference in adiponectin level was observed among ethnic groups. African Americans had a decreased adiponectin and increased resistin levels compared to Hispanics and Caucasians (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001 for each). Decreased adiponectin (lowest quartile) was positively associated with preterm delivery independent of usual risk factors (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 2.04 for all preterm and AOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.07, 3.17 for early preterm births). The results were unchanged when women with preeclampsia were excluded. Similar results were observed in African Americans. Decreased adiponectin levels were not related to preterm birth in either Hispanics or Caucasians. Lower adiponectin levels were also significantly associated with an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes (AOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.05, 2.84) and preeclampsia (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.00, 2.14) in the whole cohort and in Caucasians. We did not find any consistent relationships between the other markers with outcome variables. Dysregulation in maternal adiponectin at early gestation is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. An ethnic difference in adiponectin levels may contribute to a higher preterm delivery rate in African American women.
Angle of Uterine Flexion and Adenomyosis
Authors: Xholli Anjeza , Scovazzi Umberto , Londero Ambrogio Pietro , Evangelisti Giulio , Cavalli Elena , Schiaffino Maria Giulia , Vacca Ilaria , Oppedisano Francesca , Ferraro Mattia Francesco , Sirito Giorgio , Molinari Filippo , Cagnacci Angelo
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of adenomyosis in symptomatic women in relation to the angle of flexion of the uterus. A total of 120 patients referring to our Chronic Pelvic Pain Center were prospectively enrolled. Each woman scored menstrual pain, intermenstrual pain, and dyspareunia on a 10 cm visual analogue scale and underwent a clinical examination and transvaginal ultrasound. MUSA criteria were used for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The angle of flexion of the uterus on the cervix was categorized as <150° (75% of cases), between 150° and 210° (6.7% of cases) and >210° (18.3% of cases). Adenomyosis was diagnosed in 76/120 women (63.3%). In women with adenomyosis, the VAS of intermenstrual pain was higher than in women without adenomyosis (4.04 ± 3.79 vs. 2.57 ± 3.34; p < 0.034). The angle of uterine flexion >210° was more prevalent in women with than without adenomyosis (25.0% vs. 6.8%; p < 0.015). The odds ratio of suffering from adenomyosis markedly increased in the presence of an angle of uterine flexion >210° (OR 5.8 95% CI 1.19, 28.3; p > 0.029). The data indicate that the ultrasound-estimated angle of uterine flexion >210° is related to a higher prevalence of adenomyosis.
A Brief Survey on No-Reference Image Quality Assessment Methods for Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Stępień Igor , Oszust Mariusz
Published: June 2022

No-reference image quality assessment (NR-IQA) methods automatically and objectively predict the perceptual quality of images without access to a reference image. Therefore, due to the lack of pristine images in most medical image acquisition systems, they play a major role in supporting the examination of resulting images and may affect subsequent treatment. Their usage is particularly important in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characterized by long acquisition times and a variety of factors that influence the quality of images. In this work, a survey covering recently introduced NR-IQA methods for the assessment of MR images is presented. First, typical distortions are reviewed and then popular NR methods are characterized, taking into account the way in which they describe MR images and create quality models for prediction. The survey also includes protocols used to evaluate the methods and popular benchmark databases. Finally, emerging challenges are outlined along with an indication of the trends towards creating accurate image prediction models.
Dynamics and Causes of Sea Level Rise in the Coastal Region of Southwest Bangladesh at Global, Regional, and Local Levels
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman Md. , Santos Filipe Duarte , Dias João Miguel , Cerdà Artemi
Published: June 2022

Global greenhouse gas emissions have caused sea level rise (SLR) at a global and local level since the industrial revolution, mainly through thermal expansion and ice melting. Projections indicate that the acceleration of SLR will increase in the near future. This will affect coastal and deltaic populations worldwide, such as in Bangladesh, where almost half of the population resides in regions lower than 5 m above sea level. This study found three coastal tidal gauges and five deltaic gauge stations, which showed increases in SLR at greater rates than the regional and global averages. This research also used satellite altimetry data to analyze regional and global SLR averages in the recent past and the 21st century. There is a trend towards increasing sea level based on results from three tide gauge stations: Char Changa with 7.6 mm/yr, Hiron Point at 3.1 mm/yr from 1993 to 2019, and 14.5 mm/yr at Cox’s Bazar from 1993 to 2011. Based on the linear trend from these time frames, it is projected that SLR in Char Changa will increase by 228 mm from 2020 to 2050, and by 608 mm by 2100, at Hiron Point by 93 mm in 2050 and 248 mm by 2100, and at Cox’s Bazar by almost 435.7 mm by 2050, and more than 1162 mm by 2100. Based on an average from satellite altimeters, assuming a linear increase in SLR, the Bay of Bengal shows an increase of 0.4 mm compared to the global trend. Other river delta stations in the study area also show increasing SLR, specifically, at Kalaroa, Benarpota, Kaikhali, Tala Magura, and Elarchari. Kalaroa and Benarpota show the highest, with SLR of >40 mm/yr. It is also observed that increasing SLR trends are far higher than coastal tide gauges, indicating that physical processes in the delta region are affecting SLR, further contributing to either an increase in water volume/SLR or activating land subsidence. This is partly due to the subsidence of the delta as a result of natural and anthropomorphic effects, as well as an increase in Himalayan glacier melting due to global warming. This indicates that Bangladesh coastal areas will soon experience a far greater SLR than the rest of the Bay of Bengal or other global coastal areas.
Biological Synthesis of Low Cytotoxicity Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the Fungus Chaetomium thermophilum—Sustainable Nanotechnology
Authors: Alves Mariana Fuinhas , Paschoal Ariane Caroline Campos , Klimeck Tabata D’Maiella Freitas , Kuligovski Crisciele , Marcon Bruna Hilzendeger , de Aguiar Alessandra Melo , Murray Patrick G.
Published: June 2022

Fungal biotechnology research has rapidly increased as a result of the growing awareness of sustainable development and the pressing need to explore eco-friendly options. In the nanotechnology field, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently being studied for application in cancer therapy, tumour detection, drug delivery, and elsewhere. Therefore, synthesising nanoparticles (NPs) with low toxicity has become essential in the biomedical area. The fungus Chaetomium thermophilum (C. thermophilum) was here investigated—to the best of our knowledge, for the first time—for application in the production of AgNPs. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated a spherical AgNP shape, with an average size of 8.93 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) confirmed the presence of elemental silver. A neutral red uptake (NRU) test evaluated the cytotoxicity of the AgNPs at different inhibitory concentrations (ICs). A half-maximal concentration (IC50 = 119.69 µg/mL) was used to predict a half-maximal lethal dose (LD50 = 624.31 mg/kg), indicating a Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) acute toxicity estimate (ATE) classification category of 4. The fungus extract showed a non-toxic profile at the IC tested. Additionally, the interaction between the AgNPs and the Balb/c 3T3 NIH cells at an ultrastructural level resulted in preserved cells structures at non-toxic concentrations (IC20 = 91.77 µg/mL), demonstrating their potential as sustainable substitutes for physical and chemically made AgNPs. Nonetheless, at the IC50, the cytoplasm of the cells was damaged and mitochondrial morphological alteration was evident. This fact highlights the fact that dose-dependent phenomena are involved, as well as emphasising the importance of investigating NPs’ effects on mitochondria, as disruption to this organelle can impact health.
Who to Be Treated: Nomogram Using Self-Reported Periodontal Screening Instrument among English-Speaking Adults in Multi-Ethnic Singapore
Authors: Sim Christina P. C. , Li Huihua , Peres Marco A.
Published: June 2022

Periodontal disease is a major public health problem. This study aimed to develop a nomogram using a self-reported periodontitis screening instrument in predicting severe periodontitis (SP), defined by the World Workshop on Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions, and evaluate its utility in clinical setting. An Akaike information criterion selected multivariable model was developed to predict SP using a self-reported questionnaire, with a nomogram developed based on its regression coefficients. Discriminatory capability was evaluated by Receiver-operating characteristic curve. Ability to predict SP of individual patients was evaluated with bootstrapping. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate its potential clinical utility by evaluating clinical net benefit at different thresholds. 58.1% of 155 participants were classified with SP. Older males without tertiary education, with ‘loose teeth’, ‘bone loss’ and ‘mouth rinse use’ had higher SP risk. The nomogram showed excellent discriminatory capability with Area under Curve of 0.83 (95% CI = (0.76, 0.89)), good calibration (intercept = 0.026) and slight overestimation of high risk and underestimation of low risk (slope = 0.834). DCA showed consistent clinical net benefit across the range of thresholds relative to assumption of ‘no patient’ or ‘all patient’ with SP. Our nomogram using a self-reported periodontitis instrument is useful in SP screening in English-speaking Singaporean adults.
Common Variation in the PIN1 Locus Increases the Genetic Risk to Suffer from Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome
Authors: Cerván-Martín Miriam , Bossini-Castillo Lara , Guzmán-Jimenez Andrea , Rivera-Egea Rocío , Garrido Nicolás , Luján Saturnino , Romeu Gema , Santos-Ribeiro Samuel ,   IVIRMA Group,   Lisbon Clinical Group, Castilla José A. , Gonzalvo M. Carmen , Clavero Ana , Vicente F. Javier , Maldonado Vicente , González-Muñoz Sara , Rodríguez-Martín Inmaculada , Burgos Miguel , Jiménez Rafael , Pinto Maria Graça , Pereira Isabel , Nunes Joaquim , Sánchez-Curbelo Josvany , López-Rodrigo Olga , Pereira-Caetano Iris , Marques Patricia Isabel , Carvalho Filipa , Barros Alberto , Bassas Lluís , Seixas Susana , Gonçalves João , Larriba Sara , Lopes Alexandra M. , Carmona F. David , Palomino-Morales Rogelio J.
Published: June 2022

We aimed to analyze the role of the common genetic variants located in the PIN1 locus, a relevant prolyl isomerase required to control the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells and the integrity of the blood–testis barrier, in the genetic risk of developing male infertility due to a severe spermatogenic failure (SPGF). Genotyping was performed using TaqMan genotyping assays for three PIN1 taggers (rs2287839, rs2233678 and rs62105751). The study cohort included 715 males diagnosed with SPGF and classified as suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA, n = 505) or severe oligospermia (SO, n = 210), and 1058 controls from the Iberian Peninsula. The allelic frequency differences between cases and controls were analyzed by the means of logistic regression models. A subtype specific genetic association with the subset of NOA patients classified as suffering from the Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome was observed with the minor alleles showing strong risk effects for this subset (ORaddrs2287839 = 1.85 (1.17–2.93), ORaddrs2233678 = 1.62 (1.11–2.36), ORaddrs62105751 = 1.43 (1.06–1.93)). The causal variants were predicted to affect the binding of key transcription factors and to produce an altered PIN1 gene expression and isoform balance. In conclusion, common non-coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms located in PIN1 increase the genetic risk to develop SCO.
PAHs Source Identification in Sediments and Surrounding Soils of Poyang Lake in China Using Non-Negative Matrix Factorization Analysis
Authors: Chen Chunli , Zeng Huiqing , Gong Xiaofeng , Li Jing , Wang Lingqing
Published: June 2022

Identifying sources of soil and sediment PAHs and apportioning their contributions are key in building effective pollution abatement strategies, especially for Poyang Lake—the largest freshwater lake in China. PAHs were detected in all the monitored soil and sediment samples under three land use types, with the concentrations varying by area, ranging from moderate to relatively high. The order of PAHs content in different the land use types was as follows: industrial soil > grassland soil > agricultural soil. Although agricultural soil was dominated by LMW PAHs, industrial grassland soils were dominated by HMW PAHs. Based on factor analysis, non-negative matrix factorization analysis was effective in non-negative constrained skew rotation, especially for clear and interpretable source analysis of PAHs.