bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles Associated with Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis in Penile Carcinoma
Authors: Murta Claudio B. , Furuya Tatiane K. , Carrasco Alexis G. M. , Uno Miyuki , Sichero Laura , Villa Luisa L. , Faraj Sheila F. , Coelho Rafael F. , Guglielmetti Giuliano B. , Cordeiro Mauricio D. , Leite Katia R. M. , Nahas William C. , Chammas Roger , Pontes José
Published: June 2022

Penile cancer (PeC) is a rare disease, and no prognostic biomarkers have been adopted in clinical practice yet. The objective of the present study was to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and genes (DEGs) as potential biomarkers for lymph node metastasis and other prognostic factors in PeC. Tumor samples were prospectively obtained from 24 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. miRNA microarray analysis was performed comparing tumors from patients with inguinal lymph node metastatic and localized disease, and the results were validated by qRT-PCR. Eighty-three gene expression levels were also compared between groups through qRT-PCR. Moreover, DEmiRs and DEGs expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological variables, cancer-specific (CSS), and overall survival (OS). TAC software, TM4 MeV 4.9 software, SPSS v.25.0, and R software v.4.0.2 were used for statistical analyses. We identified 21 DEmiRs in microarray analysis, and seven were selected for validation. miR-744-5p and miR-421 were overexpressed in tissue samples of metastatic patients, and high expression of miR-421 was also associated with lower OS. We found seven DEGs (CCND1, EGFR, ENTPD5, HOXA10, IGF1R, MYC, and SNAI2) related to metastatic disease. A significant association was found between increased MMP1 expression and tumor size, grade, pathological T stage, and perineural invasion. Other genes were also associated with clinicopathological variables, CSS and OS. Finally, we found changes in mRNA–miRNA regulation that contribute to understanding the mechanisms involved in tumor progression. Therefore, we identified miRNA and mRNA expression profiles as potential biomarkers associated with lymph node metastasis and prognosis in PeC, in addition to disruption in mRNA–miRNA regulation during disease progression.
Vascular Dysfunction Is Central to Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis in APOE e4 Carriers
Authors: McCorkindale Andrew N. , Mundell Hamish D. , Guennewig Boris , Sutherland Greg T.
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and the leading risk factor, after age, is possession of the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele (APOE4). Approximately 50% of AD patients carry one or two copies of APOE4 but the mechanisms by which it confers risk are still unknown. APOE4 carriers are reported to demonstrate changes in brain structure, cognition, and neuropathology, but findings have been inconsistent across studies. In the present study, we used multi-modal data to characterise the effects of APOE4 on the brain, to investigate whether AD pathology manifests differently in APOE4 carriers, and to determine if AD pathomechanisms are different between carriers and non-carriers. Brain structural differences in APOE4 carriers were characterised by applying machine learning to over 2000 brain MRI measurements from 33,384 non-demented UK biobank study participants. APOE4 carriers showed brain changes consistent with vascular dysfunction, such as reduced white matter integrity in posterior brain regions. The relationship between APOE4 and AD pathology was explored among the 1260 individuals from the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP). APOE4 status had a greater effect on amyloid than tau load, particularly amyloid in the posterior cortical regions. APOE status was also highly correlated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Bulk tissue brain transcriptomic data from ROSMAP and a similar dataset from the Mount Sinai Brain Bank showed that differentially expressed genes between the dementia and non-dementia groups were enriched for vascular-related processes (e.g., “angiogenesis”) in APOE4 carriers only. Immune-related transcripts were more strongly correlated with AD pathology in APOE4 carriers with some transcripts such as TREM2 and positively correlated with pathology severity in APOE4 carriers, but negatively in non-carriers. Overall, cumulative evidence from the largest neuroimaging, pathology, and transcriptomic studies available suggests that vascular dysfunction is key to the development of AD in APOE4 carriers. However, further studies are required to tease out non-APOE4-specific mechanisms.
Are Alterations in DNA Methylation Related to CKD Development?
Authors: Rysz Jacek , Franczyk Beata , Rysz-Górzyńska Magdalena , Gluba-Brzózka Anna
Published: June 2022

The modifications in genomic DNA methylation are involved in the regulation of normal and pathological cellular processes. The epigenetic regulation stimulates biological plasticity as an adaptive response to variations in environmental factors. The role of epigenetic changes is vital for the development of some diseases, including atherogenesis, cancers, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results of studies presented in this review have suggested that altered DNA methylation can modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes, as well those essential for kidney development and function, thus stimulating renal disease progression. Abnormally increased homocysteine, hypoxia, and inflammation have been suggested to alter epigenetic regulation of gene expression in CKD. Studies of renal samples have demonstrated the relationship between variations in DNA methylation and fibrosis and variations in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in human CKD. The unravelling of the genetic–epigenetic profile would enhance our understanding of processes underlying the development of CKD. The understanding of multifaceted relationship between DNA methylation, genes expression, and disease development and progression could improve the ability to identify individuals at risk of CKD and enable the choice of appropriate disease management.
Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Signal DSF Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammations by Suppressing Toll-like Receptor Signaling and Preventing Lysosome-Mediated Apoptosis in Zebrafish
Authors: Zhu Hongjie , Wang Zhihao , Wang Wenxin , Lu Yongbo , He Ya-Wen , Tian Jing
Published: June 2022

Bacteria and their eukaryotic hosts have co-evolved for millions of years, and the former can intercept eukaryotic signaling systems for the successful colonization of the host. The diffusible signal factor (DSF) family represents a type of quorum-sensing signals found in diverse Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Recent evidence shows that the DSF is involved in interkingdom communications between the bacterial pathogen and the host plant. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory effect of the DSF and its underlying molecular mechanism in a zebrafish model. We found that the DSF treatment exhibited a strong protective effect on the inflammatory response of zebrafish induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the LPS-induced inflammation zebrafish model, the DSF could significantly ameliorate the intestinal pathological injury, reduce abnormal migration and the aggregation of inflammatory cells, inhibit the excessive production of inflammatory mediator reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and prevent apoptosis. Through an RNA-Seq analysis, a total of 938 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was screened between LPS and LPS + DSF treatment zebrafish embryos. A further bioinformatics analysis and validation revealed that the DSF might inhibit the LPS-induced zebrafish inflammatory response by preventing the activation of signaling in the Toll-like receptor pathway, attenuating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and regulating the activation of the caspase cascade through restoring the expression of lysosomal cathepsins and apoptosis signaling. This study, for the first time, demonstrates the anti-inflammatory role and a potential pharmaceutical application of the bacterial signal DSF. These findings also suggest that the interkingdom communication between DSF-producing bacteria and zebrafish might occur in nature.
Recent Development in Nanoconfined Hydrides for Energy Storage
Authors: Comanescu Cezar
Published: June 2022

Hydrogen is the ultimate vector for a carbon-free, sustainable green-energy. While being the most promising candidate to serve this purpose, hydrogen inherits a series of characteristics making it particularly difficult to handle, store, transport and use in a safe manner. The researchers’ attention has thus shifted to storing hydrogen in its more manageable forms: the light metal hydrides and related derivatives (ammonia-borane, tetrahydridoborates/borohydrides, tetrahydridoaluminates/alanates or reactive hydride composites). Even then, the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior faces either too high energy barriers or sluggish kinetics (or both), and an efficient tool to overcome these issues is through nanoconfinement. Nanoconfined energy storage materials are the current state-of-the-art approach regarding hydrogen storage field, and the current review aims to summarize the most recent progress in this intriguing field. The latest reviews concerning H2 production and storage are discussed, and the shift from bulk to nanomaterials is described in the context of physical and chemical aspects of nanoconfinement effects in the obtained nanocomposites. The types of hosts used for hydrogen materials are divided in classes of substances, the mean of hydride inclusion in said hosts and the classes of hydrogen storage materials are presented with their most recent trends and future prospects.
Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization, and Antibacterial Performance of Silver—Lactoferrin Complexes
Authors: Pryshchepa Oleksandra , Pomastowski Paweł , Rafińska Katarzyna , Gołębiowski Adrian , Rogowska Agnieszka , Monedeiro-Milanowski Maciej , Sagandykova Gulyaim , Michalke Bernhard , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Gloc Michał , Dobrucka Renata , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose one of the major threats to human health worldwide. The issue is fundamental in the case of chronic wound treatment. One of the latest trends to overcome the problem is the search for new antibacterial agents based on silver. Thus, the aim of this research was to synthesize the silver-lactoferrin complex as a new generation of substances for the treatment of infected wounds. Moreover, one of the tasks was to investigate the formation mechanisms of the respective complexes and the influence of different synthesis conditions on the features of final product. The batch-sorption study was performed by applying the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models for the process description. Characterization of the complexes was carried out by spectroscopy, spectrometry, and separation techniques, as well as with electron microscopy. Additionally, the biological properties of the complex were evaluated, i.e., the antibacterial activity against selected bacteria and the impact on L929 cell-line viability. The results indicate the formation of a heterogeneous silver–lactoferrin complex that comprises silver nanoparticles. The complex has higher antibacterial strength than both native bovine lactoferrin and Ag+, while being comparable to silver toxicity.
Joint Effect of Different Dimensions of eWOM on Product Sales
Authors: Liu Xudong , Wu Xianjiao , Ye Qiang
Published: June 2022

Understanding the antecedents and consequences of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) is of significant theoretical value and great interest to both consumers and firms. To reconcile the disagreement in the relationship between eWOM and product sales, we investigate the joint effect of different dimensions of eWOM on the sales of durable goods (i.e., cars). Our study is based on eWOM collected from Autohome, a leading online review platform of automobiles in China. Our empirical results show that the volume and valence of eWOM positively affect car sales, and variance negatively affects car sales when the volume of eWOM is low. Further analyses of the joint effect show that the positive impact of eWOM volume on sales is stronger when the valence is lower and the variance is higher. This research contributes to the literature on eWOM and provides helpful suggestions for firms by shedding light on the joint effect of different dimensions of eWOM in the context of the Chinese automobile industry.
Magnetocaloric Effect of Two Gd-Based Frameworks
Authors: Liu Bo-Liang , Xu Qiao-Fei , Long La-Sheng , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: June 2022

Magnetic refrigeration material is the key to adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration technology. In this work, two magnetic refrigerants, Gd5(C4O4)(HCOO)3(CO3)2(OH)6·2.5H2O (1) and Gd2(OH)4SO4 (2), were prepared through hydrothermal reaction. Magnetic study reveals that their magnetic entropy changes are 24.8 J kg−1 K−1 for 1 and 15.1 J kg−1 K−1 for 2 at 2 K and 2 T, respectively. The magnetic entropy changes of 1 and 2 at T = 2 K and ∆H = 2 T exceed most gadolinium hydroxyl compounds, indicating that magnetic refrigerants with large magnetic entropy changes at low magnetic fields can be obtained by introducing more weak magnetic exchange ligands to replace hydroxyl groups in gadolinium hydroxyl compounds.
Vegetation Height as the Primary Driver of Functional Changes in Orthopteran Assemblages in a Roadside Habitat
Authors: Rebrina Fran , Reinhold Klaus , Tvrtković Nikola , Gulin Vesna , Brigić Andreja
Published: June 2022

Exhibiting manifold ecological impacts on terrestrial biota, roads have become a major driver of environmental change nowadays. However, many insect groups with high indication potential, such as grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera), have been largely neglected in road ecology research from a functional perspective. Using two complementary sampling methods, we have investigated the spatial dynamics of functional diversity and six functional traits in orthopteran assemblages, with respect to motorway proximity and the associated environmental factors, in a grassland habitat in the Lika region, Croatia. This research shows, for the first time, that road proximity can facilitate an increase in the functional diversity of orthopteran assemblages, with shifts in functional traits related to mobility, feeding habits and lifestyle being primarily driven by changes in vegetation height. Our findings also suggest that our ability to detect road-related patterns depends on the choice of a diversity measure and sampling method, since different components of orthopteran assemblages (plant-dwelling vs. ground-dwelling) exhibit different functional responses to road proximity.
Use of Thymol in Nosema ceranae Control and Health Improvement of Infected Honey Bees
Authors: Glavinic Uros , Blagojevic Jovan , Ristanic Marko , Stevanovic Jevrosima , Lakic Nada , Mirilovic Milorad , Stanimirovic Zoran
Published: June 2022

Nosema ceranae is the most widespread microsporidian species which infects the honey bees of Apis mellifera by causing the weakening of their colonies and a decline in their productive and reproductive capacities. The only registered product for its control is the antibiotic fumagillin; however, in the European Union, there is no formulation registered for use in beekeeping. Thymol (3-hydroxy-p-cymene) is a natural essential-oil ingredient derived from Thymus vulgaris, which has been used in Varroa control for decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thymol supplementation on the expression of immune-related genes and the parameters of oxidative stress and bee survival, as well as spore loads in bees infected with the microsporidian parasite N. ceranae. The results reveal mostly positive effects of thymol on health (increasing levels of immune-related genes and values of oxidative stress parameters, and decreasing Nosema spore loads) when applied to Nosema-infected bees. Moreover, supplementation with thymol did not induce negative effects in Nosema-infected bees. However, our results indicate that in Nosema-free bees, thymol itself could cause certain disorders (affecting bee survival, decreasing oxidative capacity, and downregulation of some immune-related gene expressions), showing that one should be careful with preventive, uncontrolled, and excessive use of thymol. Thus, further research is needed to reveal the effect of this phytogenic supplement on the immunity of uninfected bees.
Potential Proteins Interactions with Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus Revealed by Co-Immunoprecipitation
Authors: Wang Xiong , Ma Guangyu , Ren Feifei , Awais Mian Muhammad , Sun Jingchen
Published: June 2022

Virus–host interactions are critical for virus replication, virulence, and pathogenicity. The Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a typical model baculovirus, representing one of the most common and harmful pathogens in sericulture. Herein, we used co-immunoprecipitation to identify candidate proteins with potential interactions with BmNPV. First, a recombinant BV virus particle rBmBV-egfp-p64-3×flag-gp64sp was constructed using a MultiBac baculovirus multigene expression system. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments were then performed with the recombinant BV virus infected with BmN cells and Dazao silkworms. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a total of 845 and 1368 candidate proteins were obtained from BmN cells and silkworm samples, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis (Gene Ontology, KEGG Pathway) was conducted for selection of proteins with significant enrichment for further confirmation of the effects on BmNPV replication. Overall, the results showed that SEC61 and PIC promoted the replication of BmNPV, while FABP1 inhibited the replication of BmNPV. In summary, this study reveals the potential proteins involved in BmNPV invasion and proliferation in the host and provides a platform for identifying the potential receptor proteins of BmNPV.
Positive Interactions between Aceria pallida and Bactericera gobica on Goji Berry Plants
Authors: Wu Pengxiang , Ge Yang , He Jia , Haseeb Muhammad , Zhang Runzhi
Published: June 2022

The gall mite Aceria pallida and the psyllid Bactericera gobica are serious Goji berry pests. The mite can be phoretic on the psyllid to overwinter, but it is unclear whether the vector can obtain benefits from the phoront during the growing season. After detachment, the mite shares the same habitat with its vector, so there are very likely to be interspecific interactions. To better understand whether the interactions are positive or negative, information on relationships between abundances of A. pallida and B. gobica on leaves is needed. Here, B. gobica abundance was represented by the egg abundance because the inactive nymphs develop on the same sites after hatching. (1) We found a positive linear relationship between the gall diameter and the mite abundance in the gall (one more millimeter on gall diameter for every 30 mites increase), which provided a way to rapidly estimate mite abundances in the field by measuring gall diameters. (2) There was a positive relationship between the abundance of mites and psyllid eggs on leaves. (3) Both species had positive effects on each other’s habitat selections. More importantly, the interactions of the two species prevented leaf abscission induced by B. gobica (leaf lifespan increased by 62.9%), increasing the continuation of the psyllid population. Our study suggests positive interactions between two pests during the growing season. The positive relationship between A. pallida and B. gobica egg abundances highlights the increasing need for novel methods for Goji berry pest management. In practice, A. pallida control can be efficient by eliminating its vector B. gobica. Both pests can be controlled together, which reduces chemical usage.
Forced Oscillation Measurements in Patients with Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia Subjected to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Authors: Kostorz-Nosal Sabina , Jastrzębski Dariusz , Kubicki Piotr , Galle Dagmara , Gałeczka-Turkiewicz Alicja , Toczylowska Beata , Ziora Dariusz
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) plays a significant therapeutic role for patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). The study assessed the impact of physical activity on lung function measured by forced oscillation technique (FOT). (2) Methods: The study involved 48 patients with IIP subjected to a 3-week inpatient PR. The control group included IIP patients (n = 44) on a 3-week interval without PR. All patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 weeks of PR by FOT, spirometry, plethysmography, grip strength measurement and the 6-minute walk test. (3) Results: There were no significant changes in FOT measurements in the PR group, except for reduced reactance at 11 Hz, observed in both groups (p < 0.05). Patients who completed PR significantly improved their 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The change in 6MWD was better in patients with higher baseline reactance (p = 0.045). (4) Conclusions: Patients with IIP benefit from PR by an increased FVC and 6MWD; however, no improvement in FOT values was noticed. Slow disease progression was observed in the study and control groups, as measured by reduced reactance at 11 Hz. Patients with lower baseline reactance limitations achieve better 6MWD improvement.
Comparing Multiple Linear Regression and Machine Learning in Predicting Diabetic Urine Albumin–Creatinine Ratio in a 4-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Huang Li-Ying , Chen Fang-Yu , Jhou Mao-Jhen , Kuo Chun-Heng , Wu Chung-Ze , Lu Chieh-Hua , Chen Yen-Lin , Pei Dee , Cheng Yu-Fang , Lu Chi-Jie
Published: June 2022

The urine albumin–creatinine ratio (uACR) is a warning for the deterioration of renal function in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The early detection of ACR has become an important issue. Multiple linear regression (MLR) has traditionally been used to explore the relationships between risk factors and endpoints. Recently, machine learning (ML) methods have been widely applied in medicine. In the present study, four ML methods were used to predict the uACR in a T2D cohort. We hypothesized that (1) ML outperforms traditional MLR and (2) different ranks of the importance of the risk factors will be obtained. A total of 1147 patients with T2D were followed up for four years. MLR, classification and regression tree, random forest, stochastic gradient boosting, and eXtreme gradient boosting methods were used. Our findings show that the prediction errors of the ML methods are smaller than those of MLR, which indicates that ML is more accurate. The first six most important factors were baseline creatinine level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting plasma glucose. In conclusion, ML might be more accurate in predicting uACR in a T2D cohort than the traditional MLR, and the baseline creatinine level is the most important predictor, which is followed by systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting plasma glucose in Chinese patients with T2D.
Lipoprotein(a): Insights for the Practicing Clinician
Authors: Telyuk Pyotr , Austin David , Luvai Ahai , Zaman Azfar
Published: June 2022

Following the discovery of the Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) molecule by Kare Berg in 1963, many physiological and pathological properties of this particle remain to be fully understood. Multiple population-based studies have demonstrated a correlation between elevated Lp(a) levels and the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Data extrapolated from the Copenhagen City Heart and ASTRONOMER studies also demonstrated the link between Lp(a) levels and the incidence and rate of progression of calcific aortic stenosis. Interest in Lp(a) has increased in recent years, partly due to new emerging therapies that can specifically reduce serum Lp(a) concentrations. Given the strong correlation between Lp(a) and CV disease from epidemiological studies, several international guidelines have also been updated to advocate Lp(a) testing in specific population groups. This review aims to highlight the importance of the role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular disease and discusses the potential of novel therapies in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels.
Involvement of DNA Damage Response via the Ccndbp1–Atm–Chk2 Pathway in Mice with Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate-Induced Colitis
Authors: Horigome Ryoko , Kamimura Kenya , Niwa Yusuke , Ogawa Kohei , Mizuno Ken-Ichi , Fujisawa Koichi , Yamamoto Naoki , Takami Taro , Sugano Tomoyuki , Sakamaki Akira , Kamimura Hiroteru , Takamura Masaaki , Terai Shuji
Published: June 2022

The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model has been widely utilized for human colitis research. While its mechanism involves a response to double-strand deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (Atm)–checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) pathway activation related to such response remains unreported. Recently, we reported that cyclin D1-binding protein 1 (Ccndbp1) activates the pathway reflecting DNA damage in its knockout mice. Thus, this study aimed to examine the contribution of Ccndbp1 and the Atm–Chk2 pathway in DSS-induced colitis. We assessed the effect of DSS-induced colitis on colon length, disease activity index, and histological score and on the Atm–Chk2 pathway and the subsequent apoptosis in Ccndbp1-knockout mice. DSS-induced colitis showed distal colon-dominant Atm and Chk2 phosphorylation, increase in TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling and cleaved caspase 3-positive cells, and histological score increase, causing disease activity index elevation and colon length shortening. These changes were significantly ameliorated in Ccndbp1-knockout mice. In conclusion, Ccndbp1 contributed to Atm–Chk2 pathway activation in the DSS-induced colitis mouse model, causing inflammation and apoptosis of mucosal cells in the colon.
Implementation of Antibiotic Stewardship Improves the Quality of Blood Culture Diagnostics at an Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital
Authors: Walker Sarah V. , Steffens Benedict , Sander David , Wetsch Wolfgang A.
Published: June 2022

Background: Bloodstream infections increase morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and pose a significant burden for health care systems worldwide. Optimal blood culture diagnostics are essential for early detection and specific treatment. After assessing the quality parameters at a surgical intensive care unit for six months, we implemented a diagnostic stewardship bundle (DSB) to optimize blood culture diagnostics and then reevaluated its effects after six months. Material and Methods: All patients ≥18 years old and on the ward were included: pre-DSB 137 and post-DSB 158. The standard quality parameters were defined as the number of blood culture sets per diagnostic episode (≥2), the rate of contamination (2–3%), the rate of positivity (5–15%), the collection site (≥1 venipuncture per episode) and the filling volume of the bottles (8–10 mL, only post-DSB). The DSB included an informational video, a standard operating procedure, and ready-to-use paper crates with three culture sets. Results: From pre- to post-interventional, the number of ≥2 culture sets per episode increased from 63.9% (257/402) to 81.3% (230/283), and venipunctures increased from 42.5% (171/402) to 77.4% (219/283). The positivity rate decreased from 15.1% (108/714) to 12.8% (83/650), as did the contamination rate (3.8% to 3.6%). The majority of the aerobic bottles were filled within the target range (255/471, 54.1%), but in 96.6%, the anaerobic bottles were overfilled (451/467). Conclusions: The implementation of DSB improved the quality parameters at the unit, thus optimizing the blood culture diagnostics. Further measures seem necessary to decrease the contamination rate and optimize bottle filling significantly.
Hydroxyapatite Decorated with Tungsten Oxide Nanoparticles: New Composite Materials against Bacterial Growth
Authors: Silingardi Francesca , Bonvicini Francesca , Cassani Maria Cristina , Mazzaro Raffaello , Rubini Katia , Gentilomi Giovanna Angela , Bigi Adriana , Boanini Elisa
Published: June 2022

The availability of biomaterials able to counteract bacterial colonization is one of the main requirements of functional implants and medical devices. Herein, we functionalized hydroxyapatite (HA) with tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles in the aim to obtain composite materials with improved biological performance. To this purpose, we used HA, as well as HA functionalized with polyacrilic acid (HAPAA) or poly(ethylenimine) (HAPEI), as supports and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as stabilizing agent for WO3 nanoparticles. The number of nanoparticles loaded on the substrates was determined through Molecular Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and is quite small, so it cannot be detected through X-ray diffraction analysis. It increases from HAPAA, to HA, to HAPEI, in agreement with the different values of zeta potential of the different substrates. HRTEM and STEM images show the dimensions of the nanoparticles are very small, less than 1 nm. In physiological solution HA support displays a greater tungsten cumulative release than HAPEI, despite its smaller loaded amount. Indeed, WO3 nanoparticles-functionalized HA exhibits a remarkable antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus in absence of cytotoxicity, which could be usefully exploited in the biomedical field.
Finding Risk-Expenses Pareto-Optimal Routes in Ice-Covered Waters
Authors: Zvyagina Tatiana , Zvyagin Petr
Published: June 2022

Multi-objective optimization of a vessel route is considered of key importance when creating automatic navigation systems to ensure independent navigation in ice conditions. This is explained by the need to take into account not only the time or fuel expenditures on the route but also the risks. Previously, only a few models for navigation in ice used the multi-objective approach when finding the set of Pareto-optimal solutions. This paper suggests the multi-objective model of ship routing optimization with usage of the ice chart and ship parameters. Risks for a vessel are related to values of ice thickness and ice concentration in regions to travel through, which are specified by the ice chart. In the model, we use the extended version of the wave algorithm to find a set of routes, from which we select solutions of the Pareto-front for the multi-objective problem. The model uses objective functions of route length, maximum ice thickness, and maximum ice concentration. In addition, the travel time calculations are used in the model. Kaj Riska’s model of ship performance in ice is used for calculating travel time; the speed of a vessel is evaluated in each of the graph edges. The computational example provided in the paper is based on the particular ice chart of the Gulf of Finland. The developed method can be easily implemented for assisting a particular ship in independent ice navigation with the presence of a relevant ice chart.
The Influence of Ecological Factors on the Contents of Nutritional Components and Minerals in Laver Based on Open Sea Culture System
Authors: Liang Zhourui , Wang Wenjun , Liu Lulei , Li Guoliang
Published: June 2022

Laver is a popular food for its high nutritional value, which can change among culture areas and along with the progression of harvest. Neopyropia yezoensis and Neoporphyra haitanensis were cultured in succession in Taoluo and Muping, north China. The chemical composition of laver samples together with some ecological factors in the farms were investigated. From September to December, salinity increased while water temperature decreased in both areas. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and N:P decreased in Taoluo while increasing in Muping. Both N. yezoensis and N. haitanensis contained high levels of protein (26.90–41.38% DW) and low contents of fat (0.36–0.74% DW). High levels of minerals were detected in both species. The contents of protein, total amino acids, and total minerals in N. haitanensis increased significantly, while sugar content decreased significantly from September to December. The gray correlation analysis result implied that the typical ecological factors (DIN, dissolved inorganic phosphorus, N:P, pH, salinity, temperature, and transparency) have a great influence on accumulation of the crude nutrient, amino acid, fatty acid components, and mineral components in laver. The coefficient of variation analysis result also showed that environmental heterogeneity obviously enhanced differences in the contents of protein, amino acid, and trace elements in N. yezoensis. In addition, the principal component analysis result showed that the N. yezoensis strain ‘Huangyou No. 1’ had the highest comprehensive evaluation score in the four tested N. yezoensis strains, indicating that it has the best comprehensive quality and greatest exploitable value. We hope these findings will help to improve future laver breeding and farming.
Update on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Williams Samantha L. , Chiller Tom
Published: June 2022

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. The dimorphic fungi live in the soils of arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States, as well as parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Incidence of disease has risen consistently in recent years, and the geographic distribution of Coccidioides spp. appears to be expanding beyond previously known areas of endemicity. Climate factors are predicted to further extend the range of environments suitable for the growth and dispersal of Coccidioides species. Most infections are asymptomatic, though a small proportion result in severe or life-threatening forms of disease. Primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is commonly mistaken for community-acquired pneumonia, often leading to inappropriate antibacterial treatment and unnecessary healthcare costs. Diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis is challenging and often relies on clinician suspicion to pursue laboratory testing. Advancements in diagnostic tools and antifungal therapy developments seek to improve the early detection and effective management of infection. This review will highlight recent updates and summarize the current understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of coccidioidomycosis.
New Arthrobotrys Nematode-Trapping Species (Orbiliaceae) from Terrestrial Soils and Freshwater Sediments in China
Authors: Zhang Fa , Boonmee Saranyaphat , Bhat Jayarama D. , Xiao Wen , Yang Xiao-Yan
Published: June 2022

Arthrobotrys is the most complex genus of Orbiliaceae nematode-trapping fungi. Its members are widely distributed in various habitats worldwide due to their unique nematode-trapping survival strategies. During a survey of nematophagous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, twelve taxa were isolated from terrestrial soil and freshwater sediment habitats and were identified as six new species in Arthrobotrys based on evidence from morphological and multigene (ITS, TEF, and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses. These new species i.e., Arthrobotrys eryuanensis, A. jinpingensis, A. lanpingensis, A. luquanensis, A. shuifuensis, and A. zhaoyangensis are named in recognition of their places of origin. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and a multilocus phylogenetic analysis are provided for all new taxa. In addition, a key to known species in Arthrobotrys is provided, and the inadequacies in the taxonomic study of nematode-trapping fungi are also discussed.
Thermal Environment Effects of Built-Up Land Expansion in Shijiazhuang
Authors: Qin Ling , Liu Han , Shang Guofei , Yang Huicai , Yan Haiming
Published: June 2022

Exploring the thermal environment effects of built-up land expansion can lay a firm foundation for urban planning and design. This study revealed the spatiotemporal dynamic characteristics of built-up land and heat island center points in Shijiazhuang using land-use/land-cover data and land surface temperature (LST) products from 1996 to 2019, and the response mechanism between the percentage of built-up land (PLAND) and LST with the grid sampling method and statistical analysis. Results indicated that heat islands are mainly clustered in the downtown, built-up areas of counties and the Hutuo River Basin. The spatiotemporal shift direction of the center point of the urban heat island (UHI) and built-up land in the whole study area varied due to the eco-environmental transformation of the Hutuo River Basin. In areas far from the Hutuo River Basin, the center points of UHI and built-up land were shifted in a similar direction. There is a remarkable linear correlation between the PLAND and LST, the correlation coefficient of which was higher than 0.7 during the study period. Areas with PLAND > 60% are urban regions with stronger heat island effects, and areas with PLAND < 55% are villages and towns where the temperature raised more slowly.
Evaluation of Land Degradation Neutrality in Inner Mongolia Combined with Ecosystem Services
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Cheng Lei-Lei , Xu Jie , Lu Qi
Published: June 2022

Currently, the internationally recognized land degradation neutrality (LDN) effort is evaluated using three indicators: land use/cover, land productivity, and carbon stocks. However, these three indicators may not completely capture the factors influencing LDN, and some evaluation rules are not in line with the land restoration goals of China. Therefore, this study introduces the ecosystem service value (ESV) indicator, assesses the differences in connotation and evaluation methods between ESV and LDN, and puts forward an evaluation rule that integrates their advantages, so as to carry out an evaluation of LDN in Inner Mongolia. The conclusions are as follows: (a) The ESVs of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were USD 287.49, 286.04, 285.72, 286.38, and 287.90 billion, respectively, which presents a slight trend of decrease and then increase over time. (b) The modified LDN evaluation rule mainly includes the following changes to the LUCC evaluation rule: (1) the original degradation of cropland to grassland is considered as restoration, (2) water bodies participate in the transformation evaluation between land use types, and (3) the evaluation of transformed secondary land use types is added. The evaluation of net primary productivity (NPP) and soil organic carbon (SOC) still follow the method formulated by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). (c) The proportion of degraded, stable, and restored land area within the LUCC were 11.31%, 77.34%, and 11.35%, respectively. The proportion of restored area is greater than the proportion of degraded land, which indicates that LDN has been achieved in Inner Mongolia according to the LUCC evaluation. The areas of degradation, stability, and restoration for NPP accounted for 0.10%, 40.52%, and 59.38% of the total area, respectively, with the restored area being much larger than the degraded area. The areas of SOC degradation, stability, and restoration accounted for 13.06%, 74.82%, and 12.11% of the total area, respectively, and the degraded area was slightly larger than the restored area. (d) The LDN evaluation results showed that the proportions of degraded, stable, and restored areas were 21.80%, 27.25%, and 50.96%, respectively. From these results, it is clear that Inner Mongolia has achieved the LDN target. Compared with the rules formulated by the UNCCD, for the LDN evaluation results implementing the modified rule, the proportion of degraded land increased by 2.44%, the proportion of stable land decreased by 1.52%, and the proportion of restored land decreased by 0.92%. In the future, Inner Mongolia should strengthen the implementation of a series of ecological restoration projects to obtain greater ecological benefits.
Visibility Analysis to Enhance Landscape Protection: A Proposal of Planning Norms and Regulations for Slovakia
Authors: La Rosa Daniele , Izakovičová Zita
Published: June 2022

The visibility of a landscape is an important aspect of landscape protection planning because different rules or norms can be defined to regulate land-use and human activities depending on the degree of landscape visibility. Viewshed analyses are common GIS-based approaches to evaluate which parts of the landscape can be seen from certain points or by people located or moving in the landscape. In this work, the visibility of the entire landscape of the Slovak Republic is assessed from the network of major national roads. The results of the landscape visibility analysis are then used to propose appropriate planning norms and regulations to protect the identified visibility values and avoid potential visual obstructions from new buildings or infrastructure development. Particularly, the proposed norms indicate allowable changes to the landscape and the maximum height of new or existing buildings and other urban infrastructure. Maps of the spatial distribution of the proposed norms identify possible situations of consistency or conflict with potential urban development trends, to support landscape protection planning processes at the national level. On average, the most visible land-use/land-cover categories are glacial mountains relief, plane depressions, and wide alluvial plains, while the planning indications/prescriptions to protect landscape visibility have been proposed for irrigated land and forests. Thanks to the limited use of geographic datasets, the method ensures high transferability to other different geographic contexts, and allows to derive planning indications for large national contexts.
Pathophysiological justification of acupuncture in the treatment of traumatic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (literature review)
Authors:   FSBEI HE Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Minasov I. B. , Blinova N. M. ,   FSBEI HE Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Minyaeva O. V. ,   FSBEI HE Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: June 2022

The main pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of a traumatic disease of the musculoskeletal system are peripheral circulation disorder, hypoxia, and inflammation, which is accompanied by the development of pain. Pain management is a primary component in helping patients with various injuries. The activation of sanogenetic reactions is also crucial in accelerating the processes of damaged tissues regeneration. A scientific search on the impact of acupuncture on typical pathophysiological processes of traumatic disease was conducted in the Medline and Google Scholar databases. The analysis of scientific journal articles showed that despite the ambiguous attitude to acupuncture, the effectiveness of the method is quite high. Acupuncture is a branch of complementary medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Scientific research in recent decades has established a positive therapeutic effect on various links of pathogenesis through the implementation of the main mechanisms of acupuncture, at the segmental, suprasegmental and cortical levels, manifested in the form of neurohumoral and neuroimmune reactions. The presented literature review directs researchers to further study the possibilities of acupuncture in the treatment of traumatic diseases of the musculoskeletal system from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine.
Efficacy of cardioselective β-adrenergic blockers in the treatment of arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease
Authors:   Murad Karryev Turkmen State Medical University, Department of Hospital Therapy with the Course of Clinical Pharmacology and Endocrinology, International Center for Endocrinology and Surgery, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Allaberdiev A. A. , Kurbanov V. A. ,   Murad Karryev Turkmen State Medical University, Department of Hospital Therapy with the Course of Clinical Pharmacology and Endocrinology, International Center for Endocrinology and Surgery, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Beknepesova M. Ch. ,   Murad Karryev Turkmen State Medical University, Department of Hospital Therapy with the Course of Clinical Pharmacology and Endocrinology, International Center for Endocrinology and Surgery, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Tanryberdieva T. O. ,   Murad Karryev Turkmen State Medical University, Department of Hospital Therapy with the Course of Clinical Pharmacology and Endocrinology, International Center for Endocrinology and Surgery, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Agakhanova O. N. ,   Murad Karryev Turkmen State Medical University, Department of Hospital Therapy with the Course of Clinical Pharmacology and Endocrinology, International Center for Endocrinology and Surgery, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Published: June 2022

The aim of the authors was to study the effectiveness of the pharmacodynamic properties of Concor and metoprolol in the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Hygienic assessment of the production processes safety in railway transport
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Berezin Igor Ivanovich , Eliseev Yuriy Yurievich ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Strizhakov Leonid Aleksandrovich ,   Center for Occupational Pathology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, professor of the Department of Internal, Occupational Diseases and Rheumatology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Vinnikov Denis Vladimirovich ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Eliseev Dmitriy Yurievich ,   FSBEI HE Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Babanov Sergey Anatolievich ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Published: June 2022

The article is devoted to the assessment of the conditions and nature of work of workers of locomotive crews and carriage facilities, and to substantiate the need to improve the provision of safe working conditions in railway transport. A hygienic assessment of production and professional factors at the workplaces of locomotive drivers and car inspectors and repairmen in 2015–2019 was carried out. The working conditions and nature of work of 822 workers and 93 trainees, who underwent full-time practice in the profession of an assistant driver of a diesel locomotive, were studied. The indicators of the severity and intensity of the labor process for workers of locomotive crews (machinists and driver assistants) have been determined. The leading unfavorable production factors among the workers of the carriage economy have been established: the severity of labor, the noise factor. The most traumatic professions of the carriage economy were the inspector-repairman of the carriages and the mechanic for the repair of the rolling stock.