bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Vaccines during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review
Authors: Novillo Blanca , Martínez-Varea Alicia
Published: December 2022

Background: Pregnant and breastfeeding women received unclear recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination at the beginning of the pandemic, as they were not included in the initial clinical trials. This systematic review aims to provide an update regarding COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Methods: The systematic review was carried out through a literature search in Medline/Pubmed. Studies were selected if they included information regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Results: A total of 33 studies were included. The main adverse effect is pain at the injection site, as in the general population. Adverse effects are more frequent after the second dose, being slightly more frequent after the Moderna vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 in pregnant women. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination induces artificial active immunogenicity in the mother and natural passive immunogenicity in the child. Breastmilk straddles both immediate antibody-mediated and long-lived cellular-mediated immune protection. Regarding neonatal benefits, vaccination is associated with a larger and more stable Immunoglobulin G response, while COVID-19 Infection is associated with a rapid and long-lasting Immunoglobulin A response. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccines are not only suggested but strongly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding populations to protect mothers and newborns.
Assessment of Two Commercial Comprehensive Gene Panels for Personalized Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ottestad Anine Larsen , Huang Mo , Emdal Elisabeth Fritzke , Mjelle Robin , Skarpeteig Veronica , Dai Hong Yan
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Analysis of tumor DNA by next-generation sequencing (NGS) plays various roles in the classification and management of cancer. This study aimed to assess the performance of two similar and large, comprehensive gene panels with a focus on clinically relevant variant detection and tumor mutation burden (TMB) assessment; (2) Methods: DNA from 19 diagnostic small cell lung cancer biopsies and an AcroMetrix™ assessment sample with >500 mutations were sequenced using Oncomine™ Comprehensive Assay Plus (OCAP) on the Ion Torrent platform and TruSight Oncology 500 Assay (TSO500) on the Illumina platform; (3) Results: OCAP and TSO500 achieved comparable NGS quality, such as mean read coverage and mean coverage uniformity. A total of 100% of the variants in the diagnostic samples and 80% of the variants in the AcroMetrix™ assessment sample were detected by both panels, and the panels reported highly similar variant allele frequency. A proportion of 14/19 (74%) samples were classified in the same TMB category; (4) Conclusions: Comparable results were obtained using OCAP and TSO500, suggesting that both panels could be applied to screen patients for enrolment in personalized cancer treatment trials.
Penetrating Exploration of Prognostic Correlations of the FKBP Gene Family with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Chin-Chou , Shen Wan-Jou , Anuraga Gangga , Hsieh Yu-Hsiu , Khoa Ta Hoang , Xuan Do , Shen Chiu-Fan , Wang Chih-Yang , Wang Wei-Jan
Published: December 2022

The complexity of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the development of which involves many interacting biological processes, makes it difficult to find therapeutic biomarkers for treatment. FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are composed of 12 members classified as conservative intracellular immunophilin family proteins, which are often connected to cyclophilin structures by tetratricopeptide repeat domains and have peptidyl prolyl isomerase activity that catalyzes proline from residues and turns the trans form into the cis form. Since FKBPs belong to chaperone molecules and promote protein folding, previous studies demonstrated that FKBP family members significantly contribute to the degradation of damaged, misfolded, abnormal, and foreign proteins. However, transcript expressions of this gene family in LUAD still need to be more fully investigated. In this research, we adopted high-throughput bioinformatics technology to analyze FKBP family genes in LUAD to provide credible information to clinicians and promote the development of novel cancer target drugs in the future. The current data revealed that the messenger (m)RNA levels of FKBP2, FKBP3, FKBP4, FKBP10, FKBP11, and FKBP14 were overexpressed in LUAD, and FKBP10 had connections to poor prognoses among LUAD patients in an overall survival (OS) analysis. Based on the above results, we selected FKBP10 to further conduct a comprehensive analysis of the downstream pathway and network. Through a DAVID analysis, we found that FKBP10 was involved in mitochondrial electron transport, NADH to ubiquinone transport, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I assembly, etc. The MetaCore pathway analysis also indicated that FKBP10 was involved in "Ubiquinone metabolism", "Translation_(L)-selenoaminoacid incorporation in proteins during translation", and "Transcription_Negative regulation of HIF1A function". Collectively, this study revealed that FKBP family members are both significant prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer progression and promising clinical therapeutic targets, thus providing new targets for treating LUAD patients.
Development and Trends in Artificial Intelligence in Critical Care Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis of Related Research over the Period of 2010–2021
Authors: Cui Xiao , Chang Yundi , Yang Cui , Cong Zhukai , Wang Baocheng , Leng Yuxin
Published: December 2022

Background: The intensive care unit is a center for massive data collection, making it the best field to embrace big data and artificial intelligence. Objective: This study aimed to provide a literature overview on the development of artificial intelligence in critical care medicine (CCM) and tried to give valuable information about further precision medicine. Methods: Relevant studies published between January 2010 and June 2021 were manually retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded database in Web of Science (Clarivate), using keywords. Results: Research related to artificial intelligence in CCM has been increasing over the years. The USA published the most articles and had the top 10 active affiliations. The top ten active journals are bioinformatics journals and are in JCR Q1. Prediction, diagnosis, and treatment strategy exploration of sepsis, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury were the most focused topics. Electronic health records (EHRs) were the most widely used data and the “-omics” data should be integrated further. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence in CCM has developed over the past decade. With the introduction of constantly growing data volume and novel data types, more investigation on artificial intelligence ethics and model correctness and extrapolation should be performed for generalization.
Analysis of China’s Embodied Ecological Footprint and Its Flows among Economic Sectors per Unit of Currency Production
Authors: Wu Decun , Wu Guangzhu , Yang He
Published: December 2022

It is crucial to study ecological footprint production intensity (EFPI) in the ecological compensation strategy of designated industries and to delineate high-polluting industries. Environment-extended input-output (EE-IO) tables are suitable for analyzing embodied pollution or land occupation among its economic sectors. The ecological footprint (EF) and input-output tables (IOTs) were used to analyze China’s EFPI and its (net) flow among sectors in 2005, 2010, and 2015. With the environment-extended matrix and Leontief inverse matrix of EE-IO analysis, the direct pollution coefficient (DPC) and total pollution coefficient (TPC) of China’s EF were studied. The (net) embodied EFPI flows between any two sectors were decomposed and demonstrated in detail. The key embodied EFPI component transfer paths among sectors were tracked and analyzed. The results for China’s EFPI in 2005, 2010, and 2015 show that the averages of the TPC component and net embodied EFPI transfer components showed a downward trend from 2005 to 2015. The sector of electricity, heat, gas, and water (S11) and the sector of Agriculture (S1) provided larger component values of both TPCs and net embodied EFPI transfers. From the analysis of the three transfer levels of EFPI, high-value transfer paths were further marked for key governance. Imposing an ecological tax and controlling high-EFPI industries were recommended as optimizations from the production and consumption ends. Additionally, this paper provides a reference for the division of ecological responsibility among Chinese sectors.
Application of the Analysis Time Series and Multispectral Images for the Estimation of the Conditions of the Vegetation Covers of the Natural Areas of Southern Spain
Authors: Galacho-Jiménez Federico Benjamín , Quesada-Molina Pablo , Carruana-Herrera David , Reyes-Corredera Sergio
Published: December 2022

It has been scientifically proven that climate change is a reality. In subarid Mediterranean limates, this fact is observed in the irregular distribution of rainfall, resulting in alternating periods of more or less prolonged drought with episodes of torrential rains concentrated in short periods of time. We have selected 11 natural areas in southern Spain, where we will observe these circumstances and where a series of ecosystems composed of vegetation covers of a high ecological value are found. We start from the question of whether these climatic circumstances are really deteriorating them. For this study, we propose a method that combines three analysis techniques: the design of the time series, the application of vegetation indices, and the use of techniques analysis of changes in land use. From the combination of these techniques in the period from 1997 to 2021, we have observed that there have been a dynamic of changes in land use that has maintained its original characteristics by more than 70%, so it is possible to affirm that the adaptation of ecosystems to climatic conditions has occurred satisfactorily. However, this general statement shows some particularities which are those that we will show in this work.
Ēwe Hānau o ka ʻĀina: A Policy Review Focused on Hawaiʻi’s Public Land Trust
Authors: Riley J. Kawika , Akamu Cade , Riley Lorinda
Published: December 2022

ʻĀina (land) is central to Native Hawaiian culture and ways of life. The illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and annexation to the US resulted in the loss of Hawaiian crown and government land, which was placed in trust for the benefit of the Hawaiian people. These lands, now managed by the State of Hawaiʻi, were reconstituted as the Public Land Trust (PLT) with one of the articulated uses being the betterment of Native Hawaiians. While the Hawaiʻi State Constitution restored Native control over a proportional share of revenue generated from PLT lands, the US Supreme Court removed Native self-determination over the trust by opening its selection of trustees to non-Native Hawaiians. Applying a critical policy lens, this paper explores the rise and end of Native Hawaiian control over their own PLT share. Using the policy surveillance methodology, this study explores the recent expansion of Native Hawaiian consultation law and whether this has restored some self-determination over the Native Hawaiian PLT share, with the study finding that it has not. Thus, while Hawaiʻi’s laws clearly articulate a desire for Hawaiians to control the use of their share of the PLT, Hawaiian control of these resources has eroded, suggesting a need to adopt policies that realign with the original purpose of the PLT.
Taking/Compensations or Regulations? Balancing Landscape Conservation and the Development of Renewable Energy Facilities in Japan
Authors: Kohyama Satomi
Published: December 2022

The application of regulations for the development of renewable energy facilities is one of the key environmental conservation strategies being implemented in Japan. However, regulations are only applied if the degree of environmental degradation falls below the “reference point.” Thus, impacts of project development that are remarkably limited to scenic values of landscapes are largely overseen in Japan. On the other hand, establishing standards for the “reference point” is challenging, and existing scientific approaches and legal frameworks for conserving “daily landscapes” are largely absent. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a set of standards for “reference points” or indicators to classify landscape inventories, particularly those with scenic values. This study explored the potential of development-compensated implementation in Japan by scrutinizing relevant compensation measures in other countries. The results revealed that adding the aesthetic degradation of landscapes as an object in development compensation is challenging, as its value is difficult to monetize. Further, the evaluation of landscape degradation may be insufficient. Hence, there is a need for objective-driven indicators and methods that measure landscape degradation, particularly the effect of renewable energy facilities on the scenic values of “daily landscapes.”
Charting Sustainable Land Management Futures by Looking to the Past: The Case of Bears Ears National Monument
Authors: Asay Greta L. , Hendricks Hannah Z. , Long-Meek Elizabeth , Cope Michael R.
Published: December 2022

This review offers an examination of the historical and sociocultural context that should have informed the creation and management of the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM) in rural Southeastern Utah, USA—an area surrounded by ranching communities and sovereign Native American tribal lands. Because of elements such as cultural significance, ancestral ties, natural resources, and recreational value, the land of Bears Ears has different cultural meanings for various groups. The BENM is indeed a complex issue that can and should be viewed from multiple perspectives. Throughout its history, the BENM has been a topic of debate and controversy amongst numerous groups, from Native American tribes to local ranchers to the federal government. Before, during, and after Bears Ears was designated as a national monument, disputes and discourse surrounding the issue have been mainly focused on land use, management, politics, and governance. We present a review of the historical background leading to claims of ancestral ties to place. We summarize the major events that led to the Bears Ears National Monument designation, reduction, and restoration. We provide a brief discussion of the current academic literature and directions for future research.
Evaluating the Landscape Quality of Residential Communities: A Case Study of the Chinese City Yangling
Authors: Qiao Xiu-Juan , Liu Yizhi , Feng Jing
Published: December 2022

Due to continuous urbanization and an increasing need to improve living quality, citizens’ pursuit of landscape quality in residential communities is constantly improving in developing countries, e.g., China. This is especially true in the period when citizens were locked down in their home cities or communities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studying whether the current landscape in residential communities still meets citizens’ needs is of significance as it is crucial for city planners, landscape architects, and city managers. In this study, we used the analytic hierarchy process method to evaluate the landscape quality of five residential communities, using the case city of Yangling, China. In total, 516 valid questionnaires were collected in May 2022. The results showed that good organization of residential roads and pedestrian systems, the rationality of rest facilities, and the hierarchical richness of plants were the most important aspects for residents. Based on these, optimization design strategies were summarized. We hope to provide a reference for future landscape optimization of existing residential communities, especially in developing countries.
Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration and the Framework for Effective Land Administration: Synthesis of Contemporary Experiences
Authors: Metaferia Mekonnen Tesfaye , Bennett Rohan Mark , Alemie Berhanu Kefale , Koeva Mila
Published: December 2022

Despite the significant and explicit focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), much of the world’s land rights remain unrecorded and outside formal government systems. Blame is often placed on land administration processes that are considered slow, expensive, and expertise-dependent. Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA) has been suggested as an alternative, time and cost-effective approach. Likewise, the UN endorsed Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA) demands attention to worldwide tenure insecurity by directly linking it to responsible land administration. Implementation of FFPLA and FELA is country-context dependent, and there are now many lessons of execution from various jurisdictions. Undertaken in 2022, this study synthesizes a review of experiences to provide a further update on the best global FFPLA implementation practices and inform approaches for future FFPLA projects. A systematic review is adopted as the research methodology, and contemporary articles from the internationally recognized land administration discourse are examined. The studies focus on FFPLA implementation practices and innovative approaches for delivering land tenure security. A checklist is developed, based on the FELA strategic pathways and the FFPLA fundamental framework principles and characteristic elements, to identify best implementation practices. Success stories across the globe show that the FFPLA characteristic elements and the FELA pathway goals are achieved through effective execution of the FFPLA framework key principles. As a result, the study identified successful FFPLA implementation practices in Asia and Africa, which can be synthesized and extended to realize tenure security in rapidly urbanizing areas. However, further study is necessary to determine the efficacy, practicability, innovativeness, and transferability of the best practices to other land administration scenarios.
Potential of Forage Grasses in Phytoremediation of Lead through Production of Phytoliths in Contaminated Soils
Authors: Farnezi Múcio Magno de Melo , Silva Enilson de Barros , Santos Lauana Lopes dos , Silva Alexandre Christofaro , Grazziotti Paulo Henrique , Alleoni Luís Reynaldo Ferracciú , Silva Wesley Costa , Santos Angela Aparecida , Alves Flávio Antônio Fernandes , Bezerra Iracema Raquel Santos , Miranda Li Chaves
Published: December 2022

Phytoremediation has become a promising technique for cleaning Pb-contaminated soils. Grasses have a phytoextractor potential for extracting metal from soil by transporting it and accumulating it in high concentrations in their shoots, and they have the ability to immobilize and inactivate it via phytoliths. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of forage grasses through the production of phytoliths and the occlusion of Pb in the phytoliths cultivated in Pb-contaminated soils. Three greenhouse experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, separated by soil type (Typical Hapludox, Xanthic Hapludox and Rhodic Hapludox), in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme consisting of three forage grasses (Megathyrsus maximus, Urochloa brizantha and Urochloa decumbens) and four Pb rates (0, 45, 90 and 270 mg kg−1) with four repetitions. The forage grasses were influenced by increases in the Pb concentrations in the soils. The higher Pb availability in Typic Quartzipsamment promoted Pb toxicity, as indicated by the reduced dry weights of the shoots, increased phytolith production in the shoots, increased Pb in the shoots and Pb occlusion in the phytoliths of the forage grasses. The production and Pb capture in the phytoliths in the grasses in the Pb-contaminated soils were related to the genetic and physiological differences in the forage grasses and the Pb availability in the soils. Urochloa brizantha was the most tolerant forage to the excess Pb, with a higher production of phytoliths and higher Pb occlusion in the phytoliths, making it a forage grass that can be used in the future for the phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated soils.
The Effect of Farmland Transfer on the Technical Efficiency of Farm Households in China: An Empirical Result of External Environmental Factors
Authors: Yangchen Danny Cyra , Hong Mingyong , Yang Qisong
Published: December 2022

In the context of food security, the market-oriented allocation of factors under the collective ownership system has had a profound impact on agricultural production. As a hot issue under the Household Responsibility System (HRS), the impact mechanism of farmland market transaction on agricultural production efficiency deserves discussion. Based on the stochastic frontier production function model, this paper analyzes the impact of farmland transfer on farmers’ production technical efficiency under the external environmental factors by using the moderating effect and threshold effect. The study found that farmland transfer can improve farmers’ technical efficiency. The market price of agricultural products and farmland transfer subsidies have a positive moderating effect on the impact of farmland transfer on technical efficiency. Furthermore, farmland transfer subsidy shows a nonlinear effect on the impact of technical efficiency.
The Promoting Effect of Mass Media on Participatory Landscape Revitalization—An Analysis from Newspaper Coverages of Participatory Urban Gardening in China
Authors: Zhao Xiyao , Mao Yueting , Qian Yun , Lin Qing
Published: December 2022

Urban renewal urgently needs to find a new media tool to extensively promote public participation. Professionals also need strong and powerful communication tools for the public. Mass media has the ability to influence human perceptions and behaviors, but its role has been overlooked. This study aims to arouse professionals’ attention to mass media and promote interdisciplinary cooperation through empirical evidence. By observing the performance of participatory urban gardening projects in Chinese newspapers, we highlight the positive effect of mass media on participatory landscape revitalization. We selected two projects in China as samples, collected newspaper reports on them during 2017–2021, and analyzed the textual framing and report communication based on communication theory. According to the result, mass media has four positive effects that not only affect the public but also contribute to participatory landscape revitalization development. Based on the results, we discuss the consistence of views of the mass media and landscape architecture. This study suggests that landscape architecture needs to actively collaborate with public media to better leverage the role of landscape in sustainable urban transformation.
Dermatomyositis Associated with Lung Cancer: A Brief Review of the Current Literature and Retrospective Single Institution Experience
Authors: Shalata Walid , Zolnoorian Jeremy , Meirovitz Amichay , Sheva Kim , Jama Ashraf Abu , Saleh Omar Abu , Yakobson Alexander
Published: December 2022

Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory myopathy that is often related to lung cancer. In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed data from patients diagnosed with lung cancer at Soroka University Medical Center between January 2017 and July 2021. A total of 689 patients with lung cancer were included in this study, 97 of whom had small cell lung cancer and 592 had non-small cell lung cancer. We identified a single patient (60-year-old female) who presented with signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis, which was later confirmed to be associated with lung cancer as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Both our study and a recent review of the literature illustrate the temporal link between dermatomyositis and lung cancer, as well as reinforce the need for heightened cancer screenings in DM patients.
Natural Product Co-Metabolism and the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis in Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Obrenovich Mark , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Li Yi , Perry George , Siddiqui Bushra , Haq Waqas , Reddy V. Prakash
Published: December 2022

Complementary alternative medicine approaches are growing treatments of diseases to standard medicine practice. Many of these concepts are being adopted into standard practice and orthomolecular medicine. Age-related diseases, in particular neurodegenerative disorders, are particularly difficult to treat and a cure is likely a distant expectation for many of them. Shifting attention from pharmaceuticals to phytoceuticals and “bugs as drugs” represents a paradigm shift and novel approaches to intervention and management of age-related diseases and downstream effects of aging. Although they have their own unique pathologies, a growing body of evidence suggests Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) share common pathology and features. Moreover, normal metabolic processes contribute to detrimental aging and age-related diseases such as AD. Recognizing the role that the cerebral and cardiovascular pathways play in AD and age-related diseases represents a common denominator in their pathobiology. Understanding how prosaic foods and medications are co-metabolized with the gut microbiota (GMB) would advance personalized medicine and represents a paradigm shift in our view of human physiology and biochemistry. Extending that advance to include a new physiology for the advanced age-related diseases would provide new treatment targets for mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and neurodegeneration and may speed up medical advancements for these particularly devastating and debilitating diseases. Here, we explore selected foods and their derivatives and suggest new dementia treatment approaches for age-related diseases that focus on reexamining the role of the GMB.
Exhaled Hydrogen after Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test in Patient with Duodenal Ulcer Disease—A Pilot Study for Helicobacter-pylori-Associated Gastroduodenal Disease
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsun , Chen Sharon Chia-Ju , Wang Jiunn-Wei , Liu Chiang-Shin , Wu Jeng-Yih , Wu Deng-Chyang , Su Yu-Chung
Published: December 2022

Objectives: The precipitating mechanism(s) from the inactive to the active stage of duodenal ulcer disease (DU) is unclear. It has been shown that hydrogen gas from colonic fermentation provides an important energy source for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) colonization. The lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) is a useful tool to assess the small intestinal and/or colon fermentation. This study examines the association(s) between the status of gastroduodenal disease and the result of a lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT). Materials and Methods: We enrolled Hp-positive active duodenal ulcer (aDU) patients, inactive DU (iDU) patients and patients with a positive Hp infection without structural gastroduodenal lesion, i.e., simple gastritis (SG Hp+). The patients with simple gastritis without Hp infection (SG Hp−) served as controls. Histological examinations of the gastric mucosa and lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) were performed. Results: SG Hp+ patients tend to have advanced gastritis (pangastritis or corpus-predominant gastritis) compared with SG Hp− patients (7/29 vs. 0/14, p = 0.08). More iDU patients had advanced gastritis than either the SG Hp+ (7/9 vs. 7/29, p = 0.006) or aDU patients (7/9 vs. 6/24, p = 0.013). In comparison with the aDU patients, the iDU patients were also older (52.1 ± 12.6 vs. 42.2 ± 11.9 years, p = 0.02) and had a lower mean area under the curve value of the LHBT(AUC) (209.1 ± 86.0 vs. 421.9 ± 70.9, p = 0.023). Conclusion: aDU patients with a positive Hp infection have a lower grade of gastric mucosa damage than iDU patients and tend to have a higher level of exhaled hydrogen after LHBT.
Prediction of Patient Satisfaction after Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain with Mulligan’s Mobilization
Authors: Fernández-Carnero Josué , Beltrán-Alacreu Hector , Arribas-Romano Alberto , Cerezo-Téllez Ester , Cuenca-Zaldivar Juan Nicolás , Sánchez-Romero Eleuterio A. , Lerma Lara Sergio , Villafañe Jorge Hugo
Published: December 2022

Chronic neck pain is among the most common types of musculoskeletal pain. Manual therapy has been shown to have positive effects on this type of pain, but there are not yet many predictive models for determining how best to apply manual therapy to the different subtypes of neck pain. The aim of this study is to develop a predictive learning approach to determine which basal outcome could give a prognostic value (Global Rating of Change, GRoC scale) for Mulligan’s mobilization technique and to identify the most important predictive factors for recovery in chronic neck pain subjects in four key areas: the number of treatments, time of treatment, reduction of pain, and range of motion (ROM) increase. A prospective cohort dataset of 80 participants with chronic neck pain diagnosed by their family doctor was analyzed. Logistic regression and machine learning modeling techniques (Generalized Boosted Models, Support Vector Machine, Kernel, Classsification and Decision Trees, Random Forest and Neural Networks) were each used to form a prognostic model for each of the nine outcomes obtained before and after intervention: disability—neck disability index (NDI), patient satisfaction (GRoC), quality of life (12-Item Short Form Survey, SF-12), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II), pain catastrophizing scale (ECD), kinesiophobia-Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK-11), Pain Intensity Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and cervical ROM. Pain descriptions from the subjects and pain body diagrams guided the physical examination. The most important predictive factors for recovery in chronic neck pain patients indicated that the more anxiety and the lower the ROM of lateroflexion, the higher the probability of success with the Mulligan concept treatment.
Dysphotopsias or Unwanted Visual Phenomena after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Pusnik Ambroz , Petrovski Goran , Lumi Xhevat
Published: December 2022

Dysphotopsias are unwanted visual phenomena that occur after cataract surgery. They represent some of the most common reasons for patient dissatisfaction after uncomplicated surgery for cataract phacoemulsification with in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Depending on the form of the optical phenomenon and the effect it poses on vision, dysphotopsias are divided into positive and negative type. Positive dysphotopsias are usually described by patients as glare, light streaks, starbursts, light arcs, rings, haloes, or flashes of light. Negative dysphotopsias are manifested as an arc-shaped shadow or line usually located in the temporal part of the visual field, similar to a temporal scotoma. In addition to their different clinical manifestations, positive and negative dysphotopsia also have different risk factors. Even though up to 67% of patients may experience positive dysphotopsia immediately after surgery, only 2.2% of the cases have persistent symptoms up to a year postoperatively. Surgical intervention may be indicated in 0.07% of cases. The incidence of negative dysphotopsias is up to 26% of all patients; however, by one year postoperatively, the symptoms usually persist in 0.13 to 3% of patients. For both types of dysphotopsia, preoperative patients’ education, accurate preoperative diagnostics, and use of an appropriate IOL design and material is mandatory. Despite all these measures, dysphotopsias may occur, and when noninvasive measures fail to improve symptoms, a surgical approach may be considered.
Elevated Fasting Glucose and C-Reactive Protein Levels Predict Increased All-Cause Mortality after Elective Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Dekany Gabor , Keresztes Katalin , Bartos Vince P. , Csenteri Orsolya , Gharehdaghi Sara , Horvath Gergely , Ahres Abdelkrim , Heesch Christian M. , Pinter Tunde , Fontos Geza , Satish Sai , Andreka Peter
Published: December 2022

Surgical aortic valve replacement in the elderly is now being supplanted by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Scoring systems to predict survival after catheter-based procedures are understudied. Both diabetes (DM) and underlying inflammatory conditions are common in patients undergoing TAVI, but their impact remains understudied in this patient group. We examined 560 consecutive TAVI procedures and identified eight pre-procedural factors: age, body mass index (BMI), DM, fasting blood glucose (BG), left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF), aortic valve (AV) mean gradient, C-reactive protein levels, and serum creatinine levels and studied their impact on survival. The overall mortality rate at 30 days, 1 year and 2 years were 5.2%, 16.6%, and 34.3%, respectively. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with DM (at 30 days: 8.9% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.008; at 1 year: 19.7% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.323; at 2 years: 37.9% vs. 32.2%, p = 0.304). The presence of DM was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 5.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–23.25, p = 0.024). BG levels within 7–11, 1 mmol/L portended an increased risk for 30-day and 2-year mortality compared to normal BG (p = 0.001 and p = 0.027). For each 1 mmol/L increase in BG 30-day mortality increased (HR 1.21, 95% CI, 1.04–1.41, p = 0.015). Reduced EF and elevated CRP were each associated with increased 2-year mortality (p = 0.042 and p = 0.003). DM, elevated BG, reduced EF, and elevated baseline CRP levels each are independent predictors of short- and long-term mortality following TAVI. These easily accessible screening parameters should be integrated into risk-assessment tools for catheter-based aortic valve replacement candidates.
DNA Damage Repair Defects and Targeted Radionuclide Therapies for Prostate Cancer: Does Mutation Really Matter? A Systematic Review
Authors: Filippi Luca , Palumbo Barbara , Bagni Oreste , Frantellizzi Viviana , De Vincentis Giuseppe , Schillaci Orazio
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present review was to assess the impact of DNA damage repair (DDR) mutations on response and outcome of patients (pts) affected by advanced prostate cancer (PCa) submitted to radionuclide therapies with [223Ra]RaCl2 (223Ra-therapy) or prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands. A systematic literature search according to PRISMA criteria was made by using two main databases. Only studies published up until to October 2022 in the English language with ≥10 enrolled patients were selected. Seven studies including 326 pts, of whom 201 (61.6%) harboring DDR defects, were selected. The majority of selected papers were retrospective and four out of seven (57.1%) had small sample size (<50 pts). Three out of seven (42.8%) studies reported a more favorable outcome (overall or progression free survival) after therapy with alpha emitters (223Ra-therapy or [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-617) in subjects with DDR defects with respect to those without mutations. In two studies employing alpha or beta emitters ([177Lu]/[225Ac]-PMSA), no significant benefit was registered in pts harboring DDR defects. In all but one paper, no significant difference in response rate was reported among pts with or without DDR mutations. Although preliminary and biased by the retrospective design, preliminary data suggest a trend towards a longer survival in PCa pts harboring DDR defects submitted to radionuclide targeted therapy with alpha emitters.
Unravelling the Morphological, Physiological, and Phytochemical Responses in Centella asiatica L. Urban to Incremental Salinity Stress
Authors: Hoang Hai Ly , Rehman Hafeezur
Published: December 2022

Centella asiatica L. as a traditional medicinal plant is popular in several Asian countries and characterized by the presence of phytochemicals, such as phenolics and flavonoids. Soil salinity can affect the growth and phytochemical composition in this plant species. In this study, the effects of incremental soil salinity (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM NaCl) on growth, physiological characteristics, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, including the antioxidant activity of Centella asiatica L., were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Salinity stress reduced growth, biomass production, and total chlorophyll contents, while increasing electrolyte leakage, Na+ and Cl− contents in the shoots and roots. With the increase of salt concentration, total phenolic, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities were increased. The results showed that centella can tolerate saline conditions up to 100 mM NaCl. Na+ exclusion from the roots, and that increases of phytochemical content in the shoots were related to the salt tolerance of this species.
Identification of miRNAs as Biomarkers of Cardiac Protection in Non-Genetically Modified Primary Human Cardiomyocytes Exposed to Halogenated Hypnotics in an In Vitro Model of Transfection and Ischemia/Reperfusion: A New Model in Translational Anesthesia
Authors: Carmona-Luque Maria Dolores , Gonzalez-Alvarez Laura , Guerrero Orriach José Luis
Published: December 2022

Background: Many clinical studies have identified some circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers with regard to the cardioprotective effects of halogenated agents administered perioperatively during myocardial conditioning procedures. However, there is a major methodological difficulty in identifying these potential miRNA targets in cardiac cells. Methods: We developed an in vitro protocol to analyze the differential expression of target miRNAs at the intracellular level in non-genetically modified primary human cardiomyocytes (HCMs) through their exposure to different hypnotic compounds (i.e., halogenated versus non-halogenated). For this purpose, we performed a validated in vitro model of “ischemia and reperfusion” with the transfection of specific miRNA mimics (MIMICs) designed to simulate naturally occurring mature miRNAs as a functional study. Afterwards, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify and quantify miRNAs and elucidate their function. The differences in miRNA expression between HCMs exposed to different hypnotic drugs, along with the prediction of functional miRNA targets, were assessed using a meticulous in-house bioinformatics pipeline in order to derive diagnostic biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets. Conclusion: In brief, this methodological procedure was designed to investigate whether the cardioprotective effects of halogenated agents are a phenomenon mediated by either the activation or the suppression of miRNAs targeted by halogenated anesthetics.
Spatial and Temporal Adaptations of Lowland Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) to Environmental and Anthropogenic Impacts
Authors: Burs Kathrin , Möcklinghoff Lydia , Marques Marinez Isaac , Schuchmann Karl-L.
Published: December 2022

The Pantanal is one of the most conserved wetland ecosystems in Brazil and a hotspot for biodiversity. Over the last decades intensification of human activities has become a major threat to the stability of the unique landscape. To establish effective conservation actions, it is essential to understand how species respond to anthropogenic and environmental regional factors. Here, data from two multiannual camera trap studies, one in the northern Pantanal and one in the southern Pantanal, were used to investigate the effects of habitat characteristics, seasons, and human interactions on the spatial and temporal patterns of lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris). Between 2010 and 2017, camera traps were repeatedly placed in consistent grids covering protected areas and areas with cattle-ranching and tourism. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and circular statistics. Activity patterns were similar and predominantly nocturnal in both areas, but tapirs indicated avoidance toward settlements and cattle and indicated habitat preferences only in the northern study area with less anthropogenic activities. The present study suggests that both environmental and anthropogenic factors can affect the species’ spatial and temporal behavior, but tapirs show varying responses across regions and gradients of disturbance. The results indicate that adapting avoidance strategies might be more likely and effective in areas with low human pressure and sufficient protected areas as alternatives.
Cutaneous Manifestations of Lyme Borreliosis in Children—A Case Series and Review
Authors: Myszkowska-Torz Agnieszka , Tomaszewski Mateusz , Kotowski Michał , Witczak Cezary , Figlerowicz Magdalena , Mazur-Melewska Katarzyna
Published: December 2022

The occurrence of skin lesions is the earliest symptom of Lyme disease, and the diagnosis of these lesions and appropriate treatment may prevent complications of the disease, which are mainly neurological. The cutaneous presentation in borreliosis is heterogeneous. There are typical lesions that constitute the basis for the diagnosis of Lyme disease, and atypical ones, which cause significant diagnostic difficulties especially when the patient does not remember the tick bite. This study aims to describe the heterogeneous skin symptoms of Lyme borreliosis, as well as offer a practical approach for the recognition of the disease. Based on pediatric cases from clinical practice, rare cutaneous presentations of Lyme disease at various stages of illness and therapy are presented. Diagnostic recommendations for recognizing individual forms are discussed.
Different Tactics of Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Homeostasis Ions, and Phytohormones as Regulators and Adaptatively Parameters to Alleviate the Adverse Effects of Salinity Stress on Plants
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa , Decsi Kincső , Tóth Zoltán
Published: December 2022

A major abiotic barrier to crop yield and profitability is salt stress, which is most prevalent in arid and semi-arid locations worldwide. Salinity tolerance is complicated and multifaceted, including a variety of mechanisms, and to adapt to salt stress, plants have constructed a network of biological and molecular processes. An expanding field of agricultural research that combines physiological measures with molecular techniques has sought to better understand how plants deploy tolerance to salinity at various levels. As the first line of defense against oxidative damage brought on by salt stress, host plants synthesize and accumulate several osmoprotectants. They (osmoprotectants) and other phytohormones were shown to serve a variety of protective roles for salt stress tolerance. Intrinsic root growth inhibition, which could be a protection mechanism under salty conditions, may be dependent on phytohormone-mediated salt signaling pathways. This article may also make it easier for scientists to determine the precise molecular processes underlying the ZnO-NPs-based salinity tolerance response for some plants. ZnO-NPs are considered to improve plant growth and photosynthetic rates while also positively regulating salt tolerance. When plants are under osmotic stress, their administration to zinc nanoparticles may also affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes. So, ZnO-NPs could be a promising method, side by side with the released osmoprotectants and phytohormones, to relieve salt stress in plants.
Assessment Study on the Solvent Resistance of Low-Density Polyethylene with Pumpkin Seed Hulls
Authors: Głogowska Karolina , Pączkowski Przemysław , Gawdzik Barbara
Published: December 2022

When designing products that are made of composite materials and that contain natural fillers, it is particularly important to consider the long-term exposure of these materials to caustic liquids and substances (concentrated acids, bases), and to ensure that these products meet strict requirements for reliability and operational safety. This study investigated the effects of different solvents on the mass, mechanical, thermal, surface, and structural properties of polymer composites containing natural fillers in the form of pumpkin seed hulls. Experiments were conducted using four different filler contents (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) and grain sizes ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 mm and 0.6 to 0.8 mm. Hybrid injection-moulded pieces were immersed in distilled water (H2O), 1% NaOH solution, acetone (C3H6O), and toluene (C7H8) for 84 days. After that, their mechanical and thermal properties as well as their structure geometries were analysed statistically. Changes in the properties of the tested composite materials were assessed depending on the solvent type, and the statistical significance of these changes were determined. The results showed that the nature of degradation depended on the applied solvent type. It was observed that the polymer matrix of the toluene-immersed samples absorbed the liquid to a significant extent first and then underwent a gradual degradation with time. In contrast, the samples immersed in water showed a slight increase in their mass. It was found that all tested properties of the composite samples deteriorated irrespective of the solvent type.
Interface Optimization of Metal Quantum Dots/Polymer Nanocomposites and their Properties: Studies of Multi-Functional Organic/Inorganic Hybrid
Authors: Ma Xingfa , Li Caiwei , Gao Mingjun , Zhang Xintao , Wang You , Li Guang
Published: December 2022

Nanomaterials filled polymers system is a simple method to produce organic/inorganic hybrid with synergistic or complementary effects. The properties of nanocomposites strongly depend on the dispersion effects of nanomaterials in the polymer and their interfaces. The optimized interface of nanocomposites would decrease the barrier height between filler and polymer for charge transfer. To avoid aggregation of metal nanoparticles and improve interfacial charge transfer, Pt nanodots filled in the non-conjugated polymer was synthesized with an in situ method. The results exhibited that the absorbance of nanocomposite covered from the visible light region to NIR (near infrared). The photo-current responses to typical visible light and 808 nm NIR were studied based on Au gap electrodes on a flexible substrate. The results showed that the size of Pt nanoparticles was about 1–2 nm and had uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The resulting nanocomposite exhibited photo-current switching behavior to weak visible light and NIR. Simultaneously, the nanocomposite also showed electrical switching responses to strain applied to a certain extent. Well-dispersion of Pt nanodots in the polymer is attributable to the in situ synthesis of metal nanodots, and photo-current switching behavior is due to interface optimization to decrease barrier height between metal filler and polymer. It provided a simple way to obtain organic/inorganic hybrid with external stimuli responses and multi-functionalities.
Structural, Thermal and Magnetic Analysis of Two Fe-X-B (X = Nb, NiZr) Nanocrystalline Alloy
Authors: Zaara Kaouther , Daza Jason , Ben Mbarek Wael , Suñol Joan-Josep
Published: December 2022

High-energy ball milling was used to produce two Fe-X-B (X = Nb, NiZr) nanocrystalline alloys. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to analyze the microstructure, thermal, and magnetic characteristics of the milled powders, the agglomerated particles (also generated during the milling process), and the compacted specimens of both alloys. The main crystallographic phase is always a bcc Fe-rich solid solution; whereas a minor Nb(B) phase is detected on powders and agglomerated particles in the Fe80Nb8B12 alloy. The crystalline size of the Fe80(NiZr)8B12 alloy is between 11 and 14 nm, whereas in the Fe80Nb8B12 alloy, it ranges between 8 and 12 nm. Microstrain and dislocation density are higher in agglomerated samples for both alloys than in milled powders. Thermal analysis detects structural relaxation and crystal growth exothermic processes with high dispersion in the temperature intervals and in the calculated apparent activation energy of the main crystallization process. Regarding magnetic behavior, the coercivity values of all powdered-agglomerated specimens were around 800 A/m. The coercivity is higher in compacted sample, but controlled annealing favors enhanced soft behavior.