bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractory tracheoesophageal fistula treated using multi-stage surgery: A case report
Authors: Nakagawa Yoichi , Makita Satoshi , Uchida Hiroo , Hinoki Akinari , Shirota Chiyoe , Sumida Wataru , Amano Hizuru , Okamoto Masamune , Takimoto Aitaro , Ogata Seiya , Takada Shunya , Kato Daiki , Gohda Yousuke , Guo Yaohui
Published: December 2022

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) recurs in approximately 2%–13% of cases of esophageal atresia with TEF that are treated surgically. Currently, there is no consensus on the most effective treatment to prevent recurrent TEF (RTEF). Herein, we present a patient with type C esophageal atresia who underwent thoracoscopic esophago-esophageal anastomosis and TEF repair at 2 days old. However, RTEFs were observed at ages 3, 6, and 11 months, and thoracoscopic TEF repairs using a pleural patch, fascia lata graft, and pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap were performed, respectively. A fourth recurrence led to mediastinitis, shock liver, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and a compromised respiratory status. Hence, laparoscopic esophageal transection was first performed to improve the respiratory condition by preventing the regurgitation of gastric contents. Once the patient was stable, a subtotal esophageal resection with TEF closure followed by gastric tube reconstruction was performed. In conclusion, we encountered a case of refractory RTEF that was repaired four times using various techniques, including a fascia lata graft and PMMC flap. However, TEF still recurred after these four operations. The final surgical strategy involved an esophageal transection as a palliative therapy, which improved the respiratory condition, followed by closure of the TEF and subtotal esophageal resection. Finally, esophageal reconstruction using a gastric tube after the complete remission of inflammation was effective. This multi-stage surgery was considered the only choice to rescue the patient and effectively prevent another recurrence.
Role of bioactive compounds in the treatment of hepatitis: A review
Authors: Roy Arpita , Roy Madhura , Gacem Amel , Datta Shreeja , Zeyaullah Md. , Muzammil Khursheed , Farghaly Thoraya A. , Abdellattif Magda H. , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis causes liver infection leading to inflammation that is swelling of the liver. They are of various types and detrimental to human beings. Natural products have recently been used to develop antiviral drugs against severe viral infections like viral hepatitis. They are usually extracted from herbs or plants and animals. The naturally derived compounds have demonstrated significant antiviral effects against the hepatitis virus and they interfere with different stages of the life cycle of the virus, viral release, replication, and its host-specific interactions. Antiviral activities have been demonstrated by natural products such as phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, xanthones, anthraquinones, terpenoids, alkaloids, aromatics, etc., against hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. The recent studies conducted to understand the viral hepatitis life cycle, more effective naturally derived drugs are being produced with a promising future for the treatment of the infection. This review emphasizes the current strategies for treating hepatitis, their shortcomings, the properties of natural products and their numerous types, clinical trials, and future prospects as potential drugs.
Drug repositioning based on heterogeneous networks and variational graph autoencoders
Authors: Lei Song , Lei Xiujuan , Liu Lian
Published: December 2022

Predicting new therapeutic effects (drug repositioning) of existing drugs plays an important role in drug development. However, traditional wet experimental prediction methods are usually time-consuming and costly. The emergence of more and more artificial intelligence-based drug repositioning methods in the past 2 years has facilitated drug development. In this study we propose a drug repositioning method, VGAEDR, based on a heterogeneous network of multiple drug attributes and a variational graph autoencoder. First, a drug-disease heterogeneous network is established based on three drug attributes, disease semantic information, and known drug-disease associations. Second, low-dimensional feature representations for heterogeneous networks are learned through a variational graph autoencoder module and a multi-layer convolutional module. Finally, the feature representation is fed to a fully connected layer and a Softmax layer to predict new drug-disease associations. Comparative experiments with other baseline methods on three datasets demonstrate the excellent performance of VGAEDR. In the case study, we predicted the top 10 possible anti-COVID-19 drugs on the existing drug and disease data, and six of them were verified by other literatures.
Cuproptosis-related lncRNA signatures predict prognosis and immune relevance of kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma
Authors: Xie Tongjin , Liu Bin , Liu Dongbo , Zhou Yusong , Yang Qingping , Wang Dai , Tang Mengjie , Liu Wei
Published: December 2022

Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) has a high mortality rate and a poor prognosis. Cu concentrations differed significantly between renal cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Cuproptosis is a newly identified cell death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in the progression of KIRP. In this study, we focused on constructing and validating cuproptosis-related lncRNA signatures to predict the prognosis of KIRP patients and their immune correlation. We created prognosis models using Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. We found that patients in the high-risk group had poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and higher mortality. Risk score and stage are prognosis factors independent of other clinical features. Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and C-index curves showed that cuproptosis-related lncRNA signatures could more accurately predict the prognosis of patients. Functional enrichment analysis suggests that the function of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) is associated with KIRP development and immunity. In immune-related function analysis, we found a significant difference in parainflammation responses between high-risk and low-risk groups. The mutation frequencies of TTN, MET, KMT2C, PKHD1, SETD2, and KMT2D genes in the high-risk group were higher than those in the low-risk group, but the mutation frequencies of MUC16, KIAA109, CUBN, USH2A, DNAH8 and HERC2 genes were significantly lower than those in the low-risk group. Survival analysis of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and combined TMB-risk showed better OS in patients with high TMB. Immune infiltration and immune checkpoint analysis assessed the immune association of six high mutation frequency genes (TTN, MET, KMT2C, PKHD1, SETD2, and KMT2D) with KIRP. Finally, we performed a drug sensitivity analysis and screened 15 potential drugs that differed between high-risk and low-risk patients. In this study, we constructed and validated cuproptosis-related lncRNA signatures that can more accurately predict the prognosis of KIRP patients and provide new potential therapeutic targets and prognosis markers for KIRP patients.
The estimation of broiler respiration rate based on the semantic segmentation and video amplification
Authors: Wang Jintao , Liu Longshen , Lu Mingzhou , Okinda Cedric , Lovarelli Daniela , Guarino Marcella , Shen Mingxia
Published: December 2022

Respiratory rate is an indicator of a broilers’ stress and health status, thus, it is essential to detect respiratory rate contactless and stress-freely. This study proposed an estimation method of broiler respiratory rate by deep learning and machine vision. Experiments were performed at New Hope (Shandong Province, P. R. China) and Wen’s group (Guangdong Province, P. R. China), and a total of 300 min of video data were collected. By separating video frames, a data set of 3,000 images was made, and two semantic segmentation models were trained. The single-channel Euler video magnification algorithm was used to amplify the belly fluctuation of the broiler, which saved 55% operation time compared with the traditional Eulerian video magnification algorithm. The contour features significantly related to respiration were used to obtain the signals that could estimate broilers’ respiratory rate. Detrending and band-pass filtering eliminated the influence of broiler posture conversion and motion on the signal. The mean absolute error, root mean square error, average accuracy of the proposed respiratory rate estimation technique for broilers were 3.72%, 16.92%, and 92.19%, respectively.
Measuring social phobia symptoms in a community sample of adolescents: An examination of the psychometric properties of the SPAI-23
Authors: Apostolakis Markos , Theodorou Marios , Neophytou Klavdia , Panayiotou Georgia
Published: December 2022

A number of studies to date examine dimensions of social phobia and anxiety in adolescents. A variety of tools has been developed, along with their abbreviated versions, that are used to assess Social Anxiety (SA) but little research has been devoted to the types of fears they each assess. Due to differences in the content of the multitude of instruments, different aspects of SA are addressed and this leads to confusion when the relationship between SA and other constructs is being investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the abbreviated Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory SPAI-23 in Greek-Cypriot community adolescents and describe dimensions of social fears at that age. Seven hundred twenty-one adolescent students from Cyprus, (Mean Age: 15.5, Range: 13–19, SD: 1.12, 64% female) participated in the study. Participants completed, among others, an abbreviated version of the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI-23). Exploratory Factor Analysis on the SPAI-23 revealed a quite similar structure to the original questionnaire (SPAI). Three Social Phobia factors, describing distinct socially fearful situations, were identified (Performance, Interaction, and Presence in a social context) and one Agoraphobia factor after the evaluation of alternative solutions. Findings were verified by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis, testing alternative models. Overall, findings were in line with recent evidence on youth samples, and contribute to significant insights towards more sophisticated and personalized assessments.
Does a walk-through video help the parser down the garden-path? A visually enhanced self-paced reading study in Dutch
Authors: Shoghi Sara , Arslan Seçkin , Bastiaanse Roelien , Popov Srdan
Published: December 2022

The human language processing mechanism assigns a structure to the incoming materials as they unfold. There is evidence that the parser prefers some attachment types over others; however, theories of sentence processing are still in dispute over the stage at which each source of information contributes to the parsing system. The present study aims to identify the nature of initial parsing decisions during sentence processing through manipulating attachment type and verbs’ argument structure. To this end, we designed a self-paced reading task using globally ambiguous constructions in Dutch. The structures included double locative prepositional phrases (PPs) where the first PP could attach both to the verb (high attachment) and the noun preceding it (low attachment). To disambiguate the structures, we presented a visual context in the form of short animation clips prior to each reading task. Furthermore, we manipulated the argument structure of the sentences using 2- and 3-argument verbs. The results showed that parsing decisions were influenced by contextual cues depending on the argument structure of the verb. That is, the visual context overcame the preference for high attachment only in the case of 2-argument verbs, while this preference persisted in structures including 3-argument verbs as represented by longer reading times for the low attachment interpretations. These findings can be taken as evidence that our language processing system actively integrates information from linguistic and non-linguistic sources from the initial stages of analysis to build up meaning. We discuss our findings in light of serial and parallel models of sentence processing.
An etude for post-pandemic practice: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on practice methods and instrumental technique
Authors: Fallowfield Ellen , Gomez Patrick
Published: December 2022

This paper considers how the pandemic-related concert-free time affected musicians’ practice, specifically in relation to technique. A semi-structured interview was carried out on 22 musicians based in Switzerland (11 males, 11 females; 7 students, 15 non-students; 11 with school-aged children, 11 without school-aged children; 16 with teaching duties and 6 non-teachers). The amount of practice during the pandemic-related concert-free time was reported as different to usual by 91% and usual for only 9% of participants (p = 0.002). Forty-one percent of participants reported reduced, and 41% “fluctuating” amounts of practice. The proportion of practice time spent on technique was reported by 55% of participants to have increased and by only 9% to have decreased (p = 0.019). Of those who reported an increase in technique practice, 75% agreed this had a positive impact on technique, and only 8% disagreed (p = 0.037). Moreover, 58% considered this work to have changed their current and future practice. Participants were statistically more likely to report “never” watching online tutorials than “often” (p = 0.014), but, of those that did watch such material, 75% agreed that it had a positive impact upon their practice. Most participants created digital content during this period; only 5% produced no such material. An increased use of digital tools was reported by 55% of participants, 92% of whom described this as having a positive effect upon practice and only 8% were unsure (p = 0.022). However, in the unstructured discussion, the use of digital tools appears to be associated with mixed outcomes. Men reported significantly more frequent use of digital tools (91% vs. 45% describing this use as often, p = 0.038) and spent a larger proportion of time on technique relative to their pre-pandemic habits than women (p = 0.065); moreover, a trend indicated that more women than men created digital content in the form of tutorials (p = 0.095). The exceptional situation musicians experienced during the pandemic, which introduced new aspects to musical instrument practice, and accelerated changes already underway, could lead to future work that improves practice under “normal” conditions, and exposes discrepancies between certain demographic groups.
Linking self-efficacy, entrepreneurial fit, family support, and entrepreneurial intentions: An explanatory mechanism
Authors: Ahmed Ishfaq
Published: December 2022

Entrepreneurial ventures are outcomes of favorable internal and external factors. But the outcomes are always uncertain, often creating a situation of cognitive/perceptual dismay. One of such perceptual aspect of entrepreneurship that has recently emerged is person-entrepreneurship fit (P-E fit). By using this underlying aspect, this study entails investigation of its antecedents (entrepreneurial self-efficacy) and consequences (entrepreneurial intentions) in presence of boundary condition of family support. Data is collected through a structured questionnaire from 359 students enrolled in the last semester of their graduate and postgraduate programs at three large public sector universities. The findings of the study reveal that entrepreneurial self-efficacy influences perceptions of P-E fit and entrepreneurial intentions, while P-E fit works as a partial mediator. This study also found that family support is an important boundary condition that influences the relationship of self-efficacy and P-Ent fit.
Wrist-Worn devices to encourage affected upper limb movement in unilateral cerebral palsy: Participatory design workshops
Authors: Brown Rebekah , Pearse Janice Elizabeth , Nappey Tom , Jackson Dan , Edmonds Grace , Guan Yu , Basu Anna Purna
Published: December 2022

Background

Unilateral (Hemiplegic) cerebral palsy (UCP) causes weakness and stiffness affecting one sided of the body, often impacting activities of daily living. Upper limb therapy at effective intensity is not accessible to most.

Aim

To determine stakeholder views on design of an approach using wrist-worn devices and a smartphone application to encourage use of the affected upper limb for children with hemiplegia.

Method

Four participatory design workshops and one young people's advisory group workshop incorporating views of five young people with hemiplegia, 13 typically developing peers aged 8–18 years, four parents, three occupational therapists, one teacher and two paediatricians. Two special educational needs co-ordinators were consulted separately. Peers were included to explore a study design whereby each child with hemiplegia would have a participating “buddy”. Topics included views on an acceptable wrist-worn device and smartphone application, participant age range, involvement of a buddy, and barriers to using the technology in a school setting. Ethical/welfare considerations included data security, and potential risks around providing smartphones to young children.

Results

Children wanted a comfortable, conventional-appearing wristband incorporating a watch face and a secure, well-fitting strap. They were prepared to wear a band on each wrist. They wanted support with explaining the study to schoolteachers. Most schools restricted smartphone use during the school day: the study design accommodated this. Children agreed with a game as reward but had different views on an acceptable game; direct access to feedback data was preferred by some. Parents commented on the lack of access to upper limb therapy for children with UCP; therapists concurred. The proposed participant age range was widened based on feedback. Typically developing children were prepared to be buddies to help a friend with CP. Stakeholders were reassured by data security explanations and plans to provide internet safety information to participants.

Conclusion

The participatory design process informed plans for the proof-of-concept stage of the study, hopefully leading to an approach that will be fun, easy to integrate into everyday life, and have the capacity to increase use of the affected arm and hand.
Using a support vector machine to determine loyalty in African, European, and North American telecoms
Authors: Mohlala Clene , Bankole Felix
Published: December 2022

Brand loyalty is seen as a repeat purchase and the ability to recommend services or products. Telecommunication service providers require loyal customers to stay in business. The current study examines the impact of brand function and corporate image on customer loyalty in the telecommunication industry. The research employed a total of 971 responses from an anonymous online survey of telecommunication customers in Africa, Europe, and North America. Employing partial least squares, the study examined the relationships between brand function, corporate image, and loyalty. The result showed that brand function and corporate image have a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction. In addition, a machine learning algorithm was used to model the best prediction for consumer recommendations of products and services provided by their telecommunication service provider to friends and family.
Economic sustainability assessment of Mediterranean crops: A comparative Life Cycle Costing (LCC) analysis
Authors: Spada Emanuele , Stillitano Teodora , Falcone Giacomo , Iofrida Nathalie , Gulisano Giovanni , De Luca Anna Irene
Published: December 2022

The production of food with beneficial health effects is at the attention of consumer entrepreneurs and public decision-makers. Plants with established health benefits such as almonds, olives from which olive oil is made, and figs have always been cultivated in the Mediterranean basin. In the past, these three crops were widely cultivated in Italy, particularly in the southern part, where the best soil and climate conditions persisted. Today, however, almond and fig production is at an all-time low. The present study aims to assess the economic sustainability of investments in shell almond, olive, and fig farms by integrating Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methodology with specific economic indicators. In addition, a comparison between the three crops is made based on all economic results. The analysis allowed for the consideration of all costs over the entire life cycle of the investments, streamlining business decision-making for the choice between different alternatives. The results demonstrated greater economic profitability of investments in shelled almonds and dried figs and an adequate level of profitability. On the other hand, the results for olive trees were low. In this context, the production of almonds and figs could represent an important agribusiness chain, useful for the improvement of the rural economy.
A Nationwide Study of Inpatient Case Rate Incidence of Cannabis-Related Diagnoses in Switzerland
Authors: Pfeifer Philippe , Auer Reto , Baggio Stéphanie , Moggi Franz
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance and has been associated with mental health issues. In this study, we examined trends in hospitalizations due to cannabis use.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Swiss Federal Statistics Office and comprised hospital main diagnoses, gender, age group and region of all psychiatric inpatient cases in Switzerland from 1998 to 2020. We performed trend analyses of annual case rates with cannabinoid-related diagnoses and compared them to trend analyses of alcohol-related and psychotic disorders.

Results: Case rates of CRDs significantly increased in the observed time period. From all psychiatric main diagnoses, CRDs were overrepresented in the age groups of 15–24 and 25–44 years.

Conclusion: We found a sharp increase in hospitalizations for CRD. Future studies should test whether changes in the upcoming cannabis regulation, which can facilitate the implementation of interventions to address mental health among users, impact future hospitalization rates of CRD.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Atmospheric Teleconnection”
Authors: Polonsky Alexander
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue of the open-access journal Atmosphere focuses on different aspects of atmospheric teleconnection, which represents one of the effective mechanisms of inherent variability within the climatic system [...]
A Scientific Perspective on Using Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Rieder Emanuel , Schmuck Matthias , Tugui Alexandru
Published: December 2022

Digital transformation (or digitalization) is the process of continuous further development of digital technologies (such as smart devices, cloud services, and Big Data) that have a lasting impact on our economy and society. In this manner, digitalization is a huge driver for permanent change, even in the field of Sustainable Urban Development. In the wake of digitalization, expectations are changing, placing pressure at the societal level on the design and development of smart environments for everything that means Sustainable Urban Development. In this sense, the solution is the integration of Artificial Intelligence into Sustainable Urban Development, because technology can simplify people’s lives. The aim of this paper is to ascertain which Sustainable Urban Development dimensions are taken into account when integrating Artificial Intelligence and what results can be achieved. These questions formed the basic framework for this research article. In order to make the current state of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Urban Development as a snapshot visible, a systematic review of the current literature between 2012 and 2022 was conducted. The data were collected and analyzed using PRISMA. Based on the studies identified, we found a significant growth in studies, starting in 2018, and that Artificial Intelligence applications refer to the Sustainable Urban Development dimensions of environmental protection, economic development, social justice and equity, culture, and governance. The used Artificial Intelligence techniques in Sustainable Urban Development cover a broad field of Artificial Intelligence, such as Artificial Intelligence in general, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Artificial Neuronal Networks, Operations Research, Predictive Analytics, and Data Mining. However, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Urban Development, challenges are marked out. These include responsible municipal policies, awareness of data quality, privacy and data security, the formation of partnerships among stakeholders (e.g., local citizens, civil society, industry, and various levels of government), and transparency and traceability in the implementation and rollout of Artificial Intelligence. A first step was taken towards providing an overview of the possible applications of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Urban Development. It was clearly shown that Artificial Intelligence is also gaining ground in this sector.
Can Wearable Inertial Measurement Units Be Used to Measure Sleep Biomechanics? Establishing Initial Feasibility and Validity
Authors: Buckley Nicholas , Davey Paul , Jensen Lynn , Baptist Kevin , Jansen Bas , Campbell Amity , Downs Jenny
Published: December 2022

Wearable motion sensors, specifically, Inertial Measurement Units, are useful tools for the assessment of orientation and movement during sleep. The DOTs platform (Xsens, Enschede, The Netherlands) has shown promise for this purpose. This pilot study aimed to assess its feasibility and validity for recording sleep biomechanics. Feasibility was assessed using four metrics: Drift, Battery Life, Reliability of Recording, and Participant Comfort. Each metric was rated as Stop (least successful), Continue But Modify Protocol, Continue But Monitor Closely, or Continue Without Modifications (most successful). A convenience sample of ten adults slept for one night with a DOT unit attached to their sternum, abdomen, and left and right legs. A survey was administered the following day to assess participant comfort wearing the DOTs. A subset of five participants underwent a single evaluation in a Vicon (Oxford Metrics, Oxford, UK) motion analysis lab to assess XSENS DOTs’ validity. With the two systems recording simultaneously, participants were prompted through a series of movements intended to mimic typical sleep biomechanics (rolling over in lying), and the outputs of both systems were compared to assess the level of agreement. The DOT platform performed well on all metrics, with Drift, Battery Life, and Recording Reliability being rated as Continue Without Modifications. Participant Comfort was rated as Continue But Monitor Closely. The DOT Platform demonstrated an extremely high level of agreement with the Vicon motion analysis lab (difference of <0.025°). Using the Xsens DOT platform to assess sleep biomechanics is feasible and valid in adult populations. Future studies should further investigate the feasibility of using this data capture method for extended periods (e.g., multiple days) and in other groups (e.g., paediatric populations).
Mussel-Inspired Lego Approach for Controlling the Wettability of Surfaces with Colorless Coatings
Authors: Casagualda Carolina , Mancebo-Aracil Juan , Moreno-Villaécija Miguel , López-Moral Alba , Alibés Ramon , Busqué Félix , Ruiz-Molina Daniel
Published: December 2022

The control of surface wettability with polyphenol coatings has been at the forefront of materials research since the late 1990s, when robust underwater adhesion was linked to the presence of L-DOPA—a catecholic amino acid—in unusually high amounts, in the sequences of several mussel foot proteins. Since then, several successful approaches have been reported, although a common undesired feature of most of them is the presence of a remnant color and/or the intrinsic difficulty in fine-tuning and controlling the hydrophobic character. We report here a new family of functional catechol-based coatings, grounded in the oxidative condensation of readily available pyrocatechol and thiol-capped functional moieties. The presence of at least two additional thiol groups in their structure allows for polymerization through the formation of disulfide bonds. The synthetic flexibility, together with its modular character, allowed us to: (I) develop coatings with applications exemplified by textiles for oil-spill water treatment; (II) develop multifunctional coatings, and (III) fine-tune the WCA for flat and textile surfaces. All of this was achieved with the application of colorless coatings.
Editorial Special Issue: Building Energy Consumption and Urban Energy Planning
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: December 2022

As of 2021, the global urbanization rate was still increasing, especially in China, whose permanent urban population reached 64 [...]
Oxalamide Based Fe(II)-MOFs as Potential Electrode Modifiers for Glucose Detection
Authors: Oikonomopoulos Panagiotis , Pagkali Varvara , Kritikou Evangelia , Panara Anthi , Kostakis Marios G. , Thomaidis Nicolaos S. , Tziotzi Thomais G. , Economou Anastasios , Kokkinos Christos , Papaefstathiou Giannis S.
Published: December 2022

In an attempt to expand the coordination chemistry of N,N′-bis(2,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-oxalamide (H6L) ligand, we isolated and structurally characterized two new Fe(II) Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), namely [Fe2(H2L)(H2O)5] (3D-Fe-MOF) and [Fe(H4L)(H2O)2]∙2H2O, (2D-Fe-MOF) by carefully adjusting the reaction conditions to achieve the optimal degree of deprotonation of the bridging ligand. Both MOFs were found stable in water, as evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction data and their ability to sorb glucose (GLU) from either an aqueous solution or artificial sweat was investigated only to show negligible sorption. A graphite paste sensor (GPE) using the 3D-Fe-MOF as a modifier was fabricated. The 3D-Fe-MOF modified GPE was assessed for non-enzymatic GLU detection in aqueous solution at pH 6 via differential pulse voltammetry and the preliminary results were discussed.
Autoimmunity and Immunodeficiency in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Prolonged COVID-19
Authors: Garmendia Jenny Valentina , García Alexis Hipólito , De Sanctis Claudia Valentina , Hajdúch Marián , De Sanctis Juan Bautista
Published: December 2022

SARS-CoV-2 causes the complex and heterogeneous illness known as COVID-19. The disease primarily affects the respiratory system but can quickly become systemic, harming multiple organs and leading to long-lasting sequelae in some patients. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic or present mild symptoms. Antibodies, complement, and immune cells can efficiently eliminate the virus. However, 20% of individuals develop severe respiratory illness and multiple organ failure. Virus replication has been described in several organs in patients who died from COVID-19, suggesting a compromised immune response. Immunodeficiency and autoimmunity are responsible for this impairment and facilitate viral escape. Mutations in IFN signal transduction and T cell activation are responsible for the inadequate response in young individuals. Autoantibodies are accountable for secondary immunodeficiency in patients with severe infection or prolonged COVID-19. Antibodies against cytokines (interferons α, γ and ω, IL1β, IL6, IL10, IL-17, IL21), chemokines, complement, nuclear proteins and DNA, anticardiolipin, and several extracellular proteins have been reported. The type and titer of autoantibodies depend on age and gender. Organ-specific autoantibodies have been described in prolonged COVID-19. Their role in the disease is under study. Autoimmunity and immunodeficiency should be screened as risk factors for severe or prolonged COVID-19.
Contextuality and Informational Redundancy
Authors: Dzhafarov Ehtibar N. , Kujala Janne V.
Published: December 2022

A noncontextual system of random variables may become contextual if one adds to it a set of new variables, even if each of them is obtained by the same context-wise function of the old variables. This fact follows from the definition of contextuality, and its demonstration is trivial for inconsistently connected systems (i.e., systems with disturbance). However, it also holds for consistently connected (and even strongly consistently connected) systems, provided one acknowledges that if a given property was not measured in a given context, this information can be used in defining functions among the random variables. Moreover, every inconsistently connected system can be presented as a (strongly) consistently connected system with essentially the same contextuality characteristics.
Charging Stations and Electromobility Development: A Cross-Country Comparative Analysis
Authors: Zema Tomasz , Sulich Adam , Grzesiak Sebastian
Published: December 2022

The Industry 4.0 idea influences the development of both charging stations and electromobility development, due to its emphasis on device communication, cooperation, and proximity. Therefore, in electromobility development, growing attention is paid to chargers’ infrastructure density and automotive electric vehicles’ accessibility. The main goal of this scientific paper was to present the electromobility development represented in the number of charging stations and its infrastructure development calculations. In this study, the sequence of methods was used to indicate and explore the research gap. The first was the Structured Literature Review (SLR) variation method. The second method was the classical tabular comparison of gathered results. The third research method was a cluster analysis based on secondary data with cross-country comparisons of the number of charging stations and electric cars. Therefore, this paper presents a theoretical discussion and practical business implications based on the achieved results of clusters and rankings. The main finding of this paper is that charging stations play a pivotal role in electromobility development in countries with already developed road infrastructure and maritime transportation. The charging stations can support energetic infrastructure, especially in countries with vast geographical distances. The charging stations and electric vehicles statistics presented in ratios and ranks proved similarities in the electromobility development patterns in the analyzed countries. This paper also presents the limitations of the performed study and identifies possible future research avenues.
High Step-Up Three-Level Soft Switching DC-DC Converter for Photovoltaic Generation Systems
Authors: Taghavi Seyed Shahriyar , Rezvanyvardom Mahdi , Mirzaei Amin , A. Gorji Saman
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a high step-up three-level DC–DC converter with a symmetric structure for PV application is proposed. The converter has high voltage gain. This is achieved due to the use of two high step-up cells and two resonant paths in its structure. The converter has low input current ripples and the voltage stress across all switches is equal to half of the output voltage. The proposed converter uses simple pulse–width modulation (PWM) to trigger the switches. Hence, the proposed converter benefits from a simple structure and control circuit. All semiconductor devices are turned on/off under ZCS conditions. Thus, the switching losses are decreased, and the total efficiency is increased. The converter is implemented and tested through a laboratory prototype. The experimental results verify the theoretical analysis.
Research on the Effect of the Outlet Throttle Diameter Deviation on the Pressure Relief Rate of the Injector Control Valve
Authors: Ren Rina , Su Tiexiong , Ma Fukang , Yang Wei , Zhao Xin , Xu Chunlong
Published: December 2022

Common rail injector response characteristics depend on the control chamber pressure change rate, the outlet throttle diameter by manufacturing errors, or wear-induced deviations that affect the rate of pressure change in the control chamber, so the accuracy of the outlet throttle diameter directly affects the control valve response consistency. This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of the effect of the deviation of the outlet throttle diameter on the average mass flow rate of the outlet throttle during the opening of the spherical valve in order to reduce this difference and ensure uniform injection characteristics. The results illustrate that with the increase in outlet throttle diameter deviation, the volume of gas phase in the control valve increases and the rate of pressure reduction in the control chamber accelerates, and the sensitivity coefficient of the average mass flow rate of the outlet throttle to the outlet throttle diameter deviation remains unchanged at 24.77. Cavitation occurs in the area of the outlet throttle when the spherical valve lift is 0.045 mm. The increase in rail pressure not only leads to an increase in the low-pressure area on the inner wall of the outlet throttle, an increase in the volume share of the gas phase, and an increase in the hydraulic impact on the sealing wall but also makes the average mass flow rate of the outlet throttle and the rate of change of the control chamber pressure during the opening of the spherical valve more sensitive to the deviation of the outlet throttle diameter.
Numerical Investigation on Effective Elastic Modulus of Multifractal Porous Materials
Authors: Xi Yanan , Wang Lijie , Gao Yun , Lei Dong
Published: December 2022

The design of a novel material necessitates a fundamental understanding of its structure–property relation. Inorganic porous materials (media) such as natural soil and rock, and artificial ceramic and cement, exhibit multifractal characteristics in view of their structural heterogeneity. This paper presents a numerical investigation of the effective elastic modulus of multifractal porous materials. Two types of deterministic and stochastic cascading algorithms are employed to synthesize the multifractal fields, and then a mathematical formula is proposed to perform the conversion from the intensity of a multifractal field to the local elastic modulus of a multifractal porous material. Furthermore, a finite element method is used to achieve the homogenization of the local elastic modulus. Special attention is paid to the dependence of the effective elastic modulus on the structural heterogeneity of multifractal porous materials.
Vignette Research Methodology: An Essential Tool for Quality Improvement Collaboratives
Authors: Payton Kurlen S. E. , Gould Jeffrey B.
Published: December 2022

Variation in patient outcomes among institutions and within institutions is a major problem in healthcare. Some of this variation is due to differences in practice, termed practice variation. Some practice variation is expected due to appropriately personalized care for a given patient. However, some practice variation is due to the individual preference or style of the clinicians. Quality improvement collaboratives are commonly used to disseminate quality care on a wide scale. Practice variation is a notable barrier to any quality improvement effort. A detailed and accurate understanding of practice variation can help optimize the quality improvement efforts. The traditional survey methods do not capture the complex nuances of practice variation. Vignette methods have been shown to accurately measure the actual practice variation and quality of care delivered by clinicians. Vignette methods are cost-effective relative to other methods of measuring quality of care. This review describes our experience and lessons from implementing vignette research methods in quality improvement collaboratives in California neonatal intensive care units. Vignette methodology is an ideal tool to address practice variation in quality improvement collaboratives, actively engage a large number of participants, and support more evidence-based practice to improve outcomes.
Investigation of Diffusible Hydrogen Concentration in Gas Metal Arc Brazing by Carrier Gas Hot Extraction Method Referring to ISO 3690
Authors: Brätz Oliver , Ripsch Benjamin , Gericke Andreas , Henkel Knuth-Michael
Published: December 2022

Arc brazing is an alternative joining technology well-suited for processing thermally sensitive materials and to produce mixed material connections. Due to the technological similarities of gas metal arc brazing to gas metal arc welding, it can be assumed that the process-related hydrogen input is of similar magnitude for both joining technologies. Since diffusible hydrogen is known to cause embrittlement in metallic materials, it is necessary to know the amount of diffusible hydrogen introduced by different manufacturing processes. Regarding the qualification of welding procedures, hydrogen ingress is an important factor to evaluate the risk of hydrogen-assisted cold cracking, especially when processing high-strength steels. For arc brazing, there is a lack of knowledge about the process-related hydrogen input. Hence, to study the influence of different brazing filler materials and varying levels of heat input on the diffusible hydrogen concentration in arc braze metal, a methodology to determine hydrogen content in arc weld metal in accordance with international standard ISO 3690 based on carrier gas hot extraction was applied to arc brazed specimens. Very low diffusible hydrogen concentrations of about HD = 0.1 to 0.3 mL/100 g were found for GMAB without significant influence of arc energy or filler metal used.
Lung Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dinache Georgiana , Popescu Claudiu Costinel , Mogoșan Corina , Enache Luminita , Agache Mihaela , Codreanu Cătălin
Published: December 2022

The current study aimed to evaluate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) in clinical practice and whether disease characteristics are associated with X-ray and high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) findings. Medical history of RA patients from a tertiary rheumatology clinic was retrieved from its electronic database starting from 1 January 2019 until the study date (8 August 2022) using International Classification of Disease version 10 codes for RA, ILD and exclusion criteria. The study included 78 RA patients (75.6% women, 15.4% active smokers), with average time from RA to ILD of 5.6 years. Regarding chest X-ray findings, men had a higher prevalence of nodules, combined fibrosis and nodules and combined bronchiectasis and nodules, rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive patients had a higher prevalence of fibrosis and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA)-positive patients had a higher prevalence of bronchiectasis. Regarding HR-CT findings, patients actively treated with methotrexate had a higher prevalence of nodules; a combination of fibrosis and nodules; combination of emphysema and nodules; and combination of fibrosis, emphysema and nodules. ILD develops within approximately 5 years from RA diagnosis, and ILD-associated imaging findings on chest X-rays and HR-CT are more prevalent among men with RA, among patients with positive RA serology (RF and/or ACPA) and RA patients on methotrexate.
Proportion of Concentrate in the Diet of Early Lactation Dairy Cows Has Contrasting Effects on Circulating Leukocyte Global Transcriptomic Profiles, Health and Fertility According to Parity
Authors: Cheng Zhangrui , McLaughlin Danielle L. , Little Mark W. , Ferris Conrad , Salavati Mazdak , Ingvartsen Klaus L. , Crowe Mark A. , Wathes D. Claire ,   the GplusE Consortium
Published: December 2022

The functionality of circulating leukocytes in dairy cows is suppressed after calving, with negative energy balance as a risk factor. Leukocyte transcriptomic profiles were compared separately in 44 multiparous (MP) and 18 primiparous (PP) Holstein–Friesian cows receiving diets differing in concentrate proportion to test whether immune dysfunction could be mitigated by appropriate nutrition. After calving, cows were offered either (1) low concentrate (LC); (2) medium concentrate (MC) or (3) high concentrate (HC) diets with proportions of concentrate to grass silage of 30%:70%, 50%:50% and 70%:30%, respectively. Cow phenotype data collected included circulating metabolites, milk yield and health and fertility records. RNA sequencing of circulating leukocytes at 14 days in milk was performed. The HC diet improved energy balance in both age groups. There were more differentially expressed genes in PP than MP cows (460 vs. 173, HC vs. LC comparison) with few overlaps. The MP cows on the LC diet showed upregulation of the complement and coagulation cascade and innate immune defence mechanisms against pathogens and had a trend of more cases of mastitis and poorer fertility. In contrast, the PP cows on the HC diet showed greater immune responses based on both gene expression and phenotypic data and longer interval of calving to conception. The leukocytes of MP and PP cows therefore responded differentially to the diets between age, nutrient supply and immunity affecting their health and subsequent fertility.
Tunable Enzyme-Assisted Mineralization of Apatitic Calcium Phosphate by Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Foley Brittany , Guibert Clément , Selmane Mohamed , Mezzetti Alberto , Lefebvre Caroline , El Kirat Karim , Landoulsi Jessem
Published: December 2022

While it has long been mimicked by simple precipitation reactions under biologically relevant conditions, calcium phosphate biomineralization is a complex process, which is highly regulated by physicochemical factors and involves a variety of proteins and other biomolecules. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in particular, is a conductor of sorts, directly regulating the amount of orthophosphate ions available for mineralization. Herein, we explore enzyme-assisted mineralization in the homogeneous phase as a method for biomimetic mineralization and focus on how relevant ionic substitution types affect the obtained minerals. For this purpose, mineralization is performed over a range of enzyme substrate concentrations and fluoride concentrations at physiologically relevant conditions (pH 7.4, T = 37 °C). Refinement of X-ray diffraction data is used to study the crystallographic unit cell parameters for evidence of ionic substitution in the lattice, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used for complementary information regarding the chemical composition of the minerals. The results show the formation of substituted hydroxyapatite (HAP) after 48 h mineralization in all conditions. Interestingly, an expansion of the crystalline unit cell with an increasing concentration of the enzyme substrate is observed, with only slight changes in the particle morphology. On the contrary, by increasing the amount of fluoride, while keeping the enzyme substrate concentration unchanged, a contraction of the crystalline unit cell and the formation of elongated, well-crystallized rods are observed. Complementary IR and XPS data indicate that these trends are explained by the incorporation of substituted ions, namely CO32− and F−, in the HAP lattice at different positions.