bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Cooking Method on the Nutritional Quality of Organic and Conventional Brazilian Vegetables: A Study on Sodium, Potassium, and Carotenoids
Authors: de Castro Neide Torres , de Alencar Ernandes Rodrigues , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Han Heesup , Raposo António , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Araya-Castillo Luis , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção
Published: August 2021

Vegetable consumption is associated with increased health benefits, and vegetables are consumed both in cooked form and raw form in salads. All cooking techniques cause changes in a vegetable’s the nutrient content. Consumers are increasingly health-conscious and have less time to prepare meals, and they do not know which cooking times and cooking methods are best suited to preserve the nutrients. This study aimed to determine the best method of cooking vegetables to maintain minerals (potassium and sodium) and carotenoids. The studied vegetables were broccoli (Brassica oleracea, var. Italica), carrots (Daucus carota), and zucchini (Cucurbita moschata). The cooking methods were: boiling, steaming, combined oven, microwave steaming, and microwave cooking. Samples of organic and conventionally grown vegetables were prepared in triplicate. Samples were analyzed to determine the availability of target minerals and carotenoids in the raw food and in each recommended cooking situation according to technical standards. Only the carrot showed a higher concentration in organic cultivation for carotenoids in raw vegetables, with both zucchini and broccoli having higher concentrations when grown by conventional cultivation. The zucchini from organic cultivation presented a reduction of potassium and sodium, almost consistently, in all cooking techniques. Regarding the conventionally cultivated zucchini, potassium remained stable in boiling. Broccoli from organic and conventional cultivation showed similar potassium levels for boiling and traditional steam cooking. Organic carrots showed easier sodium extraction compared with conventional cultivation. Heat treatment, in general, improves the accessibility of carotenoids.
The Characteristics of Quark Cheese Made from Buttermilk during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Szkolnicka Katarzyna , Dmytrów Izabela , Mituniewicz-Małek Anna
Published: August 2021

The dairy industry releases huge amounts of by-products. One of them is buttermilk, obtained during butter production. This by-product is characterized by high nutritional and technological value and is finding more and more applications in food production. This study aimed to produce and analyze the characteristics of quark cheese obtained entirely from buttermilk during 3-week refrigerated (4 ± 1 °C) storage. Four kinds of sour buttermilk were used: two from industrial butter production, and another two from butter production at laboratory scale. Laboratory buttermilk differs in the kind of starter culture used in the production. The evaluation of cheese quality properties included physicochemical analyses, texture measurement, and sensory assessment. The results showed that the kind of buttermilk used in production influences the acidity, total solids, textural characteristics, and fat content of the obtained quark cheeses. All obtained cheeses had very high sensory quality throughout the storage period. The study indicates that buttermilk may be successfully used as a substitution for milk in quark cheese production.
Comparison of Nutritional Compositions and Essential Oil Profiles of Different Parts of a Dill and Two Fennel Cultivars
Authors: Hao Yuanpeng , Kang Jiamu , Guo Xiaoqi , Yang Rui , Chen Yuliang , Li Jingyi , Shi Lei
Published: August 2021

Fennel and dill are widely used as food additives owing to their various biological activities, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, food-preservatives, and seasoning capacities. Herein, the nutritional composition and essential oil (EO) chemical profiles of fruits, umbels, stalks, and roots from one dill and two fennel cultivars were evaluated. The fruits had the highest content of crude protein (≥15%), crude fat (≥8%), and phosphorus (≥0.5%), and exhibited the highest total energy (≥20 MJ/kg) and EO yield (≥2%). Moreover, estragole (86.56% in Fdf), anethole (71.17% in Fhf), fenchone (16.74% in Fhf), limonene (50.19% in Agf), and carvone (42.41% in Agf) were the main components of the EOs generated from the fruits. The chemical profiles of EOs in the roots were significantly different from those of the aerial parts of the fennel and dill; thus, the roots and aerial parts could be distinguished based on myristicin (Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) = 1.90399) and apiol (VIP = 1.85922). The EO components of the aerial parts varied remarkably, and the chemical markers for differentiating these three cultivars were anethole (VIP = 1.36571), estragole (VIP = 1.30292), and carvone (VIP = 1.11947). Overall, our results provide a noteworthy chemical basis for further development of fennel and dill, especially as food additives.
The Need for a Food Systems Approach in Smallholder Food and Nutrition Security Initiatives: Lessons from Inclusive Agribusiness in Smallholder Communities
Authors: Wangu James
Published: August 2021

Inclusive business models dominate current development policy and practices aimed at addressing food and nutrition insecurity among smallholder farmers. Through inclusive agribusiness, smallholder food security is presumed to come from increased farm productivity (food availability) and income (food access). Based on recent research, the focus of impact assessments of inclusive business models has been limited to instrumental aspects, such as the number of farmers supported, the training provided, and immediate farm outcomes, namely revenue. Furthermore, the assessments limit their scope to participating smallholders, while overlooking other community members. With respect to food and nutrition security, there is no acknowledgement of the diverse household needs that compete with the food requirements with regard to the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. Focusing on recent studies and reviews on the contribution of inclusive business initiatives to smallholders’ livelihoods and food security, the present review adopts a food systems approach for broader knowledge and insight analysis. It re-emphasizes that a food systems approach that provides a systemic and broader way of thinking about and working on food issues is critical for development initiatives aimed at ensuring that every person can meet their food and nutrition needs.
Motor Control Evaluation as a Significant Component in Upper Limb Function Assessment in Female Breast Cancer Patients after Mastectomy
Authors: Śliwiński Maciej , Wąż Piotr , Zaręba Wojciech , Hansdorfer-Korzon Rita
Published: August 2021

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women. Conservative and operative treatment methods are associated with a risk of side effects pertaining to the shoulder complex. The surgery complications including chronic pain, upper limb and chest lymphedema, range of motion limitations, and motor control deficiencies may lead to upper limb function impairment and affect the quality of life negatively. Twenty-three women were examined in the tested group and twenty-two women in the control group. The motor control was assessed with dissociation tests as defined by Comerford and Mottram. In order to assess patient-perceived upper limb disability, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used. The test of glenohumeral (GH) abduction control in frontal plane and in scapular plane and medial rotation control outcomes were found to be statistically significant. It pertains to both: Comparison between groups and analysis within the tested group—body sides comparison. The DASH questionnaire results analysis indicates that there was a higher degree of subjectively perceived disability of upper limb in the tested group. Surgical interventions in the breast cancer treatment and other medical procedures affect the level of motor control and perceived disability of upper limb negatively in this group of patients. Movement faults are statistically more prevalent in the tested group. Movement faults are more prevalent on the operated side in the tested group.
Female Genital Mutilation: Knowledge and Skills of Health Professionals
Authors: Molina-Gallego Brígida , Mordillo-Mateos Laura , de Corral Gonzalo Melgar , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario , Polonio-López Begoña , Ugarte-Gurrutxaga M Idoia
Published: August 2021

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is any process that injures female genitals for non-medical reasons and is a violation of women’s human rights. An important number of women from countries where FGM is performed are arriving to Western countries. Health professionals are important for detecting cases of FGM. No surveys to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices on FGM among healthcare professionals has been conducted in Castilla la Mancha (Spain) until now. Methods: The main goal of the study is assessing knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of healthcare professionals in relation to FGM. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted based on self-administered online surveys to nurses, midwives, family doctors, pediatricians, obstetrics and gynecologists. Results: In total, 1168 professionals answered the surveys. Just 13.9% indicated that they had received training in FGM, however just 10.7% correctly identified the three types of FGM, 10.7% the countries where it is usually practiced, 33.9% knew the legislation in Spain and only 4.4% found a case of FGM during their professional practice. Regarding the knowledge about protocols, 8.64% of the sample indicated to know one of them. Conclusion: The present study demonstrate that it is necessary to improve the training and awareness of healthcare professionals related to FGM in Castilla la Mancha.
Empathy and Mobile Phone Dependence in Nursing: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Public Hospital of the Island of Crete, Greece
Authors: Rovithis Michael , Koukouli Sofia , Fouskis Aristidis , Giannakaki Ioulia , Giakoumaki Kleanthi , Linardakis Manolis , Moudatsou Maria , Stavropoulou Areti
Published: August 2021

This study examined the relationship between empathy and mobile phone dependence levels of the nursing staff in a public hospital in the island of Crete, using a cross-sectional study design. Data from 109 staff nurses and healthcare assistants (HCAs) were collected via the Greek version of the Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the correlation between empathy and mobile phone dependency. The total mean score for TEQ was 33.9 (±5.7). Accordingly, the total mean score for MPDQ was 22.9 (±6.1). High mobile phone dependence was found in 4.7% of the participants. A statistically significant difference was found between HCAs and staff nurses, with HCAs presenting a higher mean empathy levels (TEQ) (36.5 vs. 32.6) and lower dependence levels (MPDQ) (18.9 vs. 24.5) than staff nurses. A significant correlation between empathy and dependence was found between dependence and the altruism empathy subscale, with higher dependence being correlated with lower altruism. The participants’ levels of empathy do not seem to be affected by mobile phone dependence. However, empathy appears to be strongly determined by increased age and professional status. Nurses’ dependence on mobile phones is a complex phenomenon that requires attention. Educational programs on empathy and information on the proper use of mobile phones by the nursing staff should be provided.
Intra-Season Variations in Workload Parameters in Europe’s Elite Young Soccer Players: A Comparative Pilot Study between Starters and Non-Starters
Authors: Martins Alexandre D. , Oliveira Rafael , Brito João P. , Loureiro Nuno , Querido Sérgio M. , Nobari Hadi
Published: August 2021

Background: The main purpose of the current study was to compare the within-season variations of workload, training duration, acute/chronic workload ratio (ACWR), training monotony ™, and training strain (TS) through session rating perceived exertion (s-RPE) between starters and non-starters. Methods: Seventeen under-17 European male soccer players (age, 16.2 ± 0.3 y, height, 1.8 ± 0.1 m; body mass, 66.5 ± 4.0 kg) divided in two groups: nine starters and eight non-starters, were evaluated over 50 weeks throughout the season. Results: In general, there were load variations for all players during the full-season. RPE tended to decrease during in-season and RPE, training duration and s-RPE did not present significant differences between starters and non-starters. TM and TS presented lower values for starters in mesocycle (M) 4 and M11 compared to non-starters. TS presented lower values for starters in M4 and M11 compared to non-starters, while in M10 a higher value was found for starters when compared to non-starters. ACWR showed differences between starters and non-starters in two of the mesocycles. Conclusions: This study showed that some mesocycles provided higher load for non-starters. This information can alert coaches that non-starter players are likely to try too hard in training to demonstrate their abilities, leading to non-functional overreaching, overtraining syndrome, and then poor performance.
Holy Corn. Interdisciplinary Study of a Mexican 16th-Century Polychrome Maize Stem, Paper, and Colorín Wood Sculpture
Authors: Quintero Balbas Diego , Sánchez-Rodríguez Esteban , Zárate Ramírez Álvaro
Published: August 2021

Maize stem sculptures, produced during the 16th and 17th centuries in New Spain (today, Mexico) are a clear example of the convergence of the artistic traditions from the American indigenous populations and European influence. This typology of sculptures is not limited to the Americas, as the examples found in European countries have shown. Therefore, a detailed technological investigation is required to correctly classify them. This work presents the interdisciplinary and multianalytical investigation of a 16th-century sculpture made with a maize stem preserved in Guadalajara city, Mexico. We used a set of techniques, such as CT, SEM-EDX, μ-FTIR, and μ-Raman, to study, from a macro to a micro level, the structure, the polychromy, and the modification of the sculpture. The results showed the use of maize stems, paper, and wood in the construction of the sculpture and the use of the traditional polychromy, as well as the numerous modifications that changed its appearance considerably resulting in its misclassification. We were able to associate the statue with the Cortés workshop (Mexico City region), probably produced in the decade of 1580, and track its liturgical use and historical development through the centuries.
COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnant and Lactating Women: A Review of Existing Evidence and Practice Guidelines
Authors: Garg Ishan , Shekhar Rahul , Sheikh Abu B. , Pal Suman
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global pandemic that is devastating human lives, public healthcare systems, and global economies. Multiple effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines have been developed at an unprecedented speed due to the efforts of the scientific community, and collaboration between the federal government and pharmaceutical companies. However, the continued exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from the COVID anti-viral and vaccine trials has created the paradox of a lack of empirical evidence in a high-risk population. Based on the experience of similar prior vaccines, animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, and preliminary findings from human studies, various healthcare professional advisory committees (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine) have issued guidance supporting COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and lactating women. In this article, we summarize the available data on the efficacy and safety profile of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and lactating women, review the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, and include recommendations for healthcare providers.
A Three-Dimensional Buffer Analysis Method Based on the 3D Discrete Global Grid System
Authors: Wang Jinxin , Shi Yan , Qin Zilong , Chen Yihang , Cao Zening
Published: August 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) buffer analysis is among the basic functions of 3D spatial analysis, and it plays an important role in 3D geographic information systems. The rapid development of the 3D Discrete Global Grid System (DGGS) provides a new method for the 3D spatial analysis of geographic information. According to the spatial topology characteristics of the 3D DGGS and the concept of dimensionality reduction, a 3D buffer analysis method based on the spatial grid of the Earth system is proposed to solve the problem of the buffer algorithm of a space object being unsatisfactory at present. In this paper, we present a method to calculate the distance between cells based on the side length of the spherical grids according to the geometric characteristics of the grids. For the grids of a geographic object, we describe the Euclidean distance expansion algorithm and the radial elevation expansion algorithm that helped us to obtain its 3D buffer. Finally, in terms of algorithm complexity and visualization effect, compared with the traditional raster buffer algorithm, the method presented in this paper has lower complexity, an improved visualization effect, and stronger generality.
Analysis of the Temporal Changes of Inland Ramsar Sites in Turkey Using Google Earth Engine
Authors: Dervisoglu Adalet
Published: August 2021

Ramsar Convention (RC) is the first of modern intergovernmental agreement on the conscious use and conservation of natural resources. It provides a platform for contracting parties working together to develop the best available data, advice, and policy recommendations to increase awareness of the benefits of wetlands in nature and society. Turkey became a party of the RC in 1994, and in the years 1994 to 2013, 14 wetlands that reached the Ramsar criteria were recognized as Ramsar sites (RS). With this study, all inland RS in Turkey from 1985 to 2020 were examined, and changes in the water surface areas were evaluated on the GEE cloud computing platform using Landsat satellite images and the NDWI index. The closest meteorological station data to each RS were evaluated and associated with the surface area changes. The reasons for the changes in these areas, besides the meteorological effects, have been scrutinized using management plans and publications. As a result, inland wetlands decreased at different rates from 1985 to 2020, with a total loss of 31.38% and 21,571.0 ha for the spring months. Since the designation dates of RS, the total amount of water surface area reduction was 27.35%, constituting 17,758.90 ha.
Annual Actual Evapotranspiration Estimation via GIS Models of Three Empirical Methods Employing Remotely Sensed Data for the Peloponnese, Greece, and Comparison with Annual MODIS ET and Pan Evaporation Measurements
Authors: Dimitriadou Stavroula , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos G.
Published: August 2021

Actual evapotranspiration (ETa) has been insufficiently investigated in Greece. This study aimed to estimate annual ETa by empirical methods (Turc, modified Turc, and Coutagne) for the Peloponnese, Greece, a Mediterranean testbed, between 2016–2019, four of the warmest years since the preindustrial era, and compare them to MODIS ET. Furthermore, measurements of annual pan evaporation (Epan) were performed for two Class A pan stations in the Peloponnese with different reliefs and conditions. The empirical methods and statistical formulae (RMSD, MB, and NMB) were developed as models in ArcMap. The outcomes of the Turc method resembled MODIS ET ranges for all years, followed by those of Coutagne. The estimates by the modified Turc method were almost identical to MODIS ET. Therefore, the modified Turc method can be used as an alternative to MODIS ET (and vice versa) for the Peloponnese for 2016–2019. Moreover, the Epan at Patras University station (semiurban, low elevation) exhibited an upward trend resembling the trends of the empirical methods over the study years, whereas the Epan at Ladonas station (higher elevation, lakeside) required investigation on a monthly time scale. Additionally, the gradual decrease of pan-water icing at Ladonas in December (from 20 d in 2016 to 0 d in 2019) could imply an undergoing decrease in snowpack storage retention across the mountains of the Peloponnese.
Dentin Growth after Direct Pulp Capping with the Different Fractions of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) vs. MTA: Experimental Study in Animal Model
Authors: Gaviño-Orduña José F. , Caviedes-Bucheli Javier , Manzanares-Céspedes María C. , Román-Richon Sophie , Martin-Biedma Benjamín , Segura-Egea Juan J. , Berástegui-Jimeno Esther , López-López José
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the area of dentin growth in rabbit incisors after pulp capping with plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) by fluorescence. Methods: twenty-seven upper and lower incisors of rabbits were divided into 4 groups: poor PRGF (F1) (n = 9 teeth), rich PRGF (F2) (n = 8 teeth), ProRoot MTA (positive control, n = 5 teeth), and untreated (NC) (negative control, n = 5). Fluorochrome markers were injected 24 h before surgery and the day before euthanasia, 28 days after the vital pulp therapy (VPT). Two transverse cuts were performed to every tooth: the first cut (A), 1 mm incisal to the gingival margin, and the second cut (B), 5 mm apical to the first cut. The sections were assessed with histomorphometric evaluation by fluorescence microscopy, comparing the dentin area between fluorescence marks and the total mineralized area. Results: The higher percentage of dentin growth was observed in the F2 group (B = 63.25%, A = 36.52%), followed by F1 (B = 57.63%, A = 30,12%) and MTA (B = 38.64%, A = 15.74%). The group with lowest percentage of dentin growth was the NC group (B = 29.22%, A = 7.82%). Significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between F2 group and MTA, also statistically significant difference has been observed comparing dentin growth areas of NC group with F1 and F2 groups. Conclusions: The application of PRGF rich and poor fraction as a pulp capping material stimulated dentin formation more intensively than MTA and NC.
Biomarkers in Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Goffredo Giovanni , Barone Roberta , Di Terlizzi Vito , Correale Michele , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Iacoviello Massimo
Published: August 2021

Cardiorenal syndrome is a clinical manifestation of the bidirectional interaction between the heart and kidney diseases. Over the last years, in patients with cardiovascular diseases, several biomarkers have been studied in order to better assess renal function as well as to identify patients prone to experiencing chronic or acute worsening of renal function. The aim of this review is to focus on the possible clinical usefulness of the most recent biomarkers in the setting of cardiorenal syndrome.
Role of Annual Influenza Vaccination against Lung Cancer in Type 2 Diabetic Patients from a Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zheng Jing-Quan , Lin Cheng-Hsin , Chen Chun-Chao , Lin Yuan-Feng , Chiu Chun-Chih , Yang Tsung Yeh , Hsu Min-Huei , Fang Yu-Ann , Hao Wen-Rui , Liu Ju-Chi , Lee Kang-Yun
Published: August 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are at a higher risk for developing lung cancer due to immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. They also have increased morbidity and mortality related to influenza, and it is recommended that they receive an annual influenza vaccination. In this study, we evaluate whether influenza vaccination could reduce the incidence of lung cancer in DM patients. This cohort study included DM patients (≥55 years old) between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2012 by using the Taiwan Health Insurance Database. Cox proportional hazard regression method was used to compare the relation between the influenza vaccination and lung cancer incidence after adjusting for potential confounders. Sub-group analyses were done according to vaccination status (unvaccinated, total number of vaccinations: 1, 2–3, ≥4) and evaluated the dose-dependent effects on lung cancer events. Among 22,252 eligible DM patients, 7860 (35.32%) received an influenza vaccination and 67.68% (14392) did not receive an influenza vaccination. Lung cancer incidence was significantly lower in the vaccinated group versus the unvaccinated group (adjusted HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.62–0.95, p < 0.05). Significant protective effects were observed among male sex (adjusted HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.55–0.94, p < 0.05) and 55–64 year (adjusted HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.40–0.94, p < 0.05) and ≥75 year (adjusted HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.42–0.92, p < 0.05) age groups, respectively. A dose-dependent protective effect was noted with a significant protective effect in those that received ≥4 vaccinations (adjusted HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.29–0.61, p < 0.001). In sub-group analysis, elder patients with ≥65 years of age were significantly protected from ≥4 vaccinations (adjusted HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.23–0.62, p < 0.001 in 65–74 years and adjusted HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.15–0.66, p = 0.002 in ≥75 years group, respectively). Male sex with ≥4 vaccinations had a significantly lower risk of lung cancer (adjusted HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.21–0.57, p < 0.001). Patients with comorbid conditions that received ≥4 vaccinations were also protected, and was especially significant among those with CCI ≥ 3 (adjusted HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18–0.80, p = 0.009) as compared to 1 and 2–3 vaccination groups, including those with hypertension (adjusted HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.22–0.57, p < 0.001). This population-based cohort study demonstrated that annual influenza vaccination significantly reduced the lung cancer risk in DM patients and specifically demonstrates that a higher number of vaccinations is related with a more protective effect. Whether this is due to vaccine booster effects on anti-tumor immune regulation among DM patients still needs to be explored.
Finite Element Method for the Evaluation of the Human Spine: A Literature Overview
Authors: Naoum Symeon , Vasiliadis Angelo V. , Koutserimpas Christos , Mylonakis Nikolaos , Kotsapas Michail , Katakalos Konstantinos
Published: August 2021

The finite element method (FEM) represents a computer simulation method, originally used in civil engineering, which dates back to the early 1940s. Applications of FEM have also been used in numerous medical areas and in orthopedic surgery. Computing technology has improved over the years and as a result, more complex problems, such as those involving the spine, can be analyzed. The spine is a complex anatomical structure that maintains the erect posture and supports considerable loads. Applications of FEM in the spine have contributed to the understanding of bone biomechanics, both in healthy and abnormal conditions, such as scoliosis, fractures (trauma), degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis. However, since FEM is only a digital simulation of the real condition, it will never exactly simulate in vivo results. In particular, when it concerns biomechanics, there are many features that are difficult to represent in a FEM. More FEM studies and spine research are required in order to examine interpersonal spine stiffness, young spine biomechanics and model accuracy. In the future, patient-specific models will be used for better patient evaluations as well as for better pre- and inter-operative planning.
Identification of Fungi Involved in Onychomycosis in Patients of a Spanish Rural Area
Authors: Marcos-Tejedor Felix , Mota Marta , Iglesias-Sánchez María José , Mayordomo Raquel , Gonçalves Teresa
Published: August 2021

Onychomycosis is one of the most frequent reasons for visiting podiatrist clinics. Complementary tests and the accurate identification of the infectious agents are key issues for a successful treatment of onychomycosis. This is particularly important when lifestyle, age and immunodepressed patients increase the prevalence of non-dermatophyte fungal infection. In this paper, we describe issues related to onychomycosis prevalence in a population of patients, mostly with rural lifestyles, visiting a podiatry clinic in a rural area of Spain. A total of 51 cases were studied with an average age of 65.96 ± 21.28 years (the youngest being 16 years and the oldest being 95 years). Fungal agents were isolated using conventional sampling and microbiological culture techniques. The results obtained with these techniques were compared with the results obtained with a direct methodology using molecular biology, by PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the ITS-5.8S rDNA fragment. The classical culture methodology confirmed the infection in 76.5% of the samples (n = 39), while the PCR confirmed the infection in 84.3% (n = 51) of the nails, although the difference between these results did not show statistical significance (p = 0.388). We found a high variability in agents, with more yeasts than dermatophytes as etiological agents of onychomycosis. However, only among individuals older than 65 years, was the difference between yeasts (82%) and dermatophytes (18%) was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Among the agents of non-dermatophyte onychomycosis, we found predominantly fungi (yeasts) of the Candida genus, interestingly with no isolates of Candida albicans, and moulds of the Aspergillus genus.
H2O2 Induces Major Phosphorylation Changes in Critical Regulators of Signal Transduction, Gene Expression, Metabolism and Developmental Networks in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Carrasco-Navarro Ulises , Aguirre Jesús
Published: August 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate several aspects of cell physiology in filamentous fungi including the antioxidant response and development. However, little is known about the signaling pathways involved in these processes. Here, we report Aspergillus nidulans global phosphoproteome during mycelial growth and show that under these conditions, H2O2 induces major changes in protein phosphorylation. Among the 1964 phosphoproteins we identified, H2O2 induced the phosphorylation of 131 proteins at one or more sites as well as the dephosphorylation of a larger set of proteins. A detailed analysis of these phosphoproteins shows that H2O2 affected the phosphorylation of critical regulatory nodes of phosphoinositide, MAPK, and TOR signaling as well as the phosphorylation of multiple proteins involved in the regulation of gene expression, primary and secondary metabolism, and development. Our results provide a novel and extensive protein phosphorylation landscape in A. nidulans, indicating that H2O2 induces a shift in general metabolism from anabolic to catabolic, and the activation of multiple stress survival pathways. Our results expand the significance of H2O2 in eukaryotic cell signaling.
Proposing an Ontology Model for Planning Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Khosrojerdi Farhad , Gagnon Stéphane , Valverde Raul
Published: August 2021

The performance of a photovoltaic (PV) system is negatively affected when operating under shading conditions. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) systems are used to overcome this hurdle. Designing an efficient MPPT-based controller requires knowledge about power conversion in PV systems. However, it is difficult for nontechnical solar energy consumers to define different parameters of the controller and deal with distinct sources of data related to the planning. Semantic Web technologies enable us to improve knowledge representation, sharing, and reusing of relevant information generated by various sources. In this work, we propose a knowledge-based model representing key concepts associated with an MPPT-based controller. The model is featured with Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL), allowing the system planner to extract information about power reductions caused by snow and several airborne particles. The proposed ontology, named MPPT-On, is validated through a case study designed by the System Advisor Model (SAM). It acts as a decision support system and facilitate the process of planning PV projects for non-technical practitioners. Moreover, the presented rule-based system can be reused and shared among the solar energy community to adjust the power estimations reported by PV planning tools especially for snowy months and polluted environments.
Psychosocial Impacts of the COVID-19 Quarantine: A Study of Gender Differences in 59 Countries
Authors: Kolakowsky-Hayner Stephanie A. , Goldin Yelena , Kingsley Kristine , Alzueta Elisabet , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Perrin Paul B. , Baker Fiona C. , Ramos-Usuga Daniela , Constantinidou Fofi
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: There is strong evidence in the literature that women experience psychological disorders at significantly higher rates than men. The higher rates of psychological disorders in women may partly be attributable to gender differences in response to stressors and coping styles. The objective of this study was to contribute to the growing body of literature investigating gender differences in mental health outcomes and coping styles during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in a large sample of individuals from 59 countries with variable demographic and socio-cultural characteristics. Materials and Methods: Survey data were collected from the general population following a snowball sampling method, and the survey was promoted through social media platforms and mailing lists. Participants included 6882 individuals from the general population from 59 countries around the world. A combination of both standardized and adapted measures was used to create a survey, originally in English and then translated to Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Turkish. Results: Compared with men, women presented with higher levels of trauma-related distress; had a harder time decompressing; were more depressed, anxious and stressed; showed decreased frustration tolerance and reported lower quality of sleep and an increased likelihood of taking sleep medication or other natural sleep remedies. Overall, women tended to be more vulnerable during the pandemic in developing symptoms consistent with various forms of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic distress. However, they also were more likely than men to use a variety of adaptive coping strategies, including concentrating on doing something about the situation and getting emotional support from others. Conclusions: A high prevalence of mood symptoms was noted among women. In addition to meeting the physical health needs of the population, emphasis needs to be given to mental health and the prevention of psychiatric disorders, particularly in women.
Tension Hemothorax in Aortic Rupture: A Case Report
Authors: Pometlová Jana , Madeja Roman , Demel Jiří , Ječmínková Renata , Procházka Václav , Kitka Miroslav , Pleva Leopold
Published: August 2021

Background: The standard ATLS protocol calls for chest drain insertion in patients with hemothorax before performing further diagnostic steps. However, if trauma-induced thoracic aortic rupture is the underlying cause, such drainage can lead to massive bleeding and death of the patient. Case report: This report describes a case of a polytrauma patient (car accident), aged 21, with symmetrical chest and decreased breath sounds dorsally on the left. An urgent CT scan revealed subadventitial Grade III thoracic aortic transection with mediastinal hematoma, a massive left-sided hemothorax with mediastinal shift to the right, and other injuries. Stent-graft implantation with subsequent left hemithorax drainage was urgently performed, during which the patient became increasingly unstable from the circulatory point of view. This traumatic hemorrhagic shock was successfully managed at the ICU. Conclusion: Although hemothorax is a serious condition requiring rapid treatment, the knowledge of its origin is of utmost importance; performing chest drainage without bleeding control can lead to circulatory instability and death of the patient. Hence, where aortic injury can be suspected based on the mechanism of the injury, it is beneficial to perform spiral CT angiography for accurate diagnosis first and, in cases of aortic injury, to control the bleeding prior to drainage.
Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures—A Surgical Management Algorithm
Authors: Fletcher James W. A. , Sommer Christoph , Eckardt Henrik , Knobe Matthias , Gueorguiev Boyko , Stoffel Karl
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: Femoral neck fractures are common and constitute one of the largest healthcare burdens of the modern age. Fractures within the joint capsule (intracapsular) provide a specific surgical challenge due to the difficulty in predicting rates of bony union and whether the blood supply to the femoral head has been disrupted in a way that would lead to avascular necrosis. Most femoral neck fractures are treated surgically, aiming to maintain mobility, whilst reducing pain and complications associated with prolonged bedrest. Materials and Methods: We performed a narrative review of intracapsular hip fracture management, highlighting the latest advancements in fixation techniques, generating an evidence-based algorithm for their management. Results: Multiple different fracture configurations are encountered within the category of intracapsular hip fractures, with each pattern having different optimal surgical strategies. Additionally, these injuries typically occur in patients where further procedures due to operative complications are associated with a considerable increase in mortality, highlighting the need for choosing the correct index operation. Conclusions: Factors such as pathological causes for the fracture, pre-existing symptomatic osteoarthritis, patient’s physiological age and fracture displacement all need to be considered when choosing optimal management.
Clinical Risk Constellations for the Development of Bipolar Disorders
Authors: Burkhardt Eva , Pfennig Andrea , Leopold Karolina
Published: August 2021

The early recognition of psychiatric disorders has been a focus of research in the last decades and has led to improvements in clinical care, especially in the area of early psychosis. Like non-affective psychosis, bipolar disorders are often diagnosed with a delay that can lead to long periods of untreated illness and impact long-term outcomes. This article presents the rationale for early recognition in bipolar disorder and presents the current evidence for the identification of risk factors, their assessment and validity in predicting the onset of bipolar disorder.
A Systematic Review on TeleMental Health in Youth Mental Health: Focus on Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Orsolini Laura , Pompili Simone , Salvi Virginio , Volpe Umberto
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: The Internet is widely used and disseminated amongst youngsters and many web-based applications may serve to improve mental health care access, particularly in remote and distant sites or in settings where there is a shortage of mental health practitioners. However, in recent years, specific digital psychiatry interventions have been developed and implemented for special populations such as children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: Hereby, we describe the current state-of-the-art in the field of TMH application for young mental health, focusing on recent studies concerning anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and affective disorders. Results: After screening and selection process, a total of 56 studies focusing on TMH applied to youth depression (n = 29), to only youth anxiety (n = 12) or mixed youth anxiety/depression (n = 7) and youth OCD (n = 8) were selected and retrieved. Conclusions: Telemental Health (TMH; i.e., the use of telecommunications and information technology to provide access to mental health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, supervision across distance) may offer an effective and efficacious tool to overcome many of the barriers encountering in the delivery of young mental health care.
Enhancing H2O2 Tolerance and Separation Performance through the Modification of the Polyamide Layer of a Thin-Film Composite Nanofiltration Membrane by Using Graphene Oxide
Authors: Lin Yi-Li , Zheng Nai-Yun , Chen Yu-Shen
Published: August 2021

Through interfacial polymerization (IP), a polyamide (PA) layer was synthesized on the top of a commercialized polysulfone substrate to form a thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membrane. Graphene oxide (GO) was dosed during the IP process to modify the NF membrane, termed TFC-GO, to enhance oxidant resistance and membrane performance. TFC-GO exhibited increased surface hydrophilicity, water permeability, salt rejection, removal efficiency of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), and H2O2 resistance compared with TFC. When H2O2 exposure was 0–96,000 ppm-h, the surfaces of the TFC and TFC-GO membranes were damaged, and swelling was observed using scanning electron microscopy. However, the permeate flux of TFC-GO remained stable, with significantly higher NaCl, MgSO4, and PPCP rejection with increasing H2O2 exposure intensity than TFC, which exhibited a 3.5-fold flux increase with an approximate 50% decrease in salt and PPCP rejection. GO incorporated into a PA layer could react with oxidants to mitigate membrane surface damage and increase the negative charge on the membrane surface, resulting in the enhancement of the electrostatic repulsion of negatively charged PPCPs. This hypothesis was confirmed by the significant decrease in PPCP adsorption onto the surface of TFC-GO compared with TFC. Therefore, TFC-GO membranes exhibited superior water permeability, salt rejection, and PPCP rejection and satisfactory resistance to H2O2, indicating its great potential for practical applications.
Numerical Simulation of the Water Vapor Separation of a Moisture-Selective Hollow-Fiber Membrane for the Application in Wood Drying Processes
Authors: Alikhani Nasim , Bousfield Douglas W. , Wang Jinwu , Li Ling , Tajvidi Mehdi
Published: August 2021

In this study, a simplified two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed, using COMSOL Multiphysics® software, to simulate the water vapor separation in a moisture-selective hollow-fiber membrane for the application of air dehumidification in wood drying processes. The membrane material was dense polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). A single hollow fiber membrane was modelled. The mass and momentum transfer equations were simultaneously solved to compute the water vapor concentration profile in the single hollow fiber membrane. A water vapor removal experiment was conducted by using a lab-scale PDMS hollow fiber membrane module operated at constant temperature of 35 °C. Three operation parameters of air flow rate, vacuum pressure, and initial relative humidity (RH) were set at different levels. The final RH of dehydrated air was collected and converted to water vapor concentration to validate simulated results. The simulated results were fairly consistent with the experimental data. Both experimental and simulated results revealed that the water vapor removal efficiency of the membrane system was affected by air velocity and vacuum pressure. A high water vapor removal performance was achieved at a slow air velocity and high vacuum pressure. Subsequently, the correlation of Sherwood (Sh)–Reynolds (Re)–Schmidt (Sc) numbers of the PDMS membrane was established using the validated model, which is applicable at a constant temperature of 35 °C and vacuum pressure of 77.9 kPa. This study delivers an insight into the mass transport in the moisture-selective dense PDMS hollow fiber membrane-based air dehumidification process, with the aims of providing a useful reference to the scale-up design, process optimization and module development using hollow fiber membrane materials.
Comparison of Osteosarcoma Aggregated Tumour Models with Human Tissue by Multimodal Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Flint Lucy E. , Hamm Gregory , Ready Joseph D. , Ling Stephanie , Duckett Catherine J. , Cross Neil A. , Cole Laura M. , Smith David P. , Goodwin Richard J. A. , Clench Malcolm R.
Published: August 2021

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy and largely effects adolescents and young adults, with 60% of patients under the age of 25. There are multiple cell models of OS described in vitro that express the specific genetic alterations of the sarcoma. In the work reported here, multiple mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) modalities were employed to characterise two aggregated cellular models of OS models formed using the MG63 and SAOS-2 cell lines. Phenotyping of the metabolite activity within the two OS aggregoid models was achieved and a comparison of the metabolite data with OS human tissue samples revealed relevant fatty acid and phospholipid markers. Although, annotations of these species require MS/MS analysis for confident identification of the metabolites. From the putative assignments however, it was suggested that the MG63 aggregoids are an aggressive tumour model that exhibited metastatic-like potential. Alternatively, the SAOS-2 aggregoids are more mature osteoblast-like phenotype that expressed characteristics of cellular differentiation and bone development. It was determined the two OS aggregoid models shared similarities of metabolic behaviour with different regions of OS human tissues, specifically of the higher metastatic grade.
Dysregulated Alanine as a Potential Predictive Marker of Glioma—An Insight from Untargeted HRMAS-NMR and Machine Learning Data
Authors: Firdous Safia , Abid Rizwan , Nawaz Zubair , Bukhari Faisal , Anwer Ammar , Cheng Leo L. , Sadaf Saima
Published: August 2021

Metabolic alterations play a crucial role in glioma development and progression and can be detected even before the appearance of the fatal phenotype. We have compared the circulating metabolic fingerprints of glioma patients versus healthy controls, for the first time, in a quest to identify a panel of small, dysregulated metabolites with potential to serve as a predictive and/or diagnostic marker in the clinical settings. High-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HRMAS-NMR) was used for untargeted metabolomics and data acquisition followed by a machine learning (ML) approach for the analyses of large metabolic datasets. Cross-validation of ML predicted NMR spectral features was done by statistical methods (Wilcoxon-test) using JMP-pro16 software. Alanine was identified as the most critical metabolite with potential to detect glioma with precision of 1.0, recall of 0.96, and F1 measure of 0.98. The top 10 metabolites identified for glioma detection included alanine, glutamine, valine, methionine, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serine, α-glucose, lactate, and arginine. We achieved 100% accuracy for the detection of glioma using ML algorithms, extra tree classifier, and random forest, and 98% accuracy with logistic regression. Classification of glioma in low and high grades was done with 86% accuracy using logistic regression model, and with 83% and 79% accuracy using extra tree classifier and random forest, respectively. The predictive accuracy of our ML model is superior to any of the previously reported algorithms, used in tissue- or liquid biopsy-based metabolic studies. The identified top metabolites can be targeted to develop early diagnostic methods as well as to plan personalized treatment strategies.