bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streptococcus mutans kolonizácója különböző fluoridot tartalmazó profilaktikus szerek alkalmazása után titán felszínen – in vitro vizsgálatok
Authors: Barrak Ibrahim Ádám , Urbán Edit , Turzó Kinga , Stájer Anette
Published: December 2021

A savas pH és a magas fluorid(F-)-koncentráció károsítja a titán felületek (Ti) korróziórezisztenciáját. A fogszuvasodásmegelőzésének céljából alkalmazott különböző fluorid-tartalmú termékek (szájöblítők, gélek) gyakran magas (F-) koncentrációvalrendelkeznek, mely általában alacsony pH-val társul. Jelen vizsgálatunk célja annak megállapítása, hogya különböző formában alkalmazott prevenciós szereknek milyen hatásai lesznek Streptococcus mutans baktériumsejtekmegtapadására és a kolonizáció kialakulására különböző időtartam alatt. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) szuszpenzióvalfedtük a különböző fluoridot tartalmazó oldatokkal kezelt titán felszíneket 5, 10, illetve 21 napig. Vizsgálatokatvégeztünk a bakteriális fehérje mennyiségének meghatározására, valamint a titán felületeket pásztázó elektronmikroszkópos(SEM) eljárással tanulmányoztuk. Vizsgálataink alapján a 21 napos inkubációt követően szignifikáns eltérésekvoltak kimutathatók a szájöblítővel, valamint géllel kezelt korongok és a NaF-dal kezelt, illetve kontroll próbatestek között(p < 0,01 és p < 0,05). Ugyanakkor a SEM felvételek alapján a géllel kezelt korongokon korrózió jeleit láttuk. Eredményeinkalapján elmondhatjuk, hogy a szájöblítő használatakor mutatható ki a legkevesebb baktérium a felszínen.
Transzverzális maxilla-szűkület kezelésének lehetőségei
Authors: Juhász Fanni , Mohammadreza Asadzadeh , Nemes Bálint , Macsali Réka , Rózsa Noémi
Published: December 2021

A felső állcsont transzverzális szűkülete gyakori ortodonciai eltérés, melynek kezelése nagyban függ a páciens életkorától, fejlettségétől. Korai stádiumban a sutura palatina mediana repesztésével érhetjük el az állcsont tágítását, amihez a fogakon gyűrűkkel rögzülő Hyrax-készüléket vagy a fogakat beborító akrilátból készült splint-Hyraxot használjuk.A sutura fúziója után a tágítás sikertelenségének és a fogak károsításának elkerülése céljából sebészileg támogatott expanziót végzünk.Az ortodonciai minicsavarok alkalmazása fokozhatja a szkeletális hatást, így későbbi életkorban is lehetővé teheti az állcsontszűkület kezelését. Az így elhorgonyzott tágító készülékek szkeletális hatása megegyezik a hagyományos készülékes kezelésekével, azonban a fogak dőlése, a parodontium károsodása csökken. További előnye, hogy olyan esetekben is használhatjuk, amikor a fogakat elhorgonyzásba nem tudjuk bevonni (aplasia, mozgó tejfogak vagy parodontálisan érintett fogak esetén). Szkeletális III. osztályú eltérések esetén a maxilla protrakciója során is előnyösebb lehet ezen készülék alkalmazása.Az optimális kezelési terv felállításához CBCT-felvétel szükséges, melyen minicsavarok tervezett alkalmazása esetén azok elhelyezése is megtervezhető.
Miller I–II ínyrecesszióval kombinált fognyaki léziók restauratív és sebészi ellátása – randomizált, kontrollált klinikai vizsgálat 6 hónapos eredményei
Authors: Papp Zsuzsanna , Gera István , Erdős Zsuzsanna , Horváth Attila
Published: December 2021

Cél: Jelen klinikai vizsgálat célja, hogy nem kárieszes cervikális lézióval (NCCL) társuló Miller I–II típusú tükörszimmetrikus ínyrecessziók műtéti korrekciója során megvizsgáljuk, hogy egy nanotechnológiás polimerlakkal fedett üvegionomer tömőanyag (GIC) milyen sikerrel használható NCCL komplex sebészi-restauratív ellátásában. Továbbá vizsgáltuk, hogy a kötőszöveti graft (SCTG), illetve zománc mátrix derivátum (EMD) használata javít-e az eredményeken.Anyag és módszer: 20 parodontálisan egészséges páciens, 40 tükörszimmetrikusan elhelyezkedő NCCL-val rendelkező Miller I–II típusú ínyrecesszióját vizsgáltuk. A főbb vizsgálati paraméterek a recesszió mélysége (AGR) és szélessége (IRSZ), klinikai tapadási nívó (CAL), tasakmélység (PD), ínyvérzési index (BOP) és szubjektív fognyaki érzékenység (DE) voltak. A pácienseket elektronikus randomizációval műtét előtt két csoportra osztottuk annak eldöntésére, hogya mindkét oldalon alkalmazott módosított koronálisan elcsúsztatott lebenytechnikát (MCAF) SCTG-tal (MCAT-SCTG csoport), vagy EMD-mal (MCAT-EMD csoport) egészítsük ki. További elektronikus randomizáció alapján a töméssel ellátandó oldalakat választottuk ki. A teszt oldalon (T) Equia® (GC Europe, Leuven, Belgium) tömőanyag került behelyezésre, míg a kontroll oldalon az abradált dentin felszínén csupán gyökérsimítást végeztünk.Eredmények: Műtétek után hat hónap elteltével mindkét sebészi technika a T és K fogaknál is statisztikailag szignifikánsan csökkentette az AGR-t és IRSZ-t és javította a CAL-t (p ≤ 0,05). A fognyaki fedés mértéke az MCAF-SCTG csoportban közel megegyezett a T (76,92 ±19,23%) és a K oldalon (73,07 ±21,93%). Az MCAF+EMD csoportban viszont a T oldal (40,0 ±32,0%) elmaradt a K oldal (66,66 ±35,0%) értékeitől. A BOP értékek statisztikailag szignifikáns mértékben emelkedtek T oldali fogaknál a K oldalhoz képest, sebészi terápiától függetlenül. A PD értékek romlottaka T oldalon a K oldalhoz képest, sőt a PD növekedés statisztikailag szignifikáns mértéket öltött a SCTG csoportban az EMD csoporthoz képest. A DE minden csoportban statisztikailag szignifikánsan csökkent, kivéve az MCAF-EMD K csoportját, ahol a csökkenés nem volt szignifikáns.Következtetések: Vizsgálati eredményeinket összefoglalva megállapíthatjuk, hogy ínyrecesszió fedésére töméssel vagy tömés nélkül mindkét sebészi módszer alkalmas volt. A fognyaki érzékenység csökkentésére az MCAF-EMD tömés nélkül nem elegendő. A vizsgált nanotöltésű polimerlakkal fedett GIC alkalmazása bármelyik műtéti technika kiegészítéseként jelentősen csökkentette a fognyaki érzékenységet, ugyanakkor szubgingivális kiterjesztése nagyobb szondázási tasakmélységgel és gyulladásra utaló magasabb ínyvérzési értékekkel társul.
Description and Molecular Characterization of Two Species of Avian Blood Parasites, with Remarks on Circadian Rhythms of Avian Haematozoa Infections
Authors: Chagas Carolina Romeiro Fernandes , Binkienė Rasa , Valkiūnas Gediminas
Published: December 2021

Avian blood parasites are remarkably diverse and frequently occur in co-infections, which predominate in wildlife. This makes wildlife pathogen research challenging, particularly if they belong to closely related groups, resulting in diagnostic problems and poor knowledge about such infections as well as the patterns of their co-occurrence and interactions. This is particularly true due to the periodicity (circadian rhythms) of parasitemia, which means that different parasitemia and parasite stages might be found throughout the day. We analysed blood samples from a Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and a Song thrush (Turdus philomelos). This study aimed to describe a new avian Lankesterella species and molecularly characterize and redescribe Splendidofilaria mavis, a common avian filarioid nematode. Additionally, it was possible to investigate the circadian rhythms of the avian blood parasites belonging to Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Trypanosoma, which occurred in co-infection in the same avian host individuals. Different circadian rhythms were seen in different parasites, with Plasmodium sp. peaks occurring at midday, Leucocytozoon spp. peaks mainly during the evening and night, and Trypanosoma spp. and microfilariae peaks at midnight. No periodicity was seen in Haemoproteus and Lankesterella species infections. The time of parasitemia peaks most likely coincides with the time of vectors’ activity, and this should be beneficial for transmission. Knowledge about the circadian rhythms is needed for better understanding patterns in host-parasite interactions and disease transmission.
Effect of Parameters on Lumbar Compressive Force during Patient Transfer
Authors: Xiang Xiaohan , Yamada Yoji , Akiyama Yasuhiro , Nakamura Hibiki , Kudo Naoki
Published: December 2021

Patient transfer (PT) tasks are a significant cause of low back pain (LBP) in caregivers. Adopting proper motion strategies is an effective and inexpensive approach to reduce the risk of LBP. However, since the standardization of PT tasks is not specified in ISO 11228, there is an increasing need to develop a quantitative assessment method for the lumbar safety of caregivers. Therefore, we aim to determine the effect of representative factors, extracted from caregivers’ movements and of external force, on peak compressive force (CF) in patient transfer tasks using the lumbar compressive force as a criterion. The CF at the lumbar region is estimated using a biomechanical simulator, and regression analysis is performed between the estimated CF and representative factors. The results imply that peak CF occurs in the incipience of transfer and occurs after the occurrence of the peak trunk angle. The results also indicate that the peak CF can be reduced by preventing the representative factors from simultaneously reaching the maximum values. In this study, we provide a method of reducing peak CF by estimating the timing and magnitude of the peak to help caregivers assess the severity of LBP risk in actual PT, which is expected to contribute to the standardization of PT tasks.
A Decision Support System with Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing to Mitigate the Deduction Rate of Health Insurance Claims
Authors: Su Shey-Chiang , Huang Chun-Che , Gung Roger R. , Hsiung Li-Kai , Gao Zhi-Wei , Tsai Cheng-En
Published: December 2021

Globally, 20% to 40% of medical resources are wasted, which could be avoided through professional audit of health insurance claims. The professional audit can pinpoint excessive use of unnecessary medicines and medical examinations. Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Bureau (TNHIB) deducts the weight that medical resources carry if regarded as unnecessary or abused when examining health insurance claims. The ratio of the deducted weight to the total weight claimed by a hospital is defined as the health insurance claim deduction rate (HICDR). A high HICDR increases the operating expenses of the hospital. In addition, it takes the hospital many resources to prepare and file appeals for the deduction. This study aims to: (1) minimize the weight deducted by the TNHIB for a hospital; and (2) facilitate efficient appeals to claim denials. It is expected that HICDR will be reduced through big data analytics. In this study, evidence-based medicine (EBM) is involved to clarify the debate, dilemmas, conflicts of interests in examining health insurance claims. A natural language method—latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), was used to analyze patients’ medical records. The topics derived from the LDA are used as factors in the logistic regression model to estimate the probability of each claim to be deducted. The experimental results on various medical departments show that the proposed predictive model can produce accurate results, and lead to more than 41.7% reduction to the deduction of the health insurance claims. It is equivalent to more than a 750 thousand NT dollars saving per year. The efficiency of application is validated compared to the manual process that is time-consuming and labor intensive. Moreover, it is expected that this study will supplement the insufficiency of traditional methods and propose a new and effective solution to reduce the deduction rate.
Experimental Demonstration and Performance Enhancement of 5G NR Multiband Radio over Fiber System Using Optimized Digital Predistortion
Authors: Hadi Muhammad Usman , Awais Muhammad , Raza Mohsin , Ashraf Muhammad Ikram , Song Jian
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an experimental realization of multiband 5G new radio (NR) optical front haul (OFH) based radio over fiber (RoF) system using digital predistortion (DPD). A novel magnitude-selective affine (MSA) based DPD method is proposed for the complexity reduction and performance enhancement of RoF link followed by its comparison with the canonical piece wise linearization (CPWL), decomposed vector rotation method (DVR) and generalized memory polynomial (GMP) methods. Similarly, a detailed study is shown followed by the implementation proposal of novel neural network (NN) for DPD followed by its comparison with MSA, CPWL, DVR and GMP methods. In the experimental testbed, 5G NR standard at 20 GHz with 50 MHz bandwidth and flexible-waveform signal at 3 GHz with 20 MHz bandwidth is used to cover enhanced mobile broad band and small cells scenarios. A dual drive Mach Zehnder Modulator having two distinct radio frequency signals modulates a 1310 nm optical carrier using distributed feedback laser for 22 km of standard single mode fiber. The experimental results are presented in terms of adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR), error vector magnitude (EVM), number of estimated coefficients and multiplications. The study aims to identify those novel methods such as MSA DPD are a good candidate to deploy in real time scenarios for DPD in comparison to NN based DPD which have a slightly better performance as compared to the proposed MSA method but has a higher complexity levels. Both, proposed methods, MSA and NN are meeting the 3GPP Release 17 requirements.
Mesenchymal-Stromal Cell-like Melanoma-Associated Fibroblasts Increase IL-10 Production by Macrophages in a Cyclooxygenase/Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-Dependent Manner
Authors: Çakır Uğur , Hajdara Anna , Széky Balázs , Mayer Balázs , Kárpáti Sarolta , Mezey Éva , Silló Pálma , Szakács Gergely , Füredi András , Pós Zoltán , Érsek Barbara , Sárdy Miklós , Németh Krisztián
Published: December 2021

Melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) are integral parts of melanoma, providing a protective network for melanoma cells. The phenotypical and functional similarities between MAFs and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) prompted us to investigate if, similarly to MSCs, MAFs are capable of modulating macrophage functions. Using immunohistochemistry, we showed that MAFs and macrophages are in intimate contact within the tumor stroma. We then demonstrated that MAFs indeed are potent inducers of IL-10 production in various macrophage types in vitro, and this process is greatly augmented by the presence of treatment-naïve and chemotherapy-treated melanoma cells. MAFs derived from thick melanomas appear to be more immunosuppressive than those cultured from thin melanomas. The IL-10 increasing effect is mediated, at least in part, by cyclooxygenase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Our data indicate that MAF-induced IL-10 production in macrophages may contribute to melanoma aggressiveness, and targeting the cyclooxygenase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase pathways may abolish MAF–macrophage interactions.
RNA Sequencing of Primary Cutaneous and Breast-Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas Reveals Infrequent Fusion Transcripts and Upregulation of PI3K/AKT Signaling via Neurotrophin Pathway Genes
Authors: Di Napoli Arianna , Vacca Davide , Bertolazzi Giorgio , Lopez Gianluca , Piane Maria , Germani Aldo , Rogges Evelina , Pepe Giuseppina , Santanelli Di Pompeo Fabio , Salgarello Marzia , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Hsiao Susan , Wrzeszczynski Kazimierz O. , Berti Emilio , Bhagat Govind
Published: December 2021

Cutaneous and breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (cALCLs and BI-ALCLs) are two localized forms of peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) that are recognized as distinct entities within the family of ALCL. JAK-STAT signaling is a common feature of all ALCL subtypes, whereas DUSP22/IRF4, TP63 and TYK gene rearrangements have been reported in a proportion of ALK-negative sALCLs and cALCLs. Both cALCLs and BI-ALCLs differ in their gene expression profiles compared to PTCLs; however, a direct comparison of the genomic alterations and transcriptomes of these two entities is lacking. By performing RNA sequencing of 1385 genes (TruSight RNA Pan-Cancer, Illumina) in 12 cALCLs, 10 BI-ALCLs and two anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive sALCLs, we identified the previously reported TYK2-NPM1 fusion in 1 cALCL (1/12, 8%), and four new intrachromosomal gene fusions in 2 BI-ALCLs (2/10, 20%) involving genes on chromosome 1 (EPS15-GNG12 and ARNT-GOLPH3L) and on chromosome 17 (MYO18A-GIT1 and NF1-GOSR1). One of the two BI-ALCL samples showed a complex karyotype, raising the possibility that genomic instability may be responsible for intra-chromosomal fusions in BI-ALCL. Moreover, transcriptional analysis revealed similar upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, associated with enrichment in the expression of neurotrophin signaling genes, which was more conspicuous in BI-ALCL, as well as differences, i.e., over-expression of genes involved in the RNA polymerase II transcription program in BI-ALCL and of the RNA splicing/processing program in cALCL.
Loss of SATB2 Occurs More Frequently Than CDX2 Loss in Colorectal Carcinoma and Identifies Particularly Aggressive Cancers in High-Risk Subgroups
Authors: Schmitt Maxime , Silva Miguel , Konukiewitz Björn , Lang Corinna , Steiger Katja , Halfter Kathrin , Engel Jutta , Jank Paul , Pfarr Nicole , Wilhelm Dirk , Foersch Sebastian , Denkert Carsten , Tschurtschenthaler Markus , Weichert Wilko , Jesinghaus Moritz
Published: December 2021

Background: Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) has emerged as an alternative immunohistochemical marker to CDX2 for colorectal differentiation. However, the distribution and prognostic relevance of SATB2 expression in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) have to be further elucidated. Methods: SATB2 expression was analysed in 1039 CRCs and correlated with clinicopathological and morphological factors, CDX2 expression as well as survival parameters within the overall cohort and in clinicopathological subgroups. Results: SATB2 loss was a strong prognosticator in univariate analyses of the overall cohort (p < 0.001 for all survival comparisons) and in numerous subcohorts including high-risk scenarios (UICC stage III/high tumour budding). SATB2 retained its prognostic relevance in multivariate analyses of these high-risk scenarios (e.g., UICC stage III: DSS: p = 0.007, HR: 1.95), but not in the overall cohort (DSS: p = 0.1, HR: 1.25). SATB2 loss was more frequent than CDX2 loss (22.2% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.001) and of higher prognostic relevance with only moderate overlap between SATB2/CDX2 expression groups. Conclusions: SATB2 loss is able to identify especially aggressive CRCs in high-risk subgroups. While SATB2 is the prognostically superior immunohistochemical parameter compared to CDX2 in univariate analyses, it appears to be the less sensitive marker for colorectal differentiation as it is lost more frequently.
Sustained Accumulation of Blood-Derived Macrophages in the Immune Microenvironment of Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma after Therapy
Authors: Magri Sara , Musca Beatrice , Bonaudo Camilla , Tushe Ada , Russo Maria Giovanna , Masetto Elena , Zagonel Vittorina , Lombardi Giuseppe , Della Puppa Alessandro , Mandruzzato Susanna
Published: December 2021

The cell composition of the glioblastoma (GBM) microenvironment depends on the recruitment of myeloid cells from the blood, promoting tumor progression by inducing immunosuppression. This phenomenon hampers immunotherapies and investigating its complexity may help to tailor new treatments. Peripheral blood and tissue specimens from the central and marginal tumor areas were collected from 44 primary and 19 recurrent GBM patients. Myeloid and lymphoid cell subsets and the levels of immunosuppressive markers were defined by multiparametric flow cytometry. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the differences in the immune infiltrate and to analyze the cell spatial distribution. Relapsing GBM showed an increased presence of blood-derived macrophages in both tumor areas and a higher frequency of infiltrating lymphocytes, with a high level of exhaustion markers. The expansion of some myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subsets in the blood was found in both primary and recurrent GBM patients. A significant inverse correlation between infiltrating T cells and an MDSC subset was also found. In patients with recurrent GBM after standard first-line therapy, the immune-hostile tumor microenvironment and the levels of some MDSC subsets in the blood persisted. Analysis of the immune landscape in GBM relapses aids in the definition of more appropriate stratification and treatment.
Surface Roughness Effects on Flows Past Two Circular Cylinders in Tandem Arrangement at Co-Shedding Regime
Authors: Moraes Paulo Guimarães de , Alcântara Pereira Luiz Antonio
Published: December 2021

This paper contributes by investigating surface roughness effects on temporal history of aerodynamic loads and vortex shedding frequency of two circular cylinders in tandem arrangement. The pair of cylinders is immovable; of equal outer diameter, D; and its geometry is defined by the dimensionless center-to-center pitch ratio, L/D. Thus, a distance of L/D = 4.5 is chosen to characterize the co-shedding regime, where the two shear layers of opposite signals, originated from each cylinder surface, interact generating counter-rotating vortical structures. A subcritical Reynolds number of Re = 6.5 × 104 is chosen for the test cases, which allows some comparisons with experimental results without roughness effects available in the literature. Two relative roughness heights are adopted, nominally ε/D = 0.001 and 0.007, aiming to capture the sensitivity of the applied numerical approach. Recent numerical results published in the literature have reported that the present two-dimensional model of surface roughness effects is able to capture both drag reduction and full cessation of vortex shedding for an immovable cylinder near a moving ground. That roughness model was successfully blended with a Lagrangian vortex method using sub-grid turbulence modeling. Overall, the effects of relative roughness heights on flows past two cylinders reveal changing of behavior of the vorticity dynamics, in which drag reduction, intermittence of vortex shedding, and wake destruction are identified under certain roughness effects. This kind of study is very useful for engineering conservative designs. The work is also motivated by scarcity of results previous discussing flows past cylinders in cross flow with surface roughness effects.
Key Growth Factors and Limitations of Photovoltaic Companies in Poland and the Phenomenon of Technology Entrepreneurship under Conditions of Information Asymmetry
Authors: Wachnik Bartosz , Chyba Zbigniew
Published: December 2021

Nowadays photovoltaic trade in Poland is growing rapidly due to contemporary challenges in sustainable energy. The first Polish photovoltaic firms were established in the second decade of XXI century. It was the answer of looking for new innovative energy sources including solar energy. It was necessary to change the structure of energy sources in Poland mainly based on carbon and oil & gas. The aim of this article was the identification and assessment the key opportunities and barriers to photovoltaic industry enterprises in Poland in the context of technology entrepreneurship under conditions of information asymmetry. The paper was prepared based on the results of qualitative research using the case study method. A comparative analysis was performed based on results of a study of four purposefully selected enterprises. All of them are SMEs. The research was done in 2021. The case study method allowed for comparing the analysed enterprises in pairs, which is discussed more extensively further on in the text. The research performed will lead to conclusions and recommendations for the photovoltaic sector enterprises in Poland which will allow them to act more effectively and efficiently in conditions of competing on the global market. This paper contains the characteristics of photovoltaic trade in Poland, its macro and micro environment, the opportunities and threats of this trade and key strengths and weaknesses of characterized photovoltaic enterprises in Poland. Finally, the conclusion and recommendations of discussed Polish photovoltaic trade firms in future are evaluated.
Female Connectors in Social Networks: Catharine Minnich (Died 1843, Pennsylvania)
Authors: Hatton Stephen B.
Published: December 2021

The thesis of the article is that taking a social network approach to genealogical problems of origin and parentage can, where applicable, result in two noteworthy benefits. The first benefit is that it may more quickly and effectively lead to matrilateral kin by helping to reconstruct a kinship network. The second benefit is that it will lead to a deeper understanding of social circles in which a husband and/or wife participate. This approach turns the usual genealogical practice of unravelling a female’s position in a cluster in relation to her husband on its head—the male’s position in a social network is reconstructed by backtracking one of his significant females (wife, mother, or sister). As background, the article briefly discusses networks, the importance of women as connectors in kinship networks, and cultural practices of kinship, in this case, eighteenth-century Germany/United States. It then presents a case study of Catharine Minnich, a Pennsylvania woman of German descent. In addition to analyzing relations by blood and marriage, it recognizes the important role of baptismal sponsors in aligning a multi-family network.
Basic Role of Extrusion Processes in the Late Cenozoic Evolution of the Western and Central Mediterranean Belts
Authors: Viti Marcello , Mantovani Enzo , Babbucci Daniele , Tamburelli Caterina , Caggiati Marcello , Riva Alberto
Published: December 2021

Tectonic activity in the Mediterranean area (involving migrations of old orogenic belts, formation of basins and building of orogenic systems) has been determined by the convergence of the confining plates (Nubia, Arabia and Eurasia). Such convergence has been mainly accommodated by the consumption of oceanic and thinned continental domains, triggered by the lateral escapes of orogenic wedges. Here, we argue that the implications of the above basic concepts can allow plausible explanations for the very complex time-space distribution of tectonic processes in the study area, with particular regard to the development of Trench-Arc-Back Arc systems. In the late Oligocene and lower–middle Miocene, the consumption of the eastern Alpine Tethys oceanic domain was caused by the eastward to SE ward migration/bending of the Alpine–Iberian belt, driven by the Nubia–Eurasia convergence. The crustal stretching that developed in the wake of that migrating Arc led to formation of the Balearic basin, whereas accretionary activity along the trench zone formed the Apennine belt. Since the collision of the Anatolian–Aegean–Pelagonian system (extruding westward in response to the indentation of the Arabian promontory) with the Nubia-Adriatic continental domain, around the late Miocene–early Pliocene, the tectonic setting in the central Mediterranean area underwent a major reorganization, aimed at activating a less resisted shortening pattern, which led to the consumption of the remnant oceanic and thinned continental domains in the central Mediterranean area.
Artificial Intelligence in Orthodontic Smart Application for Treatment Coaching and Its Impact on Clinical Performance of Patients Monitored with AI-TeleHealth System
Authors: Thurzo Andrej , Kurilová Veronika , Varga Ivan
Published: December 2021

Background: Treatment of malocclusion with clear removable appliances like Invisalign® or Spark™, require considerable higher level of patient compliance when compared to conventional fixed braces. The clinical outcomes and treatment efficiency strongly depend on the patient’s discipline. Smart treatment coaching applications, like strojCHECK® are efficient for improving patient compliance. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of computerized personalized decision algorithms responding to observed and anticipated patient behavior implemented as an update of an existing clinical orthodontic application (app). Materials and Methods: Variables such as (1) patient app interaction, (2) patient app discipline and (3) clinical aligner tracking evaluated by artificial intelligence system (AI) system—Dental monitoring® were observed on the set of 86 patients. Two 60-day periods were evaluated; before and after the app was updated with decision tree processes. Results: All variables showed significant improvement after the update except for the manifestation of clinical non-tracking in men, evaluated by artificial intelligence from video scans. Conclusions: Implementation of application update including computerized decision processes can significantly enhance clinical performance of existing health care applications and improve patients’ compliance. Using the algorithm with decision tree architecture could create a baseline for further machine learning optimization.
Emotional Intelligence Measures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bru-Luna Lluna María , Martí-Vilar Manuel , Merino-Soto César , Cervera-Santiago José L.
Published: December 2021

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, express, understand, and manage emotions. Current research indicates that it may protect against the emotional burden experienced in certain professions. This article aims to provide an updated systematic review of existing instruments to assess EI in professionals, focusing on the description of their characteristics as well as their psychometric properties (reliability and validity). A literature search was conducted in Web of Science (WoS). A total of 2761 items met the eligibility criteria, from which a total of 40 different instruments were extracted and analysed. Most were based on three main models (i.e., skill-based, trait-based, and mixed), which differ in the way they conceptualize and measure EI. All have been shown to have advantages and disadvantages inherent to the type of tool. The instruments reported in the largest number of studies are Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), Schutte Self Report-Inventory (SSRI), Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test 2.0 (MSCEIT 2.0), Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS), Wong and Law’s Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue). The main measure of the estimated reliability has been internal consistency, and the construction of EI measures was predominantly based on linear modelling or classical test theory. The study has limitations: we only searched a single database, the impossibility of estimating inter-rater reliability, and non-compliance with some items required by PRISMA.
Effects of a Web-Based Parent–Child Physical Activity Program on Mental Health in Parents of Children with ASD
Authors: Zhao Mengxian , You Yonghao , Chen Shihui , Li Linlin , Du Xiru , Wang Yongtai
Published: December 2021

Parents of children with ASD experience a higher incidence of mental health difficulties, including stress, depression, and anxiety, than parents of children without ASD. According to studies related to ASD, parent–child physical activity programs are an effective approach to encourage both parents and their children with ASD to exercise together, thus improving the mental health of parents due to this interactive family activity. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of this web-based parent–child physical activity program on the mental health of parents of children with ASD. A total of 94 parent–child pairs consented to participate in this study, and 75 parent–child pairs completed the study. Three instruments—DASS-21, PSI-4-SF, and WHOQOL-26—were used to measure mental health, parental stress, and quality of life, respectively. A randomized controlled trial design was implemented to examine the effectiveness of the 10-week web-based parent–child physical activity program on improving the mental health of parents of children with ASD. The results showed that after the 10-week parent–child physical activity program, there were significant differences in overall DASS-21 and PSI-4-SF for the experimental group, compared with control group (p < 0.05), which indicated that the parent–child physical activity program has a positive influence on mental health in parents of children with ASD. One sub-area of WHOQOL-26 between the experimental and control groups across pre-/post-testing intervals also showed greater reductions in the item of psychological health (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings demonstrated the efficacy of the web-based parent–child physical activity program for improving mental health in parents of children with ASD.
Therapeutic Potential of TAAR1 Agonists in Schizophrenia: Evidence from Preclinical Models and Clinical Studies
Authors: Dedic Nina , Dworak Heather , Zeni Courtney , Rutigliano Grazia , Howes Oliver D.
Published: December 2021

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders due to its ability to modulate monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. In particular, agonist compounds have generated interest as potential treatments for schizophrenia and other psychoses due to TAAR1-mediated regulation of dopaminergic tone. Here, we review unmet needs in schizophrenia, the current state of knowledge in TAAR1 circuit biology and neuropharmacology, including preclinical behavioral, imaging, and cellular evidence in glutamatergic, dopaminergic and genetic models linked to the pathophysiology of psychotic, negative and cognitive symptoms. Clinical trial data for TAAR1 drug candidates are reviewed and contrasted with antipsychotics. The identification of endogenous TAAR1 ligands and subsequent development of small-molecule agonists has revealed antipsychotic-, anxiolytic-, and antidepressant-like properties, as well as pro-cognitive and REM-sleep suppressing effects of TAAR1 activation in rodents and non-human primates. Ulotaront, the first TAAR1 agonist to progress to randomized controlled clinical trials, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of schizophrenia, while another, ralmitaront, is currently being evaluated in clinical trials in schizophrenia. Coupled with the preclinical findings, this provides a rationale for further investigation and development of this new pharmacological class for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
Past and Future Strategies to Inhibit Membrane Localization of the KRAS Oncogene
Authors: Haidar Malak , Jacquemin Patrick
Published: December 2021

KRAS is one of the most studied oncogenes. It is well known that KRAS undergoes post-translational modifications at its C-terminal end. These modifications are essential for its membrane location and activity. Despite significant efforts made in the past three decades to target the mechanisms involved in its membrane localization, no therapies have been approved and taken into the clinic. However, many studies have recently reintroduced interest in the development of KRAS inhibitors, either by directly targeting KRAS or indirectly through the inhibition of critical steps involved in post-translational KRAS modifications. In this review, we summarize the approaches that have been applied over the years to inhibit the membrane localization of KRAS in cancer and propose a new anti-KRAS strategy that could be used in clinic.
Mapping the Potential Distribution of Ticks in the Western Kanto Region, Japan: Predictions Based on Land-Use, Climate, and Wildlife
Authors: Doi Kandai , Kato Takuya , Tabata Iori , Hayama Shin-ichi
Published: December 2021

Background: Tick distributions have changed rapidly with changes in human activity, land-use patterns, climate, and wildlife distributions over the last few decades. Methods: To estimate potential distributions of ticks, we conducted a tick survey at 134 locations in western Kanto, Japan. We estimated the potential distributions of six tick species (Amblyomma testudinarium Koch, 1844; Haemaphysalis flava Neumann, 1897; Haemaphysalis kitaokai Hoogstraal, 1969; Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901; Haemaphysalis megaspinosa Saito, 1969; and Ixodes ovatus Neumann, 1899) using MaxEnt modeling based on climate patterns, land-use patterns, and the distributions of five common wildlife species: sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838), wild boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758), raccoon (Procyon lotor Linnaeus, 1758), Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834), and masked palm civet (Paguma larvata C.E.H. Smith, 1827)). Results: We collected 24,546 individuals of four genera and 16 tick species. Our models indicated that forest connectivity contributed to the distributions of six tick species and that raccoon distribution contributed to five tick species. Other than that, sika deer distribution contributed to H. kitaokai, and wild boar distribution, bamboo forest, and warm winter climate contributed specifically to A. testudinarium. Conclusions: Based on these results, the dispersal of some tick species toward residential areas and expanded distributions can be explained by the distribution of raccoons and by forest connectivity.
Efficacy of Intraoperative Blood Salvage in Cerebral Aneurysm Surgery
Authors: Behmanesh Bedjan , Gessler Florian , Adam Elisabeth , Strouhal Ulrich , Won Sae-Yeon , Dubinski Daniel , Seifert Volker , Konczalla Juergen , Senft Christian
Published: December 2021

Background. The use and effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage has been analyzed in many surgical specialties. Until now, no data exist evaluating the efficacy of intraoperative cell salvage in cerebral aneurysm surgery. Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage in cerebral aneurysm surgery. Methods. Data were collected retrospectively for all the patients who underwent cerebral aneurysm surgery at our institution between 2013 and 2019. Routinely, we apply blood salvage through autotransfusion. The cases were divided into a ruptured cerebral aneurysm group and a unruptured cerebral aneurysm group. Results. A total of 241 patients underwent cerebral aneurysm clipping. Of all the cerebral aneurysms, 116 were ruptured and 125 were unruptured and clipped electively. Age, location of the aneurysm, postoperative red blood cell count, intraoperative blood loss, and number of allogenic blood cell transfusions were statistically significantly different between the groups. The autotransfusion of salvaged blood could only be facilitated in eight cases with ruptured cerebral aneurysms and in none with unruptured cerebral aneurysms clipped electively (p < 0.01). Additionally, 35 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms and one patient with unruptured cerebral aneurysm required allogenic red blood cell transfusion after surgery, and 71 vs. 2 units of blood were transfused (p < 0.0001). In terms of cost effectiveness, a total of EUR 45,189 in 241 patients was spent to run the autotransfusion system, while EUR 13,797 was spent for allogenic blood transfusion. Conclusions. The use of cell salvage in patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysm, undergoing elective surgery, is not effective.
Development of a Species-Specific SCAR-PCR Assay for Direct Detection of Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode (Heterodera schachtii) from Infected Roots and Soil Samples
Authors: Jiang Chen , Zhang Yingdong , Yao Ke , Abdulsalam Sulaiman , Li Guangkuo , Gao Haifeng , Li Kemei , Huang Wenkun , Kong Lingan , Peng Deliang , Peng Huan
Published: December 2021

Sugar beet cyst nematode (SBCN, Heterodera schachtii) is an important nematode that causes significant yield losses of 25–50% or more in most areas of sugar beet production worldwide. Rapid and accurate identification of this species is essential to support decisions on pest management. However, the difference between H. schachtii and other Heterodera spp. based on morphology is a challenging task. In the present study, a SCAR-PCR assay was developed to identify and differentiate H. schachtii in infected root and soil samples. H. schachtii-species-specific SCAR-PCR primers OPA06-HsF and OPA06-HsR were designed from the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker amplified with random primer OPA06. The developed primers specifically amplify a 922-bp fragment from the target populations but did not amplify DNA from non-target cyst nematodes including Heterodera, Globodera, Cactodera, and other related species tested in this study. The sensitivity detection indicated that 5 × 10−4 of a single cyst, 1/320 of a single second-stage juvenile (J2), or 10 pg of genomic DNA could be detected. The assay accurately identifies the different stages of H. schachtii in sugar beet and oilseed rape roots as well as a single J2 in 10 g of soil. Finally, the SCAR-PCR assay detected H. schachtii in seven samples out of the fifteen field samples. The assay will not only be useful for differentiating H. schachtii from mixed populations of Heterodera spp. but also for effective detection of the species directly from infested samples. The assay also requires no expertise in the taxonomy and morphology of the species but serves to improve the diagnosis of H. schachtii in infested fields.
On the Search for a Measure to Compare Interval-Valued Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Díaz-Vázquez Susana , Torres-Manzanera Emilio , Díaz Irene , Montes Susana
Published: December 2021

Multiple definitions have been put forward in the literature to measure the differences between two interval-valued fuzzy sets. However, in most cases, the outcome is just a real value, although an interval could be more appropriate in this environment. This is the starting point of this contribution. Thus, we revisit the axioms that a measure of the difference between two interval-valued fuzzy sets should satisfy, paying special attention to the condition of monotonicity in the sense that the closer the intervals are, the smaller the measure of difference between them is. Its formalisation leads to very different concepts: distances, divergences and dissimilarities. We have proven that distances and divergences lead to contradictory properties for this kind of sets. Therefore, we conclude that dissimilarities are the only appropriate measures to measure the difference between two interval-valued fuzzy sets when the outcome is an interval.
Applicability of a Combined DAF-MF Process to Respond to Changes in Reservoir Water Quality through a Two-Year Pilot Plant Operation
Authors: Kang Joon-seok , Seong Jayeong , Yoo Jewan , Kim Pooreum , Park Kitae , Lee Jaekyu , Cheon Jihoon , Kim Hyungsoo , Lee Sangyoup
Published: December 2021

The optimal operating conditions of a combined dissolved air flotation (DAF)-microfiltration (MF) process to respond to changes in raw water quality were investigated by operating a pilot plant for two years. Without DAF pre-treatment (i.e., MF alone), MF operated stably with a transmembrane pressure (TMP) increase of 0.24 kPa/d when the turbidity of raw water was low and stable (max. 13.4 NTU). However, as the raw water quality deteriorated (max. 76.9 NTU), the rate of TMP increase reached 43.5 kPa/d. When DAF pre-treatment was applied (i.e., the combined DAF-MF process), the MF process operated somewhat stably; however, the rate of TMP increase was relatively high (i.e., 0.64 kPa/d). Residual coagulants and small flocs were not efficiently separated by the DAF process, exacerbating membrane fouling. Based on the particle count analysis of the DAF effluent, the DAF process was optimised based on the coagulant dose and hydraulic loading rate. After optimisation, the rate of TMP increase for the MF process stabilised at 0.17 kPa/d. This study demonstrates that the combined DAF-MF process responded well to substantial changes in raw water quality. In addition, it was suggested that the DAF process must be optimised to avoid excessive membrane fouling.
Therapeutic Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells According to Different Transplant Types
Authors: Staniowski Tomasz , Zawadzka-Knefel Anna , Skośkiewicz-Malinowska Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Stem cells are unspecialised cells capable of perpetual self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation into more specialised daughter cells. They are present in many tissues and organs, including the stomatognathic system. Recently, the great interest of scientists in obtaining stem cells from human teeth is due to their easy availability and a non-invasive procedure of collecting the material. Three key components are required for tissue regeneration: stem cells, appropriate scaffold material and growth factors. Depending on the source of the new tissue or organ, there are several types of transplants. In this review, the following division into four transplant types is applied due to genetic differences between the donor and the recipient: xenotransplantation, allotransplantation, autotransplantation and isotransplantation (however, due to the lack of research, type was not included). In vivo studies have shown that Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs)can form a dentin-pulp complex, nerves, adipose, bone, cartilage, skin, blood vessels and myocardium, which gives hope for their use in various biomedical areas, such as immunotherapy and regenerative therapy. This review presents the current in vivo research and advances to provide new biological insights and therapeutic possibilities of using DPSCs.
Co3O4 Nanoneedle Array Grown on Carbon Fiber Paper for Air Cathodes towards Flexible and Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Li Ziyuan , Han Wenjia , Jia Peng , Li Xia , Jiang Yifei , Ding Qijun
Published: December 2021

An economical and efficient method is developed for preparing flexible cathodes. In this work, a dense mesoporous Co3O4 layer was first hydrothermally grown in situ on the surface of chopped carbon fibers (CFs), and then carbon fiber paper (Co3O4/CP) was prepared by a wet papermaking process as a flexible zinc-air battery (ZAB). The high-performance air cathode utilizes the high specific surface area of a single chopped carbon fiber, which is conducive to the deposition and adhesion of the Co3O4 layer. Through the wet papermaking process, Co3O4/CP has ultra-thin, high mechanical stability and excellent electrical conductivity. In addition, the assembled ZAB exhibits relatively excellent electrochemical performance, with a continuous cycle of more than 180 times at a current density of 2 mA·cm−2. The zinc-air battery can maintain a close fit and work stably and efficiently even under high bending conditions. This process of combining single carbon fibers to prepare ultra-thin, high-density, high-conductivity carbon fiber paper through a papermaking process has huge application potential in the field of flexible wearables.
A Selective Etching Route for Large-Scale Fabrication of β-Ga2O3 Micro-/Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Ding Shan , Zhang Liying , Li Yuewen , Xiu Xiangqian , Xie Zili , Tao Tao , Liu Bin , Chen Peng , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: December 2021

In this paper, based on the different etching characteristics between GaN and Ga2O3, large-scale and vertically aligned β-Ga2O3 nanotube (NT) and microtube (MT) arrays were fabricated on the GaN template by a facile and feasible selective etching method. GaN micro-/nanowire arrays were prepared first by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching using self-organized or patterning nickel masks as the etching masks, and then the Ga2O3 shell layer converted from GaN was formed by thermal oxidation, resulting in GaN@Ga2O3 micro-/nanowire arrays. After the GaN core of GaN@Ga2O3 micro-/nanowire arrays was removed by ICP etching, hollow Ga2O3 tubes were obtained successfully. The micro-/nanotubes have uniform morphology and controllable size, and the wall thickness can also be controlled with the thermal oxidation conditions. These vertical β-Ga2O3 micro-/nanotube arrays could be used as new materials for novel optoelectronic devices.