bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Obesity in Old Age on the Basement Membrane of Skeletal Muscle in Mice
Authors: Kanazawa Yuji , Ikeda-Matsuo Yuri , Sato Hiaki , Nagano Mamoru , Koinuma Satoshi , Takahashi Tatsuo , Suzuki Hirokazu , Miyachi Ryo , Shigeyoshi Yasufumi
Published: May 2023

Obesity and aging are known to affect the skeletal muscles. Obesity in old age may result in a poor basement membrane (BM) construction response, which serves to protect the skeletal muscle, thus making the skeletal muscle more vulnerable. In this study, older and young male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups, each fed a high-fat or regular diet for eight weeks. A high-fat diet decreased the relative gastrocnemius muscle weight in both age groups, and obesity and aging individually result in a decline in muscle function. Immunoreactivity of collagen IV, the main component of BM, BM width, and BM-synthetic factor expression in young mice on a high-fat diet were higher than that in young mice on a regular diet, whereas such changes were minimal in obese older mice. Furthermore, the number of central nuclei fibers in obese older mice was higher than in old mice fed a regular diet and young mice fed a high-fat diet. These results suggest that obesity at a young age promotes skeletal muscle BM formation in response to weight gain. In contrast, this response is less pronounced in old age, suggesting that obesity in old age may lead to muscle fragility.
Markers of NETosis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Reshetnyak Tatiana , Nurbaeva Kamila , Ptashnik Ivan , Kudriaeva Anna , Belogurov Alexey , Lila Aleksandr , Nasonov Evgeny
Published: May 2023

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) have been implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) pathogenesis. The myeloperoxidase–deoxyribonucleic acid (MPO-DNA) complex and nucleosomes are serum markers of NETosis. The aim of this study was to assess these NETosis parameters as markers for SLE and APS diagnosis and their association with clinical features and disease activity. A total of 138 people were included in the cross-sectional study: 30 with SLE without APS, 47 with SLE and APS, 41 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS), and 20 seemingly healthy individuals. Serum MPO-DNA complex and nucleosome levels were determined via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. The Ethics Committee of the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology (Protocol No. 25 dated 23 December 2021) approved the study. In patients with SLE without APS, the levels of the MPO-DNA complex were significantly higher compared to patients with SLE with APS, with PAPS, and healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Among patients with a reliable diagnosis of SLE, 30 had positive values of the MPO-DNA complex, of whom 18 had SLE without APS, and 12 had SLE with APS. Patients with SLE and positive MPO-DNA complex levels were significantly more likely to have high SLE activity (χ2 = 5.25, p = 0.037), lupus glomerulonephritis (χ2 = 6.82, p = 0.009), positive antibodies to dsDNA (χ2 = 4.82, p = 0.036), and hypocomplementemia (χ2 = 6.72, p = 0.01). Elevated MPO-DNA levels were observed in 22 patients with APS: 12 with SLE with APS and 10 with PAPS. There were no significant associations between positive levels of the MPO-DNA complex and clinical and laboratory manifestations of APS. The concentration of nucleosomes was significantly lower in the group of SLE patients (±APS) compared to controls and PAPS (p < 0.0001). In SLE patients, the frequency of low nucleosome levels was associated with high SLE activity (χ2 = 13.4, p < 0.0001), lupus nephritis (χ2 = 4.1, p = 0.043), and arthritis (χ2 = 3.89, p = 0.048). An increase in the specific marker of NETosis, the MPO-DNA complex, was found in the blood serum of SLE patients without APS. Elevated levels of the MPO-DNA complex can be regarded as a promising biomarker of lupus nephritis, disease activity, and immunological disorders in SLE patients. Lower levels of nucleosomes were significantly associated with SLE (±APS). Low nucleosome levels were more common in patients with high SLE activity, lupus nephritis, and arthritis.
Eupatin, a Flavonoid, Inhibits Coronavirus 3CL Protease and Replication
Authors: Park Yea-In , Kim Jang Hoon , Lee Siyun , Lee Ik Soo , Park Junsoo
Published: May 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused more than six million deaths worldwide since 2019. Although vaccines are available, novel variants of coronavirus are expected to appear continuously, and there is a need for a more effective remedy for coronavirus disease. In this report, we isolated eupatin from Inula japonica flowers and showed that it inhibits the coronavirus 3 chymotrypsin-like (3CL) protease as well as viral replication. We showed that eupatin treatment inhibits SARS-CoV-2 3CL-protease, and computational modeling demonstrated that it interacts with key residues of 3CL-protease. Further, the treatment decreased the number of plaques formed by human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) infection and decreased viral protein and RNA levels in the media. These results indicate that eupatin inhibits coronavirus replication.
Procoagulant Activity of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells’ Extracellular Vesicles (MSC-EVs)
Authors: Wright Adrienne , Snyder Orman (Larry) , He Hong , Christenson Lane K. , Fleming Sherry , Weiss Mark L.
Published: May 2023

Many cell types, including cancer cells, release tissue factor (TF)-exposing extracellular vesicles (EVs). It is unknown whether MSC-EVs pose a thromboembolism risk due to TF expression. Knowing that MSCs express TF and are procoagulant, we hypothesize that MSC-EVs also might. Here, we examined the expression of TF and the procoagulant activity of MSC-EVs and the impact of EV isolation methods and cell culture expansion on EV yield, characterization, and potential risk using a design of experiments methodology. MSC-EVs were found to express TF and have procoagulant activity. Thus, when MSC-derived EVs are employed as a therapeutic agent, one might consider TF, procoagulant activity, and thromboembolism risk and take steps to prevent them.
Canine Mammary Neoplasia Induces Variations in the Peripheral Blood Levels of CD20, CD45RA, and CD99
Authors: Galadima Makchit , Kotova Iuliia , Schmidt Ronny , Pastor Josep , Schröder Christoph , Rodríguez-Gil Joan Enric , del Alamo Maria Montserrat Rivera
Published: May 2023

The idea of using tumour biomarkers as diagnostic tools is progressively increasing. Of these, serum biomarkers are of particular interest, as they can provide rapid results. In the present study, serum samples from 26 bitches diagnosed with mammary tumours, plus 4 healthy bitches, were obtained. The samples were analysed using CD antibody microarrays targeting 90 CD surface markers and 56 cytokines/chemokines. A total of five CD proteins, namely CD20, CD45RA, CD53, CD59, and CD99, were selected and further analysed, utilizing immunoblotting techniques to validate the microarray results. CD45RA showed a significantly lower abundance in the serum samples from the bitches carrying mammary neoplasia in comparison to the healthy animals. Regarding CD99, the serum samples from the neoplastic bitches showed it in a significantly higher abundance than those from the healthy patients. Finally, CD20 showed a significantly higher abundance in bitches carrying a malignant mammary tumour in comparison to healthy patients, but no differential expression between malignant and benign tumours was observed. According to these results, both CD99 and CD45RA are indicators of mammary tumour presence, but without distinguishing between malignant and benign.
Philosophy and Meanings of the Information Entropy Analysis of Road Safety: Case Study of Russian Cities
Authors: Petrov Artur I.
Published: May 2023

This article is devoted to the study of the entropic orderliness of road safety systems of various dimensionalities. The author’s methodology for quantitative assessment of the quality of the road safety systems is based on the use of information entropy analysis, the essence of which is to assess the significance (or “weights”) of various information-technological stages of the road traffic accident rate formation process. The main emphasis in this paper is on the philosophical interpretation of the results of entropic evaluation of the orderliness of urban road safety systems. The article aimed to philosophically understand the reasons for the diversity in the results of assessing the entropy of road safety (RS) in Russian cities. Within the framework of this goal, the results of the analysis of the state of the issue, ideological approaches and methods for assessing the relative entropy of urban road safety systems were presented. The study was based on analyzing statistics that characterize the processes of the formation of road traffic accidents in Russian cities classified into three groups based on population size. The experimental results obtained were explained from the point of view of human psychology. Rather, results were explained from the perspective of human psychology. The final results of the study once again illustrated the objectivity of Hegel’s dialectical laws and, perhaps, once again shattered illusions about the possibility of achieving high levels of road safety in cities by building rigid systems to regulate the actions of traffic participants. In the author’s opinion, the results of the presented philosophical analysis will be useful to managers specializing in the management of complex systems (not only transport but also other fields) to comprehend the contradictions of the complex nature of humans and the paradoxes of their behavior when their freedom of action is restricted through external control.
Oxidation of Phospholipids by OH Radical Coordinated to Copper Amyloid-β Peptide—A Density Functional Theory Modeling
Authors: Rovetta Alberto , Carosella Laura , Arrigoni Federica , Vertemara Jacopo , De Gioia Luca , Zampella Giuseppe , Bertini Luca
Published: May 2023

Oxidative stress and metal dyshomeostasis are considered crucial factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Indeed, transition metal ions such as Cu(II) can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) via O2 Fenton-like reduction, catalyzed by Cu(II) coordinated to the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide. Despite intensive efforts, the mechanisms of ROS-induced molecular damage remain poorly understood. In the present paper, we investigate, on the basis of Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations, a possible mechanism of the OH radical propagation toward membrane phospholipid polar head and fatty acid chains starting from the end-product of the OH radical generation by Cu(II)-Aβ. Using phosphatidylcholine as a model of a single unit inside a membrane, we evaluated the thermochemistry of the OH propagation with the oxidation of a C-H bond and the formation of the radical moiety. The DFT results show that Cu(II)-Aβ-OH can oxidize only sn-2 C-H bonds of the polar head and can easily oxidize the C-H bond adjacent to the carbon–carbon double bond in a mono or bis unsaturated fatty acid chain. These results are discussed on the basis of the recent literature on in vitro Aβ metal-catalyzed oxidation and on the possible implications in the AD oxidative stress mechanism.
Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variation in Habitat Suitability for Oedaleus decorus asiaticus Bei-Bienko on the Mongolian Plateau Using Maxent and Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Wen Fu , Lu Longhui , Nie Chaojia , Sun Zhongxiang , Liu Ronghao , Huang Wenjiang , Ye Huichun
Published: May 2023

O. decorus asiaticus is a major grasshopper species that harms the development of agriculture on the Mongolian Plateau. Therefore, it is important to enhance the monitoring of O. decorus asiaticus. In this study, the spatiotemporal variation in the habitat suitability for O. decorus asiaticus on the Mongolian Plateau was assessed using maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling along with multi-source remote sensing data (meteorology, vegetation, soil, and topography). The predictions of the Maxent model were accurate (AUC = 0.910). The key environmental variables affecting the distribution of grasshoppers and their contribution were grass type (51.3%), accumulated precipitation (24.9%), altitude (13.0%), vegetation coverage (6.6%), and land surface temperature (4.2%). Based on the assessment results of suitability by Maxent model, the model threshold settings, and the formula for calculating the inhabitability index, the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s inhabitable areas were calculated. The results show that the distribution of suitable habitat for O. decorus asiaticus in 2000 was similar to that in 2010. From 2010 to 2020, the suitability of the habitat for O. decorus asiaticus in the central region of the Mongolian Plateau changed from moderate to high. The main factor contributing to this change was accumulated precipitation. Few changes in the areas of the habitat with low suitability were observed across the study period. The results of this study enhance our understanding of the vulnerability of different regions on the Mongolian Plateau to plagues of O. decorus asiaticus and will aid the monitoring of grasshopper plagues in this region.
Frequency and Predictors of Relapses following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Interim Results from a Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Frahm Niklas , Fneish Firas , Ellenberger David , Haas Judith , Löbermann Micha , Peters Melanie , Pöhlau Dieter , Röper Anna-Lena , Schilling Sarah , Stahmann Alexander , Temmes Herbert , Paul Friedemann , Zettl Uwe Klaus
Published: May 2023

Despite protection from severe COVID-19 courses through vaccinations, some people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are vaccination-hesitant due to fear of post-vaccination side effects/increased disease activity. The aim was to reveal the frequency and predictors of post-SARS-CoV-2-vaccination relapses in PwMS. This prospective, observational study was conducted as a longitudinal Germany-wide online survey (baseline survey and two follow-ups). Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, MS diagnosis, and ≥1 SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Patient-reported data included socio-demographics, MS-related data, and post-vaccination phenomena. Annualized relapse rates (ARRs) of the study cohort and reference cohorts from the German MS Registry were compared pre- and post-vaccination. Post-vaccination relapses were reported by 9.3% PwMS (247/2661). The study cohort’s post-vaccination ARR was 0.189 (95% CI: 0.167–0.213). The ARR of a matched unvaccinated reference group from 2020 was 0.147 (0.129–0.167). Another reference cohort of vaccinated PwMS showed no indication of increased post-vaccination relapse activity (0.116; 0.088–0.151) compared to pre-vaccination (0.109; 0.084–0.138). Predictors of post-vaccination relapses (study cohort) were missing immunotherapy (OR = 2.09; 1.55–2.79; p < 0.001) and shorter time from the last pre-vaccination relapse to the first vaccination (OR = 0.87; 0.83–0.91; p < 0.001). Data on disease activity of the study cohort in the temporal context are expected for the third follow-up.
Pre-Adolescent Diet Normalization Restores Cognitive Function in Young Mice
Authors: Sun Wenqian , Okihara Hidemasa , Ogawa Takuya , Ishidori Hideyuki , Misawa Eri , Kato Chiho , Ono Takashi
Published: May 2023

Mastication is a fundamental function critical for human health. Controlled by the central nervous system (CNS), it influences CNS development and function. A poor masticatory performance causes cognitive dysfunction in both older adults and children. Improving mastication may prevent cognitive decline. However, no study has determined the period of masticatory dysfunction that impairs children’s later acquisition of cognitive function. Herein, we developed an animal model wherein a soft diet was switched to a normal diet at early and late time points in young mice. We aimed to investigate the impact of restored mastication on learning and memory function. Behavioral studies were conducted to evaluate learning and memory. Micro-CT was used to evaluate orofacial structural differences, while histological and biochemical approaches were employed to assess differences in the hippocampal morphology and function. Correction to a hard-textured diet before adolescence restored mastication and cognitive function through the stimulation of neurogenesis, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element-binding protein pathway, and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tyrosine receptor B. In contrast, post-adolescent diet normalization failed to rescue full mastication and led to impaired cognitive function, neuronal loss, and decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. These findings revealed a functional linkage between the masticatory and cognitive function in mice during the juvenile to adolescent period, highlighting the need for adequate food texture and early intervention for mastication-related cognitive impairment in children.
Weight and Metabolic Outcomes in Naïve HIV Patients Treated with Integrase Inhibitor-Based Antiretroviral Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Valenzuela-Rodriguez German , Diaz-Arocutipa Carlos , Collins Jaime A. , Hernandez Adrian V.
Published: May 2023

Background: The use of integrase inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy could be associated with worse weight and metabolic outcomes in patients with HIV infection. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2022. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing integrase inhibitors with other antiretroviral classes (efavirenz-based or protease inhibitor-based therapies) in naïve HIV patients. Random effects meta-analysis was used to assess the effects of integrase inhibitors vs. controls on weight and lipid outcomes. Effects were described as mean differences (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Certain pieces of evidence (CoE) were evaluated using the GRADE methodology. Results: Six RCTs (n = 3521) were included, with patients followed up between 48 and 96 weeks. The use of integrase inhibitors in comparison with other antiretroviral classes was associated with an increase in weight (MD 2.15 kg, 95%CI 1.40 to 2.90, I2 = 0%, moderate CoE), and decreases in total cholesterol (MD −13.44 mg/dL, 95%CI −23.49 to −3.39, I2 = 96%, low CoE), LDL cholesterol (MD −1.37 mg/dL, 95%CI −19.24 to −3.50, I2 = 83%, low CoE), HDL cholesterol (MD −5.03 mg/dL, 95%CI −10.61 to 0.54, I2 = 95%, low CoE), and triglycerides (MD −20.70 mg/dL, 95%CI −37.25 to −4.15, I2 = 92%, low CoE). There was a high risk of bias in two RCTs and some concerns about bias in two RCTs. Conclusions: In HIV patients, the use of integrase inhibitor-based therapy in comparison with protease inhibitor- or NNRTI-based therapy was associated with a small increase in weight and small decreases in lipid serum levels.
Local Anesthesia Onset and Pain Perception in Hemophilic and Thalassemic Conditions
Authors: Das Supriya , Govind Shashirekha , Jena Debkant , Dash Sumit , Jena Siba Prasad , Yadav Deepika , Karan Smita , Kancherla Jyothsna , Jena Amit , Mishra Lora , Bal Sourav Chandra Bidyasagar , Pattanaik Satabdi
Published: May 2023

The study aims to evaluate and compare the onset of local anesthesia (LA) and pain perception during endodontic treatment in hemophilic and thalassemic patients. Methods: The study included 90 patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of the mandibular molars. Three groups (n = 30 in each group) were included. Group 1: hemophilic patients; group 2: thalassemic patients; and group 3: individuals without any systemic diseases. Onset of LA and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores was recorded immediately after the administration of local anesthesia, during the pulp exposure procedure, and during canal instrumentation, and were compared between the three groups. Frequency distribution, ANOVA, and linear regression analysis (p < 0.05) were applied. Results: The mean onset time was 46 ± 34 s in the hemophilic group, 42 ± 23 s in the thalassemic group, and 38 ± 12 s in controls, but the differences were statistically insignificant. After LA administration (LA-VAS), all three groups experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain (p = 0.048). On pulp exposure (PE-VAS) (p = 0.82) and during canal instrumentation (CI-VAS) (p = 0.55), there was no statistically significant difference in pain perception between the groups. The coefficients indicate a positive correlation between the VAS and onset time, indicating a positive reduction in the VAS following the administration of LA. Conclusions: Hemophilic patients exhibited a clinically longer average onset time for LA. However, the difference among the three groups with regard to the overall pain perception after LA administration, during and after pulp exposure, and during canal instrumentation was statistically insignificant.
Gilteritinib: The Story of a Proceeding Success into Hard-to-Treat FLT3-Mutated AML Patients
Authors: Molica Matteo , Perrone Salvatore , Rossi Marco
Published: May 2023

The traditionally dismal outcome of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients carrying the FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations has been mitigated by the recent introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) into clinics, such as midostaurin and gilteritinib. The present work summarizes the clinical data that led to the use of gilteritinib in clinical practice. Gilteritinib is a second-generation TKI with deeper single-agent activity than first-generation drugs against both FLT3–ITD and TKD mutations in human studies. Moreover, the phase I/II dose-escalation, dose-expansion Chrysalis trial showed an acceptable safety profile of gilteritinib (diarrhea, elevated aspartate aminotransferase, febrile neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, sepsis, and pneumonia) and a 49% overall response rate (ORR) in 191 FLT3-mutated relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML patients. In 2019, the pivotal ADMIRAL trial showed that the median overall survival was significantly longer in patients treated with gilteritinib than among those receiving chemotherapy (9.3 vs. 5.6 months, respectively) and the ORR to gilteritinib was 67.6%, outperforming the 25.8% for chemotherapy arm and leading to the license for its clinical use by the US Food and Drug Administration. Since then, several real-world experiences have confirmed the positive results in the R/R AML setting. Finally, gilteritinib-based combinations currently under investigation, with several compounds (venetoclax, azacitidine, conventional chemotherapy, etc.) and some practical tips (maintenance after allogeneic transplantation, interaction with antifungal drugs, extramedullary disease, and onset of resistance), will be analyzed in detail in this review.
Impact of Smoking, Body Weight, Diabetes, Hypertension and Kidney Dysfunction on Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Patients—A Single Center Analysis of 2323 Patients within the Last Decade
Authors: Neumann Christopher , Schneider François , Hilfenhaus Georg , Vecchione Loredana , Benzing Christian , Ihlow Jana , Fehrenbach Uli , Malinka Thomas , Keilholz Ulrich , Stintzing Sebastian , Pelzer Uwe
Published: May 2023

In addition to being risk factors for pancreatic cancer, parameters such as smoking, diabetes, or obesity might also act as potential prognostic factors for the survival of patients initially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By implementing one of the largest retrospective study cohorts of 2323 pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients treated at a single high-volume center, potential prognostic factors for survival were evaluated on the basis of 863 cases. Since parameters such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension can cause severe chronic kidney dysfunction, the glomerular filtration rate was also considered. In the univariate analyses, albumin (p < 0.001), active smoking (p = 0.024), BMI (p = 0.018), and GFR (p = 0.002) were identified as metabolic prognostic markers for overall survival. In multivariate analyses, albumin (p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease stage 2 (GFR < 90 mL/min/1.37 m2; p = 0.042) were identified as independent metabolic prognostic markers for survival. Smoking presented a nearly statistically significant independent prognostic factor for survival with a p-value of 0.052. In summary, low BMI, status of active smoking, and reduced kidney function at the time of diagnosis were associated with lower overall survival. No prognostic association could be observed for presence of diabetes or hypertension.
Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Open Radical Cystectomy Is Feasible and Accelerates Return of Bowel Function: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Burkhard John-Patrik , Jardot François , Furrer Marc A. , Engel Dominique , Beilstein Christian , Wuethrich Patrick Y.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in open radical cystectomy (ORC) with urinary diversion and to assess the impact on recovery of gastrointestinal function. We hypothesized that OFA would lead to earlier recovery of bowel function. A total of 44 patients who underwent standardized ORC were divided into two groups (OFA group vs. control group). In both groups, patients received epidural analgesia (OFA group: bupivacaine 0.25%, control group: bupivacaine 0.1%, fentanyl 2 mcg/mL, and epinephrine 2 mcg/mL). The primary endpoint was time to first defecation. Secondary endpoints were incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The median time to first defecation was 62.5 h [45.8–80.8] in the OFA group and 118.5 h [82.6–142.3] (p < 0.001) in the control group. With regard to POI (OFA group: 1/22 patients (4.5%); control group: 2/22 (9.1%)) and PONV (OFA group: 5/22 patients (22.7%); control group: 10/22 (45.5%)), trends but no significant results were found (p = 0.99 and p = 0.203, respectively). OFA appears to be feasible in ORC and to improve postoperative functional gastrointestinal recovery by halving the time to first defecation compared with standard fentanyl-based intraoperative anesthesia.
Increased Dead Space Ventilation as a Contributing Factor to Persistent Exercise Limitation in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Wernhart Simon , Balcer Bastian , Rassaf Tienush , Luedike Peter
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: The exercise capacity of patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remains limited despite mechanical support. Higher dead space ventilation (VD/VT) may be a surrogate for right ventricular to pulmonary artery uncoupling (RV–PA) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to explain persistent exercise limitations. (2) Methods: We investigated 197 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction with (n = 89) and without (HFrEF, n = 108) LVAD. As a primary outcome NTproBNP, CPET, and echocardiographic variables were analyzed for their potential to discriminate between HFrEF and LVAD. As a secondary outcome CPET variables were evaluated for a composite of hospitalization due to worsening heart failure and overall mortality over 22 months. (3) Results: NTproBNP (OR 0.6315, 0.5037–0.7647) and RV function (OR 0.45, 0.34–0.56) discriminated between LVAD and HFrEF. The rise of endtidal CO2 (OR 4.25, 1.31–15.81) and VD/VT (OR 1.23, 1.10–1.40) were higher in LVAD patients. Group (OR 2.01, 1.07–3.85), VE/VCO2 (OR 1.04, 1.00–1.08), and ventilatory power (OR 0.74, 0.55–0.98) were best associated with rehospitalization and mortality. (4) Conclusions: LVAD patients displayed higher VD/VT compared to HFrEF. Higher VD/VT as a surrogate for RV–PA uncoupling could be another marker of persistent exercise limitations in LVAD patients.
Normative Topographic Anterior and Posterior Corneal Astigmatism: Axis Distribution and Its Relations with Ocular and Biometric Parameters
Authors: Almorín-Fernández-Vigo Ignacio , Sánchez-Guillén Inés , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Burgos-Blasco Bárbara , De-Pablo-Gómez-de-Liaño Lucía , Fernández-Vigo José Ángel , Macarro-Merino Ana
Published: May 2023

Corneal astigmatism correction is a key factor when planning refractive treatment for ametropies with intraocular lenses. We aim to obtain normative anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism (ACA and PCA, respectively) data in a local population and to describe their axis distribution and their association with other parameters. A total of 795 patients with no ocular diseases were evaluated with corneal tomography and optical biometry. Only data of the right eye were included. Mean ACA and PCA were 1.01 ± 0.79 and 0.34 ± 0.17 D, respectively. Vertical steep axis distribution was 73.5% for ACA and 93.3% for PCA. Axis orientation between ACA and PCA matched best for vertical orientation (especially 90° to 120°). Vertical ACA orientation frequency decreased with age, with a more positive sphere and less ACA. Vertical PCA orientation frequency increased with higher PCA. Eyes with vertical ACA orientation were younger and showed a greater white-to-white (WTW) measurement, anterior corneal elevations, ACA and PCA. Eyes with vertical PCA orientation were younger and showed greater anterior corneal elevations and PCA. Normative ACA and PCA data in a Spanish population were presented. Steep axis orientations presented differences with age, WTW, anterior corneal elevations and astigmatism.
Bio-Based Sustainable Polymers and Materials: From Processing to Biodegradation
Authors: Okolie Obinna , Kumar Anuj , Edwards Christine , Lawton Linda A. , Oke Adekunle , McDonald Seonaidh , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Njuguna James
Published: May 2023

In the life cycle of a material, there will be either chemical or physical change due to varying environmental factors such as biological activity, light, heat, moisture, and chemical conditions. This process leads to polymer property change as pertains to functional deterioration because of the physical, biological, and chemical reactions that result in chemical transformations and bond scission and thus can be regarded as polymer degradation. Due to the present demand for sustainable polymers, bio-based polymers have been identified as a solution. There is therefore a need to compare the sustainability impacts of bio-based polymers, to maximize their use in functional use stage and still withhold the bio-degradation capability. This study focuses are poly (lactic acid) (PLA), Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and polyamides (PA) as biopolymers of interest due to their potential in technological applications, stability, and biodegradability. For preparing bio-based value-added products, an appropriate selection of the fabrication or functional modification process is a very important factor for particular industrial or biomedical applications. The literature review indicates that in vivo is preferred to in vitro because it suits an overall study of the experiment’s effects on a living subject. This study will explore these features in detail. In particular, the review will cover processing and biodegradation pathways for each of the biopolymers. In addition, thermal degredation and photodegradation are covered, and future trends and conclusions are drawn.
Combined Effects of Solar Radiation and High Vacuum on the Properties of Graphene/Polysiloxane Nanocomposites in Simulated Space Environment
Authors: Toto Elisa , Laurenzi Susanna , Paris Claudio , Santonicola Maria Gabriella
Published: May 2023

Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are ultralightweight combined with the ability to perform a wide range of functions. These materials are interesting for many applications in space environments, including the monitoring of degradation caused by radiation exposure. Recently, the growing interest in outer space exploration, by both unmanned probes and manned space vehicles, has encouraged research to make great strides to facilitate missions, with one goal being to monitor and limit the impact of highly damaging radiation. With this perspective, we investigate the effects of simulated space conditions on the physico-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties of elastomeric PMCs made from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix embedding pristine GNP or a hybrid graphene/DNA filler with high sensitivity to ionising radiation. An analysis of the PMC stability, outgassing, and surface modification is reported for samples exposed to solar radiation under high vacuum (HV, 10−6 mbar). The experimental results highlight the mechanical stability of the PMCs with DNA-modified GNP under solar radiation exposure, whereas the surface morphology is highly affected. On the contrary, the surface properties of PMCs with pristine GNP do not vary significantly under simulated space conditions.
Recontextualizing Neuromyelitis Optica as a Systemic Condition: A Perspective
Authors: Webber Parker , Landis Brianna C. , Brooks Amanda E.
Published: May 2023

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a demyelinating CNS disorder in which inflammatory cells infiltrate the spinal cord and optic nerve, has been identified as an AQP4-IgG-positive disease. Some of its most common clinical characteristics are optic neuritis, acute myelitis, area postrema syndrome, and brainstem syndrome. However, the relationship between aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and NMOSD appears to be involved in pathologies outside of the CNS due to the fact that autoimmune, muscular, and paraneoplastic syndromes are more common in patients with NMOSD. This perspective presents an analysis of the current literature on neuromyelitis optica in an effort to further understand and compile pathologies that arise outside of the CNS secondary to NMOSD. Recontextualizing neuromyelitis optica as a systemic condition will facilitate greater diagnostic ability and improved treatment approaches.
Microparticles of Sericin-Dextran Conjugate for Improving the Solubility of Antiviral Drug
Authors: Chen Shuqi , Feng Xiaolong , Li Xinwei , Liu Miaochang , Gao Wenxia , Miao Qian , Wu Huayue
Published: May 2023

A novel sericin-dextran conjugate (SDC) and self-assembled microparticles has been prepared for improving solubility of atazanavir. Microparticles of SDC were assembled by the reprecipitation method. The size and morphology of SDC microparticles could be adjusted by the concentration and solvents. Low concentration was conducive to the preparation of microspheres. Heterogeneous microspheres could be prepared in ethanol with the range of 85–390 nm, and hollow mesoporous microspheres in propanol with an average particle size of 2.5–22 µm. The aqueous solubility of atazanavir was improved to 2.22 mg/mL in buffer solutions at pH 2.0 and 1.65 mg/mL at pH 7.4 by SDC microspheres. In vitro release of atazanavir from hollow microspheres of SDC exhibited a slower release, had the lowest linear cumulative release in basic buffer (pH 8.0), and the most rapid double exponential diphase kinetic cumulative release in acid buffer (pH 2.0).
Storm Surge Inundation Modulated by Typhoon Intensities and Tracks: Simulations Using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)
Authors: Qin Gangri , Fang Zhen , Zhao Shuyu , Meng Yanjiahui , Sun Weiwei , Yang Gang , Wang Lihua , Feng Tian
Published: May 2023

Storm surges are one of the most severe marine hazards, causing fatalities and devastating infrastructure. It is important to conduct research on storm surge hazards to achieve disaster avoidance and the protection of local populations. In this study, the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) was used to develop a framework to simulate the inundation (using the wet/dry method) of land in Ningbo, China during an extreme typhoon storm surge. The baseline simulation with the realistic typhoon intensity and track was well validated by meteorological and ocean tidal observations. Using reanalysis and an asymmetric typhoon wind field from the Holland model as atmospheric forcing, we presented different storm surge inundation scenarios regarding various intensities and tracks. The results revealed that typhoon storm surges are significantly affected by both the intensities and tracks of typhoons. Specifically, when Ningbo was located in the navigable semicircle, increasing the typhoon intensity not only resulted in the total inundation area of the whole study area from 108.57 km2 to 139.97 km2, but also led to significant negative storm surges in some sea areas. When Ningbo was exposed to the dangerous semicircle of the intensified typhoon, the storm surge along the coast of the Xiangshan Bay could exceed 4 m, amplifying the total inundation area to 245.41 km2. Thus, it was evident that the location of the impacted region within the typhoon’s wind field plays a critical role in determining the severity of the storm surge. These results provide valuable suggestions for storm surge disaster prevention and mitigation for local governments.
Underwater Object Detection Algorithm Based on Adding Channel and Spatial Fusion Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wang Xingyao , Xue Gang , Huang Shuting , Liu Yanjun
Published: May 2023

Underwater target detection is the foundation and guarantee for the autonomous operation of underwater vehicles and is one of the key technologies in marine exploration. Due to the complex and special underwater environment, the detection effect is poor, and the detection precision is not high. In this paper, YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once v5) is used as the overall structural framework of the target detection algorithm, and improvement is made on the basis of its detection precision in the underwater environment. Specifically, an attention mechanism (Channel and Spatial Fusion Attention, CSFA) that fuses the channel attention and spatial attention is proposed and added to the YOLOv5 network framework, enabling the network to focus on both the prominent features of the detected object and the spatial information of the detected object. The proposed method was tested on the underwater target detection dataset provided by the China Underwater Robot Professional Competition. The experimental detection precision (P) reached 85%, the recall (R) reached 82.2%, and the mean average precision (mAP) reached 87.5%. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified, and its underwater target detection performance was better than that of ordinary models.
Integrative Taxonomy of Novel Diaporthe Species Associated with Medicinal Plants in Thailand
Authors: Monkai Jutamart , Hongsanan Sinang , Bhat Darbhe J. , Dawoud Turki M. , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: May 2023

During our investigations of the microfungi on medicinal plants in Thailand, five isolates of Diaporthe were obtained. These isolates were identified and described using a multiproxy approach, viz. morphology, cultural characteristics, host association, the multiloci phylogeny of ITS, tef1-α, tub2, cal, and his3, and DNA comparisons. Five new species, Diaporthe afzeliae, D. bombacis, D. careyae, D. globoostiolata, and D. samaneae, are introduced as saprobes from the plant hosts, viz. Afzelia xylocarpa, Bombax ceiba, Careya sphaerica, a member of Fagaceae, and Samanea saman. Interestingly, this is the first report of Diaporthe species on these plants, except on the Fagaceae member. The morphological comparison, updated molecular phylogeny, and pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) analysis strongly support the establishment of novel species. Our phylogeny also revealed the close relationship between D. zhaoqingensis and D. chiangmaiensis; however, the evidence from the PHI test and DNA comparison indicated that they are distinct species. These findings improve the existing knowledge of taxonomy and host diversity of Diaporthe species as well as highlight the untapped potential of these medicinal plants for searching for new fungi.
In Vitro Activity of Isavuconazole and Other Mould-Active Azoles against Aspergillus fumigatus with and without CYP51 Alterations
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Carvalhaes Cecilia G. , Deshpande Lalitagauri M. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Castanheira Mariana
Published: May 2023

Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus (AFM) is mainly associated with mutations in CYP51A and its promoter region or its homologue CYP51B. We evaluated the in vitro activity of isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole against 660 AFM collected during 2017–2020. Isolates were tested via CLSI broth microdilution. CLSI epidemiological cutoff values were applied. Non-wildtype (NWT) isolates to azoles were screened for alterations in the CYP51 sequences using whole genome sequencing. Azoles had similar activities against 660 AFM isolates. Overall, AFM displayed WT MIC values to isavuconazole (92.7%), itraconazole (92.9%), posaconazole (97.3%), and voriconazole (96.7%). Only 66 isolates (10.0%) were NWT to 1 or more of the azoles, and 32 harbored one or more alterations in the CYP51 sequences. Of these, 29/32 (90.1%) were NWT to itraconazole, 25/32 (78.1%) were NWT to isavuconazole, 17/32 (53.1%) were NWT to voriconazole, and 11/32 (34.4%) were NWT to posaconazole. The most frequent alteration was CYP51A TR34/L98H, carried by 14 isolates. Four isolates carried the alteration I242V in CYP51A, and G448S; A9T, or G138C was carried by one isolate each. Multiple alterations in CYP51A were detected in five isolates. Alterations in CYP51B were noted in seven isolates. Among 34 NWT isolates without -CYP51 alterations, WT rates to isavuconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole were 32.4%, 47.1%, 85.3%, and 82.4%, respectively. Ten different CYP51 alterations were detected in 32/66 NWT isolates. Alterations in AFM CYP51 sequences can have variable effects on the in vitro activity of the azoles that are best delineated by testing all triazoles.
Preventive Proximal Splenic Artery Embolization for High-Grade AAST-OIS Adult Spleen Trauma without Vascular Anomaly on the Initial CT Scan: Technical Aspect, Safety, and Efficacy—An Ancillary Study
Authors: Sammoud Skander , Ghelfi Julien , Barbois Sandrine , Beregi Jean-Paul , Arvieux Catherine , Frandon Julien
Published: May 2023

The spleen is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma. Its management depends on hemodynamic stability. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS ≥ 3), stable patients with high-grade splenic injuries may benefit from preventive proximal splenic artery embolization (PPSAE). This ancillary study, using the SPLASH multicenter randomized prospective cohort, evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of PPSAE in patients with high-grade blunt splenic trauma without vascular anomaly on the initial CT scan. All patients included were over 18 years old, had high-grade splenic trauma (≥AAST-OIS 3 + hemoperitoneum) without vascular anomaly on the initial CT scan, received PPSAE, and had a CT scan at one month. Technical aspects, efficacy, and one-month splenic salvage were studied. Fifty-seven patients were reviewed. Technical efficacy was 94% with only four proximal embolization failures due to distal coil migration. Six patients (10.5%) underwent combined embolization (distal + proximal) due to active bleeding or focal arterial anomaly discovered during embolization. The mean procedure time was 56.5 min (SD = 38.1 min). Embolization was performed with an Amplatzer™ vascular plug in 28 patients (49.1%), a Penumbra occlusion device in 18 patients (31.6%), and microcoils in 11 patients (19.3%). There were two hematomas (3.5%) at the puncture site without clinical consequences. There were no rescue splenectomies. Two patients were re-embolized, one on Day 6 for an active leak and one on Day 30 for a secondary aneurysm. Primary clinical efficacy was, therefore, 96%. There were no splenic abscesses or pancreatic necroses. The splenic salvage rate on Day 30 was 94%, while only three patients (5.2%) had less than 50% vascularized splenic parenchyma. PPSAE is a rapid, efficient, and safe procedure that can prevent splenectomy in high-grade spleen trauma (AAST-OIS) ≥ 3 with high splenic salvage rates.
Artificial Intelligence in the Intensive Care Unit: Present and Future in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Kołodziejczak Michalina Marta , Sierakowska Katarzyna , Tkachenko Yurii , Kowalski Piotr
Published: May 2023

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) allows for the construction of technologies capable of implementing functions that represent the human mind, senses, and problem-solving skills, leading to automation, rapid data analysis, and acceleration of tasks. These solutions has been initially implemented in medical fields relying on image analysis; however, technological development and interdisciplinary collaboration allows for the introduction of AI-based enhancements to further medical specialties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, novel technologies established on big data analysis experienced a rapid expansion. Yet, despite the possibilities of advancements with these AI technologies, there are number of shortcomings that need to be resolved to assert the highest and the safest level of performance, especially in the setting of the intensive care unit (ICU). Within the ICU, numerous factors and data affect clinical decision making and work management that could be managed by AI-based technologies. Early detection of a patient’s deterioration, identification of unknown prognostic parameters, or even improvement of work organization are a few of many areas where patients and medical personnel can benefit from solutions developed with AI.
Duration of the Membership in the GATT/WTO, Structural Economic Vulnerability and Trade Costs
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: May 2023

This paper assesses the effects of the duration of membership in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)/World Trade Organization (WTO) and structural economic vulnerability on trade costs in developing countries. The analysis is performed on an unbalanced panel dataset of 121 countries over the period 1996–2018 and primarily utilizes the two-step system generalized method of moments estimator. It has established several findings. We obtain that longstanding GATT/WTO members enjoy a larger reduction in trade costs than relatively new GATT/WTO members. Concomitantly, a higher degree of structural economic vulnerability leads to higher trade costs. Moreover, the membership duration exerts a higher trade costs reduction effect in countries that are highly “structurally” vulnerable, including those that face high levels of exposure to shocks and high magnitudes of shocks. Finally, longstanding GATT/WTO members that receive higher amounts of development aid (including total development aid flows, Aid for Trade flows, and NonAfT flows) enjoy a larger trade costs reduction than relatively new GATT/WTO members.
Connecting to Zoos and Aquariums during a COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Macri Alaina M. , Wells Deborah L.
Published: May 2023

One of the main goals of zoos and aquariums (hereafter ‘zoos’) is to connect visitors with animals. Unfortunately, COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in these organizations closing around the globe, making this goal exceedingly difficult. During lockdowns, zoos became very resourceful and found alternative means to connect people with animals. Additional social media, webcams, and education resources were offered. What is unknown, however, is the extent to which people used these resources and what factors influenced this. This study, therefore, aimed to explore these questions through an online survey. Of the 302 participants who chose to stay connected to a zoo, the majority (82%) did so via social media, and just over half of the sample used webcams (51%). When asked why they stayed connected, 75% indicated that they did so for their own interest in animals, but some (36%) said they enjoyed sharing the animal information with family/friends. Zoo members were more likely to use education resources, and people with zoo work experience were more likely to share animal information. This study illustrates that zoo resources were utilized during lockdown and that demographic variables were associated with how and why people used them. The findings have implications for zoos post-COVID-19 and may be useful for promoting connections and well-being in certain cohorts of society.