bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of Olivine Weathering in Seawater: An Experimental Study
Authors: Fuhr Michael , Geilert Sonja , Schmidt Mark , Liebetrau Volker , Vogt Christoph , Ledwig Brendan , Wallmann Klaus
Published: March 2022

Enhanced weathering of mafic and ultra-mafic minerals has been suggested as a strategy for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and a contribution to achieve a balance between global CO2 sources and sinks (net zero emission). This study was designed to assess CDR by dissolution of ultramafic sand (UMS) in artificial seawater (ASW). Fine grained UMS with an olivine content of ~75% was reacted in ASW for up to 134 days at 1 bar and 21.5–23.9°C. A decline in total alkalinity (TA) was observed over the course of the experiments. This unexpected result indicates that TA removal via precipitation of cation-rich authigenic phases exceeded the production of TA induced by olivine dissolution. The TA decline was accompanied by a decrease in dissolved inorganic carbon and Ca concentrations presumably induced by CaCO3 precipitation. Temporal changes in dissolved Si, Ca, Mg, and TA concentrations observed during the experiments were evaluated by a numerical model to identify secondary mineral phases and quantify rates of authigenic phase formation. The modeling indicates that CaCO3, FeOOH and a range of Mg-Si-phases were precipitated during the experiments. Chemical analysis of precipitates and reacted UMS surfaces confirmed that these authigenic phases accumulated in the batch reactors. Nickel released during olivine dissolution, a potential toxic element for certain organisms, was incorporated in the secondary phases and is thus not a suitable proxy for dissolution rates as proposed by earlier studies. The overall reaction stoichiometry derived from lab experiments was applied in a box model simulating atmospheric CO2 uptake in a continental shelf setting induced by olivine addition. The model results indicate that CO2 uptake is reduced by a factor of 5 due to secondary mineral formation and the buffering capacity of seawater. In comparable natural settings, olivine addition may thus be a less efficient CDR method than previously believed.
Experimental Study on Coal and Gas Outburst Risk in Strong Outburst Coal Under Different Moisture Content
Authors: Lu Zhuang , Wang Liang , Lv Mingzhe , Lei Yang , Wang Hao , Liu Qingquan
Published: March 2022

Coal and gas outburst is an extremely serious dynamic phenomenon involving the comprehensive action of many factors, and remains a major disaster that needs to be solved in coal mine production. Considering the significant influence of moisture content on coal and gas outburst, it is necessary to carry out experimental research on coal and gas outburst under different moisture content conditions. The coal of the serious outburst coal seam in the Luling coal mine, which has had several coal and gas outburst accidents, was selected as the experimental sample. Firstly, the gas desorption law and outburst index characteristics of coal under different moisture content were studied, and the influence of moisture content on gas outburst parameters of coal was obtained. Then, the simulation tests of coal and gas outburst under different moisture content were carried out by using a triaxial coal and gas outburst simulation test system. Based on the above experimental research, the influence of moisture on coal and gas outburst was summarized, and the energy calculation and prevention countermeasures of coal and gas outburst under different moisture content conditions were carried out. With the increase of moisture content, the adsorption constant a, the initial velocity of gas diffusion Δp, and the gas desorption index of drill cuttings K1/Δh2 decrease, but the Protodyakonov coefficient f increases, all of which have an exponential relation to moisture content. Meanwhile, with the increase of moisture content, the threshold of coal and gas outburst pressure increases, and the intensity and energy of outburst decrease. At 0.45 MPa pressure, the outburst of 1.47% moisture content is the most serious, the outburst of 5% moisture content is weakened, while the outburst of 10% moisture content is not triggered. Five percent moisture content can be used as a critical index of hydraulic measures to prevent coal and gas outburst in No. 8 coal seam of the Luling coal mine. This research can provide new insights into the theoretical study of coal and gas outburst in serious outburst coal seams and the control of coal and gas outburst by hydraulic measures.
Calcium Carbonate Dissolution Triggered by High Productivity During the Last Glacial–Interglacial Interval in the Deep Western South Atlantic
Authors: Suárez-Ibarra Jaime Y. , Frozza Cristiane F. , Palhano Pâmela L. , Petró Sandro M. , Weinkauf Manuel F. G. , Pivel Maria A. G.
Published: March 2022

Studies reconstructing surface paleoproductivity and benthic environmental conditions allow us to measure the effectiveness of the biological pump, an important mechanism in the global climate system. In order to assess surface productivity changes and their effect on the seafloor, we studied the sediment core SAT-048A, spanning 43–5 ka, recovered from the continental slope (1,542 m water depth) of the southernmost Brazilian continental margin, deep western South Atlantic. We assessed the sea surface productivity, the organic matter flux to the seafloor, and calcite dissolution effects, based on micropaleontological (benthic and planktonic foraminifers, ostracods), geochemical (benthic δ13C isotopes), and sedimentological data (carbonate and bulk sand content). Superimposed on the induced changes related to the last glacial–interglacial transition, the reconstruction indicates a significant and positive correlation between the paleoproductivity proxies and the summer insolation. From the reconstructed data, it was possible to identify high (low) surface productivity, high (low) organic matter flux to the seafloor, and high (low) dissolution rates of planktonic Foraminifera tests during the glacial (postglacial). Furthermore, within the glacial, enhanced productivity was associated with higher insolation values, explained by increased northeasterly summer winds that promoted meandering and upwelling of the nutrient-rich South Atlantic Central Water. Statistical analyses support the idea that productivity is the main cause for seafloor calcium carbonate dissolution, as opposed to changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (at least for the 25–4 ka period). Further efforts must be invested in the comprehension and quantification of the total organic matter and biogenic carbonate burial during time intervals with an enhanced biological pump, aiming to better understand their individual roles.
Learning Soccer in Elementary School: Using Teaching Games for Understanding and Digital Media
Authors: Greve Steffen , Diekhoff Henrike , Süßenbach Jessica
Published: March 2022

In this study, a digitally supported sports game teaching process for elementary school was investigated using the teaching approach, Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU). The investigation was carried out to investigate the research question: How do elementary school students experience and interpret the use of digital media when teaching soccer using the TGfU approach in physical education (PE) lessons? To this end, a teaching unit on soccer was carried out in four classes in fourth grade according to the TGfU teaching method. During the unit, the 9- and 10-year-old students recorded one another with an app and tagged certain game situations according to predefined criteria. The sequences (approximately 8 s) were discussed together during the reflection phases. Following the lesson, 65 guided interviews were conducted with students. The research approach focuses on the perspectives of the students involved. Data collection and analysis were based on grounded theory methodology. The interviews revealed very ambivalent perspectives on the use of the app. Overall, the students were very reflective about the use of the app. The digital medium was interpreted as an aid in the learning process and was clearly less important than playing the game itself. The children reported many attempts to implement the tactical ideas discussed together in the reflection phases in the subsequent game. However, many students who described themselves as good soccer players saw the app’s use as rather superfluous. The misuse of the film option was also interesting: The students often used this option as a video assistance referee, for example, to quickly clarify disputed situations. The results, thus, show extremely pragmatic handling of the digital tool by the students.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Circumferential Groove Casing Treatment in an Ultra-Highly Loaded Low-Reaction Transonic Compressor Rotor
Authors: Ding Shengli , Chen Shaowen , Wang Songtao , Wang Zhongqi
Published: March 2022

This study concerns a multi-objective optimization of circumferential single grooved casing treatment for a low-reaction transonic rotor with ultra-high loading. The axial location, width and depth of the groove are investigated as design variables. The optimization problem seeks to fully extend the operation range of the rotor while minimizing efficiency degradation. Artificial neural network of radial basis function is applied to construct the surrogate model. The optimal groove configuration was determined using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA II) in conjunction with technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Detailed analysis of flow field reveals that two flow features involving stability enhancement for the low-reaction rotor are the inhibition of shock/vortex interaction in the rotor tip region and the reduction or elimination of double-leakage tip gap flow. The blocking region located right downstream of the interface between the tip leakage flow and the main flow is decreased due to the tip unloading effect and recirculation flow induced by the groove. Additionally, the efficiency improvement can be observed as the intensity of tip leakage vortex decreases. Based on the single groove optimization, the prospect of a particular multiple groove casing configuration consisting of component grooves with varied geometrical dimensions is also discussed in the paper. The simulation results indicate that the new-type multiple groove configuration is more advantageous to the rotor’s performance.
Identification of Novel Biomarkers With Diagnostic Value and Immune Infiltration in Burn Injury
Authors: Zhou Sitong , Wang Kangchun , Wang Jingru , He Jia , Zheng Wenlian , Long Chengmin , Chen Xiaodong , Yang Ronghua
Published: March 2022

Burn injury is an intractable problem in the field of surgery where screening relevant target genes and exploring pathological mechanisms through bioinformatic methods has become a necessity. Herein, we integrated three burn injury mRNA microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to analyze the hub differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between burn injury patient samples and healthy human samples; we conducted multiple functional enrichment analyses and constructed the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Finally, we evaluated the immune infiltration in the burn injury microenvironment. A total of 84 intersection DEGs (32 upregulated and 52 downregulated) were screened in burn injury patients via integrated analyses. Upregulated genes were primarily enriched in regulation of T cell activation, regulation of response to DNA damage stimulus, positive regulation of innate immune response, positive regulation of defense response. We also identified 10 hub genes from the PPI network (CCNB2, MYO10, TTK, POLQ, VASP, TIMP1, CDK16, MMP1, ZYX, and PKMYT1). Next, we found that 22 immune cells were substantially changed during the burn injury by CIBERSORT. In addition, we verified that VASP and POLQ are two novel diagnostic markers in burn processes with high diagnostic efficacy via immunohistochemistry. In summary, we identified several key genes involved in burn injury and provided a favorable basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of burn injury through comprehensive bioinformatic analysis.
Transcriptome Analysis of Solute Carrier-Associated Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Wei Wei , Xu Rubin , Ying Xiaomei , Chen Liang , Lu Xiaohuan , Tang Qikai , Xie Jiaheng , Yu Hongzhu
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer, and its treatment remains difficult. Since the early symptoms of HCC are not obvious, many HCC patients are already at an advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Although current targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been initially effective in HCC patients, several patients have shown low response rates or developed drug resistance, which leads to tumor progression and even death. Hence, there is an urgent need for new biomarkers to guide the prognosis and treatment of HCC. In our study, a prognostic signature consisting of nine SLC genes was constructed in HCC by comprehensive analysis. By calculating risk scores, HCC patients could be divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, with the high-risk group having a significantly poorer prognosis. In addition, we found a hub gene, SLC7A11, which is a robust prognostic marker of HCC. In conclusion, our study can serve as a reference for the prognostic evaluation and treatment of HCC.
Satellite-Observed Chlorophyll-a Concentration Variability in the East Sea (Japan Sea): Seasonal Cycle, Long-Term Trend, and Response to Climate Index
Authors: Park Kyung-Ae , Park Ji-Eun , Kang Chang-Keun
Published: March 2022

In this study, to determine the spatiotemporal variability of satellite-observed chlorophyll-a(Chl-a) concentrations in the East Sea (Japan Sea, EJS), monthly composite images were generated via noise processing using Level-2 MODIS Chl-adata from 2003 to 2020. Harmonic analysis was performed on time-series Chl-adata to present the spatial distribution of seasonal and intraseasonal variability with 1–4 cycles per year. In the EJS, seasonal cycles contributed less than approximately 30% to the total variance in Chl-avariability, indicating the existence of dominant interannual variability. Analysis of the temporal trend in Chl-aconcentrations showed that they increased (< 0.06 mg m–3yr–1) in most of the EJS over almost two decades (2003–2020). In recent years, in the areas showing positive trends in Chl-a, it tended to increase with time, especially in the northern part of the EJS. As a result of examining the trend associated with the physical environment that affects the long-term trend in Chl-aconcentrations, sea surface temperature (SST) trends were mostly increased. The wind speeds showed a characteristic strengthening trend in the northeastern part of the EJS and the North Korean coast. Long-term changes in wind direction indicated strengthening of the northerly wind components on the Russian coast and the westerly components on the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. These wind changes were closely related to the Arctic Oscillation (AO) index variability in relation to the recent warming of the Arctic Ocean. When the AO index was greater than 1, the wind speed tended to be weakened and the SSTs showed a tendency to increase. This led to general increasing responses in Chl-aconcentrations during positive AO. The summer SST anomaly revealed an inverse relationship between higher positive values during the La Niña period and lower ones during the El Niño period. When the amplitude of MEI (Multi-variate ENSO Index) was high (| MEI| > 1), the SST anomaly indicated an inverse correlation with the Chl-aconcentration anomaly in the EJS. This study demonstrated the regional effects of climate change on Chl-avariability in the EJS in response to tropical–subtropical and arctic–subarctic interactions between ocean and atmospheric variations.
Variation in Antarctic Petrel Foraging Ecology: Not All Individuals Specialize on Krill
Authors: Descamps S. , Harris S. M. , Fluhr J. , Bustamante P. , Cherel Y. , Trevail A. M. , Brault-Favrou M. , Patrick S. C.
Published: March 2022

Individual heterogeneity in foraging behaviour determines how individuals and populations respond to changes in the availability and distribution of resources. Antarctic krill Euphausia superba is a pivotal species in Southern Ocean food webs and an important target for Southern Ocean fisheries. Changes in its abundance could dramatically impact marine predators, with effects depending on the extent to which all individuals rely on krill as prey. The Antarctic petrel Thalassoica antarctica is a high latitude seabird thought to be dependent on krill in part of its breeding range. Here, by combining fine-scale GPS tracking of petrel foraging trips with diet data, we examined the level and consistency of inter-individual variation in foraging strategies in breeding Antarctic petrels in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, and assessed whether all individuals share a similar reliance on Antarctic krill. We found that Antarctic petrels showed high levels of repeatability in their diet and foraging movements at sea, indicating consistent individual differences in foraging strategies. During consecutive foraging trips, petrels tend to make trips of similar lengths and durations to reach similar terminal locations and to feed on similar prey. These individual differences in diet were spatially structured, with individuals travelling towards the west consuming a more fish-based diet. These different foraging tactics did not appear to be associated with different costs and/or benefits as adult body mass, chick survival and chick growth were unrelated to birds’ foraging movements and diet. Our results show that, even if a large part of the population may be dependent on krill, some individuals specialize on fish. Such inter-individual variation in foraging suggests that this population could be more resilient to changes in the marine environment, such as a decline in krill abundance or a shift in krill distributions.
Quantifying Frontal-Surface Area of Woody Vegetation: A Crucial Parameter for Wave Attenuation
Authors: Kalloe Su A. , Hofland Bas , Antolínez José A. A. , van Wesenbeeck Bregje K.
Published: March 2022

The last years, capacity of vegetation to reduce wave impact is receiving considerable attention. To predict wave attenuation processes within vegetation fields reliable estimates of vegetation parameters are needed. This proves to be difficult for woody vegetation as it consists of complex branch structures, characterized by varying branch densities, diameters and angles. State of the art physical and numerical models effectively use a single value for the diameter, bv and density, N of vegetation, which is unrepresentative for complex vegetation, such as trees. Trees can be better described by the projected frontal-surface area, Av. Hence, this work compares methods to quantify the Av in space for a pollard willow forest, and determines suitability of these methods for predicting wave attenuation using a spectral wave model (SWAN). We use data from manual measurements and Terrestrial Laser Scans (TLS), to estimate the vertical distribution of Av; and data from large-scale flume experiments performed on a willow forest to verify model sensitivity to Av inferences. As a baseline for comparison, tree models that describe the structure of the trees in various degrees of complexity are compiled. The most realistic tree model is used to quantify potential errors in TLS and basic manual measurements of N and bv. An initial comparison shows that the TLS data underestimates Av, which indicates that conducting manual measurements is more suitable to quantify a homogeneous forest. We found that the TLS suffers from shadowing effects (i.e., blockage of laser beams) and we recommend to apply a correction factor to improve its measurements. Furthermore, we identified the impact that the different methods to determine Av have on the estimation of wave attenuation using SWAN; in addition we verified the model results with data from large-scale flume experiments performed on the willow forest. The modeled sensitivity tests indicate large differences in wave attenuation and, consequently, a wide range (0.94–1.70) of bulk drag coefficients, C~D, for the various methods applied. This shows the variation of outcome between measuring methods and highlights the importance of stating the selected method for reliable frontal-surface area estimations, and consequently for reliable wave attenuation predictions.
Intestinal Damage in COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Intestinal Thrombosis
Authors: Wu Xiaoming , Jing Haijiao , Wang Chengyue , Wang Yufeng , Zuo Nan , Jiang Tao , Novakovic Valerie A. , Shi Jialan
Published: March 2022

The intestinal tract, with high expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is a major site of extrapulmonary infection in COVID-19. During pulmonary infection, the virus enters the bloodstream forming viremia, which infects and damages extrapulmonary organs. Uncontrolled viral infection induces cytokine storm and promotes a hypercoagulable state, leading to systemic microthrombi. Both viral infection and microthrombi can damage the gut–blood barrier, resulting in malabsorption, malnutrition, and intestinal flora entering the blood, ultimately increasing disease severity and mortality. Early prophylactic antithrombotic therapy can prevent these damages, thereby reducing mortality. In this review, we discuss the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and intestinal thrombosis on intestinal injury and disease severity, as well as corresponding treatment strategies.
The Effect of Long-Term or Repeated Use of Antibiotics in Children and Adolescents on Cognitive Impairment in Middle-Aged and Older Person(s) Adults: A Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Zhou , Wei Shouchao , Chen Xiaoxia , Liu Lingying , Wei Zhuangsheng , Liao Zhimin , Wu Jiayuan , Li Zhichao , Zhou Haihong , Wang Duolao
Published: March 2022

Objectives

We evaluated the effects of long-term/recurrent use of antibiotics in childhood on developing cognitive impairment in middle and old age from UK Biobank Database.

Methods

UK Biobank recruited participants aged 37–73 years. Cognitive impairment was ascertained by fluid intelligence questionnaire. Primary outcome was the occurrence of cognitive impairment in middle and old age. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between long-term/recurrent use of antibiotics and cognitive impairment.

Results

Over 3.8–10.8 years’ follow-up, 4,781 of the 35,921 participants developed cognitive impairment. The odds of cognitive impairment in middle and old age among long-term/recurrent use of antibiotics in childhood were increased by 18% compared with their counterparts (adjusted odd ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.29, p < 0.01). The effect of long-term/recurrent use of antibiotics in childhood on cognitive impairment was homogeneous across different categories of various subgroup variables such as sex, age, APOE4, ethnic groups, income before tax, smoking status, alcohol status, BMI, hypertension and diabetes but the effect of long-term/recurrent use of antibiotics in childhood was modified by the educational qualification (p-value for interaction <0.05).

Conclusion

Long-term/recurrent use of antibiotics in childhood may increase the risk of cognitive impairment in middle and old age.
Low Serum Magnesium Levels Are Associated With Hemorrhagic Transformation After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Qiu Huijia , Shen Rui , Chen Liuwei , Pandey Sajan , Sun Jiping , Deng Haoyu
Published: March 2022

Objective

In patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a major complication after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum magnesium levels and HT after MT.

Methods

We collected 199 cases of consecutive AIS that received MT due to acute anterior circulation occlusions in our institution between January 2017 and January 2020. Baseline serum magnesium was obtained from all patients on admission before MT. The patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of HT. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate whether magnesium was an independent predictor of HT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were determined.

Results

Of the 199 enrolled patients, 40 (20.1%) presented with HT, and 12 (6%) developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Patients with HT had lower serum magnesium levels compared to those without HT (0.76 [0.69–0.80] vs. 0.84 [0.80–0.90], p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic analysis showed that the serum magnesium level (odds ratio, [OR]: 0.000, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.000–0.001, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with the occurrence of HT. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the serum magnesium level could predict HT with an AUC of.820 (95% CI: 0.750–0.891 p < 0.001). Serum magnesium ≤ 0.80 mmol/L could predict HT with a sensitivity of 79.2% and a specificity of 70.0%. Of interest, the serum magnesium level was not associated with HT when the baseline of serum magnesium was higher than the cut-off value (0.80 mmol/L) in the subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Lower baseline serum magnesium levels (<0.80 mmol/L) on admission are associated with increased risk of HT in AIS patients receiving MT.
Cross-Attention and Deep Supervision UNet for Lesion Segmentation of Chronic Stroke
Authors: Sheng Manjin , Xu Wenjie , Yang Jane , Chen Zhongjie
Published: March 2022

Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease with high incidence, high mortality, and high disability rate. Determining the location and volume of the disease in MR images promotes accurate stroke diagnosis and surgical planning. Therefore, the automatic recognition and segmentation of stroke lesions has important clinical significance for large-scale stroke imaging analysis. There are some problems in the segmentation of stroke lesions, such as imbalance of the front and back scenes, uncertainty of position, and unclear boundary. To meet this challenge, this paper proposes a cross-attention and deep supervision UNet (CADS-UNet) to segment chronic stroke lesions from T1-weighted MR images. Specifically, we propose a cross-spatial attention module, which is different from the usual self-attention module. The location information interactively selects encode features and decode features to enrich the lost spatial focus. At the same time, the channel attention mechanism is used to screen the channel characteristics. Finally, combined with deep supervision and mixed loss, the model is supervised more accurately. We compared and verified the model on the authoritative open dataset “Anatomical Tracings of Lesions After Stroke” (Atlas), which fully proved the effectiveness of our model.
Accomplishing Intergroup Relations in Group Homes: A Discursive Analysis of Professionals Talking About External and Internal Stakeholders
Authors: Saglietti Marzia , Marino Filomena
Published: March 2022

Focusing on one of the most studied dimensions of Social Psychology, i.e., intergroup relations, this study analyzes its discursive accomplishment in a specific group-based intervention, i.e., the talk and work of an Italian group home, i.e., a small alternative care facility hosting a group of out-of-home children. Particularly, we focused on the fictionally called “Nuns’ Home,” a group home previously investigated for its ethnocentric bias, and its intergroup relations with “inside” and “outside” groups, such as schools, biological families, and social services. By combining a qualitative and quantitative approach in analyzing one audio-recorded ethnographic interview with the whole team of professionals, we aimed at accounting for the multitude of internal and external stakeholders that participants refer to, analyzing the discursive accomplishment of ingroup and outgroup in talk-in-interaction and investigating ingroup bias and group qualification. To do so, we detected social categorization markers and qualifying devices that participants rely on when referring to groups. Results show that, among the numerous groups recognized, participants co-construct intergroup relations and ingroup bias implying negative assessment over external groups. Being different from traditional laboratory studies illustrating substantial contraposition between ingroup and outgroup, our qualitative analysis reveals the multitude of groups by which the ingroup is formed and their internal fragmentation. To conclude, we discussed the implications of qualitatively studying intergroup relations in group homes and indicated future lines of research.
Development and Validation of a Coping Strategies Scale for Use in Chinese Contexts
Authors: Zhao Jian , Chapman Elaine , Houghton Stephen , Lawrence David
Published: March 2022

Individuals’ coping strategies have a profound effect on how well they respond to negative life events. Despite this, most coping strategies instruments that are available currently have been developed exclusively in Western contexts. In the present study, a Coping Strategies Scale (CSS) for use with Chinese participants was developed and validated based on responses from 734 Chinese university students (334 male, 399 female, 1 other). Results supported a seven-factor structure for the CSS, which included the dimensions of Withdrawal, Positive Adaptation, Problem-solving, Disengagement, Prosocial Focus, Seeking Emotional Support, and Self-regulation. The results supported the validity of the seven-factor CSS in terms of its content, associated response processes, internal structure, and relationships with other variables. Based on these results, the CSS provides a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing the coping strategies used by Chinese adults in confronting potentially adverse psychological events.
The Incidence Rate of Esophageal Cancer in Saudi Arabia: An Observational and a Descriptive Epidemiological Analyses
Authors: Almatroudi Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Esophageal cancer ranks the sixth most diagnosed cancer worldwide, and the morality incidence of this disease is rapidly growing worldwide. A retrospective observational population-based epidemiological study of esophageal cancer has been conducted, and data are based on the cancer registry of the National Health Information Center Saudi from 2006 to 2016. This study described the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and crude incidence rates (CIRs) of esophageal cancer based on age groups, diagnosis year, and administrative areas in Saudi Arabia populations to examine its distributions and trends in Saudi Arabia.

Method

For the statistical assessment of data, sex ratio, t-test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). A total of 755 and 597 cases of esophageal cancer in men and women, respectively, were reported from 2006 to 2016 in Saudi Arabia.

Results

Out of all esophageal cases, the highest number of cases was observed in the age group <75 years among both men and women, whereas the lowest percentage and mean number of esophageal cancer cases among men and women were reported in the younger age group between 0 and 29 years. Within the geographical regions, Tabuk and Qassim regions recorded the highest mean CIR and ASIR among men. In the Northern region of Saudi Arabia, the maximum CIR and ASIR sex ratio was observed, whereas minimum mean CIR and ASIR were reported in Jouf and Jazan regions, respectively, among men. Madinah and Tabuk regions had the maximum mean CIR and ASIR, respectively, among women for esophageal cancer. The Northern region recorded minimum mean CIR and ASIR among women.

Conclusion

Maximum substantial changes of ASIRs for esophageal cancer in men and women from 2006 to 2016 were found in the Tabuk region, while Jazan and Northern regions exhibited least substantial changes of ASIRs in men and women, respectively.
COVID-19 and Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview from Outbreak to Recovery
Authors: Bungaro Maristella , Passiglia Francesco , Scagliotti Giorgio V.
Published: March 2022

Lung cancer patients have been associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, pulmonary complications, and worse survival outcomes compared to the general population. The world’s leading professional organizations provided new recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of lung cancer patients during the pandemic as a guide for prioritizing cancer care issues. Telemedicine was preferred for non-urgent consultations, and screening programs were temporarily suspended, leading to possible diagnostic delays along with an estimated increase in cause-specific mortality. A vaccine campaign has recently emerged as the main weapon to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, inverting this negative trend. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and immune-pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients, highlighting the most relevant changes in the clinical management of lung cancer patients during the pandemic.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease: Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Athanasaki Athanasia , Melanis Konstantinos , Tsantzali Ioanna , Stefanou Maria Ioanna , Ntymenou Sofia , Paraskevas Sotirios G. , Kalamatianos Theodosis , Boutati Eleni , Lambadiari Vaia , Voumvourakis Konstantinos I. , Stranjalis George , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Paraskevas George P.
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, reaching 60–80% of case totals, and is one of the major global causes of the elderly population’s decline in functionality concerning daily life activities. Epidemiological research has already indicated that, in addition to several others metabolic factors, diabetes mellitus type 2 is a risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease. Many molecular pathways have been described, and at the same time, there are clues that suggest the connection between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, through specific genes, autophagy, and even inflammatory pathways. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, and its main goal was to reveal the multilevel connection between these diseases.
Relationship between Lung and Brain Injury in COVID-19 Patients: A Hyperpolarized 129Xe-MRI-based 8-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Chen Shizhen , Lan Yina , Li Haidong , Xia Liming , Ye Chaohui , Lou Xin , Zhou Xin
Published: March 2022

Although the lungs are the primary organ involved, increasing evidence supports the neuroinvasive potential of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study investigates the potential relationship between coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related deterioration of brain structure and the degree of damage to lung function. Nine COVID-19 patients were recruited in critical condition from Jin Yin-tan Hospital (Wuhan, China) who had been discharged between 4 February and 27 February 2020. The demographic, clinical, treatment, and laboratory data were extracted from the electronic medical records. All patients underwent chest CT imaging, 129Xe gas lung MRI, and 1H brain MRI. Four of the patients were followed up for 8 months. After nearly 12 months of recovery, we found no significant difference in lung ventilation defect percentage (VDP) between the COVID-19 group and the healthy group (3.8 ± 2.1% versus 3.7 ± 2.2%) using 129Xe MRI, and several lung-function-related parameters—such as gas–blood exchange time (T)—showed improvement (42.2 ms versus 32.5 ms). Combined with 1H brain MRI, we found that the change in gray matter volume (GMV) was strongly related to the degree of pulmonary function recovery—the greater the increase in GMV, the higher degree of pulmonary function damage.
Somatic Mutations of Hematopoietic Cells Are an Additional Mechanism of Body Aging, Conducive to Comorbidity and Increasing Chronification of Inflammation
Authors: Yegorov Yegor E. , Poznyak Anastasia V. , Bezsonov Evgeny E. , Zhuravlev Alexander D. , Nikiforov Nikita G. , Vishnyakova Khava S. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: March 2022

It is known that the development of foci of chronic inflammation usually accompanies body aging. In these foci, senescent cells appear with a pro-inflammatory phenotype that helps maintain inflammation. Their removal with the help of senolytics significantly improves the general condition of the body and, according to many indicators, contributes to rejuvenation. The cells of the immune system participate in the initiation, development, and resolution of inflammation. With age, the human body accumulates mutations, including the cells of the bone marrow, giving rise to the cells of the immune system. We assume that a number of such mutations formed with age can lead to the appearance of “naive” cells with an initially pro-inflammatory phenotype, the migration of which to preexisting foci of inflammation contributes not to the resolution of inflammation but its chronicity. One of such cell variants are monocytes carrying mitochondrial mutations, which may be responsible for comorbidity and deterioration in the prognosis of the course of pathologies associated with aging, such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Singular Zone in Quadrotor Yaw–Position Feedback Linearization
Authors: Shen Zhe , Tsuchiya Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Feedback linearization-based controllers are widely exploited in stabilizing a tilt rotor (eight or twelve inputs); each degree of freedom (six degrees of freedom in total) is manipulated individually to track the desired trajectory, since no singular decoupling matrix is introduced while applying this method. The conventional quadrotor (four inputs), on the other hand, is an under-actuated MIMO system that can directly track four independent degrees of freedom at most. Common selections of these outputs can be yaw–position and attitude–altitude. It is reported that no singularity is found in the decoupling matrix while applying feedback linearization in the yaw–position-tracking problem. However, in this research, we argue the existence of the ignored singular zone within the range of interest, which can cause the failure in the controller design. This paper visualizes this noninvertible area and details the process of deduction for the first time. An attempt (switch controller) to avert the singular problem is later discussed with the verification by simulation in Simulink and MATLAB. All the results are sketched in the roll–pitch diagram.
Examining the Position of Wright’s Fallingwater in the Context of His Larger Body of Work: An Analysis Using Fractal Dimensions
Authors: Vaughan Josephine , Ostwald Michael J.
Published: March 2022

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the world’s most famous architects, produced several masterworks in his career, possibly the most celebrated of which is the Kaufmann House, better known as Fallingwater. One of the common arguments historians make about this house is that it is unique in Wright’s oeuvre, as it is not similar to other designs he produced in the three major styles that dominated his career: the Prairie, Textile-Block and Usonian styles. In this paper, the derived fractal dimensions (D) using the standard architectural variation and application of the box-counting method are developed for the elevations and plans of Fallingwater. Using the measurements derived from a set of 15 Prairie, Textile-Block and Usonian houses, this paper tests whether Fallingwater is indeed an outlier in his body of work, as some historians suggest. The results indicate that, contrary to the standard view, Fallingwater has D measures that are broadly similar to those of his other styles, and on average, Fallingwater has formal parallels to several aspects of Wright’s Usonian style.
Smart Infrastructure Monitoring through Self-Sensing Composite Sensors and Systems: A Study on Smart Concrete Sensors with Varying Carbon-Based Filler
Authors: D’Alessandro Antonella , Birgin Hasan Borke , Cerni Gianluca , Ubertini Filippo
Published: March 2022

Structural Health Monitoring allows an automated performance assessment of buildings and infrastructures, both during their service lives and after critical events, such as earthquakes or landslides. The strength of this technology is in the diffuse nature of the sensing outputs that can be achieved for a full-scale structure. Traditional sensors adopted for monitoring purposes possess peculiar drawbacks related to placement and maintenance issues. Smart construction materials, which are able to monitor their states of strain and stress, represent a possible solution to these issues, increasing the durability and reliability of the monitoring system through embedding or the bulk fabrication of smart structures. The potentialities of such novel sensors and systems are based on their reliability and flexibility. Indeed, due to their peculiar characteristics, they can combine mechanical and sensing properties. We present a study on the optimization and the characterization of construction materials doped with different types of fillers for developing a novel class of sensors able to correlate variations of external strains to variations of electrical signals. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of composite samples at small and medium scales, made of cementitious materials with carbon-based inclusions. Different from a previous work by the authors, different carbon-based filler composite sensors are first compared at a small cubic sample scale and then tailored for larger plate specimens. Possible applications are in the strain/stress monitoring, damage detection, and load monitoring of concrete buildings and infrastructures.
The Arrhythmogenic Face of COVID-19: Brugada ECG Pattern in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Zimmermann Paul , Aberer Felix , Braun Martin , Sourij Harald , Moser Othmar
Published: March 2022

In 1992, Brugada syndrome (BS) was first described; an often unrecognized cardiac conduction disorder mainly associated with unexplained sudden cardiac arrest and consecutive syncope. Nevertheless, the pathomechanism of BS and sudden cardiac death remains mainly explained. Mutations in the cardiac sodium channels, which cause a reduction or functional loss of these channels, are associated with characteristic electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and malignant arrhythmia. The majority of affected people are previously healthy and unaware of their genetic predisposition for BS and might experience ventricular tachyarrhythmias and cardiac arrest potentially triggered by several factors (e.g., alcohol, sodium channel blockers, psychotropic drugs, and fever). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was firstly identified in Wuhan in early December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 is typically characterized by a severe inflammatory response, activation of the immune system, and high febrile illness. Due to this condition, symptomatic COVID-19 infection or vaccination might serve as inciting factor for unmasking the Brugada pattern and represents a risk factor for developing proarrhythmic complications. The aim of this narrative review was to detail the association between virus-related issues such as fever, electrolyte disturbance, and inflammatory stress of COVID-19 infection with transient Brugada-like symptoms and ECG-pattern and its susceptibility to proarrhythmogenic episodes.
Efficacy and Safety of Acute Phase Intensive Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Frail Older Patients with Acute Heart Failure: Results from the ACTIVE-EMS Trial
Authors: Tanaka Shinya , Kamiya Kentaro , Matsue Yuya , Yonezawa Ryusuke , Saito Hiroshi , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Matsuzawa Ryota , Nozaki Kohei , Yamashita Masashi , Wakaume Kazuki , Endo Yoshiko , Maekawa Emi , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Shiono Takaaki , Inomata Takayuki , Ako Junya
Published: March 2022

As frailty in older patients with acute heart failure (AHF) has an adverse effect on clinical outcomes, the addition of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to exercise-based early rehabilitation may improve the effects of treatment. Post hoc analysis was performed on a randomized controlled study for clinical outcomes and prespecified subgroups (ACTIVE-EMS: UMIN000019551). In this trial, 31 AHF patients aged ≥ 75 years with frailty (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score 4–9) were randomized 1:1 to receive treatment with an early rehabilitation program only (n = 16) or early rehabilitation with add-on EMS therapy (n = 15) for 2 weeks. Changes in physical function and cognitive function between baseline and after two weeks of treatment were assessed. There were no adverse events during the EMS period. The EMS group showed significantly greater changes in quadriceps’ isometric strength and SPPB compared to the control group, and EMS therapy showed uniform effects in the prespecified subgroups. There were no significant differences in the changes in other indexes of physical function and cognitive function between groups. There was no significant difference in the rate of heart failure hospitalization at 90 days between groups. In conclusion, older AHF patients with frailty showed greater improvement in lower extremity function with the addition of EMS therapy to early rehabilitation without adverse events.
Clinical and Radiological Results after Fracture-Dislocations of the Ankle: A Medium- to Long-Term Followup Study
Authors: De Luna Vincenzo , Caterini Alessandro , Casci Chiara , Marsiolo Martina , Efremov Kristian , De Maio Fernando , Farsetti Pasquale
Published: March 2022

The authors report the long-term outcome in a series of 26 patients surgically treated for a fracture-dislocation of the ankle by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), reviewed after an average followup of 5.2 years. The average age of the patients was 46.8 years; 17 were female and 9 male; the right side was involved in 22 patients and the left side in 4; 10 patients had a unimalleolar fracture, 11 a bimalleolar fracture, and 5 a trimalleolar fracture. The quality of reduction was excellent in 14 cases and good in 12. The functional results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, while radiographic results followed the Van Dijk classification. At followup, the AOFAS score ranged from 75 to 98 points with an average of 87.9, while the radiographic results were evaluated as grade 0 in 16 ankles and grade I in 10. Fracture-dislocations of the ankle occurred more frequently after high-energy traumas in younger patients on the right side, but they were also observed in older females after low-energy trauma. Excellent reduction was correlated with better radiographic results at long term followup. However, these injuries may lead to a poor functional outcome, despite an anatomical reduction and good radiographic results; in fact, in nine of our cases (34.6 percent), the AOFAS score was less than 90 points.
A Gut Instinct on Leukaemia: A New Mechanistic Hypothesis for Microbiota-Immune Crosstalk in Disease Progression and Relapse
Authors: Pagani Ilaria S. , Poudel Govinda , Wardill Hannah R.
Published: March 2022

Despite significant advances in the treatment of Chronic Myeloid and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (CML and ALL, respectively), disease progression and relapse remain a major problem. Growing evidence indicates the loss of immune surveillance of residual leukaemic cells as one of the main contributors to disease recurrence and relapse. More recently, there was an appreciation for how the host’s gut microbiota predisposes to relapse given its potent immunomodulatory capacity. This is especially compelling in haematological malignancies where changes in the gut microbiota have been identified after treatment, persisting in some patients for years after the completion of treatment. In this hypothesis-generating review, we discuss the interaction between the gut microbiota and treatment responses, and its capacity to influence the risk of relapse in both CML and ALL We hypothesize that the gut microbiota contributes to the creation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which promotes tumour progression and relapse.