bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability Analysis of the Inclined Capillary Barrier Covers under Rainfall Condition
Authors: Gao Cen , Zhu Yueming , Zhang Yawei
Published: August 2022

Capillary barrier covers consist of fine-grained soil layer overlying coarse-grained soil layer, which are widely used as surface covers for mine tailings, solid waste landfills, and low-level radioactive waste repositories. On one hand, the capillary barrier covers can effectively prevent the rainfall water infiltrating into the toxic and hazardous materials below. On the other hand, the infiltrated water stores and diverts in the fine-grained soil layer, leading to a reduction in the stability of the capillary barrier covers. In this study, a stability analysis method for the capillary barrier covers was established based on the Green-Ampt model and the Janbu method. Firstly, the infiltration process of capillary barrier covers was analyzed and divided into four stages. The variation of the wetting front profile during infiltration, caused by the capillary barrier effect, was depicted based on the law of mass conservation. Next, the wetting front is assumed to be the potential sliding surface. As the infiltration goes on, the stability of capillary barrier covers in different stages was analyzed through the limit equilibrium method. Both the water redistribution and the influence of seepage force in the capillary barrier covers were considered in the proposed method. Finally, using the examples in the published articles, the availability and superiority of the proposed method was verified.
Apparent Destruction Architectural Design for the Sustainability of Building Skins
Authors: Celadyn Magdalena , Celadyn Waclaw
Published: August 2022

Technical durability and aesthetical longevity of building skins are among the fundamental demands of sustainable architecture in terms of building fabric’s physical changes due to deterioration. This concept paper presents a design concept intended to fill the existing gap related to the limited durability of buildings and non-existing design methods for its effective extension. The study concentrates on the anticipation and assimilation of disintegration processes occurring in time into the architectural design methodology to promote the design techniques focused on the visual expression of the coexistence of nature and the artificial in the function of time. This study investigates the building’s enclosure as an active boundary through which the building’s interaction with the natural environment occurs, as well as a regulator of the building’s energy performance and a factor conditioning their durability. The consideration of formal and esthetical deconstruction in architectural design is followed by the analyses of some relevant examples of completed buildings and cultural determinants underlying this issue. The proposed Apparent Destruction Architectural Design (ADAD) concept addresses the time-dependency of the building skins’ physical properties manifested by the deterioration, destruction and re-figuration of the building’s fabric. This design concept offers a solution to the disturbing problem of architecture’s impermanence enhances the issue of sustainability of the building’s fabric in time, becomes a means to search for the unconventional comprehension and vision of architecture, as well as to reframe the architectural design toward its compliance with sustainability postulates through the aesthetic concept.
Shaking Table Test Research on the Influence of Center-Hung Scoreboard on Natural Vibration Characteristics and Seismic Response of Suspen-Dome Structures
Authors: Xue Suduo , Zhao Zetao , Li Xiongyan , Liu Renjie , Dezhkam Majid , Lu Zhen , Liu Tifeng , Fan Qinxin , Jing Hui
Published: August 2022

The center-hung scoreboard is a large electronic display device, that usually has a significant weight and is flexibly suspended from the roof of the gymnasium. The suspen-dome structure is one of the common roof structures of gymnasiums. In order to investigate the effect of the center-hung scoreboard on the natural vibration characteristics and seismic response, including acceleration, displacement, and strain, of the suspen-dome structure and considering that the dynamic behavior of the structure under seismic action can be realistically reflected, a shaking table test was carried out based on the suspen-dome structure of the Gymnasium of the Lanzhou Olympic Sports Center. Firstly, according to the size of the shaking table, a dynamic scale model with a geometric similarity ratio of 1:20 was established. After that, the white noise excitation test and numerical modal analysis were conducted on the models with and without the center-hung scoreboard to compare the two modes’ natural vibration characteristics. Furthermore, the earthquake simulation test was carried out on the models with and without a center-hung scoreboard, and their various seismic responses, including acceleration, displacement, and strain, were compared and analyzed. Finally, the acceleration response and displacement response of the center-hung scoreboard were investigated. The results show that the higher-order natural frequencies of the suspen-dome structure will increase when the center-hung scoreboard is suspended from the roof, and the swing of the center-hung scoreboard will be excited first in the low-order mode. In addition, the various seismic responses, including acceleration, displacement, and strain, of the model with the center-hung scoreboard are all increased compared to the model without the center-hung scoreboard. Meanwhile, the influence of the center-hung scoreboard on the seismic response of the suspen-dome structure decreases from the inner ring to the outer ring of the structure. Moreover, under the action of an earthquake, the acceleration response and displacement response of the center-hung scoreboard are both extremely high. Considering the center-hung scoreboard in the analysis and design stage of the suspen-dome structure is necessary.
Experimental Study on the Seismic Behavior of Squat SRC Shear Walls with High Axial Load Ratio
Authors: Zhang Lei , Han Xiaolei , Chen Xijun , Ji Jing
Published: August 2022

This paper aims to study the seismic behavior of squat steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) shear walls with a high axial load ratio. Nine squat SRC shear walls with varying axial load ratios, steel ratios, and horizontal distributed reinforcement ratios were tested under lateral cyclic reversed loading and an axial load. The failure process, load-deformation hysteretic response, shear strength, ductility, and the strain of the specimens are reported. The results show that all the specimens failed in shear with the crushing of the web concrete. No axial failure occurred after the web concrete was crushed since the boundary elements encased with structural steel sections maintained the axial load. Larger steel ratios reduced the buckling degree of the structural steel. A larger horizontal distributed reinforcement ratio was clearly beneficial for the ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the specimen, while it had a negligible effect on the shear strength. The Chinese code provided an extremely conservative prediction of the shear strength of the tested squat SRC shear walls with a mean calculated-experimental strength ratio of 0.42. An improved formula was established mainly by the modification of the shear resistance contributed by the concrete and the structural steel, leading to a mean calculated-experimental strength ratio of 0.74. More experimental data are still needed to establish more accurate deformation acceptance criteria for SRC shear walls and to promote the performance-based seismic evaluation of SRC structures.
The Roles of Immune Cells in Gastric Cancer: Anti-Cancer or Pro-Cancer?
Authors: Sukri Asif , Hanafiah Alfizah , Kosai Nik Ritza
Published: August 2022

Despite the fact that the incidence of gastric cancer has declined over the last decade, it is still the world’s leading cause of cancer-related death. The diagnosis of early gastric cancer is difficult, as symptoms of this cancer only manifest at a late stage of cancer progression. Thus, the prognosis of gastric cancer is poor, and the current treatment for improving patients’ outcomes involves the application of surgery and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is one of the most recent therapies for gastric cancer, whereby the immune system of the host is programmed to combat cancer cells, and the therapy differs based upon the patient’s immune system. However, an understanding of the role of immune cells, namely the cell-mediated immune response and the humoral immune response, is pertinent for applications of immunotherapy. The roles of immune cells in the prognosis of gastric cancer have yielded conflicting results. This review discusses the roles of immune cells in gastric cancer pathogenesis, specifically, T cells, B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, as well as the evidence presented thus far. Understanding how cancer cells interact with immune cells is of paramount importance in designing treatment options for gastric cancer immunotherapy.
A Causal Framework for Making Individualized Treatment Decisions in Oncology
Authors: Msaouel Pavlos , Lee Juhee , Karam Jose A. , Thall Peter F.
Published: August 2022

We discuss how causal diagrams can be used by clinicians to make better individualized treatment decisions. Causal diagrams can distinguish between settings where clinical decisions can rely on a conventional additive regression model fit to data from a historical randomized clinical trial (RCT) to estimate treatment effects and settings where a different approach is needed. This may be because a new patient does not meet the RCT’s entry criteria, or a treatment’s effect is modified by biomarkers or other variables that act as mediators between treatment and outcome. In some settings, the problem can be addressed simply by including treatment–covariate interaction terms in the statistical regression model used to analyze the RCT dataset. However, if the RCT entry criteria exclude a new patient seen in the clinic, it may be necessary to combine the RCT data with external data from other RCTs, single-arm trials, or preclinical experiments evaluating biological treatment effects. For example, external data may show that treatment effects differ between histological subgroups not recorded in an RCT. A causal diagram may be used to decide whether external observational or experimental data should be obtained and combined with RCT data to compute statistical estimates for making individualized treatment decisions. We use adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma as our motivating example to illustrate how to construct causal diagrams and apply them to guide clinical decisions.
Constitutive Occurrence of E:N-cadherin Heterodimers in Adherens Junctions of Hepatocytes and Derived Tumors
Authors: Gerber Tiemo Sven , Ridder Dirk Andreas , Schindeldecker Mario , Weinmann Arndt , Duret Diane , Breuhahn Kai , Galle Peter R. , Schirmacher Peter , Roth Wilfried , Lang Hauke , Straub Beate Katharina
Published: August 2022

Cell–cell junctions are pivotal for embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis but also play a major role in tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis. E-cadherin (CDH1) and N-cadherin (CDH2) are two adherens junction’s transmembrane glycoproteins with tissue-specific expression patterns in epithelial and neural/mesenchymal cells. Aberrant expression has been implicated in the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in malignant tumors. We could hitherto demonstrate cis-E:N-cadherin heterodimer in endoderm-derived cells. Using immunoprecipitation in cultured cells of the line PLC as well as in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-lysates, we isolated E-N-cadherin heterodimers in a complex with the plaque proteins α- and β-catenin, plakoglobin, and vinculin. In confocal laser scanning microscopy, E-cadherin co-localized with N-cadherin at the basolateral membrane of normal hepatocytes, hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), and in most cases of HCC. In addition, we analyzed E- and N-cadherin expression via immunohistochemistry in a large cohort of 868 HCCs from 570 patients, 25 HCA, and respective non-neoplastic liver tissue, and correlated our results with multiple prognostic markers. While E- or N-cadherin were similarly expressed in tumor sites with vascular invasion or HCC metastases, HCC with vascular encapsulated tumor clusters (VETC) displayed slightly reduced E-cadherin, and slightly increased N-cadherin expression. Analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas patient cohort, we found that reduced mRNA levels of CDH1, but not CDH2 were significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis; however, in multivariate analysis, CDH1 did not correlate with prognosis. In summary, E- and N-cadherin are specific markers for hepatocytes and derived HCA and HCC. E:N-cadherin heterodimers are constitutively expressed in the hepatocytic lineage and only slightly altered in malignant progression, thereby not complying with the concept of EMT.
PI3K/AKT/mTOR-Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhu Kunrui , Wu Yanqi , He Ping , Fan Yu , Zhong Xiaorong , Zheng Hong , Luo Ting
Published: August 2022

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PAM) pathways play important roles in breast tumorigenesis and confer worse prognosis in breast cancer patients. The inhibitors targeting three key nodes of these pathways, PI3K, AKT and mTOR, are continuously developed. For breast cancer patients to truly benefit from PAM pathway inhibitors, it is necessary to clarify the frequency and mechanism of abnormal alterations in the PAM pathway in different breast cancer subtypes, and further explore reliable biomarkers to identify the appropriate population for precision therapy. Some PI3K and mTOR inhibitors have been approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of specific breast cancer patient populations, and many new-generation PI3K/mTOR inhibitors and AKT isoform inhibitors have also been shown to have good prospects for cancer therapy. This review summarizes the changes in the PAM signaling pathway in different subtypes of breast cancer, and the latest research progress about the biomarkers and clinical application of PAM-targeted inhibitors.
HSF1 Can Prevent Inflammation following Heat Shock by Inhibiting the Excessive Activation of the ATF3 and JUN&FOS Genes
Authors: Janus Patryk , Kuś Paweł , Vydra Natalia , Toma-Jonik Agnieszka , Stokowy Tomasz , Mrowiec Katarzyna , Wojtaś Bartosz , Gielniewski Bartłomiej , Widłak Wiesława
Published: August 2022

Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1), a transcription factor frequently overexpressed in cancer, is activated by proteotoxic agents and participates in the regulation of cellular stress response. To investigate how HSF1 level affects the response to proteotoxic stress, we integrated data from functional genomics analyses performed in MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. Although the general transcriptional response to heat shock was impaired due to HSF1 deficiency (mainly chaperone expression was inhibited), a set of genes was identified, including ATF3 and certain FOS and JUN family members, whose stress-induced activation was stronger and persisted longer than in cells with normal HSF1 levels. These genes were direct HSF1 targets, suggesting a dual (activatory/suppressory) role for HSF1. Moreover, we found that heat shock-induced inflammatory response could be stronger in HSF1-deficient cells. Analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas data indicated that higher ATF3, FOS, and FOSB expression levels correlated with low HSF1 levels in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, reflecting higher heat shock-induced expression of these genes in HSF1-deficient MCF7 cells observed in vitro. However, differences between the analyzed cancer types were noted in the regulation of HSF1-dependent genes, indicating the presence of cell-type-specific mechanisms. Nevertheless, our data indicate the existence of the heat shock-induced network of transcription factors (associated with the activation of TNFα signaling) which includes HSF1. Independent of its chaperone-mediated cytoprotective function, HSF1 may be involved in the regulation of this network but prevents its overactivation in some cells during stress.
Identification of N-Glycoproteins of Knee Cartilage from Adult Osteoarthritis and Kashin-Beck Disease Based on Quantitative Glycoproteomics, Compared with Normal Control Cartilage
Authors: Han Jing , Deng Huan , Lyu Yizhen , Xiao Xiang , Zhao Yan , Liu Jiaxin , Guo Ziwei , Liu Xuan , Qiao Lichun , Gao Hang , Lammi Mikko Juhani
Published: August 2022

Glycoproteins are involved in the development of many diseases, while the type and content of N-glycoproteins in the cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) and Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) are still unclear. This research aims to identify N-glycoproteins in knee cartilage patients with OA and KBD compared with normal control (N) adults. The cartilage samples were collected from gender- and age-matched OA (n = 9), KBD (n = 9) patients, and N (n = 9) adults. Glycoproteomics and label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) obtained N-glycoproteins of KBD and OA. A total of 594 N-glycoproteins and 1146 N-glycosylation peptides were identified. The identified data were further compared and analyzed with Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Protein–Protein Interactions (PPI). Pairwise comparison of the glycoproteins detected in the three groups showed that integrin beta-1 (ITGB1), collagen alpha-1 (II) chain (COL2A1), collagen alpha-1 (VII) chain (COL7A1), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST-3), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 4 (CHST-4), thrombospondin 2 (THBS2), bone morphogenetic protein 8A (BMP8A), tenascin-C (TNC), lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP2), and beta-glucuronidase (GUSB) were significantly differentially expressed. GO results suggested N-glycoproteins mainly belonged to protein metabolic process, single-multicellular and multicellular organism process, cell adhesion, biological adhesion, and multicellular organism development. KEGG and PPI results revealed that key N-glycoproteins were closely related to pathways for OA and KBD, such as phagosome, ECM-receptor interaction, lysosome, focal adhesion, protein digestion, and absorption. These results reflected glycoprotein expression for OA and KBD in the process of ECM degradation, material transport, cell–cell or cell–ECM interaction, and information transduction. These key significantly differentially expressed N-glycoproteins and pathways lead to the degeneration and degradation of the cartilage of OA and KBD mainly by disrupting the synthesis and catabolism of basic components of ECM and chondrocytes and interfering with the transfer of material or information. The key N-glycoproteins or pathways in this research are potential targets for pathological mechanisms and therapies of OA and KBD.
Signaling by LncRNAs: Structure, Cellular Homeostasis, and Disease Pathology
Authors: Nadhan Revathy , Isidoro Ciro , Song Yong Sang , Dhanasekaran Danny N.
Published: August 2022

The cellular signaling network involves co-ordinated regulation of numerous signaling molecules that aid the maintenance of cellular as well as organismal homeostasis. Aberrant signaling plays a major role in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Recent studies have unraveled the superfamily of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as critical signaling nodes in diverse signaling networks. Defective signaling by lncRNAs is emerging as a causative factor underlying the pathophysiology of many diseases. LncRNAs have been shown to be involved in the multiplexed regulation of diverse pathways through both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. They can serve as decoys, guides, scaffolds, and effector molecules to regulate cell signaling. In comparison with the other classes of RNAs, lncRNAs possess unique structural modifications that contribute to their diversity in modes of action within the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we summarize the structure and function of lncRNAs as well as their vivid mechanisms of action. Further, we provide insights into the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of four major disease paradigms, namely cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, cancers, and the metabolic disease, diabetes mellitus. This review serves as a succinct treatise that could open windows to investigate the role of lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets.
Promises and Challenges of Immunogenic Chemotherapy in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Johnstone Megan , Vinaixa Delaney , Turi Marcello , Morelli Eugenio , Anderson Kenneth Carl , Gulla Annamaria
Published: August 2022

Immunological tolerance of myeloma cells represents a critical obstacle in achieving long-term disease-free survival for multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Over the past two decades, remarkable preclinical efforts to understand MM biology have led to the clinical approval of several targeted and immunotherapeutic agents. Among them, it is now clear that chemotherapy can also make cancer cells “visible” to the immune system and thus reactivate anti-tumor immunity. This knowledge represents an important resource in the treatment paradigm of MM, whereas immune dysfunction constitutes a clear obstacle to the cure of the disease. In this review, we highlight the importance of defining the immunological effects of chemotherapy in MM with the goal of enhancing the clinical management of patients. This area of investigation will open new avenues of research to identify novel immunogenic anti-MM agents and inform the optimal integration of chemotherapy with immunotherapy.
Optical Immunoassays Methods in Protein Analysis: An Overview
Authors: Rizzo Fabio
Published: August 2022

Immunoassays are analytical tools that attract growing research attention in the field of sensors. Among the different analytical methods, the immunoassays based on optical readout have an important role due to the high sensitivity reached in past years by the instrumentation as well as by the preparation of new labels. This review aims to give an overview in term of basic concepts and practical examples of the most used optical immunoassays techniques, in order to help readers to choose the most useful techniques for their analyses. Particular emphasis is dedicated to the application of the presented immunoassays on the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Highly Dispersive Palladium Loading on ZnO by Galvanic Replacements with Improved Methane Sensing Performance
Authors: Chen Renjie , Luo Shirui , Xie Dan , Yu Yangxin , Xiang Lan
Published: August 2022

Methane detection is important for the safety of production and life. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) methane detection is a mature and widely used technology but still experiences problems such as unsatisfying low-temperature sensing performances. In this study, ZnO/Pd with Pd nanoparticles of different diameters was prepared to study the influence of Pd dispersion on CH4 sensing properties. Results showed that CH4 sensing enhancements were positively correlated with the dispersity of Pd. Moreover, by galvanic replacement using Ag as the sacrificial template, a highly dispersive loading of Pd on ZnO was realized, and the CH4 sensing performance was further enhanced while the amount of Pd reduced from 1.35 wt% to 0.26 wt%. Experiments and DFT calculation indicated that improved CH4 sensing performance resulted from abundant catalytic sites induced by highly dispersed Pd NPs and the enhanced CH4 adsorption on positively charged Pds caused by electrons transferred from Pd to Ag. This study provides a strategy to achieve high dispersion of Pd to maximize the utilization of noble metal, which is promising for lowering the cost of the MOS-based CH4 sensors.
A Novel Voltammetric Electronic Tongue Based on Nanocomposites Modified Electrodes for the Discrimination of Red Wines from Different Geographical Origins
Authors: Zheng Ziwei , Qiu Shanshan , Wei Zhenbo
Published: August 2022

A novel voltammetric electronic tongue (VE-tongue) system based on three nanocomposites modified working electrodes was used for the discrimination of red wine from different geographical origins. The three types of modified working electrodes were fabricated to detect glucose (Glu), tartaric acid (TA), and non-specific flavor information in a red wine sample, respectively. The electrochemical properties of three electrodes were tested by cyclic voltammetric method, and pH, accumulation time, and scan rates were optimized for Glu and TA sensors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray proton spectrum (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization of modified materials. This sensor array was then applied to identify four kinds of red wines from different geographical origins, and the multi-frequency and potential steps (STEP) method was used to obtain flavor information regarding rice wines. The classification ability of this VE-tongue system was evaluated by using partial least squares (PLS) regression and principal component analysis (PCA), while back propagation neural network (BPNN), random forest (RF), support vector machines (SVM), deep neural network (DNN), and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) were used for the prediction. The results showed that PCA could explain about the 95.7% of the total variance, and BPNN performed best in the prediction work (the prediction accuracy was 95.8%). Therefore, the VE-tongue system with BPNN was chosen to effectively discriminate red wines from different geographical origins, and the novel VE-tongue aiming at red wine discrimination with high accuracy and lower cost was established.
Long-Term Study on Therapeutic Strategy for Treatment of Eisenmenger Syndrome Patients: A Case Series Study
Authors: Liu Yi-Ching , Chen Yu-Wen , Chen I-Chen , Wu Yen-Hsien , Lo Shih-Hsing , Hsu Jui-Sheng , Hsu Jong-Hau , Wu Bin-Nan , Cheng Yi-Fang , Dai Zen-Kong
Published: August 2022

Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) refers to congenital heart diseases (CHD) with reversal flow associated with increased pulmonary pressure and irreversible pulmonary vascular remodeling. Previous reports showed limited therapeutic strategies in ES. In this study, 5 ES patients (2 males and 3 females), who had been followed regularly at our institution from 2010 to 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. We adopted an add-on combination of sildenafil, bosentan, and iloprost and collected the clinical characteristics and outcomes as well as findings of echocardiography, computed tomography, pulmonary perfusion-ventilation scans, positron emission tomography, and biomarkers. The age of diagnosis in these ES patients ranged from 23 to 54 years (38.2 ± 11.1 years; mean ± standard deviation), and they were followed for 7 to 17 years. Their mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index were 56.4 ± 11.3 mmHg and 24.7 ± 8.5 WU.m2, respectively. Intrapulmonary arterial thrombosis was found in 4 patients, ischemic stroke was noted in 2 patients, and increased glucose uptake of the right ventricle was observed in 4 patients. No patient mortality was seen within 5 years of follow-up. Subsequently, 2 patients died of right ventricular failure, 1 died of sepsis related to brain abscess, and another died of sudden death. The life span of these patients was 44–62 years. Although these patients showed longer survival, the beneficial data on specific-target pharmacologic interventions in ES is still preliminary. Thus, larger trials are warranted, and the study of cardiac remodeling in ES from various CHD should be explored.
Knowledge of First Aid Measures in Dental Trauma: A Survey of Teachers in the Province of Seville, Spain
Authors: Ribas Perez David , Olivera Rosmery , Mendoza Mendoza Asuncion , Solano Mendoza Beatriz
Published: August 2022

The high incidence of childhood dental trauma requires childcare professionals to have basic notions of dental first aid. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and aptitude (defined as the ability to operate competently in a given activity) of early childhood, primary, and/or secondary education teachers from Seville (Spain) referred to first aid measures in dental trauma. A descriptive study was conducted. The study sample consisted of 442 teachers (334 women and 108 men) coinciding proportionately with the study target population in terms of gender distribution, type of center, and teaching level. A specifically designed questionnaire was used. Most of the participants (88.5%, n = 391) exhibited poor knowledge and aptitude, 11.5% (n = 51) showed a medium level of knowledge and aptitude, and none were categorized as having a high knowledge and aptitude. As a conclusion, teachers in the province of Seville (Spain) showed marked deficiencies in their level of knowledge and aptitude referred to the adoption of first aid measures in dental trauma among their pupils.
Do the Temperamental Characteristics of Both Mother and Child Influence the Well-Being of Adopted and Non-Adopted Children?
Authors: Liskola Krista , Raaska Hanna , Hakulinen Christian , Lapinleimu Helena , Elovainio Marko
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: For decades, the temperaments of infants and small children have been a focus of studies in human development and been seen as a potential contributor to children’s developmental patterns. However, less is known about the interplay between the temperamental characteristics of mothers and their children in the context of explaining variations in developmental outcomes. The aim of our study was to explore the associations—with or without genetic links—of the temperaments and psychological distress of mothers and the temperaments of children with behavioral problems in a group of internationally adopted children and their adoptive mothers and in a group of non-adopted children and their mothers. (2) Methods: Data (n = 170) were derived from the ongoing Finnish Adoption (FinAdo) follow-up study. The children included were under the age of 7 years; 74 were adopted internationally through legal agencies between October 2010 and December 2016, and the remaining 96 were non-adopted children living with their birth parents (biological group) recruited from day-care centers. We used Mary Rothbart’s temperament questionnaires to assess temperament, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to obtain data on the children’s behavioral/emotional problems and competencies, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) to assess parental psychological distress. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Southwest Finland, and written informed consent was obtained from the parents and the children themselves. (3) Results: The negative affectivities of both mothers and children were associated with the total CBCL and with both internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors after adjusting for age, gender, and adoption status. Both relationships remained significant when tested simultaneously, suggesting additive effects. Maternal negative affect was associated with problem behavior irrespective of child extraversion/surgency. Child extraversion/surgency was associated with lower levels of all internalizing behavioral problems when adjusted for maternal sociability. Child negative affect was associated with all behavioral problem measures irrespective of maternal sociability or maternal psychological distress. Maternal distress was associated with child problem behaviors only in children with low extraversion/surgency. (4) Limitations: The sample size was relatively small, and the information was gathered solely with questionnaires. (5) Conclusions: The results of the study may be clinically significant. Child negative affect, maternal negative affect, and maternal experienced distress, combined with low child extraversion/surgency, may increase the risk of child problem behaviors in both adoptees and non-adoptees.
Familial Aggregation of a Novel Missense Variant of COL2A1 Gene Associated with Short Extremities: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Christopoulos Panagiotis , Eleftheriades Anna , Paltoglou George , Paschalidou Eleni , Kalampokas Emmanouil , Florentin Lina , Billi Chrysanthi , Eleftheriades Makarios
Published: August 2022

We present two cases of family members (first cousins) with short extremities caused by a novel variant of COL2A1 gene (NM_001844.5). Case 1 description: A 29-year-old woman presented in her first pregnancy for a second trimester anomaly scan at 23 weeks of gestation. Fetal long bones were measured below the third centile for gestational age. Follow-up scans revealed fetal long bone growth deceleration. Initial genetic work-up was negative and the rest of the maternal follow-up was unremarkable. A male baby weighing 3180 g was delivered at 39 weeks and 4 days of gestation. Case 2 description: A 33-year-old pregnant woman presented for a routine second trimester anomaly scan at 20 weeks and 4 days of gestation. All fetal measurements were appropriate for the gestational age. The routine growth scan performed at 32 weeks showed fetal long bone measurements below the third centile for gestational age, while the follow-up growth scan at 36 weeks and 4 days of gestation revealed consistent, below the third centile, fetal long bone growth. Given that the fetuses of these two cases were related (first cousins), whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on Case 2. WES revealed a novel heterozygous missense variant c.1132G>A (p. Gly378Ser) of COL2A1 gene (NM_001844.5). Subsequently, targeted genetic sequencing for the variant was performed on Case 1 and the same novel variant was found. Targeted sequencing revealed the same variant in the mother of Case 1 and the father of Case 2 (siblings). A female baby weighing 3200 g was delivered at 40 weeks and 4 days of gestation.
An Analysis of the Differences in Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Review of Rural and Urban Areas in South Africa
Authors: Zhou Leocadia , Kori Dumisani Shoko , Sibanda Melusi , Nhundu Kenneth
Published: August 2022

Evidence is unequivocal that rural and urban areas in South Africa are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; however, impacts are felt disproportionately. This difference in vulnerability between rural and urban areas is presently unclear to guide context-based climate policies and frameworks to enhance adaptation processes. A clear understanding of the differences in vulnerability to climate change between rural and urban areas is pertinent. This systematic review aimed to explore how vulnerability to climate change varies between rural and urban areas and what explains these variations. The approach was guided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change vulnerability framework incorporating exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity dimensions integrated into the Sustainable Livelihood Framework. The review used 30 articles based on the search criteria developed. The findings show differences in vulnerability to climate change between rural and urban areas owing to several factors that distinguish rural from urban areas, such as differences in climate change drivers, infrastructure orientation, typical livelihood, and income-generating activities. We conclude that vulnerability varies with location and requires place-based analyses. Instead of blanket policy recommendations, localized interventions that enhance adaptation in specific rural and urban areas should be promoted.
Changes in the Oral Cavity Mucosal Surface under the Influence of Wearing Protective Face Masks—Nitric Oxide Concentration Analysis—Preliminary Report
Authors: Wyszyńska Magdalena , Czelakowska Aleksandra , Rosak Przemysław , Białożyt-Bujak Ewa , Gruca Olaf , Rosak-Szyrocka Joanna , Kasperski Jacek , Skucha-Nowak Małgorzata
Published: August 2022

Orders to cover the mouth and nose were introduced as a prophylaxis for COVID-19. The use of face masks, apart from their benefits, has some side effects. It can affect, among other things, the oral cavity mucosa, manifested by its dryness, and can increase the amount of inflammatory markers, for example, nitric oxide (NO). The aim of this research was to determine changes in the oral cavity mucosal surface under the influence of the use of protective face masks based on an innovative measurement of NO levels in the exhaled air of healthcare workers. The people taking part in this study were dental assistants and recorders who used masks during work. The first measurement of NO was carried out before starting work and putting on a mask, and the second measurement was carried out after work. Based on the research, a statistically significant difference was shown in the NO values before putting on a mask and immediately after removing it. Despite the advantages of wearing protective masks, studies have shown that their long-term use has an impact on the oral cavity mucosa, which is reflected in the higher level of NO in exhaled air.
The Mechanisms of AlGaN Device Buffer Layer Growth and Crystalline Quality Improvement: Restraint of Gallium Residues, Mismatch Stress Relief, and Control of Aluminum Atom Migration Length
Authors: Wang Baibin , Yang Jing , Zhao Degang , Zhang Yuheng , Zhang Zhenzhuo , Liang Feng , Chen Ping , Liu Zongshun
Published: August 2022

The mechanisms of AlGaN device buffer layer growth were studied. Gallium residues in the reactor chamber may be harmful to the quality of the AlN strain modulation layer, which eventually worsens the AlGaN buffer layer. By restraining the gallium residues, the crystalline quality of the AlGaN layer is markedly improved. In addition, enhancing stress relief in nucleation and coalescence stages will reduce the edge dislocations induced by strain relaxation in the 2D growth stage. A slower precursor flow rate can promote the stress relief in nucleation and coalescence stages. By comparison, a suitable suppression of Al atoms’ surface migration can decrease surface roughness, which can be realized by increasing the precursor flow rate. Eventually, we obtained a AlGaN buffer layer having both low edge dislocation density and a flat surface using a two-step growth method.
A Comparative Study on the K-ion Storage Behavior of Commercial Carbons
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Liu Yunzhuo , Ji Fengjun , Li Deping , Huang Jinru , Sun Hainan , Wen Shuang , Sun Qing , Lu Jingyu , Ci Lijie
Published: August 2022

Potassium-ion battery, a key analog of lithium-ion battery, is attracting enormous attentions owing to the abundant reserves and low cost of potassium salts, and the electrochemically reversible insertion/extraction of the K-ion within the commercial graphite inspires a research spotlight in searching and designing suitable carbon electrode materials. Herein, five commercially available carbons are selected as the anode material, and the K-ion storage capability is comparably evaluated from various aspects, including reversible capacity, cyclability, coulombic efficiency, and rate capability. This work may boost the development of potassium-ion batteries from a viewpoint of practical applications.
Rock Refuges Are Strongly Associated with Increased Urban Occupancy in the Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis
Authors: Rurik Alexander J. , Wilmoth Seth C. , Dayton Kendra E. , Sparkman Amanda M.
Published: August 2022

Urbanization has dramatically altered habitats for local species worldwide. While some species are unable to meet the challenges that these alterations bring, others are able to persist as long as a threshold for suitable habitat is met. For reptiles, a key feature for persistence in urban areas can be access to suitable refuges from predation, high temperatures, and/or other environmental challenges. We tested for effects of local and landscape variables affecting urban occupancy in the Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, in transects across an urban–rural gradient, with a specific focus on the presence of rock, tree, and shrub refuges. We found that fence lizards were much more likely to be present in areas with more rock cover, and in parks or low-density residential areas. Occupancy was also positively related to canopy cover in the general vicinity, though negatively related to number of trees along the transects. Our results highlight the importance of assessing local habitat features to successfully predict the occupancy of reptile species in urban habitats, and present directions for future research with concrete conservation and management applications.
Imaging Findings in Patients with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Ponce Andrés , Frade-Sosa Beatriz , Sarmiento-Monroy Juan C. , Sapena Nuria , Ramírez Julio , Azuaga Ana Belén , Morlà Rosa , Ruiz-Esquide Virginia , Cañete Juan D. , Sanmartí Raimon , Gómez-Puerta José A.
Published: August 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced arthritis is an increasingly recognized adverse event in patients with oncologic disease during immunotherapy. Four patterns are well described, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-like, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)-like, psoriatic arthritis (PsA)-like, and oligo-monoarthritis, among others. Despite better clinical recognition of these syndromes, information about the main imaging findings is limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including all adult patients referred to the Rheumatology Department of a single-center due to ICI-induced arthritis who underwent imaging studies [ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18F-FDG PET/CT)] between January 2017 and January 2022. Results: Nineteen patients with ICI-induced arthritis with at least one diagnostic imaging assessment were identified (15 US, 4 MRI, 2 18F-FDG PET/CT). Most patients were male (84.2%), with a median age at inclusion of 73 years. The main underlying diagnoses for ICI treatment were melanoma in five cases. The distribution of ICI-induced arthritis was as follows: PMR-like (5, 26.2%), RA-like (4, 21.1%), PsA-like (4, 21.1%), and others (6, 31.6%). All RA-like patients had US findings indistinguishable from conventional RA patients. In addition, 3/5 (60%) of PMR-like patients had significant involvement of the hands and wrists. Abnormal findings on MRI or PET-CT were reported by clinical symptoms. No erosions or myofascitis were seen. Conclusions: ICI-induced arthritis patients present inflammatory patterns on imaging studies similar to conventional inflammatory arthropathies, and therefore these syndromes should be followed carefully and treated according to these findings.
Flat Detector CT with Cerebral Pooled Blood Volume Perfusion in the Angiography Suite: From Diagnostics to Treatment Monitoring
Authors: van der Zijden Thijs , Mondelaers Annelies , Voormolen Maurits , Menovsky Tomas , Niekel Maarten , Jardinet Thomas , Van Thielen Thomas , D’Archambeau Olivier , Parizel Paul
Published: August 2022

C-arm flat-panel detector computed tomographic (CT) imaging in the angiography suite increasingly plays an important part during interventional neuroradiological procedures. In addition to conventional angiographic imaging of blood vessels, flat detector CT (FD CT) imaging allows simultaneous 3D visualization of parenchymal and vascular structures of the brain. Next to imaging of anatomical structures, it is also possible to perform FD CT perfusion imaging of the brain by means of cerebral blood volume (CBV) or pooled blood volume (PBV) mapping during steady state contrast administration. This enables more adequate decision making during interventional neuroradiological procedures, based on real-time insights into brain perfusion on the spot, obviating time consuming and often difficult transportation of the (anesthetized) patient to conventional cross-sectional imaging modalities. In this paper we review the literature about the nature of FD CT PBV mapping in patients and demonstrate its current use for diagnosis and treatment monitoring in interventional neuroradiology.
Etiological Analysis of Viral Encephalitis in Children in Zhejiang Province from 2018 to 2019
Authors: Liu Juan-Juan , Teng Li-Ping , Hua Chun-Zhen , Xie Yong-Ping , Pan Yan-Xiang , Hu Bo-Fei , Hu Wei-Lin , Wang Wei-Jian
Published: August 2022

Objective: To investigate the common pathogens of viral encephalitis (VE) in children, and to provide guidance for the empirical diagnosis and treatment of patients with VE. Methods: A total of 227 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from pediatric patients with VE in Zhejiang province from January 2018 to December 2019. The samples were tested using multiplex and singleplex Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) with primers specific to enterovirus (EV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), mumps virus (MuV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)/type 2 (HSV-2), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). The data of the two analyses were compared and then verified using Sanger sequencing. Results: Of the 227 CSF samples, 90 were shown to be positive for multiplex RT-PCR with a positivity rate of 39.65% and a 95% confidence interval (33.2%, 46.1%). EV was the most common cause of VE, followed by EBV, HHV-6, MuV, CMV, VZV, and HSV-1. Most included cases occurred in summer, accounting for 49.78% of all cases. For EV, EBV, and HSV-2, multiplex RT-PCR showed a positivity rate of 34.36%, which was not statistically different from that of 30.4% shown by singleplex RT-PCR. The sequences of EV, EBV, VZV, MuV, CMV, HSV-1, HHV-6, and HSV-2 were confirmed by sequencing the PCR products obtained from multiplex and singleplex PCR. Conclusions: In children, VE is more prevalent in the summer than in other seasons in Zhejiang province, and EV may be the most common causative pathogen.
Integrating Health Data-Driven Machine Learning Algorithms to Evaluate Risk Factors of Early Stage Hypertension at Different Levels of HDL and LDL Cholesterol
Authors: Liao Pen-Chih , Chen Ming-Shu , Jhou Mao-Jhen , Chen Tsan-Chi , Yang Chih-Te , Lu Chi-Jie
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major worldwide health burden. As the risk factors of CVD, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are most mentioned. Early stage hypertension in the population with dyslipidemia is an important public health hazard. This study was the application of data-driven machine learning (ML), demonstrating complex relationships between risk factors and outcomes and promising predictive performance with vast amounts of medical data, aimed to investigate the association between dyslipidemia and the incidence of early stage hypertension in a large cohort with normal blood pressure at baseline. Methods: This study analyzed annual health screening data for 71,108 people from 2005 to 2017, including data for 27 risk-related indicators, sourced from the MJ Group, a major health screening center in Taiwan. We used five machine learning (ML) methods—stochastic gradient boosting (SGB), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (Lasso), ridge regression (Ridge), and gradient boosting with categorical features support (CatBoost)—to develop a multi-stage ML algorithm-based prediction scheme and then evaluate important risk factors at the early stage of hypertension, especially for groups with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels within or out of the reference range. Results: Age, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting plasma glucose, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were associated with hypertension. The hemoglobin level was also a positive contributor to blood pressure elevation and it appeared among the top three important risk factors in all LDL-C/HDL-C groups; therefore, these variables may be important in affecting blood pressure in the early stage of hypertension. A residual contribution to blood pressure elevation was found in groups with increased LDL-C. This suggests that LDL-C levels are associated with CPR levels, and that the LDL-C level may be an important factor for predicting the development of hypertension. Conclusion: The five prediction models provided similar classifications of risk factors. The results of this study show that an increase in LDL-C is more important than the start of a drop in HDL-C in health screening of sub-healthy adults. The findings of this study should be of value to health awareness raising about hypertension and further discussion and follow-up research.