bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational Resources for Geoethical Aspects of Water Management
Authors: Handl Sebastian , Calheiros Cristina S. C. , Fiebig Markus , Langergraber Guenter
Published: February 2022

Global water resources are a critical value for the future of humankind. Conflicts and wars seem to rise because of such critical resources. While water-scarce countries are under extreme pressure on the long-term scale, also water-rich countries in Europe, such as Austria, face local conflicts of interest between water supply, tourism, agriculture, hydropower and ecology, for instance. Higher Education must address these conflicts and the new concepts of geoethics offer the conceptional thinking to do so. Based on educational resources for Higher Education that have been developed in the field of “Geoethics and Water Management” under the Erasmus+ co-funded project GOAL (Geoethics Outcomes and Awareness Learning), selected water-related conflicts are discussed. The cases selected for developing the educational resources are water use conflicts and geoethical aspects of hydropower plants. The educational resources include a subsequent procedure for applying them with students. Outcomes from the educational resources show that issues related to water management often create geoethical conflicts and dilemmas, and an interconnection between several Sustainable Development Goals can be established. Applying the educational resources shall enable geoscientists to contribute towards sustainable development of Earth’s future by a more holistic view.
White Spots Prevalence and Tooth Brush Habits during Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Toti Çeljana , Meto Agron , Kaçani Gerta , Droboniku Etleva , Hysi Dorjan , Tepedino Michele , Zaja Edlira , Fiorillo Luca , Meto Aida , Buci Denada , Tanellari Olja
Published: February 2022

White spots (WS) are one of the most undesirable side effects in patients undergoing orthodontic therapy and are usually located around bracket bases and even detected under the molar bands. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the WS lesion during orthodontic therapy and the correlation between WS and oral hygiene habits. Patients requiring orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance were screened for the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and 74 subjects were finally enrolled. Each patient received three examinations: at T0, the day of the application of the fixed appliance; at T1, three months later; and at T2, six months after treatment start. After calculating descriptive statistics, differences between groups were evaluated with an independent sample t-test. The first type error was set as p ≤ 0.01. The observed prevalence of WS lesions was 59.5% on T1 and 60.8% on T2. The most affected teeth result to be upper molars, lower left first molar, upper right central incisor and upper left lateral incisor, upper right canine, upper left first premolar, and lower right first molar. A higher frequency of daily tooth brushing was accompanied by a lower prevalence of WS. No significant effect of sex was observed.
Facilitators and Barriers of COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion on Social Media in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lieneck Cristian , Heinemann Katharine , Patel Janki , Huynh Hung , Leafblad Abigail , Moreno Emmanuel , Wingfield Claire
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: Information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has spread internationally through a variety of platforms, including social media. While efforts have been made to help reduce the spread of misinformation on social media, many platforms are still largely unregulated. The influence of social media use on vaccination promotion is not fully understood. This systematic review aims to identify facilitators and barriers associated with vaccine promotion through social media use. Materials and Methods: Reviewers analyzed 25 articles and identified common themes. Facilitators of vaccine promotion included an increase in the efforts of social media companies to reduce misinformation, the use of social media to spread information on public health and vaccine promotion, and the positive influence towards vaccinations of family and friends. Results and Conclusions: Identified barriers to vaccine promotion included the spread of misinformation, decreased vaccine acceptance among users of social media for COVID-19 related information due to polarization, and a lack of regulation on social media platforms. The results of this review provide insight for improving public health campaign promotion on social media and can help inform policy on social media regulation and misinformation prevention.
Vertical Jump Tests: A Safe Instrument to Improve the Accuracy of the Functional Capacity Assessment in Robust Older Women
Authors: Santos Carlos A. F. , Amirato Gislene R. , Jacinto Alessandro F. , Pedrosa Ana V. , Caldo-Silva Adriana , Sampaio António R. , Pimenta Nuno , Santos Juliana M. B. , Pochini Alberto , Bachi André L. L.
Published: February 2022

Age-related decreases in muscle function lead to disabilities and are associated with negative health outcomes in older people. Although several physical tests can be used to assess physical performance, muscle strength, and power, their interpretation can be hampered by the ceiling effect of some of them. The aim of this study was to assess whether vertical jump tests are safe in terms of physical integrity and whether they are useful in assessing physical performance in forty-one robust older women. The investigation entailed an assessment of anthropometric characteristics, physical functioning tests (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), sit-to-up 5 times and sit-to-up 30 s, gait speed, time-up-to-go test (TUGT)), and tests evaluating muscle strength and power (handgrip, lower limb isokinetic tests, and vertical jumping tests). Significant negative correlations were found between vertical jumping tests and BMI, body fat percentage, sit-to-up 5 times and TUGT. In addition, significant positive correlations were observed between vertical jumping tests and SPPB, gait speed, handgrip, and concentric isokinetic tests of knee muscles. No adverse events in volunteers’ physical integrity were reported during and after the performance of all physical tests. Thus, the study results showed that vertical jumping tests are safe and accurate for assessing physical performance and are useful for monitoring age-related loss of muscle performance in robust older women.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Heritage in 2021
Authors:   Heritage Office Editorial
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Structural and Biochemical Analysis of the Furan Aldehyde Reductase YugJ from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Cho Hye Yeon , Nam Mi Sun , Hong Ho Jeong , Song Wan Seok , Yoon Sung-il
Published: February 2022

NAD(H)/NADP(H)-dependent aldehyde/alcohol oxidoreductase (AAOR) participates in a wide range of physiologically important cellular processes by reducing aldehydes or oxidizing alcohols. Among AAOR substrates, furan aldehyde is highly toxic to microorganisms. To counteract the toxic effect of furan aldehyde, some bacteria have evolved AAOR that converts furan aldehyde into a less toxic alcohol. Based on biochemical and structural analyses, we identified Bacillus subtilis YugJ as an atypical AAOR that reduces furan aldehyde. YugJ displayed high substrate specificity toward 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a furan aldehyde, in an NADPH- and Ni2+-dependent manner. YugJ folds into a two-domain structure consisting of a Rossmann-like domain and an α-helical domain. YugJ interacts with NADP and Ni2+ using the interdomain cleft of YugJ. A comparative analysis of three YugJ structures indicated that NADP(H) binding plays a key role in modulating the interdomain dynamics of YugJ. Noticeably, a nitrate ion was found in proximity to the nicotinamide ring of NADP in the YugJ structure, and the HMF-reducing activity of YugJ was inhibited by nitrate, providing insights into the substrate-binding mode of YugJ. These findings contribute to the characterization of the YugJ-mediated furan aldehyde reduction mechanism and to the rational design of improved furan aldehyde reductases for the biofuel industry.
Chaperone Therapy in Fabry Disease
Authors: Weidemann Frank , Jovanovic Ana , Herrmann Ken , Vardarli Irfan
Published: February 2022

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal multisystem storage disorder induced by a mutation in the alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) gene. Reduced activity or deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A (AGAL) leads to escalating storage of intracellular globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in numerous organs, including the kidneys, heart and nerve system. The established treatment for 20 years is intravenous enzyme replacement therapy. Lately, oral chaperone therapy was introduced and is a therapeutic alternative in patients with amenable mutations. Early starting of therapy is essential for long-term improvement. This review describes chaperone therapy in Fabry disease.
General Anesthesia and the Young Brain: The Importance of Novel Strategies with Alternate Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Maksimovic Stefan , Useinovic Nemanja , Quillinan Nidia , Covey Douglas F. , Todorovic Slobodan M. , Jevtovic-Todorovic Vesna
Published: February 2022

Over the past three decades, we have been grappling with rapidly accumulating evidence that general anesthetics (GAs) may not be as innocuous for the young brain as we previously believed. The growing realization comes from hundreds of animal studies in numerous species, from nematodes to higher mammals. These studies argue that early exposure to commonly used GAs causes widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration in brain regions critical to cognition and socio-emotional development, kills a substantial number of neurons in the young brain, and, importantly, results in lasting disturbances in neuronal synaptic communication within the remaining neuronal networks. Notably, these outcomes are often associated with long-term impairments in multiple cognitive-affective domains. Not only do preclinical studies clearly demonstrate GA-induced neurotoxicity when the exposures occur in early life, but there is a growing body of clinical literature reporting similar cognitive-affective abnormalities in young children who require GAs. The need to consider alternative GAs led us to focus on synthetic neuroactive steroid analogues that have emerged as effective hypnotics, and analgesics that are apparently devoid of neurotoxic effects and long-term cognitive impairments. This would suggest that certain steroid analogues with different cellular targets and mechanisms of action may be safe alternatives to currently used GAs. Herein we summarize our current knowledge of neuroactive steroids as promising novel GAs.
Inhibition of the Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) Promotes 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Proliferation and Enhances Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Bailey Tracey , Nieto Ainhoa , McDonald Patricia
Published: February 2022

Enlarged, hypertrophic adipocytes are less responsive to insulin and are a hallmark feature of obesity, contributing to many of the negative metabolic consequences of excess adipose tissue. Although the mechanisms remain unclear, the adipocyte size appears to be inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, wherein smaller adipocytes are insulin-sensitive and larger adipocytes develop insulin resistance and exhibit an impaired glucose uptake. Thus, pharmacological strategies aimed at regulating adipocyte hypertrophy (increase in adipocyte size) in favor of promoting hyperplasia (increase in adipocyte number) have the potential to improve adipocyte insulin sensitivity and provide therapeutic benefits in the context of metabolic disorders. As white adipose tissue can metabolize large amounts of glucose to lactate, using transcriptomics and in vitro characterization we explore the functional consequences of inhibiting monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) activity in fully differentiated adipocytes. Our studies show that the pharmacological inhibition of MCT1, a key regulator of the cellular metabolism and proliferation, promotes the re-entry of mature adipocytes into the cell cycle. Furthermore, we demonstrate that inhibitor-treated adipocytes exhibit an enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake as compared with untreated adipocytes, and that this outcome is dependent on the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) activity. In summary, we identify a mechanism though which MCT1 inhibition improves the insulin sensitivity of mature adipocytes by inducing cell cycle re-entry. These results provide the foundation for future studies investigating the role MCT1 plays in adipocyte hyperplasia, and its therapeutic potential as a drug target for obesity and metabolic disease.
The Expression of TP53-Induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR) Can Be Controlled by the Antioxidant Orchestrator NRF2 in Human Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Simon-Molas Helga , Sánchez-de-Diego Cristina , Navarro-Sabaté Àurea , Castaño Esther , Ventura Francesc , Bartrons Ramon , Manzano Anna
Published: February 2022

Hyperactivation of the KEAP1-NRF2 axis is a common molecular trait in carcinomas from different origin. The transcriptional program induced by NRF2 involves antioxidant and metabolic genes that render cancer cells more capable of dealing with oxidative stress. The TP53-Induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR) is an important regulator of glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway that was described as a p53 response gene, yet TIGAR expression is detected in p53-null tumors. In this study we investigated the role of NRF2 in the regulation of TIGAR in human carcinoma cell lines. Exposure of carcinoma cells to electrophilic molecules or overexpression of NRF2 significantly increased expression of TIGAR, in parallel to the known NRF2 target genes NQO1 and G6PD. The same was observed in TP53KO cells, indicating that NRF2-mediated regulation of TIGAR is p53-independent. Accordingly, downregulation of NRF2 decreased the expression of TIGAR in carcinoma cell lines from different origin. As NRF2 is essential in the bone, we used mouse primary osteoblasts to corroborate our findings. The antioxidant response elements for NRF2 binding to the promoter of human and mouse TIGAR were described. This study provides the first evidence that NRF2 controls the expression of TIGAR at the transcriptional level.
Oxidative DNA Damage and Cisplatin Neurotoxicity Is Exacerbated by Inhibition of OGG1 Glycosylase Activity and APE1 Endonuclease Activity in Sensory Neurons
Authors: Behrouzi Adib , Xia Hanyu , Thompson Eric L. , Kelley Mark R. , Fehrenbacher Jill C.
Published: February 2022

Cisplatin can induce peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication of anti-cancer treatment and negatively impacts cancer survivors during and after completion of treatment; therefore, the mechanisms by which cisplatin alters sensory neuronal function to elicit neuropathy are the subject of much investigation. Our previous work suggests that the DNA repair activity of APE1/Ref-1, the rate-limiting enzyme of the base excision repair (BER) pathway, is critical for neuroprotection against cisplatin. A specific role for 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1), the glycosylase that removes the most common oxidative DNA lesion, and putative coordination of OGG1 with APE1/Ref-1 in sensory neurons, has not been investigated. We investigated whether inhibiting OGG1 glycosylase activity with the small molecule inhibitor, TH5487, and/or APE1/Ref-1 endonuclease activity with APE Repair Inhibitor III would alter the neurotoxic effects of cisplatin in sensory neuronal cultures. Sensory neuron function was assessed by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release, as a marker of sensitivity and by neurite outgrowth. Cisplatin altered neuropeptide release in an inverse U-shaped fashion, with low concentrations enhancing and higher concentrations diminishing CGRP release. Pretreatment with BER inhibitors exacerbated the functional effects of cisplatin and enhanced 8oxo-dG and adduct lesions in the presence of cisplatin. Our studies demonstrate that inhibition of OGG1 and APE1 endonuclease activity enhances oxidative DNA damage and exacerbates neurotoxicity, thus limiting oxidative DNA damage in sensory neurons that might alleviate cisplatin-induced neuropathy.
Why Monoamine Oxidase B Preferably Metabolizes N-Methylhistamine over Histamine: Evidence from the Multiscale Simulation of the Rate-Limiting Step
Authors: Maršavelski Aleksandra , Mavri Janez , Vianello Robert , Stare Jernej
Published: February 2022

Histamine levels in the human brain are controlled by rather peculiar metabolic pathways. In the first step, histamine is enzymatically methylated at its imidazole Nτ atom, and the produced N-methylhistamine undergoes an oxidative deamination catalyzed by monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), as is common with other monoaminergic neurotransmitters and neuromodulators of the central nervous system. The fact that histamine requires such a conversion prior to oxidative deamination is intriguing since MAO-B is known to be relatively promiscuous towards monoaminergic substrates; its in-vitro oxidation of N-methylhistamine is about 10 times faster than that for histamine, yet this rather subtle difference appears to be governing the decomposition pathway. This work clarifies the MAO-B selectivity toward histamine and N-methylhistamine by multiscale simulations of the rate-limiting hydride abstraction step for both compounds in the gas phase, in aqueous solution, and in the enzyme, using the established empirical valence bond methodology, assisted by gas-phase density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The computed barriers are in very good agreement with experimental kinetic data, especially for relative trends among systems, thereby reproducing the observed MAO-B selectivity. Simulations clearly demonstrate that solvation effects govern the reactivity, both in aqueous solution as well as in the enzyme although with an opposing effect on the free energy barrier. In the aqueous solution, the transition-state structure involving histamine is better solvated than its methylated analog, leading to a lower barrier for histamine oxidation. In the enzyme, the higher hydrophobicity of N-methylhistamine results in a decreased number of water molecules at the active side, leading to decreased dielectric shielding of the preorganized catalytic electrostatic environment provided by the enzyme. This renders the catalytic environment more efficient for N-methylhistamine, giving rise to a lower barrier relative to histamine. In addition, the transition state involving N-methylhistamine appears to be stabilized by the surrounding nonpolar residues to a larger extent than with unsubstituted histamine, contributing to a lower barrier with the former.
Enhanced Fear Memories and Altered Brain Glucose Metabolism (18F-FDG-PET) following Subanesthetic Intravenous Ketamine Infusion in Female Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Radford Kennett D. , Berman Rina Y. , Jaiswal Shalini , Kim Sharon Y. , Zhang Michael , Spencer Haley F. , Choi Kwang H.
Published: February 2022

Although women and men are equally likely to receive ketamine following traumatic injury, little is known regarding sex-related differences in the impact of ketamine on traumatic memory. We previously reported that subanesthetic doses of an intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion following fear conditioning impaired fear extinction and altered regional brain glucose metabolism (BGluM) in male rats. Here, we investigated the effects of IV ketamine infusion on fear memory, stress hormone levels, and BGluM in female rats. Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats received a single IV ketamine infusion (0, 2, 10, or 20 mg/kg, over a 2-h period) following auditory fear conditioning (three pairings of tone and footshock). Levels of plasma stress hormones, corticosterone (CORT) and progesterone, were measured after the ketamine infusion. Two days after ketamine infusion, fear memory retrieval, extinction, and renewal were tested over a three-day period. The effects of IV ketamine infusion on BGluM were determined using 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) and computed tomography (CT). The 2 and 10 mg/kg ketamine infusions reduced locomotor activity, while 20 mg/kg infusion produced reduction (first hour) followed by stimulation (second hour) of activity. The 10 and 20 mg/kg ketamine infusions significantly elevated plasma CORT and progesterone levels. All three doses enhanced fear memory retrieval, impaired fear extinction, and enhanced cued fear renewal in female rats. Ketamine infusion produced dose-dependent effects on BGluM in fear- and stress-sensitive brain regions of female rats. The current findings indicate that subanesthetic doses of IV ketamine produce robust effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and brain energy utilization that may contribute to enhanced fear memory observed in female rats.
Results of the pToWin Study: Using the pCONUS Device for the Treatment of Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Aguilar Pérez Marta , Henkes Hans , Kurre Wiebke , Bleise Carlos , Lylyk Pedro Nicolás , Lundquist Javier , Turjman Francis , Alhazmi Hanan , Loehr Christian , Felber Stephan , Deutschmann Hannes , Lowens Stephan , Delehaye Luigi , Möhlenbruch Markus , Hattingen Jörg , Lylyk Pedro
Published: February 2022

Coil embolization has become a well-established option for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Yet, wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) remain a challenge. The pCONUS is the first generation of a stent-like implant for the bridging of WNBAs to enable coiling. The pToWin study was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study conducted to analyze the safety and efficacy of the pCONUS in the treatment of WNBAs. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the rate of adequate occlusion of the aneurysm at 3–6 and 7–12 months. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of major ipsilateral stroke or neurological death during the follow-up. A total of 115 patients were included. Aneurysm locations were the middle cerebral artery in 52 (45.2%), the anterior communicating artery in 35 (30.4%), the basilar artery in 23 (20%), the internal carotid artery terminus in three (2.6%), and the pericallosal artery in two (1.7%) patients. Treatment was successfully performed in all but one patient. The morbi-mortality rate was 1.9% and 2.3% at 3–6 and 7–12 months, respectively. Of the aneurysms, 75.0% and 65.6% showed adequate occlusion at 3–6 and 7–12 months, respectively. pCONUS offers a safe and reasonably effective treatment of WNBAs, demonstrated by acceptable adequate aneurysm occlusion and low rates of adverse neurologic events.
Forced Diuresis with Matched Isotonic Intravenous Hydration Prevents Renal Contrast Media Accumulation
Authors: Ben-Haim Yael , Chorin Ehud , Hochstadt Aviram , Ingbir Merav , Arbel Yaron , Khoury Shafik , Halkin Amir , Finkelstein Ariel , Banai Shmuel , Konigstein Maayan
Published: February 2022

The accumulation of contrast media in the kidneys might lead to contrast-induced acute kidney injury. In this prospective, controlled observational study, we aimed to evaluate whether forced diuresis with matched isotonic intravenous hydration prevents the accumulation of contrast media in the kidneys of patients undergoing cardiac interventional procedures. We compared the intensity of contrast media accumulation as observed in nephrograms following these procedures, with and without peri-procedural controlled renal flushing. The study group consisted of 25 patients with impaired renal function treated with the RenalGuard system. The two control groups included 25 patients with normal kidney function and 8 patients with impaired renal function undergoing similar procedures with routine pre-procedural hydration, but without controlled renal flushing. Renal contrast media accumulation at the end of each procedure was scored by blinded cardiologists. The renal contrast accumulation score (CAS) in the study group was significantly lower, with a median score of 0 (IQR (0–0)) compared with 1.5 (IQR (1–2)) in the normal renal function control group and 1 (IQR (0.38–1.62)) in the impaired renal function control group (p < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). In a multivariate analysis of CAS, RenalGuard treatment was independently associated with lower CAS compared to both control groups. In conclusion, RenalGuard use prevents renal contrast accumulation in patients with impaired renal function undergoing cardiac procedures with intra-arterial contrast media injection.
The Ratio of Hemoglobin to Red Cell Distribution Width: A Strong Predictor of Clinical Outcome in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Rahamim Eldad , Zwas Donna R. , Keren Andre , Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Ibrahimli Mahsati , Amir Offer , Gotsman Israel
Published: February 2022

Background: Hemoglobin (Hb) is a standard and widely available clinical parameter that predicts clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is also a routinely measured clinical parameter that is predictive of clinical outcomes in HF. The ratio between Hb and RDW has yet to be evaluated in HF. Methods: We evaluated the predictive value of the Hb/RDW ratio on clinical outcomes in patients with HF. All patients diagnosed with chronic HF at a health maintenance organization were evaluated for Hb/RDW ratio and followed for cardiac-related hospitalizations and death. Results: The study cohort included 6888 HF patients. The mean Hb/RDW ratio was 0.85 ± 0.18; median was 0.85 (interquartile range 0.72–0.98). Patients with a lower Hb/RDW ratio were more likely to be women and had more comorbidities. The overall two year-mortality rate was 23.2%. Decreasing quantiles of the Hb/RDW ratio were associated with reduced survival rates and reduced event-free survival from death or cardiovascular-hospitalizations. Multivariable Cox regression analysis after adjustment for significant predictors demonstrated that low Hb/RDW ratio was a significant predictor of mortality, with a graded increased risk as Hb/RDW ratio decreased. Lower Hb/RDW ratio was also a significant independent predictor of the combined endpoint of death or cardiovascular hospitalizations. A sensitivity analysis evaluating Hb/RDW ratio as a continuous parameter using restricted cubic splines demonstrated a continuous increase in the mortality risk with decreasing Hb/RDW ratio, p < 0.0001 for the linear model. Conclusions: Hb/RDW ratio is a significant prognostic tool for predicting HF mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations.
Predictors for Prehospital First-Pass Intubation Success in Germany
Authors: Reinert Lukas , Herdtle Steffen , Hohenstein Christian , Behringer Wilhelm , Arrich Jasmin
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Endotracheal intubation in the prehospital setting is an important skill for emergency physicians, paramedics, and other members of the EMS providing airway management. Its success determines complications and patient mortality. The aim of this study was to find predictors for first-pass intubation success in the prehospital emergency setting. (2) The study was based on a retrospective analysis of a population-based registry of prehospital advanced airway management in Germany. Cases of endotracheal intubation by the emergency medical services in the cities of Tübingen and Jena between 2016 and 2019 were included. The outcome of interest was first-pass intubation success. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis were used to analyse the influence of predefined predictors, including the characteristics of patients, the intubating staff, and the clinical situation. (3) Results: A total of 308 patients were analysed. After adjustment for multiple confounders, the direct vocal cord view, a less favourable Cormack–Lehane classification, the general practitioner as medical specialty, and location and type of EMS were independent predictors for first-pass intubation success. (4) Conclusions: In physician-led emergency medical services, the laryngoscopic view, medical specialty, type of EMS, and career level are associated with FPS. The latter points towards the importance of experience and regular training in endotracheal intubation.
The Immune-Centric Revolution in the Diabetic Foot: Monocytes and Lymphocytes Role in Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration—A Narrative Review
Authors: Rehak Laura , Giurato Laura , Meloni Marco , Panunzi Andrea , Manti Giada Maria , Uccioli Luigi
Published: February 2022

Monocytes and lymphocytes play a key role in physiologic wound healing and might be involved in the impaired mechanisms observed in diabetes. Skin wound macrophages are represented by tissue resident macrophages and infiltrating peripheral blood recruited monocytes which play a leading role during the inflammatory phase of wound repair. The impaired transition of diabetic wound macrophages from pro-inflammatory M1 phenotypes to anti-inflammatory pro-regenerative M2 phenotypes might represent a key issue for impaired diabetic wound healing. This review will focus on the role of immune system cells in normal skin and diabetic wound repair. Furthermore, it will give an insight into therapy able to immuno-modulate wound healing processes toward to a regenerative anti-inflammatory fashion. Different approaches, such as cell therapy, exosome, and dermal substitute able to promote the M1 to M2 switch and able to positively influence healing processes in chronic wounds will be discussed.
Self-Reported Pain and Emotional Reactivity in Bipolar Disorder: A Prospective FACE-BD Study
Authors: Risch Nathan , Dubois Jonathan , M’bailara Katia , Cussac Irena , Etain Bruno , Belzeaux Raoul , Dubertret Caroline , Haffen Emmanuel , Schwan Raymund , Samalin Ludovic , Roux Paul , Polosan Mircea , Leboyer Marion , Courtet Philippe , Olié Emilie ,   on behalf of the FondaMental Advanced Centers of Expertise in Bipolar Disorders (FACE-BD) Collaborators
Published: February 2022

In patients with bipolar disorder (BD), pain prevalence is close to 30%. It is important to determine whether pain influences BD course and to identify factors associated with pain in BD in order to guide BD management. This naturalistic, prospective study used data on 880 patients with BD from the French FACE-BD cohort who were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of pain. Multivariate models were used to test whether pain was associated with affective states and personality traits while controlling for confounders. Then, multivariate models were used to test whether pain at baseline predicted global life functioning and depressive symptomatology at one year. At baseline, 22% of patients self-reported pain. The pain was associated with depressive symptomatology, levels of emotional reactivity in a quadratic relationship, and a composite variable of personality traits (affective lability, affective intensity, hostility/anger, and impulsivity). At one year, the pain was predictive of depression and lower global life functioning. Pain worsens mental health and well-being in patients with BD. The role of emotions, depression, and personality traits in pain has to be elucidated to better understand the high prevalence of pain in BD and to promote specific therapeutic strategies for patients experiencing pain.
Guided Bone Regeneration in the Edentulous Atrophic Maxilla Using Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral (DBBM) Combined with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)—A Prospective Study
Authors: Caramês João Manuel Mendez , Vieira Filipe Araújo , Caramês Gonçalo Bártolo , Pinto Ana Catarina , Francisco Helena Cristina Oliveira , Marques Duarte Nuno da Silva
Published: February 2022

Background: Bone regeneration procedures represent a major challenge in oral surgery. This study aimed to evaluate a composite PRF/particulate xenograft in guided bone regeneration. Methods: Edentulous patients with horizontal ridge deficiencies in the anterior maxilla and candidates to an immediate-loading full-arch rehabilitation were included. Horizontal linear measurements indicating bone gain were assessed from computer beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans obtained at pre-surgery, post-surgery, and the 12-month follow-up. Mean bone values were presented as mean ± 95% CI. Non-parametric tests were used as appropriate, and the effect size was calculated with Cohen’s d repeated measures. Results: Eighteen patients were rehabilitated with 72 implants. The mean horizontal bone width was 4.47 [4.13–4.80] mm pre-surgically, 9.25 [8.76–9.75] mm post-surgically, and 7.71 [7.28–8.14] mm 12 months after. Conclusions: PRF associated with a xenograft seems to promote an effective horizontal bone gain. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits of this surgical approach.
Prognosis of Very Elderly Patients after Intensive Care
Authors: Michel Philippe , Fadel Fouad , Ehrmann Stephan , Plantefève Gaëtan , Gelée Bruno
Published: February 2022

Elderly patients (over age 85) are increasingly treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU), despite doctors’ reluctance to accept these frail patients. There are only few studies describing the relevance of treatments for this group of patients in ICU. One of these studies defined an age of 85 or over as the essential admittance criterion. Exclusion criteriwere low autonomy before admittance or an inability to answer the phone. Epidemiological data, history, lifestyle, and autonomy (ADL score of six items) were recorded during admission to the ICU and by phone interviews six months later. Eight French ICUs included 239 patients aged over 85. The most common diagnostics were non-cardiogenic lung disease (36%), severe sepsis/septic shock (29%), and acute pulmonary oedem (28%). Twenty-three percent of patients were dependent at the time of their admission. Seventy-one percent of patients were still alive when released from ICU, and 52% were still alive after 6 months. Among the patients which were non-dependent before hospitalization, 17% became dependent. The only prognostic criterifound were the SAPS II score on admission and the place of residence before admission (nursing home or family environment had poor prognosis). Although the prognosis of these elderly patients was good after hospitalization in ICU, it should be noted that the population was carefully selected as having few comorbidities or dependence. No triage critericould be suggested.
Patterns of Long COVID Symptoms: A Multi-Center Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Yelin Dana , Margalit Ili , Nehme Mayssam , Bordas-Martínez Jaume , Pistelli Francesco , Yahav Dafna , Guessous Idris , Durà-Miralles Xavier , Carrozzi Laura , Shapira-Lichter Irit , Vetter Pauline , Peleato-Catalan Dolores , Tiseo Giusy , Wirtheim Eytan , Kaiser Laurent , Gudiol Carlota , Falcone Marco , Leibovici Leonard ,   on behalf of the LongCOV Research Group
Published: February 2022

Background: Long COVID has become a burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Research into the etiology and risk factors has been impeded by observing all diverse manifestations as part of a single entity. We aimed to determine patterns of symptoms in convalescing COVID-19 patients. Methods: Symptomatic patients were recruited from four countries. Data were collected regarding demographics, comorbidities, acute disease and persistent symptoms. Factor analysis was performed to elucidate symptom patterns. Associations of the patterns with patients’ characteristics, features of acute disease and effect on daily life were sought. Results: We included 1027 symptomatic post-COVID individuals in the analysis. The majority of participants were graded as having a non-severe acute COVID-19 (N = 763, 74.3%). We identified six patterns of symptoms: cognitive, pain-syndrome, pulmonary, cardiac, anosmia-dysgeusia and headache. The cognitive pattern was the major symptoms pattern, explaining 26.2% of the variance; the other patterns each explained 6.5–9.5% of the variance. The cognitive pattern was higher in patients who were outpatients during the acute disease. The pain-syndrome pattern was associated with acute disease severity, higher in women and increased with age. The pulmonary pattern was associated with prior lung disease and severe acute disease. Only two of the patterns (cognitive and cardiac) were associated with failure to return to pre-COVID occupational and physical activity status. Conclusion: Long COVID diverse symptoms can be grouped into six unique patterns. Using these patterns in future research may improve our understanding of pathophysiology and risk factors of persistent COVID, provide homogenous terminology for clinical research, and direct therapeutic interventions.
Genetic and Molecular Determinants of Lymphatic Malformations: Potential Targets for Therapy
Authors: Lee Su Yeon , Loll Emma Grace , Hassan Abd-Elrahman Said , Cheng Mingyu , Wang Aijun , Farmer Diana Lee
Published: February 2022

Lymphatic malformations are fluid-filled congenital defects of lymphatic channels occurring in 1 in 6000 to 16,000 patients. There are various types, and they often exist in conjunction with other congenital anomalies and vascular malformations. Great strides have been made in understanding these malformations in recent years. This review summarize known molecular and embryological precursors for lymphangiogenesis. Gene mutations and dysregulations implicated in pathogenesis of lymphatic malformations are discussed. Finally, we touch on current and developing therapies with special attention on targeted biotherapeutics.
Noise of Internal Solitary Waves Measured by Mooring-Mounted Hydrophone Array in the South China Sea
Authors: Li Jiemeihui , Shi Yang , Yang Yixin , Huang Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

Internal solitary waves in the South China Sea have attracted attention because of their large amplitude and high rate of occurrence. Internal solitary waves have a substantial influence on underwater sound propagation and ambient noise. However, there have seldom been reports on the noise they cause. In this paper, we conducted an internal solitary waves cooperative observation experiment in the South China Sea in 2016. We analyzed the temperature, flow velocity and noise changes induced by internal solitary waves. The power spectra of noise generated by internal solitary waves at frequencies below 100 Hz was almost 20 dB higher than ambient noise. The observed low-frequency noise had uniform harmonics. Combined with the changes of flow velocity, we interpreted the low frequency noise as flow noise induced by vortex-induced vibration of internal solitary waves flowing past the cable mooring system. The noise spectra were related to the position of the cable where the hydrophone was mounted. The closer they were to the middle of the cable, the greater the vibration amplitude, and the stronger the noise. This study provided a passive acoustic monitoring and warning method for high marine currents.
Site Selection of Offshore Solar Farm Deployment in the Aegean Sea, Greece
Authors: Vagiona Dimitra G. , Tzekakis George , Loukogeorgaki Eva , Karanikolas Nikolaos
Published: February 2022

Offshore solar energy presents a new opportunity for low-carbon energy transition. In this research, we identify and rank suitable Offshore Solar Farm (OSF) sites in the Aegean Sea, Greece, considering various constraints and assessment criteria. The methodology includes two distinct phases. In the first phase, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to spatially depict both incompatible and compatible marine areas for OSF deployment, while in the second phase, two models based on different combinations of multi-criteria decision-making methods are deployed to hierarchically rank the eligible areas for OSF deployment. The first model (Objective Model—OM) attributes weights to assessment criteria using an entropy-based weight method, while the second model (Subjective Model—SM) utilizes the pairwise comparison of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Both models use TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) to prioritize the suitable OSF sites. The results indicate the existence of nine suitable OSF marine areas in the Greek marine environment (total surface area of 17.25 km2) and a different ranking of these sites depending upon the deployed model (OM or SM). The present approach provides useful guidelines for OSF site selection in Greece as well as in other countries.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Soil Impermeability and Its Impact on the Hydrology of An Urban Basin
Authors: Oñate-Valdivieso Fernando , Oñate-Paladines Arianna , Collaguazo Milton
Published: February 2022

The presence of impervious surfaces in catchments interferes with the natural process of infiltration, which has a marked influence on the hydrological cycle, affecting the base flow in rivers and increasing the surface runoff and the magnitude of flood flows. Like many Latin American cities, Loja (located in southern Ecuador) has experienced significant rates of urban growth in recent years, increasing the impervious surfaces in the catchment where it belongs. The aim of this study is to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of imperviousness in the study area for the period 1989–2020, using the Normalized Difference Impervious Surface Index (NDISI) and the supervised classification of Landsat images. The effect on flood flows was studied for each timestep using HEC-HMS hydrological model. Additionally, a future scenario of impervious surfaces was generated considering the observed spatiotemporal variability, possible explanatory variables, and logistic regression models. Between 1989 and 2020, there was an increase of 144.12% in impervious surfaces, which corresponds to the population growth of 282.56% that occurred in the same period. The period between 2001 and 2013 was the one that presented the most significant increase (1.06 km2/year). A direct relationship between the increase in impervious surfaces and the increase in flood flows was observed, reaching a significant variation towards the horizon year that could affect the population, for which measures to manage the surface runoff is necessary.
The Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist for Nursing Homes: Validation among Different Spanish Territories
Authors: Velasco Cristina , López Javier , Pérez-Rojo Gema , Noriega Cristina , Martínez-Huertas José Ángel
Published: February 2022

Memory and behavioral difficulties among older people living in nursing homes can cause burden and other consequences in professional caregivers. There is a lack of instruments that evaluate these behaviors and their influence in formal caregivers. The aim of this study is to develop and psychometrically test—the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist for Nursing Homes (RMBPC-NH). A cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample was made up of 312 formal caregivers working in nursing homes from different territories in Spain, 87.5% were women and 12.5% were men. The average age of participants was 39 years (SD = 12.2). The sample was recruited from January 2019 to March 2020. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included sociodemographic information, and assessed quality of technical equipment, level of training, experience of working with older people, job satisfaction, professional quality of life, burnout, and conception of negative stereotypes held towards aging. The four-factor structure of the RMBPC-NH showed a good fit, namely in relation to memory, functional, and emotional factors, and other problems. It has shown adequate psychometric properties, internal consistency, and validity (correlations with professional quality of life, job satisfaction, burnout, and negative stereotypes). The RMBPC-NH is a useful instrument to evaluate the frequency of older people’s memory and behavior problems and professional caregivers’ burden. The practical application in nursing homes is discussed.
Impact of Land Use Changes on the Diversity and Conservation Status of the Vegetation of Mountain Grasslands (Polish Carpathians)
Authors: Zarzycki Jan , Korzeniak Joanna , Perzanowska Joanna
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, in the Polish Carpathians, agriculture has undergone major changes. Our goal was to investigate whether the former management (plowing or mowing and grazing) had an impact on the current species composition, diversity and conservation status of the vegetation of grazing areas. We carried out vegetation studies on 45 grazing sites with traditional methods of grazing (transhumant pastoralism). The survey covered both old (continuous) grasslands and grasslands on former arable land. The most widespread were Cynosurion pastures and mesic Arrhenatherion grasslands. Wet Calthion meadows occurred at more than a half of grazing sites, while nutrient-poor Nardetalia grasslands were only recorded at several grazing sites. For each grazing site, we used soil maps from the 1960s to read land use in the past. We mapped present grassland and arable land area. Compared with the 1960s, there was a significant decrease in the area of arable land and an increase in grasslands. Species diversity was greater in grazing sites where grasslands developed on former arable land. However, this diversity was associated mainly with the occurrence of common grassland species. Cynosurion pastures and wet Calthion meadows had the best conservation status, while nutrient-poor Nardetalia grasslands were the worst preserved. We concluded that the conservation status of mesic grasslands and pastures is dependent on the present diversity of land use within a grazing site, rather than the land use history 60 years ago. This is the first study of the natural, not economic, value of pasture vegetation in the Polish part of the Carpathians.
Tackling Food and Nutrition Insecurity among Rural Inhabitants: Role of Household-Level Strategies with a Focus on Value Addition, Diversification and Female Participation
Authors: Haq Shamsheer Ul , Shahbaz Pomi , Abbas Azhar , Batool Zahira , Alotaibi Bader Alhafi , Traore Abou
Published: February 2022

Ensuring food and nutrition security (FNS) is a formidable challenge under increasing population pressure. Governments around the globe have been striving to achieve this goal, but a major impact is attainable once the masses opt for measures at the household level. We conducted this study to explore household-level practices aimed at ensuring FNS and their association with FNS in rural Pakistan. Using cluster analysis, we divided a sample of 200 randomly selected rural households into high and low FNS groups, the majority of which belonged to the low FNS group. Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between household-level measures with the FNS of rural households. The households in the high FNS group adopted a greater number of measures for ensuring FNS. Households headed jointly by a male and female showed to have a higher likelihood of FNS. Similarly, households adopting diversification strategies on their farms were more likely to have high FNS. Moreover, households with working women exhibited a greater probability of experiencing high FNS. Similarly, households’ adoption of value addition in dairy products decreases the probability of food and nutrition insecurity. This study concludes with an emphasis on women’s empowerment, off-farm income diversification, and on-farm enterprise diversification to address FNS challenges.