bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUCNR1 Mediates the Priming Step of the Inflammasome in Intestinal Epithelial Cells: Relevance in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Bauset Cristina , Lis-Lopez Lluis , Coll Sandra , Gisbert-Ferrándiz Laura , Macias-Ceja Dulce C. , Seco-Cervera Marta , Navarro Francisco , Esplugues Juan V. , Calatayud Sara , Ortiz-Masia Dolores , Barrachina Maria D. , Cosín-Roger Jesús
Published: February 2022

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) constitute a defensive physical barrier in mucosal tissues and their disruption is involved in the etiopathogenesis of several inflammatory pathologies, such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Recently, the succinate receptor SUCNR1 was associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways in several cell types, but little is known about its role in IECs. We aimed to analyze the role of SUCNR1 in the inflammasome priming and its relevance in UC. Inflammatory and inflammasome markers and SUCNR1 were analyzed in HT29 cells treated with succinate and/or an inflammatory cocktail and transfected with SUCNR1 siRNA in a murine DSS model, and in intestinal resections from 15 UC and non-IBD patients. Results showed that this receptor mediated the inflammasome, priming both in vitro in HT29 cells and in vivo in a murine chronic DSS-colitis model. Moreover, SUNCR1 was also found to be involved in the activation of the inflammatory pathways NFкB and ERK pathways, even in basal conditions, since the transient knock-down of this receptor significantly reduced the constitutive levels of pERK-1/2 and pNFкB and impaired LPS-induced inflammation. Finally, UC patients showed a significant increase in the expression of SUCNR1 and several inflammasome components which correlated positively and significantly. Therefore, our results demonstrated a role for SUCNR1 in basal and stimulated inflammatory pathways in intestinal epithelial cells and suggested a pivotal role for this receptor in inflammasome activation in UC.
Quantitative Metabolomics of Tissue, Perfusate, and Bile from Rat Livers Subjected to Normothermic Machine Perfusion
Authors: Lonati Caterina , Dondossola Daniele , Zizmare Laimdota , Battistin Michele , Wüst Leonie , Vivona Luigi , Carbonaro Margherita , Zanella Alberto , Gatti Stefano , Schlegel Andrea , Trautwein Christoph
Published: February 2022

Machine perfusion (MP) allows the maintenance of liver cells in a metabolically active state ex vivo and can potentially revert metabolic perturbations caused by donor warm ischemia, procurement, and static cold storage (SCS). The present preclinical research investigated the metabolic outcome of the MP procedure by analyzing rat liver tissue, bile, and perfusate samples by means of high-field (600 MHz) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. An established rat model of normothermic MP (NMP) was used. Experiments were carried out with the addition of an oxygen carrier (OxC) to the perfusion fluid (OxC-NMP, n = 5) or without (h-NMP, n = 5). Bile and perfusate samples were collected throughout the procedure, while biopsies were only taken at the end of NMP. Two additional groups were: (1) Native, in which tissue or bile specimens were collected from rats in resting conditions; and (2) SCS, in which biopsies were taken from cold-stored livers. Generally, NMP groups showed a distinctive metabolomic signature in all the analyzed biological matrices. In particular, many of the differentially expressed metabolites were involved in mitochondrial biochemical pathways. Succinate, acetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, creatine, and O-phosphocholine were deeply modulated in ex vivo perfused livers compared to both the Native and SCS groups. These novel results demonstrate a broad modulation of mitochondrial metabolism during NMP that exceeds energy production and redox balance maintenance.
Assessment of Repetitive and Compulsive Behaviors Induced by Pramipexole in Rats: Effect of Alpha-Synuclein-Induced Nigrostriatal Degeneration
Authors: Decourt Mélina , Balado Eric , Jiménez-Urbieta Haritz , Francheteau Maureen , Fernagut Pierre-Olivier , Benoit-Marand Marianne
Published: February 2022

Treatment with dopamine agonists in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with debilitating neuropsychiatric side-effects characterized by impulsive and compulsive behaviors. The vulnerability to develop such impairments is thought to involve interactions between individual vulnerability traits, types of antiparkinsonian medications, and the neurodegenerative process. We investigated the effect of the dopamine D3/D2 agonist pramipexole (PPX) and selective nigrostriatal degeneration achieved by viral-mediated expression of alpha-synuclein on the expression of repetitive and compulsive-like behaviors in rats. In a task assessing spontaneous food hoarding behavior, PPX increased the time spent interacting with food pellets at the expense of hoarding. This disruption of hoarding behavior was identical in sham and lesioned rats. In an operant post-training signal attenuation task, the combination of nigrostriatal lesion and PPX decreased the number of completed trials and increased the number of uncompleted trials. The lesion led to an increased compulsive behavior after signal attenuation, and PPX shifted the overall behavioral output towards an increased proportion of compulsive lever-presses. Given the magnitude of the behavioral effects and the lack of strong interaction between PPX and nigral degeneration, these results suggest that extra-nigral pathology may be critical to increase the vulnerability to develop compulsive behaviors following treatment with D3/D2 agonists.
Gastric Cancer: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Choi Sangjoon , Park Sujin , Kim Hyunjin , Kang So Young , Ahn Soomin , Kim Kyoung-Mee
Published: February 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common deadly malignancies worldwide. Recently, several targeted therapeutics for treating unresectable or metastatic GC have been developed. Comprehensive characterization of the molecular profile and of the tumor immune microenvironment of GC has allowed researchers to explore promising biomarkers for GC treatment and has enabled a new paradigm in precision-targeted immunotherapy. In this article, we review established and promising new biomarkers relevant in GC, with a focus on their clinical implications, diagnostic methods, and the efficacy of targeted agents.
Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus: Association of Neurovascular Lesions with Degree of Fracture Displacement in Children—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tomaszewski Ryszard , Pethe Karol , Kler Jacek , Rutz Erich , Mayr Johannes , Dajka Jerzy
Published: February 2022

Supracondylar humerus fractures (ScHF) account for 60% of fractures of the elbow region in children. We assessed the relationship between neurovascular complications and the degree of fracture displacement as rated on the basis of modified Gartland classification. Moreover, we aimed to evaluate predisposing factors, e.g., age and gender, and outcomes of neurovascular complications in ScHF. Between 2004 and 2019, we treated 329 patients with ScHF at the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the Upper Silesian Child Centre, Katowice, Poland. Mean age of patients (189 boys and 140 girls) was 7.2 years (Confidence interval: 6.89, 7.45). Undisplaced fractures were treated conservatively with a cast. Displaced fractures were managed by closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation using two pins inserted laterally. We retrospectively assessed the number of neurovascular lesions at baseline and recorded any iatrogenic injury resulting from the surgical intervention. Acute neurovascular lesions occurred in 44 of 329 ScHF patients (13.4%). The incidence of accompanying neurovascular injuries was positively associated with the severity of fracture displacement characterized by Gartland score. Vascular injuries occurred mainly in Gartland type IV ScHF, while nerve lesions occurred in both Gartland type III and IV ScHF. We noted a significantly higher mean Gartland score and mean age at injury in the group of children suffering from neurovascular injuries when compared to those in the group without such injuries (p = 0.045 and p = 0.04, respectively). We observed no secondary nerve lesions after surgical treatment. For the treatment of ScHF in children, we recommend closed reduction and stabilization of displaced fractures with K-wires inserted percutaneously from the lateral aspect of the upper arm. We advocate vessel exploration in case of absent distal pulses after closed reduction but do not consider primary nerve exploration necessary, unless a complete primary sensomotoric nerve lesion is present.
Interfacial Biomaterial–Dentin Bacterial Biofilm Proliferation and Viability Is Affected by the Material, Aging Media and Period
Authors: Marashdeh Muna , Lévesque Celine , Friedman Shimon , Stewart Cameron , Finer Yoav
Published: February 2022

Biomaterial–dentin interfaces undergo degradation over time, allowing salivary, tissue fluid, and bacterial movement between the root filling or restoration and dentin. This study aims to investigate the effect of aging in simulated human salivary/bacterial/blood esterases (SHSE) on proliferation and viability of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm within the dentin interface with four materials used to fill/restore the endodontic space. Root canals of human anterior teeth were prepared and filled with gutta-percha and one of the following: self-cured resin composite (BisfilTM 2B, Bisco, Schaumburg, IL, USA) with either self-etch (SE) (EasyBond) or total-etch (TE) (ScotchbondTM, 3M, Saint Paul, MN, USA) methacrylate-based adhesives, epoxy-resin sealer (AH Plus®, Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA), or bioceramic sealer (EndoSequence® BC Sealer™, Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA). Specimens were aged in SHSE or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for up to 360 days, followed by cultivation of steady-state E. faecalis biofilm. Depth and viability of interfacial bacterial biofilm proliferation were assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and live/dead staining. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc analyses. Initial depths of biofilm proliferation were similar among material groups (p > 0.05). All groups showed significantly deeper biofilm proliferation with increased aging period (p < 0.05). SHSE aging increased interfacial biofilm depth for TE, SE and BC (p < 0.05) but not AH. For unaged interfaces, BC exhibited the lowest ratio of live bacteria, followed by AH, TE, and SE (p < 0.05). Interfacial bacterial biofilm proliferation and viability were dependent on the biomaterial, aging media, and period.
Cross-Cultural Review of Sexuality, Relationships, and Body Image after Burns: Analysis of the BSHS-B
Authors: Puthumana Joseph S. , Ross Emily S. , Keller Patrick R. , Drogt Carolyn S. , Khoo Kimberly H. , Duraes Eliana F. , Hultman Charles S. , Lerman Sheera F.
Published: February 2022

Burn survivors are at risk for dissatisfaction with body image, relationships, and sexuality due to disfiguring changes secondary to the injury. This review compares available global data on BSHS-B psychosocial scores. Twenty-four studies were included in the final analysis encompassing 14 countries; significant differences were found in scores across all BSHS-B psychological sub-sections of affect, body image, interpersonal relationships, and sexuality. On the whole, psychological well-being after burn injury was lower in Asian and South Asian countries compared to Europe or the United States. This study provides information for providers in burn centers caring for patients from a variety of cultural contexts and begins to steer initiatives to remedy psychological inequities in global burn care.
Transaction Network Structural Shift under Crisis: Macro and Micro Perspectives
Authors: Alamsyah Andry , Ramadhani Dian Puteri , Kristanti Farida Titik , Khairunnisa Khairunnisa
Published: February 2022

In 2008, the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy, accumulated from the global financial crisis, proved a unique role of the highly interconnected financial entities. Shocks in a bank might trigger loss, induce spillovers, provoke a contagion shock spreading to other entities, trigger the whole banking system to collapse, and ultimately unsettle the worldwide economy. Therefore, evaluating financial stability through a system-wide network approach provides more adequate knowledge than evaluating a bank as an individual. In this approach, individual banks and their transaction activities are modeled into a transaction network, forming a network topology. Financial shocks are generally detected through various macro procedures, such as outstanding external debt and uncontrolled transaction deficits. This study proposes financial shock detection from a macro and micro perspective by exploring the effect of disruption on transaction network structure. We investigate the most changing triadic motif as a crisis predictor from a micro perspective due to the crisis period. The case study is the transaction network structural shift under the 2008 crisis in Indonesia, where the observations were performed from the pre-crisis to the post-crisis period. We discovered a motif with the significant changes as the underlying financial crisis predictor. This scenario provides support for the financial system’s stability control.
“Growing as a Stronger Clinician in Adverse Conditions”—A Snapshot of Clinical Training during COVID-19
Authors: Singaram Veena S. , Sofika Dumisa A. N.
Published: February 2022

Transformative learning theory has been recommended as a pedagogy of uncertainty for accommodating new beliefs that enable humans to thrive amid the challenges and complexity of our world. As higher education institutions embrace new roles and responsibilities, few studies have focused on how the disruptions caused by COVID-19 may facilitate formative learning experiences. This study explored how registrars responded to the challenges facing clinical training during the first wave of COVID-19, and how the impact of these disruptions prompted personal and professional development. Registrars completed an online qualitative SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of their training experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were thematically analysed. Four hundred and five responses were received from 54 registrars. Themes related to challenges included mental distress, resource constraints, and compromised and inadequate training. Themes related to strengths and opportunities included new learning experiences, resilience, coping strategies, and enhanced graduate competencies related to leadership, collaboration, communication, and health advocacy. The disruptive and disorienting elements of COVID-19, although situated in chaos, aggravating the constraints of training in under-resourced settings, also provided unexpected learning opportunities. These findings highlight the transformative potential of disrupted learning contexts and the need for responsive curricular to enhance graduate competencies, adaptability, and resilience.
Unique Problems Require Unique Solutions—Models and Problems of Linking School Effectiveness and School Improvement
Authors: Feldhoff Tobias , Emmerich Marcus , Radisch Falk , Wurster Sebastian , Bischof Linda Marie
Published: February 2022

The article aims to outline the proposals for linking school effectiveness research and school improvement that are currently relevant in international discussion and to ask how they deal with the ‘technology deficit’ at the level of model improvement. We will first show the difference between school improvement and school effectiveness. Then, we outline areas showing basic problems associated with linking school effectiveness and school improvement. After that, we present a summary of two relevant models for linking school effectiveness research and school improvement—Comprehensive Framework of Effective School Improvement and Dynamic Model of Educational Effectiveness—and subject them to critical analysis. The result of the critical analysis is that the question arises whether a link between the two traditions leads to a complementation of their respective problems of observation rather than to a compensation of them. This, in particular, concerns the problem of causality, which gives rise to theoretical and methodological considerations in both fields of research.
Versatile Field-Programmable Analog Array Realizations of Power-Law Filters
Authors: Kapoulea Stavroula , Psychalinos Costas , Elwakil Ahmed S.
Published: February 2022

A structure suitable for implementing power-law low-pass and high-pass filter transfer functions is presented in this work. Through the utilization of a field-programmable analog array device, full programmability of the characteristics of the intermediate stages, as is required for realizing the rational integer-order transfer function that approximates the corresponding power-law function, was achieved, making the structure versatile. In addition, a comparison between power-law and fractional-order filters regarding the effect of the non-integer order was performed. The presented design examples are fully supported by experimental results.
BiGRU-CNN Neural Network Applied to Electric Energy Theft Detection
Authors: Duarte Soares Lucas , de Souza Queiroz Altamira , López Gloria P. , Carreño-Franco Edgar M. , López-Lezama Jesús M. , Muñoz-Galeano Nicolás
Published: February 2022

This paper presents an assessment of the potential behind the BiGRU-CNN artificial neural network to be used as an electric power theft detection tool. The network is based on different architecture layers of the bidirectional gated recurrent unit and convolutional neural network. The use of such a tool with this classification model can help energy sector companies to make decisions regarding theft detection. The BiGRU-CNN artificial neural network singles out consumer units suspected of fraud for later manual inspections. The proposed artificial neural network was programmed in python, using the keras package. The best detection model was that of the BiGRU-CNN artificial neural network when compared to multilayer perceptron, recurrent neural network, gated recurrent unit, and long short-term memory networks. Several tests were carried out using data of an actual electricity supplier, showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The metric values assigned to their classifications were 0.929 for accuracy, 0.885 for precision, 0.801 for recall, 0.841 for F1-Score, and 0.966 for area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.
A Multiview Recognition Method of Predefined Objects for Robot Assembly Using Deep Learning and Its Implementation on an FPGA
Authors: Lomas-Barrie Victor , Silva-Flores Ricardo , Neme Antonio , Pena-Cabrera Mario
Published: February 2022

The process of recognizing manufacturing parts in real time requires fast, accurate, small, and low-power-consumption sensors. Here, we describe a method to extract descriptors from several objects observed from a wide range of angles in a three-dimensional space. These descriptors define the dataset, which allows for the training and further validation of a convolutional neural network. The classification is implemented in reconfigurable hardware in an embedded system with an RGB sensor and the processing unit. The system achieved an accuracy of 96.67% and a speed 2.25× faster than the results reported for state-of-the-art solutions. Our proposal is 655 times faster than implementation on a PC. The presented embedded system meets the criteria of real-time video processing and it is suitable as an enhancement for the hand of a robotic arm in an intelligent manufacturing cell.
A Broad Dual-Band Bandpass Filter Design Based on Double-Layered Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Liu Lingyun , Liu Yun , Jin Xiaohua , Li Zhuo , Tian Yubo
Published: February 2022

In this work, a broad dual-band bandpass filter is designed by applying double-layered spoof surface plasmon polaritons (DLSSPPs) as the main transmission line (MTL) and loading combined-stub dual-mode resonators (CSDMRs) onto the MTL with certain spaces. Each CSDMR consists of an open stub and a short stub that are connected in parallel. Efficient mode conversion between the quasi-transverse electromagnetic waves in the microstrip line and the spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) on the double-layered surface plasmon waveguide is realized using gradient double-layered metal gratings and via the sector structure impedance matching technique. A parametric study of the CSDMR demonstrates that center frequencies and bandwidths can be controlled by varying the stub lengths and widths of the CSDMRs. A second-order dual-band filter is designed and fabricated, and simulated and experimental S-parameters agree well. A lower loss of the passband is achieved compared with the filters that apply single-layered SSPPs. The space between two CSDMRs is shortened because of the slow-wave effect of the DLSSPPs. The lowpass performance of the DLSSPPs exhibits good rejection from the cutoff frequency above.
Sensitivity Characterization of Multi-Band THz Metamaterial Sensor for Possible Virus Detection
Authors: Kovačević Anja , Potrebić Milka , Tošić Dejan
Published: February 2022

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown that there is a substantial need for high-precision reliable diagnostic tests able to detect extremely low virus concentrations nearly instantaneously. Since conventional methods are fairly limited, there is a need for an alternative method such as THz spectroscopy with the utilization of THz metamaterials. This paper proposes a method for sensitivity characterization, which is demonstrated on two chosen multi-band THz metamaterial sensors and samples of three different subtypes of the influenza A virus. Sensor models have been simulated in WIPL-D software in order to analyze their sensitivity both graphically and numerically around all resonant peaks in the presence of virus samples. The sensor with a sandwiched structure is shown to be more suitable for detecting extremely thin virus layers. The distribution of the electric field for this sensor suggests a possibility of controlling the two resonant modes independently. The sensor with cross-shaped patches achieves significantly better Q-factors and refractive sensitivities for both resonant peaks. The reasoning can be found in the wave–sample interaction enhancement due to the better electromagnetic field confinement. A high Q-factor of around 400 at the second resonant frequency makes the sensor with cross-shaped patches a promising candidate for potential applications in THz sensing.
Radiation Pattern Synthesis of the Coupled almost Periodic Antenna Arrays Using an Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Bilel Hamdi , Taoufik Aguili
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes radiation pattern synthesis of almost periodic antenna arrays including mutual coupling effects (extracted by Floquet analysis according to our previous work), which in principal has high directivity and a large bandwidth. For modeling the given structures, the moment method combined with the generalized equivalent circuit (MoM-GEC) is proposed. The artificial neural network (ANN), as a powerful computational model, has been successfully applied to antenna array pattern synthesis. Our results showed that multilayer feedforward neural networks are rugged and can successfully and efficiently resolve various distinctive, complex almost periodic antenna patterns (with different source amplitudes) (in particular, both periodic and randomly aperiodic structures are taken into account). An ANN is capable of quickly producing the synthesis results using generalization with the early stopping (ES) method. Significant advantages in speed and memory consumption are achieved by using this method to improve the generalization (called early stopping). To justify this work, several examples are shown and discussed.
Enhancement of Glucosinolate Formation in Broccoli Sprouts by Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment
Authors: Vanegas Torres Adriana , Tish Nimrod , Rodov Victor
Published: February 2022

Broccoli sprouts are known as a rich source of health-beneficial phytonutrients: glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. The production of phytonutrients can be stimulated by elicitors that activate the plant stress response. The aim of this study was enhancing the nutritional value of broccoli sprouts using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an elicitor. Daily spraying with H2O2 (500–1000 mM) enhanced the accumulation of glucosinolates, doubling their content in the cotyledons of 16/8 h photoperiod-grown 7-day sprouts compared to the water-treated controls. The application of H2O2 on dark-grown sprouts showed a smaller extent of glucosinolate stimulation than with light exposure. The treatment affected sprout morphology without reducing their yield. The H2O2-treated sprouts had shorter hypocotyls and roots, negative root tropism and enhanced root branching. The activated glucosinolate production became evident 24 h after the first H2O2 application and continued steadily until harvest. Applying the same treatment to greenhouse-grown wild rocket plants caused scattered leaf bleaching, a certain increase in glucosinolates but decline in phenolics content. The H2O2 treatment of broccoli sprouts caused a 3.5-fold upregulation of APK1, a gene related to sulfur mobilization for glucosinolate synthesis. Comparing the APK1 expression with the competing gene GSH1 using sulfur for antioxidant glutathione production indicated that glutathione synthesis prevailed in the sprouts over the formation of glucosinolates.
Comprehensive Study of Traditional Plant Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) Grown in Croatia in Terms of Nutritional and Bioactive Composition
Authors: Šeremet Danijela , Jokić Stela , Aladić Krunoslav , Butorac Ana , Lovrić Marija , Tušek Ana Jurinjak , Obranović Marko , Mandura Jarić Ana , Vojvodić Cebin Aleksandra , Carović-Stanko Klaudija , Komes Draženka
Published: February 2022

In the present study, ground ivy was harvested from different natural habitats in Croatia and subjected to screening analysis for nutritional and bioactive composition. To achieve maximum recovery of phenolic compounds, different extraction techniques were investigated—heat-assisted (HAE), microwave-assisted (MAE) and subcritical water (SWE) extraction. Prepared extracts were analysed by spectrophotometric methods, LC-MS/MS and HPLC-PAD methodologies. Results regarding nutritive analyses, conducted using standard AOAC methods, showed the abundance of samples in terms of insoluble dietary fibre, protein, calcium and potassium, while rutin, chlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic, caffeic and rosmarinic acid were the most dominant phenolic compounds. In addition, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of apigenin and luteolin in glycosylated form. Maximum recovery of target phenolic compounds was achieved with MAE, while SWE led to the formation of new antioxidants, which is commonly known as neoformation. Moreover, efficient prediction of phenolic composition of prepared extracts was achieved using NIR spectroscopy combined with ANN modelling.
Improvement of the Thermal Insulation Performance of Silica Aerogel by Proper Heat Treatment: Microporous Structures Changes and Pyrolysis Mechanism
Authors: Lun Zhiyi , Gong Lunlun , Zhang Zhongxin , Deng Yurui , Zhou Yong , Pan Yuelei , Cheng Xudong
Published: February 2022

A simple heat treatment method was used to optimize the three-dimensional network structure of the hydrophobic aerogel, and during the heat treatment process at 200–1000 °C, the thermal conductivity of the aerogel reached the lowest to 0.02240 W/m·K between 250 °C and 300 °C, which was mainly due to the optimization of microstructure and pyrolysis of surface groups. Further Fluent heat-transfer simulation also confirmed the above results. Synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry (SVUV-PIMS) was used to finely measure the pyrolysis process of aerogels, and the pyrolysis process of aerogel was divided into four stages. (I) Until 419 °C, as the temperature continued to rise, surface methyl groups were oxidized to form hydroxyl. (II) As the temperature reached to 232 °C, the oxidation proceeded. In addition, inside the aerogel, because of lacking oxygen, the reaction produced CH4 and C–Si bonds would form. (III) After 283 °C, Si–OH groups began to condense to form Si–O–Si, which optimized the three-dimensional network structures to be beneficial to improve the thermal insulation performance of silica aerogel. (IV) When it reached 547 °C, the chemical reaction was terminated, and all the primary particles gradually fused into secondary particles and sintered to form clusters.
Relation between Morphology and Porous Structure of SAPO-11 Molecular Sieves and Chemical and Phase Composition of Silicoaluminophosphate Gels
Authors: Agliullin Marat R. , Yakovenko Roman E. , Kolyagin Yury G. , Serebrennikov Dmitry V. , Vildanov Farkhad S. , Prosochkina Tatyana R. , Kutepov Boris I.
Published: February 2022

The formation of silicoaluminophosphate gels using boehmite, Al isopropoxide, and di-n-propylamine as a template of silicoaluminophosphate gels as well as their subsequent crystallization into SAPO-11 molecular sieves was studied in detail using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption methods. The effect of the chemical and phase composition of silicoaluminophosphate gels on the physicochemical properties of SAPO-11 molecular sieves was shown. The secondary structural units that the AEL lattice is composed of were found to be formed at the initial stage of preparation involving aluminum isopropoxide. Several approaches to control their morphology and secondary porous structure are also proposed.
Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Poor Self-Perceived Oral Health in Korean Adults
Authors: Shim Hana , Koo Jungwan , Ahn Joonho
Published: February 2022

Background and objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and oral health problems have been reported as specific disease units; however, this study was conducted to evaluate the association between RA and comprehensive oral health status. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between RA and oral health using self-perceived oral health (SPOH) variables that can determine the oral health status in Korean adults using representative national data. Methods: Data from 40,186 selected participants were collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2007 and 2018. The prevalence relative risk (PRR) was estimated using Poisson regression analysis to obtain the risk ratio of the SPOH according to RA. Results: The risk of SPOH depending on the RA status was statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] = 1.108, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005–1.222). In addition, the risk of SPOH depending on the RA status was higher in the group with diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 1.205, 95% CI 0.966–1.503) than in the group without DM (OR = 1.088, 95% CI 0.976–1.214). Conclusions: In this study, a significant association was identified between RA and SPOH. Oral health experts should identify the factors affecting the oral health of patients with RA and provide correct oral health care; however, additional research is needed.
Exploring the Strategy Goals and Strategy Drivers of National Mapping, Cadastral, and Land Registry Authorities
Authors: Hämäläinen Erik , Krigsholm Pauliina
Published: February 2022

In many western countries, publicly led mapping activities and recording information of land parcels and buildings and the related rights, restrictions, and responsibilities have established their roles as important pillars of a functioning society. National mapping, cadastral, and land registry authorities as public agencies responsible for conducting these tasks are in a key position in shaping the development of the whole land administration sector. Most of these authorities have formulated their purposes, directions, and goals in the form of strategies. There is, however, a lack of understanding of the type of goals these authorities pursue through their strategies and why. Using an online questionnaire as a method, this study explores the strategy goals as well as the strategy drivers of national mapping, cadastral, and land registry authorities. We find that the strategy goals converge to a great extent and relate particularly to digitalization, data properties, customers and needs of society, and organizational development. Further, we observe that the strategy work of these authorities is most often driven by changes in the customer needs and by changes in the government’s policies. The contribution of the study lies in providing an overview of how national mapping, cadastral, and land registry authorities frame their near-future development and in highlighting that albeit the goals, for the most part, align with the qualities of a good, neutral land administration system, the authorities show low tendency to pursue transformative or paradigmatic changes through their strategies.
BYOD Security: A Study of Human Dimensions
Authors: Downer Kathleen , Bhattacharya Maumita
Published: February 2022

The prevalence and maturity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) security along with subsequent frameworks and security mechanisms in Australian organisations is a growing phenomenon somewhat similar to other developed nations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, even organisations that were previously reluctant to embrace BYOD have been forced to accept it to facilitate remote work. The aim of this paper is to discover, through a study conducted using a survey questionnaire instrument, how employees practice and perceive the BYOD security mechanisms deployed by Australian businesses which can help guide the development of future BYOD security frameworks. Three research questions are answered by this study: What levels of awareness do Australian businesses have for BYOD security aspects? How are employees currently responding to the security mechanisms applied by their organisations for mobile devices? What are the potential weaknesses in businesses’ IT networks that have a direct effect on BYOD security? Overall, the aim of this research is to illuminate the findings of these research objectives so that they can be used as a basis for building new and strengthening existing BYOD security frameworks in order to enhance their effectiveness against an ever-growing list of attacks and threats targeting mobile devices in a virtually driven work force.
Fast Location of Table Grapes Picking Point Based on Infrared Tube
Authors: Zhu Yanjun , Zhang Tongxun , Liu Lipeng , Liu Ping , Li Xiang
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the low mechanization level of grape picking, and the problems associated with the difficult location of grape picking points in three-dimensional space. A method for rapidly locating the picking points of table grapes based on an infrared tube was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the Otsu algorithm and the maximum connected domain were used to obtain the image of the target grape, which realized the fast recognition and segmentation of the target grape in two-dimensional space. Secondly, a location device for grape-picking points based on an infrared tube was designed, which resolved the technical problem related to the difficulty of locating picking points in three-dimensional space, and realized the accurate positioning of picking points for table grapes. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed method can quickly and accurately locate the picking points of table grapes in three-dimensional space. The average running time of the proposed algorithm is 0.61 s, and the success rate of location identification is 90.0%. It provides a feasible scheme for the mechanized picking of table grapes.
Disease Severity and Risk Factors of 30-Day Hospital Readmission in Pediatric Hospitalizations for Pneumonia
Authors: Lewis Motomori O. , Tran Phuong T. , Huang Yushi , Desai Raj A. , Shen Yun , Brown Joshua D.
Published: February 2022

Pneumonia is the leading cause of hospitalization in pediatric patients. Disease severity greatly influences pneumonia progression and adverse health outcomes such as hospital readmission. Hospital readmissions have become a measure of healthcare quality to reduce excess expenditures. The aim of this study was to examine 30-day all-cause readmission rates and evaluate the association between pneumonia severity and readmission among pediatric pneumonia hospitalizations. Using 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), we conducted a cross-sectional study of pediatric hospitalizations for pneumonia. Pneumonia severity was defined by the presence of respiratory failure, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, dependence on long-term supplemental oxygen, and/or respiratory intubation. Outcomes of interest were 30-day all-cause readmission, length of stay, and cost. The rate of 30-day readmission for the total sample was 5.9%, 4.7% for non-severe pneumonia, and 8.7% for severe pneumonia (p < 0.01). Among those who were readmitted, hospitalizations for severe pneumonia had a longer length of stay (6.5 vs. 5.4 days, p < 0.01) and higher daily cost (USD 3246 vs. USD 2679, p < 0.01) than admissions for non-severe pneumonia. Factors associated with 30-day readmission were pneumonia severity, immunosuppressive conditions, length of stay, and hospital case volume. To reduce potentially preventable readmissions, clinical interventions to improve the disease course and hospital system interventions are necessary.
Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment Options and Their Impact on Subgingival Microbiota
Authors: Schulz Susanne , Stein Jamal M. , Schumacher Anne , Kupietz David , Yekta-Michael Sareh S. , Schittenhelm Florian , Conrads Georg , Schaller Hans-Günter , Reichert Stefan
Published: February 2022

Background: Different periodontal treatment methods (quadrant-wise debridement, scaling and root planing (Q-SRP), full-mouth scaling (FMS), full-mouth disinfection (FMD), and FMD with adjuvant erythritol air-polishing (FMDAP)) were applied in periodontitis patients (stage III/IV). The study objective (substudy of ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03509233) was to compare the impact of treatments on subgingival colonization. Methods: Forty patients were randomized to the treatment groups. Periodontal parameters and subgingival colonization were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Results: Positive changes in clinical parameters were recorded in every treatment group during the 3-month follow-up period, but did not always continue. In three groups, specific bacteria decreased after 3 months; however, this was associated with a renewed increase after 6 months (FMS: Porphyromonas gingivalis; FMD: Eubacterium nodatum, Prevotella dentalis; and FMDAP: uncultured Prevotella sp.). Conclusions: The benefit of all clinical treatments measured after 3 months was associated with a decrease in pathogenic bacteria in the FMS, FMD, and FMDAP groups. However, after 6 months, we observed further improvement or some stagnation in clinical outcomes accompanied by deterioration of the microbiological profile. Investigating the subgingival microbiota might help appraise successful periodontal treatment and implement individualized therapy.
Parenting Stress in Mothers of Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome
Authors: Fucà Elisa , Costanzo Floriana , Ursumando Luciana , Vicari Stefano
Published: February 2022

Parenting stress has deleterious effects on parents, children, and overall family functioning. Parents of children with intellectual disability, including Down Syndrome (DS), show higher levels of parenting stress than parents of typically developing children. This research aimed to (i) evaluate parenting stress levels in a group of mothers of youths with DS using a parent-report questionnaire, (ii) identify children’s individual and clinical features associated with maternal stress, and (iii) identify specific situational life/demographics factors related to maternal stress. Seventy-eight youths with DS underwent a neuropsychological evaluation, whereas mothers completed questionnaires for the assessment of parenting stress and of the child’s emotional and behavioral problems. We found that Parent–Child Difficult Interaction was the domain with the highest percentage of clinical scores (39.7%). Both internalizing and externalizing problems correlated with maternal stress, as well as autistic symptoms. The levels of maternal stress were not associated with any socio-demographic variable. After controlling for child-related correlates of maternal stress and for mothers’ age and education level, unemployed mothers exhibited higher levels of parental distress than employed mothers. The present study highlights that unemployment is related with parenting stress and potentially amenable to policy interventions supporting parents in combining work and family care.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Primary Vaccination in a Cohort of Patients Hospitalized for Acute COVID-19 during Delta Variant Predominance
Authors: Stupica Daša , Collinet-Adler Stefan , Kejžar Nataša , Jagodic Zala , Poljak Mario , Nahtigal Klevišar Mirijam
Published: February 2022

Vaccine breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections necessitating hospitalization have emerged as a relevant problem with longer time interval since vaccination and the predominance of the Delta variant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between primary vaccination with four SARS-CoV-2 vaccines authorized for use in the European Union—BNT162b2, ChAdOx-1S, mRNA-1273 or Ad.26.COV2.S—and progression to critically severe disease (mechanical ventilation or death) and duration of hospitalization among adult patients with PCR-confirmed acute COVID-19 hospitalized during the Delta variant predominance (October–November 2021) in Slovenia. Among the 529 enrolled patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (median age, 65 years; 58.2% men), 175 (33.1%) were fully vaccinated at the time of symptom onset. Compared with 345 unvaccinated patients, fully vaccinated patients with breakthrough infections were older, more often immunocompromised, and had higher Charlson comorbidity index scores. After adjusting for sex, age, and comorbidities, fully vaccinated patients had lower odds for progressing to critically severe disease and were discharged from the hospital earlier than unvaccinated patients. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 remains an extremely effective intervention to alleviate morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Evaluation of Triggered Electromyogram Monitoring during Insertion of Percutaneous Pedicle Screws
Authors: Futakawa Hayato , Nogami Shigeharu , Seki Shoji , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Nakano Masato
Published: February 2022

Objective: percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) fixation has been widely used in minimally invasive spine stabilization. Triggered electromyogram (TrEMG) monitoring is performed to prevent PPS misplacement, but is not widely accepted. We have newly developed an insulating tap device to minimize the misplacement of PPS. Methods: TrEMG was measurable in insulation tap devices in 31 cases, and in non-insulating tap devices in 27 cases. Fluoroscopy was used to insert 194 PPS and 154 PPS, respectively. Based on the Rampersaud classification of postoperative computed tomography, we classified PPS insertion into four categories (Grade A as no violation, Grade D as more than 4 mm perforation). Results: Grade A was noted in 168 PPSs (86.6%) and Grade B to D in 26 PPSs in the insulation tap device group, and Grade A was noted in 129 PPSs (83.8%) and Grade B to D in 25 PPSs in the non-insulating tap device group, respectively. At a cutoff value of 11 mA, the sensitivity was 41.4% and the specificity was 98.2%. The sensitivity and specificity of the non-insulating tap device were 4.0% and 99.2%, respectively. Conclusions: The insulation treatment of the tap device has improved the sensitivity of TrEMG. TrEMG using the insulating tap device is one of the methods for safe PPS insertion.
Platelet-Derived Drug Targets and Biomarkers of Ischemic Stroke—The First Dynamic Human LC-MS Proteomic Study
Authors: Gawryś Karolina , Turek-Jakubowska Aleksandra , Gawryś Jakub , Jakubowski Maciej , Dębski Janusz , Szahidewicz-Krupska Ewa , Trocha Małgorzata , Derkacz Arkadiusz , Doroszko Adrian
Published: February 2022

(1) Objective: The aim of this dynamic LC-MS (liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry) human platelet proteomic study was to identify the potential proteins candidates for biomarkers of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), their changes during the acute phase of stroke and to define potential novel drug targets. (2) Methods: A total of 32 patients (18–80 years old) were investigated that presented symptoms of AIS lasting less than 24 h from the onset, confirmed by neurological examination and/or new cerebral ischemia visualized in the CT (computed-tomography) scans. The analysis of platelet proteome was performed using LC-MS at baseline, and then on the third and seventh day from the onset of symptoms. The control group was demographically matched without any clinical signs of acute brain injury. (3) Results: The differences between platelets, at 24 h after first symptoms of stroke subjects and the control group included: β-amyloid A4 and amyloid-like protein 2, coactosin-like protein, thymidine phosphorylase 4 (TYMP-4), interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), vitamin K-dependent protein S, histone proteins (H2A type 1 and 1-A, H2A types 2B and J, H2Av, -z, and -x), and platelet basic protein. The dynamic changes in the platelet protein concentration involved thrombospondin-1, thrombospondin-2, filamin A, B, and C. (4) Conclusions: This is the first human dynamic LC-MS proteomic study that differentiates platelet proteome in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in time series and compares the results with healthy controls. Identified proteins may be considered as future markers of ischemic stroke or therapeutic drug targets. Thymidine phosphorylase 4 (TYMP-4) holds promise as an interesting drug target in the management or prevention of ischemic stroke.
Catamenial Pneumothorax as the First Expression of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome and Pelvic Endometriosis
Authors: Ciriaco Paola , Muriana Piergiorgio , Carretta Angelo , Ottolina Jessica , Candiani Massimo , Negri Giampiero
Published: February 2022

Objective: The menstrual-related catamenial pneumothorax (CP) can be the first expression of thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES), which is the presence of endometriotic lesions in the lungs and pleura, and pelvic endometriosis (PE). This study aims to analyze our experience with this specific correlation describing our multidisciplinary approach to CP. Methods: Hospital records of 32 women, operated for CP at our Department from January 2001 to December 2021 were reviewed. Surgical treatment consisted of videothoracoscopy and laparoscopy when indicated. Results: TES and PE were diagnosed in 13 (40.6%) and 12 (37.5%) women, respectively. The association of TES and PE was present in 11 cases (34%). Fifteen patients (46.9%) underwent laparoscopy, of which 11 concurrently with videothoracoscopy. Most of the patients affected had stage III–IV endometriosis (40.6%). All patients received hormonal therapy after surgery. Five patients with PE conceived spontaneously resulting in six live births. The mean follow-up was 117 ± 71 months (range 8–244). Pneumothorax recurrence occurred in six patients (18.8%). At present, all women are asymptomatic, with no sign of pneumothorax recurrence. Conclusions: CP might be the first expression of TES and/or PE. A multidisciplinary approach is advocated for optimal management of the disease.