bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUMOylation and Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Jeoung Seok-Won , Park Hyun-Sun , Ryoo Zae Young , Cho Dong-Hyung , Lee Hyun-Shik , Ryu Hong-Yeoul
Published: July 2022

Since the discovery of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein in 1995, SUMOylation has been considered a crucial post-translational modification in diverse cellular functions. In neurons, SUMOylation has various roles ranging from managing synaptic transmitter release to maintaining mitochondrial integrity and determining neuronal health. It has been discovered that neuronal dysfunction is a key factor in the development of major depressive disorder (MDD). PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched with keywords such as ‘SUMO’, ‘neuronal plasticity’, and ‘depression’ to obtain relevant scientific literature. Here, we provide an overview of recent studies demonstrating the role of SUMOylation in maintaining neuronal function in participants suffering from MDD.
Targeted Co-Delivery of Gefitinib and Rapamycin by Aptamer-Modified Nanoparticles Overcomes EGFR-TKI Resistance in NSCLC via Promoting Autophagy
Authors: Liu Yuhong , Dai Xiaoyong , Jiang Shengwei , Qahar Mulan , Feng Chunyan , Guo Dongdong , Wang Lijun , Ma Shaohua , Huang Laiqiang
Published: July 2022

Acquired drug resistance decreases the efficacy of gefitinib after approximately 1 year of treatment in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Autophagy is a process that could lead to cell death when it is prolonged. Thus, we investigated a drug combination therapy of gefitinib with rapamycin—a cell autophagy activator—in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell line H1975 to improve the therapeutic efficacy of gefitinib in advanced NSCLC cells through acute cell autophagy induction. Cell viability and tumor formation assays indicated that rapamycin is strongly synergistic with gefitinib inhibition, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that EGFR expression and cell autophagy decreased under gefitinib treatment and were restored after the drug combination therapy, indicating a potential cell autophagy–EGFR positive feedback regulation. To further optimize the delivery efficiency of the combinational agents, we constructed an anti-EGFR aptamer-functionalized nanoparticle (NP-Apt) carrier system. The microscopic observation and cell proliferation assays suggested that NP-Apt achieved remarkably targeted delivery and cytotoxicity in the cancer cells. Taken together, our results suggest that combining rapamycin and gefitinib can be an efficacious therapy to overcome gefitinib resistance in NSCLC, and targeted delivery of the drugs using the aptamer-nanoparticle carrier system further enhances the therapeutic efficacy of gefitinib.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of Novel Cyclic Peptides against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wei Guoxing , He Yun
Published: July 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has led to serious infections, especially in hospitals and clinics, where treatment and prevention have become more difficult due to the formation of biofilms. Owing to biofilm-derived antibiotic tolerance, the currently available traditional antibiotics have failed to treat MRSA infections. Hence, there is a urgent need to develop novel antibiotics for treating life-threatening MRSA infections. Lugdunin (cyclic peptide-1), a nonribosomal cyclic peptide produced by Staphylococcus lugdunensis, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against MRSA. Amazingly, cyclic peptide-1 and its analogues cyclic peptide-11 and cyclic peptide-14 have the ability to disperse mature MRSA biofilms and show anti-clinical MRSA activity, including MRSA persister cells. In addition, these three cyclic peptide compounds have non-toxicity, lower hemolytic activity and lack of resistance development. Our results indicate that cyclic peptide-1, cyclic peptide-11, and cyclic peptide-14 have great potential as new antimicrobial drug candidates for the treatment of clinical MRSA infections.
Perivascular Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells, an Immune Privileged Niche for Viruses?
Authors: Lebeau Grégorie , Ah-Pine Franck , Daniel Matthieu , Bedoui Yosra , Vagner Damien , Frumence Etienne , Gasque Philippe
Published: July 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a critical role in response to stress such as infection. They initiate the removal of cell debris, exert major immunoregulatory activities, control pathogens, and lead to a remodeling/scarring phase. Thus, host-derived ‘danger’ factors released from damaged/infected cells (called alarmins, e.g., HMGB1, ATP, DNA) as well as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (LPS, single strand RNA) can activate MSCs located in the parenchyma and around vessels to upregulate the expression of growth factors and chemoattractant molecules that influence immune cell recruitment and stem cell mobilization. MSC, in an ultimate contribution to tissue repair, may also directly trans- or de-differentiate into specific cellular phenotypes such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, lipofibroblasts, myofibroblasts, Schwann cells, and they may somehow recapitulate their neural crest embryonic origin. Failure to terminate such repair processes induces pathological scarring, termed fibrosis, or vascular calcification. Interestingly, many viruses and particularly those associated to chronic infection and inflammation may hijack and polarize MSC’s immune regulatory activities. Several reports argue that MSC may constitute immune privileged sanctuaries for viruses and contributing to long-lasting effects posing infectious challenges, such as viruses rebounding in immunocompromised patients or following regenerative medicine therapies using MSC. We will herein review the capacity of several viruses not only to infect but also to polarize directly or indirectly the functions of MSC (immunoregulation, differentiation potential, and tissue repair) in clinical settings.
Phase Separation-Mediated Chromatin Organization and Dynamics: From Imaging-Based Quantitative Characterizations to Functional Implications
Authors: Ng Woei Shyuan , Sielaff Hendrik , Zhao Ziqing Winston
Published: July 2022

As an effective and versatile strategy to compartmentalize cellular components without the need for lipid membranes, phase separation has been found to underpin a wide range of intranuclear processes, particularly those involving chromatin. Many of the unique physico-chemical properties of chromatin-based phase condensates are harnessed by the cell to accomplish complex regulatory functions in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. Here, we survey key recent findings on the mechanistic roles of phase separation in regulating the organization and dynamics of chromatin-based molecular processes across length scales, packing states and intranuclear functions, with a particular emphasis on quantitative characterizations of these condensates enabled by advanced imaging-based approaches. By illuminating the complex interplay between chromatin and various chromatin-interacting molecular species mediated by phase separation, this review sheds light on an emerging multi-scale, multi-modal and multi-faceted landscape that hierarchically regulates the genome within the highly crowded and dynamic nuclear space. Moreover, deficiencies in existing studies also highlight the need for mechanism-specific criteria and multi-parametric approaches for the characterization of chromatin-based phase separation using complementary techniques and call for greater efforts to correlate the quantitative features of these condensates with their functional consequences in close-to-native cellular contexts.
Characterization and Comparative Genomics Analysis of a New Bacteriophage BUCT610 against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Efficacy Assessment in Galleria mellonella Larvae
Authors: Pu Mingfang , Han Pengjun , Zhang Guangye , Liu Yucong , Li Yahao , Li Fei , Li Mengzhe , An Xiaoping , Song Lihua , Chen Yiming , Fan Huahao , Tong Yigang
Published: July 2022

The spread of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) has become an emerging threat as a result of the overuse of antibiotics. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is considered to be a promising alternative treatment for MDR-KP infection compared with antibiotic therapy. In this research, a lytic phage BUCT610 was isolated from hospital sewage. The assembled genome of BUCT610 was 46,774 bp in length, with a GC content of 48%. A total of 83 open reading frames (ORFs) and no virulence or antimicrobial resistance genes were annotated in the BUCT610 genome. Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses showed that BUCT610 was most closely linked with the Vibrio phage pYD38-A and shared 69% homology. In addition, bacteriophage BUCT610 exhibited excellent thermal stability (4–75 °C) and broad pH tolerance (pH 3–12) in the stability test. In vivo investigation results showed that BUCT610 significantly increased the survival rate of Klebsiella pneumonia-infected Galleria mellonella larvae from 13.33% to 83.33% within 72 h. In conclusion, these findings indicate that phage BUCT610 holds great promise as an alternative agent with excellent stability for the treatment of MDR-KP infection.
Natural Products of Marine Origin for the Treatment of Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancers: Mechanisms and Potential
Authors: Fares Amer Nasrin , Luzzatto Knaan Tal
Published: July 2022

Gastrointestinal cancer refers to malignancy of the accessory organs of digestion, and it includes colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). Worldwide, CRC is the second most common cancer among women and the third most common among men. PC has a poor prognosis and high mortality, with 5-year relative survival of approximately 11.5%. Conventional chemotherapy treatments for these cancers are limited due to severe side effects and the development of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new and safe drugs for effective treatment of PC and CRC. Historically, natural sources—plants in particular—have played a dominant role in traditional medicine used to treat a wide spectrum of diseases. In recent decades, marine natural products (MNPs) have shown great potential as drugs, but drug leads for treating various types of cancer, including CRC and PC, are scarce. To date, marine-based drugs have been used against leukemia, metastatic breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and ovarian cancer. In this review, we summarized existing studies describing MNPs that were found to have an effect on CRC and PC, and we discussed the potential mechanisms of action of MNPs as well as future prospects for their use in treating these cancers.
Analysis of Binding Determinants for Different Classes of Competitive and Noncompetitive Inhibitors of Glycine Transporters
Authors: Łątka Kamil , Bajda Marek
Published: July 2022

Glycine transporters are interesting therapeutic targets as they play significant roles in glycinergic and glutamatergic systems. The search for new selective inhibitors of particular types of glycine transporters (GlyT-1 and GlyT-2) with beneficial kinetics is hampered by limited knowledge about the spatial structure of these proteins. In this study, a pool of homology models of GlyT-1 and GlyT-2 in different conformational states was constructed using the crystal structures of related transporters from the SLC6 family and the recently revealed structure of GlyT-1 in the inward-open state, in order to investigate their binding sites. The binding mode of the known GlyT-1 and GlyT-2 inhibitors was determined using molecular docking studies, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM-GBSA free energy calculations. The results of this study indicate that two amino acids, Gly373 and Leu476 in GlyT-1 and the corresponding Ser479 and Thr582 in GlyT-2, are mainly responsible for the selective binding of ligands within the S1 site. Apart from these, one pocket of the S2 site, which lies between TM3 and TM10, may also be important. Moreover, selective binding of noncompetitive GlyT-1 inhibitors in the intracellular release pathway is affected by hydrophobic interactions with Ile399, Met382, and Leu158. These results can be useful in the rational design of new glycine transporter inhibitors with desired selectivity and properties in the future.
Roles of Keratins in Intestine
Authors: Mun Jeongwon , Hur Whan , Ku Nam-On
Published: July 2022

Keratins make up a major portion of epithelial intermediate filament proteins. The widely diverse keratins are found in both the small and large intestines. The human intestine mainly expresses keratins 8, 18, 19, and 20. Many of the common roles of keratins are for the integrity and stability of the epithelial cells. The keratins also protect the cells and tissue from stress and are biomarkers for some diseases in the organs. Although an increasing number of studies have been performed regarding keratins, the roles of keratin in the intestine have not yet been fully understood. This review focuses on discussing the roles of keratins in the intestine. Diverse studies utilizing mouse models and samples from patients with intestinal diseases in the search for the association of keratin in intestinal diseases have been summarized.
Peptide Assembly of Al/CuO Nanothermite for Enhanced Reactivity of Nanoaluminum Particles
Authors: Jin Miaomiao , Song Zhanxin , Liu Wei , Zhou Zilu , Wang Guozhen , Xian Mo
Published: July 2022

Biological self-assembly procedures, which are generally carried out in an aqueous solution, have been found to be the most promising method for directing the fabrication of diverse nanothermites, including Al/CuO nanothermite. However, the aqueous environment in which Al nanoparticles self-assemble has an impact on their stability. We show that using a peptide to self-assemble Al or CuO nanoparticles considerably improves their durability in phosphate buffer aqueous solution, with Al and CuO nanoparticles remaining intact in aqueous solution for over 2 weeks with minimal changes in the structure. When peptide-assembled Al/CuO nanothermite was compared with a physically mixed sample in phosphate buffer for 30 min, the energy release of the former was higher by 26%. Furthermore, the energy release of peptide-assembled Al/CuO nanocomposite in phosphate buffer showed a 6% reduction by Day 7, while that of the peptide-assembled Al/CuO nanocomposite in ultrapure water was reduced by 75%. Taken together, our study provides an easy method for keeping the thermal activity of Al/CuO nanothermite assembled in aqueous solution.
Sustainable Mobility as a Service: Supply Analysis and Test Cases
Authors: Rindone Corrado
Published: July 2022

Urban mobility is one of the main issues in the pursuit of sustainability. The United Nations 2030 Agenda assigns mobility and transport central roles in sustainable development and its components: economic, social, and environment. In this context, the emerging concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) offers an alternative to unsustainable mobility, often based on private car use. From the point of view of sustainable mobility, the MaaS paradigm implies greater insights into the transport system and its components (supply, demand, and reciprocal interactions). This paper proposes an approach to the transport system aimed at overcoming the current barriers to the implementation of the paradigm. The focus is on the implications for the transport supply subsystem. The investigation method is based on the analysis of the main components of such subsystem (governance, immaterial, material, equipment) and its role in the entire transport system. Starting with the first experiences of Finnish cities, the paper investigates some real case studies, which are experimenting with MaaS, to find common and uncommon elements. From the analyses, it emerges that the scientific literature and real experiences mainly focus on the immaterial components alone. To address the challenges related to sustainable mobility, this paper underlines the need to consider all components within a transport system approach. The findings of the paper are useful in several contexts. In the context of research, the paper offers an analysis of the transport supply system from the point of view of the MaaS paradigm. In the real context, the paper offers further useful insights for operators and decision-makers who intend to increase the knowledge and skills necessary to face challenges related to the introduction of MaaS.
Electroantennographic Responses of Wild and Laboratory-Reared Females of Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff and Xyleborus ferrugineus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to Ethanol and Bark Volatiles of Three Host-Plant Species
Authors: Romero Patricia , Ibarra-Juárez Luis A. , Carrillo Daniel , Guerrero-Analco José A. , Kendra Paul E. , Kiel-Martínez Ana L. , Guillén Larissa
Published: July 2022

Chemical ecology studies on ambrosia beetles are typically conducted with either wild or laboratory-reared specimens. Unlike laboratory-reared insects, important aspects that potentially influence behavioral responses, such as age, physiological state, and prior experience are unknown in wild specimens. In this study, we compared the electroantennographic (EAG) responses of laboratory-reared and wild X. affinis and X. ferrugineus to 70% ethanol and bark odors (host kairomones) of Bursera simaruba, Mangifera indica, and Persea schiedeana aged for 2, 24, and 48 h. Chemical analyses of each odor treatment (bark species x length of aging) were performed to determine their volatilome composition. EAG responses were different between laboratory-reared and wild X. ferrugineus when exposed to ethanol, whereas wild X. affinis exhibited similar EAG responses to the laboratory-reared insects. Ethanol elicited the strongest olfactory responses in both species. Among the bark-odors, the highest responses were triggered by B. simaruba at 48 h in X. affinis, and P. schiedeana at 24 and 48 h in X. ferrugineus. Volatile profiles varied among aged bark samples; 3-carene and limonene were predominant in B. simaruba, whereas α-copaene and α-cubebene were abundant in P. schiedeana. Further studies are needed to determine the biological function of B. simaruba and P. schiedeana terpenes on X. affinis and X. ferrugineus, and their potential application for the development of effective lures.
Biology and Rearing of an Emerging Sugar Beet Pest: The Planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus
Authors: Behrmann Sarah Christin , Witczak Natasha , Lang Christian , Schieler Manuela , Dettweiler Anna , Kleinhenz Benno , Schwind Mareike , Vilcinskas Andreas , Lee Kwang-Zin
Published: July 2022

The rapid spread of the bacterial yellowing disease Syndrome des Basses Richesses (SBR) has a major impact on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) cultivation in Germany, resulting in significant yield losses. SBR-causing bacteria are transmitted by insects, mainly the Cixiid planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus. However, little is known about the biology of this emerging vector, including its life cycle, oviposition, developmental stages, diapauses, and feeding behavior. Continuous mass rearing is required for the comprehensive analysis of this insect. Here we describe the development of mass rearing techniques for P. leporinus, allowing us to investigate life cycle and ecological traits, such as host plant choice, in order to design agronomic measures that can interrupt the life cycle of nymphs in the soil. We also conducted field studies in recently-infected regions of Rhineland-Palatinate and south Hesse, Germany, to study insect mobility patterns and abundance at four locations during two consecutive years. The soil-depth monitoring of nymphs revealed the movement of the instars through different soil layers. Finally, we determined the prevalence of SBR-causing bacteria by designing TaqMan probes specific for two bona fide SBR pathogens: Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus (Gammaproteobacteria) and Candidatus Phytoplasma solani (stolbur phytoplasma). Our data suggest that P. leporinus is spreading northward and eastward in Germany, additionally, the abundance of SBR-carrying planthoppers is increasing. Interestingly, P. leporinus does not appear to hibernate during winter, and is polyphagous as a nymph. Stolbur phytoplasma has a significant impact on SBR pathology in sugar beet.
Effectiveness of Herbal Essential Oils as Single and Combined Repellents against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Sutthanont Nataya , Sudsawang Monthatip , Phanpoowong Theerawit , Sriwichai Patchara , Ruangsittichai Jiraporn , Rotejanaprasert Chawarat , Srisawat Raweewan
Published: July 2022

Mosquito repellents reduce human-vector contact of vector-borne diseases. We compared the repellent activity of 10 undiluted essential oils (anise, basil, bergamot, coriander, patchouli, peppermint, petitgrain, rosemary, sage and vetiver) against A. aegypti, A. dirus and C. quinquefasciatus using the arm-in-cage method. Petitgrain oil was the most effective against A. aegypti (270 min). Peppermint oil was the most effective against A. dirus (180 min). Interestingly, all single oils had attributes of repellency against C. quinquefasciatus (ranged, 120–360 min). Moreover, we integrated their binary combinations of highly effective essential oils against A. aegypti and A. dirus to potentially increase the protection time. A 1:1 combination of petitgrain/basil, petitgrain/coriander, basil/coriander and basil/sage reduced the median complete-protection time of 150 min for A. aegypti; a combination of sage and patchouli oils prolonged the median complete-protection time of 270 min for A. dirus. Combining essential oils effect protection time from these two mosquito species.
Entomological Investigation of the Main Entomatic Adversities for Terrestrial Gastropods Helix aspersa Müller (Mollusca Gastropoda Pulmonata): A Preliminary Study in Sardinian Heliciculture Farms
Authors: Murgia Giulia , Loi Federica , Cappai Stefano , Cogoni Maria Paola
Published: July 2022

In the years 2020–2022, a survey was carried out with the aim of controlling the entomofauna present in seven Sardinian snail farms. The sampling was carried out during the spring–summer and autumn–winter periods, corresponding to the production cycles of the Helix aspersa snails (Müller, 1774), the species most frequently bred in snail farms. The samples were taken from farms located in different areas of the region. For the predatory species found in most of the farms, 38% of the individuals were of the Silpha tristis Illiger, 1798 (Coleoptera: Silphidae) species, 32% were Ocypus olens Müller, 1764 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and 24% were Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus constantinus Kraatz, 1899 (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The Lampyris sardiniae Geisthardt, 1987 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Licinus punctatulus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) species were equally detected in 3% of the farms. In some farms, the predatory species S. tristis and C.morbillosus costantinus had caused the death of several snails. This preliminary study aimed to provide a first evaluation and description of the critical issues facing the snails present in seven Sardinian snail farms. First, a specific survey of the entomofauna during two observational periods (i.e., the spring–summer and autumn–winter periods) was conducted. Context-specific description and evaluation will allow providing valid information for Italian and European heliciculture farms to ensure the well-being of the mollusks. The presence of predatory species in snail farms is not easy to control, but some precautions could be useful to avoid massive colonization.
Diagnostic Challenges in Patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity with Different Manifestations of Immune Dysregulation
Authors: Pieniawska-Śmiech Karolina , Pasternak Gerard , Lewandowicz-Uszyńska Aleksandra , Jutel Marek
Published: July 2022

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI), formerly known as primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs), are inherited disorders caused by damaging germline variants in single genes, which result in increased susceptibility to infections and in allergic, autoimmune, autoinflammatory, nonmalignant lymphoproliferative, and neoplastic conditions. Along with well-known warning signs of PID, attention should be paid to signs of immune dysregulation, which seem to be equally important to susceptibility to infection in defining IEI. The modern diagnostics of IEI offer a variety of approaches but with some problems. The aim of this review is to discuss the diagnostic challenges in IEI patients in the context of an immune dysregulation background.
Key Components, Current Practice and Clinical Outcomes of ERAS Programs in Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Salamanna Francesca , Contartese Deyanira , Brogini Silvia , Visani Andrea , Martikos Konstantinos , Griffoni Cristiana , Ricci Alessandro , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Fini Milena
Published: July 2022

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have led to improvements in outcomes in several surgical fields, through multimodal optimization of patient pathways, reductions in complications, improved patient experiences and reductions in the length of stay. However, their use has not been uniformly recognized in all orthopedic fields, and there is still no consensus on the best implementation process. Here, we evaluated pre-, peri-, and post-operative key elements and clinical evidence of ERAS protocols, measurements, and associated outcomes in patients undergoing different orthopedic surgical procedures. A systematic literature search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases was conducted to identify clinical studies, from 2012 to 2022. Out of the 1154 studies retrieved, 174 (25 on spine surgery, 4 on thorax surgery, 2 on elbow surgery and 143 on hip and/or knee surgery) were considered eligible for this review. Results showed that ERAS protocols improve the recovery from orthopedic surgery, decreasing the length of hospital stays (LOS) and the readmission rates. Comparative studies between ERAS and non-ERAS protocols also showed improvement in patient pain scores, satisfaction, and range of motion. Although ERAS protocols in orthopedic surgery are safe and effective, future studies focusing on specific ERAS elements, in particular for elbow, thorax and spine, are mandatory to optimize the protocols.
Special Issue “Human Papillomavirus Clinical Research: From Infection to Cancer”
Authors: Gameiro Steven , Mymryk Joe
Published: July 2022

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are ubiquitous intracellular pathogens that have co-evolved with many different species [...]
Prognostic Role of Lung Ultrasound in Children with Bronchiolitis: Multicentric Prospective Study
Authors: Gori Laura , Amendolea Antonella , Buonsenso Danilo , Salvadori Stefano , Supino Maria , Musolino Anna , Adamoli Paolo , Coco Alfina , Trobia Gian , Biagi Carlotta , Lucherini Marco , Leonardi Alberto , Limoli Giuseppe , Giampietri Matteo , Sciacca Tiziana , Morello Rosa , Tursi Francesco , Soldati Gino ,   Ecobron Group
Published: July 2022

There is increasing recognition of the role of lung ultrasound (LUS) to assess bronchiolitis severity in children. However, available studies are limited to small, single-center cohorts. We aimed to assess a qualitative and quantitative LUS protocol to evaluate the course of bronchiolitis at diagnosis and during follow-up. This is a prospective, multicenter study. Children with bronchiolitis were stratified according to clinical severity and underwent four LUS evaluations at set intervals. LUS was classified according to four models: (1) positive/negative; (2) main LUS pattern (normal/interstitial/consolidative/mixed) (3) LUS score; (4) LUS score with cutoff. Two hundred and thirty-three children were enrolled. The baseline LUS was significantly associated with bronchiolitis severity, using both the qualitative (positive/negative LUS p < 0.001; consolidated/normal LUS pattern or mixed/normal LUS p < 0.001) and quantitative models (cutoff score > 9 p < 0.001; LUS mean score p < 0.001). During follow-up, all LUS results according to all LUS models improved (p < 0.001). Better cut off value was declared at a value of >9 points. Conclusions: Our study supports the role of a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative LUS protocol for the identification of severe cases of bronchiolitis and provides data on the evolution of lung aeration during follow-up.
Association between Education Attainment and Guideline-Directed Medication Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Long Juan , Zeng Fanfang , Wang Lili , Zhao Honglei
Published: July 2022

Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate association of education attainment and guideline-directed medications therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Method: HFrEF patients were enrolled, and baseline characteristics were recorded. Based on highest educational attainment, patients were divided into low and high education attainment groups. Data on GDMT use at admission, discharge and follow-up were collected and between-group differences were evaluated. Results: A total of 336 patients were recruited, and 59.8% (n = 201) were defined as low education attainment. Patients with low education attainment were older and more likely to be female, obese and smokers. In addition, they had a higher prevalence of hypertension and valvular heart disease. Patients with low education attainment also had lower physical and mental component scores (PCS, 50.5 ± 6.4 vs. 56.3 ± 7.8), (MSC, 48.4 ± 6.0 vs. 54.7 ± 5.6) but higher serum NT-proBNP levels (1148.6 ± 233.4 vs. 1050.8 ± 205.6 pg/mL). Significant differences in GDMT use at admission, discharge and follow-up were observed. In the unadjusted model, high education attainment was associated with 2-fold odds of GDMT use at discharge. With adjustment for covariates, the high education attainment group remained significantly associated with being 22% more likely to receive GMDT at discharge. Similar findings were observed in associations between high education attainment and GDMT use at follow-up. After adjustment for PCS and MCS, high education attainment was still significantly associated with GDMT use at follow-up, with odds ratio of 1.13 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.08–1.28. Conclusion: HFrEF patients are under-treated. Education attainment is significantly associated with GDMT use at discharge and follow-up.
A Rounded Approach to the Management and Treatment of Obstructive Lung Diseases
Authors: Dragonieri Silvano , Bikov Andras
Published: July 2022

Obstructive lung diseases are characterized by obstruction to airflow, inflamed and easily collapsible airways, and difficulties in exhaling, with a socio-economic burden in terms of medical visits and hospitalizations [...]
PAXgene Fixation for Pancreatic Cancer: Implications for Molecular and Surgical Pathology
Authors: DeCoste Ryan , Amemiya Yutaka , Nersesian Sarah , Westhaver Lauren , Lee Stacey , Carter Michael , Sapp Heidi , Stueck Ashley , Arnason Thomas , Boudreau Jeanette , Seth Arun , Huang Weei-Yuarn
Published: July 2022

Genomic profiling of pancreatic cancer using small core biopsies has taken an increasingly prominent role in precision medicine. However, if not appropriately preserved, nucleic acids (NA) from pancreatic tissues are known to be susceptible to degradation due to high intrinsic levels of nucleases. PAXgene fixation (PreAnalytix, Switzerland) represents a novel formalin-free tissue preservation method. We sought to compare the NA and histomorphological preservation of pancreatic cancer tissues preserved with PAXgene-fixed paraffin-embedding (PFPE) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedding (FFPE). Tissues from 19 patients were obtained prospectively from pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens and evaluated by four gastrointestinal pathologists. The extracted NA were quantified by Nanodrop and Qubit and assessed for quality by qPCR, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay, and RNA-sequencing. Our results demonstrated that, when assessed blindly for morphological quality, the four pathologists deemed the PFPE slides adequate for diagnostic purposes. PFPE tissues enable greater yields of less fragmented and more amplifiable DNA. PFPE tissues demonstrated significantly improved quality control (QC) metrics in a targeted NGS assay including Median Absolute Pair-wise Difference (MAPD) scores. Our results support the use of PAXgene fixative for the processing of specimens from pancreatic cancers with the potential benefits of improved yields for more amplifiable DNA in low-yield biopsy specimens and its ideal use for amplicon-based NGS assays.
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage—Incidence of Hospitalization, Management and Case Fatality Rate—In the Silesian Province, Poland, in the Years 2009–2019
Authors: Łabuz-Roszak Beata , Skrzypek Michał , Starostka-Tatar Anna , Lasek-Bal Anetta , Gąsior Mariusz , Gierlotka Marek
Published: July 2022

Little is known about the epidemiology of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in Poland, and until now no such research has been conducted for Silesia, which is the second largest province with circa 4.5 million inhabitants. Therefore, the current study was done to assess the data on SAH in the Silesian Province, Poland. The study was based on the data obtained from the administrative databases of the only public health insurer in Poland (the National Health Fund, NHF) from 2009 to 2019. The SAH cases were selected based on primary diagnosis coded in ICD-10 as I60. The total number of SAH cases was 2014 (41.8% men, 58.2% women). The number of SAH hospitalizations decreased from 199 in 2009 to 166 cases in 2019; p < 0.05. The median age increased from 58 in 2009 to 62 years in 2019; p < 0.001. Endovascular treatment or clipping of the aneurysm was performed in 866 cases (43%). An increase in in-hospital mortality was observed from 31% in 2009 to 38% in 2019 (p = 0.013). Despite the number of stroke units increasing, in-hospital mortality in SAH patients is high, and the number of vascular interventions seems insufficient. Better organization for care of SAH patients is needed in Poland.
Reply to Borgia et al. Comment on “Marasca et al. Teledermatology and Inflammatory Skin Conditions during COVID-19 Era: New Perspectives and Applications. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 1511”
Authors: Potestio Luca , Fornaro Luigi , Martora Fabrizio , Picone Vincenzo , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Marasca Claudio
Published: July 2022

Telemedicine can be defined as a modern technology supporting health care from a distance [...]
Availability Analysis of an Offshore Wind Turbine Subjected to Age-Based Preventive Maintenance by Petri Nets
Authors: Lotovskyi Eduard , Teixeira Angelo P. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: July 2022

This paper analyses the production availability and the associated maintenance costs of an offshore wind turbine with a horizontal axis configuration using Petri Nets modelling with Monte Carlo Simulation. For this purpose, different features are implemented: the reliability and maintainability characteristics of the components; the logistics of the production and maintenance operations, including different types of vessels, the mobilization time, costs and weather window. The maintenance strategies consist of corrective maintenance and age-based imperfect preventive maintenance that depends on the components’ age and age reduction ratio. Thereby, to increase the operating income and to reduce the costs associated with the operation and maintenance activities, the optimal parameters of the age-based preventive maintenance are estimated. As a case study, a generic offshore wind turbine that operates at the Viana do Castelo wind farm in Portugal is adopted. The wind farm is located 18 km off the shore. The turbine’s total exploration life is 25 years.
Morpho-Cultural and Pathogenic Variability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Causing White Mold of Common Beans in Temperate Climate
Authors: Rather Roaf Ahmad , Ahanger Farooq Ahmad , Ahanger Shafat Ahmad , Basu Umer , Wani M. Altaf , Rashid Zahida , Sofi Parvaze Ahmad , Singh Vishal , Javeed Kounser , Baazeem Alaa , Alotaibi Saqer S. , Wani Owais Ali , Khanday Jasima Ali , Dar Showket Ahmad , Mushtaq Muntazir
Published: July 2022

The present systematic research on cultural, morphological, and pathogenic variability was carried out on eighty isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum collected from major common bean production belts of North Kashmir. The isolates were found to vary in both cultural and morphological characteristics such as colony color and type, colony diameter, number of days for sclerotia initiation, sclerotia number per plate, sclerotial weight, and size. The colony color ranged between white and off-white with the majority. The colony was of three types, in majority smooth, some fluffy, and a few fluffy-at-center-only. Colony diameter ranged between 15.33 mm and 29 mm after 24 h of incubation. The isolates took 4 to 7 days for initiation of sclerotia and varied in size, weight, and number per plate ranging between 14 and 51.3. The sclerotial arrangement pattern on plates was peripheral, sub peripheral, peripheral, and subperipheral, arranged at the rim and scattered. A total of 22 Mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) were formed with seven groups constituted by a single isolate. The isolates within MCGs were mostly at par with each other. The six isolates representing six MCGs showed variability in pathogenicity with isolate G04 as the most and B01 as the least virulent. The colony diameter and disease scores were positively correlated. Sclerotia were observed to germinate both myceliogenically and carpogenically under natural temperate conditions of Kashmir. Germplasm screening revealed a single resistant line and eleven partially resistant lines against most virulent isolates.
Risk of Tuberculosis Caused by Fluticasone Propionate versus Budesonide in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Yu Iseul , Park Sunmin , Hong Se Hwa , Chang Min-Seok , Lee Seok Jeong , Yong Suk Joong , Lee Won-Yeon , Kim Sang-Ha , Lee Ji-Ho
Published: July 2022

Background: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are recommended for use by patients with frequent exacerbations and blood eosinophilia. However, ICSs are often inappropriately prescribed and overused. COPD studies have reported an increased risk of tuberculosis among ICS users. This study aimed to compare the risk of tuberculosis according to the different ICS components. Methods: This study was conducted using a nationwide, population-based cohort. Patients newly diagnosed with COPD between 2005 and 2018, and treated with either fluticasone propionate or budesonide, were selected. The patients were followed up until the development of tuberculosis. Results: After propensity score matching, 16,514 fluticasone propionate and 16,514 budesonide users were identified. The incidence rate of tuberculosis per 100,000 person-years was 274.73 for fluticasone propionate and 214.18 for budesonide. The hazard ratio of tuberculosis in fluticasone propionate compared with budesonide was 1.28 (95% confidence interval 1.05–1.60). The risk of tuberculosis for fluticasone propionate increased with higher ICS cumulative doses: 1.01 (0.69–1.48), 1.16 (0.74–1.81), 1.25 (0.79–1.97), and 1.82 (1.27–2.62) from the lowest to highest quartiles, respectively. Conclusion: Fluticasone propionate is associated with a higher risk of tuberculosis than budesonide. ICS components can differently affect the risk of tuberculosis in patients with COPD.
Is Bitcoin a Safe Haven for Indian Investors? A GARCH Volatility Analysis
Authors: Murty Sarika , Victor Vijay , Fekete-Farkas Maria
Published: July 2022

This paper attempts to understand the dynamic interrelationships and financial asset capabilities of Bitcoin by analysing several aspects of its volatility vis-a-vis other asset classes. This study aims to analyse the volatility dynamics of the returns of Bitcoin. An asymmetric GARCH model (EGARCH) is used to investigate whether Bitcoin may be useful in risk management and ideal for risk-averse investors in anticipation of negative shocks to the market (leverage effect). This paper also examines Bitcoin as an investment and hedge alternative to gold as well as NSE NIFTY using a multivariate DCC GARCH model. DCC GARCH models are also used to check whether correlation (co-movement) between the markets is time-varying, examine returns and volatility spillovers between markets and the effect of the outbreak of COVID-19 in India on the investigated markets. The results show that given the supply of Bitcoin is fixed, low returns realisation is equivalent to excess supply over demand wherein investors are selling off Bitcoin during bad times. The positive co-movement between Bitcoin and gold during the COVID-19 outbreak shows that investors perceived Bitcoin as a relatively safe investment. However, overall analysis shows that Bitcoin was not considered a safe hedge and an investment option by Indian investors during the study period.
Performance Evaluation of Utility Exchange-Traded Funds: A Super-Efficiency Approach
Authors: Tsolas Ioannis E.
Published: July 2022

Choosing funds is a general issue for investors, with the aim of balancing potential risks and returns. The aim of this article is to use a super-efficiency approach to analyze and rank exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in order to find the best utility ETFs. The range-adjusted measure (RAM)-based data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is used in this work to evaluate a set of utility ETFs and rank inefficient funds, while the super-efficiency RAM model is used to fully rank RAM-based efficient funds. Other slack-based selected DEA models are also used to analyze the ETFs. The results show that the suggested approach delivers the same efficient funds as other slack-based selected DEA models; hence, it appears to be useful as a fund selection tool.
Hybrid Spectrum Sensing Using MD and ED for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Bani Kavita , Kulkarni Vaishali
Published: July 2022

Day by day, the demand for wireless systems is increasing while the available spectrum resources are not sufficient. To fulfil the demand for wireless systems, the spectrum hole (spectrum vacant) should be found and utilised very effectively. Cognitive radio (CR) is a device which intelligently senses the spectrum through various spectrum-sensing detectors. Based on the complexity and licensed user’s information present with CR, the appropriate detector should be utilised for spectrum sensing. In this paper, a hybrid detector (HD) is proposed to determine the spectrum hole from the available spectrum resources. HD is designed based on an energy detector (ED) and matched detector (MD). Unlike a single detector such as ED or MD, HD can sense the signal more precisely. Here, HD can work on both conditions whether the primary user (PU) information is available or not. HD is analysed under heterogeneous environments with and without cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS). For CSS, four users were used to implement OR, AND, and majority schemes under low SNR walls. To design the HD, specifications were chosen based on the IEEE Wireless Regional Area Network (WRAN) 802.22 standard for accessing TV spectrum holes. For the HD model, we achieved the best results through OR rule. Under the low SNR circumstances at −20 dB SNR, the probability of detection (PD) is maximised to 1 and the probability of a false alarm (PFA) is reduced to 0 through the CSS environment.
Customer Response Model in Direct Marketing: Solving the Problem of Unbalanced Dataset with a Balanced Support Vector Machine
Authors: Rogić Sunčica , Kašćelan Ljiljana , Pejić Bach Mirjana
Published: July 2022

Customer response models have gained popularity due to their ability to significantly improve the likelihood of targeting the customers most likely to buy a product or a service. These models are built using databases of previous customers’ buying decisions. However, a smaller number of customers in these databases often bought the product or service than those who did not do so, resulting in unbalanced datasets. This problem is especially significant for online marketing campaigns when the class imbalance emerges due to many website sessions. Unbalanced datasets pose a specific challenge in data-mining modelling due to the inability of most of the algorithms to capture the characteristics of the classes that are unrepresented in the dataset. This paper proposes an approach based on a combination of random undersampling and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification applied to the unbalanced dataset to create a Balanced SVM (B-SVM) data pre-processor resulting in a dataset that is analysed with several classifiers. The experiments indicate that using the B-SVM strategy combined with classification methods increases the base models’ predictive performance, indicating that the B-SVM approach efficiently pre-processes the data, correcting noise and class imbalance. Hence, companies may use the B-SVM approach to more efficiently select customers more likely to respond to a campaign.
Comparison of Whole Blood Fatty Acid Profiles between Lionfish (Pterois spp.) in Wild and Managed Care Environments
Authors: Dannemiller Nicholas G. , Christiansen Emily F. , Harms Craig A. , Minter Larry J. , Ange-van Heugten Kimberly D.
Published: July 2022

Suboptimal nutrition may contribute to lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) health issues in managed care environments. This study’s objective was to establish and compare whole blood fatty acid profiles in wild and aquarium lionfish. Whole blood samples were dried onto specialized high-quality paper cards from wild, invasive lionfish harvested off the North Carolina coast (n = 16) and lionfish managed by the North Carolina Aquariums (n = 12). Blood fatty acid profiles were analyzed from dried blood spots. Aquarium lionfish had significantly (p < 0.05) higher linoleic (18:2ω6) and eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3) acid levels than wild lionfish. Similarly, aquarium lionfish had significantly (p < 0.05) lower saturated fatty acids and arachidonic (20:4ω6) to eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω3) ratios than wild lionfish. Total omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as the ratio of these two fatty acid groups, were similar between wild and aquarium lionfish. Gut content analysis of wild lionfish diets included reef-dependent and schooling fish while aquarium lionfish diets were pelagic fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and commercial gel diets with nutrient supplements. This study reports whole blood fatty acid profiles in lionfish, providing comparative macronutrient data that may be useful for improving their nutrition and welfare in aquariums.
Language Ideologies in the Spanish Heritage Language Classroom: (Mis)alignment between Instructor and Students’ Beliefs
Authors: Del Carpio Leslie , Ochoa Valeria
Published: July 2022

Research on Spanish as a heritage language (SHL) has found that language ideologies have impacted SHL learners in the U.S. There are several ways in which language ideologies have influenced the overall experiences of SHL learners by encompassing power systems that are at play within personal, societal, academic, and professional contexts. Pedagogical proposals rooted in Critical Language Awareness (CLA) have been crucial in dismantling harmful language ideologies in the classroom, though there is still a lack of research focused on both students and their instructors. To investigate this, we conducted semi-structured interviews with four advanced university-level SHL students and their instructor in a CLA-oriented SHL program. We also examined the writing assignments of each student to triangulate our data and gain a better understanding of how the students’ language ideologies were being maintained and how their instructor engaged, or not, with students’ beliefs about language. Through directed content analysis, our findings indicate that students with more experience in the program deviate from relaying harmful language ideologies. Their instructor, while aware of students’ negative beliefs about language, conveyed mixed messages about these ideologies as well.